"Then I'll get another job. But right now, I'm making more in a week than you make in six months. And I want you to stop killing yourself for a paycheck."
His mother wiped her eyes, laughing slightly through tears. "When did you become so responsible?"
"I learned from the best."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Then Max's phone buzzed.
SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION
Transaction Alert
DEPOSIT: $20,000 USD (¥2,987,400)
From: Phoenix Guild Holdings International
Date: December 9th, 2025 – 10:27 AM
New Balance: ¥3,834,693
Max showed his mother the notification. "That's the withdrawal I just made. It took less than an hour to process."
Yuki stared at the screen, then at Max. "What are you planning?"
"Get dressed," Max said, standing. "Nice clothes, not work clothes. We're going out."
"Where?"
"You'll see. But wear something comfortable—we're going to be walking."
SHIBUYA DISTRICT – 11:45 AM
Max and Yuki walked through one of Tokyo's high profile residential districts, not far from Shibuya but in a quieter area. The streets here were lined with modern apartment buildings, trendy cafes, and small parks.
"Max, where are we going?" Yuki asked for the third time.
"Patience."
They turned a corner, and Max led them to a shiny, modern building—fifteen stories tall with beautiful architectural design. A sign near the entrance read:
AZURE HEIGHTS RESIDENCES
Luxury Apartments – Now Available
Yuki stopped walking. "Max..."
"Come on." He gently took her arm and led her inside.
The lobby was stunning—marble floors, modern art on the walls, a reception staffed by professional attendants. Everything screamed expensive.
A woman in a business suit approached them immediately. "Good morning! Welcome to Azure Heights. I'm Tanaka Rei, the leasing agent. Do you have an appointment?"
"Yes," Max said. "Under the name Thorne. 11:45 AM."
Rei checked her tablet and smiled. "Ah yes, Mr. Thorne. Perfect timing. Would you like to see the available units?"
"Wait," Yuki said, pulling on Max's sleeve. "What is this?"
"Just look, Mom. Please."
Rei led them to the elevator, taking them to the eighth floor. She unlocked a door labeled 8-C and gestured for them to enter.
"This is one of our most popular units," Rei explained. "Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, spacious living area, modern kitchen, and—"
She opened the curtains, revealing floor-to-ceiling windows with a breathtaking view of Tokyo. The city sprawled below them, glittering in the late morning sun. In the distance, you could see Tokyo Tower.
The apartment was beautiful. Hardwood floors, contemporary design, natural light flooding every room. The kitchen had brand-new appliances. The bedrooms were spacious, nothing like their cramped current apartment. The bathroom had a proper bathtub—a luxury Yuki hadn't had in years.
Yuki walked through the space slowly, touching the counters, looking out the windows.
"The building includes other features," Rei continued professionally. "24-hour reception, fitness center, rooftop garden, secured parking, and high-speed internet infrastructure—perfect for gaming or remote work."
"What's the rent?" Yuki asked quietly.
"For this unit, ¥280,000 per month. However, we're currently offering a promotion—sign a one-year lease, and the first month is free."
Yuki turned to Max, her eyes wide. "That's... that's twice what we pay now."
"I know," Max said.
"Max, we can't—"
"We're not renting it," Max interrupted.
Rei smiled knowingly. "Actually, Mr. Thorne contacted us yesterday about purchasing options."
"Purchasing?" Yuki looked like she might faint.
"This unit is available for purchase at ¥68 million," Rei explained. "However, Mr. Thorne inquired about our payment plan option—30% down payment, with the remaining balance financed over five years at a favorable interest rate."
Max pulled out his phone, showing his bank account balance again—now over ¥3.8 million from the recent deposit, plus his existing savings.
"The down payment is about ¥20 million," Max said. "I don't have that all at once, obviously. But I can make monthly payments of ¥700,000 easily with my current income. The guild coordinator helped me run the numbers—it's financially sound."
"Max," Yuki whispered. "You're talking about buying an apartment. You're twenty-six years old."
"Mom, we've been living in that tiny place for eight years. You've been sleeping on a futon in a room barely big enough for a closet. You deserve better. We deserve better."
Tears were streaming down Yuki's face now. "I can't let you do this. It's too much."
"It's not too much. It's not even close to what you've done for me." Max took both her hands. "You worked yourself to exhaustion to keep us afloat after Dad died. You never complained, never asked for help, just kept going. Now it's my turn. Let me take care of you."
Yuki looked around the apartment again—at the spacious rooms, the beautiful view, the modern kitchen where she could actually cook instead of reheating convenience store food.
"Are you sure?" she asked, her voice breaking. "Are you absolutely sure you can afford this?"
"I'm sure. And even if something happens, even if the game economy changes, I can always sell it or rent it out. Real estate in Tokyo holds value. It's not a risk—it's an investment."
Rei, sensing the emotional moment, stepped back slightly. "I'll give you two some time to discuss. Take as long as you need."
After she left, Yuki stood at the window, looking out at Tokyo. Max joined her.
"You really want to do this?" she asked quietly.
"More than anything."
She was silent for a long moment. Then she laughed. "My son is buying us an apartment with money he made playing video games. What kind of world do we live in?"
"A weird one," Max admitted. "But not a bad one."
Yuki turned to him, cupping his face in her hands. "Your father would be so proud of you. So unbelievably proud."
"I hope so."
She kissed his forehead. "Okay. Let's do it. Let's buy this insane apartment with your insane video game money."
Max grinned and called Rei back in. "We'll take it."