Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

August 15th, 2024.

It was eight o'clock in the evening and 1,500 solar panels that were displayed at the event venue were sold out. Raking in a total of 1,500,000 million pesos in sales. Michael didn't expect that they'd be able to sell all of the solar panels within the day, given that they are just a new company.

Well, that is probably because of the coverage of the media during the fight against the Solar Dynamics Corporation. Where they tried to sabotage and stifle the growth of SolaraTech by spreading false information about the efficiency and reliability of their solar panels. However, the controversy only served to boost public interest and sympathy towards SolaraTech, as Michael and his team handled the situation with transparency and professionalism, proving the high quality and performance of their products through experiments conducted by third-party professionals. Of course, it won't stop for a day. Tomorrow, they'd replenish the supplies and sell them in the same spot and venue. And since they sold all of their stocks for today, it called for celebration.

Michael, Antoinette, and Bridget went to the BGC where a luxurious bar where only the rich and influential could typically be found, was chosen for the celebration. As they entered the bar, Michael saw people wearing fashionable and expensive dresses and suits, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was his first time in such an upscale venue, and the contrast to his usual environments couldn't have been starker. The bar's interior was lavishly decorated, with soft, ambient lighting reflecting off polished surfaces and creating an atmosphere that was both inviting and exclusive. The air was filled with the clink of glasses, soft laughter, and the kind of subdued chatter that hinted at deals being made and relationships forged.

Michael, dressed smartly but still feeling somewhat out of place, followed Antoneitte and Bridget as they navigated through the crowd. They found a table in a more secluded area of the bar, allowing them some privacy amidst the buzz of activity.

Antoinette, noticing Michael's wide-eyed observation, leaned in and said, "Impressive, isn't it? This place is a far cry from our usual haunts. But tonight, we celebrate not just as a company, but as individuals who've made a significant achievement. Enjoy it, Michael. You've earned this."

She added, "And remember, this is also a networking opportunity. The people in this bar could be potential investors, partners, or even customers. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to expand SolaraTech's reach."

Michael nodded, taking Antoneitte's words to the heart. "Thank you, Mrs. Estolas." "Well, I invited my daughter to come here but she declined," Antoneitte shared. "Possibly because of the tension between you and her boyfriend." "Boyfriend? So they are officially together now?" Michael asked.

"Yes, last month, Catherine informed me that she and Joshua are seeing each other officially now," Antoneitte continued, observing Michael's reaction closely. "Though I hope that it was you that pursued my daughter…" Hearing that, Michael couldn't help but chuckle nervously. "Mrs. Estolas, I don't think that's something we should be discussing at the moment. What's important is Catherine's happiness, and if Joshua contributes to that, then I'm all for it. Plus, no matter how many times I tried, I just don't see myself liking her romantically, I treat her as a colleague." "Now that we are talking about relationships, why don't you have one? You are already a multi-millionaire with a possible billion-dollar company on the horizon. I'm sure many would find you an attractive prospect," Antoneitte inquired.

"Well, I'm waiting for the one," Michael said, glancing at Bridget who was sipping her cocktail, her legs crossed and her attention momentarily caught by the ambient music of the bar. Suddenly, Bridget caught his glance and, with a raised eyebrow, challenged, "Why are you looking at me when you say that?"

Caught off guard, Michael stuttered for a moment before replying, "Oh, I... It's just a general observation. I mean, finding 'the one' isn't as straightforward as business, is it?"

"Michael…do you find me an attractive person?" Bridget asked.

Michael looked at her from top to bottom and then nodded. "Who wouldn't find you attractive? You're intelligent, driven, and independent. Not to mention, you're incredibly good-looking."

Bridget smiled at the compliment, but her gaze remained inquisitive. "Thanks, Michael. But I'm noticing that whenever our discussion is like this, you always look at me as if I'm the one you are wanting to talk about. Is there something more you want to say?"

Michael took a deep breath, realizing the conversation was heading into territory he hadn't fully prepared for. "Bridget, it's not that simple. Yes, I admire you—a lot. But our professional relationship and the dynamics of our work together have always made me cautious about crossing any lines."

"Well, why don't you give it a try? Sometimes, a woman will wait for a man to make a move, and sometimes, it's worth taking a risk," Bridget suggested, her tone more encouraging than challenging.

Antoinette looked at the two as if they were a budding couple. "Well, you and Bridget are about the same age, and you are both successful in their respective fields. It could be a good match." "Yeah…Bridget, what if I pursue you?" Michael asked, grinning. "You don't have to say what if. If you want to pursue me, pursue me. But I have high standards to the point you might give up. If you like me romantically then it's time for you to get serious because I don't entertain half-hearted intentions," Bridget responded, her tone firm yet open. Her directness took Michael by surprise, but it also cleared the fog of ambiguity that had settled between them. "Okay…" Michael said. "How about a date, just the two of us? My treat of course," Michael proposed.

"Okay, but make it interesting," Bridget replied with a playful smile, accepting the challenge laid before them. "Show me a side of Michael Reyes I haven't seen before."

Michael's mind raced for ideas, eager to impress. "How about a day trip this weekend?" "Hmm…I'll get myself ready then." "You better be prepared, because I will make you experience things that you will only experience in this country," Michael said. And as he said that, the notification on his technological system.

[New Mission: Dominate the Market. Now that you have started your business in the energy sector. It's time for you to control the market for solar panels? What does it mean? Well, this is to tell your competitors that you are the only one who dominates the market.] [Rewards: 200,000 System Points, and 2x spin in the Wheel of Fortune.]

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