After finishing the morning prep and making sure the team was set for the day, Kevin decided it was time to handle his own needs.
He left the Krusty Krab, stepped out onto the sidewalk, and hailed a passing cab.
Once inside, he told the driver, "Lot 42, Block 7, Phase 3 of Sunny Hills Subdivision"
The ride took a little over 25 minutes. Kevin paid the driver and stepped out, then pulled out his phone and called the seller.
A few minutes later, a man emerged from the house.
Gaylord Robinson, was a puppet-like creature with a slightly rounded cylindrical body covered in grey-blue fuzz, except for his large, protruding, grayish-pink nose. He was completely bald. He wore a fancy navy blue blazer over a white shirt with a short red striped tie, brown pants, and plaid slippers. Large, rectangular, thick-rimmed glasses sat on his face, magnifying his tiny eyes, and he had a noticeable unibrow.
"Hello! You must be Kevin Harlan," Gaylord said, extending a hand. "I'm Gaylord Robinson. Nice to meet you."
Kevin shook his hand. "Nice to meet you too. Thanks for letting me come on short notice."
Gaylord smiled. "No problem at all. Follow me, I'll give you the tour."
They stepped inside the two-story house.
The living room was spacious and bright, with large windows letting in plenty of natural light. The kitchen was modern and well-equipped, with plenty of counter space and cabinets. Next to it was a cozy dining room that could comfortably seat eight. On the first floor there was also a decent-sized bedroom that could serve as a guest room or office.
They went upstairs. The second floor had five bedrooms in total, more than enough space. There was also a large bathroom and a small reading nook. Gaylord then showed him the backyard,a nice grassy area with room for a patio and a pool, the garage that could fit two cars, the attic which is currently empty but spacious, and the basement, which had a built-in laundry room.
"Everything you see here will be yours if you decide to buy," Gaylord added.
After the full tour, the two men sat down on the living room sofa.
"So… how was it?" Gaylord asked.
Kevin nodded thoughtfully. "It's a really good house. I like it. But I have one question, why are you selling it? It seems like a great place."
Gaylord froze for a second, then scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Well… my wife and I bought a new house in Metro City. It's closer to her work, so we decided to sell this one."
Kevin thought for a moment, then made his decision. "Alright. I'll take it."
Gaylord's face lit up with obvious relief and happiness. "Wonderful! I'll head to the law firm right now to prepare the contract. I'll text you once it's ready so we can sign."
Kevin nodded. "Sounds good."
They stepped outside together. Kevin walked a short distance to the main gate of the subdivision where cabs usually waited, then got into one and told the driver, "Ink & Chrome Motors, please."
After a few minutes, they arrived at the car dealership.
The lot was filled with all kinds of vehicles from normal cars to floating zero-gravity models and even a few cartoonish boat-shaped cars that looked straight out of SpongeBob.
A friendly salesman approached. "Hello! I'm Rick. What are you looking for today?"
"I need a car," Kevin replied. "I'll browse for now."
Rick nodded and started recommending options, including several sleek floating cars and one quirky boat-like vehicle.
Kevin walked around the lot until one car caught his eye a sleek, black 1968 Dodge Charger. He ran his hand along the hood, then opened the door and sat inside.
He even checked the steering wheel logo, smiling and shaking his head when he saw it wasn't anything Transformers-related.
He stepped out and asked, "How much for this one?"
Rick checked his tablet. "That beauty is 68,000 dollars. Great condition, fully restored with high grade durability."
Kevin thought for a moment. He still had roughly $755,000 left from the original $1,000,000 System reward after restaurant renovation costs (~$245,000) and ingredient/supply purchases. The house he was buying was listed at $320,000.
He could comfortably afford both and still have plenty left over.
"I'll take it," Kevin said. "I'll pay in credit for now."
The paperwork was quick. After signing, Kevin got behind the wheel, turned the key, and smiled widely as the powerful engine roared to life.
This was one of his dream cars back in his old world, something he could never afford. Now it was his.
He drove off the lot, enjoying the smooth rumble. While he was driving, his phone buzzed, a text from Gaylord saying the contract was ready at the law firm.
Kevin smiled and headed straight there to finalize the purchase of his new house.