The Infinite Fortune System

Chapter 1

"Hey, why don’t you just go to the hospital and sell your kidney? At least that’d be more useful than begging here!"

In a small bakery on the outskirts of Skylight Grove, a young man in a navy blue jacket had become the center of attention. He was desperately trying to claim a discount that had long expired.

The customers waiting in line grew irritated, some even sneering at him without restraint. Yet, the young man seemed unfazed, pretending not to hear their taunts.

With a serious expression, he even handed his ID card to the cashier.

"Miss, if the discount has ended, fine. I’ll leave my ID with you and pay the balance next week," he said, determined to buy the cake that was clearly beyond his budget.

The cashier took his ID, glancing at the name written on it. "Eric White…" she murmured, letting out a quiet sigh before handing it back. "It looks like you really need this cake. But your ID won’t do you any good here."

Disappointment flickered across Eric’s face, but he swallowed his pride and tried another approach. "Then how about I leave my jacket as collateral? It’s a little worn, but—"

"A little worn?!" a woman behind him scoffed. "Are you blind? That thing looks like a rag! Ugh, this is exactly why I hate poor people. Absolutely pathetic!"

Eric clenched his fists, about to snap back, but the cashier spoke first.

"Mr. White," her tone was noticeably softer now. "I’ll cover the difference. You don’t have to leave anything behind."

Though initially annoyed, the cashier couldn’t help but pity him. No man would humiliate himself in front of a crowd over a cheap cake unless he was truly desperate.

"Mr. White, did you hear me?" she asked when Eric stood frozen.

"Wait, you’re serious? You’re really covering it for me? Amazing!" Eric beamed. "Miss, I’ll be back next week to pay you back, okay?"

The cashier simply smiled, not expecting him to keep his promise. "Alright, let me process your order. Would you like anything written on the cake?"

"Of course! ‘Happy Birthday, My Beloved Elise.’ That’s all. And by the way, thank you."

As Eric’s order was completed, a woman from the line folded her arms and sneered.

"I’m so lucky my boyfriend isn’t as broke as you! It must be humiliating to receive a birthday cake bought through begging!"

Eric nearly lost his temper, but then he reminded himself—today was not a day to waste on petty insults. Instead, he smirked and shot the woman a look, pinching his nose as if something reeked.

"Miss, why does your mouth smell so rotten? Did you eat shit before coming here?"

The woman’s face twisted in shock. She hadn’t expected Eric to fire back so ruthlessly. The other customers exchanged whispers, and those who had planned to mock him suddenly reconsidered, afraid of receiving a similar verbal slap.

Beep!

Just as Eric stepped out of the bakery, his phone vibrated. He reached into his pocket, balancing the cake box in his other hand.

[Eric, come back quickly, or we won’t see each other again!]

It was a message from Elise.

A chill ran down Eric’s spine. His heartbeat quickened as he bolted down Magnolia Street. His breaths came in ragged gasps, but he didn’t slow down.

His aim was to reach his destination as quickly as possible.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Eric's phone vibrated again, he was sure it was a call from Elise. Fortunately, Eric had already arrived at his destination, which was his own house.

It was then that Eric's heart leapt when he saw a car parked in his yard. It was the car of Uncle Jim and Aunt Peyton, Eric White's distant relatives.

Eric's eyes were bloodshot as he suspected something was wrong in the house. Eric ran into the house and found Elise sitting alone, waiting for him.

Elise stood up with a stiff smile to greet her brother, but instead of accepting Elise's greeting, Eric walked over and slapped the teenager hard on the cheek.

Elise whimpered but didn’t protest. She glanced down at the cake box that had fallen to the floor, now crushed. A sad smile formed on her lips. "Eric… was that my birthday present?"

Eric's eyes were red and slightly teary.  "Answer my question, why is Uncle Jim's car in front of our house?" Eric asked, pointing to the car parked in their garden.

What made Eric angry and sad was the fact that Aunt Peyton was a pimp and had repeatedly offered Elise White to become a prostitute in her brothel.

Elise said nothing. Instead, she bent down, picked up the ruined cake, and forced a small smile. "This cake looks delicious. Eric, can I try it now?"

Tears slipped down her face. She had made her choice.

"Elise!" Eric grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. "Tell me. Did you invite Aunt Peyton here?! Did you accept that vile woman’s offer?!"

Elise’s lips trembled, and after a long pause, she nodded.

Eric’s grip slackened. His legs gave out beneath him.

He knew why she did it.

Eric had brain cancer. He needed surgery, but he had spent everything he had to put Elise through school. There was never enough left for his own treatment.

And now, to save him, Elise had chosen to sell herself.

Eric’s fists clenched as grief, rage, and helplessness swirled inside him.

"Elise," his voice cracked. "I would rather die than be treated with money earned that way. Can’t you see how much this hurts me?"

Elise trembled. "Eric… you’re all I have left. Please don’t be stubborn. I want you to live. I want you to be happy."

Eric’s vision blurred. His heart felt like it had been struck with a sledgehammer.

Elise glanced at her watch, growing anxious. "Eric, Uncle Jim will be back soon. I asked him to leave so I could say goodbye properly. Please… just give me a smile. I want to remember it."

Eric shook his head, his chest tight with pain.

Then, in the next moment, he did something Elise never expected.