Chapter 25 Showing You Something
"The interior of a Mercedes-Benz goes without saying. It is top-tier among other cars in its price range," Lucy continued.
"At the same time, its value retention is very high. Even if you sell it after a few years, you won't lose much. In short, from all perspectives, buying this car will definitely be a good deal."
Noah nodded, quite satisfied. "Alright, I'll take it. I'll pay by card."
Noah took out his card.
"Pay by card?" Lucy paused for a moment, then nodded. "Okay!"
The transaction was successful. Looking at the bank notice, Lucy felt like she was dreaming.
Did she just sell a Mercedes-Benz E350L with a few words?
She could earn a commission of over one thousand on this sale, and it was only her first day as a salesperson!
"No way. He's a rich man in disguise?!"
The other salespeople were stunned by the turn of the event.
"He obviously loaded, yet he rode a bicycle to the Mercedes dealership. How pretentious!"
Everyone but Lucy was filled with regret. "If we'd known earlier, we wouldn't have let Lucy attend to him!"
"When can I take the car home?" Noah asked.
"Just a moment, sir. I'm getting your insurance and temporary plates sorted out. Soon, you can take your car home. Please enjoy a cup of coffee in the meantime!"
Lucy brought Noah a cup of coffee enthusiastically.
"Alright." Noah nodded, sipping his coffee and waiting quietly.
An hour later, Noah got the car keys.
"Sir, all the procedures have been taken care of. Congregations on buying a new car. Would you like to take a commemorative photo with us at the 4S dealership and let your friends know on social media?" Lucy proposed with a beaming smile.
People were usually excited about their new car, especially when the car was a Mercedes. Lucy assumed most people would eagerly share their happiness online.
"Not necessary. It's just a Mercedes," Noah said indifferently, opening the trunk to shove the bicycle inside. Half of the bicycle was hanging outside.
"Just a Mercedes..." Lucy was stupefied. Noah sounded like the 68,000-dollar Mercedes was a 6-dollar toy car to him.
She thought enviously, 'The wealthy indeed live differently. And this one is a low-profile one no less!'
Noah spoke, "If all the processes are completed, then I'll be on my way."
He got into the car and started the engine.
"Take care, sir. If you encounter any issues, please feel free to contact us. Mercedes-Benz is at your service!" Lucy bowed quickly.
After parking the car downstairs of the apartment complex, Noah felt good and whistled as he climbed the stairs.
Suddenly, his phone rang.
"Hello, Xavier," Noah answered the call.
"Mr. Anderson, I've investigated the current situation of Pinnacle Wealth Management." Xavier's voice came through.
"Recently, Pinnacle Wealth Management had three major clients abscond with funds, leading to a 1.1 million loan that couldn't be collected, which indirectly caused a massive shortfall in the company's finances.
"If the 1.1 million can't be recovered, the company won't be able to repay the bank and will have to declare bankruptcy. These past few days, Pinnacle Wealth Management has been continuously releasing news, hoping to get financing to turn the tables, and is even willing to transfer shares, but they haven't received a response."
"1.1 million. Lisa has told me that." Noah stroked his chin. "So, what's the solution?"
Noah didn't want Lisa to lose her job.
"The solution is simple. By injecting capital into Pinnacle Wealth Management, the company can be revitalized."
Xavier said, "But this method is very risky. The fact that clients absconded with funds has already exposed major issues in the company's internal operations. Even with an injection of funds, it can only temporarily solve the problem. Similar incidents could happen again in the next two or three years.
"In other words, injecting funds is like throwing money away as it can't solve the problem permanently.
"That is also why some capitals on the market have chosen not to invest in Pinnacle Wealth Management. The risk is too great. Anyone with a basic understanding of economics wouldn't make such a foolish move."
"I see." Gasping the situation, Noah asked, "So, how can we solve the issue once and for all?"
"Easy. Acquire Pinnacle Wealth Management and make it our wholly-owned subsidiary. Then dispatch competent personnel to the company to mend the operating mechanisms. This will ensure stable development and prevent similar problems from happening again," Xavier answered:
"However, the acquisition would likely cost around 3.5 million dollars."
"Alright, let's go ahead with the acquisition. I'll leave it to you," Noah ordered.
"Yes, Mr. Anderson."
After hanging up the phone, Noah returned home.
"Honey, Dad just called. He's been discharged from the hospital." Lisa broke the news.
"That's fast." Noah was somewhat surprised, as the doctor had mentioned that Daniel would need to stay at the hospital for at least half a month.
Perhaps it had something to do with that Omega-3 fish oil. Maybe the fish oil had speeded up Daniel's recovery.
"I know. Larry has already driven Dad home. He invites us to his house for dinner tonight." Lisa continued.
"Alright."
***
As evening approached, Noah and Lisa went downstairs.
"Lisa, I have something to show you." Noah took out the car key and pressed it.
The car horned twice as it was unlocked.
A few feet away, a black and stately Mercedes lit up its front and rear lights.
"Noah... Did you buy a car?"
Lisa froze on the spot, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"Yes!"
Noah opened the passenger door, holding Lisa's delicate hand to help her into the car.
Looking at the brand-new car and its cool interior, at that instant, Lisa felt like she was in a dream.
Though she didn't know much about cars, she could tell that this Mercedes was expensive.
"Noah, how much was this car?" Lisa looked up at Noah with wide eyes.
"It's about 68,000 dollars, all expenses included." Noah started the car.
"68,000 dollars!" Lisa's voice was tinged with surprise. "Where did you get so much money? Don't tell me you won the lottery again!"
"Do you believe me again if I say so?"
"Not a chance!" Lisa rolled her eyes at Noah.
"My old man gave me the money," Noah casually remarked, driving out of the complex.
Lisa didn't have much of an impression of Elliot since he rarely mentioned him.
"Noah..."
Lisa glanced at the car and then toward Noah with her doe eyes.
"Noah, even if he is rich, we can't just throw away money like this!"
By "he", Lisa naturally meant Elliot.
"To be honest, with our income, a used car would be sufficient. There's really no need for a brand-new Mercedes. It's such a waste of money. In the future, we'll need a lot of money for our children. Think about milk powder, school tuition, weddings... You can't be like this..."
Seeing Lisa about to expound on the importance of thriftiness, Noah felt both helpless and heartened.
He hurriedly said, "Alright, this will be the last time. I will definitely not waste money again in the future, I promise!"
"Good!" Lisa nodded earnestly.
However, she couldn't hold in her enthusiasm for a new car. Before long, she started poking around, examining everything in the car, and asking all kinds of questions curiously.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the residence of Daniel.
A white BMW 520 was parked outside of the residence. It was Larry's vehicle.
