From Ashes to Ascendancy

Luxandria, a city of luxury and excess, stood as a haven for the world's wealthiest and most powerful individuals. Its grandeur was embodied in sprawling mansions, towering skyscrapers, and a lifestyle of extreme luxury. The streets dazzled with beautiful lights, lined with exquisite shops selling the finest goods. Countless restaurants offered the most decadent cuisines. Luxury cars adorned the roads and the wealthy homes of the rich showcased modernity at its finest.

Amidst the affluent, however, coexisted the impoverished families of Luxandria. Among them were the Belshers, who, for generations, had earned a reputation for providing diligent service to the wealthier families. The Belshers, burdened by their meager income and limited resources, saw this as their only means of survival in Luxandria. The family, consisting of 122 members, found themselves caught in the grip of poverty. Ninety-five of them toiled away in laborious, low-paying jobs such as dishwashing, janitorial work, and other menial tasks that reflected their lack of wealth.

Rin Belsher, a young man in the family, possessed a rare gift-a remarkable ability to learn and adapt swiftly, a skill not found in other Belsher members. Since childhood, Rin had displayed an uncanny talent for acquiring new skills effortlessly. If not for his family's legacy, he might have soared to great heights by now. Alas, one's fate is not easily altered.

"Hey, you rat!"

A piercing scream from upstairs snapped Rin out of his thoughts. He was currently enjoying his ten-minute break from his duties as a yard worker at the Costa family estate, where his tasks involved collecting garbage after large events and occasionally tending to the lawn.

"Yes, Mr. Costa? How may I assist you?" Rin responded to the impudent call of Dave Costa, an arrogant and privileged young man. Dave held significant influence within the Costa family, for whom Rin worked.

"One of the guests clogged the toilet with a massive dump. Why don't you come clean it?" Dave smirked, relishing in demeaning Rin. Dave was well aware of Rin's family background and reveled in taunting him, often using him for menial tasks while embarrassing him in front of the girls he brought to the Costa estate to boost his own image.

Obediently, Rin followed Dave to the clogged toilet, his disappointment lingering as he performed the task. While cleaning, a sense of unfulfilled potential gnawed at him, as if he were destined for more than just being a mere toilet cleaner or yard worker. The flame inside him, yearning for greater heights, had never been fully ignited. Thus he had resigned himself to serving the Costa family for a meager paycheck that barely sustained his beloved mother and younger sister, whom he cherished dearly. Despite their hardships, the three toiled relentlessly to make ends meet.

Nonetheless, Rin eagerly awaited the following day, for it was payday. On these occasions, the Belsher family gathered at a random member's house to share their accomplishments and recount their various activities throughout the month.

Rin's thoughts were interrupted by the smooth, melodic laughter emanating from the ladies gathered in the living room adjacent to the toilet he had just finished cleaning. He hurriedly made his way out of the restroom, ready to attend to his other tasks. Little did he know that the women had noticed his presence and were about to engage in mockery.

The two women, both in their early twenties, exuded elegance and possessed stunning, lustrous hair. With her exquisite curvaceous figure accentuated by a form-fitting skirt, Marie Costa caught Rin's eye immediately. She was a short beauty with golden hair and piercing navy blue eyes. Accompanying her was her friend Shealyn Reams, not as stunning as Marie but still an attractive woman. Rin had harbored a profound infatuation for Marie for a long time, often daydreaming about one day capturing her heart. Lost in admiration, Rin's reverie was abruptly disrupted by Shealyn's voice.

"Hey, Marie, so you have a Belsher working at your estate too? The head of my family recently hired ten new maids, and believe it or not, they're all Belshers!" Shealyn's words dripped with intent to belittle Rin, having noticed his lingering gaze on Marie. She was well aware of Rin's presence, as he had been working there for two years and had become familiar with many of Marie's friends due to their habit of sending him on errands.

Marie turned her head to Rin and said, "Yeah, that loser has been here for a while now. I don't understand how someone can live like that." Marie's voice dripped with disgust as she looked at Rin, who belonged to a different world. Having never worked such jobs in her life, she looked down upon people like Rin. In her eyes, only the rich and powerful were worthy of her attention, and Rin was far from that. Her disdain for him was palpable.

