Edward found the perfect property to buy. He called Marcus, and they agreed to meet at the hotdog stall outside Marcus's gym.
The sun was high when Edward parked his Defender near a small corner street. The smell of grilled meat and sizzling oil filled the air — a local hotdog stall, right across from Marcus's gym.
He spotted Marcus immediately — wearing a sleeveless hoodie, sweat-drenched from training, still somehow managing to argue with the stall owner about mustard portions.
Edward stepped out, adjusting his sunglasses. "Still fighting for extra sauce, huh?"
Marcus turned, eyes lighting up. "Ed! Finally, the legend himself shows up! You made me wait thirty minutes — I almost starved to death here."
Edward smiled faintly. "You'd survive. You look like you eat dumbbells for breakfast."
Marcus laughed, slapping his shoulder. "Man, shut up. You're the one living in a palace now. What brings you to this poor man's block?"
Edward looked across the street at the gym — a two-story building with faded paint, rusting signage, and old equipment visible through the windows. "You said last time the gym owner was planning to sell, right?"
Marcus blinked. "Yeah. The landlord's been threatening to kick us out for months. Why?"
Edward turned to him, calm as always. "Because I'm buying it."
Marcus stared. "…Buying what now?"
"The gym," Edward said simply. "I'll handle the ownership transfer today. You'll take over management."
Marcus's jaw nearly hit the pavement. "Wait, wait — hold up! Ed, this isn't some game! That building costs—"
Edward interrupted, "One-point-three million. Already checked the documents."
Marcus froze. "You—how the hell did you even—"
Edward's expression didn't change. "I made some calls before coming. It's a good investment… but more importantly, it's yours."
Marcus blinked again, like the words didn't register. "You're kidding, right?"
"No," Edward said, voice steady. "You've always wanted your own gym. You trained, saved, struggled. Consider this my investment — in you."
Marcus opened his mouth, then closed it again, completely lost for words. His throat tightened. "Bro, that's… that's too much. I can't—"
Edward smiled faintly. "You can. You just have to make it worth it."
Marcus laughed weakly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Damn it, Ed. You're making it hard to act cool right now."
Edward chuckled. "That's fine. I've seen you trip over dumbbells before. Cool's not really your thing."
"Hey!" Marcus punched his arm lightly, grinning through the shock. "You serious, man? Like—really serious?"
"Paperwork's already processing," Edward replied. "By tomorrow, the building's under your name."
Marcus just stood there, shaking his head. "You know, Ed… I used to think you were just quiet and awkward. But you've changed, man."
Edward's eyes flickered with calm amusement. "Maybe I just stopped pretending to be small."
Marcus exhaled, still staring across the street at the gym. "You really mean it, huh? My own place…"
Edward nodded once. "Make it something you're proud of. That's all I want."
Marcus's grin broke into a laugh — half disbelief, half happiness. "You crazy rich bastard! You just gave me a damn dream!"
Edward smirked. "Then start living it."
The hotdog vendor, who had been listening the whole time, awkwardly handed Marcus his order. "Uh, so… you still want mustard, or…?"
Marcus blinked. "Oh! Yeah, yeah — extra mustard! I'm celebrating!"
Edward chuckled quietly, shaking his head.
As Marcus wolfed down his food between bursts of excitement, Edward leaned on the Defender's hood, watching the small gym across the street — a modest building, but one that carried years of Marcus's sweat and struggle.
Marcus still hadn't processed everything. His brain was trying to catch up with what just happened — his best friend had just given him a gym. Not a gift card. Not a loan. A whole damn building.
"Marcus, before you fry your last working brain cell," Edward said dryly, "make a post about it. Tag Lina. Say her suggestion helped me buy the property."
Marcus blinked. "Huh? Why her?"
Edward's lips curved slightly. "Because if you tag her, both your names will link to mine. You'll get followers, and I'll gain credibility. She gets attention, you get exposure, and my mission gets closer to completion. Everyone wins."
Marcus rubbed the back of his head. "You think of everything, don't you?"
Edward shrugged lightly. "Just playing the game right."
Marcus, still half-stunned, nodded. "Fine, fine. I'll post it."
He opened his X account — his hands still shaking — and typed slowly, trying to sound casual.
