For being poorly cared for by the orphanage, their clothes were not the best. At most, they could go out to a general store and come back. Still, Thomas dressed in the best possible way. For being small and thin, some pieces were loose.
"So. Where are we going today? Most importantly, how are we going to get through reception?" Thomas was visibly excited about their new adventure.
"For the first question, it's still a secret. And about the second, don't worry, I've already taked care about it." Arthur spoke as he got up from the bed and walked towards the door. "Let's go!"
"Let's go!"
***
When they arrived at the reception, they passed by without giving any satisfaction. Edna didn't bother talking to them either. She had already been ordered not to provoke them, nor did she want to, not after what happened this morning.
As soon as they left, Arthur called a taxi with his cell phone and went to the biggest clothing store he had in town: Belle Tenue.
***
It didn't take long to reach the store. After paying for the taxi, they left and entered the store. As soon as they stepped inside, an employee who was watching them stopped them in front of the store.
"I'm sorry, but I think you're in the wrong place. This store is not for people like you, so please leave." A wistful smile appeared on the guy's face. In fact, he was disgusted by these clumsy people.
Countless people heard the man speaking, but did nothing to intervene. Some even agreed with him. Realizing what was going on, Arthur soon took control of the situation. Calling the police was the last thing he wanted to do, so it was time for retribution.
"Um. Are you the owner of the store?" His voice was cold as ice, and sharp as a knife.
"No, and what I am does not interest you. Now, disappear from the front of the store. They are tarnishing our image!" The guy's voice could be as annoying as a fork scratching a plate.
"That's right then. I hope you're happy with your shit shop, sucker." Before the guy could say anything, Arthur was already entering another store.
This store was Belle Tenue's biggest competitor, Nautilus.
***
While all this was going on, an employee at the Nautilus store was thinking about his life. Jorge was definitely a simple 28-year-old man. Since he was little he never made much noise, besides the occasional tantrums of every child. He studied and graduated as anyone. He had an easy job, and he still has it today.
It didn't take long for someone to hinder his concentration. This was his supervisor, Rogério.
"Hey, you dumbass. Adjust your posture and pay attention to any customer's entrance!" A slight irritation was present in his tone of voice, but it was yet another warning sign. He and Jorge had been friends in this store for many years. Both were ordinary employees, but through his efforts he was promoted to a branch manager.
"Yes, yes, boss!" A slightly friendly and sarcastic tone came out of Jorge's voice, but Rogério decided to ignore it.
"Look, man, let's be very sincere here. I'm trying to help you change your lifestyle. You're always relaxed and whatever comes it's ok, but that's not how things work. A life without ups and downs is not nothing but a passage, just like the wind." As best friend, Rogério was trying to fix the messy rhythm that was Jorge's life.
Jorge could feel the pressure those words put on him. He has long wanted to change, but his laziness has already consumed him and his determination is weak.
But little did he know that one of the incentives in his life to grow enormously was coming through the door of the store right now.
As soon as Arthur passed the Nautilus door, an employee came over to greet him. That employee was Jorge, who was free at the time.
"Hello and good morning." Approaching with a smile worked over years of employment, Jorge spoke to the pair. "How can I help you?"
"Good morning. We came to buy some sets of clothes. The best you have, please," said Arthur, reading the soul of the person in front of him. He saw a man with no interests and who only lives for life, but who had a good character.
"Sure, this way!" His tone was exciting, as his commission would increase depending on the volume of clothes sold. He was not concerned with anyone's appearance. If the person did not buy it, clothes would only be washed and put back in place, without any problem. Expelling customers was the real problem.
After that, Jorge took them countless pieces of clothing, and if Arthur or Thomas liked any, they would buy it. Coats, shirts, pants, shorts, and one of Arthur's passions, sneakers were bought in droves. Thomas asked many times if he would have a problem with money, but Arthur always relieved his doubts. After many pieces, an expense of R$ 10,000 was accounted for, but close to R$ 800,000, it represented nothing.
With happiness in his heart, Jorge almost fainted with joy when he saw that the card was accepted, meaning that this month would be the highest salary he has ever received. With hands almost shaking, Jorge handed the card back to Arthur and thanked him at the end "Thank you very much for your visit, Mr. Arthur. Here is a VIP card from our store. He gives a 20% discount on any purchase made at any branch of ours. As the purchase balance exceeded R$ 5,000, it is more than justified for our store to give you one of these! "
"Thank you very much. I appreciate your kindness, but I'm not that old for the honorific!" Seeing that Jorge was a good person, his cold, sharp aura was not necessary, giving a better impression of himself. "Even if I'm not that old, I still judge people well. I would recommend you to change your lifestyle and start being more assertive. Enjoy your laziness and be smart. The most successful is the one who hits more targets, not the one that shoot more! "
After hearing such words, Jorge's face flushed a little with shame, but it was soon replaced by one of determination "Certainly, Mr. Arthur! Next time you come here, bet that I will be the new manager. Thank you very much for your advices!" He finished speaking and shook hands with Arthur before he left.
It is not useful to listen to advice from a person who has never achieved anything in life, but those who have money will always be well listened to. That is why Jorge paid so much attention to Arthur's speech.
***
Soon after calling a taxi, the one he took early in the morning, since he had taken his number, he started visiting other places to buy other necessities.
What was most urgent after the clothes was technology, both for Thomas's learning and for Arthur's use. After going to some stores, they bought the latest generation cell phones, one for Arthur with greater storage capacity and one for Thomas with greater computing power. They also bought two high-end notebooks, with the same specifications. In this purchase alone, R$ 100,000 was left with the sellers.
Getting in the taxi with so many clothes and gadgets, they headed for the biggest hotel in the city, since there was no space in the orphanage, and they had money, it would be better to sleep somewhere more comfortable.
Shortly after arriving at the hotel, they rented the luxury suite for 3 days, which would be the time for Carlos to deliver the house and they would move again.