"Hey, Rin, why don't you make yourself useful and go buy us some drinks? Some of my friends are coming over, and we'll need an errand boy, so you'll have to stay late," implied Marie. She treated Rin like her personal servant, relishing in his submissive gaze. It was important to her that every interaction with Rin reinforced his subordinate position.

Wanting to join in, Shealyn added with a mocking expression on her face, "Try not to be a perverted creep while you spend the night. You're only here to serve us as an errand boy, so don't get any strange ideas." Shealyn took pleasure in making Rin's life miserable. To her, poor people like Rin were inconsequential and disposable.

Rin nodded and took the money for the drinks from Marie. He maintained a calm and composed exterior, but inside, he seethed with anger towards Shealyn and harbored a shattered heart for Marie. Nevertheless, he obeyed their commands. This job was what sustained his family, and he knew that even if he switched to work for another family, the treatment would likely be the same or worse. At least here, he got to catch glimpses of Marie, The most beautiful woman in his eyes.

As Rin walked out through the estate gate, the guards looked at him with disgust and mockingly whispered to each other in the background.

"Looks like the loser is on another errand."

"He's so disgusting. Remember when Dave had him clean vomit from a guest at a party?"

The insults didn't faze Rin. He had grown accustomed to such treatment. Whenever the guards were drunk, their taunts would escalate further. As a lowly member of the Belsher family, he carried the weight of their name and the associated fate.

Rin walked all the way to the gas station, which was three miles away, since the girls hadn't provided enough money for transportation. Along the way, rain began to pour, drenching Rin instantly in its deluge. As he hurried on, he noticed a purple Lamborghini Aventador zoom past him. He recognized it as some of Marie's friends. Seeing this meant that the guests were arriving, and if Rin didn't hurry back with the drinks, Marie would be furious and might even resort to slapping him for his incompetence. Determined, he quickened his pace.

After a grueling hour of speed-walking, Rin finally arrived at the doorstep of the gas station. It was adorned with fancy lights and decorations, a reflection of the high-class establishments prevalent in Luxandria. Soaked and exhausted, he stepped inside to purchase the drinks. Making his way to the section displaying beer and other beverages, he selected a few items and returned to the counter to pay.

Rin frequented this gas station often during his time at the Costa estate. The shop owner looked at him disgusted, initially mistaking him for a potential robber who had walked into his store. However, upon realizing that the Costa girl had sent Rin on an errand, the shop owner hastily processed Rin's purchases, eager for him to leave as he wanted to avoid any association of Rin with the store.

It was 8 PM, so not many were out on the street at the time, so when a drunken man stumbled into the store from the pouring rain. Both Rin and the shop owner paused in surprise, observing the man. He wore a drenched white t-shirt, shorts, and sandals – a rather ordinary attire. Despite his drunken state, he managed to blurt out the words, "H-H-Hey you... I'm h-h-hungry. Let me e-eat you." The shop owner, clearly exasperated, muttered, "Ah, great, another low-life loser," and promptly kicked the man out, treating him like trash. The intoxicated man stumbled down the stairs, seeking refuge beneath an umbrella set up at one of the tables for couples to dine under during rain showers.

Rin couldn't help but feel sorry for the man as he saw a reflection of his own struggles. With the remaining change in his possession, Rin bought a donut, knowing that Marie would likely scold him for the missing money. Despite this, he proceeded with his act of kindness. Shielding the donut from the rain, he approached the man and handed it to him.

"Eat. This is all I can offer. Find some shelter," Rin told the man as he handed over the donut he had purchased, his expression filled with pity. He wished he could do more but reluctantly turned and left, realizing that he had spent considerable time away from the estate. He hoped that Marie wouldn't be angrier than before due to the delay.

Upon returning to the estate's living room, where Marie and Shealyn awaited, Rin noticed that more of Marie's friends had joined them. Three other young women, all from wealthy families with whom Marie associated, were present. As Rin entered the room, Marie's frown revealed her anger at the extended absence.

