Rich Nights of a Penniless

Chapter 3 Determination, first task...

What could a man do after witnessing a scene like that, his loved one sleeping with someone else, calling him a cleaner before him?

That hurts...!

That hurts a lot.

His heart felt as if a dagger just pierced it. The woman he loved, the woman he wanted to share his life with, his fortune with had betrayed him. But he knows deep in his heart that there was something between them as a barrier from the beginning.

Whenever he met Anastasia, she always claims that she was actually doing a favor to him as that trash, that penniless doesn't deserve her.

Yet that foolish man spent all his hard-earned money on that woman, buying her gifts above his level. Striving himself for days just to gift her a golden chain but still that woman complained that even the toilet cleaner Linda got a small diamond from his boyfriend.

But now, all those glass feelings that he had smashed into uncountable pieces.

With a heavy heart and deep sorrow, Leo turned away from the scene of betrayal, leaving behind the shattered remains of his past. That girl whom he loved the most, that girl for whom he kept his loyal heart, had deceived him.

Though he felt as if his world shattered, he still managed to gather himself because of the unique chance that the heavens had given him.

"I will live a happy life, I can get any girl I wanted, but that girl will be better than you, Anastasia" he mumbled clenching his fist.

He knew that the journey ahead would be difficult, but he was resolute in his pursuit of healing, growth, and the realization of his own worth.

As he walked away from the painful chapter of his life, Leo vowed to embrace the power within him.

It started pouring suddenly as if the heavens deliberately let that water on him to wash away his pain.

Standing under the pouring rain, Leo's broken heart yearned for solace. He felt a sense of emptiness as if his world had been torn apart. But just as he thought all hope was lost, a notification chimed on his phone, cutting through the melancholy air.

With trembling hands, he unlocked his device, his eyes widening in disbelief as he read the message displayed On the screen.

{First minor task completed}

{Strength points granted:-10}

{Host Leonard Conner, please have the royalty of spending quality time}

{Destination:-The Diamond Wars restaurant and hotels}

It was the first task presented by the cubic code system, a test of his ability to make a meaningful impact in just one night but he was surprised to see that message which showed him that he had completed his first minor task.

"What task did I complete?" he asked confused about the notification.

{Overcoming the betrayal can be taken as a task as well because it increased your inner strength, as this is a real-life system, everything you do in your life will be counted as a task}

A glimmer of hope ignited within Leo's shattered heart. The sudden influx of wealth offered him an opportunity to rise above his pain, to channel his emotions into something transformative. He realized that this was not merely a chance to fulfill his own desires, but a chance to make a profound difference in his shattered life.

Driven by a newfound purpose, Leo set aside the anguish that weighed heavily upon him.

He knew that the clock was ticking, and he had a responsibility to fulfill the task presented by the cube system.

The rain that once seemed like a symbol of sorrow now felt like a cleansing shower, washing away his despair and renewing his spirit.

With unwavering resolve, Leo began to contemplate how he could utilize this extraordinary wealth to bring about positive change.

The pain of his broken heart was transformed into a burning determination to bring light into the darkness that had enveloped his life.

As to start completing his first task, he booked a luxurious car ride, with almost 5000 dollars as its pay per ride, the designated time arrived, and Leo eagerly awaited the arrival of his extravagant chariot.

As he stood on the sidewalk, a hushed excitement filled the air. Then, amidst the bustling cityscape, he spotted his ride—a sleek, black Rolls-Royce Phantom gracefully gliding towards him.

The sight of the Rolls-Royce left Leo awestruck. Its exterior exuded an air of regality, with its flawless contours and polished finish that reflected the city lights like a mirror. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy adorned the hood, a symbol of luxury and refined craftsmanship.

As the Rolls-Royce Phantom came to a halt before Leo, he approached the open door, anticipation radiating from his very being. However, his excitement was quickly dampened by the driver's disdainful gaze that fell upon him.

The driver's eyes flicked dismissively over Leo's attire, and a sneer curled on his lips. "What do you think you're doing?" the driver scoffed, his voice dripping with condescension. "This car is reserved for patrons of distinction. You clearly don't belong here. Take off your dirty hands or I will scrape them"

Leo's heart sank at the driver's callous words. He felt a mix of anger and humiliation rise within him, but he maintained his composure. He knew that appearances could be deceiving, and he was determined to prove his worth.

