Marcus handed over paperwork with the care of someone completing a sacred transaction.
With the transaction complete, Noah and Ethan stepped out of TechnoWorld into the mall’s bustling corridor.
nearly eighteen thousand dollars later, and we’re walking away empty-handed. Tomorrow’s going to be interesting.
Noah turned toward his cousin with satisfaction radiating from his expression, then reached out to ruffle Ethan’s carefully styled hair.
"I bought a PC alongside you," he grinned, ignoring Ethan’s protests about his disrupted hairstyle.
"You better be good at games and carry me. Otherwise..."
The threat was more playful than serious, but Ethan still responded with confidence.
"Don’t worry about that, big brother Noah."
"I got you covered in that regard. I will sweat in your lobbies, but don’t blame me if you are accused of being boosted."
The afternoon’s shopping expedition was reaching its natural conclusion, but Noah’s mental checklist remained incomplete.
His phone displayed the time.
I need to head to the car dealership. They aren’t going to remain open forever.
"Alright, let’s go. Time for you to head home."
"You’ve got study work to do. And make sure you give those gifts to Aunty and Uncle."
"Thank you, Noah. I won’t forget what you’ve done for me."
Kid’s getting emotional. Time to deflect before this becomes a full-blown hallmark moment.
"So what are you eating for lunch?"
The taxi ride to Ethan’s house passed in comfortable silence, both passengers processing the day’s unexpected developments.
When they pulled up to the familiar suburban driveway, Ethan gathered his shopping bags.
"See you soon, big brother," he called as the taxi pulled away.
"See you!" Noah waved softly from the window.
Big brother. That’s going to stick, isn’t it?
"Car dealership, please," Noah told the driver, settling back for the next phase of his upgrade campaign.
Five minutes into the journey, his phone erupted with his ringtone.
Aunt Mei is right on schedule. She had already investigated the kid. Kid must have walked through the door, before being bombarded with questions.
Noah sighed with wry resignation before accepting the inevitable conversation.
Aunt Mei’s voice practically burst through the speaker with the force of maternal curiosity unleashed.
"Ethan just walked in looking like he stepped out of a magazine! And these shopping bags! What have you been doing?"
"Just some shopping—"
"Shopping? Just some shopping?"
"These clothes have designer labels! And this receipt—Noah, this receipt has more numbers than my mortgage payment!"
"Aunty, business has been really good lately—"
"What business? Last month you were eating ramen for breakfast! Now you’re buying clothes that cost more than my car payment? Noah what is happening? Promise me that you aren’t doing anything illegal!"
Does selling items to demons count as illegal? I dont think so? Right?
"Auntie, I promise you that i’ve not doing anything illegal."
The interrogation was reaching critical intensity. Noah could practically hear her radar spinning at maximum velocity, detecting every inconsistency in his carefully constructed explanations.
Time for the classical escape option.
"Aunty, I’m actually in the middle of another important meeting right now—"
Before she could ask what the meeting was, Noah answered before her.
"Business meeting! Very important! Gotta go! Love you!"
Noah ended the call immediately. Then, immediately switched his phone to silent mode.
Aunt Mei’s going to call back. Unfortunately, my phone will remain on mute. Sorry Auntie.
The car dealership appeared ahead, its rows of gleaming vehicles making him excited.
Some problems were more pleasant than others.
But they were still problems.
Noah walked inside the dealership with his heart beating faster every second. He was going to make one of his dreams true in this large, car infested dealership.
Most of the workers were busy, some on the phone to customers whilst others seated with clients.
Noah didn’t mind that and walked around the dealership.
It’s good that they are busy, it gives me more time to explore everything and find the beauty im looking for.
As he explored the dealership, a large variety of cars were spotted by him. Whether it was large luxurious SUV’s, or small hatchback cars, even the new hybrid electric cars were there.
Pretty cool stuff over here.
After a few minutes of walking around, checking out different cars, he spotted what he came for.
Beautiful. As always...
The GT-R sat like a predator among prey—sculpted lines that spoke of raw horse power barely contained within elegant engineering. Twin turbo V6, all-wheel drive system, and acceleration that could redefine reality in under two point nine seconds. Noah had watched countless street racing videos featuring this exact model, memorizing every specification like scripture.
The Japanese engineering perfection. The stuff of midnight Tokyo dreams.
As he admired the beauty, reading through the information, a salesman approached with a smile on his face. Noah didn’t seem to spot him until he spoke.
"Beautiful machine, isn’t it?" He gestured toward the GT-R with obvious pride.
Noah nodded. "Very, beautiful."
"My name’s jack greal, nice to meet you, mr..."
"Mr. Noah, are you interested in the GT-R? If you would like we can discuss its specifications, whether it would suit your needs and things like that."
Noah nodded. "I’m interested."
"Great! Would you like to follow me to my desk? Also, would you like some coffee? Tea?"
Noah accepted his gesture.
"Coffee please, thank you."
Seated on the desk with Jack, they had gone through the whole process.
"I would like to buy it."
"Great! We can discuss financing options that make ownership surprisingly accessible."
"Actually, I’ll be paying in cash."
The salesman’s expression froze mid-pitch.
His brain visibly recalibrated, processing information that defied his usual routine.
Rarely did anyone come to the dealership to buy a car at full price...in cash. Most come to finance them, especially the younger generation.
"Cash? Sir, the MSRP of this particular model is $103,540."
Noah watched the shocked expression on the man’s face as he pulled out the card, ready to pay.