Chapter 3 – "New Money, New Problems"

University of Lagos – Morning

The campus was buzzing as students rushed to their morning lectures. Joshua strolled toward class, feeling different. His pockets were heavier, his confidence stronger.

In less than a week, he had made over 50k from sales. The money wasn't huge—yet. But for a student? It was a game-changer.

He adjusted his backpack and checked his phone. Messages were flooding in.

Tomiwa: "Guy, you still get those wireless earbuds?"

Dayo: "Omo, my roommate wan buy power bank. How far?"

Unknown Number: "Heard you sell gadgets. I need something urgent. Call me."

Joshua smirked. Word was spreading fast.

But success always came with problems.

Lecture Hall – 10:30 AM

The lecturer droned on about economics, but Joshua's mind was elsewhere.

Business was growing.

He needed more stock, better deals, and bigger connections.

His phone vibrated under the desk.

Tolu: "Bro, we get wahala. Meet me at the cafeteria after class."

Joshua frowned. Wahala?

He sighed, closing his notebook. Business was never that simple.

Campus Cafeteria – Afternoon

Joshua found Tolu sitting at a back table, looking uneasy.

"What happened?" Joshua asked, sitting down.

Tolu exhaled. "You know Jide?"

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Jide… that guy selling phone cases and chargers near the hostel?"

Tolu nodded. "Yeah. He's not happy."

Joshua frowned. "Why?"

Tolu leaned in. "Omo, you're eating his market."

Joshua scoffed. "It's business."

"Yeah, but he doesn't see it that way."

Joshua sighed. "So what? He wants me to stop selling?"

Tolu shook his head. "Not exactly. He wants to meet."

Joshua narrowed his eyes. "Meet? Or warn me?"

Tolu hesitated.

Joshua exhaled. He wasn't scared. But in Lagos, when someone "wanted a meeting", it could mean anything.

"Fine," Joshua said. "Tell him I'll meet him later today."

Evening – The Confrontation

Joshua arrived at the back of the faculty building, where Tolu said Jide was waiting.

Jide leaned against the wall, arms crossed. He was in his early 20s, built like someone who had spent years hustling.

Behind him were two of his boys. Typical intimidation tactics.

Joshua wasn't impressed.

"You're the one shaking my business," Jide said, his voice low.

Joshua smirked. "Shaking? I'm just selling what people need."

Jide chuckled. "You're selling in my territory."

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Territory? Guy, this is a university, not Computer Village."

Jide's expression darkened. "I've been running this hustle for years. You? Just started. You think it's that easy?"

Joshua folded his arms. "Look, I respect the hustle. But I'm not stopping."

Jide's boys stepped forward.

Joshua didn't flinch.

"Relax," Jide said, waving them off. "I like your courage."

Then he leaned in. "But courage doesn't stop problems."

Joshua met his gaze. "Neither does fear."

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then, Jide smirked. "Alright. Let's do business."

Joshua blinked. "What?"

"You're smart," Jide said. "Instead of fighting, let's work together. I have suppliers. You have customers. We can both win."

Joshua hesitated. Could he trust Jide? Probably not.

But business wasn't about trust—it was about strategy.

"Fine," Joshua said. "Let's talk."

Later That Night – A Different Kind of Problem

Joshua sat in his room, thinking about the deal with Jide. If this worked, he could expand faster.

But before he could overthink, there was a knock.

He opened the door—and found Amara standing there.

She stepped inside without waiting for an invite. "You look deep in thought."

Joshua chuckled. "Business moves."

She sat on his bed, watching him. "I heard about you and Jide."

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "News travels fast."

Amara smirked. "Lagos is small."

Then, her expression softened. "Be careful, Josh. Not everyone plays fair."

Joshua leaned against the table. "You worried about me?"

She scoffed. "Of course not."

But the way she looked at him said otherwise.

Joshua smiled. "I'll be fine."

She rolled her eyes. "You always say that."

Then, out of nowhere, she threw a pillow at him.

Joshua laughed, dodging it. "Oh, so we're fighting now?"

She grinned. "You need to loosen up, CEO."

Joshua smirked. "Make me."

For a second, their eyes locked.

Then, she stood up. "One day, I just might."

With that, she walked to the door.

Joshua watched her go, shaking his head.

Money was complicated.

But Amara?

She was something else entirely.