Ethan didn't flinch.
He didn't hesitate.
He didn't look nervous or insecure.
He simply smiled at the young saleswoman, whose nervousness contrasted sharply with his calm tone.
"I'm looking for a four-door luxury vehicle that isn't too flashy," Ethan said politely.
She blinked at the request, momentarily surprised that someone in faded clothes would request a luxury car specification. But she recovered quickly and nodded.
"R-right. Of course. Let me show you our lineup."
She gestured toward a polished corridor of cars, and Ethan followed her while several men other salespeople snickered behind his back. One of them elbowed another, smirking as if he'd spotted walking comedy.
The rookie woman pretended she didn't hear.
Professional. Composed. Neutral.
She began explaining models:
"Here we have the BMW 7 Series extremely refined ride quality, excellent comfort, very advanced driver-assistance tech."
Further down:
"Next, the Lexus ES. Known for reliability, very quiet cabin, and smooth handling. Not as aggressive as the Germans, but amazing comfort."
Then:
"Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Balanced, elegant, perfect for someone who enjoys luxury without being too flashy."
They walked.
"Audi A7 Sportback. Sporty. More stylish compared to E-Class. Four doors, fast, very business-executive vibes."
Then she pointed to the BMW M3.
"This one's more performance-oriented. Loud, aggressive, powerful."
There was also Cadillac CT4, sleek, compact, modern.
The rookie didn't stop there. She continued explaining, giving Ethan the full range like he truly deserved to know his choices not like someone she assumed couldn't afford it.
She even showed him the lower-tier models, because she didn't want him to feel pressured:
"Nissan Versa. Most affordable new car for 2024."
"Hyundai Elantra. Very solid value, modern tech."
"Kia Forte. Good budget option."
"Mitsubishi Mirage. Last production year, but excellent MPG."
"And finally, Honda Civic or Toyota Yaris/Swift in certain markets budget-friendly, reliable."
Ethan listened.
Patiently.
Respectfully.
He didn't dismiss her.
He didn't look bored.
He absorbed everything she said, admiring her effort and her ability to present clearly.
But then,
Something caught his eye.
A car at the far corner.
A color between black and dark wine-red like velvet dipped in moonlight.
He slowly walked toward it.
The rookie followed.
"What model is this?" Ethan asked, unable to hide the fascination in his voice.
Her eyes lit up, because she did know this car well.
"This is the BMW 7 Series. Custom color. Advanced comfort package. Full performance upgrade optional."
The closer Ethan looked, the more the car seemed to pull him.
It wasn't just design.
It wasn't just luxury.
It wasn't even the engine or the tech.
It felt… like it belonged with him.
Like it was waiting for him.
"Price?" Ethan asked calmly.
"Base model is $2.7 million," she said.
Ethan nodded.
Not bad.
Then she mentioned the full upgrade option:
"With full package, advanced engine tuning, custom interior, armored chassis, predictive diagnostics, satellite assistance, long-range battery backup… it reaches $7.5 million."
Ethan was silent for a moment.
Everyone around perked up, ears stretching like rubber bands.
He spoke simply.
"I'll take it."
The rookie froze.
"…Sorry?"
"I'm buying this," Ethan repeated casually.
She stared at him.
The world paused.
Then she jumped slightly, snapping back to reality.
"R-Right! Of course! I'll bring the purchase documents!"
She grabbed the folder and hurried off, nearly tripping from adrenaline.
Meanwhile, the entire showroom became a stage.
Everyone staring.
Everyone whispering.
Everyone judging.
The original salesman who pawned Ethan onto the rookie couldn't hold in his laughter.
"You chose your car," he said mockingly under his breath, "now let's see if you can afford it."
Another customer nearby pointed in Ethan's direction while scoffing:
"Bro really wants to buy a $7.5M car wearing poverty clothes."
Someone else chimed in:
"He'll faint when they tell him the price is real."
Laughter swirled around the showroom like toxic perfume.
To them, the entire situation was comedy.
To them, Ethan was a delusional clown.
But Ethan… didn't care.
He stood still.
Expression neutral.
Arms crossed.
Not defensive.
Not angry.
Just waiting.
Because he knew the truth:
They didn't matter.
The rookie returned.
Hands trembling slightly.
She handed Ethan the documents.
He signed calmly stroke of pen, no hesitation.
Then she took his bank card and walked to the card reader.
And she prayed.
Not because she doubted him.
But because she needed this commission.
15% of $7.5 million?
$1,125,000.
Enough to change her life.
Her entire body was shaking.
And she had no poker face.
She swiped the card.
Beep.
Nothing.
Silence.
Everyone stared.
Snickers grew.
The salesman chuckled.
"Fraud? Declined? Guess you can't even afford bus fare."
The rookie flushed red, heart pounding.
Then she realized,
She held the card upside down.
She turned it around with shaky hands.
Swiped again.
Beep.
Processing…
Processing…
Processing…
Everyone leaned closer.
Some even held breath.
Then.
APPROVED.
Loud, clear commercial beep.
The purchase went through.
Silence shattered the room like a punch.
Everyone froze.
Faces collapsed.
Mouths dropped.
The original salesman looked like someone slapped him with a brick.
The rookie covered her mouth, eyes shaking, tears threatening to fall.
Everyone watched Ethan.
He simply smiled.
Not proud.
Not bragging.
Not mocking.
Just smiling.
Like someone who didn't need the validation of strangers.
She returned the card with trembling hands.
"Sir… your car will be ready in three days," she whispered reverently.
He nodded.
"Thank you. I appreciate your professionalism."
And with that.
He walked past them.
Out of the showroom.
Leaving behind a hall full of stunned silence, shattered assumptions, bruised egos, and the lingering ghost of social hypocrisy.
The rookie bowed in respect.
Everyone else just stared, speechless.
Ethan walked out confidently.
His head held high.
Those who doubted him…
He didn't hate them.
He didn't feel angry.
He simply smiled.
Because ignorance, prejudice, and judgment…
…were problems he would never have to worry about again.
Not when he had more than enough to protect everyone he cared about.