Transmigrated With A Thrifty System

9 – That's your first time?

". . . strange seeing someone of my status showing random people kindness without making a big show out of it, am I right?!" She finishes laughing hysterically.

Turning away from him, she shakes her head back and forth, letting loose another laugh. When finally calming down, she looks directly at him smiling brightly.

Aiden smiles awkwardly feeling uncomfortable. After taking several seconds to collect his thoughts, he asks, "are you truly going for a charitable cause here, Zin?"

Smiling widely, she answers, "I am indeed doing charity work every day. Just because we aren't talking about your generous donation does not mean your efforts go unnoticed."

'Donations? I just did that to gain your favor,' thinks Aiden internally.

[Your record isn't entirely a clean slate, host]

'Agreed.' Aiden affirms.

He can still recall that he has scores to settle with Kristen and his friends who were present at the bar.

But despite having a different motive previously, he decides against voicing anything negative now. Instead, he chooses silence. Forcing himself to remain calm, cool, collected, and professional around this gorgeous creature whose presence alone makes him feel weak inside.

[I sense a connection stronger than the previous lady]

Lyris teases as she materializes on his shoulder, staring straight at Zin.

When asked if he wants wine or beer, Aiden politely declines, stating: "no thank you, water is fine."

'My cash is on the line, here.' He thinks as he forces a ruse smile.

Taking off her pen, Zin places them carefully on top of the napkin holder next to her swan napkin fold. Looking deeply into his blue eyes, she asks, "is something wrong, Aiden? It's unlike you to turn down alcohol… especially considering how much fun you have drinking whenever possible."

He doesn't reply; choosing rather to stare blankly ahead with indifferent eyes. Her question made sense given what happened a few days ago, but thinking of the fact that he might be the one who will foot the bill if he indulges leaves him uneasy.

'I spent more than a day's expense yesterday, I'd regret it eventually.' He thinks to himself, contemplating over everything else he has done recently.

[Would this be the first time you are calculating expenses?]

Lyris' teasing tone causes him to chuckle nervously. Turning slightly red under his skin.

Zin notices his reaction and laughs again.

She smirks and leans forward, resting both elbows on the tabletop while looking straight into his eyes before asking, "do you want to talk about why you're being extra cautious today?"

Her voice sounds like velvet sliding along smooth glass—a sound impossible to ignore. As beautiful as she appears physically, nothing compares to the way she talks. Every word seems to flow effortlessly from her lips. Like music playing softly behind closed doors during midnight hours. His mind wanders far beyond simple conversation topics.

"I'm just trying to save up some cash…" replies Aiden with a shrug. Trying very hard to keep his composure intact.

'Aiden and savings?! Is that possible?' She wonders.

Zin stares for a moment, then she comfortably sits upright leaning closer toward him. Leaning further still and pressing herself firmly against his side. The scent coming from her perfume fills his nostrils causing him to inhale deeper.

'What the heck is she doing?' He thinks, furrowing his brows as he takes a glance around them.

She whispers close enough to hear clearly, yet too soft for anyone nearby not to overhear, "that's the first time such words came out of those handsome lips since our meeting!"

Aiden raises a brow at her remark, a devious grin slowly forming across his face before he responds. "For a business partner, you sure are good at flirting."

Maintaining eye contact, he adds, "but, don't worry! I'm enjoying the attention quite well."

Zin pushes off him gently, and punches him playfully on the arm while saying, "you do know how to escalate conversations quickly, Aiden."

Turning her attention to her assistant, Zin states, "two bottles of wine, please. It's on me."

With her attention focused on Aiden, Zin continues, "we'll need two glasses also."

Giving a half bow, the assistant walks to the nearest waiter.

[Congratulations you have unlocked a relationship status upgrade!]

Announces Lyris via text notification appearing on the translucent screen.

'Now I can see that? You are full of surprises.' Aiden converses in amusement.

[You may choose between three options: Not interested, Budding friendship, or In Love. You must select within five minutes or lose the option forever. (Choose wisely.)]

'Budding friendship.' Aiden replies instantly. 'That should work best for now.'

[Relationship Status – Friendship Level +5]

'Lyris, we will talk about this later on.' Aiden instructs.

–––––––––––

As the waiter sets their cups down, Zins takes a sip of hers. She looks directly into Aiden's eyes once more, smiling brightly. With a gentle touch, she reaches beneath the table and grabs hold of his hand squeezing lightly. Looking deeply into his blue eyes.

Aiden narrows his eyes at the gesture but chooses not to yank his hand away.

Clearing her throat before asking, "so tell me… what's your thought on our new partnership? Do you think working together could benefit us both?"

Leaving aside the obvious flirtation going around here, Aiden thinks carefully considering every angle possible. After much deliberating, he finally decides upon something wise to respond with it.

He smiles, politely answering, "it certainly does seem promising if my instincts aren't mistaken. But let's see how long you can keep your end of the bargain."

"My end of the bargain?" Zin repeats with a light chuckle, "I should be more worried about you."

Ding!

[You have 11 hours to make payment according to the task set for today.]

As the waiter sets their food down, Zin takes another sip of her wine before voicing her suspicion, "you're acting strange, Aiden. You seem different."

'I am different, and it's been hard on me and it's just the second day.' Aiden replies in his thoughts as his lips draw into a thin line.

"It depends on what you consider strange." Aiden questions back.

Taking one bite of steak tartare, Zin asks again, "did something happen overnight? You're more guarded now compared to previous times…"

Narrowing his gaze slightly, Aiden answers, "I had to make some little changes due to recent events. Nothing too serious though!"

Zin tilts her head curiously looking straight ahead toward nothingness. Her voice softens, almost like talking to herself rather than someone else. The sound of clinking glass fills the air as she sips from his cup.

"Would that also mean you've changed your choices on women since then?" She inquires softly.