Benny stepped into a high-end computer store, the cool air and soft lighting giving the place a polished, almost sterile feel.

Rows of machines lined the walls.

A staff member approached almost immediately. "Looking for something specific?"

"Workstations," Benny said. "I want high performance so give best you’ve got."

The owner himself soon joined in, eyeing Benny with a mix of curiosity and interest.

"For gaming? Design? Trading?" he asked.

"Office use," Benny replied calmly. "But I don’t want anything lagging. Smooth, fast, reliable."

The owner nodded slowly. "Then you’ll want top-tier builds. Latest processors, high RAM, SSD storage, dual monitors perhaps..."

"Full setup," Benny cut in. "No compromises."

That was all the encouragement the owner needed.

An hour later, the list was finalized.

Each setup included a powerful desktop, dual monitors, ergonomic chair, and a spacious desk.

At a glance, it looked premium, overkill for a small startup.

"Fifteen thousand per setup," the owner said, watching Benny carefully.

Benny didn’t even flinch.

"I’ll take ten."

The owner blinked.

"...Ten?"

"Yeah."

Benny could have bought more.

But the office space wouldn’t support it.

Too many setups, and it would feel cramped.

And that wasn’t what he wanted.

He glanced over the layout plan in his mind.

Maximum space and comfortable distance.

Maybe even separate rooms? But he quickly denied the idea itself.

No...

If they were too isolated, they won’t be able to gossip.

He shook his head slightly as that wouldn’t help his goal at all.

The work office would be open space with enough room to feel relaxed and distracted.

"Sir, that will be 150,000¥."

"Alright," Benny replied, reaching for his payment.

The owner was already smiling now, the kind reserved for serious customers.

But Benny wasn’t done.

"I want everything delivered and assembled at my office."

"Of course, we can arrange that for fre—"

"I’ll pay extra."

That line made the owner paused and give his full attention.

Benny placed down an additional 10,000¥.

"For setup. I want it done properly."

The owner didn’t hesitate this time.

"Consider it handled."

As the deal wrapped up, Benny felt that same quiet thrill again.

Leaving the computer store, another idea struck him on how to spend the rest of his money.

An assistant.

Yes, that was it. Didn’t almost every CEO have one?

Benny slowed his steps, It just made sense.

If he was going to act as the CEO, then having an assistant wasn’t just reasonable, It was expected.

He changed direction without hesitation, this time, his destination was clear.

A human resource agency.

The building wasn’t flashy, but it had a professional feel, clean glass doors, a tidy reception, quiet efficiency in the air.

Benny stepped inside.

"Good afternoon," the receptionist greeted. "How can we assist you?"

"I’m looking to hire an assistant," Benny said.

Her posture straightened slightly. "For personal or corporate use?"

Benny paused as he had no idea on what to say.

After a second passed, he decided to say anything that came through.

"Corporate and full-time. The assistant should be someone capable of handling schedules, communications... general administrative work."

"Understood. Do you have any specific requirements?"

"Competent," he said simply.

A pause later he quickly added.

"And... female."

The receptionist nodded, jotting it down.

"We can arrange candidates for you. Would you like immediate placement or interviews first?"

"Immediate placement," he replied as he found doing an interview a hassle.

Within minutes, he was seated across from an agent who began presenting profiles.

"Here are a few candidates that match your criteria," the agent said, sliding over a folder.

Benny flipped the pages open while his eyes narrowed slightly.

Everyone was too ideal, they looked like they’d give 101% to the work.

Those weren’t what he wanted, he needed someone who looked qualified but wouldn’t necessarily overwork.

He stopped at one profile.

"This one," Benny said, tapping the page.

The agent glanced over the file, then nodded. "Good choice. She’s very reliable and experienced—and her salary expectations are modest."

Benny had noticed that too.

But that wasn’t why he picked her.

His eyes had lingered on a particular note in her profile:

Previously fired for refusing to obey the CEO who demanded she work beyond her scheduled hours.

Isn’t she exactly what I’m looking for?

His eyes lingered on it for a brief moment, then he nodded.

"Yes. She’ll do."

"Shall we proceed with the hiring?"

Benny leaned back slightly.

"Yes."

The agent quickly prepared the documents and slid the contract across the table. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

[ Employment Contract – Executive Assistant ]

Employer: Autumn Investment Co.

Position: Executive Assistant to CEO

Employee Name: Lucy

Contract Terms:

• Monthly Salary: ¥8,000

• Working Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Flexible upon request)

• Probation Period: 3 months

• Benefits: Basic corporate benefits package included

Additional Costs:

• Agency Placement Fee: ¥5,000 (one-time payment)

• First Month Salary (Advance): ¥8,000

Total Initial Payment: ¥13,000

Benny scanned through it briefly.

"Everything looks good?" the agent asked.

"Yeah."

Benny picked up the pen and signed without hesitation.

The agent carefully gathered the signed documents, a satisfied smile settling on his face.

"Thank you for choosing our agency, Mr. Benny. We’ll have her report to your office as soon as possible."

Benny gave a small nod, already standing.

"Alright."

As he stepped out of the agency, the door closing softly behind him, he took a brief glance at his phone.

Everything was moving faster than expected.

The moment he hit the street, he exhaled.

"...My legs are killing me."

He rolled his shoulders slightly, feeling the fatigue settle in.

"Hah... I need a company vehicle."

Then he snorted to himself.

"I should’ve just started a car company instead."

This time, he didn’t hesitate as he raised his hand and hailed a taxi.

By the time he arrived back at Golden Spoon Café, the sky had already dimmed.

The soft glow of streetlights had begun to replace the sun, and most nearby shops were preparing to close.

The café, however, was still open. It’s warm light spilling through the glass.

Benny stepped out, paying the fare.

"There goes my ¥50 from my own wallet..." he muttered, wincing slightly.