Riverside Heights looked like someone built it out of glass and steel just to brag. Balconies everywhere. Green plants tucked in, but only where the designers allowed—like they wanted nature, but on a leash.
"This way," Maya said, pulling into a spot.
The lobby hit Evan with that sharp, clean smell—citrus, something polished, nothing out of place. Every detail landed exactly where someone planned.
The apartment was massive. Windows stretched from floor to ceiling, sunlight flooding the place. The kitchen rolled right into the living room. And the view? The river slicing through the city, everything shining in the afternoon.
Evan wandered around with his hands in his pockets. He didn't touch anything. Didn't rush. He stopped by the window and watched boats drift by.
"It's nice," he said.
Maya nodded. "Usually sells in a week."
"Got it."
No chit-chat. No extra words.
Ten minutes later, they were already back in the car.
Maya glanced over. "Most people hang around longer."
Evan shrugged, merging into traffic. "I know what I want."
Next up: the east side. Newer buildings, everything sharper, almost aggressive. Towers packed in so close they looked ready to shove each other aside.
"This area's blowing up," Maya said. "Prices just keep going."
The apartment here was smaller, but it was clever. Storage crammed into every corner, real soundproofing, a layout built for efficiency, not comfort.
Evan closed a door, then opened it again. Silence. He liked that.
"Interesting," he said.
Maya almost smiled. "That's the nicest thing you've said all day."
He didn't answer.
They toured a third place, but Evan already knew. Too noisy, too exposed, too many people trying too hard.
Outside, Evan checked his watch.
"Let's skip the rest."
Maya hesitated. "We've got two more—"
"I'm good."
She studied him for a second, then nodded. "So, which one?"
Evan leaned against the BMW, eyes on the skyline. He was just about to answer when—
[System Notification]
That old message slid into his thoughts, calm as always.
[Detected Intent: Establish Independent Living Space]
[Evaluation: High-Quality Life Choice]
He kept his face blank, but inside, he tuned in.
[Hidden Achievement Unlocked: "First True Independence"]
A hidden achievement. That was new.
[Reward Issued]
[Apartment Coupon ×2]
[Effect: Redeem one residential unit per coupon at a fixed price of $1]
For a second, the world felt off. Two apartments. One dollar each.
He read it twice. The system never lied. No mistakes.
This was real.
Maya cleared her throat. "Mr. Carter?"
Evan turned to her. "I'll take both," he said, steady as ever.
She blinked. "Both?"
"The river-view place and the Eastwood Heights apartment."
"That's… not normal," she said. "Can I ask why?"
Evan opened the car door, not bothered. "One to live in. One to keep."
Maya paused, then nodded. "I'll get the paperwork started."
Back in the BMW, Evan's mind was already a few steps ahead.
A home isn't just a roof. It's leverage.
And for the first time since the system showed up, something clicked into place. Quiet, but solid.
This wasn't luck.
Maya moved fast. Too fast. At the Golden Lake sales office, she took Evan straight past the VIP lounge to a private conference room. Glass walls, soundproof, made for deals nobody else needed to see.
"Please wait a moment," she said, already texting her manager.
Evan sat down. Didn't bother looking around.
A few minutes passed. Then five.
Outside the glass, staff started slowing down, sneaking glances, whispering a little too long before pretending to work.
That was new.
The door opened.
A man in his forties walked in, suit perfect, smile just right.
"Mr. Carter," he said warmly. "Daniel Moore, sales director here at Golden Lake. Maya tells me you're interested in two units?"
Evan stood, shook his hand. Quick, firm.
"That's right."
Daniel let out a polite laugh, like he thought it was odd but kind of liked it. "That's… rare. Especially for a first-time client."
"I don't plan to be one for long," Evan said.
Daniel's smile tightened, just a bit.
He switched gears. "I guess you want to talk price?" He motioned for everyone to sit.
Maya slid a folder over.
Clean numbers, no fluff.
River-view: $1.26 million.
Eastwood Heights: $940,000.
Total: $2.2 million.
Daniel watched Evan. Most people freeze here. Rethink. Hesitate.
Evan didn't flinch. Didn't even blink at the total.
"I'll settle both today," he said.
The office went quiet. Just the printer humming in the background.
Maya slid a tablet over. "You can pay here. Card or transfer."
Evan nodded, tapped his card.
Beep.
A soft buzz in his pocket.
Payment Successful — $3,480,000
Maya let out a breath, a little surprised. "That was fast."
Evan didn't answer.
Because a second vibration followed—lighter, almost polite.
[System Notification]
[Coupon Applied Successful]
Condition Met: Valid Market Transaction Completed
Refund Issued
Amount Refunded: $3,479,998
Final Cost: $1
Funds Returned to Original Source
Daniel was the first to stand, smoothing his suit like he was brushing off the last bit of stress. "Congratulations, Mr. Carter. Both units are yours now. Officially reserved."
