The next day, Hani's work went exceptionally smoothly. After a good day at work, she locked up the cafe and went to the library. Excited with her first paycheck, she skipped her way, thinking of what to do with her first salary.
As she reached the library, she saw Emma waiting for her. She was sitting down and reading one of her favourite comic books. Hani attempted to sneak up behind her, but Emma, skilled and trained in Hero lessons, turned around and smirked at Hani.
"Took you long enough."
Hani sighs with a shrug of defeat. "I just got off work. Thanks for helping me out today, Emma." Hani was happy that someone who was an expert like Emma was helping her. Hopefully, it won't be as embarrassing as yesterday... in more ways than one.
"You know how surprised I was when you told me you have a job now! I thought you got money from your scholarship, so why are you working?" Arms crossed and a raised eyebrow, Emma asks, confused.
"Well... It's a long story." Hani twiddles her thumbs like a kid who got caught slacking. She explains the situation to Emma.
Emma, who seemed to find it absolutely hilarious that Hani tried to trick them by teleporting, was laughing her ass off. After getting it all out of her system, they go towards the training room. Without even asking, Emma swipes her card as they enter the room. Today she decided that she won't tease Hani like yesterday. There will be plenty of other days to tease her. She thought to herself.
Overall, Hani's progress was surprising to even Emma, who was a weapon genius. "Are you sure you have not had weapon training before? Of course not as fast as me," she said smugly, baring her teeth with a wide grin, "But you are doing better than most people would."
Hani is awkward in this situation as she has never been told she was good at anything but studying. "Of course, it's my first time. I don't really qualify for weapons training... I am F-rank." The mood turns a bit sour as Emma forgets that weapon training is just for B rank and above.
"Well, screw that!" Emma lets out a huff, "Stupid ranking system. It nearly lost such a natural magic user cause of its useless way of thinking!"
She gets close to Hani, placing her hand on her shoulder, "Trust me, Hani, you are a natural and with sufficient training, you can become a pro! I can say this because I am one of the top magic weapon users in the world!" With a thumbs up and an over egoistic attitude, she puffs her chest out and pushes out her shoulders.
Hearing this, Hani felt reassured and laughed. "Thanks, Emma!"
At the sight of Hani's rare and hard-to-see genuine laugh, Emma felt like her heart had been struck with an arrow.
Without saying anything, she turned around quickly as she walked towards the shop interface. Hani watched her in confusion, "Are you ok?"
"Yes, perfectly fine... just getting a drink." Emma clutches her chest. What was that? How can she smile like that? I almost did something bad. Opening the can, she chugs the soda in one go. "Let's continue training!" She instantly starts to train Hani again.
After the training time was done, Hani had improved a lot. Seeing that she had even increased her intelligence, she was pumped. Having nearly mastered the movement and enjoyed a successful day at work, Hani was happy with how things were going.
Most of all, she was happy to know that Emma was a friend she could trust more than she thought she could. I did not realise how much I needed to hear that again. I am glad Emma does not care for my rank and believes in me. I should treat her better.
At the thought of this, while wrapping up the training and ending the session, Hani suggested dinner. "Emma, let me treat you to a meal. I got my paycheck today, and I want to thank you for the help! Your choice." She holds her card with both hands like it's a prized item.
"Oh, you treating? I guess we have to go all out?" Locking arms with Hani Emma, she drags her out of the library, "Let me call the driver to pick us up! I know a great place to go."
I always forget how wealthy Emma's family is. I hope the restaurant is reasonably priced!
Hani awkwardly got into the car that arrived to pick them up, thanking the driver.
"Emma... please go easy on poor little me," Hani says, shrivelling in her seat.
Emma laughs at this. "Don't worry, Hani, it's a place that offers amazing deals on good quality food!"
"I trust you," Hani replies, a bit reassured by this.
---
[Lotus Palace - Asian fine dining restaurant]
Stella sat down with her family to have their weekly family meal. The Powell family is known to the world as very refined, and today has been invited to dine in the establishment by the Wang family. Their two families are very well connected.
Stella's father, Howard Powell, sips his wine. "I have been informed that the eldest daughter of the Wang family will be visiting today. I hope to invite her for a moment so you two can connect, Stella." His stern eyes looked at Stella with dominance.
"Yes, Father." Stella lowers her eyes, unable to refuse anything her father says.
"I have been told she goes to the same school as you. I hope you are also doing well with that Leo Randell. he may be useless, but his elder siblings are useful to us. Remember that." Howard, a man who seemed noble on the outside, was greedy on the inside and used his kids to make connections. He did not care about his kids' thoughts as long as they could maintain a relationship.
With a reluctant heart, Stella eats her meal silently, nodding and submitting to her father's request. Another person to suck up to, I guess. I am so bored with this.
As she was deep in her thoughts, she suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"Emma, this is not what we agreed to! I can't afford this"
"Don't worry, Hani, trust me, they have an amazing offer. I got a special discount to use here!"
Since Stella was in a private room, she could not see them but recognised the voice. Is that Hani? What is she doing here? Ahh... I wish I could go talk to her.
Unable to leave the table, her mood lessens even more, but then, hearing a few mumbles, a sudden loud whisper that travelled through the door, "I have to go in too?" Stella chuckled to herself before quickly maintaining her composure.
A waiter comes in, whispering something into Howard's ear, and he nods at him. The waiter walks towards the door and opens it to let Emma and Hani enter. "Miss Wang and her friend are here."
Hani, looking out of place and stressed by the situation she has been dragged into, sees a table full of famous people she typically sees in her science magazines and books. The Powell family.
Emma, who is obviously pissed at this situation, struts in as 2 chairs are brought in, and she demands that they be put together at the end.
"Mr Powell, I believe you did some sucking up to my father, making him force me to come here." Emma drops down, crossing her arms, and pulling Hani to sit on the chair beside her. "As you can see, I am with a friend, so please make this quick."
It is at this moment that Hani notices Stella at the very far end. "Stella?" Hani says in shock, forgetting she belongs to the Powell family, with Stella equally shocked that she came in with Emma. Stella did not realise that Hani's Emma was 'The Emma Wang'.
Emma follows Hani's eyes and lands hers on Stella, too. "Oh, it's you."
Stella puts on a friendly smile and greets them. "Hello Emma, Hani. I did not expect you two to be here." She looks at Hani and gives her a little wave. Hani blushes, Stella covers her mouth, letting out a little giggle. She does not care that her father gives her a menacing glare for such unrefined behaviour.
Emma is displeased by this situation.