This morning was already infinitely better than every other morning of my life combined.
Waking up in a top-floor Presidential Suite at a 5-star hotel, with my high school crush serving as my personal VIP butler—it almost felt like a dream.
Stepping into the living suite, I found Seraphina fully dressed in her crisp butler uniform, already preparing breakfast. I smiled and asked her to keep it light so I could shower first.
After a hot shower, I suited up in top-tier international designer attire. Even the silk handkerchief tucked into my breast pocket was worth more than a regular worker earned in an entire month. Until yesterday, this level of luxury was something I couldn’t even fathom, let alone live.
As I ate breakfast, a crisp chime sounded in my mind.
[System Notification: Host has enjoyed a deeply relaxing morning!]
[Special Reward Applied: +10 Charm, +20 Physique!]
[Host Current Stats: Charm 30/100 | Physique 30/100]
[Status Update: Host’s appearance has reached the level of a local heartthrob. Physique upgraded to prime health; all past physical strain completely cured!]
An electric warmth spread through my muscles, instantly healing years of physical exhaustion from working three back-breaking jobs. My frame filled out, my jawline sharpened, and an effortless aura of nobility settled over me.
Seraphina glanced up, her heart visibly fluttering as she caught the sudden upgrade in my look.
"Love," I said, catching her eye with a smooth smile, "the auction doesn’t start until 7:00 PM. Why don’t we go out and relax for a bit?"
Hearing me call her "love," a deep blush instantly rushed to her face, turning her ears bright red.
After breakfast, we decided to take my obsidian-black Aurelius Z3—the absolute pinnacle of luxury vehicles—with a professional chauffeur provided by the hotel.
Our first stop was a famous local milk tea shop, but the line outside stretched down the block.
Walking toward the front, I announced calmly, "If everyone lets us order first, the entire menu is on me today. Get whatever flavor or size you want."
The crowd erupted into happy cheers. "Boss, go right ahead! Just don’t forget your promise!"
At the counter, I ordered two premium large milk teas. "Swipe my card for 100,000 Stardollars. It’s to cover everyone waiting in line. Whatever is left over is your tip."
The salesman gasped, his eyes wide. "S-Sir, there are only fifty people in line! Even if everyone orders our most expensive combo, it won’t exceed a few thousand!"
"Consider the rest a reward for great service," I replied smoothly, taking our drinks. "Enjoy your day."
Leaving the stunned salesman behind, Seraphina and I took a stroll through a quiet park, reminiscing about how carefree our school days used to be.
Out of nowhere, Seraphina looked at me, her voice soft. "Julian... can I become your permanent butler?"
"Is it because you feel indebted to me?" I asked, looking at her.
"No," she replied earnestly, meeting my gaze. "I genuinely want to work for you."
"Let’s enjoy today first," I chuckled gently. "I’m staying at the Skyland for the rest of the month. After that, we’ll discuss your permanent position and contract. How does that sound?"
Her face lit up. "Thank you, Julian."
By late afternoon, we returned to the hotel to prepare for the grand event.
My evening auction suit was on a completely different level of opulence. The custom buttons alone—crafted from solid gold and inlaid with natural micro-diamonds—cost more than an average person’s yearly salary with bonuses. Transported straight from an overseas high-fashion house, the entire ensemble totaled 8 million Stardollars.
When Seraphina stepped out of her room wearing the evening gown I had selected for her, my breath caught in my throat. She looked like a literal goddess dropped into the mortal realm.
Down at the hotel entrance, our chauffeur held the door of the Aurelius Z3 open.
When we arrived at the auction venue, flashbulbs immediately exploded in every direction. Media reporters swarmed the red carpet, desperate to capture photos of us.
We paused on the carpet, Seraphina’s radiant beauty and my tailored luxury creating a scene straight out of a high-society magazine. The press murmured frantically, trying to figure out which top-tier reclusive family heir was making his public debut tonight.
At the grand entrance, the chief event planner bowed respectfully. "Good evening, sir. May I see your VIP invitation?"
"I don’t have an invitation," I said, pulling out my card. "Process a balance check to verify my entry funds."
The chief planner inserted the card into his secure scanner. The moment the display loaded my liquid balance, his knees buckled.
[Current Balance: 1,293,000,000 Stardollars]
The planner bowed so low his nose almost brushed the carpet, trembling violently. "M-Mr. Vance! Please, allow me to guide you to our front-row VIP sofa immediately!"
He personally escorted us inside, seating us in the center of the VIP front row. A waiter rushed over with two crystal glasses of vintage red wine. I took the glasses, handing a 1,000 Stardollar bill to the server as a casual tip.
As the auctioneer took the stage and asked everyone to take their seats, I casually glanced back over my shoulder. Sitting three rows behind me was my target—Jason Grant.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer announced, gesturing to a velvet display case under a spotlight. "Our first item tonight is a world-renowned masterpiece: The Heart of the Ocean diamond necklace. There is only one in existence. Starting bid: 20 million Stardollars!"
Before I could react, a cool blue panel flashed before my eyes.
[System Quest Triggered: Win the Heart of the Ocean!]
[Objective: Win the necklace for Seraphina Lin.]
[Reward: 5x Cashback Multiplier + Special Perk: ’Eyes of Insight’!]
Eyes of Insight? I queried in my mind.
[System Response: ’Eyes of Insight’ allows the Host to view detailed hidden information, net worth, secrets, and stats of any item or target.]
A useful tool.
"25 million," I called out casually, raising my paddle.
From the third row, Jason Grant spotted me sitting beside Seraphina in the front row. A look of sheer malice crossed his face. Clearly eager to humiliate me and show off his wealth in front of Seraphina, he raised his paddle instantly.
"30 million!" Jason shouted, smirking arrogance.
I didn’t even look back. I raised my paddle with a lazy flick of my wrist.
"100 million Stardollars."
The entire auction hall fell dead silent. Gasps echoed through the room before breaking out into intense, frantic whispers.
"Who is that young man in the front row?!"
"Dropping 100 million on the very first item without blinking?!"
"He must be from an ancient, hidden capital family!"
The auctioneer snapped out of his trance, slamming his gavel down three times. "Sold to the gentleman in the front row for 100 million Stardollars!"
The card reader chimed softly as the staff processed the payment at my seat.
[System Notification: Host spent 100,000,000 Stardollars on Seraphina Lin!]
[5x Cashback Multiplier Applied: Received 500,000,000 Stardollars!]
[Host Total Bank Balance: 1,693,000,000 Stardollars!]
[Perk Unlocked: ’Eyes of Insight’ permanently activated!]
I turned my head slightly, catching Jason’s eye. His face had turned a furious, mottled shade of purple, his knuckles white as he gripped his seat arms.
I gave him a calm, mocking smirk.
"Don’t back out so early, Young Master Grant," I said, my voice carrying clearly through the surrounding VIP rows. "At least try to give me a challenge on the next item."