"But I'd like to ask about the former VGM. What was the reason he resigned from this position?" asked Sheryyn.
"Actually, he didn't resign… It's more accurate to say that VGM Leo passed away in an accident," replied Jesie, her expression immediately turning sad.
"VGM Leo had an accident on his way home after a company drinking party. We offered to drive him home, but he insisted on driving himself because he thought he wasn't drunk," said Dahye.
"In the end, he had an accident due to driving under the influence. That's why, ever since then, whenever we have a company drinking event, we always make sure everyone gets home safely," added Linda.
"I see… I'm truly sorry for your loss," said Sheryyn empathetically.
"But I'm sure that, knowing his position was taken over by a goddess like VGM Sher, VGM Leo must be happy up there!" said Jesie cheerfully.
After talking for a while, they returned to their respective offices.
---
While Sheryyn was busy working and going through various documents, a thought crossed her mind about the reason behind VGM Leo's death.
Her feeling whispered, "I'm certain that it wasn't just an accident. There must be 'his' involvement in that incident."
Ring… Ring… Ring…
The office phone rang.
The caller ID showed GM Tommy's name, so Sheryyn picked it up.
Sheryyn: "Hello, good afternoon GM Tom, is there anything I can help you with?"
GM Tom: "VGM Sher, could you come to my office now?"
Sheryyn: "Of course, I'll be right there."
After hanging up, she immediately headed to GM Tom's office.
Ding… Ding… Ding…
She pressed the bell beside the office door.
The door opened. "Good afternoon, GM Tom!" greeted Sheryyn while slightly bowing.
"Good afternoon. Please, come in and have a seat, VGM Sher," said GM Tom, pointing at the chair in front of his desk.
Sheryyn walked in and sat down.
"VGM Sher, I wanted to inform you that tomorrow we'll be attending the third strategic meeting with the executives (The top management, including the CEO and his board) to discuss our new project."
"So, Brightern will be launching a major project called Sunystars's Park on Nexus Island. An entertainment complex that includes outdoor and indoor theme parks, nightlife attractions, race tracks for tournaments, dining areas, and accommodations."
"Everything will be built using advanced renewable technology. The strategic location gives this project great international potential."
"Tomorrow's meeting will be about the investors. CEO Dyroon will decide who the main investor will be and assign each of us our respective roles related to the Sunystars's project."
"That's why I called you here to prepare yourself and review the project proposal in advance," said GM Tom as he handed over the internal proposal document.
Receiving it, Sheryyn asked, "Is there anything else I need to prepare for tomorrow's meeting besides studying this material?"
"No, just focus on understanding and paying attention during the meeting. If I take a leave of absence later, you'll be the one taking over the tasks related to this project," GM Tom replied.
"Understood. I'll start studying it right away," said Sheryyn promptly.
"Please take care of this, VGM Sher. So far, you've been adapting very quickly to your new position. I'm sure you'll also grasp the material for this project easily, even though you've only recently joined Brightern," said GM Tom with a pleading look.
"I'll do my best!" replied Sheryyn enthusiastically.
"I really need a break… I'm exhausted from nonstop work. I want to rest and spend time with my family… So please, I'm really counting on you, VGM Sher," said GM Tom with a weary, almost pitiful tone.
Seeing him like that, Sheryyn felt sympathy. He truly looked worn out, like a father who deeply missed his wife and children.
"Of course, GM Tom! I'll give my very best effort! Back in college, I studied the duties of a VGM thoroughly, so I'm sure I'll adapt quickly to this job," said Sheryyn, reassuring him.
"Ah! I definitely made the right choice appointing you! Not only are you young, but you also have such a vibrant spirit, VGM Sher!" praised GM Tom.
---
After returning to her office, Sheryyn — who had a mountain of work — decided to stay until 9 p.m. so she could work more freely the next day as a proper VGM.
'It's already 8 p.m. I should have dinner first…' she thought.
She decided to order food from outside since the company's main cafeteria, which served heavy meals, only operated from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The snack and drink station was open 24 hours, but she wanted something more filling.
---
After dinner and hours of studying the project materials, fatigue began to set in. Seeing that it was already 9 p.m., she decided to go home.
As she walked toward the parking area, she noticed how quiet the building had become most of the lights were already turned off.
Sheryyn wasn't easily scared, even in dark or empty places, but she was very easily startled.
While passing through a staff area, something suddenly fell from somewhere.
Startled, she flinched hard. "Ah! Oh my god, what was that?!" she gasped, looking toward the darkened area.
Deciding to ignore it, she continued walking toward the parking lot.
But as she turned a corner in the building, someone unexpectedly bumped into her.
THUUDD!
Caught off guard, Sheryyn felt her knees weaken.
She steadied herself with one hand against the wall and looked up only to find that, once again, it was that annoying man!
In the dim and silent hallway, she had briefly thought she'd bumped into a ghost but unfortunately, it turned out to be someone even more irritating than that.
Sheryyn sighed, pressing her hand to her forehead.
Unlike usual, the man didn't immediately walk away. Instead, he stood right in front of her, very close studying, her expression carefully, looking puzzled as he saw how shaken she was.
Then, suddenly, he spoke a single sentence to her...