Suddenly, I Am Rich

On their first day, the store got over 70 orders.

Everyone was ecstatic and happy about it that when the day ended, it was all everyone could talk about.

The staff, as they prepared to leave, discussed among themselves how nice it was to see an improvement in their workplace.

Some were sitting on the benches, some were still halfway taking out their aprons and uniforms, while others were leaning against the lockers as they talked. There were other employees who were putting plastic bags on their personal bags.

The plastic bag had leftover bread for today. It was a little perk they had at the grocery store after a long day.

"I can't believe we got over seventy orders for the order delivery," one of the cashiers said, tossing her hair back with a grin.

"I know, right? And it's our first time too!" another one replied while untying her apron.

"You know, I checked the reviews?" someone from the online packing crew chimed in on the talk while carrying a phone in his hand. "The customers are already giving five stars. They love how fast we packed the orders."

Laughter bubbled up in the room.

"It's been a while since we had a day like this," another employee muttered, too. "I know we already have some changes, but it felt as if there's another one again."

"I can't deny, I've been loving this workplace more since we got a new boss."

"It's been fun ever since."

"Same guys. I feel motivated to work now."

"I remember we didn't even talk that much a few months ago, but look. Everyone's close now."

"I'm really thankful."

"Same."

Outside the half-open door, Gray stood frozen in place. He was about to step inside just to say goodbye to them and, maybe, throw in a light comment about the good work they'd done for the day.

But then he heard it.

He heard everything they said. Even the genuine tones in their voices.

For some reason, it put his heart at ease.

He leaned back slightly, staying out of view.

"It's nice, you know?" a younger employee said. "Before, we worked like robots. But now? There's hope."

"Yeah," another agreed. "And I think… a lot of it's because of Mr. Adams."

Gray's chest tightened.

"He's different from the old management. He doesn't just bark orders, ignore or scold us for unnecessary reasons. He listens. Like, actually listens."

There were a few hums of agreement that followed after that statement.

"I don't wanna jinx it," another one added with a chuckle, "but we finally have a place we're proud to work at."

Gray smiled faintly. After a second, he took a step back from the door. He was careful not to make any sound.

He knew if he went in now, the room would just go quiet, and maybe even awkward. He didn't want to disturb them, now that they were talking freely to one another.

So instead, he turned toward the exit and made his way out, without saying a word to them.

The store outside was still bright. Some cleaners were mopping the floors to ensure a clean morning tomorrow. He smiled at them as he walked past the front counters.

Once outside, the cool night air brushed against his face. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly before putting his hands in his pockets.

It was already late at night. Lily was probably already wondering where he was by now.

Even Mara and Joel left an hour ago. It was only he who was stubborn to stay because he wanted to end the day with his employees.

"For some reason, I'm not tired at all." With that thought, Gray decided not to call for the company car tonight.

He also told Daniel to go home earlier as there was no point in keeping him waiting around when he knew he'd be staying late.

Besides… he wanted a bit of time alone for himself.

Instead of booking a cab, Gray headed toward the main road. He figured he could just take public transportation.

The street was quiet now, with just the occasional sound of a passing car every few seconds. The lampposts cast a soft yellow glow on the street, and his footsteps sounded louder than usual in how quiet everything was.

For some reason, Gray felt light. Not just in body, but also in mind.

The stress and tiredness that usually followed him at the end of a long day were nowhere to be found.

'I guess this is what satisfaction feels like,' he thought.

As he walked, a familiar voice echoed in his head.

[Host, you seemed to be in a good mood.]

Gray smiled faintly.

'Yeah. I am.'

[Is there any particular reason?]

Gray rolled his eyes.

"So stupid. You saw how the day went. Everyone's happy and the store's doing well. And I…" He paused for a moment, glancing up at the dark sky. He didn't want to say it, but oh well.

"Also I just want to say thanks. For giving me this opportunity."

[No problem, Host. It's your hard work that made this possible. I'm just here to help you.]

Gray chuckled under his breath.

Wow. You're humble now.' He couldn't believe that the system could say such words to him after being mean the last time he talked to it.

What surprised him more was the fact that it was the system that talked to him first.

[And you're so talkative today, Host.]

He smirked smugly at it.

"I told you. It's because I'm satisfied and happy today. No stress at all."

[Really, Host?]

"Of course."

[Here then.]

After those words, a soft chime rang in his mind.

[Ding!]

[New Mission Alert:]

[Mission: Achieve 700 completed online orders for a week. (74/700)]

[Reward: $20,000| +2 influence.]

[Time Limit: 7 days left.]

Gray stopped walking mid-step. His brow twitched.

"What the heck? $20,000? That big"

[Good luck, Host.]

Gray just stood there for a second. He was frozen in place. The night breeze brushed against him for a second. The satisfaction he felt a moment ago disappeared almost instantly.

"You're really a bitch, aren't you?"