"You're so incompetent. You can't even get me a couple of drinks on time," Marie scolded, her voice filled with frustration. She then ordered Rin to bring her the items she had requested. However, when it came time to hand over the change, Rin was two dollars short. Marie became furious and proceeded to mock him while her friends eagerly joined in, relishing the opportunity to belittle him.

"You and your family are truly a disgrace to humankind. Now you're stealing from Marie?" Shealyn said, her face twisted in disgust. She wanted to portray Rin in the worst possible light, hoping to shape the other ladies' perceptions to match her disdain.

"Whatever, two dollars isn't that much anyway. Just leave. I don't want to see your face," Marie declared, returning her attention to her friends. Hearing the girl he loved the most utter those words shattered Rin's heart into pieces. But at least he was finally allowed to leave. Without uttering a word and ignoring the mockery of the other ladies, Rin turned and departed from the Costa estate.

At the end of his work shift, Rin had to walk a considerable distance to catch a bus that followed a route toward his apartment area. However, he had to walk twice the usual distance due to staying late. The rain continued to pour, soaking Rin to the bone as he trudged through the desolate streets. Fatigue and despair weighed heavily on him, but he was determined to reach his humble abode.

Rin's home consisted of a cramped one-bedroom room in a dilapidated apartment complex managed by a grumpy old man. The residents of this complex were a mix of drunken fathers, broken families, and individuals struggling financially. The pervasive scent of poverty lingered in the air, a combination of rusted metal from the rundown cars in the parking lot and the musty odor of damp clothes hanging on the railings. The complex stood three stories tall, and Rin resided at the top. Weary from his long day, he climbed the stairs and went to his apartment room.

Upon entering, Rin found his mother and sister fast asleep. It was already 11 PM, and the day's weariness began to weigh on him. He settled onto the sheet that served as his makeshift bed on the floor, lost in contemplation. His mind often drifted to dreams of improving his life, but he couldn't fathom how to achieve such a lofty goal. As his thoughts consumed him, exhaustion overcame Rin, and he slipped into a deep slumber within minutes; he was fast asleep.

The next day, Rin opened his eyes and looked up at the ceiling of his house. The roof had cracks in it, and it was dirty. Every day he woke up, this scene reminded him of his impoverished lifestyle.

"When will things change... I can't bear living like this!" Rin thought to himself. He got up and picked some clothes from the basket in the corner of the room. Rin's room didn't have much in it.

There was a dirty old mirror, an old wooden desk, a moist carpet, and a cracked window that overlooked the parking lot. These were all the material things Rin owned.

After picking his clothes from the basket, although there weren't many options, he stood in front of his mirror, looking at himself from top to bottom.

Rin was a tall man with long, dark curly hair and a nice figure. Despite his lack of confidence, his looks were still very handsome, with his unique hair and piercing brown eyes.

Rin then went to his mother and sister, who had already prepared for the family gathering. This gathering would be held at James Belsher's home in the 2nd district of Luxandria, very far from Rin's location in the 8th district.

Rin, his mother, and his sister exited the building through the commotion around the apartment complex just in time to catch the bus. Soon, they were on their way to the 2nd district of Luxandria.

In another part of Luxandria, amidst a much more luxurious setting, a French man woke up with a hangover from the previous night's excessive drinking.

Jackie Howels was a super egotistical rich guy. Still, recently his company had been facing some difficulties, which caused him to overdrink the previous night.

"What the hell happened...?" Jackie groaned, his vision was still blurry, and a killer headache pounding in his head. He looked around the room to see his secretary standing at the door.

"Sir Howels, you had quite an eventful night. Do you want me to bring you some water and pills to make you feel better?" said Jackie's secretary. She stood straight with a confident posture and an expressionless face.

Linda Stone was a professional in her role and one of Jackie's most trusted subordinates. She possessed both beauty and efficiency, which often led to Jackie's flirtatious banter towards her.

