I Made $900 Trillion In 24 Hours

The central hospital

“You rotten piece of trash,” Reeves roared, slamming his fist on the desk. “How dare you ignore us and make such an outrageous demand? I'll have you skinned alive.”

Before Reeves could make a move at Barry, Kane Nightingale stood up and raised a hand, stopping him immediately.

He gazed at Barry with growing interest. “Don't push it, Reeves. Barry, you've piqued my interest. Do you really think you can buy this hospital which is owned by the government?”

Barry looked straight into his eyes. “I will. Once I acquire it, the surgery won't happen.”

Kane threw his head back and laughed as loud as he can. “This is just remarkable. You? Buy Central hospital? You're the same broke bastard who couldn't pay rent without the assistance of a dead woman.”

Barry gritted his teeth. “Don't make mockery of Madam Evelyn.”

Kane's smile widened into a smirk. “This is really entertaining to say the least. I'll humour you, Barry. Here's a deal. If you acquire this hospital this very night and prevent the surgery, I'll let your sister go.”

Barry's gaze didn't waver for a bit. He locked eyes with Kane. “And if I fail to buy the hospital?”

Kane stepped closer, folding his hands behind his back, a jeering expression written all over his face. “If you fail, I'll proceed with the surgery and take your sister's heart. Afterward, you'll become my slave for the rest of your miserable life.”

Reeves grinned. He loved where this was going. “What do you say, Barry? Want my advice, kneel and plead for our mercy, then we might just let you go.”

Barry ignored Reeves and took a step forward, glaring down at Kane. “You've got yourself a deal. You had better keep to your words. Once I buy this hospital, Snow leaves with me.”

For a second, Kane felt a wave of Barry's confidence overpowering him. He didn't like the way Barry gazed down at him.

“I'm a man of my words,” Kane replied stiffly. “Although I doubt you will succeed.”

A small smile appeared on Barry's face. “We shall see.”

There was something about Barry's confidence that made Kane felt like he had made a terrible mistake.

“I need to make a call,” Barry announced, exiting the office.

No one stopped nor questioned him. They were all curious to know how Barry could do.

* * * *

The central hospital had a phone booth in the hospital lobby, where calls were made for free.

Barry locked himself inside as he retrieved Veronica Phoenix's number from his pocket.

He dialed her number and held the receiver to his ears, his heart pounding.

The phone rang only once before she answered. This was her personal line. Only five people could call her with it.

“Hello?” Her lovely voice came on the line.

“Veronica, it's Barry,” he began, his voice steady and calm. “I'm in a jam right now, and I need your help.”

Veronica responded. “Tell me what's going on. I'll help whatever way I can.”

Barry began. “The Nightingale family bought my sister through some underground slave auction this afternoon, and they're planning to use her for a heart transplant.”

“That's outrageous,” she exclaimed. “Where is the surgery supposed to take place?”

“Right here at Central hospital,” Barry paused. “I need to buy the hospital tonight and stop the surgery from ever happening. I made a bet, Veronica. If I fail, not only would I lose my sister, but I'll also become a slave to the Nightingale family.”

“I can't let that happen,” Veronica said firmly. “I'll call the government and make them an offer I'm sure they can't refuse. Give me a moment. I'll get back to you shortly.”

Before Barry could reply, she had hung up.

Barry was beginning to feel at ease. He took a deep breath and leaned against the glass, waiting for Veronica's call.

Ten minutes later, Veronica called back. Barry answered the phone as if it had just turned hot.

“Hello?” Barry said.

“It's done,” Veronica stated. “Phoenix bank now owns Central hospital. I've also issued strict instructions to the government to forbid the surgery from happening. The hospital management is already speaking with the doctor in charge of the surgery as we speak.”

Barry was speechless. He couldn't believe how fast Veronica pulled it off. “But….how…”

Veronica laughed softly. “The government owes Phoenix bank a truckload of money. They tied several major loans to their infrastructure projects. Central hospital is one of the many governments owned institute used as collateral. It was quite easy to make them an offer.”

Barry felt like jumping for joy. “Veronica, I owe you a lot for this. You just saved my sister's life. How can I ever repay you?”

“Well, now you owe me dinner someday,” she replied warmly.

Barry smiled. “You've got it. I'll get back to you on that date after I take my sister home.”

“That would be great. Your account is still blowing up with numerous credit alert,” she added. “I'll keep you informed of how much you've made.”

Barry thanked her, then hung up.

He didn't rush to meet the Nightingale family. Instead, he took his sweet time.

When Barry entered the office, he met the Nightingale family gaping at him as if he were a god who had descended from heaven.

Their faces were pale, as if every blood on their faces had drained away.

Kane Nightingale's voice croaked as he asked, “How the hell did you do it?”