Coffee Delivery

Lingling's corporate office had never been more chaotic. Employees, usually buried in their screens or busy with tasks, were now huddled in groups near the reception area, craning their necks and openly staring at the unexpected visitor in the center of the room. Orm stood there effortlessly stealing the show. She was wearing a figure-hugging midi dress in a soft cream color that accentuated her curves, looking like she'd just stepped off the cover of a high-fashion magazine. Trays of coffee cups balanced gracefully in her hands, but it was clear no one was interested in the drinks.

"Who is that?" a male manager whispered, unable to look away.

"She's gorgeous," a female assistant muttered, her eyes wide.

"Do you think she's a model? Or an actress?"

"Does it matter?" another chimed in. "I'd sell my soul just to get her number."

Lingling stepped off the elevator, flanked by her CFO and best friend, Freen. Her sharp gaze immediately took in the scene, and she snapped, "What is going on here?" Her tone cut through the murmur like a blade.

Freen smirked, arms crossed as she surveyed the scene. "Looks like we've got a celebrity cameo. Or a very popular delivery girl."

Lingling's frown deepened, and her eyes zeroed in on the source of the disturbance. When she saw Orm, her stomach did a strange flip. Orm turned at the sound of Lingling's voice, her face lighting up. "CEO!" she called, as though they were old friends. She waved, the motion making the hem of her dress sway just enough to draw even more attention.

Lingling's eye twitched. "What is she doing here?"

One of the employees near Orm spoke up, starry-eyed. "She knows the CEO?"

Another sighed dreamily, "Do you think they're close? Oh my god, I hope she's single."

Lingling clenched her fists. "Everyone, back to work!" The employees scattered reluctantly, though not without sneaking longing glances at Orm.

Orm turned, her face lighting up when her eyes landed on Lingling. "Hey, CEO!"

Lingling closed her eyes briefly, willing herself to stay composed. When she opened them, her tone was frosty. "You."

Orm beamed, as if she hadn't noticed the glare. "Me! Small world, huh? Didn't know this was your office." Orm walked over, her smile radiant and unaffected by the chaos. "Lingling! What a surprise seeing you here."

Freen's brow shot up. "Lingling?" she echoed with a smirk tugging at her lips. "First-name basis already? I have to hear this story."

Lingling shot her a death glare but said nothing, her eyes glued to Orm. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, I'm just helping out with deliveries today," Orm said cheerfully. "Thought it'd be fun."

Freen stepped forward, her smile turning into a wolfish grin. "Hi, I'm Freen. CFO. So, Blooming Beans, huh? That's your coffee shop?"

Orm nodded. "That's right."

"Well," Freen said, her tone dripping with flirtation, "maybe I should stop by sometime. You can show me some of your specialties... and something more." She winked shamelessly.

Everyone in the office was practically gasping for air, with wide eyes and mouths hanging open. Freen was flirtation incarnate and no one was immune.

Orm, who had clearly mastered the art of graceful deflection, leaned in slightly and said, "I'm sure you'd love the caramel macchiato, Freen. And I'll make sure to keep the coffee hot... just for you."

"Just for me, huh?" Freen teased, running a hand through her hair. She smiled at Lingling, whose expression had gone from annoyed to outright territorial in the blink of an eye. "I like that idea. Maybe you can show me more than just your coffee... Maybe a private tour of the shop? I'm sure I could get some extra special attention."

The office collectively held its breath, waiting for Orm to either laugh or get uncomfortable, but she didn't flinch. Instead, she offered Freen a knowing smile. "Sure, come by anytime. I'll be happy to show you around. Maybe afterward we can get a drink somewhere... if you're up for it."

Lingling stepped between them so quickly it was almost aggressive. "Freen, don't you have something important to do?"

Freen tilted her head, unfazed. "This feels pretty important."

Before Lingling could respond, one of the braver employees sidled up to Orm, smiling shyly. "So, um, do you have a partner? Or maybe... you're looking for one?"

Orm blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, I—"

Another employee jumped in, not even pretending to be subtle. "If you need any recommendations for places to go around here, I'd be happy to take you out sometime."

Lingling's jaw tightened. "Is this a dating app or a workplace? Back. To. Work."

The crowd hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly dispersed, muttering complaints about how unfair it was.

Freen, however, wasn't done. "So, Orm," she continued with a sly grin, "you look like someone who enjoys a good chat. Maybe next time, instead of delivering coffee, you can just come straight to my office. We'll have a... private meeting."

Orm raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "I'll think about it."

Lingling's patience snapped. "Orm, your delivery is complete. You should leave now."

Orm tilted her head, her smile playful. "You're kicking me out already?"

Lingling's voice was steely. "Yes."

Orm shrugged, still grinning. "Well, it was nice seeing you, Lingling. I'll see you around."

Freen's smirk widened as she watched Orm leave. The second the door closed behind her, she turned to Lingling, her expression gleeful. "First-name basis? Really? I didn't know you were so... friendly."

Lingling glared at her. "Don't you have work to do?"

"Oh, I do," Freen said, grinning. "But I think I'll be stopping by Blooming Beans later. That dress alone is worth the trip."

Lingling didn't dignify her with a response, storming off to her office.

When she was finally alone, she slumped into her chair, massaging her temples. Her mind replayed the scene: Orm's smile, Freen's shameless flirting, the way her employees had looked at Orm like she was a rare jewel.