With a steely resolve in his voice, Leo replied, "I was the one who booked this ride". he added with a confident air sucked in his lungs,

"I may not be dressed in opulent attire, but that doesn't define my worth. You got your money, isn't it?."

The driver's expression wavered for a moment, caught off guard by Leo's firm response. However, he quickly regained his arrogant demeanor and he rolled his eyes over and a sneering look tugged across his face.

"Oh, really? And who are you trying to fool? You are nothing but a beggar who stumbled upon, dreaming to have some wealth" he snorted

"Well, I won't waste my time on people like you."

Leo's face flushed with a mix of indignation and determination. He refused to let the driver's words diminish his spirit.

"Oh...! Sure then, Mr. Eric, let's see what your manager has to tell me"

Leo picked up his phone and scrolled over his screen. That driver gaped at him bluntly. Was this for real? How did a beggar like him have his manager's number?

A flicker of doubt passed over the driver's face, but he remained steadfast in his skepticism.

"Hey man, take it cool, just prove it then," he challenged. "If you're truly who you claim to be, show me the evidence." the driver said.

Without hesitation, Leo extended his phone, accessing the banking app that displayed his newly acquired wealth. He held the screen up for the driver to see, the evidence of his fortune unmistakable.

Now with a smirk on his face, Leo let out mocking the man in front of him,

"You may judge me based on appearances, but I assure you, I am the rightful passenger. My wealth does not define me, but my actions will."

The driver's eyes widened as he took in the staggering amount displayed on the screen. His demeanor shifted from one of contempt to one of surprise and begrudging respect.

"A...apologies, sir," the driver stammered, his tone transformed. "I had no idea. Please, allow me to assist you."

He pulled on the gear and the rear doors opened automatically, inviting Leo into a world of unmatched sophistication. He was greeted by the intoxicating aroma of rich leather and the gentle caress of a plush, handcrafted interior.

"I am sorry sir, hope you won't mind" the driver mumbled again it his eyes filled with shame.

"It's ok, but please never judge a book by its cover," Leo said leaning back.

The cabin was a sanctuary of comfort and elegance, with meticulously crafted wood accents and state-of-the-art technology seamlessly integrated into the design.

The plush leather seats cradled Leo, offering him a level of comfort he had never experienced before.

Soft ambient lighting created an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility. Every detail, from the precision-engineered controls to the intricately patterned headliner, was a testament to the meticulous attention given to creating an unparalleled driving experience.

As the car gracefully merged into traffic, Leo couldn't help but marvel at the smoothness of the ride. The powerful engine purred beneath the hood, effortlessly propelling the vehicle forward with a sense of refinement and power. The world outside seemed to blur as Leo found himself cocooned in a cocoon of luxury, shielded from the chaos of the outside world.

"So this is what is called a luxurious life...! it's different but good...!" Leo mumbled to himself.

Along the journey, Leo had the opportunity to explore the car's cutting-edge features. A state-of-the-art infotainment system provided entertainment and information at his fingertips. The premium sound system enveloped him in a symphony of rich, immersive audio. He could adjust the climate control to his preference with a mere touch, ensuring the perfect ambiance within the vehicle.

"Uhh that's comfortable...!" he let out squeezing himself on the plush seat. With a contented smile on his face, Leo allowed himself to be swept away in the allure of the luxurious car, relishing every second of the extraordinary experience. As the ride came to an end, he stepped out of the vehicle, carrying with him the memories of a journey that transcended the ordinary

"Where would you like to go sir?" the driver asked him with due respect.

Embracing the transformative power of his newfound wealth, Leo requested the driver to take him to a place where he could procure luxurious attire. The driver obliged and guided the sleek Rolls-Royce Phantom toward an upscale shopping mall that radiated grandeur and elegance.

"Sir, this is the city's greatest mall, you can find all the latest fashions here," the driver said with a respectful smile.

The mall stood as a majestic temple of fashion, adorned with gleaming glass facades and cascading fountains. Its grand entrance beckoned him with open arms, promising a realm of elegance and style that he had never before imagined.

Stepping inside, Leo found himself immersed in a world of sartorial splendor. The hallways stretched like opulent boulevards, lined with designer boutiques and adorned with mesmerizing displays. Each shop window showcased meticulously crafted ensembles, like works of art brought to life.

The air was infused with the delicate fragrance of fine fabrics, mingling with the soft melodies that wafted through the air. The warm lighting created an ambiance of sophistication, casting a gentle glow upon the opulent displays.

There weren't more people in the mall as not many people can afford this place.

