Chapter 3: The Hundred Million Dollar Deposit
Ethan walked with a steady pace toward the towering spires of the Golden Dragon Hotel. As he approached, his stomach gave a sharp, painful growl. He was light-headed from hunger; he hadn't eaten a proper meal in two days to save money for his sister's school supplies. Now, the adrenaline of the system was wearing off, replaced by a hollow ache in his gut.
This was the most luxurious hotel in the South River province, and it was widely known as the most expensive place for a thousand miles. Whenever Ethan and his roommates—especially Leo—walked past this gilded fortress of the rich, they would stare at the crystal chandeliers visible through the windows and dream aloud about one day having a single meal there.
Ethan took a deep breath, adjusted his worn jacket, and pushed through the heavy glass doors. The air inside was cool, scented with expensive lilies and aged wood.
"Sir, how can I help you?"
A tall, fair-skinned attendant approached him. She was dressed in a silk uniform that probably cost more than Ethan's entire wardrobe. Her eyes swept over his faded jeans and scuffed shoes, her professional smile faltering for just a fraction of a second.
"I'm here to eat," Ethan answered simply.
"May I know how many of you are in your party?" the attendant asked, her voice tight with practiced politeness.
"Just me."
"Please come with me, sir." She gestured for him to follow.
Ethan expected to be led straight to the dining hall. He was already imagining the taste of high-end steak or fresh seafood. However, instead of the restaurant, the attendant led him straight to the sprawling marble front desk.
"Sir, do you have a membership card?" the receptionist behind the desk asked.
There were several women working behind the long counter, and every single one of them looked like an air stewardess. They were all at least 170cm tall, with fair skin, perfectly styled hair, and long legs highlighted by their professional skirts. They watched Ethan with a mix of curiosity and subtle disdain.
"No, I don't," Ethan answered.
The lead receptionist adjusted her headset. "Sir, I'm sorry, but our food is of the highest quality—all imported from overseas. To ensure absolute freshness, we dispose of anything that isn't finished by the end of the day. Because of this, our prices are significantly higher than anything you'll find outside. If you don't have a membership card, you'll need to pay a substantial deposit before you can dine."
Ethan didn't flinch. "How can I get a membership card?"
The receptionist suppressed a smirk. "Sir, if you top up one million dollars, you'll become a Normal Member. Two million makes you a Premium Member, and five million grants you VIP status."
"I'll take one, then," Ethan said.
"Certainly. And may I know how much you wish to top up today?" she asked, already reaching for a standard application form.
"Why don't I top up 100 million first?"
The lobby went deathly quiet. The sound of a fountain in the corner seemed to grow louder in the silence.
"S-Sir? I beg your pardon? I didn't hear you clearly," the receptionist stammered, her poise vanishing instantly.
"I said, top up 100 million for me," Ethan repeated, his voice calm and level.
"Sir... are you sure?" Her eyes darted to his worn sleeves. She was convinced he was a mental patient or a prankster.
"I am sure."
"Sir, please wait a moment. Our manager is on her way." She quickly grabbed a walkie-talkie, her hands trembling. "Ms. Roger, are you available? Please come to the lobby immediately. We have a... unique situation."
The receptionist felt certain Ethan was here to cause trouble. From top to bottom, he didn't look like he was worth a hundred dollars, let alone a hundred million.
A moment later, a beautiful woman in her late twenties arrived, wearing a sharp, charcoal-black suit. She moved with a grace and authority that placed her a rank above the other staff. This was Ms. Roger, the Lobby Manager.
"What's the matter?" she asked, her sharp eyes landing on Ethan.
The receptionist whispered urgently into the manager's ear. Ms. Roger's eyebrows shot up, but she maintained her composure. She turned to Ethan, her gaze searching his face for any sign of a lie.
"Sir, may I ask if you truly wish to top up 100 million dollars to a new membership card?"
"Yes," Ethan answered.
"Are you absolutely certain? This transaction is non-refundable."
"I am sure."
"Very well." Ms. Roger stepped behind the computer, her fingers flying across the keys. "May I know which bank you will be paying with?"
"Whichever is fine. It doesn't matter."
"And your method of payment?"
"I'm using my fingerprint," Ethan said, holding up his hand.
Ms. Roger turned the high-tech terminal toward him. "Alright, sir. Please confirm the amount on the screen. If it is correct, click confirm and place your finger on the scanner."
Ethan looked at the screen. $100,000,000.00. Without a moment's hesitation, he pressed the button and held his thumb to the glass.
One second. Two seconds.
[DING!]
The high-speed thermal printer at the desk began to hum, spitting out a gold-trimmed receipt. A clear, synthesized voice announced through the desk speakers:
"Payment successful. Successfully received 100 million dollars."
In that second, the six or seven receptionists, including Ms. Roger, took in sharp, audible breaths. The atmosphere in the lobby shifted instantly. The look of disdain disappeared, replaced by a frantic, wide-eyed admiration.
They looked at Ethan as if he were a god descended from the heavens. Their gazes were no longer cold; they were hungry, as if they wanted to swallow him whole.
[DING!]
[System Notification: Host has spent 100 million dollars! 1 System Point has been awarded!]
Ethan felt a surge of warmth wash over his tired body. He ignored the gasps of the women and looked at Ms. Roger. "Now," he said quietly. "Can I finally have my meal?"