"Hey Mia, it's Lucien, the one who bought all the suits, if you remember me," Lucien greeted warmly but with a hint of uncertainty in his voice as he reached the end of his sentence.
Mia responded, her voice easy-going with a hint of teasing. "Of course, I remember you, Lucien. Since you are calling, I would assume that you want something from me?"
Lucien went on to explain his purpose, his words expressing a sense of purpose and clarity. "Well, you are right. I actually need to buy some casual clothes and also get some outfits for home, like pajamas and such. I remembered that you have a good eye for fashion, so I wanted to ask if you'd assist me in choosing these clothes. It would be even better if the store where you work sells them."
Mia readily agreed to help. "Sure, come to the store, and I will assist you. I can't guarantee we'll have everything you need, but we do have a selection to choose from."
"Great, see you in 10 minutes," Lucien confirmed.
"Alright, looking forward to it," Mia replied. They exchanged their brief goodbyes, ending the call.
This time, instead of calling a taxi, Lucien requested a personal driver from the concierge service, instructing them to wait for him in his private garage. When asked about car preferences, he simply requested one with comfortable seating and ample space, as he planned to do some shopping.
Dressed in his sharp suit, Lucien prepared to head for the private garage. Just before he set off, his phone rang, bearing a call from the concierge service, informing him that the driver was standing by and ready to assist.
Upon reaching the private garage, Lucien was greeted by a sight that made his day even brighter. Parked before him was an Aurora Grandeur, a true emblem of luxury and elegance. Its inviting interior boasted opulent leather seats that exuded comfort, and the spacious cabin offered a sense of tranquility that perfectly complemented the top-tier technological features.
As Lucien emerged from the elevator, the driver displayed professionalism by promptly opening the rear door of the vehicle, welcoming him with a warm gesture. Settling into the plush seats, Lucien was immediately struck by the exceptional comfort they provided, reaffirming his choice to eschew a regular taxi for this premium mode of transportation.
Lucien noticed that his driver, introduced as Lucas, was a young man, likely in his late twenties. Lucas seemed genuinely pleased to have the opportunity to chauffeur someone of what he perceived as a high-class status, especially considering Lucien's recent purchase of the penthouse. While Lucien recognized that Lucas likely held this impression, he didn't feel the need to correct him. In fact, he found it easier to allow such assumptions to persist since it saved him the trouble of crafting excuses or stories to explain his circumstances.
They headed to Harmony Plaza, one of the city's bustling shopping malls. Lucien instructed the driver, Lucas, to follow him, as he intended to assist with carrying the bags. Lucien assured Lucas that he would be compensated for his help; there was no need for him to do it for free.
Upon their arrival, Lucien located the Hugo Boss shop and was pleased to spot Mia. He greeted her, "Hey Mia, sorry for running a bit late; the traffic was heavier than I expected."
Mia's eyes lit up with excitement as she saw him. Lucien looked even more attractive than he had the last time he visited, and the fact that he had remembered her name made her day. "You're here! No need to worry about being late," she said, her enthusiasm evident.
Lucien confirmed his intent to buy casual clothes, pyjamas, and related items, expressing his gratitude for Mia's assistance. As she went off to pick out clothes for him, she couldn't help but be momentarily entranced by his smile. "He looks even better when he smiles," she thought, momentarily lost in her daydream. It took her a moment to snap out of it and realize that Lucien was still waiting.
Meanwhile, Lucas observed their interaction, surprised by how approachable and down-to-earth Lucien appeared despite being a person of high status. He wondered if Lucien and Mia were close, and his confusion deepened. Lucien was unlike the stereotypical second heirs of rich families; he seemed genuinely friendly and approachable, making him even more intriguing to Lucas.
Mia returned with a variety of outfits, and Lucien dutifully tried them on. After each change, he would ask for Mia's opinion, and without fail, she would enthusiastically pronounce that each look suited him perfectly. If it weren't for the affirming nods from other customers and shop assistants whenever Mia offered her approval, Lucien might have doubted her words. Pleased with the selections, he instructed Mia to pack up all the chosen clothes. His wardrobe had been somewhat bare, so he decided to purchase them all.
With his shopping completed at the clothing store, Lucien bid Mia farewell and made his way to a jewelry shop. He intended to purchase a special gift for Lizzie, and he also had his aunt and uncle in mind, although jewelry wouldn't be suitable for his uncle. He planned to buy protective gear as a gift for his uncle, knowing that the equipment provided by his company wasn't up to par. It was a thoughtful gesture that he knew would bring a smile to his uncle's face.
He went inside, the shop assistant quickly walking up to him, she saw Lucas that was carrying many bags and quickly concluded that the customer that she was going to serve was rich, so she asked him politely if he needed any assistance.
