The Gaming Master

Chapter 7

I knew I had to change my appearance. If I was going to make a grand entrance at the university grounds the next day, I needed to look good. I  was going to ensure Felix and his crew never looked down on me again, I had to present myself differently. More importantly, I had to make sure I spent the money the system had given me before the time ran out.

With that in mind, I found myself standing in front of the biggest luxury shopping mall in the city. The bright lights of the glass building reflected my battered snickers and the faded jeans I had worn for two years straight. I took a deep breath and walked in.

The moment I stepped inside, the sales clerks gave me a once-over and immediately lost interest. One woman, a tall blonde in a pristine white suit, barely hid her sneer as she turned to whisper something to her colleague. I clenched my fists, feeling the heat of their judgment burn my skin.

"Can I help you?" she asked, her tone laced with sarcasm.

I smiled. "Yes, actually. I want to buy everything in the store."

“ Dressed like this? Oh please.” 

“ Does he think this place is a charity centre?” 

“ To think he could buy everything here makes me want to puke. That smell..where is it coming from?” 

She blinked, then laughed. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Shut down the entire luxury department. I want to buy everything in it," I said, my voice unwavering.

The other customers turned to look at me, murmuring among themselves. Some even chuckled, thinking I was joking.

"Sir, this is a luxury boutique. Do you have any idea how expensive—"

I pulled out my phone and opened my banking app. Then, with a single tap, I transferred a large sum to the store’s account.

The woman’s eyes widened as her phone pinged with a confirmation alert. The number on the screen made her breath etched in her throat.” 

"Get everyone moving," I ordered.

The manager, who had been watching from behind, stepped forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are closing the luxury department for a private shopping experience. We kindly ask you to complete your purchases and exit immediately."

A wave of complaints surged through the store. Customers groaned and cursed under their breath.

"What’s going on?"

"Who does he think he is?"

"You can’t just close a store because some rich brat wants to play dress-up!"

I let out a satisfactory smile hearing their complaints and the fact that I was referred to as some rich kid made me even super excited. I never knew power was power. 

I had always thought reading and becoming somewhat of a high calibre in society was enough to earn me the power that I wanted but seeing the way I was treated because of my money, I knew I had to be rich and successful at the same time.

Ignoring them, I turned to the saleswoman. "Bring me the best you’ve got. Everything is top-tier."

Within minutes, the store was empty, and I was ushered into the VIP section. A team of assistants surrounded me, pulling out designer suits, leather shoes, and silk shirts.

I took my time trying on each outfit, admiring my reflection in the mirror. This was the first time in my life I had the luxury of choosing what I wanted without worrying about price tags.

Just as I was about to finish up, the doorbell rang. I turned around, and my stomach twisted in irritation as Felix and Celine strolled inside.

Felix immediately smirked when he saw me. "Well, well, well. Look who decided to join the world of the rich."

Celine raised a brow, her eyes scanning my new attire. "Are you running errands for some billionaire’s son? Maybe a rich old man?"

I ignored them and turned to the saleswoman. "Let them shop."

Felix chuckled. "Oh? You're feeling generous now?” 

I didn't say a word, I just wanted the day to pass by without bad blood but it didn't work exactly as I had planned. “ FYI, I do my shopping here and you don't have the right to tell me when to shop it not.” 

The sales representative wanted to talk but I looked at her and she kept quiet. 

“ Let them be.” I continued browsing, but I could feel Celine's gaze following me. Every time I picked up an expensive item, her eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite place.

Then, it happened.

Felix and I reached for the same item—a sleek pair of handcrafted Italian leather shoes that sat behind a glass case. Our hands touched the glass at the same time.

Felix chuckled darkly. "Looks like we both have good taste."

I smirked. "You can say that again."

The store manager stepped forward, sensing the tension. "Gentlemen, we can settle this professionally. Since the item is limited edition, we can hold an auction. The highest bidder gets the shoes."

Felix grinned. "Sounds good to me."

"Starting bid: $5,000," the manager announced.

Felix raised his hand. "$10,000."

I leaned back lazily. "$50,000."

The room fell silent.

Felix’s confident smile wavered. "$100,000."

"$500,000," I said without hesitation.

Celine gasped. The other sales assistants whispered amongst themselves. Felix’s face was drained of color.

"Are you crazy?" he hissed. "That’s more than these shoes are worth!"

I shrugged. "If you can’t match it, step aside."

Felix clenched his jaw. He was trapped. I could see it in his eyes—the realization that, for the first time, he couldn’t win.

"Going once, going twice—"

"Sold!" The manager grinned, handing me the shoes.

Felix stood frozen, fists clenched. Celine looked between us, her expression unreadable.

I walked to the counter, paid for my items, and turned to Felix. "Enjoy the rest of your shopping trip.” I said with a smirk on my face 

With that, I picked up my bags and walked out, feeling their stunned gazes follow me.