Judged by Appearance

Ethan navigated his way through the crowded streets of Novan City, keenly observing the lively city center.

The area was buzzing with activity. People rushed to their destinations, cars filled the streets, and the air was filled with continuous chatter.

This was typical of the city center, always moving quickly, a sharp difference from the calm suburbs of Edgewater, where Ethan usually spent his time.

"So many people…" he whispered, feeling engulfed by the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Novan City had a unique energy, invigorating to some and overwhelming to others, depending on their mindset.

For Ethan, today was energizing. He needed this dynamic environment for what he had planned.

Today was not an ordinary day. It wasn't about his part-time job or wandering through the quieter parts of the city.

Ethan was on a mission to find the perfect office for NovaTech Innovations. This wasn't just about fulfilling some mission requirements but taking the first significant step towards building his future empire. And for that, everything had to be perfect.

'I need something grand… Money isn't a problem, so why settle for less?' Ethan thought to himself, weaving through a group of tourists busy taking photos of the skyscrapers nearby.

He was wearing his navy blue university tracksuit, which was the standard issue from orientation. It wasn't particularly fancy, but it was practical and comfortable.

The university logo on his jacket made him blend in, looking just like any other student heading to class or a workout.

That was precisely how Ethan wanted it. Today wasn't about making an impression with his looks. He was focused on getting things done.

His gaze shifted from one side of the street to the other, searching for the property agency he had found online the night before.

Skyline Estates was known as one of the top real estate agencies in the city, renowned for dealing with high-end properties. The reviews had been clear: they only dealt with the best and offered many options.

However, actually finding the place turned out to be more challenging than he anticipated. The streets of Novan City, especially in the commercial district's heart, could be confusing for newcomers.

"Where is it…" Ethan muttered under his breath, his frustration starting to show.

He was unfamiliar with this part of the city, usually sticking to areas he knew well. Every street corner seemed to look the same—tall buildings with glass windows reflecting the sunlight and crowds of people moving like a flowing river.

After several minutes of searching, Ethan finally spotted a large, sleek sign towering over one of the buildings across the street.

"Skyline Estates," he read out loud, a sense of relief washing over him.

The building was as prestigious as its name implied. With a modern design and a towering glass façade, it exuded wealth and exclusivity—the exact kind of place that would deal with high-end properties.

As Ethan crossed the street, his heart began to race, his mind filled with anxious excitement. This was the first significant step towards bringing his company into the world.

He could already picture the spacious office he'd have, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a sweeping view of the city and sleek, modern furniture that mirrored the success and power NovaTech was destined for.

Despite his excitement, a nagging doubt lingered in his mind.

'What if the System disappears?' he found himself wondering as a wave of anxiety washed over him.

It had given him everything—endless money, the means to shape his future—but what if it vanished as suddenly as it had appeared?

What if everything he had built crumbled to dust, leaving him with nothing?

He shook his head, dismissing the thought. He couldn't afford to think like that. The System hadn't let him down so far, and he had no reason to believe it would start now.

"Everything will be okay," he murmured as he walked through the glass doors of Skyline Estates.

The lobby showcased wealth and luxury, with marble floors that shone under soft lighting and glass walls that made the space feel even more open and airy.

The décor was simple yet sophisticated. Several agents were at their desks, busy with their computers or phones.

Some were chatting quietly, while others seemed lost in their own worlds.

Ethan paused at the entrance, taking in the scene. He half-expected someone to approach him, maybe a receptionist or an agent ready to help. But nobody approached. Nobody even looked his way.

He cleared his throat quietly and moved further into the room, but nobody acknowledged him.

'That's strange,' he thought. 'Shouldn't someone have noticed me by now?'

Five minutes passed, then ten. Ethan's patience began to thin as he waited to be acknowledged.

The agents continued their idle talk and tasks, occasionally glancing his way but making no move to assist.

Ethan's frown deepened as he felt a growing sense of discomfort. The office wasn't even crowded, but he was somehow overlooked. Looking around, he finally understood why.

They were judging him.

It was because of his tracksuit. His casual outfit seemed to have led them to dismiss him as just another aimless kid who had wandered into a high-end agency without any real purpose.

Feeling frustrated and disrespected, Ethan noticed the condescending looks and smirks directed at him, as if those around him were quietly making judgments about him.

He had been ignored for fifteen minutes straight.

Ethan overheard two agents' soft laughter and mocking tone nearby – a woman with sharp features and a man with an arrogant smirk.

'It's clear they think I don't belong here,' Ethan realized, feeling angry. It became apparent that they had no intention of assisting him, considering him unworthy of their time.

With determination not to be dismissed, Ethan decided against leaving. He had not come all this way only to be turned away by a group of presumptuous agents.

Gathering his courage, he approached the nearest desk. The woman there didn't even acknowledge him at first, absorbed in her phone.

"Excuse me," Ethan spoke up, his voice steady but commanding. "I'm here to inquire about office spaces."

The woman slowly looked up, her eyes lazily assessing Ethan from head to toe, focusing on his tracksuit with a barely concealed sneer.

"Office spaces?" she echoed skeptically. "Are you sure you're in the right place?"

Despite the heat of indignation rising in him, Ethan maintained his composure. "Yes, I'm sure."

Ethan noticed the woman's smirk growing while she exchanged looks with her colleague, and he couldn't help but feel annoyed. Despite this, he stayed calm, eager to show them he meant business.

"Just so you're aware," the woman said with a hint of arrogance, leaning back in her chair, "we deal with luxury properties. These aren't your typical office spaces. Our offerings are quite pricey."

Ethan was losing his patience but determined not to let it show. "I'm aware," he replied coolly. "That's precisely why I'm here."

The woman seemed surprised by his answer for a moment but quickly regained her composure, her tone laced with sarcasm again. "Oh really? And what type of office space are you interested in? Something modest, perhaps? Just a small room?"

"I'm in the market for a premium office space," Ethan stated, his voice firm.

The woman's smile wavered ever so slightly. She leaned forward, propping her chin on her hand, amused by the conversation. "Sending an intern to handle such matters, are we? That seems a bit unusual, don't you think?"

Her colleague, sitting nearby, laughed. "Indeed, what kind of company would send someone like you to look for office space? You might have better luck on Craigslist."

Feeling the sting of their disdain, Ethan clenched his hands into fists, his knuckles whitening as he struggled to maintain his cool. He was determined not to let their scorn get to him.

"I am not an intern," he retorted sharply. "I am the majority shareholder of my company."