The Secretly Rich Man

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 1001

Dinner? Coincidentally, Gerald himself was planning to go for a meal once he was finally able to get away from her.

“…I accept!” replied Gerald with a nod. Since he was being treated to a meal, he may as well just accept the offer to save up on money.

“You!”

Though Misty Zachary had simply proposed the idea out of courtesy, she hadn’t really expected him to accept her offer. Her immediate response was proof of that.

Regardless, women tended to admire heroic figures and while Gerald was certainly no hero in the traditional sense, she had to admit that he had indeed helped her.

What more, he was quite handsome, and that alone made others—including Misty herself—rather susceptible to wanting to get to know him a bit better.

With that out of the way, Misty then led Gerald to a nearby restaurant where they ate and chatted throughout their supper. Naturally, they soon got to know each other better.

“Still, what a coincidence that you chose this place to travel to!” said Misty.

“And why is that?”

“Judging from your response, I’m sure you’re unaware that starting from tomorrow, the Lovewell family will be hosting a treasure exchange event for the following three days! Since it’s being held a month earlier than it usually is, it truly is a coincidence that you managed to be in time for it!”

“Many people from a multitude of places—some even from abroad—attend the yearly treasure exchange event, you know? With so many people participating in the event, you’ll surely be dazzled if you attend!” added Misty.

“I see… I’ve only heard about antique exchange events… I don’t think I’ve ever even heard of treasure exchange events…” replied Gerald with a bitter smile as he shook his head.

“What’s the big deal about mere antique exchange events? Do understand that the Lovewell’s exchange event this time around is all-inclusive! In other words, not only are antiques going to be displayed during the event, but also great treasures! Speaking of treasures, as long as you have a treasure of your own, you’re allowed to display it at the event.”

“While that may not sound like much, I’ll give you an example of what that truly means. Say for example you currently have a jade bracelet that would normally sell for around fifteen thousand dollars. Now, if you’re able to get it to pass the event’s treasure identification procedures, you’ll be allowed to raise the price of the bracelet up to a hundred and fifty thousand dollars or even more during the event!” explained Misty.

“I see. Regardless, the event strikes me as something that would only amuse rich people. After all, for someone like me, I’ll only be able to look around and possibly enjoy the fun atmosphere a little. I don’t really have that much knowledge on antiques and treasures in the first place,” replied Gerald with a smile.

“…I can see that you’re quite smart since you’re able to say such things! Say, I’ll let you in on a secret… It’s about an incident only insiders know about, so you won’t hear what you’re about to find out from regular people!” whispered Misty all of a sudden.

Taking a bite of his fish, Gerald then gestured for Misty to go on as he took a sip of his drink.

“During the exchange event four years ago, a magic artifact was put up on display! Not only was it consecrated, but there were also carved inscriptions all over the ancient-looking object!”

Hearing that, Gerald nearly spat out his drink. Swallowing what he could, Gerald then asked, “Are you for real?”

Getting slightly annoyed by Gerald’s attitude again, Misty then replied, “What reason would I have to lie to you? You’re only a disbeliever because you lack knowledge of the actual artifact! See, the artifact in question was a horsetail whisk which was once used by a Taoist priest in ancient times. Back then, it was said that if one placed it in their home, they’d be able to ward off all forms of evil!”

“It was bought back then by a person from Japan who had spent a massive amount of money for it. Now here’s where it gets interesting. See, the Japanese man who bought it had a seriously ill mother who was already at the age of ninety-eight, four years ago. Miraculously, all it took was less than half a year for his mother to be completely cured! What more, she’s still alive and kicking now at the age of a hundred and two!”

“Regardless, that wasn’t the only magic artifact that had been placed on display before. In the previous exchange event, one of the participants successfully bought an ancient sword that was rumored to be a magic artifact as well!”

“Essentially, what I’m trying to say is that several similar items have been placed on display throughout the years. While many of them simply appear to be regular antiques or treasures, their history—which contributes to the artifacts’ magical properties—is what makes many foreigners come over to participate in the event on a yearly basis.”

Placing his wine glass down, Gerald frowned slightly once she was done explaining.

With how serious she sounded, Gerald could tell that what she was saying wasn’t likely to be a hoax.

While he hadn’t said much during Misty’s explanation, he was honestly thinking that if there were going to be more magic artifacts during this treasure exchange event, then he wanted her to tell him as much information about them as possible.

Gerald himself believed in the power of magic artifacts. After all, from ancient times, almost all large families relied on some form of mysterious power in order to suddenly rise above all their competitors. Even his grandfather owned an ancient magic artifact in the form of a picture of the sun with lines on it akin to veins.