Jackie got up from his huge and expensive leather couch, one of many luxurious items in his $3 million home on a hill in District 11.

"No, no, don't worry about that, Linda. I'll be fine. Just bring me the documents about our financial situation," Jackie said, realizing that he had more serious matters to attend to quickly, or else he could lose his precious life of luxury.

Jackie became rich because of his deep understanding of computer science and programming. His company, known as "The Golden Office," primarily focused on developing apps and designing technology.

However, under the company, there were also many smaller businesses like restaurants, salons, and more, all owned by Jackie.

"We are losing more money than we are earning, Sir. Our company's funds currently stand at $65 million," Linda informed Jackie, her face reflecting concern for the company's future.

It was evident that if they didn't do something very soon, the company would go bankrupt, and Jackie would be a poor loser on the streets.

In addition to the already massive pile of bad news, Linda added, "Many highly reputable companies around the 18 districts of Luxandria are very hesitant to make new deals with us. They are concerned about our abilities, Sir." Linda wanted Jackie to clearly understand the dire situation they were in.

This made jackies headache worsen in frustration.

Silence filled the room as Linda awaited an answer from Jackie. It took a good 30 seconds before Jackie responded.

"I have a bright idea! Why don't I retire?" Jackie said. He was getting old, and his stubbornness to go out partying made it very difficult to run the company. The company had dropped down in the rankings due to this.

Linda was disappointed at his answer but didn't question her boss. Instead, she handed over the envelopes she had been holding in her hand to Jackie. She said, "These are the envelopes with everything you need about the company. Oh, and also, you were found by a gas station store with a half-eaten donut. We kept the donut if you still want it." After saying this, Linda turned around and left the office.

"Donuts...?" Jackie thought to himself as a flash of memories came to his mind. He suddenly remembered the events of the previous night. Also, he recalled the young man who had helped him when everybody else had pushed him away that night.

"I have to find that young man! Yes, he'll be a good replacement!" Jackie exclaimed, with a gleam of determination in his eyes, as he made a phone call.

After five minutes, ten men wearing elegant suits and sunglasses walked into Jackie's office. "Sir Jackie!" they all said in unison.

Although Jackie was losing resources and on the path to bankruptcy, he used the last of his resources and power to locate this young man.

Luckily for him, one of these men had found him slumped over by the gas station and brought him back. It wouldn't be long before he found Rin and began rebuilding his company, ultimately retiring in peace.

At this time, Rin was sitting at a gathering with his family in the backyard of one of their relatives. The Belshers had saved enough money to buy drinks and host a friendly gathering.

Debra Belshers, the head of the Belsher family responsible for managing the family's funds, walked up on stage to make an announcement.

"This month has been a challenging one for everyone, and we have all worked hard, although some more than others," she said with a stern expression, intending to single out a group of members, including Rin's group, which hadn't brought in much income to the Belshers recently.

"The Belshers have accumulated a total of $5000 this month, with Vivi Belsher bringing in the most. Please stand up, Vivi Belsher, for a round of applause," Debra said with a smile on her face. Vivi had been a beacon of hope for the family, consistently bringing in the highest income month after month. Many members envied her accomplishments.

Vivi stood, greeted by deafening applause. She was the bitter rival of Rin's mother, always ten steps ahead of her in terms of competence.

"You hear that, Grace? Ever since your useless husband abandoned you, you haven't been as competitive," Vivi said, mocking and trying to provoke Grace. Grace was Rin's mother, who had been abandoned by her husband long ago.

Previously, Grace had been very competent and active in the family, but lately, she had been lacking. Rin wanted to defend his mother, but he knew he would only be mocked, so he stayed quiet.

Everyone praised Vivi and looked up to her, which made her feel confident and influential. Her dream was to become the head of the Belshers, take control of the Belshers' funds, and start a new life in Europe. With the support of a majority of the members, she felt that this was bound to happen.

Meanwhile, Rin looked down at his watch and noticed that it was nearing 2 PM. He had to go mow the rest of the lawn at the Costa Estate, or else he would face a deduction from his salary.

Rin excused himself and left.

