At the long oak dinner table, Lewis and others went around introducing themselves. As they said earlier, treat it like a club gathering rather than a formal business meeting.
The conversation soon shifted toward business. On the surface, it was just small talk, but everyone at the table had the same goal—catch Jason's attention.
After all, the financial weight of a VIP was enough to crush most people in the industry. More importantly, Jason wasn't even twenty-one yet. A young man with this kind of backing? Everyone suspected there had to be a massive family fortune standing behind him.
Jason, however, wasn't in much of an investing mood. His main focus was still on building relationships and, secretly, farming favorability points. Dumping money into random ventures wasn't on his agenda. Still, he listened carefully and mentally took notes—because opportunities unused now might become useful in the future.
Lewis naturally spoke about real estate development, trucking and freight, while others pitched everything from tech startups to logistics. Then came the topic that perked Jason's ears up.
One man mentioned a Kawasaki dealership. Jason leaned forward, eyes lighting up.
"Mr. Tom , do you happen to have a Kawasaki H2 at your store?" Jason asked.
Most guys had a dream bike tucked away in their hearts, and Jason was no exception. The Kawasaki H2—nicknamed the "land rocket"—was one of the most coveted superbikes in the world. It wasn't just a purchase; it was a statement.
And more importantly, Holly Larson loved motorcycles. If Jason could get his hands on one, it would definitely bump her favorability. She was already sitting at 77 points. Just three more and she'd cross 80.
He shook his head apologetically."No existing stock, and honestly, there may not even be one available anywhere in New York right now. If you really want one, I can try to pull some strings, but the soonest would probably be the end of the year."
Jason frowned slightly, disappointed. "Alright, then book one for me. I'll give you a deposit."
Tom waved both hands quickly."Mr. Jason, please, no deposit needed."
Just then, another man across the table—spoke up."Jason, if you like superbikes, how about a Suzuki Hayabusa? We just got the brand-new GSX1300R in stock. One of the customers backed out on his order. I can have it sent over to you right away."
Jason's eyes lit up again. The Hayabusa was legendary—sleek design, brutal speed, and a name that turned heads. Sure, the U.S. had strict speed limits, so its 300 km/h potential was wasted, but performance aside, it was pure style. Perfect for showing off.
"Does it come with a back seat?" Jason asked casually.
Chen grinned."Looks like it doesn't, but it actually does. The rear seat's just covered with a cowl. Pop it off, and you're good to go."
Jason didn't even bother asking the price."Alright, I'll take it. If you can have it delivered tonight, send it here. How much?"
"If it's for you, landed price—$38,000."
He didn't waste a second before making a call.
The dinner went on with everyone throwing around million-dollar deals, but Jason showed little interest in most of them. Nobody pushed too hard. Just being able to spend an evening getting closer to him was already a win.
By the end of the night, a cool 10 grand was deducted from Jason's club account to cover the gathering. Everyone left satisfied, having made their appearance.
As they headed downstairs, Holly Larson unexpectedly slipped her hand into Jason's, walking beside him without hesitation. Her straightforward personality never failed to surprise him.
When they stepped outside, a small crowd had gathered, drawn by the sight of a brand-new motorcycle being unloaded from a truck. Its streamlined body gleamed under the streetlights, predatory and beautiful.
Holly's eyes immediately lit up like fireworks. Aly—along all stopped in their tracks. Even those who didn't understand bikes could tell—it was a work of art.
Came forward, smiling proudly."Mr. Jason, the bike's here. Want to give it a spin?"
Everyone turned to Jason in astonishment. Did he seriously just buy this monster of a machine on a whim?
But then they remembered his penthouse, his luxury cars, the kind of money he tossed around like pocket change. For Jason, $38,000 wasn't a life decision. It was an afterthought.
Jason swung his leg over the Hayabusa, fingers gripping the throttle. The bike growled awake with a low, feral roar that echoed across the lot, like a beast shaking off its chains.
The crowd couldn't help but stare. For them, it was a once-in-a-lifetime luxury. For Jason, it was just another night.
Jason raised his eyebrows at Holly Larson and smirked."Hop on."
Holly chuckled, moving with a smooth, confident grace as she swung onto the back seat. She wrapped her arms around Jason's waist, her face pressed close to his shoulder. Both of them slipped on their helmets—safety first, even for the reckless.
"Let's head back to campus first. You guys can take my G-Wagon. Driver will bring it back. I'll ride," Jason told Mike and the others casually.
Then, without another word, he twisted the throttle. The Hayabusa roared like a caged beast finally set free, and the two of them tore off into the night.
The rest of the group stood watching, jaws practically on the ground.
"Damn, that's way too badass."
"In my next life, I'm coming back rich."
"Wait, I looked it up—that's a Suzuki Hayabusa. Costs over a thirty grand, easy."
"You're wrong. That's not just any Hayabusa, it's the GSX1300R. Nearly forty grand landed."
"A motorcycle that costs forty thousand dollars? That's insane."
Their voices buzzed with envy.
Mike, in particular, felt a heavy pit in his chest as he watched Holly holding Jason so tightly, smiling with an ease and joy that came straight from the heart. He knew Holly's obsession with motorcycles better than anyone. The GSX1300R was her dream bike—the kind of machine she'd once mentioned she'd kill to own.
But for him, it was nothing more than a fantasy. No matter how hard he worked, he couldn't afford it.
Jason, though? He'd pulled it off like buying a pack of chips.
The gap between them was crushing. Mike felt the last flicker of hope burn out. Holly was gone, completely and irreversibly.
Still, bitterness clung to him. He snapped a photo of Holly clinging to Jason's back, then opened his phone and sent it to his friend, Chenyang.
The city lights blurred as Jason and Holly flew down the riverside road. Wind howled past their helmets, the engine snarled, and the world melted into streaks of neon.
Holly held him tighter, her laughter muffled by the helmet but brimming with pure joy. She had ridden plenty of times on her own, but this—this was different. Riding with the man she liked, feeling the strength of his back against her chest, the thrill doubled, tripled, multiplied.
The system notifications chimed in Jason's head:
Favorability +1. Favorability +1. Favorability +1…
By the time they slowed near the campus gates, Holly's favorability had climbed all the way to 80.
"Holly Larson's favorability has exceeded 80. Status bar has narrowed. Please check in time."
Name: Holly Larson
Age: 21
Appearance: 8.4
Height: 5'6Weight: 115 lbs
Favorability: 60 → 80
Ex-boyfriend: None
STDs: None
Jason blinked. For a second, even he was surprised. Holly had always been the wild, playful type—constantly out with groups of friends, chasing thrills. It wasn't like she went on solo dates with guys.
She wasn't one of those girls "fishing" for suckers. Holly really did just love living fast.
He pulled off his helmet and turned to her, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
Holly tugged her own helmet off, shaking out her blonde hair. She caught Jason staring, and instead of shying away, she boldly met his gaze.
Maybe she misunderstood. Maybe she didn't. Or maybe she was just caught in the moment.
But Holly leaned in anyway, lips parting as she closed the gap between them…
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