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Chapter 58: The Trap
🕑 Added 2025-08-22 03:11:51 +0000 UTCAfter finishing his business with Jace, Owen drove home in the late afternoon. He spent a little time greeting Damian and Clara, who were enjoying their new life in the living room, before excusing himself to the solitude of his bedroom, which was like his private command center. He threw himself down into his favorite gaming chair, letting out a long sigh to drive away the fatigue and mental clutter from his latest mission.
Now, it was time to get back to focusing on an equally important project… Rosy’s debut as a streamer.
He turned on his computer. The large monitor flared to life, revealing a rough plan he had drafted. It was filled with market analysis data, target audiences, and initial content ideas. Owen knew that the first debut was the most important. It was the first impression that would determine whether Rosy’s channel would "make it" or "break it."
To create the maximum impact, he and Julian agreed that Rosy had to debut in a high-quality cosplay of a character from a fantasy anime that was currently a massive hit. It would immediately attract both fans of the anime and viewers who liked cosplay streamers. But the problem was… where would he find an outfit of that level?
Owen knew that a generic, off-the-shelf cosplay would never create the impression he wanted. He needed a meticulously crafted outfit with perfect details, as if it had jumped right off the TV screen… and in that moment, he thought of someone who would know the best source… the "Goddess of the Fashion World," Sahara.
He picked up his phone, dialed the number from the golden business card she had given him, and after a short wait, the voice full of confidence and unique charm came through.
"What is it, my love~? What made you call me? Is there a problem with the clothes you bought?"
"Not at all, Sahara," Owen chuckled softly. "The outfit you chose is perfect. But I have something else I'd like to ask for your help with." He briefly explained the streamer project and said he was looking for a "talented cosplay costume maker."
Sahara laughed with delight. "Oh, darling~ That stuff isn't my style at all," she said. "But you called the right person… I know exactly who you're looking for. She's a freelancer who works alone. Her skill in creating cosplay outfits is… you could call it god-tier. But the reason she's not widely known is that she's a little shy."
"That's exactly who I need," Owen said with excitement.
"Of course. I'll send you her contact info in a message. And… tell her I was the one who recommended you. She'll trust you more," Sahara said as a parting shot before hanging up.
Not long after, a message from Sahara popped up on Owen’s phone screen, with the short name "Finley" and a phone number. Owen didn't wait; he dialed it immediately.
After a moment… the call was answered, and the voice made Owen a little surprised. It was an unbelievably soft and cute voice, but it was also laced with clear nervousness and uncertainty.
"H-hello..."
"Hello, this is Owen. I got your contact information from Ms. Sahara," Owen introduced himself politely.
The moment she heard Sahara’s name, he could feel the tense atmosphere on the other end of the line relax instantly. "Oh… you're an acquaintance of Ms. Sahara. What a relief~" The voice became friendlier and more trusting. "Um… so… what did you want to talk about?"
Owen briefly explained the streamer project and his need for a masterpiece-level cosplay outfit. Upon hearing about the challenging work, the voice on the other end changed again. It was now filled with the excitement and confidence of an artist who had found a creative project she liked.
"That sounds very interesting! A good challenge," the voice replied enthusiastically. "In that case, we should probably meet to discuss the details and look at some drafts. Would you be free to meet at the central park tomorrow, Mr. Owen? I don't have my own shop, you see."
"Of course. How about nine in the morning tomorrow? The atmosphere should be nice then," Owen suggested.
"Perfect! It's a deal," the other end replied cheerfully.
After hanging up, Owen leaned back in his chair with a feeling of slight impressment and curiosity. He smiled to himself as he imagined the cosplay artist… someone with a cute but shy voice, and skills that even Sahara had to acknowledge… He felt an indescribable anticipation to meet the "owner of the voice" tomorrow.
…..
The central park at nine in the morning had a fresh atmosphere, full of the green of nature. Soft sunlight filtered through the leaves of the large trees in golden beams, creating a sparkling pattern on the dew-damp grass. The scent of colorful, beautifully planted flowers drifted on the cool, comfortable breeze. Owen arrived at the meeting spot, a bench under a large maple tree, and saw who he presumed was the person he was meeting, already waiting.
A small, slender figure, about 20 years old, in a soft, comfortable cream-colored knitted cardigan worn over a white tank top and light-blue high-waisted shorts, which revealed fair, shapely legs. Her short, fluffy light brown hair was styled to be casually messy, complementing a sweet face that was like a porcelain doll. A pair of large, light brown eyes scanned the surroundings nervously, her slender hands gripping the straps of the backpack on her lap tightly.
[Character Illustration: Finley]
'Cuter than I expected,' Owen thought to himself as he walked towards her quietly.
"Are you Finley?"
The owner of the name jumped like a startled rabbit, whipping her head around to look at him with wide, shocked eyes, before quickly standing up and giving a small, polite bow. "Ah… Y-yes… I'm… Finley Sterling. N-nice to meet you!" The voice that replied was as soft and cute as it had been on the phone, but it was laced with clear nervousness.
'Her nervous voice is so cute~' Owen couldn't help but smile, having been struck by Finley's adorable demeanor. He was now 100% sure this was the shy artist Sahara had mentioned. He began to use feminine pronouns for Finley without realizing it. "I'm Owen. Nice to meet you too. Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the bench.
Finley just gave a small nod and sat back down primly, not daring to meet his eyes directly, a shyness that only amplified her cuteness in Owen's eyes.
Although she seemed nervous at first, the moment Owen started talking about work, the atmosphere around Finley changed instantly. The shyness from a moment ago vanished, replaced by a look of determination and a deep passion for her own work.
