The First Order After the New Year

On the first day of business in the new year, Wise shouted at Belle as she came downstairs, "Belle! A huge order just came in! The deposit alone could cover Fairy's electricity bill for three months!"

"Seriously? Bro, are you still half-asleep?" Belle yawned, clearly thinking her brother was daydreaming.

After all, the video store's reservation feature had only been added before the New Year. It had originally just been an account they casually set up on an app to help Nicole meet her year-end targets.

"Of course it's real! Go freshen up! The big client will be here in five minutes!"

"Huh? He'll be here in ten minutes... then what's even the point of making a reservation?" Belle looked utterly baffled. Before she could think it over, Wise shoved her into the washroom.

Ten minutes later, an elegant guest arrived at the video store. He wore a purple suit and a square top hat, with a golden ponytail and mismatched eyes.

"That pale skin, that exquisite face, those elegant clothes... don't tell me you're a legendary vampire!" Belle stared at the major client with shining eyes, touching here and looking there. Her curiosity had utterly crushed the usual sense of distance one should keep from a stranger.

"Ahem, Belle! Watch yourself!" Wise coughed awkwardly twice and reached out to pull Belle back.

"Ha ha, Manager Belle truly is... delightful. You're rather different from the rumors." Hugo smiled, removed his top hat and held it to his chest, then bent slightly in a gentlemanly bow.

"But unfortunately, New Eridu has no such species as vampires."

"Managers, it is a pleasure to meet you. Sorry for the disturbance. My name is Hugo. You could say I'm a collector."

"Hugo? A collector?" Wise stroked his chin and asked curiously, "Then what brings