Chapter 5 – "A New World of Money"

Lagos – The First Real Move

Joshua sat across from Mr. Bayo, the businessman who had reached out to him. They were in a high-end restaurant in Victoria Island, where the scent of expensive whiskey and imported cigars filled the air.

This wasn't campus hustling anymore.

This was the real world.

"You made the right decision," Mr. Bayo said, sipping his drink. "But understand—this world isn't forgiving."

Joshua leaned back. "I didn't come here to play. Just tell me how we're making money."

Mr. Bayo smirked. "Good. No time wasted."

He slid a folder across the table. Joshua opened it.

Inside were documents, figures, company names—stuff way beyond his usual buy-and-sell game.

"Importation business," Mr. Bayo said. "Phones, laptops, accessories. We get them cheap, move them fast. High demand, quick returns."

Joshua frowned. "Smuggling?"

Mr. Bayo chuckled. "Everything in Nigeria is a little illegal. But no—we keep it clean. Just… bending rules where necessary."

Joshua scanned the papers. The profit margins were insane.

"This is serious money," Joshua muttered.

Mr. Bayo nodded. "But it needs serious people. You ready?"

Joshua exhaled.

He was about to enter a different league.

"Yeah," he said. "I'm ready."

The Transition – Leaving Small Money Behind

For the next few weeks, Joshua's life changed.

No more running around campus doing small trades. Now, he had a system.

Money came in fast—but it also went out just as fast. The import business had risks, but the rewards were worth it.

His phone rang constantly—business calls, deals, suppliers.

Jide, his old business partner, was shocked.

"Guy, how did you level up so fast?"

Joshua smirked. "Opportunities come, you take them."

Jide shook his head. "And what if they're dangerous?"

Joshua laughed. "Then you move smarter."

But deep down, he knew…

This wasn't just business anymore.

This was power.

And power attracted attention.

The Price of Money – A New Enemy

Success didn't go unnoticed.

One evening, after closing a deal at a warehouse, Joshua walked out to find three men waiting.

They weren't smiling.

"Boss wants to see you," one of them said.

Joshua remained calm. "And who's your boss?"

The guy smirked. "You'll find out soon."

Joshua wasn't stupid. These weren't just random guys.

This was a message.

He adjusted his wristwatch, keeping his face neutral.

"I don't do meetings without knowing who I'm meeting," he said.

One of the guys stepped closer. "You don't have a choice."

Joshua's mind raced. This was bad.

But before anything could happen—

A car pulled up fast.

The window rolled down.

"Get in," a familiar voice said.

Amara.

Joshua hesitated for half a second—then jumped in.

The car sped off.

The guys didn't chase. They didn't need to.

They had already sent their message.

Joshua was in too deep now.

The Aftermath – A Late-Night Conversation

Back at Joshua's hostel, Amara folded her arms, staring at him.

"You really don't know when to stop, do you?"

Joshua sighed. "You were following me?"

She rolled her eyes. "I heard things. I was nearby."

Joshua smirked. "So you're watching over me now?"

She crossed her arms. "Someone has to."

Joshua chuckled. She was impossible.

But the truth was…

She cared.

He looked at her, taking in her worried expression.

"Amara," he said, voice softer. "I know what I'm doing."

She didn't look convinced.

"Just don't lose yourself," she muttered. "Money is a dangerous thing."

Joshua nodded. "I won't."

But deep down, he wondered…

Was he already losing himself?