" A Wish Of Lazy Otaku"

21. "Star Dust Group"

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" " Conversion or speech,

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"Moe! Erick-kun, enough with the teasing. Just tell us!" Kristine pouted, unable to tolerate Erick's playful antics any longer.

"Hahaha! Alright, alright. Here it is... Aashi is the CEO of the SD Group, the Star Dust Group!" Erick finally revealed, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he pointed a finger towards Aashi.

"Ehhhh!!"

The stunned expressions on their faces were utterly priceless. Sensing the perfect moment, Erick swiftly retrieved his camera from his pocket—a clever disguise as a transformed Megatron wrist bracelet. 

He skillfully captured multiple photos from different angles, freezing the incredulous reactions in time.

"Aashi is the illustrious CEO of the burgeoning Star Dust Group (SD Group)!" Erick exclaimed, his eyes sparkling mischievously as he reveled in the success of his prank.

Upon hearing Erick repeat himself, the two women snapped out of their bewildered stupor and noticed him playing with his sleek, state-of-the-art phone—a technological marvel far beyond what the current market had to offer. 

Ignoring this peculiarity for the moment, their attention fixated on the screen of his device, or, to be precise, the photos displayed upon it.

"Ohh! Erick, when did you take those photos?" Hana asked, her voice trembling as she pointed an accusatory finger at his phone. 

It was uncertain whether her agitation stemmed from anger or embarrassment.

"Hahahha! Just look at the expressions on both your faces! Ohh, how adorable and amusing you both look in these photos!" Erick chortled, relishing the opportunity to showcase the humorous and endearing snapshots that now made his companions feel a profound sense of shame.

"Hehehe! Erick-kun, won't you be a dear and delete those photos? If you do, I shall forgive you for teasing your onee-san!" Kristine giggled, her voice infused with an eerie undertone as her eyes narrowed in a half-squinted gaze, fixating upon him with a predatory intensity.

"Hahaha! Kristine onee-san, it... it was just a harmless prank! Why so serious?" Erick laughed nervously, perceiving an uncanny aura emanating from her, sending shivers down his spine even though he possessed the strength to crush small hills with his bare hands.

"So, are you going to do it or not?" Hana wore the same disconcerting smile and exuded a similar aura, prompting Erick to hastily nod and delete the photos before their penetrating gazes. 

Only then did the chill he had experienced begin to dissipate, as if it had never existed in the first place. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had narrowly averted something truly dreadful.

At this time, did he recall why even op protagonists from anime, comics, and manga often harbored a sense of trepidation towards women, particularly those close to them.

"Anyway, Aashi, is it true?" Kristine's smile swiftly returned, and she directed her gaze at Aashi, her voice tinged with a hint of worry and nervousness. 

She sought confirmation regarding Erick's revelation, yet Erick sensed an underlying curiosity beneath her words.

"Hmmn! Well, it's true! I have recently assumed the position, so there is still much work to be done." Aashi responded, a small smile gracing her lips as she contemplated the possibilities and experiences that lay ahead.

"So, Erick is a friend of the CEO of this burgeoning group. If it's not too much trouble, could you enlighten us about the inner workings of your organization?" Hana, after casting him a disapproving glare, turned her attention to Aashi. 

She recognized the complexities of speculating about the group's future operations and opted to inquire directly from the person seated before her.

"Hmmm! Let me explain. As you have witnessed, our group has developed truly extraordinary products—magical in nature, with effects that are unequivocally real. However, these products cannot be found elsewhere; they are truly one-of-a-kind. As a result, once we commence supplying them to the market, we can establish a monopoly." Aashi proceeded to divulge their strategy for distributing these exceptional products.

Hana and Kristine, astute women in their own right, immediately pondered the rapid accumulation of wealth and the seismic impact that mass production of these products would inevitably cause.

With their exclusive ownership over the development process and an absence of competitors, a market monopoly was assured. 

Regardless of the price they set, the products would undoubtedly fly off the shelves like hotcakes.

"So, have you devised a plan for reaching the market? How will you begin selling these products?" Hana inquired, acknowledging the key challenge of distribution and the inevitable high-end status of the items, given their substantial bidding prices.

"I have pondered the matter, and for the time being, the most optimal solution would be to rent a few prestigious, well-located high-end stores," Aashi replied, her expression contemplative. 

She and Erick had previously discussed this approach, recognizing its potential benefits. However, the primary hurdle now lay in finding suitable locations and trustworthy individuals to oversee the sales.

"Umm! Hana, if I recall correctly, doesn't your family own several malls in the city center?" Kristine interjected, her memory serving her well regarding Hana's family's prime real estate holdings—an ideal setting for the stores' grand opening.

"Ahh! Yes, my family does possess a few malls there, and we also lease out stores to other businesses. Aashi, if you'd like, I can speak to my father about it," Hana confirmed, her recollection awakening, though she typically distanced herself from the family's commercial affairs.

