"So, how are your scores these past few days?" Gray asked, his tone calm and professional as he set his pen down and looked directly at Chloe.They'd been studying for an hour since he arrived.The two sat across from each other in the study room. Chloe's books and notebooks were scattered across the table. Her laptop sat open beside highlighters lined up in color-coded rows.Chloe looked so determined to study today that it surprised Gray."It was fine." Chloe answered with a small smile playing on her lips. She pulled up her university's website and turned the screen toward Gray, showing him her scores from her last few exams.Gray leaned forward, his eyes scanning the page carefully.There was noticeable improvement across the score list. Nothing dramatic, but so much better. The gaps were closing. Her consistency was there."Hmm." Gray nodded, straightening in his seat. "You're improving. Not just in one subject either. It's across the board." His voice carried a note of awe."Yea

Everything Jonathan offered him hovered in the air like stars waiting to be captured by his answer.Money. It was the quickest way to get rich.Land. Finally, he'd have something under his name. Security that could never be repossessed.A ready-made business. It was a shortcut most people could only dream of.Gray exhaled quietly, his eyes dropping to the polished desk. It would be so easy to grab the first option and run, he thought. But easy had never been his path. Shortcuts usually came with strings he couldn't afford.Gray knew that one day, he'd be able to achieve those three with the help of his system.So what he wanted now was something the system might not be able to give him.Gray slowly lifted his gaze, meeting Jonathan's expectant look."Sir, that's generous," he began slowly, though a small smile was already playing on his lips. "But could I ask for something different?"Jonathan's brows rose, intrigued."Go on.""Someday..." Gray paused for a moment, searching for the r

For the next day, Gray didn't have any tutoring sessions with Chloe. It was Wednesday, a day to rest. But it seemed like he wouldn't be able to rest today or for the rest of his days.Gray found himself outside.He was seated in a small café just a few blocks away from their apartment. Not one of the cheap cafes he usually went to. Instead, he sat inside a cafe located on High Street.High Street was a business central district located in the heart of the Riverside District. It was a place where everything looked polished, overpriced, and a little out of reach. Designer shops lined the sidewalks. Tall high-rise buildings filled the area.Most importantly, aesthetic cafes were everywhere. The coffee here cost more than a full meal back in his own neighborhood.Gray sat by the window. He was inside Coastal Café, one of the most renowned cafés on the street. A halfway-finished iced latte sat in front of him.He used to tell himself he'd never step foot in a place like this. High Street w

Gray walked toward the entrance. Cautious. Curious. Completely unprepared for what was about to come.Marcus continued to stay in front. He led Gray inside the store, making sure to explain everything they saw. He filled Gray with all the information he thought was necessary to know.As they reached the door, the automatic panels slid open with a soft whir. A wave of cool air-conditioned air met Gray's face."It's so cold here." Gray thought as the chill brushed over his skin, waking up his senses.The moment he stepped inside, he was greeted by the faint scent of fresh produce and warm bread. The interior was brightly lit. The floor clean and polished. Music played on the speakers, creating a calm atmosphere.Against the music, footsteps, casual conversation, and the sound of carts being pushed could also be heard.Marcus slowed his pace just enough for Gray to catch up. He then began speaking in his usual respectful tone."This is the entrance zone, sir. The layout was adjusted abou

Gray barely slept that night, but when his alarm rang, he got up without groaning. He was wide awake. Surprisingly, he was as energetic as ever.Maybe it was the adrenaline of a new venture that awaited him. For the first time in a while, he was actually looking forward to something.Gray glanced at the clock on his nightstand. It was still early. He still had a few minutes to spare, but he went out of his room anyway and prepared a good breakfast for himself and Lily.Lily still didn't know that he got a new job. On top of that, it was his own. He did plan to tell her once everything was in place. There would be no room for any complications.Gray stood in the kitchen, flipping slices of ham in a pan while waiting for the bread to toast on another burner. The faint hiss of oil and the scent of toasted bread with butter filled the air.Gray glanced at the clock again. Still early. Lily wouldn't be up for a few more minutes. Good. He liked having this kind of silence.He couldn't lie.