The Former Boss

March 20, 2023, 9:08 PM - North Link Access Road, Quezon City, Philippines - SM North Edsa The Block - Vikings Luxury Buffet

Daniel stood tall, facing his former boss with Nhicole standing silently behind him. He took a deep breath and calmed himself before speaking. "Mr. Tang, what brings you here tonight?" he asked in a composed tone.

"I came to congratulate you, Daniel. Your success is admirable, but I must admit, I'm surprised. Starting a company at such a young age and making it this big? I didn't think you had it in you," Mr. Tang replied, a hint of arrogance in his voice.

Daniel sensed a hint of arrogance in Mr. Tang's tone, but he tried not to let it bother him.

Then, suddenly, he heard Sampaguita's voice in his head again,

*Ding!*

"Minor Mission Assigned: Overcome Intimidation. Do not let yourself be intimidated and threatened. The host will be rewarded with 50 overcome points and a vehicle," Sampaguita declared.

"Another mission, huh?" Daniel thought to himself, "This is the first time I got 2 in just 1 day. and why is it a vehicle again!?"

Shaking off the thought, Daniel replied, his voice calm but laced with a hint of sarcasm, "That's ironic, Mr. Tang, with how much you praised me back when I was still your employee. But thank you for your congratulations. Is there anything else you wanted to say? If not, I would take my leave"

Mr. Tang's smirk grew wider as he spoke. "I see through your little game, Daniel. You're trying to get back at me for letting you go. Well, I hope you're enjoying your moment in the sun. But let's be real here. You're just a lowly worker who got lucky. Those high executives you impressed tonight? They're just a bunch of fools who don't know any better.

And let's not forget about Nhicole. You poached her from me, didn't you? I hope she knows what she's gotten herself into.

As for your company, I don't know where you got the money to invest in it. But let's be clear, it's nothing more than a measly little operation. You have no one powerful behind you. You're just a small fish in a big pond."

Daniel remained composed despite Mr. Tang's attempt to provoke him. He spoke calmly, measuring his words carefully. "I understand that you may have your own opinions, Mr. Tang, but I can assure you that I have no ulterior motives. I am not here to get back at you or anyone else.

Regarding Nhicole, I did not actively recruit her. She resigned of her own accord. We simply happened to run into each other, and that's when she learned about my start-up."

"I see," Mr. Tang said dismissively, his tone implying he didn't believe a word of it. "Well, it doesn't really matter how she found out about your company. The fact is, you are still a small fish in a big pond. I doubt you have the resources or the connections to compete with the big players in the industry. And without any powerful backers, you are bound to fail." He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "But do not cross the line, Daniel. You know full well of the things I can do. I suggest you keep that in mind."

Daniel held Mr. Tang's gaze steadily, unflinching. "I appreciate your concern, Mr. Tang, but I am confident in my company and its abilities. We may be a small fish in a big pond, but that doesn't mean we can't make waves."

Mr. Tang's smirk faltered slightly at Daniel's confident reply. "We'll see about that," he said, standing up from the table. "Just remember what I said. You don't want to make an enemy out of me."

Daniel remained seated, watching as Mr. Tang walked away.

As Mr. Tang's figure disappeared from Daniel's sight,

*Ding!*

"Congratulations, host, for successfully completing the minor mission: Overcome Intimidation. You have been rewarded with 50 Overcome points and a brand new Ford F-150 3.0L V6 Diesel Lariat 4x4 AT. Your vehicle is waiting for you at the mall parking lot, number 307," Sampaguita announced.

With the matter over, Daniel took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the encounter settle on his shoulders. "That went as well as it could have," he said to Nhicole, who had remained silent throughout the exchange.

"Yeah," she replied, nodding in agreement. "I'm proud of you for keeping your cool."

Daniel smiled wryly. "It wasn't easy, but I had to show him I'm not the same person he used to boss around. And besides, I have bigger things to worry about than him and his threats. And also, Thanks for sticking around. I'm sorry I tried to drive you away."

Nhicole smiled back. "No need to apologize, Daniel. I understand that things were tough for you. Besides, I'm part of the reason why you Mr. Tang thought you were trying to take revenge."

Daniel nodded. "Yeah, but it wasn't your fault. Thanks again."

Nhicole shrugged. "Hey, what are colleagues for? We support each other through thick and thin, right?"

Daniel smiled at her. "Right. And I'm glad to have you on my team."

Nhicole's smile widened. "Same here, boss."

"Alright, let's get out of here," Daniel said, gesturing towards the exit. "I'll give you a ride home."

Nhicole gave a quick nod and the two of them sauntered toward the mall's parking, where they'll find Daniel's new car. The Ford F-150 3.0L V6 Diesel Lariat 4x4 AT. He had always dreamt of owning a pick-up truck, but he never thought he could afford one. Back then, he couldn't even afford any car at all, even a second-hand one. But now he has a luxury pickup truck.

Daniel couldn't contain his excitement as they approached the parking lot. He had been waiting for this moment for a long time. The thought of finally owning his dream car filled him with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

As they reached the designated spot, Daniel's eyes widened in amazement. The Ford F-150 3.0L V6 Diesel Lariat 4x4 AT was a sight to behold, with its sleek design and powerful engine. He couldn't believe that this was really his car.

As he settled into the driver's seat, Daniel's hands trembled with excitement as he turned the key in the ignition. The powerful engine roared to life, and he couldn't help but let out a loud whoop of joy. Nhicole quickly got in the passenger seat, but before she could even buckle up, Daniel hit the gas pedal and the truck took off.

"Slow down, sir Daniel! You're going to give me whiplash," Nhicole exclaimed, grabbing onto the handle above the door.

Daniel laughed sheepishly. "Oops, sorry about that. It's just that... it's a new car and I couldn't help myself."

Nhicole rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile at Daniel's excitement. "Well, try to contain yourself before we get into an accident, okay?" she said, settling back into her seat.

With that, they drove off, the sound of the engine humming softly in the background. Daniel had a wide grin on his face, feeling content that his dream of owning a pick-up truck had finally come true. As they made their way out of the parking lot, he felt a sense of excitement for what the future might hold.