"You said you need a cosplay outfit for a new streamer's debut, right, Mr. Owen?" Finley asked as she took a tablet out of her backpack. "Can you tell me the rough concept?"
"It's the ‘Demon Lord Girl’ character from the anime, 'Reborn in Another World as a Fallen Demon Lord,'"
Upon hearing the name of that anime, Finley’s eyes sparkled. "Oh! That character has a beautiful design! And the details of the outfit are incredible!" He was like a different person, talking with enthusiasm. "I've been wanting to try making that outfit! It's a really popular anime right now!"
Finley started to open a sample portfolio file on her tablet and showed it to Owen. The images that appeared made Owen so stunned he was speechless. They were pictures of cosplay outfits so beautiful and incredibly detailed it was almost unbelievable they were handmade. From a knight's armor that looked like real metal but reflected light beautifully, to a witch's gown embroidered with glowing magical patterns, to a steampunk outfit with complex mechanisms. Every piece was a masterpiece.
As Finley leaned in to explain the details of each material on the tablet screen, Owen unintentionally inhaled a faint, sweet scent, like vanilla and a hint of flowers, filling his lungs. He could see her fluffy, light brown hair just inches away, and the smooth skin of her cheeks, which were almost poreless. Finley's cuteness at such close range made his heart beat a little faster, and he felt an unstoppable heat begin to build in his lower body.
"About the measurements," Finley continued, pulling Owen from his trance. "If it's inconvenient for you to come get measured in person, I can send you a list of the required measurements along with a detailed video tutorial on how to do it."
"That's great," Owen replied. He was deeply impressed by this professionalism that came with such cuteness. The two of them discussed the concept, materials, and delivery schedule with relish. The conversation flowed smoothly, filled with the enthusiasm of an artist who had met a client who understood the value of her work.
Owen felt like he wasn't just commissioning a job… he was getting to know someone who was becoming more and more charming and interesting…
After they had finished discussing the work details, the once-formal atmosphere relaxed noticeably. The late-morning sun began to shine more strongly, but it was still cool and comfortable under the shade of the maple tree. Owen didn't want this meeting to end just yet, so he continued the conversation with Finley.
"I'm really impressed with your work, Finley," Owen began. "When did you start getting into this kind of creative work?"
The question seemed to surprise Finley a little. He was quiet for a moment as if gathering his thoughts. "Um… well… for as long as I can remember, I guess?" he answered softly. "When I was a kid, I liked watching cartoons and drawing the characters I liked. When I got a little older, I wanted to try and bring them to life… so it started from there."
"So you do everything yourself? From designing the patterns to the sewing and painting?" Owen asked, impressed.
Finley nodded shyly. "Yes… I like to have control over every step. It's like creating a piece of art." When speaking about what she loved, the once-nervous look in Finley’s eyes began to shine with confidence. "I'm very happy when I see the outfits I create, and that they can also let someone become the character they love!"
The more they talked, the more Owen felt that Finley was an extremely cute and precious person. Every time she laughed softly at his jokes, or when her light brown eyes sparkled when talking about what she liked, it made Owen so delighted he almost didn't want the conversation to end.
He watched Finley as she spoke with relish… the thin lips that moved as she chattered, the smooth, clear cheeks that flushed red in the sunlight, and the fair legs that shifted under her shorts in a fetching way. That pure beauty and innocent demeanor violently stimulated the raw, predatory instinct within him. He felt the familiar heat begin to build at the core of his body…
As Owen was enjoying the conversation and lost in his own heated thoughts…
Ting!~
The translucent blue screen of the [Choice System] appeared before him, offering a relationship path with Finley.
…..
[You are developing good feelings for the target before you. What will you do next?]
[1. End the conversation professionally.]: (Relationship Unchanged)
[2. Befriend her. Talk about games and anime with Finley.]: (Affection +1 | Enters the path to being friends with Finley)
[3. Compliment Finley for who he is beyond his work and ask him out for next time.]: (Affection +1 | Enters the path to wooing Finley)
…..
Owen scanned the options quickly. For him, the answer was clearer than clear.
Although his radar for distinguishing between a "real woman" and a "trap" might be a bit faulty, his radar for finding charming and attractive people was always sharp. And for Owen… if he was truly "into" someone, gender was a minor detail he could overlook.
Seeing Finley's cute face and shy demeanor, combined with the system confirming he was a target who could enter a romance path, he didn't hesitate in the slightest to choose "Option 3."
"I really love hearing you talk about your work," Owen said, breaking the silence, his voice full of sincerity. "The passion you have for your work is truly amazing."
The unexpected compliment made Finley pause for a moment. His sweet face flushed. "Th-thank you."
Owen met the light brown eyes that were looking down shyly before continuing in a softer, deeper voice, "Your work is amazing… but I think the person who created it is even more amazing…"
He paused for a moment, letting the words work on the listener's feelings. "...If you don't mind, I'd like to get to know you better. Could we go for coffee sometime?"
The direct invitation made Finley look up at him with a look of complete shock. His face quickly turned crimson, spreading to his ears, as if he had been splashed with hot water. He quickly looked away, bowing his head until his chin almost touched his chest, before giving a barely perceptible nod.
"O-okay..."
The reply was so soft it almost disappeared in the wind, but it was loud enough for Owen to hear. A satisfied smile appeared at the corner of his lips. He stood up. "I'll take my leave then. I'll contact you again about the measurement details."
Owen walked away with a feeling of satisfaction and excitement for the new "little lady" he had just met, unaware that he was walking into the sweetest… and perhaps most dangerous "trap" he had ever encountered in his life…
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