- - -
Name: Gray Adams
Age: 20
Status: Comfortable (79%)
Wealth: $520,984.92 (+$243,320)
Power: 12
Influence: 26
Skills:
Basic Negotiation (Passive): Slightly improves chances of earning more through bargains.
Hard Labor (Active): Increases strength and endurance in physical work.
Giga Confidence (Passive): You are no longer easily shaken by insults, mockery, or pressure. Instead, you find them funny, as if it were just a big joke.
Eye of the Beholder (Active): Allows the host to determine whether a person has good or bad intentions. Must be activated consciously. Using this skill drains the host’s stamina. The longer it is used, the more exhausted the host becomes.
Golden Fingers (Passive) – A rare investor-type skill that passively enhances all future investments for the Host. Even with no special insight or timing, your investments will begin to perform better than average, consistently growing over time.
- - -
Gray was sitting in his office when he looked through his stats. He was alone as Mara was out for lunch.
"Woah," In just 3 months, his own net worth has tripled in numbers.
It was because his first grocery store was now performing well. The second store was rising too. Sales were climbing on it fast with his publicity. He just wished that they would become more consistent so it’d climb higher.
Then there were his investments. With Golden Fingers, all his investments had been doing well for months, and they doubled in worth.
"And I’m also close to 80% for my status. I wonder what’s going to happen next." He muttered in silence.
He could agree that they’re really comfortable now. However, of course, comfort didn’t mean freedom at all.
With all the things happening in their life right now, their expenses are at an all-time high. He was paying condo dues, maintenance fees, electricity, water, groceries, Lily’s school expenses, and also her transportation to make sure that she was safe.
He bought a car and hired a driver recently to take Lily to school and places she wanted. He thought that she’d be safer that way, especially with all the things happening in their life right now.
"Now I wonder if I should also consider hiring a bodyguard for Lily," That made Gray think a little.
"Maybe I’ll think about that," Gray held onto his chin and slowly nodded.
Still, even with that worry, a small smile escaped on his lips. Compared to when they were dirt poor, the jump in his overall wealth was massive. It’s really just the bills that were disheartening.
"Well, that’s the price of living somewhere nice..." he muttered under his breath. "It’s what keeps me moving."
Gray didn’t want Lily to go back to their old life. He didn’t want her to feel unsafe or afraid again. Having a comfortable life wasn’t something he was willing to let go of, especially not now that they had experienced a lot of things.
If anything, it only pushed him to aim higher.
While thinking of that, he suddenly thought of the proposal that Alistair shared with him.
"Hmm..." He reached for the folder sitting beside his keyboard. Inside were all the documents the mayor’s secretary sent this morning. He had read them already, but he found himself flipping through the pages again.
The foundation plan that the mayor sent was nice. It was well-structured, detailed, and included long-term plans.
The plan was basic. It states that they will support school-aged kids, provide food and
health programs. They also plan to build houses and institutions for kids. They were also aiming to partner with hospitals and schools for scholarships.
It was everything that Alistair told him at lunch the day before.
And since everything was well-planned out, he was actually tempted to donate on it. He thought that it was actually a good way to give back to their community.
Gray tapped his fingers lightly on the table before he let out a deep breath.
"Hey... system," he suddenly murmured as if he was just talking to an old friend he hadn’t seen in a long time. "Do you think this is a good choice?"
"It’s been a while since I last talked to you, you know," he added in a soft voice. "So maybe... maybe you can help me out here."
For a second, nothing happened. His office stayed silent.
Gray shook his head and sighed, "Hey, seriously, I could use any advice at this point."
With that, the system’s familiar voice rang out to his ears.
[No comment, Host.]
Gray’s jaw fell to the ground. "Really? That’s all you’re going to say?"
[This decision concerns your personal values. Only you will know what truly aligns with your goals.]
The system continued.
Gray rested his elbow on his chair, rubbing his temple lightly.
"So you’re saying that you really won’t say anything."
[Correct.]
He sighed. "Great... Long time no talk system."
[However, Host, a reminder.]
Gray’s brows furrowed as he waited for the system to finish talking..
[Opportunities often come with risks. Evaluate your choices carefully. Not every sincere plan is safe, and not every safe plan is sincere.]
"..." Gray’s brows furrowed more when he heard that.
Why does it sound more of a warning than a support?
[It is the only answer I can give.]
Gray looked down at the foundation documents again. He traced the edge of a page with his thumb.
"So it’s up to me."
[Yes. The system would like to know how you will decide on this one]
"..."
"Alright," After a second, he sighed. He tapped his fingers on the desk and thought of it.
"If it’s my call... then I’d better think about it properly."
He pushed the folder aside and leaned back on his chair. He raised his head and stared at the ceiling.
Whether he would join the foundation or not, he knew one thing.
He didn’t want to be reckless.
"Okay. Maybe I should take my time with this."
As he sat there, still staring at the ceiling, the system spoke again to him.
[Good luck, Host.]
Gray let out a short breath, almost a laugh.
"Thanks, I guess..."