Lucien expressed his interest in purchasing two exquisite necklaces, each designed to hold a tiny, precious photograph. What he sought, however, was not just any necklace; he had heard that a particular style was currently en vogue, and he was particularly drawn to the notion of their practicality.
The necklaces that captured Lucien's attention were not only stunning but also wonderfully functional. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, they embodied the epitome of luxury. The intricate pendants, adorned with delicate filigree, were perfect for housing cherished photographs.
But their charm didn't end with their visual appeal. Nestled within the pendant was a subtle yet highly practical feature, discreetly concealed from the casual observer: a small button. This seemingly innocuous addition was, in fact, the latest trend in jewelry. With a simple press, it triggered an emergency notification to a list of pre-determined contacts, instantly transforming a fashion accessory into a potentially lifesaving device.
As he carefully considered these necklaces, Lucien envisioned gifting them to his aunt and Lizzie, his beloved cousin. They would be both a symbol of his affection and a safeguard for their safety, especially in the neighborhood where they currently resided, plagued by frequent incidents of crime. The elegant necklaces, coupled with their newfound functionality, were a heartfelt expression of his concern for their well-being.
Lucien's primary goal in Ardenvale was to convince his family to move to the capital, where an opulent apartment awaited them, that he got as a reward from the system. This wasn't just a casual visit; it was a determined effort to persuade his loved ones to embrace the many opportunities that awaited them in the bustling capital city. Lucien knew that this task might prove to be challenging, but his determination remained unshakeable.
The issue wasn't whether his family would appreciate their new home; the apartment in Starcity was a testament to modern comfort and luxury. The real challenge lay in their deep connection to Ardenvale, a tranquil haven where generations of their ancestors had lived. Additionally, Lucien was keenly aware of his uncle's unwavering pride, which might make it difficult for him to accept support from his nephew. Nevertheless, Lucien was determined to bring his family to Starcity and was unwilling to accept a "no" as an answer.
In his quest, Lucien envisaged a future where his uncle, aunt, and Lizzie could all prosper, capitalizing on the abundant opportunities that awaited them in Starcity. He even pondered the idea of extending to his uncle a prominent role within one of the advanced laboratories under his supervision. Lucien believed that this position would not only imbue his uncle with a strong sense of purpose but also grant him the chance to make valuable contributions to the thriving scientific community in Starcity. Instead of being relegated to a factory job with repetitive daily tasks, he would have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, a role that went beyond the monotonous routine of day-to-day employment.
Lucien was well aware that his uncle possessed the intelligence and the potential to assist him. Despite not having attended the finest university, Lucien recognized his uncle's innate intelligence. Unfortunately, his uncle has never had the opportunity to pursue higher education, as he was forced to start working to cover the mounting medical bills when his mother fell seriously ill.
…
Lucien purchased the two necklaces and then proceeded to another shop where he carefully selected a gift for his uncle. He ultimately decided against buying the protective gear, as he was unwavering in his determination to convince his family to relocate to the capital.
Purchasing protective gear would seem contradictory to his goal. Instead, he opted for an alternative gift. After completing his shopping, they returned to the car and stowed everything in the trunk. Lucas then drove him back to the PPE building. Upon arriving at the private garage, Lucien asked Lucas for a hand in moving the items to the elevator. Before parting ways, they exchanged contact information, as Lucien would need him to drive to the airport, the following day.
Lucien proceeded to organize his newly acquired clothes and packed the recently purchased suitcase with items necessary for his upcoming trip. The total cost of his shopping spree was indeed substantial, amounting to around $12,350. To break it down:
The necklaces: $1,500 each, totaling $3,000.
The clothes from Hugo Boss: $8,000.
The suitcase: $150.
The gift for his uncle: $200.
Payment to the driver: $1,100, of which $1,000 was for hiring him as a driver for the day and the following day, and an additional $100 for extra services provided.
Although the expenditure exceeded $12,000, Lucien was financially secure with over $300,000 at his disposal. Consequently, he didn't dwell on the expenses as much as he might have if he had realized he had spent such a substantial amount in a single day.
Lucien was gradually coming to terms with the fact that he was no longer living a frugal lifestyle. His newfound financial security had allowed him to let go of the constraints of a modest existence.
After sorting out all his newly acquired possessions, the late afternoon arrived. He took some time to enjoy a meal, followed by a bit of relaxation. As part of his daily routine, he engaged in a rigorous workout, increasing its intensity. He also made use of the fitness gadgets available in his private gym. Post-exercise, he took a refreshing shower and began jotting down the various thoughts he had regarding the overview of the pill. Lucien wanted to document his current ideas so he could revisit them later. He dedicated some time to this before retiring for the night and sleeping soundly in his spacious master bedroom.