After arriving at the Costa Estate gate, Rin frowned, dreading the grueling workday ahead of him. However, he had no choice but to go through with it, so he went to the shed where the yard tools were stored and began cleaning the Costa yard.

While he was cutting the overgrown grass along the front of the building, Marie and Shylean walked out the front door. They noticed Rin and couldn't resist making a snide remark.

"Hey, why are you here so late, loser? Don't you realize you're supposed to be here early in the morning?" Shylean said, her anger evident. She wasn't part of the Costa family but felt entitled to criticize Rin since she was Marie's best friend.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I had a family thing going on," Rin responded, keeping his head down and feeling disappointed.

"Hey, you're going to go shopping with us. You're gonna carry our bags around, understand?" Marie implied her tone firm and demanding towards Rin. To Marie, Rin was nothing more than a puppet.

Rin nodded and followed them, even though he was sweaty, smelly, and dirty. The girls didn't give him any time to change or get ready. To them, it didn't matter how he appeared in public. He was just a slave, after all.

Marie, Shylean, and Rin arrived at Melodic Passage, a unique French street-styled outdoor shopping center. The path was laid with cobblestones, and heart and music note-shaped lamps adorned the sides. The place had a whimsical, fantasy-like atmosphere, with famous celebrity statues, such as the renowned Diane Franc, attracting locals and tourists alike for photo opportunities. The shopping center offered a wide range of high-end stores, catering to different tastes and preferences.

As they walked down the passage, it was bustling with people, and the sounds of pigeons and other birds filled the air.

Marie and Shylean often visited this shopping center, but each time they were overwhelmed by the multitude of stores presented to them. As they walked through the plaza, many people looked at the three with disgust, holding their noses.

Rin, covered in sweat and dirt from working outside all day, appeared unkempt and gave the impression of a homeless person.

Marie and Shylean noticed the judgmental looks of passersby. They quickly pointed to a nearby bench, instructing Rin to wait for them there. They left him behind without further hesitation and disappeared into the bustling crowd.

As people walked past Rin, they whispered mocking remarks that reached his ears.

"Oh dear, they let this homeless man enter the plaza?"

"Someone should call the security guards."

Rin sat alone on the bench, feeling the weight of the public's judgment upon him.

As more people passed, harsh words continued to fall upon Rin, but he ignored them and waited patiently on the bench.

However, before the girls could arrive, three men in suits suddenly appeared before him. They were muscular and had imposing postures.

"Sir, I'm afraid we're going to have to ask you to leave," one of the men said. Before Rin could utter a word, the other two men grabbed him and forcefully carried him to the exit.

Rin waited outside for four long hours before the girls finally arrived. It had grown dark, so they didn't bother acknowledging him and quickly got into their car.

"Hey, Rin, since you ditched us, why don't you return home? You were no use to us anyway," one of the girls taunted. Before Rin could explain that security had kicked him out, they sped away without giving him a chance to speak.

Resentment and anger filled Rin's heart during the bus ride back. He yearned to quit, feeling that nothing ever went his way and that he deserved better than this. When he got off the bus, he released a loud scream into the empty, dark streets as a vent for his frustration.

This scream alone expressed his frustration and anger towards the universe.

"What the hell!"

"Why can't I catch a break... why can't I just be happy?"

Rin let out all his pent-up emotions right then and then decided to get a drink. The closest place was the gas station, where he had purchased a drink for the girls, so he made his way there.

Upon arriving, Rin noticed an old man conversing by the counter with a group of men. Ignoring them, he went to search for a snack.

He grabbed a bag of chips and a soda for dinner and proceeded to the counter to pay. "There he is! That hooligan! I knew he was a good-for-nothing loser," the shop owner exclaimed upon noticing Rin.

Assuming the men were there to arrest Rin for some crime, as he was considered a useless nobody, the shop owner smiled and pointed at Rin.

"Hey... what's your name, kid?" the leader of the group of men asked. Feeling doubt and fear in his words, Rin replied, "Rin Belsher, sir."

The leader of the men said, "Follow me. Someone wants to see you in the 11th district."

