Hello, CEO! Don’t Play With Me!

“I’m disappointed in you, Harvey,” Maya said with a sour look on her face. She doesn’t care if her face gets a lot of attention from the other guests. Her eyes stared angrily at Harvey. How could Harvey do nothing to pave the way to a place that the girl could reach.

“Why be disappointed?” Harvey tries to be casual in his response. He also occasionally smiles with a small smile as some of the other contestants accidentally pass by his table. The bouquet of flowers that almost all of the top ten finalists had received lay on the table, and the sash that Harvey wore, he wanted to take off immediately.

He won fourth place with honesty. Although he looked relaxed and casual, Harvey was serious about following every session on the schedule. Although he had already had similar training, Ford’s speakers were different from last year. Hence Harvey’s interest and attention throughout the quarantine.

In fact, if Harvey is being honest, he often helps Giselle with general knowledge difficulties.

“Are you contradicting me?” snapped Maya with a fierce look. She leaned toward Harvey. Ignoring the fact that they were in a crowd even in an enclosed space. The more arguments there were between them, the greater the chances of their table becoming the center of attention.

“Can’t you just say thank you for what I’ve accomplished?” asked Harvey casually. He leaned back comfortably on the chair he was sitting on. He took off his sash because there was no more photo session.

There was gold thread engraved writing on the black fabric, as well as a tassel that was no less crowded but implied elegance for the wearer. She herself did not expect to be able to keep herself in the same spot from last year. She thought that just making it to the ten finalists would be a great achievement. For her, but embarrassing for Maya.

Being friends with Giselle for the past few days made him realize one thing; it’s useless to take a lot of risks for others who don’t appreciate the fruits of one’s own labor. That’s why Harvey decided to do the event the way it was meant to be done. Although he was still suspected by Charlotte, it didn’t matter. Most importantly, Giselle believes in him.

“Third place and I have to congratulate you?” Maya chuckled in annoyance. She folded her arms across her chest even though she was trying to smile but still, the irritation in her heart couldn’t escape. Moreover, the main highlight besides the champion, Giselle Namiozuka, who she wanted to singled out, was getting the stage.

“You have to extend the contract to compensate for what you did tonight,” Maya said smugly. She tried to control herself as she saw Andrew and Woddy approaching. She didn’t want to ruin her image in front of the two most important people on the show.

“Be nice, Harvey. My anger is still not resolved. We’ll talk about it tomorrow” Maya stood up to greet the two guests, just as Harvey displayed a look of joy at his accomplishment.

“Congratulations on your achievement, Ms. Harvey.” Andrew extended his hand.

“Thank you.” Harvey smiled slightly. welcoming the hand as the usual pleasantries were made.

“That’s a shame, but your answer impressed the judges.” Woddy did the same thing as Andrew. Woddy listened carefully to all the events that took place, including the participants’ answers to the tests given by the judges.

“You’re right. I did my best, but I’m a bit limited in my knowledge of other countries,” Harvey said with a chuckle. “If I could be as smart as Kristen, I’m sure I could compete with her in the next event.” He leaned a little closer and whispered innocently. “But it could just be that her intelligence is due to memorization, what kind of questions and answers satisfy the judges. Isn’t that right, Mr. Woddy?”

Woddy gave Harvey a slightly irritated look. He really didn’t want to welcome the three-time champion, not only because of Kristen’s report about his lack of manners, but also because his manner was annoying. As the host, Woddy had to be neutral. He tried to accommodate his girlfriend’s complaints, but unfortunately, his words were proven now. Harvey Princessa is a pain in the ass.

“You can catch up with him next year, right?” said Woddy with a calm look. he also smiled meaningfully at the girl who looked at him guilelessly. He mustn’t fall for what Harvey had just said. It could damage his reputation as the organizer of this prestigious event. And it could make the news of their affair even more public.

