The Son-in-law's Wealth System

Chapter 5

I can't tell if it is the brisk air of the chilly evening or the sheer exhaustion I felt from from emotional disaster that happened to me today. But for once, it seems like all of my emotional baggage disappears as I focus my gaze ahead. The countdown on my holographic display in my peripheral vision is ticking steadily. The panic that I always feel is now replaced with determination to prove everyone wrong.

I've been complacent for too long. I let the expectations of others drag me down. Manuel and his judgmental sneers, Jannica’s endless nagging and disappointments, her family’s mockeries and other people's harsh judgment as they keep sizing me up like I am a failure since birth.

But I want to change all of it now.

I stop walking for a moment and stares at the holographic display in front of me. Without my knowledge, the countdown has reached two minutes. My pulse quickens as I think of the possibilities that will happen after this.

As I wait for the countdown to finish, several questions suddenly appears in my head. Am I not really imagining this? Can I really rise to the top using this system? Is this really my chance to prove something to the world or at least to myself?

While these questions swirls in my mind, I suddenly feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. I pull it out and sees an incoming call from an unknown number. My heart skips a beat before my finger pressed the green button to answer it.

“Hello?” I said while trying to steady my voice.

(Good evening, Mr. Logan, This is Sandra Williams, Mr. Johanson’s assistant. I’m calling to inform you that we’ve successfully transfer the money in your account.)

For a moment, I stand frozen in place and ignores the the noise of the busy street around me. The name “Mr. Johanson” doesn't immediately click in my head. But after a few seconds, it hits me like a ton of bricks. This woman is definitely talking about Harold Johanson.

He is a famous business tycoon and a man whose influence can touch very corner of the city. People are always spoken highly of him. He also have a ruthless and cutthroat nature.

And most importantly, he is my biological father.

“What transfer?” I suddenly asked. The question escaped from my lips before I could stop it.

(As per Mr. Johanson’s instructions, we transferred a fund amounting one million to your account. He trusts that you will use it wisely.)

I ignore how calm and detached Sandra's voice on the other line. My mind is now racing and trying to process her words. One million? From Harold Johanson?

“Wait, wait, wait! What’s going on here?” I asked with a slightly raised voice. “Why is Mr. Harold Johanson sending me that money?”

(Mr. Johanson has been watching your progress, Mr. Logan. And he believes that you are ready for the challenge he has in mind.)

A cold shiver ran down my spine as her words sinks into me. He's watching my progress? Since when? And why is he doing it?

Obviously, I am not close with my father. But I know his notorious reputation in the business. He is someone who doesn’t give anything away without expecting something in return.

"I don’t understand." I said after letting out a sigh. "What challenge? What does he expects from me?"

(I’m afraid I cannot provide further details, Mr. Logan. But if you want to ask for more details, Mr. Johanson told me you can visit his office and meet him directly to discuss the terms.)

"Wait a minute—"

(That's all I can say, Mr. Logan. Have a good night.)

Then the line went dead.

I remain standing on the street corner after that phone call. I am still trying to make sense of what had just happened. Is the money transfer real? With a shaking hand, I quickly open my bank app and checks my remaining balance.

And indeed, there is now one million sitting in my account. When I look up at the holographic screen, the countdown has finished. And just like my bank account, the blue screen is also reflecting the same amount I have.

[ | Character Profile |

Name: Chandler Logan

Real Name: Chandler Johanson

Level: 2

Class: Hidden Heir

Health: 65/100

Mana: 20/50

Reputation: -150 points

Wealth: 1,000,000,020

| Special Abilities |

Hidden Potential (Passive): Increases strength, intellect, and charisma by 7% each year of survival.

Family Legacy (Semi-active): Have limited access to the hidden wealth from the Johanson estate.

Resilience (Active): Reduces mental and physical damage by 20%.]

I stares at the holographic interface for a long time. My heart is beating loudly in my chest. I have no words for the shock that is still washing over me. But there are still too many questions around me.

But what really concerns me is the phrase “Family Legacy (Semi-active)”. I am pretty sure that is not what is written on it earlier. So why was it only semi-active now? Did something happened in the system during the countdown?

"Ugh! What's with this situation?!" I said to myself.

In my frustration, I kick the trash near my foot and lets out a huff. If I'm being honest, this is not how I'm expecting to get the money. I'm just thinking that the system will do some recharge and it will put money in my account or wallet.

But not like this.

-//-//-

The next morning, I am now standing outside Johanson Enterprises. The glass-and-steel building is like a huge building that looms above the city. Ever since this building was built, it always becomes a symbol of power for the others. It a silent reminder of everything my biological father had worked for.

I had been to this building once in the past. My mother brought me here before to meet my father and discussed something important. After waiting in the lobby for almost an hour, my mother fetched me and we left the building. Back then, she had a determined but somber look on her face.

And here I am once again. But now, I'm not sure what to do next. I have no connections or anyone to vouch for me. It is just myself and the million dollars that had been transferred to my account.

I don't dare to say my biological connection with Harold Johanson to anyone. Only a handful of people knows about it. I also don't dare to use my father's connection when the man himself was not present in my life while I'm growing up.

To avoid making myself look like a fool, I let out a sigh and enters the lobby. The walls are sleek and well-polished. It is a reflection of the world I am stepping into right now. When the receptionist sees me, she asks for my name and my reason for coming here. What surprises me is when I give her my name, the receptionist only gives me a look before nodding her head.

“Mr. Johanson is expecting you, Mr. Logan.” the receptionist said. Her voice is devoid of warmth or emotion.

The receptionist stands up and asks me to follow her. Soon, she gestures toward a private elevator in the back of the lobby. The receptionist takes the initiative to push the buttons before she sees me entering it.

This is it. I am about to face Harold Johanson himself once again. Even our biological connection, I have no idea what kind of person he really is. From what I heard, he is man who makes billions of fortune through his cunning ruthlessness methods in the business world. They also added he is a man who completely lacks of mercy especially to his enemies.

The ride up feels like an eternity. I can almost feel the weight of the glass and steel pressing down on me. Luckily, the elevator doors finally opens and I carefully steps out onto the top floor.

And there, standing in front of the panoramic windows, is Harold Johanson. He is as imposing as I remembered. His gray hair is neatly combed, his tailored suit fits him like a second skin, and his piercing amber eyes is staring out over the city. He is standing there as if he can see every single move in his empire.

Turning around slowly, Harold Johanson looks at me and gives a slight nod to my direction.

"Chandler Logan." He said without an ounce of emotion in his voice. “I’ve been expecting you.”

I swallowed hard but I try to keep my cool. We both stand there for a few seconds and observing each other. Soon, Harold gestures to the chair in front of his desk.

"Please, have a seat."

"...Thank you."

I let out a quiet sigh and sits on the chair while trying to calm my nerves that is fluttering inside me. The weight of his presence is truly oppressive. His very being seems to command the room without speaking a word. But compared to him, I just a man with nothing in my possession.

"Let's skip any introductions and goes straight to details, shall we?"