CHAPTER 13: PRS 13

Your environment and the friends you surround yourself with influence your mindset and behavior.

That’s how Isabella Clark feels right now. The twenty-two-year-old felt renewed enthusiasm after frequently meeting Jery, a young entrepreneur and owner of a well-known coffee shop in City XX, over the past few weeks.

Their conversations always evoked a positive aura and broadened her business knowledge. Unbeknownst to her, new business opportunities seemed to open up before her eyes.

"Bella," Jery called softly as they finished reviewing the café’s financial statements. "Are you still considering opening another business besides a coffee shop? I can help you find information if you need it."

Isabella smiled enthusiastically. "Yes, Jery. I’ve been thinking about opening a stationery business. It’s sure to sell well around campus. Do you know if there’s a place for sale?"

Jery nodded. "There happens to be a shophouse not far from my café. It’s right in front of the campus gate. But the owner is asking a pretty high price because he needs significant funds for his son’s overseas medical treatment. Many potential buyers have backed out."

Isabella looked at Jery eagerly. "Can I see the place first? If it’s suitable, I can consider it. I’ve been saving for a while, it feels like a shame to just let it sit idle."

"Of course I can." Jery immediately reached for his phone. "I’ll call the owner now. His name is Ardan, an old friend. We can see the shophouse today."

"Seriously? Wow, that’s fast," Isabella said with a chuckle. "You always have a solution, Jery."

"For someone as energetic as you, it’s a shame to delay your big ideas," Jery replied with a broad smile.

After getting confirmation from Ardan, the two of them immediately set off.

"Okay, let’s go now," Isabella said with sparkling eyes. Jery could only shake his head in amusement at the girl’s enthusiasm.

**

Meanwhile, at the Phoenix Sistem office, Joseph Mahendra sat slumped in his chair. Investors had come running, demanding the return of their funds within a week after seeing the company’s stock plummet. Joseph’s right-hand man had fled with almost all of the company’s assets.

If the funds weren’t returned on time, Joseph would be prepared to languish behind bars. The thought of wearing an orange uniform made him nauseous.

Employees’ salaries were due in three days, and Bank N’s installments were due, and his cash was already empty. Joseph could only massage his temples, hoping the intense headache would subside.

The news of the theft of his wife and child’s jewelry—which he had planned to sell to cover employee salaries—added to the pressure. The woman his wife, Marrie, had always adored as a dream daughter-in-law turned out to be nothing more than a cunning thief. Joseph took a sip of liquor hidden in a drawer, trying to calm himself.

Meanwhile, Isabella arrived in front of Jery’s coffee shop, Jalani Hidup. They immediately walked to Ardan’s shophouse, which was up for sale. The shophouse had previously been a bakery, so it still had shelves, display cases, and a large showcase.

Ardan, a bespectacled man in his thirties, emerged from the side door. "Jery, Bella," he greeted politely, though his face looked strained.

Isabella extended her hand. "Nice to meet you, Ardan. May I know how much you’re offering?"

"Cash, one point eight billion," Ardan replied matter-of-factly.

Isabella looked around the room with calculating eyes. "If it’s two billion, all the bakery equipment inside is mine too. How about that?"

Ardan looked surprised. "This equipment is worth over two hundred million, Bella..."

"But we can finalize the transaction today," Isabella interrupted quickly. "I want everything to be clear before I get busy with my master’s degree."

Jery added, "If you use my notary partner, we can sign now. I also need to sign the cooperation documents with Bella."

Ardan looked at them both, then breathed a sigh of relief. "Deal. For the sake of my child’s health, I agree."

"Thank you, Ardan. I hope your child gets well soon," Isabella said sincerely.

Without delay, they headed to Jery’s café. Jery’s secretary had already prepared the documents, and the notary was also present. Isabella signed the agreement, her hands trembling slightly with excitement.

That day, Isabella Clark had never imagined she would be able to own two businesses in such a short time.

"Phoenix Systems really works fast," she said quietly, staring at the documents now officially in her name.

Jery turned and smiled. "Congratulations, Bella. Today you officially spread your wings."

Isabella looked at Jery, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "This is just the beginning, Jery. I’m sure, with hard work and the support of good people like you, our future will be bright."