He shot a look at Maya. "You can grab the temporary keys today. Final paperwork will be ready in about a week. Maya will handle all of it herself."
Maya straightened up, looking a little proud. "I'll bring them." Then she was gone—quick, all business.
Daniel reached for another handshake. "We don't get buyers like you every day. Hope Golden Lake is just the beginning."
Evan shook his hand, polite but keeping a bit of distance. "We'll see."
Daniel gave a short laugh, eyes sharp. "Oh, we will."
Maya came back with two slim black keycases. Silver logoon top—nothing showy, but you could tell they weren't cheap.
"These are your access keys," she said, setting them on the table. "Parking, elevators, unit doors. Security will turn everything on tonight."
Evan picked them up. Lighter than he expected.
"Good," he said.
No drama. He slid the keys into his pocket and stood. "That's everything?"
"That's everything," Maya said, maybe a little too fast.
Evan nodded and headed for the door.
"M—Mr. Carter."
He stopped.
Maya hesitated, glanced at the glass walls, then back at him.
"I was thinking…" She sounded careful. "Since today went so well, and I did get commission on both units—maybe dinner? Just to celebrate. Nothing formal."
She kept it professional, but something else was in her voice—relief, a spark of excitement. Curiosity, definitely.
Evan turned and really looked at her for the first time. Not as a sales agent, not as part of the deal. Just a person.
"I appreciate it," he said, steady. "But I've got something I need to do tonight."
Maya took it well, but there was a flash of disappointment before she put on another smile. "Of course. Another time, then."
"Maybe," Evan said, as polite as ever.
He reached for the door.
"Mr. Carter?"
He paused.
Maya hesitated, then asked, "Can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
She picked her words. "Most people buying their first place get nervous. Or excited. Or both." She gave a small smile. "But you weren't either."
Evan thought for a second.
"This isn't the goal," he said. "It's just a step."
She watched him, trying to figure him out.
"I see," she said quietly.
Evan nodded and left.
Outside, the late afternoon sun caught on glass buildings, making the city look sharper. More alive. Expensive.
He'd just reached his BMW when he heard her voice again.
"Mr. Carter—wait."
He stopped, hand on the door, and looked back.
Maya stood a few steps behind, the office glass doors shining behind her. For once, she didn't look like a polished sales rep—just someone thinking on her feet.
"I know you said you're busy tonight," she said, a little fast, "and I'm not trying to push. But—" She cut herself off, took a breath. "Could I have your number?"
Evan raised an eyebrow, just curious.
"For work," she added quickly. "I'll be handling your paperwork personally. If anything comes up, it's quicker than calling the office."
That was true. Not the whole story, but true.
Evan watched her for a long second—long enough for her to wonder if she'd gone too far.
Then he pulled out his phone, unlocked it, and handed it over.
"Sure."
Relief flickered on her face before she could hide it.
She typed fast, fingers steady even though her shoulders looked tense, then handed the phone back.
"You can save it as Maya," she said. "I'll keep you posted on the documents. Three to five business days, probably."
Evan glanced at the screen. "Got it."
He slid the phone into his pocket.
"Thank you," Maya said, and this time her smile felt real.
Evan nodded. "Drive safe."
He climbed in and shut the door. The engine purred to life.
As the BMW pulled away, Maya stood there a bit too long, watching the taillights get swallowed by the city traffic. She told herself it was just business.
But for the first time all day, she wasn't sure.
Inside the car, Evan eased into traffic, the city lights starting to flicker as evening crept in.
He didn't rush.
He took the long way back toward campus, letting the city noise fade behind him. Deals done. Decisions made. For once, nothing urgent waiting.
By the time he reached the university district, the streets had thinned. Students wandered in little groups, laughter drifting through the air. Someone was playing music from an open window. Life, simple and low.Simple and loud.
Evan pulled into the dorm lot. The guard barely glanced up, spotted his car, and waved him in. He took his usual spot, turned off the engine, and just sat for a second. Quiet pressed in, soft and heavy.
He got out.
The building looked exactly like it always did—bare concrete, a few warm lights scattered in windows. Nothing about it stood out. Nothing to write home about.
Still.
He paused at the door, glanced up at the higher floors. Just for now, he told himself.
Inside, the hall smelled like instant noodles and laundry soap. Two guys walked past, arguing about some game. Somebody slammed a door somewhere down the hall. Same old chaos.
Evan took the stairs, not the elevator. He always did.
By the time he hit his floor, everything got quieter. Just the buzz of the hallway lights, voices echoing from somewhere far off.
He unlocked his door.
Nathan was already back, stretched out on his bed.
"Evan, back already? Want to play a few games?" Jack called out the Evan walked in.
"Sure, hand me the phone." Evan nodded, pulling out his own.
"I'm in too!" Ryan chimed in, not wanting to miss out.
The three of them dove right into their game.
Nathan watched from his bed, his face tightening when nobody invited him to join. He didn't get it—why did Evan,Jack, and Ryan all just ignore him like that?
*******"