Flat Sharpendora's Comeback and the Director's Promise
Even someone like me, who knew next to nothing about the movie industry outside Earth, could tell just how big a deal these two were from the reactions of the other tellers, bankers, and customers. Especially Flat's return visit—it thrilled me to no end, since he was my very first loan client, and I'd just become a fan after watching one of his films.
"Congratulations again on landing the lead role."
"Thank you. It's all thanks to you, Jian."
"If you really think so, I'd love to explain our products."
"Haha…."
But this was work hours. I kept my cool and walked them through the financial products step by step.
"…And that concludes the product explanations. If everything's clear and you'd like to proceed with new accounts, just trace the translucent text on the tablet with the stylus exactly as shown."
Only after signing a dozen or so new account applications did Flat and Bergenev rise from their seats.
"This hardly seems like enough thanks, so I'll treat you to a big one when you have time."
"Thanks? No need— I was just doing my job."
"To me, you're an unforgettable benefactor. We've still got a couple months before shooting starts, so call anytime."
Flat handed me his business card with a grin. Sleek design, elegant font with just his name and number.
"Isn't an actor's face their business card?"
"It doesn't have a phone number printed on it."
Everyone who'd overheard our exchange shot me looks laced with envy and jealousy. Apparently, even in this dimension, snagging a famous actor's contact was priceless, no matter how much gold you stacked.
"Call anytime if something comes up. Not sure I can help, but still."
"I'll make sure not to lose it."
Flat and Bergenev left the lobby trailed by reporters. A few lingered in the bank, hounding for interviews, but luckily Fred and the other bankers shooed them out. They left their cards on my counter too—one per person—asking me to tip them off on any scoops.
"Wonder if these'll ever come in handy."
I sorted the pile of cards and stashed them in my drawer. Of course, Flat's went straight into my wallet. I hadn't eaten fancy around here much, so this worked out great. Next time, free meal on him.
Lunchtime. After eating with Deputy Fred in the cafeteria, we headed to the rooftop.
"Man, Jian, you're something else. Never seen the branch manager that thrilled. Thought his emotion circuits were busted."
"That bad?"
I'd been too far to catch his expression clearly.
"When he whipped out that stack of applications begging for autographs, I nearly choked."
"Overkill?"
"Nah, everyone loved it."
Fred chuckled and filled me in on Bergenev Masterhand's public image. Sounded like a showman director who masterfully played the media. His visit probably aimed to spin our loan story into buzz while networking with Dimensional Credit Vault execs. Whether Flat asked him to or he just wanted to spotlight me, I appreciated it—especially as the infamous "parachute" hire. Securing the performance metrics? That was all me.
"If you hadn't pushed those applications, the branch manager and higher-ups would've hogged all the glory."
"Yeah, they'd be thrilled about the free PR."
"Next time something like this pops, make sure to claim credit—without ruffling feathers."
"Got it. I'll try."
Yeah. Can't let anyone steal my performance record. My incentives are mine to protect.
"Good work. It'll hit the news, so HQ will pay more attention to our branch."
"So I can finally walk tall?"
"Damn right. Thanks to you. I'll head down—finish your smoke and take your time."
Fred descended with a pleased smile.
"…Guess no more parachute treatment now."
A few drags on my cigarette finally settled the adrenaline. Reflecting on it all, I'd scored way bigger than expected. My achievement wasn't just two celebs switching main banks and signing up for products.
Bergenev had made one more promise before leaving: He'd move the payroll accounts for all employees of Musis Partners—his film production and distribution company where he served as CEO and chairman—to Dimensional Credit Vault.
Musis Partners was a joint venture backed by mega-rich tycoons and giant distributors. Landing them as our main bank meant long-term gains, big and small, for the Vault.
Bergenev had declared in interviews that this project was make-or-break for his career and company. Seeing him shift banks after I helped with casting? That promise was no bluff. He was expressing gratitude to the guy who'd already boosted the film's success odds by aiding Flat.
"Talk about overpaying me back."
Lending other people's money and taking all the credit. But that's banking for you.
"Incentives are gonna be fat."
Hoping this boosts my performance review too.
-Thud. Cigarette butt into the ashtray. Time to head back. As I opened the rooftop door—
-Ring ring ring. My smartphone lit up with an unexpected name.
"…Mira?"
Why's she calling now?
Luckily lunch break wasn't over, so I got Fred's okay on the first floor and took the call.
"Oppa, heard you nailed a huge loan deal right off the bat?"
"Yeah. Pretty much."
"Flat Sharpendora? Wild. I loved 7th Street Miracle Pizza back in the day."
"Watched it twice at dawn. Killer flick."
"Right?! Lol!!"
