Chapter 27: Payback
Jin's fingers hovered over the phone's keypad for a moment before he dialed the number for Goldens Limited. The bar buzzed around him, but his focus was singular. He had had enough of Cornelius Hawthorne's arrogance and was ready to put an end to it.
The phone rang twice before a receptionist picked up. "Goldens Limited, how may I assist you today?"
Jin spoke clearly and confidently. "This is Jin Smith. I'd like to speak with your CEO about an urgent business matter."
There was a brief pause, followed by a polite, "One moment, please."
Jin waited, his gaze fixed on Cornelius, who was now boasting loudly to his companions, completely unaware of the storm about to hit him.
After a few moments, a new voice came on the line. "This is Charles Donovan, CEO of Goldens Limited. How can I help you?"
"Mr. Donovan, I'm interested in purchasing your company," Jin said, his voice steady. "I'm prepared to offer £1.5 billion."
There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line. When Charles Donovan spoke again, his voice was incredulous. "£1.5 billion? Are you serious?"
"Absolutely. I want to close the deal immediately," Jin replied without hesitation.
There was a flurry of activity and murmured voices in the background. "This is unprecedented, Mr. Smith. But if you're serious, we can make this happen."
"I'm very serious. I'll transfer the funds as soon as the paperwork is completed," Jin confirmed.
"Consider it done. Is there anything else you require?" Charles asked, still sounding slightly dazed.
"Yes," Jin said, glancing at Cornelius's name badge. "I need you to terminate the employment of Cornelius Hawthorne immediately."
Charles didn't hesitate. "Anyone who offends you, Mr. Smith, shouldn't be part of our company. I'll handle it right away."
The call ended, and Jin slipped his phone back into his pocket. Cornelius was still laughing and boasting when his phone began to ring. He answered it, still smirking, but his expression changed rapidly as he listened.
"What do you mean, I'm fired?!" Cornelius shouted into the phone, his face turning pale. "You can't be serious!"
But the voice on the other end was firm and unyielding. Cornelius's shoulders slumped, and he ended the call, looking utterly defeated. He stumbled over to Jin, his arrogance replaced by desperation.
"Please, Mr. Smith," Cornelius begged, dropping to his knees. "I didn't know who you were. Give me another chance. I have a family to support."
Jin looked down at him, his expression hard. "You tried to humiliate me. You showed no respect. I don't forgive easily."
Cornelius's pleas continued, but Jin's decision was final. The businessman eventually staggered out of the bar, his defeat evident to all who watched.
With Cornelius gone, Jin finished his shift, his mind already on the next steps. As he left the bar and walked towards his Bugatti, his phone buzzed with a new system notification: "Quest completed. Reward: £5 billion and 2 points."
Jin glanced at the amount, feeling a momentary surge of satisfaction. The numbers were staggering, but he had grown accustomed to such rewards. Still, he couldn't deny the thrill of seeing his wealth increase so dramatically.
He slid into his Bugatti, the leather seats cool against his skin. The familiar hum of the engine comforted him as he drove home. The streets were quiet, a stark contrast to the earlier tension in the bar.
Once at his villa, Jin reflected briefly on the day's events. The power and influence he wielded now were incredible, and he knew he had to use them wisely. The system's rewards continued to propel him forward, and he was eager to see what challenges and opportunities lay ahead.
As he prepared for bed, Jin thought about the 2 points he had earned. The system's shop was full of potential, and he was curious about what he might purchase next. But for now, he decided to save the points, knowing they could be invaluable in a future crisis.
With a final glance at his phone, Jin turned off the lights and settled into bed.