Barley White bowed in front of me and said sincerely,"Young man, thank you for rescuing me that day. Without you, I would not be standing here alive."
I immediately shook my head and stepped forward, helping him up."Please, can we keep this matter a secret? I don't need everyone to know about it."
Barley understood my meaning and nodded. As he steadied himself, he sighed and said,"My leg… it seems I'll be having a bad week."
He straightened himself and then looked at Warren, whose jaw was still hanging open."Warren, is this young man with you?"
Warren quickly nodded."Yes. His name is Danial Crawford. I personally recommended him to the company, and I believe he will greatly benefit Sterling Technology in the future."
Barley nodded in satisfaction."Yes… I believe in this young man as well."
Warren was puzzled but chose not to think too deeply about it. In his mind, Barley White was a legendary businessman who could judge a person's character at a glance. If Barley believed Danial would grow, then it must be his instinct.
Thinking it unnecessary for me to occupy the CEO's time, Warren motioned for me to leave.
Barley noticed this immediately and said,"No need, Warren. I need to speak with this young man. You may leave."
Warren was stunned. Why would the CEO want to talk privately with Danial?
Even if his confusion was written all over his face, he had no choice but to obey. It was an order.
After Warren left, only Barley White, his secretary, and I remained in the office. Barley waved his hand, and the secretary brought forward a stack of documents.
Barley said calmly,"Young man, please accept this token of appreciation for saving my life."
I glanced at the papers—and froze.
He was transferring 10% of Sterling Technology's shares to my name.
I was dumbfounded.
Anyone holding ten percent of Sterling Technology was considered a powerful figure—even in the martial arts world.
I immediately said,"Sir, there's no need for this. I saved you because that's what any human being should do. Even if I had known you were the CEO of Sterling Technology, I would have done the same and asked for nothing in return."
Barley's eyes widened."Do you know how much these shares are worth in Somerland?"
"I do, sir," I replied humbly. "But when I saved you, I never expected anything. If I accepted this, I would doubt myself."
Barley smiled softly and muttered,"What a humble and good-hearted young man…"
He leaned toward his secretary and whispered something. The secretary nodded and brought out another set of documents.
Barley took them and said,"These are the ownership papers for the Golden Leaf Hotel. From this moment on, you are its sole owner."
The Golden Leaf Hotel.
A six-star hotel.
My mind went blank.
Seeing my stunned expression, Barley quickly added,"Young man, please accept this. If you don't, this burden will remain on my heart for the rest of my life."
I stuttered,"S-s-sir… that's too much."
Barley smiled—a smile that lasted only a second, but I caught it.
"Please," he said gently. "Give me some face and accept my gratitude."
I thought to myself: If I continue refusing, I'll leave a bad impression.As they say, first impressions last.
With a sigh, I accepted the documents.
Barley smiled."Thank you, young man."
I looked down at the papers again."Ownership Transfer: Golden Leaf Hotel."
I exhaled deeply. The hotel was now mine.
The secretary then handed me a custom-made card. It was elegant and luxurious, engraved with the words:
Supreme VIP
"You are now the holder of the Supreme VIP card," the secretary explained."With this card, you can access any part of the hotel and use all services for free."
I gasped."For free?!"
"Yes," the secretary replied. "Only you."
I looked at Barley and said sincerely,"I really don't think I deserve such treatment… but thank you, sir."
Barley met my gaze."No, Danial. Thank you—for saving my life."
I wanted to ask about the accident, but I stopped myself. Whatever it involved was likely dangerous, and I didn't want to step into unnecessary trouble.
Instead, I asked,"Sir… may I still work at the company?"
Barley looked at me strangely."Why would you want to work when you own a six-star hotel?"
I answered honestly,"I joined this company to build my own future. I never expected to receive a hotel for free. Even if I could live comfortably from its income, it goes against my morals. I can't live off something I didn't earn. It doesn't feel right."
Barley's eyes widened."You might… be the one I need."
He shook his head and smiled."Very well. You may work here."
I bowed."Thank you, sir."
After leaving the office, I muttered to myself,"What a great deal. I'm proud of myself… and the system."
From the window, Barley watched me leave.
His secretary said quietly,"You praised him many times today. I've never seen you praise anyone like that, sir."
Barley hummed thoughtfully."He has a good heart… and he may be exactly the one I need."
The secretary understood what he meant—but said nothing.