Three Days Later: TradeWave Dashboard
BREAKING: Global Freight Holdings Announces Acquisition of ArgoCore Inc.
Nobody saw it coming.
Not the analysts. Not the talking heads on business networks. Not even the Reddit boards, which figured out everything a week too early.
But Elian did.
He watched it unfold on the TradeWave dashboard with a strange serenity, even as the numerals turned green and the percentages soared up like rockets in a midnight sky.
Market opening surge: +412%.
Lunchtime Peak: +850%.
Final closing: +1,253%.
He did not panic. He did not hesitate. He knew what to do.
With a few precise keystrokes, he sold.
Holdings sold: 48,172 shares for ₱129.33
Total return: ₱6,231,644.76.
He glanced at the screen, blinking once, twice. The figures did not change.
₱ 6.2 million.
All stemmed from a calculated risk, gut instinct backed up by raw competence, and a prize he earned rather than one bestowed upon him.
Elian carefully closed his laptop and sat there in the early morning light. The world outside was silent, but something profound had changed within him.
He did not feel invincible.
He felt free.
He cashed out promptly, transferring the funds to his bank account in three installments. He took out his phone without hesitation.
Call: Nanay.
It rang twice.
"Elian? Anak, why are you calling so early? "
"Where are you, guys?" "
"We are at the hospital. "Dr. just finished his rounds."
"How is Pa? "
"He stated that if all goes well, he could be discharged in five days." But he needs a clean, quiet place to recover, Anak. "Somewhere with fresh air and rest."
Elian slumped back in his chair, looking around their small, leased apartment—crowded, muggy, and noisy from neighbors arguing at 6 a.m. and barbecued isaws outside their window.
A spot where the roof leaked and the walls were paper-thin.
He remembered the Camella mansion, for which the system had paid him.
Big. Spacious. Brand new.
He smiled.
There was a pause in the line. His mother exhaled.
"Elian, we don't have that much money. "We are already—"
"You don't need to worry," he answered calmly, already launching another banking app.
He tapped the screen and captured a screenshot.
There is an available balance of ₱800,000.00.
He sent the picture.
Silence on the line.
Then a soft gasp.
"Elian…"
"Nanay, you and Dad do not have to work anymore. Allow me to handle everything going forward.
A sob burst out from the speaker.
"I don't know what you did… but thank you, anak."
He smiled."Get some rest, Nanay. I'll go by tomorrow. We'll move out when Pa gets out of the hospital."
His father's voice was weak in the background, indicating that he wanted to lie down and sleep. Elian heard the nurse enter to change the IV lines.
He promptly texted his mother again.
"Get Mia ready." I'll pick you up later. Let's head to the mall."
Later That Day – Luxe Mall, Taguig
The smell of expensive leather and luxury perfume hit him as the doors slid open. The cool, filtered air washed over them like a mountaintop breeze. The contrast with the hospital was night and day.
Mia virtually danced as she entered, her eyes wild.
"Kuya! This location features a CyberZone and a Dyson boutique! "
Their mother, nervous and hesitant, clutched an old handbag. "We shouldn't be here… this place is too expensive."
Elian grinned. "Exactly why we're here. Come on."
First stop: the Apple Store.
Polished chrome, backlit counters, and tech enthusiasts buzzed around the newest crown jewel—the iPhone 16 Pro Max, boasting holographic display tech, AI integration, and 48-hour battery life. It shimmered under the ceiling lights like a piece of art.
"I want you both to pick up the phone," Elian stated nonchalantly.
"What? "His mother blinked. "No—Elian, that is too much! "
"It is not. You need it. What happens if the hospital calls and your old phone's battery dies again? "
The sales lady handed her a sleek titanium device, which she hesitated to touch.
Mia's jaw dropped. "Kuya, this one has a neural sync assistant and an adaptive lens. ₱109,990 each! "
"I know," he replied quietly. "Pick your colors."
The saleswoman raised an eyebrow. "Sir, are you certain?" These are our high-end flagship units. "Limited release."
"I'll take two," Elian replied. "One in lavender, one in graphite." Models are unlocked and have 1TB capacity."
A silence fell across the counter.
Even the clerk halted as she rang up the figure of ₱219,980.
Her gaze moved quietly to Elian's face, then to the debit card he handed her without hesitation.
"Approved," the terminal beeped.
The cashier grinned, a little surprised. "First time I've seen someone buy two of these at once without even blinking."
Elian smiled. "They deserve the best."
Mia shouted and clutched the lavender box like a beloved gift.
His mother was speechless and gingerly touched the phone as if it were made of glass. "Anak… this is too much."
"No," he said, his voice mild. "This is just the beginning."
From the Apple Store, Elian took them farther into the mall's high-end side. The polished marble floors, ambient lighting, and elegant stillness of affluence reverberated around them. They came to a halt in front of Gucci, where the mere mention of the brand caused their mother to grip her purse even closer.
"Here," Elian answered.
"Kuya…" Mia's eyes widened. "That's Gucci."
"Yes," he smiled. "And it is open. "Come on.
Their mother shook her head softly. "Anak, this is too much…"
"Ma," Elian murmured, his voice hard but soft. "No more second-hand clothes. No more maintaining appearances. Today is for you."
He pushed the door open.
Inside, luxury was draped around them like velvet. The employees looked up—then quickly noticed the confident young man holding Apple Store bags and walking like he belonged there.
"Good afternoon, sir," remarked a tall and composed salesperson. "Welcome to Gucci."
Elian smiled. "I want entire outfits for my mother and sister. T-shirts, jeans, dresses, shoes, and bags—all of it. Style them like VIPs. "Don't worry about the price."
The woman blinked, taken off guard. "Of course, sir."
Two more staff members came from behind the displays and gently guided Mia and their mother to the fitting area. The shift began as soon as they stepped into the velvet-curtained rooms. Hangers of soft monogrammed shirts, Italian jeans, silk-lined skirts, leather handbags, and polished shoes were carefully displayed and paired. Elian sat on one of the velvet couches while Mia talked about a lavender midi dress and matching low-top sneakers. Their mother, though cautious, began to grin as she put on a soft teal wrap dress and appreciated the fit.
The crew individually put together three entire outfits: casual dress for strolling, smart casual for gatherings, and a relaxed yet classy look for day-to-day errands. Each ensemble came with matching bags and shoes. It was more than just a shopping expedition; it was a change. Mia couldn't stop twirling in front of the mirror, and their mother stroked the smooth fabric of her new shirt, as if she couldn't quite believe it was real.
"I've never worn anything like this in my life," she exclaimed, her voice nearly shaking.
"Well, now you can," Elian said, his smile steady and confident.
"The total is ₱432,000, sir," she responded sweetly but clearly surprised.
The saleslady leaned over and said, "That includes all three sets, sir—tops, pants, dresses, bags, and footwear." We provided loyalty discounts as a courtesy."
Elian gave over his card calmly and confidently. The machine processed the payment in silence. When it beeped and displayed "Approved," the workers exchanged covert, impressed looks.
"Sir," the manager replied, handing him the receipt with a tiny bow, "we rarely see people spend this much just for love. It is humbling.
Elian nodded, his gaze shifting to his mother and sister. "They have given me everything. This is the least I can do."