Hugo sank into the plush leather seat beside Sanchez, his cousin and, currently, his lifeline in this strange situation.
The restaurant, Javan, was one of the fanciest places in the city, and everything scread luxury.
From the golden chandeliers that sparkled like stars to the smooth jazz music drifting softly through the air, it felt like a scene out of a movie.
Hugo glanced down at the crystal clear glass of water in front of him, wondering if it had been filtered through so magical fountain because even the water looked expensive. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire
Thankfully, he wasn't going to be paying, right?
But none of that mattered now. What mattered were the two girls sitting across the table.
Hugo had been too eager to look directly at them before, but now that he was seated, he finally allowed himself a proper glance.
And imdiately regretted it.
Both girls were stunning in a way that made his brain stutter like an old computer.
The one on the left had bright gold hair that seed to glow under the light, and her erald-green eyes sparkled mischievously as if she knew a hundred secrets she wasn't planning to share.
The girl on the right was just as breathtaking. Her short jet black hair fell like a silky curtain, and her deep brown eyes seed to look straight through him, making him feel like a book she was casually flipping through.
Then his system chid in.
[System Notification: Rating: 9/10]
[System Notification: Rating: 9/10]
Hugo's jaw almost hit the table. Two nines at the sa ti? His mind raced, replaying the system's words. 'Hold on. Loli is one thing, but this... this is next level! What kind of alternate universe did Sanchez drag into?'
Up to this point, he had only ever seen one other woman that was a nine, and now he was staring at 2 of them?
Back to back like so kind of supermodel tag team? His throat went dry, and he barely resisted the urge to wipe the corner of his mouth in case there was any stray drool.
Trying to play it cool, Hugo shifted slightly, nudging Sanchez with his elbow. "Hey, what's going on?" he whispered through gritted teeth, his voice so low it was almost a growl.
Sanchez hadn't told him what he was here for. He had simply sent that SOS ssage and nothing more.
Did he want him to be a sort of wingman? He would take one and Hugo would also take one?
Well, that was wonderful!
Sanchez didn't reply right away. Instead, he raised his drink—a glass of sothing dark and fancy—and took a slow sip like he was starring in a comrcial.
Then, without even looking at Hugo, he scratched the side of his nose dramatically.
Hugo blinked. 'Was that supposed to an sothing? What was he—oh. Oh no' Sanchez wanted him to play along.
Before Hugo could protest, Sanchez casually leaned forward, flashing the girls a winning smile.
"Ladies, I have to admit, having Hugo here tonight is a rare treat," Sanchez began, his tone smooth but not overbearing.
"Most people don't even realize they're sitting across from a guy who's about to take the entertainnt world by storm."
Hugo blinked, confused. 'What in the world are you talking about now, Sanchez?'
"You see, Hugo has that… presence," Sanchez continued, ignoring Hugo's baffled expression.
"He's got the kind of look and charisma that brands are desperate for—an effortless blend of confidence and mystery."
The redhead raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "What do you an by 'presence' exactly?"
Sanchez smiled knowingly, as if he'd been expecting the question. "Think about it: who do you see in the campaigns that stick with you?
"Not just anyone—it's the faces that make you stop scrolling, the ones you rember long after the ad's over. That's Hugo.
"He's not just a model; he's a walking brand. Trust , I've seen the way people turn their heads when he enters a room."
Hugo's heart raced as he fought to keep a straight face. 'Walking brand? The only thing people notice is when I trip over stuff!'
"And it's not just about looks," Sanchez added smoothly, leaning back slightly as if to let the thought sink in.
"He's got that 'it' factor—a natural ability to connect with people without even trying. I've seen executives and photographers practically beg him to work with them.
"You should've seen how the room lit up when he casually walked into a gallery opening last week. People thought he was one of the featured artists."
The black-haired girl tilted her head slightly, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Modeling, huh? That's not sothing you hear every day."
"Exactly," Sanchez said, flashing a grin. "Hugo's not the kind of talent you find on every corner. He's a wildcard—soone who can redefine what it ans to be a modern face in the entertainnt industry.
"I've already had three people tell he could be the next face of a luxury campaign, and honestly, I believe it."
Hugo coughed, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. 'Three people? Who, Sanchez? Your barber, your dog, and your mirror?'
"And the best part?" Sanchez gave Hugo a fond pat on the back. "He doesn't even realize how much potential he has. That's what makes him different—he's genuine, unpretentious, and completely untapped."
Both girls exchanged a look, their expressions guarded but faintly curious.
Hugo forced a tight smile, his palms sweating. 'Sanchez, you absolute lunatic. What am I supposed to do with this now?'
The jazz music played softly in the background, but to Hugo, it might as well have been the the song of his impending doom.
He looked at the girls, hoping they would laugh or at least roll their eyes, but they didn't. Instead, they remained cool and unreadable, their expressions revealing nothing.
The black haired girl tilted her head slightly. "Impressive," she said, her tone polite but distant.
The redhead nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Quite the resu," she added, though her voice carried a hint of skepticism.
Hugo shot Sanchez a panicked look, but his cousin gave him a smug grin, clearly enjoying the chaos.
Deciding he couldn't take any more, Hugo gave an exaggerated stretch and forced a nervous laugh.
"Well, uh, all this talk about is making a bit thirsty. I think I'll just… excuse myself for a mont," he said, already sliding out of his chair.
"Sure thing, champ," Sanchez said, waving him off like he hadn't just thrown Hugo into the deep end of a pool filled with lies.
Hugo didn't wait for a response from the girls. He practically bolted toward the restroom, his heart pounding in his chest.
As he pushed open the door and leaned against the sink, he stared at himself in the mirror, his reflection wide-eyed and horrified.
"What is even happening right now?" he muttered, splashing cold water on his face. "Mount Rahala? Black Cobra Dojo? A king? Sanchez, you lunatic, I'm going to kill you."
He took a deep breath, trying to calm down. 'Okay, Hugo, think. How do you get out of this?'
Before he could co up with a plan, the restroom door creaked open, and Sanchez strolled in, his grin wider than ever.
"Why are you here?!" Hugo hissed, his voice bouncing off the tiles.
"Relax, cuz," Sanchez said, patting him on the back. "You're doing great out there."
"Great?! I don't know kung fu! I don't play the violin! And I definitely didn't climb a mountain blindfolded!" Hugo's whisper-shouting reached a new octave.
"Details, details," Sanchez said with a shrug. "It's all about confidence, Hugo. Fake it till you make it."
"I'm going to fake my way right out of here," Hugo muttered, grabbing a paper towel to dry his face.
"Oh, don't be dramatic," Sanchez said, leaning against the wall. "They're eating it up. They must eat it up!"
"No, they're not! They're cold as ice! I don't think either of them has cracked a real smile since I sat down."
"That's because they're testing you," Sanchez said with a knowing nod. "You've got to prove you're the real deal."
Hugo stared at him, his mouth hanging open. "How and Why?!"
Sanchez clapped him on the shoulder. "Not enough ti to tell you the details. Just know that this is really important for . Don't worry, I've got your back."
Hugo groaned, staring at the mirror again. I'm dood.
______
Hey everyone,
I just wanted to let you know that I can only post one chapter today. Unfortunately, a close relative of mine passed away, and I need so ti to process and be with my family.
I really appreciate your understanding and support during this tough ti. Thanks for sticking with —I'll do my best to get back on track soon.
Really Sorry!
______
Power stone Goal!
50 PS - 1 Bonus chapter
100 PS - 2 Bonus chapter
200 PS (Quite an achievent as of now) - 3 Bonus chapters.
Castle - 20 Bonus Chapters!
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