His mind quickly flashed through several familiar early figures from the crypto world in his past life: the Winklevoss twins, Barry Silbert, Roger Ver... However, these people were either already famous and impossible to control, or had complicated backgrounds and questionable ethics, or had uncertain futures.
None of them were suitable.
What he needed was someone NEW!
A newcomer still in college, with real potential, technical background, passionate about cryptocurrency, not yet corrupted by the industry, and someone he could completely trust and guide!
Ethan's eyes gradually sharpened, his thoughts crystallizing.
Target: University campus! Ideally a college student majoring in finance or computer science-related fields, about to graduate or freshly graduated, with knowledge or even active research into Bitcoin!
After school started, he'd have to find exactly the right person.
....
He entered the coffee shop.
The rich aroma of coffee mixed with soft jazz immediately hit him, instantly soothing both the morning's exhaustion and his current excitement.
His gaze quickly swept the slightly dim but elegant space and immediately locked onto the corner booth by the window.
Diana was already there.
She was wearing an impeccably tailored cream-colored linen dress today that made her skin look absolutely flawless.
She had her head tilted slightly, looking intently at the tablet in her hand, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows, and the lines of her profile were perfect like a sculpture.
That mature, intellectual charm combined with her relaxed elegance was completely different from the young college girls he'd seen shopping at the mall this morning—like a calm deep ocean, drawing you in to drown willingly.
He walked over quickly.
Diana seemed to sense something and looked up.
The moment she saw Ethan, her calm eyes instantly lit up, creating gentle, affectionate ripples, and the corners of her mouth curved into a subtle smile that could intoxicate any man.
She set down her tablet, her voice soft with that intimacy only they shared:
"There you are, honey."
He pulled out his chair and sat down, lowering his voice, responding with a smile:
"Yeah. You been waiting long?"
"No, just got here a little while ago."
Diana pushed an iced Americano she'd already ordered across to Ethan.
Ethan grabbed the cold, condensation-covered cup and took a huge satisfying gulp. The icy coffee slid down his throat, absolutely refreshing.
"Perfect!"
Diana smiled and teased:
"So, Boss Miller, what are your orders today?"
Ethan nodded, leaning forward slightly, his expression getting more serious:
"The building in New York—all the transfer paperwork with Michael is finished, right?"
"Yep, got the deed and keys."
The tenderness in Diana's eyes quietly shifted to sharp, capable focus:
"Just waiting for our company to move in."
"Good."
Ethan's fingers tapped lightly on the table, rhythm steady:
"Time's not on our side. I have to report for orientation September 1st and officially start college life. Company-wise, we need to lay solid groundwork before that—at minimum get it functional so we can start hiring and operating."
Diana looked at him seriously, her eyes showing both subordinate focus and partner trust:
"Yeah, timeline's definitely tight. What's your plan?"
Ethan met her gaze, his eyes gentle but organized:
"I need you to fly to New York ASAP in the next day or two and get the basic groundwork handled."
"No problem."
Diana agreed without hesitation, with a touch of pride:
"I was already planning to go check out the space in the next couple days anyway. What exactly do you need your temporary operations manager to handle?"
Ethan laid it out clearly and methodically:
"First thing—the space itself! The building's been sitting empty for a while, needs a thorough professional cleaning and sanitation. Contact a commercial cleaning company and get it done to the highest standards."
"Second—find a reliable design firm to handle interior build-out and functional zoning according to our previous planning. Reception area, open office space, large and small conference rooms, my office, your office, tech department area, plus break rooms and kitchenette—everything needs to be clearly defined and properly executed. You manage the budget, and aim to get the major construction basically finished before I start school. Furniture and finishing touches can be added gradually after."
"Got it."
Diana pulled out her phone and started taking notes quickly:
"I'll start screening design firms this afternoon. Cleaning can start on-site tomorrow."
Ethan was very satisfied with her execution speed:
"Third thing—core team. We need to build out the essential positions ASAP—admin, HR, and finance. You go to New York and hire an experienced HR person responsible for recruitment and daily operations. For admin reception, you can hire a few recent grads—just need them sharp and professional."
Diana nodded:
"Okay, got it. What about hiring standards? Especially compensation?"
Ethan picked up the small spoon in her cup and casually stirred his coffee, tone relaxed but firm:
"Salary-wise, my principle is 20% above normal market rate!"
Diana's eyes lit up, lips curving:
"That standard is VERY attractive! Boss Miller's not messing around! No problem, I'll follow that benchmark."
She quickly jotted down key points on her phone while adding:
"For reception, I'll focus on candidates who are sharp, have good presence, professional demeanor—recent grads or people with a bit of experience are both fine. For cleaning and security, I'm planning to contract with a reputable service company. I'll personally vet the situation—definitely want people with clean backgrounds and solid work ethic."
Ethan nodded, trust in his tone:
"Yeah, I trust your judgment on this."
He went on to emphasize:
"Key positions—admin, HR, and finance—all get that same standard, 20% above market rate across the board."
Diana confirmed:
"HR, reception, cleaning, and security recruitment starts the moment I land in New York. Tech team, you'll handle personally—need the expert eye for that."
She set down her phone, picked up her coffee and took a delicate sip, her eyes turning to Ethan with a smile on her lips:
"Any other orders, honey?"
That "honey" came out naturally and intimately, with a hint of playfulness.
Ethan's heart melted hearing it, and he smiled and shook his head:
"That's it for now. Main thing is—I really appreciate you taking point on this, being our pioneer."
Diana reached across the table and gently squeezed Ethan's hand, her eyes gentle but firm:
"Why are you being formal with me, honey? The company's my investment and career too. Plus, me handling this solo means more flexibility and faster decisions."
Her tone was relaxed, like she was just talking about an ordinary business trip and setting up a new apartment.
"Yeah."
Ethan squeezed her hand back and gently rubbed the back of it with his fingertips:
"With you handling things, I don't worry at all."
He looked at Diana's features that looked especially soft in the afternoon sunlight, and all the morning's exhaustion and future business planning transformed into this moment of quiet satisfaction.
A thought even crossed his mind: Maybe she could also advise on the Bitcoin trading strategy? But the thought only flickered briefly—he decided to focus on the immediate priorities first.
There are 70 advance chapters ahead in my Patreon. If you are interested can check it out.
patreon.com/B_A_3439