@MarcusTheMachine:"Big thanks to @MrMysterious and @LinaVerse for the inspiration. Her advice about property really hit home — literally. The man himself bought my gym building today. Dreams don't come true often, but sometimes… your brother makes them happen."
He hit post.
Within minutes, the notification count exploded.
@FitFrenzy: "Wait, THAT Marcus?? The UFC trainee?? Bro just got gifted a gym?? 😭🔥"@LinaVerse: "Looks like my little suggestion turned out useful after all 😌 congrats Marcus!"
@FanLords: "Bro just casually dropped 'bought my gym' like it's lunch money 😭😭😭."@FitnessGirlsUnite: "Okay but this is real friendship goals. Rich people — take notes."
Marcus stared at the screen, completely lost. "Bro… I think I just gained 50,000 followers in ten minutes."
Edward smirked faintly. "You'll need them. Use the attention to promote your gym. Post your training, make it personal — people love authenticity."
Marcus blinked again, his throat tight. "You really planned all this?"
Edward looked across the street at the gym, his tone calm but firm. "No. I just wanted to see you stand where you deserve to."
Marcus lowered his gaze, voice trembling slightly. "You know, Ed… you didn't just give me a building today. You gave me a damn second chance. You know what my mom's been going through, the bills, everything… I don't even know how to thank you."
Edward placed a hand on his shoulder. "You don't need to. Just make sure this place thrives."
Marcus nodded slowly, emotion burning behind his grin. "You can count on that. From now on, if you ever need me — anything, anywhere — I'm there."
Edward smiled faintly, his tone teasing again. "Good. Just try not to cry on me. You'll ruin the moment."
Marcus laughed, sniffling anyway. "You're a cold bastard, you know that?"
Edward chuckled quietly. "Maybe. But I choose the right people to be warm with. Anyway I will catch you later you will get the documents tommorow and property group will tell you about rents and etc..see you".
Marcus shaking his head" Yea go on you coming outside to meet me is a wonder..Call me".
Edward quickly reached his home , he cant wait he finally completed his mission .He made his way to couch and asked sugar to show rewards..
Edward chuckled quietly. "Maybe. But I choose the right people to be warm with. Anyway, I'll catch you later. You'll get the documents tomorrow — the property group will handle the rent transfers and ownership forms. See you."
Marcus shook his head, grinning. "Yeah, yeah. You actually coming outside to meet me is already a miracle. Don't go ghosting me again."
Edward waved a hand without turning. "No promises."
He climbed into the Defender, the engine growling softly as he pulled out of the narrow street. The drive back was calm — sunlight bouncing off the hood, city noise fading as he climbed toward Crescent Hill.
By the time he stepped back into Skyview Villa, a quiet satisfaction lingered in his chest. Not pride — just a rare feeling of balance. He'd made noise, caused a storm, and still managed to give meaning to it.
Dropping his keys on the counter, Edward slumped onto the couch, stretching his arms behind his head.
"Well, Sugar," he said, exhaling slowly, "that's the mission done. Show me my rewards."
A soft chime filled the room, followed by the familiar, serene tone of the System.
[SYSTEM MISSION COMPLETE]The Foundation of Influence — Status: SUCCESS
Mission Summary: Establish a powerful social identity through strategic actions, influence, and wealth display.Public Presence: Viral Level (Global Tier Recognition Achieved)Personal Network Expansion: Achieved (Marcus Hale, Lina Verse)Emotional Resonance: Achieved (Altruistic Action Recognized)
[Rewards Unlocked]
• Credit Rebound: $5,000,000 fully restored.
• Bonus Funds: $500,000 added for effective influence utilization.
• New Title:Social Catalyst — Charisma effects amplified in social and business interactions (+2 CHA).
• New Vehicles Unlocked:
Lamborghini Revuelto 2025 Edition (Performance Model)
Aston Martin Valour V12 (Collector's Model)
• Special Reward — Mysterious Valuable Ally: Unlocked -Butler
Edward leaned back on the couch, scrolling through his rewards list one last time. "Hmm, nice. A new title, more money… and a butler who sounds like he's straight out of an aristocrat's fantasy. Not bad."
He exhaled slowly, satisfied. "Anyway, Sugar, where's my mysterious ally?"
"Cool," Edward said, stretching lazily. "Let's see what kind of person the System thinks I need this time."
He closed his eyes, ready to take a short nap — but the peace didn't last.