[Mission Accomplished: Participate in a Brand Deal]
The fact that dog food was sold out was the most absurd thing in their country. There wasn’t a shortage of dog food, but it felt like it.
Mirae Axis was busier than ever, with Mr. Lee spearheading everything from the factories. Mirae, despite disliking how these things worked, was also there. She felt she was closest to Zeno surrounded by the dog food he was advertising.
Mr. Lee was all smiles as he gave out instructions. “Sweetheart,” he said, capturing Mirae’s attention. The young woman turned to him with an excited smile. “I might just actually arrange you in a marriage with him.”
Meanwhile, Dreamy Entertainment was now in full swing. Bobby wasn’t fully free of debt, but he was happier than ever. He was also looking to acquire the unit next to them so he could expand the office.
Zeno entered the office and was immediately greeted with smiles. The moment Bobby heard that Zeno was the one who paid all of his debt off, he was even more determined to make Zeno into a star.
“Do you need anything? Coffee? Juice?” Bobby asked.
Zeno turned to him with one eyebrow raised. “You can treat me like you did back then,” he muttered. “It would be awkward if you treated me so special now.”
With that, he walked over to their snack area and grabbed an ice cream from their cooler. Yes, they even had a snack area now!
Jace was playing a game on his phone, a popsicle stuck to his mouth as he laughed. “You heard what the man said, Bobby!”
Bobby sighed. “Yeah, sorry. I just feel really happy about everything.”
“No worries,” Zeno muttered and sat on the couch. He peeked over Jace’s shoulder and frowned. “You’ve been obsessed with that game.”
“Hmm?” Jace asked. “Well, it’s one of the most popular games at the moment. Everyone I know is playing it. The world tournament is also coming soon. I can’t wait to watch it.
“Anyway, do you want to try?”
Zeno shook his head. “I don’t have time for it.”
Jace paused for a moment before glancing at Zeno with semi-envious eyes. “I wish I could be busy! I went to four auditions this week but none of them called me back.”
Zeno turned to Bobby. “I think you need to take him to acting lessons instead of auditions.”
Bobby wrote it down immediately. Meanwhile, Jace went back to his game.
“Where’s Moby?” Zeno asked, looking around.
Bobby glanced at the clock. “He should be here now.”
Just then, the door opened, revealing Moby with a very sweaty appearance. Bobby frowned. “Did something happen?”
“The truck… broke down… had to walk… three miles,” he said, out of breath.
“That truck has been around since I first came in. You’ve repaired it beyond repairing,” Jace said.
Moby scratched the back of his head. “It still works. It just needs to cool down for longer this time.”
Zeno walked over to where he was and patted his shoulder. “Can you accompany me today?”
“Where are you going?” Bobby asked.
“I want to buy something,” Zeno answered.
“Oh,” Bobby muttered. “I guess that’s okay. You need to indulge in the money you’re earning. Do you want me to join you?”
Zeno shook his head. “Moby can accompany me.”
“The truck isn’t working, though,” Moby chimed.
“It’s alright,” Zeno said. “We’ll take the bus.”
Moby’s eyes widened. “You’ll get recognized.”
Zeno looked down at his get-up before shaking his head. This outfit was foolproof. He hadn’t been recognized most of the time with it.
“Are you going to take the whole day?” Bobby asked. “I was wondering if you have time to talk about something. I have a list of variety shows you can go on.”
“We’ll be back before lunch,” Zeno said.
“Oh, that’s good,” Bobby smiled. “Seulgi has prepared lunch for everybody so make sure to come back.”
“Yay!” Jace rejoiced. Meanwhile, Zeno nodded and dragged Moby out to take a bus.
Zeno glanced at Moby and saw his hands smeared with crude oil. He noticed Zeno’s stare so he quickly wiped them on his worn-out trousers.
“How long have you had the truck for?” Zeno asked.
Moby scratched the back of his head. “Since we started the company, I guess.”
“15 years?”
“Hmm,” Moby hummed. “It was our only car before Bobby got his second-hand one. We used to drive all our artists to their events with only that. It has endured a lot.”
“Is that the reason why you’re still holding onto it now?”
“No,” Moby shook his head. “It holds a lot of sentimental value, but I know it’s way past its prime. But it’s still working, so I’m going to stick with it until its last breath,” he chuckled.
“You’re really dedicated in this field, huh?”
Moby was silent for a few moments. Zeno saw the smile on his face from their faded reflection on the windows.
“It’s the only one I know,” Moby said. “I don’t have much going on for me. I don’t have a family like Bobby. My parents are both elders in the province, and they make do with the minimal money I send. I have a small house that was bought by my parents years ago. My siblings are all doing well, and I don’t have to worry about them.”
“So, I guess this is where I see myself spending the rest of my life.”
Zeno didn’t respond. Instead, he just said, “We’re here.” He pressed the button before going out of the bus.
“Dord?” Moby muttered, recognizing the car brand’s logo on the wide building. “Are you finally going to buy a car?”
“Let’s go,” Zeno said, walking over to the car store. As soon as they entered, Moby wandered like a little kid in a candy store.
“What are you looking for?” Moby asked. “It’s overdue. You need a car for yourself. That’s how celebrities flex!”
“An off-road pickup,” Zeno answered.
Moby’s eyes brightened. “We have the same taste in cars! I’ve done this before, so let me talk to them. We might get a good deal.”
“This is for brand-new cars,” Zeno deadpanned.
“Oh,” Moby muttered. “Right, sorry. I actually don’t have any experience with that. All the cars I assisted in buying are second hand.”
“How can I help you, sir?” the dealer asked.
“Help me choose,” Zeno said to Moby.
Moby looked around, his heart racing. Then, he pointed at an orange pickup truck, one that appeared stylish yet very spacious and functional.
“We’ll get that one,” Zeno said right away. The dealer was surprised. Moby was, too.
“I’ll pay with my card,” Zeno continued. The dealer nodded enthusiastically. “Right away, sir.”
“Wait,” Moby said. “Are you sure you want to buy the one I chose? We can look around.”
“Why not?” Zeno muttered, glancing at Moby.
“It’s yours anyway.”