Ethan was driving the BMW on the highway, now following the navigation straight to his new penthouse. The indicator led him to an unmistakably exclusive zone. He noted the guard shacks, the armed security, and the patrol SUVs that looked more military than civilian, all labeled "Private Security."
He approached the gate slowly. One of the guards, an imposing man, stepped out immediately and signaled for Ethan to lower his window.
The guard's voice was firm, but meticulously polite. "Good afternoon, sir. Can I ask your name and destination within the compound?"
This guy is being super professional, Ethan thought, feeling the intense gaze of the Man scanning the car.
[They have to be this professional. This kind of security knows that everyone living here is beyond rich. If they offend the wrong person, the best-case scenario is losing their job. Worst case? They might just end up wearing concrete pajamas at the bottom of the river,] The System chimed in, reading his thoughts perfectly.
What am I supposed to say? I don't even know where this place is. How will he know it's mine? Ethan thought back, feeling like a total amateur.
[Rookie move. Check your glove compartment. There's a folder inside. Hand that power-of-attorney over to the guard,] The System instructed with a clear tone of superiority.
"One moment, please," Ethan told the guard, reaching over to the passenger side. He pulled out the folder and handed it over. "This should explain everything."
The guard took the folder, and his eyes quickly scanned the contents. Immediately, he signaled the main shack. A moment later, a woman emerged.
She was dressed in a formal secretary's uniform. A tight, gray pencil skirt suit clung perfectly to her hourglass figure, highlighting every curve. Her makeup was heavy, but made her look stunning and all-business. Ethan's gaze went straight to the stockings and garters visible just above her knees.
Ethan's gaze went straight to the stockings and garters visible just above her knees. His mind immediately went to what that garter belt would look like without the skirt.
The System laughed, a private, amused sound in his head. [Invite her into the mansion, Hahaha! She won't hesitate for a second to jump in and give you a full tour of your new place. I bet if you asked, she would do it wearing just the garter belt. Or even completely naked. Hahaha!]
The contagious, mocking laughter of the System made Ethan grin too, that subtle, uneasy feeling of mental compliance washing over him.
The officer stepped back. "The lady will assist you now, sir. If you need anything at all, we are here to serve."
The guard quickly retreated, thinking that a new rich resident had arrived. He wanted no part in dealing with the new client and his likely demands.
The woman approached Ethan's window, her movements efficient and clearly practiced. She held the folder the guard had given her, scanning the documents quickly.
She offered a smile that was all business—perfectly executed, but cold around the eyes. "Good afternoon, Mr. Zane. My name is Victoria Sterling. I am the Acquisitions Coordinator for the property."
Victoria paused, her eyes still on the papers. "Everything looks absolutely excellent here. Welcome to The Celestial Garden."
Ethan couldn't help but smile at the name, though internally, he was dying of laughter. The Celestial Garden? It sounds like a cheap perfume brand.
Victoria misinterpreted the grin completely. "I take it you approve of the naming, sir. If you are ready, I would be delighted to escort you and hand over the property."
The System immediately jumped in, its tone smug and victorious. [See? Told you! You didn't even have to ask. She surrendered all by herself as a little welcome package. This is going to be so easy.]
She is just being polite, Ethan mentally countered. Not everyone is as cynical as you think.
The System scoffed. [You absolutely have no idea how the world works, do you? Look at her face. That perfect smile. The way she moves. She's practiced at pleasing rich men. That's part of the job description here.]
[Women like her get a direct commission, maybe two percent of the sale, and her company takes about thirty-five percent. The rest goes to the realty firm. But understand this: Once she hands over the property to you, she makes a massive payday. That's why she's so attentive.]
How much money can she really make on one house? Don't exaggerate, Ethan thought, trying to remain rational.
The System burst into digital, high-pitched laughter. [Kid... You are going to love this. The property you just earned is currently appraised at approximately one hundred and fifty million dollars.]
The figure hit Ethan like a physical blow. One hundred and fifty million.
[And that's not even the most expensive one. Your random reward bonus gave you this house. If you had just been a little bit luckier, you would have gotten the Premium Mansion, which is valued at around five hundred million.]
Ethan felt the massive figure hit him like a physical blow. One hundred and fifty million. The thought of his old, cramped apartment instantly vanished.
"I—The house I earned is worth that much?" Ethan thought, completely forgetting he was talking to a ruthless digital entity. One hundred and fifty million.
[You heard me, kid. And that's not even the most expensive one. Calculate her two percent and tell me she's just being polite. Now shut up and play the part.]
Ethan forced his mind back to the present, staring at Victoria Sterling.
"That's... quite the name," Ethan managed, still slightly breathless.
Victoria's business smile didn't waver. "The Celestial Garden is a unique residential experience, Mr. Zane. I'm pleased you appreciate the title. If you are ready, I would be delighted to escort you and hand over the property and complete the final paperwork."
"Ms. Sterling," Ethan said, his voice now sounding much steadier, mirroring the immense wealth he suddenly possessed. "Please lead the way."