Chapter 11:A Silent Rise

Chapter 11: A Silent Rise

Andrean sat in the quiet corner of the school's courtyard, his eyes focused on his phone as he reviewed the most recent cashback transaction. His fingers swiped across the screen, confirming that the most recent expenditure had resulted in a substantial return. He leaned back in his chair, his usual humorous demeanor replaced by a quiet concentration.

He had been navigating this secret system for months now. The cashback had made him considerably richer, but the more it grew, the more Andrean realized how carefully he had to tread. Money wasn't the issue—it was the attention it could draw. Andrean didn't want to become someone people whispered about, or worse, someone who would be surrounded by fake friends and opportunists. He had learned early on that money could either be a blessing or a curse. And he chose to keep it hidden, to maintain his low-key lifestyle while continuing to help his family in subtle ways.

Richard, who had been sitting next to Andrean, noticed the change in his best friend's usual upbeat manner. "You okay, Andrean?" Richard asked, his voice calm as ever.

Andrean looked up from his phone, offering a small, knowing smile. "Yeah, just thinking."

Richard raised an eyebrow. "About?"

Andrean shrugged, trying to hide the thoughts swirling in his mind. "Nothing much, really. Just... stuff."

Richard didn't press further. Andrean's quiet nature had always been a bit of a mystery, and that's what made him the type of friend Richard could always rely on. Richard liked people who didn't talk too much—those who kept their thoughts to themselves yet still knew how to make the world a better place.

Andrean glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention to their conversation. He had to be careful with how he interacted, how he spent his money. No one—not even Richard—could know about the cashback system. Not yet. It was a secret that had allowed him to slowly shift his family's life from struggling to comfortable. His mother, Cicil, had been able to get better medical treatment, and his younger sister had been enrolled in a private school that would give her a brighter future. All of this, without anyone suspecting a thing.

"Hey," Richard's voice broke through his thoughts. "Do you have any plans for the weekend? There's a new gaming tournament in town. You should come—could use some competition."

Andrean chuckled softly, knowing Richard's love for gaming. "I'll pass this time. Got some things to handle." His voice was light, but there was an undertone of seriousness that Richard didn't miss.

"You're always handling stuff," Richard said with a slight grin. "It's like you're always a step ahead, even when you're just being... well, you."

Andrean smirked, his eyes flickering with amusement. "Guess that's what happens when you don't let people in on your secrets." He had meant it jokingly, but there was a deeper truth in his words. He had mastered the art of keeping his plans and actions concealed. Even as his wealth grew, even as he became more confident in what he could do for those he cared about, Andrean understood the importance of secrecy. If anyone knew the real reason behind his sudden success, everything could unravel.

Later that evening, Andrean found himself in the quiet solitude of his room. The small but cozy space had been his sanctuary for years, a place where he could retreat and let his thoughts wander. He leaned back on his chair, the screen of his phone still displaying the confirmation of his latest cashback. His balance was growing higher than he had ever imagined, but he had to keep himself grounded. The temptation to splurge, to show off, was there, but Andrean resisted.

Instead, he thought about his future. The future of his family, of Richard, of his friends. He wasn't going to let the money change him. He would use it wisely. To build a life that was both comfortable and meaningful. Maybe someday, when the time was right, he would reveal the truth. Maybe someday, he would share the secret with Richard.

But for now, he had to stay focused. His journey was far from over.

As the night deepened, Andrean's mind began to drift. He couldn't help but think about Athena. Despite the distance he had kept, she still lingered in his thoughts. His crush on her was something he had buried, yet it was impossible to ignore completely. She was smart, talented, and... out of his league. At least, that's how he saw it. Andrean knew that he had to keep his feelings locked away. Athena wasn't interested in him, and there was no point in chasing something that could never be.

He shook his head, dismissing the thoughts. "Focus, Andrean," he muttered to himself. "There's more to life than crushes."

The next day at school, Andrean kept his usual low-key persona, greeting his friends with his typical humor. But deep inside, something had shifted. His goals had become clearer. The world was changing, and so was he. The secret of the cashback system had opened doors for him, but it was his mindset that would ultimately determine his path.

He wasn't just Andrean anymore. He was Andrean with a plan. And nothing, not even his hidden wealth, would derail that.