The next day, Matthew sat in a swivel chair at the laboratory, hands in his pockets. A researcher reported to him.
"How is it?" Matthew asked. "Can your technology melt that metal in his head?"
"No problem, boss," the researcher answered seriously. "The strange metal you brought back is almost non-conductive to heat, but high enough temperatures will still deform and make it ductile."
"As of eight fifteen this morning, the weapon you requested has entered manufacturing," he continued. "Based on current melting progress, it should be completed within fifteen days."
Matthew nodded with satisfaction, listening to the report. The 'strange metal' was Vibranium from Hammerhead's head. Matthew had planted Hammerhead in the ground, mercifully letting him rest in peace without suffering.
'How did he know Hammerhead didn't suffer?' Matthew mused. 'Of course, he knew!' If Hammerhead was uncomfortable, he would have run. Since he didn't, he must have been very comfortable.
With Hammerhead comfortable, Matthew had the experimenters remove the steel plate from his head. They melted it down and fashioned it into a dagger. Matthew had wanted a larger weapon, but the Vibranium plate was only so big; making a normal-sized dagger already required careful economizing.
Back in the top-floor office, Matthew leaned lazily in his chair. He scrolled through a tablet, approving departmental transfer tasks. The computer work was monotonous, either security for a venue or escorting someone important. Matthew ignored the task content, focusing only on reasonable pricing. He had many people to feed, ensuring high salaries, good benefits, and continuous cash flow was a difficult task.
"Sigh…" Matthew muttered. "Normally, Eleanor handles this work. Now that she's been dispatched, these tasks have fallen back into my hands…"
"It's utterly boring."
As Matthew muttered about Eleanor's return, his nearby phone suddenly displayed a message.
[Eleanor: Sir, I considered that during my absence, internal company affairs might accumulate and cause you unnecessary burden and trouble. Without your permission, I personally hired a temporary assistant for you. After my investigation, I found this assistant to be highly capable. You can assign her some non-core company tasks.]
"…"
'Eleanor was truly an excellent assistant,' Matthew thought. 'She had both looks and work ability!' He had also observed she was likely very skilled in combat. During the last street conflict, Eleanor had immediately stood in front of him, ready to act.
'Most importantly, even on a business trip, she worried he couldn't handle internal work alone!' Matthew mused. 'What diligence!'
'Not only that, to alleviate his pressure, she even paid out of her own pocket to hire an assistant!' he realized. 'This was truly every boss's dream!'
Matthew let out a long sigh and picked up his phone to reply.
[Matthew: Hmm, you're very thoughtful. By the way, what's your current salary?]
[Eleanor: My salary? Around 1.7 million a year.]
[Matthew: Double it.]
[Eleanor: !!!]
[Eleanor: Thank you, boss!! You're so generous!!]
[System Points +50. Eleanor's favorability towards you has increased! She is now determined to dedicate herself to the company until her last breath!]
[Matthew: However, Eleanor… Although I appreciate your hiring a new assistant, I still hope you finish the task I assigned you and come back quickly. I'm a bit unaccustomed to you not being by my side.]
Eleanor, speeding down the highway, saw the last line on her phone. She almost lost control of the steering wheel…
Two minutes later, Eleanor pulled her car over to the side of the road. She sent a reply.
[Eleanor: Sir, company policy. Employees and superiors are not allowed to date.]
[Matthew: ???]
[Matthew: That's exactly what I wanted to say. So, finish your business and come back to work quickly.]
[Eleanor: Oh…]
Matthew turned off the screen again, pursing his lips. He felt a little helpless. He remembered Eleanor as an ice queen, always strictly professional with everyone. 'This 'malfunction' today,' he mused, 'I hope it wasn't because of the salary increase.' If it was, future salary increases would have to be smaller, to avoid creating bad habits. 'Hmm… how much less would be appropriate?'
As he pondered future salary increases, a knock sounded on the office door.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
"Come in," Matthew said calmly.
As his voice fell, a woman pushed open the door. She wore an OL uniform, with short black hair and distinct oriental beauty. In her hand, she held a document tightly wrapped in kraft paper.
"Hello, I am the assistant hired by Ms. Eleanor. You can call me Jessica."
"This is Ms. Eleanor's letter of employment and recommendation. Please take a look."
'Jessica' handed over the document. Matthew looked at the extended paper, then at 'Jessica's' face.
"…You said your name is Jessica?"
"That's right." 'Jessica' nodded seriously.
'Matthew almost burst out laughing. 'You damn well call yourself Jessica!' he thought. 'Don't think I don't recognize you just because you changed into a work uniform!'
'Ada Wong!'
'No, why aren't you seducing Leon?' Matthew wondered. 'What are you doing working as a secretary in my company?' A hint of confusion flashed in his eyes.
'If someone said Ada Wong was truly hired by Eleanor, I wouldn't believe it for a second,' he thought. 'Given Eleanor's personality, she wouldn't plant a mole in the company now.' If she wanted to, he wouldn't even be in this position; he would likely have died in an accident before taking office.
'Ada Wong being here meant the real assistant Eleanor hired might have been kidnapped,' Matthew deduced. 'The documents in her hand must also be forged, just like how she tricked Leon before.'
"Mr. Lawrence, this is my information and employment letter…" Ada Wong pushed the kraft paper bag forward, her expression serious.
Matthew glanced at the paper bag, then pushed it back. "No need to review it…" he said. "I trust Eleanor, and since you were personally hired by her, I naturally trust you too."
"As the saying goes, 'employ without doubt, doubt without employing,'" Matthew continued. "Wouldn't you agree, Ms. Je-ssi-ca?"