3, 2, 1…
Just as Shawn was about to force a smile uglier than crying face and try to handle this scene of social suicide, the system interface in his mind went "ding," and a line of small, flashing green text popped up.
["Gaze of the Succubus (Beginner)" has been triggered! 5% probability... Success!]
At almost the same moment, Simon Nessman's body suddenly stiffened. His brow furrowed slightly, and a swift, almost imperceptible flicker of confusion crossed his eyes. He felt his own heartbeat, seemingly uncontrollably, speed up just a little.
[Ding!] [Skill activation successful! Simon's affection +10!] [Congratulations, host, for exceeding the mission requirements. Reward: $500!]
Shawn's mind buzzed, and he was almost knocked out by this sudden wave of happiness. Five hundred dollars?! Just for a look, five hundred dollars?!
My God! This Simon is a real gold mine! He's practically a walking ATM!
Shawn was screaming wildly on the inside, but he struggled to maintain a calm expression on his face. His gaze toward Simon instantly transformed from nervous and guilty to the fervent heat of someone looking at a priceless treasure. He had made up his mind. No matter what, he had to latch onto this cash cow!
Simon was made a little uncomfortable by this sudden change in his gaze. He cleared his throat and got back to the topic at hand. "I've looked over your resume. You have no relevant work experience."
"That's right," Shawn immediately sat up straight, his tone sincere. "But I'm a fast learner, and I'm a hard worker!"
"Is that so?" A faint, almost imperceptible curve appeared at the corner of Simon's mouth.
Shawn's face instantly turned red.
The atmosphere of the interview that followed became a bit strange. Simon's questions were still sharp, but his tone was no longer so cold. And Shawn, spurred on by the five-thousand-dollar incentive, radiated a fighting spirit that screamed, "I'll do anything for money."
After a round of questions and answers, Shawn waited nervously for the verdict.
"Next Monday, nine in the morning, come to work," Simon said lightly. "One-month probation."
"Really?! Thank you!" Shawn almost jumped out of his chair.
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On his first day of work, Shawn discovered that Simon at work was completely different from the iceberg-like aura he had. He was very approachable, even laughing and joking with Shawn, just like the boy next door.
"Shawn, that's not how you add the syrup for a caramel macchiato," Simon said, unable to help but laugh out loud when he saw Shawn squeezing the syrup bottle hard into the cup like it was ketchup.
"Ah? It's not?" Shawn stopped and looked at Simon, at a loss.
"Are you trying to give the customer a sugar coma?" Simon said, shaking his head as he came over. He grabbed Shawn's hand from behind and began to demonstrate. "Watch closely. You have to do it like this, along the side of the cup, in a circle... right, like you're putting a necklace on it."
Simon stood behind Shawn, leaning down slightly. His arm was against Shawn's, and Shawn could even smell the fresh citrus scent coming from him, and feel his warm breath gently brushing against his ear as he spoke.
The tips of Shawn's ears turned red uncontrollably.
"Keep your wrist steady, don't shake," Simon's voice was close, with a gentle guidance. "See? Isn't that much better?"
"Oh... oh!" Shawn replied, watching Simon's long, slender fingers.
"You try," Simon said, letting go of his hand.
"Okay... I'll try," Shawn said, a little nervous.
"It's fine. If you mess it up, I'll drink it," Simon said, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed, watching him with a relaxed and composed air. A hint of a smile hung on his lips, and his lake-like eyes, under the lights, seemed to have taken on a bit of warmth. He watched as Shawn clumsily imitated his movements. Although it was crooked, it was much better than the "suicidal" blob of caramel from before.
"Not bad," Simon nodded.
Shawn was a little embarrassed by the praise. He lowered his head and pretended to wipe the counter.
The day's work quickly ended in this relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. After closing, the two of them cleaned up the shop together.
"What do you usually do after work?" Simon asked casually as he wiped down the coffee machine.
"Play games, probably," Shawn replied. "League of Legends, stuff like that."
Simon's eyes lit up. "Oh? Really? I play too. What position do you play?"
"AP Mage."
"What a coincidence, I'm a Jungler," Simon laughed. "We should team up and play together sometime. I'll carry you."
"Sure!" Shawn agreed excitedly. He felt the distance between him and Simon had closed even more. Five hundred thousand dollars didn't seem so out of reach anymore.
Just as he was about to leave, the wind chime at the door rang again. A girl walked in. She was wearing a simple white dress, her long, auburn hair casually draped over her shoulders. Her skin was clear and delicate, like a Nordic goddess fallen to earth.
Shawn looked at the girl and felt his heart skip a beat.
The girl walked straight to Simon, who had just come out from behind the counter, familiarly linked her arm with his, and leaned intimately on his shoulder. "Have you been waiting long?"
The slightly distant expression that was always on Simon's face instantly melted. He smiled dotingly and reached out to tap the girl's nose. "Not yet. We just got off work."
"Let's go then. I booked your favorite restaurant," the girl said, shaking Simon's arm. "And then... home?"
Girlfriend?
He looked at the intimate pair and marveled at how beautiful Simon's girlfriend was.
"Hey babe, by the way, let me introduce you to Shawn, our new barista. Isn't he cute?"
Just then, the girl seemed to notice him. She turned her head, gave Shawn a bright, stunning, and completely non-hostile smile, and then graciously extended her hand.
"Hello, my name is Jessica."