Although the 11th district was quite far away, Rin dared not refuse. The man escorted him outside to their luxurious Mercedes-Benz SUV. Rin stepped into the stunning interior and began their journey toward District 11.

As Rin anxiously sat in the back of the mysterious vehicle, an unsettling feeling crept over him. Something just didn't feel right, and he couldn't put his finger on it. The lack of information only heightened his unease, and he realized he was missing crucial details.

His mind raced with questions about the purpose of this meeting and who could possibly want to see him. Was he in trouble? What had he done wrong? These thoughts consumed him, making it nearly impossible to focus on anything else. After enduring ten minutes of this internal turmoil, Rin's curiosity got the best of him.

Taking a quick glance into the driver's seat, Rin noticed one of the enigmatic men driving while the other occupied the passenger seat. Seizing the opportunity, he discreetly tried to eavesdrop on their conversation, hoping to gather some clues about the situation he found himself in.

"Hey, can you believe the audacity of some people?" one of the guards remarked.

"Oh, are you referring to those protestors? They can be so aggravating, don't you think?" replied the other guard.

"Absolutely. Always complaining about some supposed injustice. It's hard to believe, isn't it?"

"I'm willing to bet they're just a bunch of sore losers, envious of our wealth."

"No doubt about it. They're nothing but a bunch of whiners if you ask me."

Hearing their conversation, Rin couldn't help but question the nature of this protest they were discussing. Had they mistaken him for a protestor? If that were the case, it spelled trouble for him.

Before Rin could gather the courage to ask the guards about their conversation, the car arrived at a towering steel gate flanked by a guardhouse on the left. Passing through the gate, Rin found himself awestruck by the scene that unfolded before his eyes.

The house stood as a magnificent mansion adorned with intricate statues and a cascading waterfall. It exuded opulence and wealth, boasting an unrivaled grandeur in its elaborate design and architecture. The tranquil aura of the waterfall instilled a sense of peace, while the statues added an air of elegance and sophistication. This mansion was truly the epitome of luxury, a testament to its owner's impeccable taste and refinement.

Escorted by the guards, Rin entered a massive living room space that was brimming with treasures. Jade statues, a dazzling diamond chandelier, and two imposing stone doors guarded by lion sculptures captured his attention. The elegant blue marble walls seamlessly complimented a beautiful fish tank, creating an atmosphere of sheer magnificence.

"Wait here, boy. Sir Jackie will be with you shortly. And remember, don't touch anything," the leader of the guards commanded with firm authority.

Rin nodded obediently and settled onto the sofa, his gaze drawn to the window that offered a view of the seemingly boundless yard outside. Thoughts raced through his mind as he marveled at the sheer wealth before him. The Costa Estate where he had been working seemed pale in comparison.

Suddenly, the massive stone doors behind him creaked open, their slow and deliberate movement adding an element of suspense to the moment. Rin hurriedly rose from his seat, attempting to appear formal and respectful. He anticipated the arrival of someone of immense value through those doors.

Rin's expectations were met when Jackie entered the room. Wearing hiking shorts and a Hawaiian t-shirt, Jackie had a penchant for casual attire, even in the most significant situations. However, upon seeing Rin, confusion clouded his expression, accompanied by a hint of disappointment. "This was the person who helped me?" Jackie raised an eyebrow as he examined Rin.

While he needed someone to assist him in fixing his company, Jackie also wanted to keep the extent of his crisis hidden from other influential families.

Jackie cleared his thoughts and greeted Rin. "Welcome to my humble abode!" he proclaimed grandly, assuming a regal air. "You, young one, will bask in my presence and provide your utmost assistance. Now, tell me your name."

"Uh... My name is Rin Belsher, sir," Rin replied awkwardly, keeping his gaze fixed on the floor. He had become accustomed to being cautious around the wealthy and arrogant, striving not to offend them.

"A Belsher... Well, I suppose this is going to be a bit challenging," Jackie murmured, fully aware of the Belsher family's reputation. Doubt began to creep into his mind, questioning his decision to bring a Belsher into his living room.