"Thank you, Hana. Your assistance would be immensely valuable. And to ensure you don't feel disadvantaged, I will pay you triple the original rent, with the added condition of you overseeing the security," Aashi offered, her smile reflecting relief upon resolving this predicament. 

Grateful for Hana's timely intervention, she extended a fair compensation package for the additional support.

"Hmmm! I will inform my father and relay your terms. Tomorrow morning, I will update you with his decision," Hana agreed, appreciating Aashi's willingness to pay more than required.

Subsequently, they exchanged mobile numbers, with Aashi also obtaining Kristine's contact information. 

Erick noticed a hint of hesitation in Kristine's demeanor, suggesting something weighed on her mind. Opting not to pry in that moment, Erick presumed there would be another opportunity to address her unspoken thoughts.

Aashi stood tall, preparing to ascend the stage where Aisa eagerly awaited her. 

Aisa beckoned her, calling her name to address the assembled crowd, allowing Aashi to bolster her presence and unveil the face of the Star Dust Group.

As they readied themselves for further discussions, Aisa's voice rang out, summoning Aashi to the stage.

With a composed demeanor, Aashi strode purposefully towards the stage, where Aisa awaited her presence.

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"Hello, everyone! I am Aashi, the CEO of Star Dust Group," Aashi addressed the gathered crowd, her warm smile radiating like a sunbeam, complemented by an aura of gentle grace. 

In her presence, the audience couldn't help but feel the arrival of spring, their hearts already filled with admiration and adoration for this captivating figure.

Now, you might wonder why no one harbored any impure thoughts towards her. Well, it's quite simple. 

Erick, not wanting to deal with the usual crowd of fools that would inevitably surround her, had provided her with an accessory. 

This seemingly innocuous item had the power to enchant any such foolish individual, putting them into a trance-like state. Anyone with lewd or unholy intentions towards her would face the consequences.

Aashi's beauty and allure were always veiled by a spell whenever she ventured outside, safeguarding her from unwanted attention. Thanks to this measure, Erick had saved himself from countless troubles.

Now, Aashi awaited questions from the crowd, ready to answer them as long as they remained within reasonable bounds.

Several individuals in the front row raised their hands, indicating their readiness to pose their queries.

Observing a man with a professional air about him, clutching a notebook and pen, Aashi identified him as a reporter. She deemed him suitable for the task at hand.

"Yes, the gentleman in the front row, third seat—yes, you!" Aashi beckoned to the sketchy-looking man, acknowledging his raised hand.

"Thank you for this opportunity, Miss Aashi. You mentioned that the items will be launched in a week, but could you tell us where they will be available in the market?" the reporter inquired, his expression revealing his eagerness to capture every detail.

"Unfortunately, the specific location has yet to be determined. However, within two days, we will confirm the exact venue," Aashi replied, shaking her head while maintaining her ever-present smile, exuding calmness.

Aashi gestured for the man to take his seat and then called upon the next person, who was seated three rows behind him.

"Well, I haven't heard of the Star Dust Group anywhere before, so I assume it's a newly established entity. In that case, I was wondering if there might be an opportunity for us to collaborate?" The man in the impeccably neat black suit and tie posed his question, appearing kind and approachable, although his outward appearance might not suggest great intelligence. Nonetheless, his inquiry captured the attention of everyone present.

"I can't provide a definitive answer at this moment, but the future remains uncertain," Aashi responded in a manner that subtly conveyed her rejection without explicitly stating it.

"Before we delve into more questions, let me clarify that the products set to enter the market belong to our subsidiary company, SD Pharmacy, which was just established in this very city. Furthermore, there are two additional subsidiaries that will be opening under the Star Dust Group in the future," Aashi clarified, ensuring that no one would underestimate the financial strength of this enigmatic group.

Other individuals proceeded to ask questions related to potential business ventures, such as the nature of the upcoming subsidiaries and the future product launches by SD Pharmacy.

With unwavering patience, Aashi answered each query, explaining that the forthcoming subsidiaries would focus on high-tech electronics and online shopping, respectively.

Before concluding the question and answer session, she addressed the audience with utmost seriousness.

"Now, what I am about to say is of utmost importance, so please pay close attention. Here, I have a card issued by SD Pharmacy. Its significance lies in the fact that this card is the primary means of accessing our products. Without this card, you will not be allowed, or rather, unable to purchase items from our stores.

This card is not merely for show, as each card possesses a unique code specific to the individual. To activate it, a drop of blood is required to scan your biological gene sequence, ensuring its authenticity. The purchase process relies on this card.

Due to limited quantities, each person is entitled to one item only. SD Pharmacy has produced a total of 1,000 items per category, resulting in a current total of 3,000 items. It is imperative that everyone obtains this card before the product launch. Otherwise, you will have to wait for the next batch, which will arrive in another ten days."

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