Chapter 2 – The First Rebate
Liam couldn't stop staring at the glowing digits on his phone. His account balance had jumped from $2.34 to $102.34 after giving Sophia some coffee.
It was real.
[Rebate Successful.]
[Reminder: Greater spending on women of destiny yields greater rewards.]
Sophia tilted her head, her damp hair sticking to her cheeks as she held the coffee. "Liam, you look like you just won the lottery."
He chuckled awkwardly, rubbing his neck. "Something like that."
They stood under the flickering streetlight, the rain slowing to a drizzle. The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable—it was heavy with years of unspoken words.
Sophia broke it first. "You didn't have to buy this for me. You've probably got better things to spend your money on."
Liam shook his head. "No. Honestly, it's been too long since I did anything for someone who matters."
Her cheeks pinkened. She looked away. "You always say things like that…"
Liam's mind was racing. The system worked when he spent on her. The rose was just $1. What if he gave her something bigger?
Liam decided to take a gamble, shifting his gaze to across the street, his eyes landed on a small boutique shop. Bright lights lit up displays of handbags and accessories. He clenched his fist, and made a decision he would either be thankful for or regret, even though Liam had feelings for Sophia he was not stupid and would not have wanted to spend all he had just to please her, even though he would love to provide for her he decided not when he had nothing.
"Wait here a second I'll be right back! don't move okay?," he said suddenly.
Before Sophia could protest, he dashed across and stepped inside. The scent of leather and perfume hit him instantly. His eyes caught a simple but elegant handbag, priced at $100.
It wasn't luxurious , but it was the best he could manage. He handed over the cash, his hands trembling as he thought about weather or not this was a good idea.
When he returned, Sophia's eyes widened. "Liam… what on earth did you just do?"
He held the bag out awkwardly. "Here. It's… for you."
Her mouth fell open. "What? No! Why would you get me such a costly gift?!"
Liam smiled "It's a gift of appreciation."
"Huh? What do you mean Liam? What are you appreciating?"
"Seeing you" Liam responded with a wry smile.
"It's nothing," he insisted quickly. "Just take it. Please."
She shook her head, pushing it back into his hands. "Liam, I can't it's too expensive I don't want you spending this much on me I know how it's been for you since your mother passed this is too much Liam, do not waste your money like this."
The words stung, as Liam is reminded of his mom and his current financial situation. For years, everyone had known him as the boy who barely scraped by.
But now… things were different.
Liam gently pressed the bag back into her arms. "Sophia, I'm not the same guy you are used to it's been a long time since we've seen each other things and times have changed even if you can't see it right now . Just think of it as me catching up on all the times I should've been there for you and wasn't."
Her lips trembled. She looked at him for a long moment, then down at the bag. Slowly, hesitantly, she accepted it.
"…You're impossible," she murmured, but her voice was soft.
The instant her fingers closed around the handle, the system's voice thundered in Liam's head.
[Host has spent $100 on Sophia Quinn.]
[Activating rebate…]
[Congratulations! You have received $10,000 transferred to your bank account.]
[Bonus Item Unlocked: Exclusive Black Card – Grants VIP access and financial privileges worldwide.]
Liam's phone buzzed violently. His balance now read $10,102.34.
His heart nearly stopped. Ten… thousand dollars.
He swallowed hard, forcing himself not to gape. The mysterious black card shimmered into existence in his pocket, cool and heavy as if it had always been there.
Sophia hugged the handbag to her chest, still blushing. "You didn't have to… but thank you, Liam. Really."
Liam stared at her—at the girl who had unknowingly become the key to his fortune. His lips curled into a quiet, determined smile.
For the first time in years, hope burned like fire in his chest.
"I would give you the world Sophia." Liam said genuinely.
The game of wealth had just begun.