18 Again

Chapter 8

The following day found Nathan awakening late in the morning. After freshening up, he gazed out the window.

"What's on the agenda today?"

"Ah, right. I should buy a car."

Suddenly, the realization struck him that he didn't know how to drive.

"What now? Hire a driver? But that wouldn't be as thrilling as driving myself. Do I even need a driver for a sports car? That's absurd."

Then, he recalled the skill customization feature in the system, allowing him to acquire any skill he desired at will.

So, Nathan accessed the interface.

With another point in hand, having spent a total of 400 million dollars after his bought a house, he could now add another skill.

Nathan clicked the plus sign beside the skill column and typed in 'driving'.

The system initiated the loading process.

Moments later, Nathan sensed a rush of knowledge flooding his brain all about driving.

He grasped the functions of the brake, accelerator, and clutch, as well as the procedures for starting the car, shifting gears, steering, and reversing.

It felt as though he had real-world driving experience, and he was exhilarated by the newfound knowledge.

The system proved to be truly remarkable.

Eager to put his new skill to the test, Nathan headed to the Benz dealership. Nathan's eyes were immediately drawn to the G-Class. After making the purchase, he drove off without hesitation.

With his upgraded appearance, none of the sales staff dared to underestimate him, especially when he effortlessly paid for the luxury vehicle.

Behind the wheel of his new Benz G-Class, Nathan marveled at the system's capabilities. However, one question lingered: despite his newfound driving skills, he lacked a license.

How could he obtain one?

Nathan realized he needed to go to driving school, as it was a requirement for all license applications.

While attending the driving school, he noticed someone familiar—it was Mia. Although Mia didn’t own a car, it was common for all citizens to have a driver’s license.

Nathan approached Mia.

“Mia!” Nathan called out.

Mia turned around, surprised but delighted to see him. "Nathan? What are you doing here?" she asked with a smile.

"Same as you, I guess. I need to get my license," Nathan replied, trying to play it cool.

They chatted as they waited for their classes to begin. The conversation flowed naturally, and Nathan found himself enjoying Mia's company more than he expected. She had a way of making him feel at ease, something he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Over the next few days, they attended their classes together, sharing small moments during breaks and laughing at each other's stories about their struggles with the driving instructor. Nathan started to look forward to seeing Mia, appreciating how comfortable their dynamic had become. Mia, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy his company too, often teasing him about how focused he was in class.

On the last day of the course, they both successfully passed the driving test. As they stood outside the school, licenses in hand, Mia turned to Nathan with a grin.

“So, now that we’re officially licensed drivers, don’t forget about Sunday,” she reminded him.

Nathan blinked, momentarily confused. “Sunday?”

Mia laughed softly. “The swimming, remember? You promised to come with me.”

Nathan's face lit up as he suddenly recalled their conversation from before. Mia had invited him to join her for a day, and he had absentmindedly agreed. Now, the thought of spending more time with her outside of school sounded like a great idea.

“Of course, I remember!” Nathan said quickly, not wanting to let her know he’d almost forgotten. “I’ll be there.”

“Good,” Mia replied with a playful smirk. “You better show up. I expect to see your driving skills in action on the way.”

Nathan chuckled, feeling a spark between them. "You’ll be impressed, I promise."

As they said their goodbyes, Nathan couldn’t help but feel excited.

Thus, he drove to Riverside National University and dialed Mia's number.

"Nathan, missing me already?" Mia's melodious voice greeted him.

"Are you available for a brief conversation? I'm parked outside the school with a new Benz G-Class, on the left. It's the one without the license plate."

"Of course, Nathan. Just wait for me," Mia replied.

In less than five minutes, Mia emerged and settled into the passenger seat.

"What's up?" she inquired.

Are you available now? I'd like you to accompany me somewhere," Nathan proposed.

"I'll make time, even if I'm busy. Just say the word," Mia affirmed.

"Great. Let's hit the road."

Nathan ignited the car engine and departed from the campus entrance.

Mia accompanied Nathan to a Porsche dealership.

As they stepped inside, a striking sales representative approached them. Observing their arrival in a Benz G-Class and assessing Nathan's attire, she inferred his affluent status.

"Welcome, sir, miss. Are you considering purchasing a vehicle?" she inquired eagerly.

"Yes," Nathan affirmed.

"May I inquire about the model you're interested in?" she continued.

"Do you have a Porsche 911 in stock?" Nathan inquired.

"We do," she confirmed.

"Please show us," Nathan requested.

"Certainly, sir. Follow me," the sales representative invited, leading them to a Porsche 911.

"We currently have two available: one in red and one in black. Which would you prefer to inspect, sir?" she inquired.

Nathan surveyed the cars casually and expressed his preference, "I'll take the red one. Prepare the invoice."

The sales representative was taken aback. He hadn't even examined the vehicle thoroughly; yet, he was ready to make a purchase. His wealth seemed boundless.

"Aren't you going to inspect it first, sir?" she asked, surprised.

"I did. The red one suits my liking," Nathan stated confidently.

