Chapter 4

Robert and his three roommates instinctively turned their heads toward the source of the voice. A young man stood there, swaying to the spirited music of the nightclub. They recognized him: Jeremy Walker, a fellow Yrinas University student, and a self-proclaimed scion who'd started driving a BMW 3 Series in his junior year. He was always the center of attention, particularly among the female students, living life with the flamboyant air of a peacock.

Hearing Jeremy's words, Samuel and the other roommates glanced at Robert. They'd just learned about his breakup with Marilyn, a queen at Yrinas University. She possessed beauty, taste, and a captivating personality that attracted admirers from every corner of the campus. No one expected her to choose Robert, making him the target of envy and resentment among the male student body.

"Does this concern you?" Robert asked, glancing at Jeremy.

"Do my words concern you?" Jeremy sneered. "I was just thinking, how can a pauper like you deserve a girl like Marilyn? She's with Kendrick now, right? That guy's loaded!"

Kendrick, it turned out, had spread the news of his relationship with Marilyn.

After speaking, Jeremy ignored Robert's group and turned to the four girls Samuel had invited. With a smug expression, he asked, "Girls, why don't you join me at my table for a drink?" He gestured to his seat near the center of the bar, where two bottles of imported liquor, worth almost $900, sat on a brightly lit pedestal.

The four girls' eyes lit up, but they politely declined. "No, thank you. We'll stay here for a while."

Jeremy, unfazed, made another attempt before triumphantly leaving. After this scene, Samuel and his friends lost interest in partying. They only stayed because they'd already spent over $150.

The four girls claimed they needed to use the restroom, but after half an hour, they hadn't returned. Samuel scanned the crowded bar, growing anxious. "Where are Lucy and the others? Something might have happened."

Bars attract a diverse clientele.

"What could happen?" Simon scoffed, pointing. "Look over there."

Samuel followed Simon's gaze and spotted Lucy and her friends. They were at Jeremy's table, happily drinking with him.

Samuel slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and headed toward them. Simon, sensing trouble, quickly followed, as did Robert and the other roommate.

"Lucy, what are you doing?" Samuel asked, looking at the girl in shorts, twerking on the couch. "You wanted to have fun at Elephant Bar, but now you're drinking with someone else?"

"What do you mean?" Lucy retorted disdainfully. "You brought me here? You only ordered twelve beers! How embarrassing!"

Jeremy laughed. "Didn't I tell you? Don't try to pick up girls if you're poor. Elephant Bar isn't for you."

Robert observed the contempt in Jeremy's eyes and the girls' attitude toward Samuel. Wasn't Marilyn's attitude similar this afternoon? Money. It's always about money. Ha! You have to be realistic after university. This isn't a place for fantasies! he thought.

Samuel looked at Lucy, his eyes filled with dismay and anger. "Lucy, we've known each other for so long, and all you care about is money? Is it really that important?"

"Yes," Robert said from behind Samuel.

Samuel was shocked to hear Robert say this.

Chapter 4 (Continued)

"This pauper's astute," Jeremy said, waving his hand dismissively. "But since you've seen the situation, get out of here. This bar isn't a place where you order twelve beers."

Robert nodded. "You're right, it isn't. But Jeremy, you're not doing it right either!" He then yelled, "Waiter!"

A waiter approached. "Yes, sir?"

"Get me the table in the middle!" Robert pointed.

Samuel and the others immediately tried to stop him. "Robert, are you crazy? The minimum spend is $2,250!"

"Don't be foolish, Robert!"

Jeremy was stunned, then burst out laughing. "That table? Waiter, ignore him. He can't afford it."

Robert felt his heart pounding. It was the exhilarating feeling of impending extravagance. He remembered his father's challenge: spend at least $150,000 before returning. He decided to do it now.

He pulled out his card and slammed it on the table. "That Armand de Brignac is $1,470 a bottle. Give me as many as you have!"

The waiter was incredulous. Armand de Brignac was expensive, and the thought of the potential bill was overwhelming. But seeing the card, he was tempted by the commission.

The nightclub manager arrived, alerted by the waiter. "Sir, we have eighty-eight bottles of Armand de Brignac. That's"

"Charge $150,000!" Robert interrupted. "Serve them as you see fit."

The POS machine beeped, confirming the payment. The manager and waiter were ecstatic. $15,000 commission each! they thought.

Robert's roommates, Jeremy, and Lucy's group were stunned. Is this real? Robert Zabinski, the pauper, just spent $150,000!

Under the flickering lights, a dozen scantily clad women carrying glowing bottles of Armand de Brignac approached Robert's table. His roommates were speechless. Hundreds of thousands of dollars! We'll never earn that much in our lives!

Even the bar owner came to toast Robert, addressing him by name. The women flirted with Robert, and other patrons eyed him with envy. Robert felt the weight of their gazes—a completely new experience.

Lucy and her friends approached with fawning expressions. This is prestigious! The most prestigious table in the bar! they thought.

Chapter 5