The Invincible Arthur Gardner

Chapter 6 - A Perfect Fit

"Are you kidding me?" Bob questioned in disbelief. 

"You want to buy this place? Do you really think it was something you could just buy on the spot? Even if it was available, did you have the resources to buy it? Are you completely out of your mind?"

Bob was certain that the individual before him was a scammer. He thought buying this property was the most absurd notion he had ever heard. The restaurant was connected to a seven-star hotel, the only one in the city and renowned for its extravagance and costliness. Tourists from all over the country and the world would come to this city simply to enjoy the services of the luxurious hotel. 

"You just need to convey my message to your boss," Arthur said firmly, his temper rising. "Explain to him that I'm serious about buying this restaurant and the hotel attached to it. Name your price."

Arthur had his sights set on the place; he wanted to live in the fanciest spot in town. He thought buying both establishments was the best decision, as he had more than enough money to purchase two to ten of the same hotel. After all, he still had a large amount of money left.

"I'll kill you if you're just wasting my time with your boasting," Bob warned. "Do you really think I'm someone to be trifled with? I hold a lot of power in this place, and I could easily kick you out right now if I wanted to." He remained steadfast in his desire not to be taken advantage of by the man in front of him.

Arthur then turned to Edna. "Please take out the device," he said.

Edna was taken aback; she had been silent the entire time and was hoping she wouldn't be kicked out of her job. Hesitantly, she stood up and showed the device to Arthur.

Without any hesitation, Arthur topped up his Platinum Member account with 10 billion USD.

Bob, who had been observing the transaction, couldn't believe his eyes. He had never seen anyone spend such an exorbitant amount of money without batting an eyelid.

Bob’s body trembled, and he quickly scurried away, dialing someone on his phone.

"Boss, someone named Arthur Gardner recently purchased access to our Platinum Member tier and, then he made a top up of a whopping ten billion dollars," Bob exclaimed.

"Are you serious?" Charles asked incredulously. "Who on Earth would make a top-up of that magnitude? What could have possibly caused them to spend such a large amount with us? Does he plan to purchase my business?"

"That's the issue, boss. He expressed his interest in purchasing this restaurant and hotel, and requested that I inquire about the price. Moreover, the ten billion USD he paid earlier was a down payment, showing that he is serious about his intentions."

Charles, one of Southlake City's most influential figures, was taken aback when he received the news that someone named Arthur Gardner had purchased a Platinum Membership and made a top-up of 10 billion USD at his restaurant and hotel. 

Charles was well-known for his wide network of wealthy acquaintances across the city and country. "Arthur Gardner? Who is Arthur Gardner? I've never heard of a Gardner family with that kind of wealth who could buy my business so easily!" Charles exclaimed in disbelief.

"He asked me to ask you right away if you would consider selling it. He said he would pay whatever amount you asked for without hesitation," the person on the phone replied.

"That's incredible... I am interested in the offer. I have already made a significant amount of money through this business and I plan to start a new one. I will consult with the other shareholders, and let you know the price I will offer soon. Please offer the best service to that person, and give him my regards. That man's identity is still a mystery, however if he does indeed have that much wealth, he must come from a well-known family." Charles said.

Bob was trembling and scared when Charles, his boss, seriously considered Arthur's offer. He felt he had done too much in front of the man and wondered if he still had a chance to apologize.

A few minutes later, Charles called Bob again.

"Alright Bob," he said. "All shareholders agree to sell 100% of the business and we've set a price of 30 billion USD. But if he bids, the lowest we'll accept is 25 billion USD. Anything lower than that and we're out. And don't even think about allowing him to get back the money he's already paid."

Edna was trembling, and her complexion had blanched. "Sit down on the couch," Arthur said, trying to reassure her that she would get something even better than she had lost.

"Mr. Gardner," Edna said, her gaze strained. "Is it true what you just said? Did I hear correctly that you offered me one million dollars for my salary? Is this your way of buying my life?"

Edna had been offered large sums of money to sell herself to wealthy suitors who often attempted to lure her, yet none of them had ever proposed an amount as high as this.

Money, however, was not her motivation - she was not a fortune-hunter and was prepared to put in the effort to earn her own money. All she wanted was to give her body to the man whom she felt truly deserved her affection.

Arthur laughed heartily at Edna's statement. "Do you really think all men are driven by the same desires, Edna? I'm sincere in my words - I'm not trying to buy your life. I'm simply suggesting that you become my personal assistant and assist me with my various tasks and in turn, I'll compensate you with a substantial sum of money. This offer stands for as long as you wish to stay in my employ," he said.

Arthur had just generously topped up a balance of 10 billion USD, and of course Edna had no reason to doubt his words when he said he would pay her 1 million USD; this sum was only a small fraction of the vast wealth he had.

Edna nodded slowly at Arthur, feeling grateful that her life had suddenly been changed by the heroic figure who had appeared in her life. Without even asking, Edna would give everything she had for that man.

[Congratulations, Host!] 

[You have done a good deed with a very sincere heart.]

[You have rescued a young girl from a state of despair, providing her with a newfound hope.

[Edna Ross, she is a kind-hearted girl who works hard to support her family and is also a very independent person.] 

[For this, the System will reward you with 10 VIP points!]

[Congratulations! You have got a partner!]

[Edna Ross (22) - 55%]

"Hmmm," Arthur murmured, narrowing his eyes as he studied the information in front of him. "Why did she suddenly become my partner? And does 'number 22' mean Edna's age? And is '55%' the percentage of her feelings for me? Interesting... I could really use this to figure out who I can trust and who I can't." He nodded in satisfaction as he considered the implications.