Episode 1 - Change

Kana listlessly shifts in her seat. It's been an hour since the final decision on her project should have arrived. An hour late, in fact.

"Ohhh whyyy Mr Lee is taking ages... I would have been home by now," Kana muses to herself.

Sitting at her desk, shared with a colleague, she had to keep a straight face and make herself look busy. Sometimes she wished she had a cubicle to herself; this way she would have a little bit more privacy to open up her phone and check messages from her various guilds.

I'm definitely going to be late to my raid. And this is second time in a row. I'm sorry Xueluan, I'm ruining your reputation even though you're me!

Kana's mind wandered off, thinking of most efficient way of getting herself dinner and making it home just in time for the second wave of the raid. Her competitor, online nickname Blackest Night, would definitely use her tardiness as a way to leverage himself into number one slot on the leader board.

Who the hell names themselves like that?? How old is this player? 12? Ugh, my luck with online friends is terrible.

Okay, to be fair, my online nickname doesn't really represent me either. I got stuck with that name at the beginning, when I was binge watching dramas.

Kana rubbed her temples, trying to soothe away the incoming migraine. True, the main character in the drama was a beautiful heroine who knew how to stand up to herself BUT...

... Its not an excuse for being such a weeb. Blackest Night can take my number one spot for all I care. I'll just grind harder on my days off. Pretty sure they have school to concentrate on, while my legacy will be eternal! Ahahaha! Hahahaha!...

"A hahahaha! You'll see what you sowed when your school report comes out with low grades!"

"... And may I know who is occupying your mind this intensely, Miss Sybil, for you to have made such a low grade project? Have you even spell checked it? Maybe you should ask... Your school friend to help you", a low voice smoothly shattered Kana's reverie.

CRAP, DID I SAY THAT OUT LOUD?

"Mr Simons! I- I haven't heard you approach! I-", she spluttered on her words, unable to give a comeback.

"I expect the rewritten project before you clock out, Miss Sybil. Or I will have to ask for the manager to review your performance."

Ohhhh no no no no, I need my bonus pay for the in-game event items!

"YES SIR, IT SHALL BE DONE IN A TIMELY MANNER, TO YOUR SATISFACTION, SIR!" Kana stood up from her spot and automatically bowed.

Omgomgomgomg I forgot people in Western society down bow often! SUGAR HONEY ICED TEA OH MY GOD

Mr Simons gave a sigh, after a moment of analysing frozen Kana.

"Just make sure it's top notch ready by tomorrow morning. You don't have to stay in the office to do it, but that means I won't be able to review it before Mr Lee starts the meeting with the raw project"

Kana nodded, firmly not meeting her manager's eyes. Mr Simons was well over 50; a family man with a wife and three kids. He knew that Kana was itching to leave the work - he assumed she had a date on her mind and couldn't focus all day. He had faith in her abilities to come through the crisis and saw a little bit of his oldest daughter in Kana. Seeing Kana eat lunch by herself every day and not mingle with the new recruits made him soften up a bit.

At least the kid is finally excited about something. She seems to be more energetic and animated today. Usually, she comes across more subdued and apathetic, he thought to himself.

"And don't forget to introduce the boy to Laura. My wife has a knack for picking out the problematic boyfriends from the good ones," Mr Simons said without looking back.

Kana dumbly stared at his back.

Did he assume... I have a date? Who am I eve-... oh my god, I've sank so low with love life, that even my manager is taking pity

Kana contemplated whether to stay back and be a good employee or just... run home, make it to the second wave of the raid, and then spend the entire night refining the project.

WHY am I even asking this myself, of course I know the answer!

_______________________________

"Sir, are you sure it's wise to let her go like that? She's the only one who isn't swamped with work to finish the project. Her performance isn't stellar either. If she doesn't finish it on time, I fear t-..."

"Mr Simons, are you questioning my judgement?"

"Of course not, sir, I'm... merely voicing my concerns..."

"Then that will be all. You're dismissed."

"Yes Mr Lee. Have a good night."

Finally found you, Xueluan...

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