Michael's mind was filled with joy at the thought.Just then, loud applause from the crowd suddenly returned his attention to the stage.He realized the man had finished giving his speech. He was greeting all the VIP guests as he descended from the stage until he reached Stephanie's table."You delivered a wonderful speech, Uncle Joe!" Stephanie praised him."Thanks, Stephanie. You look more beautiful than usual!" Joe complimented her beauty.Stephanie blushed, covering her face.Just then, Joe noticed the young man sitting next to his niece. He stared at him for a while, and then he curiously asked Stephanie, "Who's he?" pointing at Michael."I'm about to introduce him to you. He's..." Stephanie hadn't finished her statement before Joe waved his hand."You need to be very careful with men, okay?" Joe advised."I understand, Uncle. He's..." Stephanie was trying to explain before her uncle cut in again. "The fact that he looks so calm doesn't mean his intentions are pure," Joe warned s
The whole crowd was surprised. A thunderous applause erupted as the beautiful Stella appeared from backstage.She wore a stunning silk gown that looked perfect on her slender figure. With every step she took, the hearts of the onlookers stopped for a moment.Stephanie felt so good seeing the crowd drooling at her sister's beauty.Lauren hurriedly welcomed Stella on stage with a motherly hug. The old woman gazed into her daughter's eyes again, and the memory of everything that happened yesterday flooded her mind.She sighed and let it go, holding Stella's hand and moving closer to the microphone."There's a saying: as parents age, children take the reins. However, Stella isn't taking the reins today solely because her parents are getting old, but because she's capable and reliable."The crowd clapped in excitement as Lauren gestured to the mic for Stella to speak.This time, Michael had a glimpse of why Lauren had appreciated him wholeheartedly. If the young lady had successfully ended
It was 8:30 PM at Skyline Restaurant. Michael Quinn, a waiter, was seen before a simply decorated table in the regular dining area of the restaurant.He looked so stressed and tired, with his uniform drenched in sweat. This was because the day's shift had been so hectic for him.Despite how tired he was, he still took the time to decorate a table to celebrate his girlfriend's birthday.He made this warm arrangement as a surprise for his girlfriend, Hannah Walmer.Michael and Hannah had been dating since their last year at university. Since then, he had wished to celebrate her birthday elaborately. Unfortunately, his account balance had never allowed him to do so.However, Michael had worked hard to make today different.As one of the lowest-paid waiters at Skyline Restaurant, he was able to make this day exceptional by spending all his savings.Michael rose to his feet, gazing at his beautiful handiwork. A soft smile appeared on his tired face, yet he felt fulfilled.The table was cov
All attention fell on Michael, their faces contoured in surprise."What's going on here, Hannah?! What are you doing with this spoiled brat?!" Michael thundered, gritting his teeth. His hands were clenched into fists.Austin's face changed instantly, and he jumped to his feet in anger."How dare you, a poor thing, cause trouble here? Where has a pauper like you borrowed the courage?!""I have no business with you, spoiled brat. Allow my girlfriend to answer my question. Do not intimidate her!" Michael's eyes were very red with rage."Hahaha! Even the poor long for good things. What rubbish?!" Austin sneered and then turned to Hannah."Babe, do you know this low-life?"Hannah looked exposed as her eyes blinked twice. "I'm sorry, Honey. I never told you about him. He used to be my boyfriend, but I have broken up with him."Michael's heart sank in his stomach, and his voice cracked. "We have been dating for three years. We even had quality time together last night. So, what are you talki
The rain continued to pour heavily, beating down on Michael, yet he wasn't feeling it. The pain of rejection and humiliation engulfed him.He stared at the ground beneath him, and a sad smile appeared on his face."I've lived all my life in pain and poverty. I will find peace down here," Michael's voice cracked.He was heartbroken and wished his parents had been rich too. He could have lived off his inheritance.He snapped his left hand to his chest, grabbing the only inheritance his parents left for him: a jade pendant.He pulled at it, and the necklace broke off. He clutched the jade pendant tightly in his palm.He remembered what his mother had told him about the pendant: "With this pendant, your potential is limitless."Michael swallowed a forceful lump down his throat and felt his mother's remark about the pendant was just a fallacy.Michael opened his hand, gazing at the jade pendant. "Whether you're worthy or not, today will be the end of everything."The tears he had been hold
After a few hours, the day became brighter. Michael was very far asleep when his phone began to ring over and over. After several attempts, the caller stopped calling.The sun was already burning hot when he finally woke up. He stretched his body, yawning when his phone began to ring again.With half-sleepy eyes, he swiped the blinded screen of his phone and picked up the call."Where the fvck are you, loser? Why haven't you resumed work by this time of day?!" A very rough and angry voice wailed before ending the call.The sleep in Michael's eyes wiped away right away, realizing it was Jack Harris, the manager of Skyline Restaurant. He glanced at the wall clock and discovered it was already past twelve.He jumped out of bed, trying to prepare, and sprinted to Skyline.He hurriedly searched for his uniform before he found it soaked and stinking where he had kept it last night."Oh, shit!!" He cursed, running out of his room.In less than twenty minutes, Michael arrived at Skyline.As s
Vivian's face widened in panic. She was so afraid that Michael would be injured because he wanted to defend her.She would put a stop to the attack instantly if she had the capacity. Unfortunately, time can never be retrieved.Meanwhile, Michael's eyes closed shut, and he heard the robotic voice.[Make a wish and consider it granted in a millisecond.]Michael remembered everything that happened last night and whispered, "I wish to become the greatest martial artist in the world."Ding!In a flash, the hologram appeared, and he could see it in his mind.[Congratulations, Michael Quinn. You're now the greatest martial artist in the world.]Michael felt a surge of energy flow into his memory. Numerous fighting techniques were popping up in his mind.Then his eyes opened wide, grabbing Blade's fist with ease. "You made a wrong move." Michael spat on his face before breaking his wrist."Arghh!!" Blade groaned as his wrist made a cracking sound. "Bam!" Michael's punch landed hard on his che
"This kid is a clown! All his outfits aren't even worth ten dollars. Does he even know what ten million dollars is?" "I think you should go back to your sleep because this can only happen in your nightmares." The onlookers were making comments, including Michael's colleagues. Vivian was feeling a little awkward. She knew Michael's worth and even his background. There's no doubt that it might cost him his entire life before he could make just ten thousand dollars. Where would he find ten million dollars then? This time, she felt she had been carried away by Michael's confidence. "Michael, you do want to make the payment?" Vivian asked as she returned to reality. "Of course, yes. Take the card and proceed with the transaction." Michael's voice remained calm and relaxed. With doubt, Vivian collected the card. The machine for bigger transactions was provided. Vivian inputted the amount and swiped the card. Unfortunately, the machine signaled a red light, declining the transactio