Flint was so happy to finally be able to enjoy dinner with his best friend. Moreover, tasting all the special dishes his best friend made made his eyes sparkle. He ate hurriedly until he coughed and choked several times, making his best friend only shake his head. Actually, he was embarrassed because it was his first time tasting this delicious dish from his best friend and looked greedy. However, seeing his best friend laugh at the way he finished his food like a child, he also smiled with relief. In the end, his childish behavior managed to comfort his friend's restless heart.
"Finally you smiled."
Ellen immediately averted her eyes and placed her handkerchief on the table. "Actually, I've been laughing at you all this time. You could have just enjoyed your dinner slowly. Why are you being so overbearing?"
"Because I really like tasting your delicious cooking."
Her eyes widened. "Is it really that delicious?"
"I'm not lying. In fact, I'd ask for more if I could." Flint laughed awkwardly as he took a hasty sip of water. "Looks like I'll be asking for your help starting tomorrow."
"What kind of help?"
"How about you cook for me too?"
Her eyes narrowed. "You can't do it?"
"I can cook, but it's not as delicious as yours. Anyway, I can't wait to enjoy your cooking starting tomorrow."
Ellen had initially wanted to smile happily, but now her lips were immediately pouting. "Okay, I'll cook for you while I look for work."
That's right! In fact, his current job was to secretly provide a job for his friend. However, he didn't want to directly announce the company's opening. As usual, he wanted to keep his identity as CEO hidden and rely on Alfonso to pose as him.
"By the way, if you don't want to be an actress, what do you want to be?"
"I won't be able to become an actress because of this scandal, and all the agencies will definitely blacklist me. And no company will accept me easily either." A heavy sigh escaped her lips. "Should I work part-time again?"
"No way!"
Hearing her friend's scream made her rub her chest. "Why? Do you have the right to stop me from doing it?"
"No. But, I suggest you don't do heavy work. It really doesn't suit you."
Her eyes rolled. "If this keeps up, I won't be able to survive."
"Do you want to be further humiliated by everyone that you are just a lowly woman?"
"But no matter what, I won't be able to work anywhere else. Previously, I was always offered brand ambassadorships by various companies, but now they're all forcing me to cancel my contracts and demanding compensation."
Flint immediately slammed his fist on the table. "They're all cruel! If only they knew the truth about you, they wouldn't be so cruel!"
Ellen laughed awkwardly as she sipped her egg drop soup. "The entertainment world is truly cruel. That's why I suggest you don't dream of becoming an actor."
"Don't worry. I've never dreamed of being an actor. Seeing you suffer like this makes me even more scared." His arms were folded. "But do you have any other hobbies besides playing online games?"
Ellen rested her chin on her hands for a moment. "Actually, there is. I often read manhwa and I want to write a novel."
"So, are you interested in becoming a writer?"
"Because I'm an actress, I'm very interested in that field. Although I majored in accounting, I actually prefer doing work that aligns with my hobbies. I really like writing stories the way I want."
Hearing Ellen's true intentions, he immediately snapped his fingers. He continued to smile as he finished his egg soup.
Ellen was actually curious about what her friend was thinking right now. Why was he suddenly smiling so broadly when she told her hobbies? However, she didn't have the right to ask further questions since they had only just met in person today. She was more curious about what help her friend would ask for tomorrow.
"I just want to tell you, Ellen. Even though everyone hates you so much right now, you have to stay strong. Don't pay attention to all the insults. If you really need help, ask someone close to you."
"Actually, I don't have anyone in my life except Penelope. Since I started my career as an actress, she's been my constant companion, until she finally resigned and followed me."
"Besides that, is there anyone else you're close to?"
She shook her head slowly. "Nothing."
"Really? You're an actress, so many people should like you, even though you're facing major problems."
"This is why I feel like a loser now." Her head hung low. "You were right. If I hadn't trusted people so easily in the first place, I wouldn't be where I am today. I've trusted them too much. When I was at my lowest, they shunned me because they didn't want their reputations tarnished."
Flint couldn't bear the thought of his friend, who once had so many connections, now living so lonely. Having a manager to keep her company wasn't enough, after all. That was the sad story of an actress who was rejected by everyone in the city. Therefore, he wanted to restore the actress's beautiful smile. Just like when she laughed at him for eating in a hurry, he loved seeing those adorable dimples.
"I'm disappointed, Ellen."
Her saliva was hard to swallow. "Did I say something wrong?"
"You forgot about me earlier. Haven't I always been with you all this time?"
Her cheeks immediately flushed as she imagined her interactions with Flint, always sweet whenever they played games together. Even though the games they played were mystery and adventure, Flint's constant companionship made her happy.
"Ellen, I will always be your best friend no matter what."
"But, aren't you afraid that everyone will hate you too?"
The corners of his lips lifted. "I'm just an ordinary person. If I get really criticized, I don't mind. The most important thing is that I don't like seeing my neighbor crying all the time because I wasn't there for you."
Ellen momentarily wiped away her tears with a handkerchief. Having a friend as good as Flint made her incredibly happy. No matter how much trouble he would cause her starting tomorrow, Flint always managed to cheer her up.
"Thank you, Flint."
"I hope you can get your dream job soon, Ellen."
"But, I'm actually curious about you too. If I were to cook for you starting tomorrow, would you have a lot of free time? Are you really unemployed?"