Chapter 2 – "The First Deal"

University of Lagos – Evening

The hostel common area buzzed with energy. Students laughed, argued, and moved about, some focused on last-minute assignments, others just enjoying the night. But for Joshua, tonight was business.

His first batch of sales had just arrived, and his phone wouldn't stop buzzing.

Dayo: "Omo, I need that power bank ASAP. How much?"

Tomiwa: "Bro, do you have wireless earbuds?"

Sandra: "I'll send my roommate to pick up the charger. Hope it's original?"

Joshua cracked his knuckles. Time to work.

He set up a small table in his hostel room, laying out the accessories like a mini shop. The first knock came just minutes later.

Tolu opened the door, grinning. "Omo, your customers don dey arrive."

Joshua smirked. "Let them in."

First Sale – The Test of Negotiation

The first customer was Dayo, a second-year engineering student. He eyed the power banks on the table.

"This one good?" Dayo asked, picking one up.

"Original. Fast charging. Holds power for two days," Joshua replied.

Dayo nodded, rubbing his chin. "How much?"

Joshua didn't hesitate. "10k."

Dayo laughed. "10k ke? Omo, I fit buy am 7k for Computer Village."

Joshua leaned forward. "Then go to Computer Village. Deal with traffic. Deal with fake products. Deal with guys that will sell you nonsense. Or… you buy from me now, tested and trusted."

Dayo hesitated. Then he sighed. "8k last."

Joshua shook his head. "9k, and I'll give you a free Type-C cable."

Dayo's eyes lit up. "Deal."

Joshua grinned. First sale, done.

More Sales – The Word Spreads

Over the next hour, students came in and out, each one leaving with a new gadget.

Sandra picked up a charger and a power bank for her roommate. Tomiwa bought a pair of wireless earbuds.

And the best part? Word was spreading.

By the time the last customer left, Joshua sat back, counting the cash in his hands.

"25k in one night," he murmured.

Tolu whistled. "Guy, you don turn CEO overnight."

Joshua chuckled, but his mind was already calculating.

This was just the start.

Later That Night – A Surprise Visit

Joshua had just finished locking up when there was a soft knock on his door.

He frowned. It was late.

He opened the door—and froze.

Amara.

She leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a playful smirk on her lips. "So this is the famous store everyone is talking about?"

Joshua chuckled. "What can I say? The empire is growing."

She stepped inside, her eyes scanning the empty boxes. "You sold everything?"

"Almost."

She looked impressed. "I didn't know you were serious about this business thing."

Joshua sat on the bed, stretching. "Serious enough to make it work."

There was a pause.

Then, Amara reached into her bag and pulled out a neatly wrapped package.

"Here," she said, handing it to him.

Joshua blinked. "What's this?"

"Just open it."

He tore the wrapping. Inside was a black leather wallet, sleek and stylish.

Joshua looked up. "You bought this for me?"

Amara shrugged. "Your old one was falling apart. Figured a businessman should have something better."

Joshua stared at her, something warm spreading in his chest.

For a moment, he didn't know what to say.

Then he smirked. "So… does this mean I owe you?"

She laughed. "Of course. You'll pay me back—one way or another."

Their eyes met, and something unspoken passed between them.

Then, she smirked and turned toward the door. "Goodnight, CEO."

Joshua watched her leave, his fingers tightening around the wallet.

Money was important.

But maybe, just maybe… some things were more valuable.