Confused, Rin could no longer contain his curiosity. "Mister, may I ask why I'm here?" he inquired, his confusion evident in his voice.

"Ah, yes, well, here's the situation, kid. Although I highly doubt you'll be of any help, I'll still assign you as my aide if you prove incapable," Jackie said, his expectations for Rin's abilities in this field quite low.

After all, Rin was a Belsher, and there was little chance he was familiar with this line of work. However, in his desperation to retire and save his company, Jackie was willing to give it a shot.

Jackie proceeded to explain Rin's role in his predicament. He described how his company teetered on the brink of bankruptcy and how he needed a way to stage a comeback. Despite searching all of Luxandria for talented programmers, he had been unable to find anyone who could help. Now, he presented Rin with an opportunity to work alongside him and offered him an assistant contract.

"Look, kid, I'll do my best to teach you.

With this opportunity presented right in front of his eyes, Rin couldn't help but reconsider all the humiliations he had endured as a Belsher. He had never been shown kindness like this before, and the chance to prove himself was too enticing to pass up. No matter the risks involved, Rin was determined to take this opportunity and turn his life around. A newfound sense of determination burned within him, and he pledged to stop at nothing to build his empire, become wealthy, and support his family.

"Sir... thank you. I will do everything in my power to help you," Rin said enthusiastically, his eagerness palpable. He was ready to get started and make a difference.

Jackie, pleased with Rin's enthusiasm, invited him for a drink. Rin graciously accepted the invitation, and they made their way to Jackie's winery. Throughout the night, they engaged in conversations about the workings of the business world, with Jackie imparting valuable knowledge and teaching Rin important terms. Rin had never felt happier, his determination burning brighter than ever as he sought to change his life.

Early the next day, Jackie woke Rin up, shaking him gently. As Rin opened his eyes, he found himself in a massive bedroom adorned with elegant carpentry and a sprawling bed. "It's time to begin your training today. We'll start with Python variables," Jackie announced, eager to get Rin up to speed for the position he had in mind.

Rin followed Jackie to the garage, where an array of luxury sports cars awaited them. Jackie chose his Lamborghini, and they drove for two minutes to a massive skyscraper located in Luxandria's industrial area. The streets were abuzz with roaring engines as wealthy businessmen hurried to work, and towering skyscrapers representing different companies dominated the skyline. Rin was awestruck by the beauty surrounding him, the variety of stores, and the elegantly dressed women.

They entered the main lobby and proceeded to the meeting room that Jackie had prepared for Rin's introduction. Rin sat next to Jackie on the podium, facing a huge monitor. Within minutes, the room filled with impeccably dressed individuals, armed with pens and papers, awaiting Jackie's command.

A nearly deafening silence enveloped the room, broken only by the sound of camera clicks and the hum of the AC. Then, the first question was asked. "Sir Jackie, our company has suffered a 78% potential revenue loss in the past four weeks. How do you plan to recover?" The crowd of employees bombarded Jackie with challenging questions, highlighting the company's pressing issues.

"Our branch in District 18 is rapidly losing influence, and employees are quitting in droves to seek new jobs," another person among the crowd voiced their concerns.

"We have five companies proposing to buy our company. I suggest we sell it, as its value and price will only plummet further," added another employee. The suggestion hit Jackie hard, as The Golden Office held deep sentimental value for him.

As negative reports flooded the room, Jackie swiftly grabbed the microphone, his voice stern and determined. "Don't worry, everyone. I have a plan to turn things around. I have an asset," Jackie announced, although his words stumbled a bit. The crowd was perplexed as they saw their resources dwindling, and many began to question Jackie's competence as a leader.

Witnessing the turmoil and realizing the dire situation the company faced, Rin's determination only grew stronger. Jackie addressed both the coding development team and the business team, instructing them to provide scheduled training to Rin for one week. He wanted Rin to be well-versed in coding, programming, economics, and business. Jackie saw Rin as a second brain that could work alongside him.

Subsequently, Rin was escorted to an empty meeting room where he would receive daily.

