Chapter 26: Determination and Promise
"Mom, I'm home," Michael announced as he stepped into the house, the sound of sizzling from the kitchen greeting him.
Myra, busy over the stove, glanced back and noticed the cardboard box in Michael's hands. Her expression shifted from concentration to curiosity. "What is that?"
"This?" Michael looked down at the box, its brand logo prominently displayed. "It's a laptop. I just bought it from Gilmore." The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))
"You bought a laptop?!" Myra exclaimed. Michael was known for being practical and cautious with money. "How much did it cost?"
"78,000 pesos, paid in cash," Michael replied with a casual shrug.
Myra wiped her hands on her apron and stepped closer, her brows furrowed in worry.
"78,000? But Michael, where did you get that kind of money? You haven't even received your first salary from tutoring."
"Ma, don't worry," Michael assured her, sensing her growing anxiety. "I earned it through stock trading."
"Stock trading?" Myra repeated, her face reflecting a lack of familiarity with the concept.
"Yes, stock trading," Michael explained, placing the box on the table and opening it to reveal the sleek laptop inside. "I invest in stocks, buy low, sell high. It's all legitimate, Ma."
Myra peered into the box, her concern slowly giving way to a cautious admiration. "I know you're smart, Michael, but this kind of thing... it's not without risks, right?"
Michael nodded, his expression serious. "It does have its risks, but I've been careful. I study the market trends and make informed decisions. It's not a gamble, it's calculated."
Myra sighed, looking back at the stove. "Just be careful, Michael. I trust you, but this is a lot of money. We don't have much to fall back on."
"I know, Ma," Michael said, closing the laptop's box. "And that's exactly why I'm doing this. This laptop is more than just a purchase. It's an investment in our future. It will help me with my stock trading, my studies, and eventually, my own business."
Myra turned back to her cooking, a small smile playing on her lips. "You are such a hardworking man, it's admirable and I'm very proud of you."
Michael smiled warmly. "Thank you, mama. I promise. Once I'm rich, I'll buy us a house so that we don't have to pay monthly rent anymore, and then you are going to quit your job and give you a business where you only have to stay in the house, not do much exhausting work."
Myra smiled, sensing the determination and seriousness in her son's words. "Well, that sounds like a dream, Michael."
"It's not a dream ma...I'll make it a reality, I swear to you."
And then—just as they were having their wholesome moment, someone shouted from outside their home.
"Hoy! Myra are you there?!"
Michael flickered his gaze outside the window and saw the landlord.
"How long are you going to keep avoiding me? Two months overdue on rent! Pay up, or I'll have to kick you out!" the landlord barked.
Myra's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. She quickly wiped her hands and stepped towards the door, with Michael following close behind.
"Mr. Santos, please, we're trying our best. I'll have the money soon," Myra pleaded.
"Trying isn't good enough! I have bills to pay too, you know," Mr. Santos retorted, his tone unyielding. "I can't let you stay here for free. You have until the end of the week. If you can't pay, you'll have to leave."
Michael stepped forward, his expression stern. "Mr. Santos. How much exactly do we owe for the two months?" Michael inquired, his tone respectful yet assertive.
By 4 am, Michael completed the last of his papers. He reviewed each one briefly, ensuring there were no major errors, and then submitted them to the academic journal. The task had been grueling, but he had managed to finish it within the deadline.
Exhausted but satisfied, he leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of accomplishment. The system notification confirmed the completion of his task and the rewards he had earned. Despite his fatigue, Michael felt a surge of pride and relief.
He shut down his laptop and prepared to rest for three hours because now it's time to start earning money to fundraise his business from stock and possibly gambling.
But before that, he checked his mastery stats.
[Mastery]
Physics: Level 4
1210/1500 points
Chemistry: Level 0
0/100
Biology: Level 0
0/100
Mathematics: Level 4
1400/1500
Astronomy: Level 0
0/100
Meteorology: Level 4
1450/1500
Oceanography: Level 0
0/100
Environmental Science: Level 4
1300/1500
Geology: Level 0
0/100
Computer Science: Level 4
1200/1500
]
[Current System Points: 40,050.]
A smile spread across his lips. Maybe it's time to focus on other core sciences as well. But money first and then read books about those core sciences during school or in his free time.