Tom's bike effortlessly weaved through the city streets, the thrum of its engine punctuating the surrounding sounds. After a few moments of riding, Tom suddenly piped up, his voice a mix of disbelief and curiosity, "Boss, just how many lottery tickets did you buy?"
Zero smirked, "Just five."
Tom's surprise caused him to jerk the handlebars momentarily, sending the bike into a wobble. Car horns blared behind them, and Zero swiftly slapped Tom's helmet, chiding, "Stay focused, numbskull!"
Gathering his composure, Tom tried to put on a faux-crying voice, "It's not fair! Only FIVE tickets and you win big? I wish I had half your luck."
"You do," Zero retorted, "because I'm your boss after all. That's luck in its own right."
Tom gave a melodramatic sigh, "Fair point, Boss."
After another stretch of smooth riding, they arrived at the city's most reputable car showroom. The expansive space showcased rows of gleaming luxury cars, each more enticing than the last. Soft white lighting illuminated the high-end models, their polished surfaces reflecting the light beautifully. The walls were adorned with advertisements, and a sophisticated lounge area was set up to one side.
As they dismounted, Zero turned to Tom, "By the way, how old are you?"
Tom looked slightly taken aback by the sudden question but answered, "27. Why do you ask boss?"
But Zero was already heading inside, not waiting for Tom's full response.
The showroom's interior was as impressive as its exterior. Plush red carpets, courteous attendants in crisp suits, and a soft, ambient melody playing in the background. There was an air of class and sophistication, mixed with the unmistakable scent of fresh leather.
However, a young female manager, with sharp features and a no-nonsense appearance, quickly approached them. Her demeanor was somewhat dismissive, her eyes sizing them up based on their casual attire and Tom's old motorbike. Clearly, she had made some quick, and possibly incorrect, judgments.
Standing tall and exuding an aura of confidence, Zero addressed her before she could say anything, "Is this how you usually greet your customers?"
The manager blinked, taken aback, clearly not expecting such a poised response from someone of Zero's age. The next moments would determine the direction of their interaction.
The manager, named Elise, had been with the showroom for about four years. In her early thirties, she was a determined woman, having climbed up the corporate ladder quickly due to her relentless drive and an almost hawkish attention to detail. Her deep brown hair was always tied in a tight bun, emphasizing her sharp jawline and high cheekbones. Her green eyes, which often unnerved her subordinates, could pierce through anyone, extracting information without a word being spoken.
Elise was a product of a strict upbringing. Born into a middle-class family, she was the eldest among three siblings and often bore the responsibility of looking after them. This upbringing instilled in her a profound sense of duty and a determination to rise above her circumstances. Her early struggles in life only strengthened her resolve, and she took pride in her achievements, which were many.
Over the years, she had developed an uncanny ability to judge people, which served her well in sales. She prided herself on being able to gauge a customer's purchasing power within seconds of meeting them. It was a skill that, more often than not, proved accurate and led to many a successful sale.
However, her rapid judgments were also her Achilles' heel. In her drive to optimize sales and cater to the most lucrative customers, she occasionally overlooked potential buyers who didn't fit the typical profile. This was one of those moments.
Her colleagues often found her intimidating, but those who had taken the time to get to know her saw a different side. Away from the showroom floor, Elise was a passionate art enthusiast and loved to spend her weekends visiting galleries or painting in her small apartment's balcony. Her friends knew her as someone with a sharp wit and an infectious laugh, quite contrary to her professional demeanor.
As she looked at Zero, Elise realized she might have miscalculated this time. She had always trusted her instincts, but facing the young boy's confident stance and piercing gaze, doubt began to creep in.
Without letting the manager get her composer back, Zero glanced at her name tag and continued, "Elise, I'm interested in acquiring two vehicles. One being the Maserati GranSport 2023 and for the other, I'd appreciate a Heavy Duty SUV recommendation."
Internally, Elise reeled. 'Is he some heir of a business tycoon?' she pondered. The cost of a standard Maserati was around 120 million won, and adding another vehicle, especially when he was clearly underage to drive, raised eyebrows.