Leo ventured from one boutique to another, his fingertips grazing the sumptuous fabrics and his eyes drinking in the exquisite details. The garments whispered tales of timeless elegance, inviting him to immerse himself in their allure.

Leo ventured into one of the stores that exuded refinement, its racks adorned with garments that seemed to touch his taste with luxury and style. However, as he approached the salesman, his excitement was met with a dismissive gaze and a haughty sneer.

"And what brings you here, sir?" the salesman remarked, his voice dripping with condescension.

"A... and I am here to b..." Before Leo could let out his need, the man dressed in black and white rolled his eyes sneering,

"I'm afraid our exquisite selection is not for everyone. Perhaps you'd be more comfortable elsewhere." he said disdainfully," Why don't you try something on the foot path stores?"

Leo felt a surge of frustration and indignation well up within him, but he maintained his composure. It wasn't his first time to get humiliated, but still, he gritted his teeth.

He understood that the true measure of a person lay in their response to adversity. With a calm resolve, he replied,

"I believe it is in your best interest to offer your assistance, as I intend to make substantial purchases today."

The salesman's demeanor sputtered for a moment, and a gleeful chuckle left his mouth.

"What...! substantial purchases...! Do you even know the meaning of that word?" he said. Leo took a long breath, he already had a bad day. So much swirling stuff happened in his life, he was humiliated by the driver a few minutes back, and now a nobody a mere employee was insulting him.

"Look Mister, I am here to buy something and you are here to help me out, you better watch your mouth, maybe you will regret what you just said"

However, before the situation could escalate further, the manager of the store happened upon the scene, his discerning eyes quickly assessing the situation.

"Is there a problem here?" the manager inquired, his voice laced with authority. His gaze shifted between Leo and the flustered salesman, sensing that something was amiss.

Caught off guard by the manager's sudden arrival, the salesman stumbled over his words, attempting to explain the situation. It wasn't anything normal, the manager comes down only if any VIP customer appears.

"Sir I was just...!"

But the manager cut him off with a stern command.

"Apologize immediately and attend to the needs of our esteemed guest. It seems you failed to recognize true refinement when it stood before you."

The salesman's face reddened with embarrassment as he hastily offered his apologies to Leo.

"I...I a...I am sorry, Sir" Leo just passed from there without giving him any kind of importance.

The manager, determined to rectify the situation, personally guided Leo through the store, showcasing the finest fabrics, meticulously tailored suits, and exquisite accessories.

"Sir, please feel free to have anything that you need," he said bending forward, gesturing to the other trained workers to come over.

Leo found himself surrounded by a team of attentive salespeople, their demeanor transformed as they endeavored to provide him with a seamless shopping experience. They assisted him in selecting the most impeccable ensembles, ensuring that every garment was tailored to perfection.

Throughout the process, Leo's heart remained steadfast.

He knew that material possession did not define his worth, but he also understood the importance of self-presentation and the impact it could have on others' perceptions. He chose attire that reflected his new reality with confidence and celebrated his journey of self-discovery.

"Bill it...!" he said and one of the employees came forward with a scan machine to pay.

"Sir, you can apply a code for about a 10% discount" he offered but Leo denied it.

Why would he apply for a discount code?

To delay his task...!

Leo spends over 46,000 Dollars for just one piece of attire.

He changed into the dress he just bought, and thought for a while.

46,000 Dollars for just a dress...!

It felt for a few seconds that he was still in dreamland.

As he prepared to leave the store, the manager approached him, his eyes filled with genuine respect.

"Sir, please accept my deepest apologies for the behavior of my employee," he said earnestly.

"We are honored to have you as our valued customer, and we hope you find our offerings to your satisfaction. Should you require anything further, please do not hesitate to let us know."

Leo graciously accepted the manager's apology, acknowledging the transformative power of his presence. He left the store with a sense of triumph, not just for himself, but for the idea that true worth was not measured by material possessions, but by the strength of character and the ability to rise above adversity.

As he returned to the parking lot, Leo carried with him the memory of a moment where prejudice and judgment were challenged and ultimately overcome.

With a contented smile, Leo stepped back into the embrace of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, his heart filled with a renewed sense of purpose.

Clad in his new attire, he was ready to face the challenges and adventures that awaited him, armed not only with material riches but with a newfound confidence and appreciation for the beauty that surrounded him.

"Sir, where would you like to go now?" the driver asked.

Leo sifted his gaze to him,

"The Diamond Wars"

**********************