The tutoring session with Chloe wrapped up smoothly.
They talked about a few things, including investment and all, and Gray learned a lot from it.
As Gray left the Lancaster estate, he had a small smile tugging at his lips.
It was a good day. He was happy.
By the time he returned to the apartment, the afternoon sun was already dipping behind the buildings. The living room was quiet, and no one greeted him when he stepped inside the door.
'Is she asleep?' Gray just set down his bag on the ground and peeked into Lily's room to check on her.
In there, he saw Lily fast asleep on her small bed. Lily's bed was just adequate for her size. It was a single bed, but filled with small stuffed toys that he used to gift her. Lily was already wearing her home clothes. Her limbs were sprawled out, and her cheeks were flushed with exhaustion.
"She must be tired," Gray muttered, followed by a soft chuckle. It was rare that Lily slept after class, so she must have done a lot today.
With the house quiet and no distractions in his sight, Gray walked over to the kitchen table and pulled out his phone.
He didn't want to rest.
He was still excited.
It was time to start the mission.
He had almost $13,000 in total. Since it's a week before he gets the result, it's just right to leave some money for their expenses and for emergencies.
The most that Gray could use right now was $7,000. He didn't know if that would be sufficient, but he'd make it work.
He had to make it work.
'Okay... let's make this count.'
The system's mission hovered silently in the back of his mind:
[Mission: Beginner Investor]
[Objective: Earn a $500 profit in 7 days through investment.]
[Reward: +1 Power | +$2,000 Wealth]
Gray opened a brokerage app he recently signed up for and reviewed everything Chloe had mentioned earlier. There were ETFs, dividend stocks, and safer options for long-term plays.
However, getting $500 in a single week required a bit more than safe.
It needs risk.
But how can Gray make sure of it?
"What should I go for?" Gray thought of it.
Oil?
No. It was too unstable and he didn't understand it well enough.
Pharmaceuticals?
It was tempting. But all the big names had already made their reports and announcements for the quarter last month, so it was already too late.
Crypto?
That was gambling, plain and simple.
Gray leaned back and exhaled, frustrated about it. He frowned as he thought of more lists on where to put his money.
'What the hell do I go for...?'
And then he remembered it.
'Hmm...' Gray remembered a few things that Chloe and he were talking about.
Earlier, as they were talking, Chloe had casually mentioned how her family's company was preparing to expand into the technology sector. She didn't say much, just that there were whispers around the house of a potential partnership with an "up-and-coming firm with groundbreaking AI systems."
She had said it lightly, but Gray picked up on the weight behind it.
'It was Velmora, right?' Chloe didn't say the name directly, but she had let it slip once.
Not thinking twice, Gray quickly searched the name that Chloe mentioned earlier.
Velmora Tech.
A small and starting AI-focused company. Recent news showed nothing about the company. It wasn't even known, and all you could see on the internet was the basic information about them.
However, he scrolled past numerous blogging sites that talked about reports of a "major investment announcement" from a powerful company.
"Upcoming partnership of a starting company and a big conglomerate?"
"AI patent filed two months ago—pending approval. When will it be approved?"
"A rumor that one of the country's top firms will invest in a technology company has surfaced..."
"Will there be big news in the technology industry? Click to find out."
If Chloe's words were true, then maybe...
"This is it," Gray muttered, his chest rising up and down.
Gray scanned over a few more articles, blogs, and stock forums before making up his mind.
After a few minutes, Gray leaned forward again, opening the company's chart.
Velmora's price had dipped recently.
'Perfect. I could get in low.'
He opened the trade screen but his thumb hovered there.
'Shit. I'm stuck.'
$7,000 wasn't a joke. Especially not for Gray, who was just about to get his life back.
If Velmora tanked, it wouldn't bankrupt him, but it would definitely hurt.
'Fuck this shit.'
Gray shook his head. He pressed his lips together before pouring $7,000 of his money into Velmora Tech.
After all he live in the daying; No Balls, No Glory.
"Alright..."
Gray clicked confirm on the app. His eyes stared at it intensely.
[You have successfully invested $7,000 in Velmora Tech (VMT).]
Gray let out a slow breath, leaning back in his chair.
"That's it... There's no turning back now."
A second later, the system chimed softly in his head
[Ding!]
[Mission Progress: In Progress.]
[Market reaction pending...]
[Waiting Time: 6:18:12]
Gray set the phone down and rubbed his eyes. Suddenly, a feeling of nervousness sprang in his chest.
He'd done his part.
Now it was up to the market and his luck if it would rise high.
'Please let this be the right call.' He prayed silently.