Catching the skeptical look on Elise's face, Zero added, "They're gifts—for a close associate and my parents." Pausing momentarily and flashing an almost mischievous grin, he said, "Their anniversary is coming up. I believe in making grand gestures. Also, let's expedite this process, shall we?"
Even Tom was momentarily stunned. The stark contrast in Zero's demeanor while dealing with him and now with Elise made him silently thankful he was on Zero's good side.
Taking a deep breath, Elise managed to regain her professional demeanor. "I apologize for any earlier presumptions. For an SUV, might I suggest the 2023 Ford F-150? It's a top-seller, combining luxury with durability and priced around 100 million won." She began detailing the features, talking about its state-of-the-art technology, safety enhancements, and plush interiors.
Once she wrapped up her pitch, Zero simply responded, "I'll take both, in black." He nodded towards Tom, indicating he should handle the transaction.
Somewhat flabbergasted, stunned by the rapid decision, Elise hesitated, "Are you sure you wouldn't want to take a closer look at them or perhaps a test drive?"
"There's no necessity," Zero responded calmly. "From my research, they're the only units available in stock here, right?"
Elise's jaw nearly dropped. "How...how did you ascertain that?"
Without dwelling on her astonishment, Zero merely grinned. He directed Tom to finalize the paperwork while he relayed the delivery instructions for the Ford.
After ensuring everything was in order, Zero remarked, "The Ford should be delivered to this address. As for the Maserati, we'll take it for a spin now."
Elise, still processing the whirlwind transaction, simply nodded in agreement.
After finalizing the details, Zero reiterated, "Please make sure the Ford is delivered to this address by Monday. Given the weekend, that should be sufficient time." As for the Maserati, he added, "We'll be driving that out right away."
Elise, slightly overwhelmed by the speed and decisiveness of the transaction, nodded, "Of course. Everything will be arranged as you specified." She handed Zero the keys and guided them towards the gleaming black Maserati parked conspicuously in the showroom's center.
Tom's eyes widened in awe as they approached the vehicle. Even from a distance, the Maserati's sleek silhouette was a sight to behold. Its glossy black finish reflected the overhead lights, giving it a mesmerizing shimmer. The car's curves were expertly crafted, evoking a sense of speed and elegance, a perfect blend of aggression and sophistication. The iconic trident emblem on its grille stood out, asserting its identity.
Stepping closer, Tom was captivated by the luxurious interiors. He could see plush leather seats, their intricate stitching testament to the brand's attention to detail. The dashboard was a harmonious blend of tactile leather and state-of-the-art tech, with a large touch screen at its center. The ambient lighting inside gave a soft glow, making the interiors look even more inviting. It wasn't just a car; it was a piece of art.
Lost in his reverie, Tom was jolted back to reality when Zero tossed him the keys. "Come on, snap out of it and get in,".
Tom blinked, the keys in his hand feeling heavier than they looked. "Huh? Me? Drive?"
Zero rolled his eyes, "Obviously. Did you expect an underage kid to get behind the wheel? Plus, it's just a car."
"wait how about my bike" Tom Worrieddly asked.
"just leave it you will be driving this from now on". Zero answered.
Tom eye widened, "what?? this car is for me?".
Zero sigh, "ofcourse if you are my people you will be treated at least this much".
Tom swallowed, "but...I've never driven anything this... luxurious before."
Zero's demeanor changed slightly, his playful nature replaced with a more commanding aura. "Time's ticking, Tom. We have another stop at the bank. Get moving."
Not wanting to defy Zero's clear instructions, Tom reluctantly slid into the driver's seat, taking a moment to acquaint himself with the car's controls. As the engine roared to life, a thrilling surge of power was palpable. Carefully, with a deep breath, Tom steered the Maserati out of the showroom, its tires humming softly on the tarmac. The drive to the bank was smooth, with Tom gradually gaining confidence, and the Maserati responding beautifully to his every command. The world outside seemed to blur, with only the road and the powerful machine mattering. It was an experience like no other.