Magic Ball: the Billionaire in Ranch

5 Will be Rich Soon!

Noah’s keyboard sounded like machine guns ready to fire at anyone who tries and disturb him. His boss announced out of the blue that they’re going to have the monthly inventory for the entire sales. When questioned why he gave only a week’s notice, their boss shrugged and said, “CEO’s order. Not mine,” before proceeding to the confinements of his room. It’s been days since his meeting with Bettina, and Noah can’t help but wonder how he can verify the exact value of those paintings. Money’s within his grasp, but he couldn’t fully clutch it.

His keystrokes intensified as he heard his boss’s door open. He had been working for two years in this company, and he had gotten used to the tapping of his boss’ shoes whenever he attempts to roam around and pretend like he would supervise them with his words of encouragement.

A heavy hand landed on his shoulder. Turning, his boss smiled at him as he meant it.

“What can I do for you, boss?” Noah gave him a warm smile.

The boss dared to look embarrassed at his presence. “Drop by the office after you’re done with your reports,” he said with a low voice.

Noah mustered a smile as he nodded his head. “Sure, boss. Let me just get these reports done.”

The boss removed his wrinkled hands from Noah’s shoulder. The light above reflected on his balding head as he greeted the other employees on how diligent all of them are working. It was another nightmare for all of them, mainly if the boss uses Noah as a filler for jobs deemed too hard to be done without the help of a reliable employee.

His seatmate Dave stretched his hands up in the air. “Man, that was nerve-wracking! I thought inventories were supposedly done quarterly? How come they’re doing it monthly now?”

Noah kept his eyes on the monitor’s screen, “They’re the boss. We can’t do anything about it.” He clicked the save button and immediately sent the report for this month’s sales.

“What do you think that old man will make you do this time?”

“Remember when he had Noah run an errand for him at Rome?”

“Why are you here, Trisha?” Dave asked while resuming his typing. “Is your department that boring to be with?”

Trisha smiled sweetly at both of them as she wagged her folder in front of Dave. “No!” she chirped, “I’m just officially done with my report.”

“Why are you so fast? Are you a ninja?”

Noah’s printer started releasing newly printed papers. “Good luck, Dave,” he patted Dave’s back as he inserted his monthly report to a brown folder.

Dave sighed in despair, “Why are guys so fast?”

Trisha stuck her tongue out at Dave, “Because we don’t slack off, you dummy!”

Noah’s done with their bickering. He headed straight to his boss’s office and handed him the brown folder.

“Done with the report?” his boss inquired while scanning the folder he just gave. “Impressive, huh? You managed to depict them more accurately than before.”

“I always try my best,” Noah replied with half a smile. “Anyway, what did you call me for?”

“My doctor advised that I should rest inside the house as much as possible. That means I must avoid traveling out of the country. I know health is a top priority, but you’re one of the leading people in this branch—” the boss stopped midway and placed his pen down. Meeting Noah’s eyes, he continued, “I want you to go to Maple city as my representative.”

Noah didn’t know what to say. He stared at his boss for a while before answering, “I’m grateful for the offer, but are you sure about this? I feel like I don’t have the same expertise as you have, boss.”

“You’ve been a great help, Noah. Besides, this is a free trip to America. Who would decline that?”

From the way his boss chuckled low, the expression on Noah’s face must have brought him amusement. Did he hear his boss right? Does he want to send him to America? The paintings crossed his mind. This would be the grand opportunity he’s been waiting all his life. He would look for an Art Appraisal Institution and sell the paintings to an Art Gallery somewhere in New York! There were endless possibilities, and Noah was ecstatic to fulfill them one at a time. He couldn’t contain his excitement. 

“I’ll do it,” he said with a grin. Little did his boss know that it had nothing to do with the work he’s had him do.

The sun’s heat was sipping through the window’s panel. Noah had to let the curtains loose to avoid the light. He wanted to explore the books on the shelves to see if he can find any valuable information that can help him improve his breathing circulation. Noah thought that maybe it has something to do with him exiting this place. He still hadn’t figure out the origin of his newfound telekinesis abilities to be able to put any object and animal inside the Magic Ball.

Ginger ran around his legs, circling him as if he wants to play. Her ears are starting to become pointy, and she looked more prominent than she did yesterday.

“You sure grow fast!” Noah knelt down and patted Ginger’s ears. “Where are your brothers?” Ginger bit his pants and pulled him towards the back door. Noah ran with her outside and spotted the two puppies playing around the enormous tree. They seem to be fond of it nowadays.

“Mik!” Noah called out. “Cole! Aren’t you going to greet me?” both puppies snapped their heads to Noah’s voice. Sprinting faster than the speed of light, both puppies jumped at Noah’s stomach. He lost his footing and fell on his butt. Cole licked his face clean as Mik pulled him further down on the weeds. Ginger joined in with the rest of them. Noah gave a heartful laugh, which made the three puppies jumping with joy. His eyes caught the backyard’s appearance: it was spacious enough for any plant to grow. His hands scooped a handful of soil. He wasn’t an expert when it comes to identifying if it’s fertile or not. Maybe he’d call his mother and let her see the soil through a video call.

“Maybe I can start by cleaning this yard? Remove all the weeds and flatten the soil.” The wind blew his caramel-colored hair away from his eyes. Cole barked at him in response. “It’s a great plan. Right, Cole?” the black puppy nestled closer to him.

Laying on the ground, Noah saw the clouds that moved slowly with the fresh wind. Underneath the blue sky, he finds it peaceful to huddle together with his puppies.

Hopefully, by next month, he’s able to find a way to sell the renaissance paintings. He thought of what he can do with millions of dollars he’d gain. Noah can give half of it to his family, possibly use the other half to invest in this accidental wonder he has found beneath the mountain. He shook his head lightly at an ambitious dream.

First, he needs someone that can help him find an Art Appraisal Institution near Maple City. Scanning through his phone's contact, Noah stopped near the name of a long-time friend. If he remembers correctly, he also happens to reside in America. He immediately dialed his number.

Hello? Someone answered from the other end of the line. Looks like phones do work inside the Magic Ball.

“Hi, Brice! It’s been a while.”

Noah Martin? Man, it’s been so long since we’ve talked! Brice had been a friend since college. They did get along well for the past four years.

What can I do for you?

“I’ve been thinking of going to America. My boss sent me on some business meeting he couldn’t attend. I’d go there as his representative. Maybe we can meet after work?”

Woah, he heard Brice’s chuckle, I see you’re doing business, huh? Let’s hang out when you’re free, then!

Noah considers such chances to be once in a lifetime. He didn’t hesitate to ask if Brice can accompany him to any Art Appraisal Institutions to have his paintings’ authenticity and value checked by art experts. Brice willingly took his offer.

There’s plenty in America, Noah. You can bring those paintings with you, and I can accompany you through the whole process. I’ll look up the places we can go to. We’ll find something close to Maple City. 

“Thanks, man. I’m really looking forward to my business trip.” They chatted for a little while before Noah bid his farewells.

Mik opened his eyes and bolted towards the pond. Noah watched as he dipped his nose on the surface of the water as if he was testing it. Then, he started drinking from it. Mik’s fur began shining like diamonds, his body growing bigger than an average puppy. It’s almost as if he was having this sudden growth spurt.