It wasn’t just him who was in trouble, but also Kristen. She couldn’t face Kristen’s tantrum about her winning status. So she tried to be patient with Harvey this time.

“But unfortunately, for next year, contestants who have participated in the same event twice cannot participate.” Woddy felt like he had won above all else. After all, he could have crossed Harvey’s name off the winner’s list, but the jury has the final say when it comes to selecting winners other than the overall champion.

“I’m not in the mood to follow it again either, sir.” Harvey chuckled. “Well, if this conversation is about contracts and whatnot, I’ll let you talk to my manager.” He chose to step away from the table where Harvey was eager to enjoy his meal.

His stomach was hungry. This culminating night was quite draining and it felt like her whole body was tired too. She wanted to lie down immediately, after making her stomach full. Should she go to the area where the food was served? And then go back to the room?

It feels better until…

“Where have you been?”

Harvey spluttered. “Can’t you see I’m so tired of everything?”

Giselle burst into laughter. “Congratulations to you, Harvey. You were amazing earlier. I didn’t even realize that your answers were so classy. I admire you!”

Before it was too late, Harvey quickly made some distance. “Don’t hug me!”

Giselle spluttered in displeasure but then, she removed the frown on her face immediately. Her nimble hands pulled Harvey to follow her.

“If your goal is a dining table with steak and soda, I’ll follow you. But if not, I’m sorry Giselle. My stomach needs filling.”

Inevitably, this remark was greeted with laughter by Giselle. “You’re really too honest about food.”

“You know, the last meal we had was at four in the afternoon. Even that wasn’t filling. How can the body’s metabolism survive after being drained by that event?”

Giselle gave up. “Alright. Let’s eat first. I’m hungry too. But eat at my table, okay? The person I want to introduce you to is waiting there. Let’s eat together.”

“Your agency’s people?” asked Harvey to confirm.

“Yaps.”

Their steps continued together until they arrived at the place where Giselle wanted to be. But before Harvey actually joined the team supporting Gisele, he whispered. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to join here?”

“What’s wrong with that?” Giselle blinked in surprise. “Everyone here should welcome you.” She slightly pushed Harvey’s shoulder to get closer to the table where Justin, Brina, and Irena were talking in a casual tone. They seemed to be waiting for Giselle to return to the table before eating.

“Hi, everyone,” greeted Giselle in a friendly manner. “Let me introduce you. This is my friend during quarantine. You guys must have introduced me too, right?”

Harvey smiled awkwardly. Especially when Brina greeted him cheerfully, congratulating him on his achievement as third place in this prestigious event. Also Irena who immediately invited Harvey to sit down and join them.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

“Thank you for the welcome. I didn’t expect to be welcomed so warmly by you guys,” said Harvey, somewhat touched.

“Giselle’s friends are my friends too,” Brina says with a laugh.

“And you have a promise to keep, Harvey. You have to meet the person I want.”

Harvey’s brow furrowed. “Who the hell is he? Andrew? I met him earlier. It’s lucky I didn’t say thank you for your frequent deliveries of chocolate and soda.”

“Harvey!!!”

“What?”

Giselle glared fiercely at the girl who was staring at her without any guilt. “You are this! It’s a secret. Don’t let anyone else know.”

“Really?” Harvey grinned. “I think your agency knows that you get frequent deliveries.”

Giselle was furious.

“So, I guessed right, huh?” Justin laughed. “Thanks for being honest here, Harvey.” He extended his hand. “You’re exactly what I imagined you’d be, straightforward and no-nonsense.”

“At least, I choose to be myself from tonight on.” He welcomed the hand. Harvey knew who he was dealing with this time; the owner of SEO and Giselle’s crush.

Unfortunately… this guy doesn’t have any feelings for his new friend. How unfortunate.

“Justin Stockholm and welcome to our table.”

“Harvey Princessa.” She smiled slightly. “I hope you don’t mind if I eat together here.”

Justin laughed at that remark. “Why not?”