We spent three minutes geeking out over Flat's debut. Mira's voice bubbled with excitement—long time no hear. Every call, she starts masking fatigue for the first few seconds, but her tone brightens as we chat. HR must grind her down. At least venting to fellow trainee me gives her some peace. She's soft-hearted like she looks, and the others aren't the nurturing type, so I gotta look out for her.
"Oh right, not why I called."
"Then what's up?"
"Work stuff, actually."
"Work? HR?"
"Yup."
"What business does HR have with me?"
A weird premonition hit. Why would HR summon me months into West Podoks? Personnel shuffle? Too early—halfway through my six-month probation. Unless someone's scheming with HR to bump me elsewhere and steal credit.
…Nah, overthinking. Dimensional Credit Vault dwarfs my imagination. Musis Partners is solid, but not steal-worthy enough to rig transfers.
"Nothing bad. My supervisor's visiting West Podoks soon. Wants a direct report on this."
"Oh…?"
"Hehe. And I'm tagging along~."
"You? Why?"
"Asked if it was okay since I'm your fellow trainee? She said sure~."
"Sweet. Grab some tea while you're here."
Music to my ears. With Mira there, no nitpicking in front of a peer.
"Oh. She said skip HQ after seeing you—head straight home since it'll be quitting time."
"And?"
"Can't you treat me? Craving fish~."
"Fish?"
Not coming empty-handed, huh. Means she's got intel worth sashimi prices.
"It's been ages since we ate out, just us."
"Section Chief Levrier, asking an equal probationary peer for an expensive meal? Kinda shameless."
"Eek! Oppa, why so formal all sudden? Scary~."
"Depends on what you bring."
"I prepped something fun…."
"If it's HR dad jokes like last time, expect egg custard and pickled ginger only."
"When did I ever?!"
Mira protested in flustered tones.
"Anyway, after closing and cash-out, I'll change at the dorm and meet you at the back-gate café. I'll book a spot."
"Yess~!"
Wonder what gift she's bringing. Can't wait.
Mira's supervisor was a picture-perfect career woman. Tight H-line skirt, glasses—HR fairy, I guess? Thought Mira arrived solo at first and chatted casually, till she beamed and revealed the hand she'd hidden behind her back. Nearly jumped.
"Hello. Polomi, HR deputy."
A winged woman perched casually on Mira's palm. Not a metaphor—actual fairy species.
"Nice to meet you. Kim Jian."
Heard HR folks were pranksters, but this was cute-level.
"No need to tense up, Jian. Just here to listen—answer easy."
"Ah, got it…."
Polomi had Mira fetch a tiny chair for the table, then grilled me on Flat's loan details. As expected, she was here for higher-ups: full story on the incident. I spilled everything unfiltered. She quizzed signed-off Fred and the branch manager too.
"Impressive. Newbie banker pulling this? Rare."
"Just lucky."
Post-interview, Polomi buzzed around my head, whispering ticklish praise in my ear. Wing dust allergy? My face burned anyway. HR vibe had me tense, even with Mira there. Wish I'd landed a witty quip.
"Got the scoop. Wrapping here—I'll report up well."
"Thanks for your time."
Polomi cabbed home. I changed, grabbed waiting Mira from the café, and hit the restaurant. Seafood spot with solid reviews.
"Sea bream belly topped with raw fish."
"Mmm~!"
Mira's nose squealed at first bite. Mine too—damn good. Pricey course, but fair turn after her booze last time. Assuming her info's juicy.
"So, what's the fun stuff?"
The dark elf sipped clear rice wine from a dainty cup, grinned mischievously, and pulled her smartphone.
She showed a phone pic.
"This is…."
"Spotted papers on the section chief's desk by chance. Your name, Jian oppa?"
"Mine?"
That's why no text—meet in person. Zoomed: my name clear. Rest obscured by folder, but HR docs mean likely transfer soon. Other visible? "3 months" in a blank.
Perfect—ends probation, promote to deputy. Timed for reassignment from West Podoks?
"Clearer pic?"
"Tried peeking, but chief walked in—bolted…."
Probation shakeup? Two options: great or terrible.
"Personnel transfer docs? Any guesses?"
"One spot…."
Mira pondered, then whispered at 1/10 volume.
"Where. HQ?"
"No."
"…Provinces?"
"Just my hunch—no boonies exile, promise—"
"Spit it."
Mira leaned to my ear.
"Rumor at HQ lately."
"What rumor."
"Board decided—soon—"
Her words lit my eyes.
"Candidate selection…?"
"Yeah. That's the word."
I shoved sushi from my plate into her mouth. She froze, then melted blissfully, chewing.
"Eat up. Add singles if you want more."
"Yeth, oppa…."
Gut said: rare chance. No doubt.