The saleswoman, astounded by his swift decision, marveled at witnessing such a hasty car purchase for the first time. He had barely glanced at the exterior, let alone examined the interior, before requesting the invoice.

"Very well, sir. Please follow me," the sales representative directed.

She escorted them to the front desk and began detailing the car's performance to Nathan.

"Sir, this red Porsche 911 boasts the latest high-performance specifications, featuring a six-cylinder flat twin-turbocharged engine..."

Before she could continue, Nathan interjected, "That's enough. No need for further details. Just tell me the price."

"May I inquire about your preferences?" she asked.

"Just provide me with the top-tier configuration," Nathan instructed.

"Understood. Please wait while I calculate it for you," she replied.

After a brief pause...

"Sir, the total comes to 3.28 million dollars," she announced.

Following the payment, Nathan and Mia settled onto the sofa, awaiting the completion of the paperwork.

Mia assumed Nathan intended her to drive the car, since he couldn't drive both back himself. Though puzzled by his choice of red, she suggested, "Nathan, I think black suits you better. Why not choose the black one?"

"It's not for me. It's for you. I believe the red one complements your personality, Mia," Nathan disclosed with a smile.

"For me? Nathan, are you serious?" Mia questioned, astonished.

"Do I appear joking? This is for you," Nathan affirmed.

"I can't accept such an extravagant gift," Mia protested hastily.

"Mia, since you treated me so warmly, don't be so modest. You know this amount means nothing to me. It's merely a meal or two. If you decline, can we still enjoy our time together?" Nathan reasoned.

"Well... Alright. Thank you, Nathan!" Mia exclaimed joyously.

Mia was elated. She currently does not own a car, their family annual income barely exceeds 5 or 600 thousand. After allocating a significant portion to rent, clothing, and study, the remainder supported her younger siblings. Consequently, despite her polished appearance, she lacked substantial savings and couldn't afford a luxury vehicle like that. Moreover, any woman would covet a red Porsche 911.

The elegant sales representative overheard their conversation as she trailed behind them, casting envious glances at Mia. She longed for someone as extravagant as Nathan, capable of bestowing a three-million-dollar luxury car without hesitation.

"Sir, please provide your identification card or number for insurance and registration," she requested.

"We'll use yours, Mia", Nathan replied, directing his gaze at Mia.

"Nathan, is that okay?" Mia questioned, surprised.

Assuming Nathan intended for her to simply drive the car, Mia hadn't expected him to register it in her name. The sudden surprise left her feeling light-headed.

"Didn't I say I'd be buying it for you? Do you think I'm joking?" Nathan retorted.

"Very well then. Nathan, thank you so much!" Mia handed her identification card to the sales representative.

Ten minutes later...

The sales representative returned with the paperwork and key.

"Sir, everything's ready. Here's the key and documents. You can drive away now," she informed Nathan.

"Mia, it's yours. Let's go," Nathan gestured, rising to leave.

Mia accepted the documents and key, proceeding to the car.

The two vehicles drove alongside each other.

Shortly after, Nathan, leading the way, receives a call from Mia.

"Nathan, where to next?"

"Shall we go to the hotel for lunch? I'm not very hungry," Nathan suggested.

"Me neither," Mia agreed.

"Would you like to visit my house?" Nathan proposed.

"Sure!"

They drove to Riverside Commercial and residence and parked their cars before strolling to Block 1.

Mia was familiar with Riverside residence, often admiring it enviously as she passed by. The prospect of owning a home here remained a distant dream for her.

Even though owning such a dream home felt like an unattainable fantasy, simply visiting brought a sense of fulfillment.

Ascending to the 27th floor in the elevator of Block 1, they entered a realm of opulence that left Mia awestruck, despite her mental preparation.

The lobby dazzled with a magnificent chandelier overhead, while a massive French window framed a breathtaking view of the River Leeds. Every detail, from the plush sofa to the elegant paintings, exuded luxury.

Mia couldn't help but wish she could trade a decade of her life for the chance to reside in such splendor.

"Please, take a seat," Nathan invited, pouring her a glass of water.

"Nathan, your home is exquisite. I can only imagine how stunning River Leeds must be at night from this vantage point," Mia remarked, gesturing toward the French window.

"It's quite lovely. Feel free to visit whenever you like to enjoy the view," Nathan assured her.

"Really?" Mia responded, surprised.

"Absolutely! By the way, where are you originally from, Mia?" Nathan inquired.

"I'm from Southville City . I'm just studying here in Riverside City" Mia answered.

"Have your family managed to buy a home here yet?" Nathan asked curiously.

"Not yet. The housing prices here are astronomical. I'm not sure when we'll be able to afford it," Mia sighed sadly.

"With your family income, you should be able to qualify for a mortgage in River City, shouldn't you, Mia?" Nathan suggested.

"Actually, my family income isn't that high, and we still have to support my younger siblings. Between rent and other expenses like clothing, tuition fee and, saving up is a challenge," Mia explained with a hint of melancholy.