My Investment God System

Her blonde ponytail har framed her face as she sat quickly at a table, as her finger fiddled nervously with the hem of her sleeve.

He wasn't mistaken, it was her. Although she hadn't revealed her face.

Across from her sat another girl, who seemed much more talkative, gesturing as she spoke.

Maximus exhaled, his lips pressing into a neutral line not which action to take now.

They had been texting on and off, noting too deep, but enough that he knew she was the shy type.

And just then, as if somehow sensing his gaze, she turned.

The moment her blue eyes landed on him,her expression changed.

A flicker of surprise, then something softer— that signature shyness of hers.

Her fingers immediately went to her lap, her shoulders hunching slightly. She didn't lood away immediately, though. It was as if she was waiting for some kind of response.

Maximus, ever composed and calm, simply gave a slight wave, nothing too dramatic, just a sign that he acknowledged her presence.

Lily's face turned slight pink, and she quickly looked down at the table, tucking a stand of loose hair behind her ear.

Zack, who had been busy deciding on his meal, finally glanced up. "whats that?"

Maximus returned to his menu immediately. "Nothing."

Zack hummed in amusement. "That nothing had you looking over there for a solid five second. Did your big investor friend show up"

Maximus didn't respond much, just a slight puff of air from his lips to signal the absurdity of his words.

Zack smirked. "Old friend?"

Maximus took his time before answering. "You could say that."

Zack nodded and didn't push further.

Their drinks arrived fast, Maximus settled for a simple iced coffee, while Zack went for a light whiskey, swirling the glass absentmindedly as they started discussing business. 

"The resorts coming along nicely," Zack mussed, taking a sip. "I can handle the celebrity and promotion. Just have to twist a few strings here and there."

Maximus nodded. "Ill have to sell one of my buildings to gather the remaining funds but once the resorts up and running, the profits will take care of the rest."

Zack grinned. "Smart. We should start discussing marketing soon. Gotta make sure were packed once we open."

Maximus hummed in agreement.

As they talked, he noticed subtle movements from Lily's table.

She was still sitting there, but her fingers occasionally tapped against her glass, as if she was debating something.

Her friend, clearly the bolder of the two whispered something to her, and lily immediately shook her head, her face red.

Maximus smirked slightly but didn't let it distract him.

By the time they finished their meal, zack leaned back in her seat, satisfied. 

"damn, that hit the spot…"

Maximus too a final sip of his drink, setting the glass down. 

12: 50 PM.

It wasn't late, but he figured it was time to wrap up.

Just as they were about to leave, he caught movement form Lily's table again.

This time, she was stealing a deliberate glance at him.

Not long stares, just quick, fleeting ones, like she wasn't sure if she should approach or not.

Maximus debated for a brief second but decided not to dwell on it. If she wanted to talk, she would. If not, he wasn't the type to push.

As they stood, zack stretched. "alright, whats next?"

Maximus smirked. "What do you think? Back to work!"

Zack groaned. "you really know how to kill the mood man…."

They walked toward the exit, and for a brief moment, maximus gaze flickered back toward Lily's table.

She looked up.

And this time, instead of looking away immediately, she gave him a small, uncertain nod.

Maximus's responded with a simple smirk before he stepped out into the sunlight.

»»»«««

Maximus exhaled as he rolled into his driveway, his power bike purring before he killed the engine.

The mansion gates had already been opened for him by his guards, who gave their usual professional nods as he passed.

He replied with a nod to each of them before purring by.

His body felt heavy with exhaustion, the weight of the day settling in now that he was finally home. He just wanted to collapse on the couch and not move for the next few hours. 

Kicking his shoes off, he stretched his amrs over his head with a groan before flopping down onto the leather couch.

His eyes briefly flicked to the Investment God Systems interface which was already active, but there was no new notifications- just the same old XP calculations and pending investments.

Nothing urgent. 

He let his head sink into the cushions, eyes fluttering shut.

And then, just when he was about to doze off, his phone buzzed, jolting him back to consciousness.

He groaned, cracking an eye open. Unknown number.

A slight frown appeared on his face. He debated ignoring it, but something nagged at him. He had a feeling he knew who it was, or he he was expecting it to be.

Sighing heavily, he pressed the accept and brough the phone to his ear.

"Hello?" 

A soft pouting voice immediately filled the speaker.

"Maximus!"

His lips twiched. It was lily.

Her voice had that unmistakable playful sulk to it, like a kid who didn't get the last cookie.

"Why didn't you come say hi?" she asked with a nervous tone attached to her voice. "You just wave and left."

Maximus smirked, propping himself up with one arm. "Didn't know you wanted me to…"

There was an awkward moment of silence, followed by a tiny huff. "I mean, I didn't, but…"

"you didn't?" he cut in, amusement lacing his tone.

Lily sputtered. "that's not what I meant!"

He chuckled while rubbing the bridge of his nose.

He could practically picture her right now, cheeks puffed out, arms crossed, trying not to seem too affected.

"You were blushing," he said casually. 

Then a long moment of silence followed again.

"I was definitely NOT!"

He chuckled again, "You totally were."

"I- Ugh, max, you're impossible I swear," she grumbled, and he could hear the rustling of fabric, like she had just flopped onto her bed in frustration.

He leaned back into the couch, relaxed now. "So, whats up? Did you just call to grumble?"

"...Maybe…you got a problem with that?"

A smirk played on his lips. "You're adorable, you know that right?" 

Silence again. Then, a small embarrassed sound that made him grin.

"Shut up," she muttered.