Chapter 8: Chapter 8 – Compassion in a Cruel World

 

"What can I do with 10 VIP Points, System?" inquired Arthur.

[You can add new skills with 10 points or upgrade your body or mind.]

[You can do anything as long as your imagination allows it.]

Intrigued, Arthur pondered, "What will happen to me if I add 10 points to the body? It looks like it's worth a try. Alright, let's add 10 VIP points to my body."

[Okay, the system will process immediately.]

Arthur stepped into the stunning bathroom in his room, admiring the grand bathtub made of white marble and gold. He sauntered to the tall mirror, undressing as he went. In that instant, he noticed a remarkable transformation in his physique. A surge of energy ran through his veins, and the fatigue and soreness in his body vanished abruptly.

"I'm curious to see how much progress I have made in my physical transformation," Arthur said thoughtfully. "I think working out could give me some insight."

He then left the room and headed straight to Edna.

"Mr. Gardner," Edna said in awe, "why do I see a change in you? I can't quite put my finger on it, but your face looks brighter and younger, and you have a certain air of handsomeness about you."

Edna was really amazed by Arthur's appearance. He seemed to have been hiding his true good looks beneath a facade of bad appearance. She mused to herself, "He was handsome and cool all along!"

Arthur still wore the same inexpensive white shirt he had on earlier. However, Edna's gaze was drawn to his figure as he walked closer to her, and she felt her heart flutter with admiration.

At that time, Edna was seen changing into a gray executive suit, transforming her look from that of a waitress to a beautiful, professional woman. If one didn't know her identity, one might have mistaken her for the CEO of a big company or the daughter of a wealthy family, as her beauty was extraordinary. She could have been even more stunning with just a few small changes to her look.

"Edna, you look stunning," Arthur said, smiling up at her.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Gardner," she said apologetically, "these are the most expensive clothes I could afford. Even though I thought they were still very cheap, I'm sure someone would still be able to tell how cheap the clothes I'm wearing this time are."

Arthur then asked for Edna's account number and, without wasting any time, transferred the money he promised her.

"Oh my goodness," Edna exclaimed in amazement, her hands covering her gaping mouth, "Are you really giving me this much money, Mr. Gerald? Even though I haven't done anything for you?"

"Yes, absolutely," Arthur replied reassuringly. "Please use the money to meet your needs. Buy quality things for yourself, treat yourself, buy a new car, and make sure you're always in the best condition to work for me. Is that a deal?"

He looked at Edna with a smile, and she nodded quickly. "I won't let you down," she promised.

Arthur and Edna entered the hotel lobby, ready to depart the luxurious seven-star hotel. Arthur walked confidently with a tall and straight posture, despite his unkempt and inexpensive clothing. His face, however, exuded an air of authority that completely erased any negative impression his clothes may have given.

Meanwhile, Edna followed closely behind with a warm and soft smile, something that was rarely seen by many. She felt a joy she had never experienced before - her life had changed drastically.

Suddenly, Arthur halted as a cleaning service bumped into him, spilling dirty water onto his clothes.

Jacob, the cleaning service manager who had seen the incident, rushed up to Arthur. A middle-aged woman, Lucy, had carelessly spilled dirty water on Arthur's body.

"Lucy, is it too much to ask that you be more careful not to spill this dirty water on the new owner of this hotel?"

Jacob shoved her with his foot, making the 30-year-old woman tumble to the floor.

With a stern look directed at her, Jacob continued, "I have done my best to train you guys but you still embarrass me."

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Lucy immediately began to cry and desperately pleaded with Jacob. "Mr. Jacob, I am so sorry, I made a terrible mistake, but I didn't do it on purpose. Please don't take away this job from me, I have two children to take care of and no husband to help. Please, Mr. Jacob, forgive me."

Lucy had committed a grave mistake. She was aware that it was not a minor offense since most of the wealthy people she knew were very influential and would not let someone like her even come near them. Furthermore, the situation had become worse, as she was now pouring dirty water on him, his new highest boss. 

Lucy had no hope whatsoever, her life was on the brink of ruin, and her two children might suffer from starvation if she could not escape from this place safely. People would definitely jeer at her and beat her for the blunder she had made.

Jacob then stood with his body bent, and head bowed before Arthur. "Boss Arthur, I apologize, I will get you a change of clothes right away. And I promise to allow this woman to leave this place, and I will strive to ensure that such an incident never happens again."

Jacob was trying to be as polite and respectful as possible in front of his new boss in the hopes that it would lead to better job opportunities and better financial prospects.

Arthur then crouched down close to Lucy and patted her on the shoulder. "Ms. Lucy, do you still want this job?"

Lucy was taken aback by Arthur's question, her body trembling.

"Boss, please don't touch this woman, your hands might get infected," Jacob shouted in panic.

"Tell me, Ms. Lucy, do you still want this job?"

"Mr. Gardner, I desperately need this job, but I am aware that I have made a grave mistake, one that I cannot make up for easily. Please allow me to leave this place unharmed, sir. I need to preserve my health, as I am responsible for my two children, I need to provide for them."

"Alright, Ms. Lucy, I understand. From now on, you will take his position." Arthur said and pointed without looking at Jacob. "Do your job even better, and make sure that this never happens again. You must guide and teach your employees with love, okay?"

 Arthur rose abruptly, passing Jacob without so much as a glance. "You can stay, Jacob, and take over Lucy's old role," he said nonchalantly, "but if you'd rather not, that's fine too. You may leave."

Jacob's face paled, and his body shook. "Sir, please..." he begged. "Don't do this to me. I worked hard for this job."

But Arthur paid him no heed, continuing on his way with Edna hustling to keep up with his determined strides.

"Mr. Gardner," Edna said quietly as she trailed Arthur. "I've heard reports that Mr. Jacob often exercises his authority over his members, giving them more work and cutting their wages if they wish to remain here. It's very generous of you to still allow him to work here." 

Arthur turned around to face her, replying, "You're right, Edna. Jacob does a lot of things that don't reflect fairness, but I feel obligated to give him an opportunity to prove himself. Let's hope he takes it."

Laying someone off from their job was one of the toughest things to do in this city, considering the sky-high costs of living and slim chances of making ends meet. To make matters worse, it would be an additional blow to their morale. Arthur wanted to give them an opportunity to make a comeback, but this time in a positive and constructive manner.

"I'm certain that a person can improve for the better if they're given enough opportunities," Arthur said quietly. 

He was keenly aware of the one misdeed that he would never forgive: betrayal. That's what Linda had done to him. He added, "We can't be overly generous with our chances, but for me, the one opportunity I give will be the last chance one should truly treasure."

[Congratulations, Host!] 

[...]

[You have rescued Lucy, a single parent mom, from a state of despair, providing her with newfound hope.]

[Your kindness and generosity have shown her how much of a difference it can make in one's life. She works hard for her children, and your gesture has given her an uplifting boost.] 

[For this, the System will reward you with 10 VIP points!]

Arthur and Edna strolled to the designated pickup point. Knowing that neither of them had a car, Edna had reserved a taxi ahead of time.

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