Arriving At The Venue

March 20, 2023, 7:00 PM - North Link Access Road, Quezon City, Philippines - SM North Edsa The Block - Vikings Luxury Buffet

Clinking glasses can be heard all around the place, as high-ranking executives and representatives from various neighboring companies started to arrive at the venue for the Inklusive Creatives and Advertising's grand opening celebration. Family members of Inklusive employees have also begun to arrive.

As the guests enter the restaurant, they are greeted by the warm and inviting atmosphere created by the sleek and modern design. The walls are adorned with beautiful artwork, carefully selected to complement the overall theme of the restaurant. The patterned walls add texture and depth, creating a sense of sophistication and elegance.

The restaurant also featured large windows overlooking the ever-traffic Edsa, allowing the guests to gaze upon the mesmerizing sea of lights created by the vehicles stuck on the highway's overly congested traffic.

The counter table seating and ceiling paintings gave the place a youthful and artistic feel, setting it apart from more sophisticated restaurants.

The buffet spread was an impressive feast for the senses, featuring dishes from all over the world, including Western, Japanese, Indian, and Filipino cuisines, along with appetizers, salads, cheeses, and bread.

As guests made their way to their tables, whispers, and murmurs could be heard throughout the banquet hall.

"Have you heard about the owner of this new company?" a woman asked her friend as they sat down.

"No, what about him?" her friend replied.

"Well, I heard that he's young and very wealthy, but no one knows where he came from or how he made his fortune," the woman said with a mysterious tone.

A man at the table next to them overheard their conversation and chimed in with, "I heard that he's a genius, a real prodigy. He started his own company when he was still in college and it's been skyrocketing ever since."

"I heard something different," said another guest as he sat down at their table. "I heard that he's actually a recluse, he never comes out in public and no one has ever seen him in person."

Another lady chimed in, "Whatever the truth is, for sure he is capable. Hah. Not everyone can afford a Php. 37,000,000 unit, what more 3 floors from Orean Place."

The conversation continued, with everyone sharing their own version of the rumors and hearsay about Daniel, the owner of the new company. Some whispered that he had connections to the mafia, while others claimed he was a second-generation heir from a hidden wealthy family here in the Philippines.

As the night went on, the speculation only grew more feverish, with each guest adding their own wild theories to the mix.

Only a handful of people at the banquet hall really Daniel. These people consisted mainly of his closest friends and his parents, who were not accustomed to the social circles of the wealthy and did not engage in much mingling.

Shortly after, the Inklusive employees arrived at the venue via Grab cars arranged by Daniel, since the company did not have its own vehicle yet. Meanwhile, Daniel rode his motorcycle to the venue. However, he arrived a few minutes later than his employees as he had trouble finding an available parking spot.

As Daniel was about to step into the venue, he was stopped in his tracks by a familiar voice that he hoped not to hear. It was Judy, his ex-girlfriend who had cheated on him, accompanied by her new partner, JM.

"Well, well, well," Judy said, smirking. "Look who's here."

Daniel tried to ignore her and continued walking, but Judy persisted.

"Do you have an invitation for this event? I highly doubt it. Trying to sneak in here? You're not qualified to be at this high-class event." she taunted.

JM joined in, "And speaking of qualifications, you couldn't even afford the unit you tried to snatch from me in Orean Place. How pathetic."

Daniel was determined to just ignore them in order not to ruin his mood because today was a celebration, but Sampaguita's robotic voice suddenly rand inside his head.

*Ding!*

"A minor mission has been triggered: Overcome humiliation. Don't let them belittle you with their lies and judgments. Let them know who you really are. The host will be rewarded with 50 overcome points and multiple vehicles upon completion," Sampaguita voiced.

Taking a deep breath, Daniel regained his composure and faced Judy and JM. "Um, actually, I don't have an invitation," he calmly replied, before walking confidently towards the entrance, determined to show them that he was not defined by their opinions.

He walked into the venue and confirmed his identity with the hostesses of the restaurant, who greeted him with respect. As he approached the entrance, he was pleasantly surprised to see Mr. Enrique Santos, the general manager of Orean Place, waiting to greet him.

"Hey, Mr. Abelardo, you're here already! Congrats on your new company," Mr. Santos said with a smile, reaching out to shake his hand.

JM and Judy were stunned when they heard Mr. Santos welcome Daniel.

"This... Mr. Santos, are you mistaken? This person is poor. How can he be the owner and host of the event?" Judy blurted out.

Before Mr. Santos could respond, Daniel spoke up. He didn't want the event to be ruined. "I said I didn't have an invitation because I am the one who sent them out," he explained with a slight smile. "You are still welcome to join us. Come on in."

Judy and JM were left mortified, unable to utter a word after that. Even the restaurant's hostesses cast judgmental looks at them, making them feel foolish for critiquing the very host of the event they were about to attend. JM's face drained of color; he wished he could vanish into the ground. Despite the embarrassment, he knew he had to stay, as connecting with high-ranking executives from multiple companies was crucial for his business. He had only received an invitation thanks to an acquaintance from a large company, and such opportunities were rare.

*Ding!*

Sampaguita's voice sounded inside of Daniel's head once again shortly, "Minor mission: Overcome humiliation completed. The host is rewarded with 50 overcome points and 6 - 2023 Ford Transit Vans. The vehicles will pick you up after the event."

Daniel's smile widened with pleasant surprise as he received the timely reward. He did need vehicles for company use. It seems as though Sampaguita knew his thoughts and had made the rewards for the latest minor mission the very thing he needs at the moment.

With the incident coming to an end, Daniel finally entered the restaurant.