Training in coding, programming, and various business topics. While Rin immersed himself in learning with the business team, Jackie found himself sitting on the balcony, smoking a cigar, and contemplating his decision to train Rin. Doubts gnawed at him, questioning whether he had made the right choice in entrusting his company's fate to Rin. It was a crucial decision that required careful consideration, and Jackie knew he had to make up his mind soon.

Jackie took a deep drag from his cigar, the smoke billowing around him as he gazed out into the distance. Doubt crept into his mind, mingling with the swirling tendrils of smoke.

"Damn it, Jackie. What were you thinking?" he muttered to himself, his voice laced with frustration. "Putting the fate of my company in the hands of an untested rookie. Have I lost my mind?"

He leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowing with worry. The weight of responsibility bore down on his shoulders, and he cursed his impulsive decision.

"Rin may be enthusiastic, but enthusiasm alone won't save my company," he grumbled, flicking ashes off the end of his cigar. "What if he can't handle the pressure? What if he lacks the skills to turn things around?"

The uncertainty gnawed at him, a persistent ache in the pit of his stomach. He had built his empire from the ground up, sacrificing countless hours and sleepless nights to make it thrive. Now, it all hinged on Rin, a young man with no proven track record.

"Maybe I should have played it safe and hired someone with more experience," Jackie contemplated, his voice tinged with regret. "But no, I had to take a chance, desperate for a miracle. What if this was just a reckless gamble?"

His mind raced with conflicting thoughts, the taste of regret on his tongue. But as he watched Rin's determination and eagerness to learn, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope.

"No, I can't give up just yet," he whispered, his tone resolute. "Rin deserves a fair chance, and I have to trust my instincts. Maybe, just maybe, he'll surprise us all."

With that, Jackie stubbed out his cigar, stood up from the balcony chair, and walked back into the room. The decision had been made. He would stick by Rin's side, guiding and supporting him through the challenges that lay ahead. It was a risk, but sometimes, the greatest rewards came from taking leaps of faith.

At that moment, Linda entered the room, her presence captivating as always. She noticed the frustration emanating from Jackie's eyes and approached him with a concerned expression.

"Sir Jackie, I apologize for interrupting your thoughts," Linda said softly, her voice filled with empathy.

Jackie turned his gaze towards Linda, momentarily distracted by her beauty. Her golden locks cascaded down her back, and her radiant smile had a way of brightening even the darkest of days. But at that moment, his mind was consumed by the weight of the news she was about to deliver.

Linda wasted no time in sharing the disheartening update. "Sir, I have received an offer from the Costa Estate. They are willing to buy our company for a staggering 100 million. It's an unprecedented bid."

Jackie felt a sinking sensation in his chest as his heart plummeted. The amount offered was far beyond the company's value, and the temptation to accept the deal was palpable. But then his thoughts turned to Rin, the young man he had chosen to invest in.

A mix of guilt and concern washed over Jackie's face. He couldn't abandon Rin in such a precarious situation. The thought of betraying his trust weighed heavily on his conscience.

The choice before him was clear yet agonizing. Accepting the offer would secure his own financial future but at the expense of Rin's opportunity to prove himself.

Jackie took a deep breath, his voice filled with resolve. "Linda, thank you for informing me of the offer. However, I won't be swayed by the allure of money alone. There's something more at stake here, something that goes beyond numbers and figures."

His eyes hardened with determination as he continued, "Rin may be an untested rookie, but he deserves a chance. It's my duty to guide him and give him the opportunity to grow. I won't abandon him now."

Linda's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and admiration in her gaze. She had always respected Jackie's integrity and willingness to go against the tide.

"Sir, your decision speaks volumes about your character," Linda said, a touch of admiration in her voice. "I believe in Rin's potential as well, and I'm here to support you every step of the way."

Jackie smiled, grateful for Linda's understanding. He knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but with Rin's determination and the support of his team, they had a fighting chance to turn things around.

As they left the room together, Jackie couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. He had made his choice, and now it was time to face the consequences and fight for the future of his company.