Artem "Sparks"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 1. Artem is not yet in a relationship with the MC.

Celestine takes all of Themis Law Firm on a company retreat in the mountains. Because Artem spent the drive working, the rest of the staff followed suit, and they emerge at the retreat grounds severely carsick. Celestine leaves the MC under Artem's care while she takes the rest of the staff to pick produce for the night's dinner.

Artem goes fishing for the evening's dinner and takes the MC along, foraging some wild fruits and nuts on the way while discussing rural life and relaxation methods. Artem quickly catches a large fish as the MC recovers from her sickness.

After catching more fish, the two return to camp; the MC offers to clean and prepare the fish since Artem caught it, assuming that he's too busy to know how to cook. He wows her with his culinary skill while reassuring her that she shouldn't feel inadequate if she doesn't meet the expectations of her gender, as she's excellent in other ways.

As the rest of Themis returns to camp, Artem and the MC grill their food for everyone to share. Artem urges the MC to bring the prepared food to her colleagues rather than call them over, because they can't relax around him. When she does, she finds her colleages heavily belittling themselves in comparison to Artem, and she brings everyone together to get more comfortable with each other.

The staff of Themis quickly warms to Artem's cooking. The MC tries some unconventional combinations on skewers that don't go over well, but Artem helps her improve them and try new combinations, all of which impress the staff.

Back at the office, the staff of Themis greets Artem warmly only to be chastised for recent mistakes in their work, undoing much of the goodwill he'd earned on the retreat. In Artem's office, Celestine praises Artem's progress with the MC.

Illustrations

Fish Attack!Artem caught a big fish! You volunteered to get the fish off the hook for him and got "slapped in the face," literally...

Text Messages

Text Message		Artem: Sweet and Sour Pork (After Story 3)

Text Message script

You: Mr. Wing, can you teach me how to make sweet and sour ribs?

Artem: Why are you asking about that all of a sudden?

I want to learn to cook

You: I want to learn how to cook!

You: Can you teach me your best dish?

Artem: Of course. It's an easy dish to make.

I want to show off

You: I want to learn how to cook, so that I can show off to my friends!

Artem: Sure. It's an easy dish to make.

Artem: I believe you'll be able to learn just by watching.

Can't control the temperature

You: It's that easy? I'm afraid I won't be able to control the temperature well.

Artem: Don't worry. It's not hard.

Artem: I will show you how to do it step-by-step.

Knife work is hard

You: But, I heard that it's hard to learn how to use a knife, so I never really tried...

Artem: Don't worry. You'll be fine with a little practice.

Artem: I will slowly demonstrate it for you to see.

What if it's bad...

You: Don't give up on me if it turns out bad...

Artem: Don't underestimate yourself.

Artem: I believe you will do a great job if you put your mind to it

I will give it everything I've got

You: I'm ready to give my best!!

Artem: This isn't a mock exam. Take it easy.

Artem: I'm looking forward to trying it.

Get feedback

You: Then, you'll have to give me some feedback on the sweet and sour ribs I make.

Artem: I will be serious with my feedback.

Practice more

You: Then... I guess I'll practice some more...

Artem: Relax...

Artem: I'm sure your cooking will taste amazing.

Text Message		Artem: Specialty Dish (After Story 6)

Text Message script

You: I didn't expect you to be such a great cook.

Artem: I'm not. I only know bit about it here and there.

Artem: Where did that come from?

I miss your cooking

You: I've been thinking about your cooking ever since the company retreat.

Artem: If you like my cooking, I can cook for you again some other time.

Artem: I'll show you my best dishes.

I'm just curious

You: I'm just curious about who taught you to cook.

Artem: My mentor, Professor Neil Hume, taught me to cook.

Artem: After I moved out, I devoted more time to it so that I could eat healthily.

Artem: He also taught me my best dish. Are you... interested to try?

Is it Western?

You: Let me guess... Is it steak?

Artem: Close. It's sweet and sour ribs.

Is it Chinese?

You: You look like someone who likes Chinese food! Am I right?

Artem: I'm amazed. It's sweet and sour ribs.

Artem: I really enjoy it so I make it often. Over time, it became my best dish.

Artem: How about you? Do you like it?

Artem: I mean, sweet and sour dishes in general.

I like it sweet

You: Yeah, I like food that's a little sweet.

Artem: Good. I didn't expect our tastes to be so similar.

Artem: Then, this weekend...

I like it salty

You: Actually, I like food that's a little on the saltier side.

Artem: I can make most homestyle dishes. Pick whatever you like.

Artem: If you're free this weekend, why don't we...

Definitely

You: Wow, I get to have it this weekend?

You: Count me in! How's Saturday?

Artem: Saturday is good. I'll pick you up.

Artem: We can also go to the grocery store to pick up other things as well.

Artem: I'm happy to cook for you.

I need to overtime

You: Oh... but I have to work this weekend...

Artem: How about this? I'll prepare the dishes at home, then bring them over to the office.

Artem: You only ever order junk food when left to your own devices.

Artem: Don't be in such a hurry to refuse. We're partners. It's my responsibility to take care of you.

Story Locations

Retreat Grounds
Campsite

Retreat Grounds
Woods

Retreat Grounds
Campsite

Themis Law Firm
Public Workspace

Themis Law Firm

Story Characters

Artem Wing

Artem Wing

Celestine Taylor

Kiki Bennet

Colleague A

Colleague B

Colleague C