Ashburn's day started before the sun even rose. The streets of Ashrock City were still half-asleep when he parked his bike in front of Khan General Store One. Workers were already opening boxes, the soft hum of morning activity mixing with the call of street vendors.
He stepped inside, scanning shelves. Everything was in place — at least for now.
"Morning, sir," said Salman, one of the new helpers.
"Morning," Ashburn replied, straightening a few tins. "Start arranging the detergent section. Keep the top shelves uniform — customers always notice the first row."
The boy nodded quickly.
Just as Ashburn was finishing the display, Aisha walked in — neat, composed, and carrying a ledger. "Delivery from Horizon Group's delayed again. I called them, but they said something about an offload issue."
Ashburn sighed. "They said the same thing yesterday."
He took out his phone, dialing swiftly. "Mr. Farid," he said, voice steady but firm, "I can't have delays on back-to-back days. I respect Horizon's work, but consistency matters more than excuses."
There was a brief silence on the line. Then came a hasty reply, "Yes, sir, one hour at most. I'll personally make sure it reaches."
Ashburn ended the call and exhaled. "Sometimes, being polite isn't enough," he said quietly.
Aisha smiled faintly. "You handled it better than I could've. I'd have lectured him for twenty minutes."
"That's why people fear you more," he teased.
Her lips curved into a grin. "Maybe that's why they listen."
Soon, the Horizon truck arrived, followed by a smaller one — Rafiq Traders, a local supplier. As workers unloaded cartons, Ashburn noticed one of the sugar bags seemed lighter.
"Rafiq sahib," he said, stepping closer. "This batch feels off."
The man scratched his neck nervously. "Maybe packaging difference, sir. Happens sometimes."
Ashburn's gaze sharpened slightly — that quiet pulse in his chest activating as Truth-Seeking Skill analyzed the man's tone, eyes, heartbeat. He isn't lying… but he's covering someone else's mistake.
"Fine," Ashburn said at last. "But check everything before sending next time. I value honesty more than apologies."
Rafiq nodded quickly, relief clear on his face.
As the trucks left, Aisha leaned against the counter. "You always manage to read people like open books."
Ashburn smiled faintly. "It's just observation… and a bit of luck."
"Hmm," she murmured, watching him. "If that's luck, I could use some of it too."
He chuckled. "You already have enough — just don't use it all on arguing."
She rolled her eyes. "You'll miss my arguments if I stop."
"Maybe," he said softly, and for a second, their gazes lingered before the next customer walked in.
---
By afternoon, Ashburn visited Kainat's Community Kitchen, one of the two charity branches she ran. The smell of freshly cooked lentils filled the air, and volunteers were packing boxes for underprivileged families.
Kainat looked up from her register as Ashburn entered. "You're here early."
"I had to check the logistics for your new ration drive," he said. "The second branch is doing great — I just want to make sure both stay funded properly."
She smiled gently. "You don't have to worry so much. The donations are steady, and your support's already more than enough."
"I still like to make sure," he replied, watching her instruct volunteers with quiet authority. There was something about her — soft-spoken yet grounded.
When a little boy stumbled near the counter, spilling a cup of water, Kainat immediately bent down, patting his head. "It's okay, beta. Go sit — I'll bring you another one."
Ashburn couldn't help smiling. This is why she's special. Her calm heals people in silence.
He helped move a few sacks and stayed a while, discussing plans for expanding food delivery routes before heading home.
---
Evening came softly. The city lights flickered awake as Ashburn walked into his house. The air smelled of cooked rice and spices.
"Dinner's ready," his mother called.
"Coming," he said, putting his phone aside.
In the lounge, Sami was sitting on the floor, his school bag beside him. "Bhai, guess what! I got second in the class quiz!"
Ashburn grinned, ruffling his hair. "That's great! But next time, let's aim for first, hmm?"
Sami puffed up proudly. "I will!"
Their father chuckled from the sofa. "You're teaching him ambition, son. Don't forget to rest yourself once in a while."
Ashburn smiled faintly. "Maybe after this evaluation cycle."He thought internally.
Dinner went by in laughter and light teasing. Later, when everyone had gone to bed, Ashburn sat near the window, laptop on his lap, checking records. His thoughts drifted.
One year ago, I was barely keeping the shop alive. Now two shops, two kitchens, a growing network… all because of the system.
And then, just as he closed the laptop, a familiar, deep voice echoed in his mind — clear and emotionless.
> [System Evaluation: 5th Cycle — 80% Complete.]
Total Profit: 9,00,000 PKR. Capital: 40,00,000 PKR.
Performance Status: Excellent. Continue maintaining growth.
A new feature will unlock at cycle completion.
Ashburn smiled quietly. "A new feature, huh? Let's see what you've got for me next time."
He leaned back, glancing at his phone — one unread message.
Kainat had texted earlier, "Today went well. The kids loved the meal."
And Aisha had sent, "Don't forget to review tomorrow's delivery routes."
He smiled softly. "Even when they're not here, they're here."
The ceiling fan spun lazily above. Outside, the streets of Ashrock City hummed faintly — a city of ambition, survival, and quiet dreams.
Ashburn closed his eyes. Another day done. Another step forward.