Seems like my little trick worked. And the Bartolomes were now eager to test it.
"Can I try?" Mr. Bartolome said.
"Sure. Here you go." I offered the glasses to him and he wore it without wasting any second.
And was surprised to see Millien the duwende sitting comfortably on my shoulder, still munching a cookie.
"That... that's the one helping you? And giving you tasks?" He said.
I nodded. With a big smile.
Then he pulled the glasses down, then back up. Checking the authenticity of my claims.
Then he said something out of the blue.
"Wait...but how were we able to see Maricar before she disappeared?"
"Great question. The little guy used his powers, but its limited. So I rarely asked him to do it. But with this glasses, you won't need my intervention." I smirked.
Then he gave it to his wife and she wore it too. Same reaction, same amusement.
Cynthia did too. And it's funny how they all reacted the same. Same expressions. They're really a family.
"How much?" Mr. Bartolome finally said, putting the glasses back down.
"I sold if for 50000 pesos each, but that was already a discounted price since they're part of the paranormal investigation club. But that's twice if you're not a member."
I said with the sound of someone who was about to close a deal.
Or so I thought.
"Is your club still looking for a member?" Mr. Bartolome said.
I froze and went still.
He got to be kidding me. There's no way he would suggest joining my club.
"I'll make you an offer too. As my way of saying thank you, and also to atone for what we've done to Maricar, we would like to be part of it. I could open up a store where you could sell your goods once a week, every Saturday. Won't interfere with your study, and it'll be a branch club room too, outside of the University. You earn, we get to be involved, we can even add services you can do, paid of course."
Did he just....made a proposal to me? And engineering student with no background about business management at all?
Am I even winning and in the advantage? Or am I trapped into something?
"That.... that's quite....too ahead of the game I'm playing." I said honestly.
I thought I was nailing it. But I forgot I was battling with someone who's more experienced in this field than I am.
"Anthony, that sound good. My father owns a building too and some properties we could check. We can ask my after about Mr. Bartolome's proposal." Gino said, like he doesn't wanted to be pushed away the second time.
"In terms of riches and wealth, we couldn't match the Uys. But I'm just stating something that would be of advantage to you Anthony." Mr. Bartolome stood his ground.
Crap I just started a business with two predators circling me.
I was the predator, why did it turn out like this?
"Anthony, can I join the club too? I mean. If it's possible and won't make things.... awkward." Cynthia looked at Sarah and Gino, since if she joins, they'll be meeting each other everyday.
"Well....that gonna be awkward as hell for sure." I said without thinking..
"You're really blunt." Mrs. Bartolome said giggling.
"Well... The club's open. It's not like...we limit it to just us.." Sarah said trying to sound professional.
Or so she thought if she didn't stutter.
"That's right. But that also means, whenever we have investigations to do, you must be there too." Gino added.
"If they're alright with it, that works for me too."
[MEMBER LIMIT 3/10. EACH MEMBER ADDS 100 POINTS]
Well, I need ten members on my team. This supposed to mean something huh.
Why was it making me have a full team.
Somehow, it's also true I wouldn't be able to do everything on my own. Especially when I'm in battle mode. Who will tend to the citizens.
I sounded like I'm preparing for some zombie apocalypse or something.
"Thank you. I want to join." Cynthia said with a smile.
Mr. Bartolome chuckled and patted her daughter's shoulder.
"My good girl. We will help you with anything if something arises. Just make sure to be safe alright? And we will buy items to help you get protected." Then he looked at me with a grin that I didn't like.
That's how I looked when I raised the glasses' price.
"She gets a discount right?" He leaned forward with that annoying grin.
"Ugh. You tricked me." I exclaimed.
"No son. I'm just making use of what's available. Don't worry, she will need those if she's part of the club now. Also, if there's something we'd like to get investigated, we will pay for the service. No discount needed. When my daughter's part of such club who faces danger." He said with such gentleness aimed for his daughter.
"I haven't even established making a paranormal investigation services." I retorted.
"We will make it then. We set the schedule of our availability that won't compromise out studies. Weekends only. Or holidays, depends. If urgent, we can find a way." Gino said, casually.
Like he was already mapping out the entire club into business integration.
They're really into this. While I'm not.
[HOST SELLING YOUR SERVICES CAN ALSO BE COUNTED. IT'S ACCEPTABLE TRANSACTION. THINK ABOUT IT. MORE CASH DONE WITH THR SYSTEM, MORE POINTS]
Money grubber. Point breaker. And it's good news. My services will be counted as an acceptable transaction.
I can gain more points this way. Plus the task completion. That's hitting two birds with one stone.
"We will talk about that on Friday. I need time to think. And process everything." Then I looked at Cynthia. "Come to the club room tomorrow after your class, club time ends at six pm everyday. You can fill up your form. Then you'll officially be a member of the club."
I gave up. I felt exhausted by them. I was wallowing in self pity, when my phone buzzed.
It was a text from my mother.
"Anthony, come home now, the house's lights kept flickering. Seems like your sister's emotionally unstable."
I stood up with worry etched on my face.
Alicia...did something happen to her?