RISING FORTUNES, GROWING RUMORS

1576 Words
The next few weeks passed in a steady rhythm of work and growth. Luna’s days were filled with meetings, inspections, and planning — yet she never felt tired. With the Infinite Wealth Panel guiding her and her new skills sharpening her mind, every decision felt clear, every step felt certain. She stood inside the new commercial space, watching as workers installed large glass windows and built sturdy wooden shelves. The hum of activity filled the air, and the smell of fresh paint and new materials lingered gently. In just ten days, the transformation was already visible; what had once been an empty hall was slowly taking shape into a bright, spacious store. The Infinite Wealth Panel hovered beside her, updating its status: 📊 INFINITE WEALTH PANEL Host: Luna Andari Level: 3 Experience: 95 / 250 Current Balance: 542,475,000 IDR Active Skills: Finance, Property Management, Business Strategy, Legal Protection, Social Etiquette 📋 MAIN MISSION 🔹 Expand and Secure Your Empire 🔹 Progress: 75% 🔹 Time Remaining: 17 Days 🔹 Next Goal: Complete renovation and stock the second branch Meanwhile, back in the old neighborhood, the story of Luna’s rise was spreading fast — though not always in the most accurate way. At the local market, women gathered in small groups, their voices low but curious. “Have you heard? That Luna who used to live with Rian and his mother? They say she now owns a big shop in the city center and even bought houses!” one whispered. “I don’t believe it,” another replied, shaking her head. “She was so poor, so quiet, never had a penny to spare. How could she become rich that fast? She must have done something improper, or found a rich old man to support her.” Mrs. Linda, who had once gossiped about Luna, leaned in with a scornful tone. “Of course! How else? A woman like her can’t build that kind of wealth on her own. I knew she was hiding something all along.” But not everyone agreed. An older woman who had seen Luna working hard for years spoke up calmly: “You all talk too much. I saw how she slaved day and night, how she never complained even when they treated her like dirt. If she finally found a way to make a good life, it’s her right. We should be happy for her, not make up bad stories.” Still, the rumors grew — mixing jealousy, curiosity, and disbelief. And they eventually reached the ears of Rian and Mrs. Siti, who were already seething with anger and regret. Inside their small, crowded house, the atmosphere was heavy and bitter. Rian sat on the sofa, staring blankly at the wall, while Mrs. Siti paced back and forth, her face twisted with frustration. “Did you hear what people are saying?” she snapped. “That woman is getting richer every day, while we are stuck here, struggling just to pay the bills! And you — you let her walk away with everything!” Rian slammed his fist on the table, his voice sharp with resentment. “What could I do? The judge said she has the right to all of it! Even if I wanted to fight, her lawyer had all the papers ready. It’s like she knew this would happen long before we did.” “Then we have to find another way!” Mrs. Siti insisted, her eyes glinting with greed. “She was your wife for three years. There must be something we can claim. Or at least… we can go ask her for help. If she has so much money, surely she can spare a little for us!” Rian hesitated. The last time they had faced her, she had stood firm and humiliated them in front of everyone. But the thought of money, of easy comfort, was too strong to resist. “Fine. We will go to her shop tomorrow. We will beg if we have to — but we won’t leave empty-handed.” The next afternoon, Luna was in her first store, checking the inventory reports. Business was better than ever — regular customers came daily, bringing their friends and family, praising the fair prices and good service. Sari and Maya moved around with smiles, their confidence growing with every passing day. “Ma’am, the stock for rice and cooking oil is running low again,” Maya reported. “Should I place another order?” “Yes, double the usual amount this time,” Luna replied. “Demand is rising steadily. We need to keep the shelves full.” Just then, the glass door was pushed open roughly, and two familiar figures walked in — Rian and Mrs. Siti. Their clothes were slightly wrinkled, their expressions shifting from arrogance to forced humility as they looked around at the busy, well-run shop. Customers nearby glanced at them, curious. Rian stepped forward, clearing his throat, and tried to put on a soft, pleading face — though it looked unnatural on him. “Luna… can we talk? In private, please.” Luna didn’t even stop writing in her ledger. She looked up calmly, her eyes showing no surprise, no anger — only cold detachment. “We have nothing left to talk about. The divorce is final, and we have no legal or personal ties anymore. If you are here to buy something, feel free. If not, please do not disturb my customers.” Mrs. Siti rushed forward, her voice turning sweet and fake, reaching out as if to touch Luna’s arm. “Oh, dear daughter-in-law! Don’t be so cold! We know we made mistakes in the past, we said things we shouldn’t have… but family is still family, isn’t it? Now that you are doing so well, surely you won’t let us struggle, will you? Just a little help, a small amount of money, and we will be forever grateful!” Luna stepped back gently but firmly, avoiding her touch. She looked at them, her voice steady and clear, loud enough for those nearby to hear: “Family? When I was sick and had no money for medicine, when I worked until my hands were sore and still had nothing for myself — where was your kindness then? When you called me useless, a parasite, when you threatened to throw me out onto the street — was that how you treat family?” She paused, letting her words sink in, then continued: “I worked for three years here, giving everything I had. You took it all, and still insulted me. Now that I have built something of my own, suddenly you remember I exist? You do not come to ask for help — you come because you see what you can take. But let me tell you clearly: not a single rupiah will I give you. You made your choice how to treat me, and now you must live with the consequences.” Rian’s face turned red, and the fake humility vanished, replaced by rage. “You heartless woman! You think you can look down on us just because you have a little money now? Everyone says you got rich through shameful means! Do you think no one will talk?” Luna smiled faintly, without warmth. “Let them talk. Rumors are just noise from people who have nothing better to do. But the truth is here — this shop, these goods, my life — all built by my own hands and my own decisions. And even if they speak badly of me, at least I do not beg from those I once abused.” She nodded toward the door. “Now please leave. If you cause trouble here, I will call security and have you removed. I run a business, not a shelter for people who only remember me when they want something.” Seeing the cold certainty in her eyes, and noticing the customers watching them with disapproval, Rian and Mrs. Siti realized they had no chance. With angry, humiliated faces, they turned and stormed out of the shop, muttering curses under their breath. As soon as they left, the customers began speaking up. “Well said, Miss! You were too good to them anyway!” “Don’t listen to their lies — anyone can see you work hard!” Luna thanked them with a smile, feeling no regret at all. She had given them every chance to respect her, but they had chosen greed and pride instead. That evening, as she reviewed the day’s earnings, the Infinite Wealth Panel lit up brightly: ✅ REPUTATION NOTIFICATION 🔹 Public Perception: Growing respect among customers and locals 🔹 Effect: Higher trust → faster sales growth 🔹 Reward: + 20 Experience Points 📋 MISSION UPDATE 🔹 Second Branch: Renovation 90% Complete 🔹 Suppliers confirmed for opening stock 🔹 Progress: 90% ⏳ Time Remaining: 12 Days 💡 New Insight: As your influence grows, new opportunities — business partnerships, investments, and higher-level missions — will soon become available. Luna closed her laptop and walked to the window, looking out over the city lights. Let them gossip, let them be angry — it did not matter anymore. She was moving forward, building something real, something that would last. “One branch, two branches… soon there will be many more,” she thought, her eyes shining with determination. “The infinite wealth the panel promised — I am just getting started.”
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