The Billionaire System: Only I Know the Currency Has Changed

CHAPTER 8

Lucas's stomach growled so loudly that he winced.

He had been unconscious for an entire week, and throughout that time, infusions had kept him alive. Although the doctors had assured him that his condition was stable, nobody had yet given him the kind of meal he was desperately craving. Now that he had a luxurious private suite and money to spend, he was determined to change that.

He pressed the call button beside his bed.

A few minutes later, a professionally dressed woman entered the room with a pleasant smile.

“Good morning, Mr. Bennett. I'm Clara, the private ward concierge assigned to assist you with your non-medical requests. How may I help you?”

“I'm hungry,” Lucas admitted. “Terribly hungry, actually. I want a proper meal, something nutritious, delicious, and filling. Could you recommend a few dishes?”

“Certainly, sir. We work with several premium restaurants, including a four-star establishment that offers private-ward dining services. I can arrange a menu for you and coordinate the order.”

“Perfect. Choose something good for me, but please confirm with my medical team that it's suitable for my recovery. I haven't eaten properly in a week, and I don't want to upset my stomach by rushing into anything.”

“Of course, sir. I'll check with your care team first, then bring you the available menu.”

Lucas nodded appreciatively. “And don't worry about the price. I'll pay for everything myself.”

Clara returned shortly afterward with a carefully selected menu. After confirming the dietary recommendations with the medical team, she explained the dishes she had chosen, including a delicate vegetable soup, grilled salmon, roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and assorted steamed vegetables. She also recommended fresh fruit, a selection of desserts, freshly squeezed juice, and mineral water.

Lucas listened with growing anticipation.

“Order the lot,” he said, then reconsidered. “Well, not enormous portions of everything. Make it a generous tasting selection, with enough variety for me to enjoy without overdoing it.”

Clara smiled. “I'll arrange that for you, sir.”

The order included premium ingredients, special preparation, and dedicated delivery from the restaurant. By the time the final bill arrived, the total was $7,000.

Lucas reviewed the invoice and paid it without hesitation. He also added a generous tip for Clara in appreciation of her efficient service.

“Thank you, Mr. Bennett,” she said, genuinely pleased. “I'll make sure everything is arranged promptly. If you need anything else, please let me know.”

“I certainly will.”

When the meal arrived, the aroma alone nearly made Lucas forget his manners. The dishes had been arranged beautifully, each one looking as though it belonged in a luxury dining magazine. He took his time sampling the different flavours, enjoying the crisp vegetables, tender chicken, perfectly prepared fish, and rich but carefully balanced sauces.

The desserts were equally satisfying, and the fresh fruit provided a refreshing finish.

Lucas had never realized how much he could appreciate a simple meal until he had gone so long without one.

He followed the medical team's advice and ate gradually, allowing himself to enjoy the food without forcing more down than he could comfortably manage. By the time he finished, he felt considerably better, and the satisfaction on his face was impossible to miss.

“Now that's what I call living,” he said, leaning back against his pillows. “I feel more alive already.”

[Host, your expenditure has been recorded. You have spent $7,000 on dining and gratuity.]

Lucas glanced at the system interface.

He had spent $700,000 upgrading his accommodation and another $7,000 on a meal that had reminded him what it felt like to enjoy life. There was still a substantial amount left, and the mission deadline continued to count down.

Instead of feeling anxious, however, Lucas found himself thinking about something else.

His clothes.

The outfit he had been wearing before the accident was hardly suitable for the life he hoped to build. He didn't need to become obsessed with appearances, but he was tired of looking like a man who had nothing, especially when he finally had the means to change that.

He looked down at himself and made a decision.

“Perhaps it's time for a little wardrobe change,” he murmured. “If I'm going to start living differently, I might as well dress the part.”

A smile spread across his face as he imagined tailored suits, quality shoes, elegant shirts, and a few accessories that would make him look and feel like a completely different man.

[Host, please remember that your mission deadline is approaching.]

“I know,” Lucas replied, his smile widening. “And I already know what I'm doing next.”

He picked up his phone, ready to explore the world of luxury fashion for the first time in his life.