Chapter 2: Star Building
On his first day at Midtown University, Locke felt the stark difference compared to his previous schools.
He promptly used his accumulated potential points to upgrade his mathematics and English. Not doing so would have been a waste given the potential rewards this time.
Investing in himself was always a wise choice.
Locke wasn't naive; he sensed that sudden exams like these were common at Midtown University. Every test became a routine task.
By completing two exams, he could reclaim the potential points spent. The remaining exams this semester would be pure profit.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, Locke left the college application counselor's office.
He had been preparing for college since arriving at Midtown, yet he hadn't settled on a specific institution.
"Locke."
"Gwen?"
Locke retrieved his backpack from the locker and turned to see Gwen holding a book.
It seemed to be about advanced college courses, also known as AP courses.
AP courses allowed students to earn college credits in advance, though they were optional.
Since Locke was new, he hadn't decided yet.
Gwen smiled at Locke with the backpack. "Aren't you joining a club?"
Locke shrugged. "Just checking things out for now."
Gwen invited warmly, "If you're interested, you can join our chemistry experiment group."
Locke smiled. "I'll check it out first. It's a new environment for me, having just moved from Texas. I plan to look at housing this afternoon."
Gwen was taken aback. "You didn't... in New York..."
"I'm an orphan," Locke explained.
Gwen's expression shifted. "Oh, sorry, Locke, I didn't mean..."
"It's fine. I manage just fine on my own."
Being an orphan had its advantages in the Commonwealth compared to a troubled family situation.
"Need any help?"
"Um?"
Gwen smiled, took her backpack from the locker, and looked at Locke. "I'm a New Yorker. Helping classmates is what I do as a student assistant. Let's go."
Locke glanced at Gwen, her ponytail swaying with enthusiasm, and blinked at her sudden cheerfulness.
What's going on?
Though an orphan, Locke wasn't destitute.
Locke watched Gwen turn and greet him with a bright smile, then followed her out.
By the way, where did that little spider go?
Locke snapped back to reality, grabbed his backpack, and wondered.
Did I remember wrong?
"By the way, what's your rental budget?"
"What?"
"For housing?"
Gwen, now walking out with Locke and enthusiastically helping classmates, said, "City Hall offers rental subsidies for students needing housing near Midtown University. There are great discounts if you qualify for welfare apartments."
Locke replied directly, "Actually, I had something lined up before coming to New York."
Before deciding to transfer, he had planned ahead regarding housing. Delays meant arriving in New York that morning.
And it was the first day, so skipping wasn't an option.
"So...?"
Gwen asked curiously, "The Oak Tree Apartments?"
Locke shook his head and hailed a taxi. "It's called the Star Building."
"What?" Gwen blinked, puzzled as Locke held the rear door open for her.
The Star Building?
Isn't that on Fifth Avenue?
Fifteen minutes later, on Fifth Avenue.
Locke stepped out of the taxi, pulled out his phone, and called the real estate agent he'd contacted.
Gwen, staring at the legendary Star Building in New York before them, blinked. She then glanced at Locke, who hung up the phone beside her.
Isn't he an orphan?
Gwen was thoroughly perplexed.
Just then, an agent in a suit and polished shoes spotted Locke and hurried over with a smile. "Mr. Broughton!"
Locke greeted the agent from the video call and shook hands. "Hello, Mr. Oren. Apologies for any trouble."
Agent Oren smiled. "No trouble at all. Shall we go up, Mr. Broughton?"
Despite Locke's youth...
Oren had verified his financials and saw him as someone with not just economic power, but also a desire to invest.
If this deal went through, the commission would be substantial.
Locke glanced at Gwen. "Let's go."
Gwen snapped out of her confusion and nodded.
Her understanding of "orphan" seemed off.
Twenty-eighth floor!
"Indoor area of 200 square meters, duplex layout across two floors, fully equipped with the 'Stark Smart Home' system installed by the previous owner six months ago, all furniture and appliances included. Sign today, move in today, just as Mr. Broughton requested."
"..."
Locke placed his schoolbag on a luxurious sofa, pushed open the living room's floor-to-ceiling windows, and strolled out onto the terrace with its private swimming pool.
Central Park stretched out before him.
Inside the living room, Gwen observed the furnishings and appliances, then once more found it incredulous to see Locke standing on the terrace, hands on hips, staring at the cityscape.
Are orphans this audacious nowadays?
Here it is.
Locke glanced at the triangular building nearby and thought to himself.
He'd been hesitant initially, but upon entering the Star Building, those doubts seemed to vanish.
Here it is.
Locke turned, faced Oren, pulled out a bank card, and handed it over. "Swipe it!"
Oren's eyes gleamed.
Gwen's jaw dropped completely.
He's really buying it.
*Cha-ching!*
Gwen was dumbfounded as the transaction receipt emerged from the credit card machine.
Oren respectfully returned Locke's bank card. "All set, Mr. Broughton. I'll finalize the paperwork and send it over within three days."
Locke nodded.
This purchase wiped out the savings from years of hard work in Texas.