Suddenly, I Am Rich-Chapter 105: Hoping

"Oh shit,"

Gray completely forgot about Chloe for a moment.

He let out a slow breath and shook his head.

"Marcus," he called the man’s name.

"Yes?" Marcus, who was arranging some files at the side, turned to Gray with a slight raise of his brow.

"Thanks for today."

"You’re the one who made the call, Gray. I just followed your lead." Marcus gave a quiet nod.

Gray smiled faintly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. When Marcus returned to what he was doing, Gray picked up his phone again. His thumb hovered over Chloe’s message, and he replied to her.

[Gray:] Sorry. There was a problem with the store. I can be there tomorrow if you want.

It didn’t take long before Chloe replied.

[Chloe:] It’s fine. Tomorrow’s okay. Just don’t forget again.

[Chloe:] I’ll be waiting.

Gray stared at the message for a second, then slowly exhaled.

[Gray:] Got it. See you then.

After sending the message, he locked his phone and slid it into his pocket.

The room was almost empty now. Marcus had already finished organizing the documents and was checking his watch near the side.

Gray stood up, knowing that it was already time for them to leave.

He gave the conference room one last look before he turned and walked out without saying a word.

The hallway was quiet, almost too quiet.

But the moment he stepped outside, a sound echoed gently in his ears.

[Ding!]

[Mission Complete!]

[+3 Power Gained.]

[+3 Influence Gained.]

[+$5,000 has been added to your wealth.]

[Once your employees heard of the good news, their trust in you would increase.]

The system faded for a second. And then, just as quickly, a new set of missions emerged.

[New Mission Triggered!]

[Mission: Put Your Business Back In Order – Part II]

Objective:

- Strengthen your connection with the employees.

- Find a suitable replacement for the recently terminated manager.

[Time Limit: 14 Days]

[Reward: +2 Influence | +$4,000 Wealth]

Gray blinked at the new set of missions in front of him.

’A new mission...’ Gray exhaled through his nose, his steps slowing as he moved down the hall. It was already lunchtime. The office was mostly empty at this time of the day as everyone was eating.

’The system is relentless, isn’t it?’

It didn’t even give him time to rest before throwing the next challenge at his feet.

Though he wasn’t surprised. He was just tired.

Gray stopped near the elevator and rested his back against the wall, his arms loosely crossed.

’Strengthen my connection with the employees...’ His gaze dropped to the floor.

That might’ve sounded simple to anyone else, but he knew better. Connection wasn’t something you could ask for. Getting trust might be easy, but connection goes beyond that.

Aside from connecting with his employees, he also needed to find a suitable replacement for Will.

That mission hovered in his mind longer than the rest.

That was going to be hard.

Not because of the hiring process, but because what he wanted should be the best.

Someone who wouldn’t just manage the store, but look out for the people inside it.

Gray boarded the elevator. He let out a long sigh as the elevator descended.

Fourteen days.

That’s what the system gave him.

It wasn’t a lot of time.

But maybe, he could make it work. Especially with the help of his new skill.

The mere thought of trying it out excited him.

When the elevator opened, Gray stepped out first. He was finally in the company’s cafeteria.

He was ready to eat lunch.

Gray walked into the cafeteria. There were a lot of people eating because it was the peak of lunchtime. The scent of warm broth and fried garlic lingered faintly in the air.

Like the other employees, Gray grabbed a tray and lined up behind the workers in front of him. He expectantly stood there, waiting for his turn.

When he reached the counter, he nodded at the staff member quietly.

"What would you like today, Sir?"

There were a lot of choices. Maybe more than usual. Braised pork, buttered vegetables, fried chicken, cilantro rice, even a tray of aglio olio pasta on the side.

Gray pointed at nearly everything.

"Some of that, a bit of that one too... oh, and that chicken looks good."

The staff began piling his plate.

When she placed the last scoop of rice down, she gave him a look. "Young man... are you sure you’re gonna finish all that?"

Gray grinned. Despite not wanting to engage in conversation, he realized that being rude to other employees who were just working wasn’t also a good choice.

"Of course," he said with a little smile on his face. "Don’t I look like someone who can eat a lot?"

The woman let out a laugh, and Gray lightly chuckled along with her.

"Well then..." The woman shook her head and reached behind the counter. "Here. You’re clearly having a long day." She handed him a small slice of cake, neatly wrapped on its own plate.

Gray blinked at it. "What’s this?"

"It’s a cake. I figured you need dessert."

Gray smiled. "Thanks."

"No problem, but make sure to eat everything, young man."

"Yes, Ma’am."

They both laughed again.

Gray didn’t realize how much he needed someone to talk to until that small conversation.

With the tray in hand, Gray made his way toward the far end of the cafeteria. He slid into a chair and sat there.

Alone, he started eating slowly. He took a spoonful of rice, a bite of pork. The flavors were simple but comforting. Each chew helped ease some of the pressure sitting in his chest.

He ate slowly.

After everything that happened earlier, this moment felt like a small gift.

Halfway through the meal, he stared into the air, deciding to check his stats.

- - - - -

Name: Gray Adams

Age: 20

Status: Struggling (70%)

Wealth: $26,984.33 (+$49,120)

Power: 7

Influence: 15

Skills:

- Basic Negotiation (Passive): Slightly improves chances of earning more through bargains.

- Hard Labor (Active): Increases strength and endurance in physical work.

- Giga Confidence (Passive): You are no longer easily shaken by insults, mockery, or pressure. Instead, you find them funny, as if it were just a big joke.

- Eye of the Beholder (Active): Allows the host to determine whether a person has good or bad intentions. Must be activated consciously. Using this skill drains the host’s stamina. The longer it is used, the more exhausted the host becomes.

- - - - -

"I’m already halfway through the investment..." Gray muttered in a low voice as he kept eating the rest of his meal. "I hope something happens that could boost them."

What is it?

He didn’t know.

He just hoped that in a month or so, he would be able to accomplish that mission of his.

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