Second Investment Completed

Ethan and Marty stepped through the newly finished apartment building, the soft glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the large windows.

The light caught on the polished floors and freshly painted walls, giving the place a warm, inviting feel. Ethan paused in the hallway, letting out a low whistle.

"Looks... amazing," he murmured, running his hand along the smooth wooden banister. It had been weeks of grueling work — permits, contractors, delays, and the occasional sleepless night.

To see it all come together like this felt surreal.

"Not bad, huh?" Marty grinned, his toolbox slung over his shoulder. His plaid shirt was streaked with dust and paint, evidence of countless hours spent hammering, sanding, and troubleshooting. "You remember how this place was when we first walked in. I was half-convinced it'd collapse if someone sneezed too hard."

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Tell me about it. I still have nightmares about that leaky ceiling on the second floor. And don't even get me started on the plumbing."

"Ah, the plumbing." Marty winced dramatically. "You know, I think I aged ten years trying to figure out why those pipes wouldn't stop leaking. But hey, look at it now."

Together, they moved from room to room, inspecting every detail.

Each unit had its own unique charm — some had large bay windows overlooking the city, others had cozy balconies perfect for morning coffee.

The walls were painted in neutral tones, the kind that could suit anyone's taste. Ethan noted how the hardwood floors gleamed under the light, the clean lines of the modern fixtures, it looked beautiful, splendid even.

By the time they reached the top floor, Marty leaned against the wall, wiping his brow. "Well, boss, I think we've done it. This place is as ready as it's ever gonna be."

Ethan nodded, his hands on his hips as he surveyed the penthouse unit. "You really outdid yourself, Marty. I couldn't have done this without you."

Marty waved him off. "Oh, please. I just did the grunt work. You're the one who had the vision, who stuck it out when everyone else thought you were crazy to buy this dump."

Ethan smirked. "Crazy's just another word for determined."

"Sure, keep telling yourself that." Marty pushed off the wall, adjusting his toolbox. "Anyway, I'd better get going. Got another project to tackle on the other side of town."

Ethan pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts. "Hold up. Before you go, let me make sure I've got all your info. I'll probably need you for the next one."

"The next one?" Marty raised an eyebrow. "You're already planning another?"

Ethan shrugged. "Can't stop now. Besides, you know me — I like a challenge."

Marty chuckled, shaking his head. "You're gonna work yourself into an early grave, Ethan. But hey, give me a call when you're ready to start. I'll be there."

Ethan saved Marty's number and extended his hand. Marty clasped it firmly, his grip rough but sincere. "Thanks for everything," Ethan said.

"Don't mention it. And seriously, take a day off or something. You've earned it."

With that, Marty headed down the stairs, whistling a tune as he disappeared from view. Ethan stood there for a moment, letting the silence of the apartment envelope him.

It was a strange feeling — standing in a place that had once been a chaotic construction site, now transformed into something livable, something beautiful.

His phone buzzed in his hand, pulling him from his thoughts. The screen lit up with a notification from the Harem Investment System.

[Congratulations, Host!]

[You've successfully set up your second investment property. The apartments are now live for rent, and any inquiries from potential tenants will be sent directly to you.]

Ethan couldn't help but grin. It was a small thing — just a line of text on a screen — but it carried so much weight.

This was his second investment, a step closer to his dream of financial independence.

He'd taken a risk, poured money into a crumbling building that most people wouldn't have given a second glance. And now, it was ready to stand on its own, to bring in tenants, to become a home for people.

He walked over to the balcony and stepped outside. The view was breathtaking. The city stretched out before him, a patchwork of rooftops, streets, and skyscrapers.

The sound of distant traffic hummed in the background, a reminder of the life and energy that surrounded him.

For a moment, he let himself bask in the satisfaction of a job well done. But it wasn't long before his mind began racing again.

There were still a few things to handle — marketing the apartments, screening tenants, ensuring the building's upkeep. And then, of course, there was the next project to think about.

Ethan leaned on the railing, his phone still in hand. He opened the notes app and started jotting down ideas for future properties.

But as he stood there, the sun dipping lower in the sky, he reminded himself to take a moment to breathe. Marty was right — he deserved a break, even if just for a day. Maybe he'd treat himself to dinner at his favorite restaurant or catch up on that book he'd been meaning to read with Lila of course.

"On to the next one," he murmured to himself, before heading down the stairs, the sound of his footsteps echoing softly in the empty halls.