The Odd Billionaire

Traizle

“If our sales are low, would commercials and giving out some flyers be an excellent strategy for now?” I suggested-almost interrupting their own meeting.

Yeah, own. Zarsuelo instructed me to observe first so that I would know how the meeting went and could follow up next time.

Aeron, who I interrupted, nodded. “You somehow have a point. It’s been years since we did a commercial.” Aeron’s suggestion coincides with mine, the marketing manager of Grand Finance.

I raised my hand again as a sign of asking permission to talk. “About giving out flyers. I can manage that one. I know some people who are good at that work. We can also gain new customers with those strategies I have mentioned.” I added, to make it more credible.

Aeron smiled at me. “We will consider that one,” he replied. “That is the end of my report for today.” He added.

“Okay, since it is not alarming, we can still think of any ideas on how to gain new customers. Well, I can say that we are still doing well. Losing one percent does not affect me at all,” Zarsuelo said, standing up from his seat. “I will be happy to experience a significant loss,” he continued, smiling widely. “I adjourned the meeting. You guys can go back to your work now.” he added, clapping his hands.

“Ah, excuse me, Ma’am Traizle.” Aeron called me.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

I turned back. “Yes? What is it?” I asked, approaching him.

“About the commercials and flyers planning. If you want to give some opinions or ideas, you can just go to our room to discuss our plan.” Aeron explained.

I nodded and smiled. “Okay, no problem. Just call or text me if I am needed.” I answered.

“Copy. I will go now, Ma’am and Sir.” Aeron said before leaving the meeting room.

Now, only the two of us were left in the meeting room. “I did not expect that you would be this cool after a week of working here, huh.” Zarsuelo congratulated me.

I raised my eyebrow at him. “I also did not expect that instead of being your secretary, I would also be a babysitter, too.” I mocked.

He folded his arms and said, “Of course, I am still a baby in mind and heart.” He answered, unaffected.

I can’t ever piss him off. He will definitely answer nonchalantly or take my comments humorously. “You should eat your lunch now. After lunch, you have to prepare for a meeting with an investor.” I told him, explaining his schedule.

He nodded. “How about you?” He asked, unfolding his arms to get his phone from his pocket.

“I still need to check something.” I answered.

His eyes widened. “And check what?” Zarsuelo asked, as if he was interrogating me.

I rolled my eyes. “I will go to the Sales Department and get the sales plan for the said meeting.” I answered.

He shook his head. “No, you can do that later. Let’s eat first.” he replied.

As for what he said, we went down to eat at the cafeteria. “It’s been a week since I started to eat here.” Zarsuelo shared.

I stopped eating and looked at him. “You never eat here?” I asked.

He nodded. “Never. I will just get my sweets and go back to my office,” he answered. “The first time I ate here was when it was your first day here.” he added before eating.

So, I am the one who made him eat here. “Why?” I asked again, somehow curious.

He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t feel like doing it. As you can see, my employees have their own groups. If I sit down with them, it will be awkward for them and they won’t be able to say what they wanted to say because they need to be aware of their stories,” he answered after drinking his water. “I usually order my food, treat them if we did something awesome or if I just want to.” he added.

It must be lonely staying alone in his big office.

He gets a tissue and wipes his mouth. “Anyway, I have a plan for tomorrow, so please check my schedule for tomorrow after work.” Said Zarsuelo.

I nod my head. “You have things to do outside of work?” I asked.

“Yes, I’ll see my friends tomorrow. Wanna come with me?” Zarsuelo said, inviting me.

“No.” I answered flatly.

What was the reason for coming with him in the first place? I don’t know any of his friends, and I don’t have any plans to do so.

He laughed a little. “I knew it from the start. I can’t make you agree if it is not about outside work.” he replied.

“Good then, you know.” I responded, continue eating my food.

“Did you ever try to go to the clubs?” Zarsuelo asked, and that made me look at him. “You know, party? Drinks? Friends?” He added.

I arched my eyebrow at him. “And why would I go there?” I asked. I don’t have time for that.

He raised his eyebrows. “To have some fun?” He answered, swaying his spoon and fork. “You should try that; it’s fun. I can take you there next time. You can also drink there with your friends.” he added.

I shake my right hand as I swallow the food. “Nah, going to the club will cost me a fortune already.” I answered, stating the fact. A commoner like me should not do that and just focus on surviving.

“Have some fun sometimes, Traizle. Let’s live our lives while we are young.” he said, giving me advice.

I thought I had never had fun with my friends before. I could not make normal friends because I was busy with my work. Despite that, I still make friends while working with my other co-workers. We never get to hang out, as he said, but I think we can do that sometimes.

“You are now thinking,” he said. “You now want to come with me?” He asked, inviting me again.

I disagreed. “That is not what I am thinking. I am thinking of hanging out with my friends sometimes if we are not busy.” I answered truthfully.

“Did you also go with your brothers on a trip?” He asked.

I shook my head. “We have never had the time to go and we don’t have the budget to go as well.” I answered, as a matter of fact. We can go out for a short while, go to the mall, wander or window shop. We never had the chance to eat at any of the fast-food chains inside. “But I plan to do that soon, since I have this job that can support us without working too much and.” I smiled as I answered.

Just thinking of going on a trip with them is giving me the chills already.

“Oh! I want to come with you.” Zarsuelo butted in, shattering my future plan.

I declined. “You can’t call it a family trip when you are there.” I told him. He clapped his hands. “Then make me your second place, brother. Third is Lyndon, and lastly is Layzen,” he replied with his unimaginable idea. “You can also register me as your son! Isn’t it cool?”

I gave him my deadliest look of all the glare I have. Make him my freaking son. What an odd idea. He himself, and his ideas, are super odd.

“If you don’t like the first two options, then make me your boyfriend!” He exclaimed.

I immediately covered his mouth, looking from left to right to see if someone might have heard him. “Shut your mouth up, Zarsuelo!” I whispered, before removing my hands from his mouth.

“Why? Is that a bad thing?” He asked innocently. “Being your boyfriend or husband can make me your family, right? Then I am willing to be yours!” He confidently said it as if he was serious about it.

I scorned. “I don’t want to be a full-time babysitter if you are my boyfriend, duh.” I answered.

He tilted his head. “You don’t like to have a boyfriend and a baby at the same time?” Zarsuelo laughed and asked.

I waved my hands. “No need. If it’s you, I would definitely say pass without thinking twice or thrice.” I told him.

He stomped his feet under the table. “Ah, why? I am rich and handsome. I am a big deal, so why not?” He asked.

I waved my hands again. “I want someone ordinary, not rich or handsome, if ever, just someone who is of the same status as me.” I answered, explaining my ideal one.

He widened his eyes and shifted his body closer to me. “I can lose my money and live an ordinary life,” he suggested. “Am I that great?” He asked.

“Great your a*s.” I told him.