Speaking of his grandfather, he had told Gerald some time ago that the Fendersons had once competed with the Crawfords for half a jade pendant many years back. The pendant itself was a magic artifact shared by both the Crawfords and the Fendersons that symbolized their families’ fortune and fate.

With it being so invaluable, his uncle—Peter—had attempted to sneak into the Fenderson family mansion to seek out the other half of the jade pendant. In the end, however, all he managed to do was refuel the rage and feud between both families.

“…You seem to be a little too knowledgeable about magic artifacts… I’m sure they don’t share all this out in public right?”

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 1002

Gerald then continued acting like he was surprised by saying, “Are you some kind of salesperson? You really had me going for a while there! Haha!”

“…What? Hey now, I’m an accountant working for a company under the Lovewell family, you know? My company in particular is the main organizer for the yearly exchange event! And again, I have no reason to lie to you! Just know that I’m only sharing all this with you since you saved me. Don’t go spreading the news around! Then again, it’s not like anyone will believe you,” replied Misty as she took a sip of her own drink.

“Still, seeing that you’re interested in the event, would you perhaps like to go over to have a look?” added Misty.

“The way you’re saying it almost suggests that I could freely go to such a place. I’m pretty sure it won’t be that easy to get an admission ticket, right?” replied Gerald with a smile.

“Bingo. But lucky for you, I’m a person who doesn’t like owing favors to others. Since you’ve helped me so much, I can hand you an admission ticket under the condition that I’ll essentially have repaid all your kindness. Deal?” said Misty as she carefully took an admission ticket out from her bag and slid it over to Gerald with a smile.

“While we’re at it, consider this to be lifelong advice. Never ever look down on people again, especially beauties like me! Speaking of which, you don’t seem like you’ve seen much of the world, to be completely honest. You know, a few of my friends from out of town will be coming over to have some fun with me tomorrow. I could bring you along if you wanted to. How about it?”

“Deal! Thank you, and sure, why not? Also, regarding the Lovewell family you mentioned earlier… Just to be clear, is there more than one Lovewell family in the Logan Province?” asked Gerald as he politely took the admission ticket.

“Not at all! There’s only one Lovewell family in the entire province!”

Hearing that, Gerald cleared his throat as he thought, ‘The Lovewells in the Logan Province… Could it really be the same family Haven is from…? Then again, though those three siblings appeared to be wearing normal clothes back then, I’ve seen similar articles of clothing that cost over fifteen thousand dollars per piece!’

Gerald had long been aware that the three people were no ordinary folk. Still, he couldn’t really be bothered about them. After all, his true interest lay in the exchange event.

If magic artifacts were truly going to be on sale, then he’d very much like to have a look at them for himself. After all, if someone bought them, there’d be less for him to potentially get his hands on.

After parting ways with Misty, Gerald stayed the night in a nearby hotel.

Early the next morning, Gerald rushed to the exchange event venue which just so happened to be at Balbrick Manor. Though he thought that he had arrived considerably early, to his surprise, the place was already crowded with people by then. As if that wasn’t enough, the area was also filled with luxury cars.

Since he had agreed the night before to wait for Misty at the entrance today, he did just that.

As he waited, a few more luxury cars came to a halt at the entrance, and out stepped a group of men and women.

Standing at a corner, Gerald immediately recognized three people from the group when the surrounding bodyguards bowed while greeting the guests respectfully.

Of course, they were none other than the three Lovewell siblings. Just as he had thought, the three siblings definitely belonged to a rich and prestigious family.

Knowing that, Gerald slipped on a cap he had brought along and pulled down its brim.

While he definitely wasn’t afraid of Haven, the other two siblings, Xareni and Quintin, were a different story. There was a chance of him getting kicked out if they recognized him, and since he was going to be walking around with Misty, he really didn’t want to end up burdening her.

Thankfully, the group simply talked and laughed among each other as they entered Balbrick Manor. Just as Gerald was breathing a sigh of relief, he felt a gentle pat on his shoulder.

Turning to look at who had done so, Gerald saw Misty smiling behind him as she said, “Well you’re early, Gerald!”

Smiling back, Gerald couldn’t help but notice a few other young men and women who were standing behind her.

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 1003

After returning the greeting, Misty then turned to look at her group before saying, “Let’s get the introductions out of the way first. This is Gerald and I got acquainted with him only yesterday. He’s quite a nice person and he even saved me, you know?”

“Humph! So this is the guy! If he was aware that we were attending a treasure exchange event, then why did he still choose to dress up the way he currently is?” said one of the other women rather contemptuously as she crossed her arms.

Her comment had stemmed from the fact that the exchange event was a sort of gathering mostly only reserved for prestigious people. Since only those who were powerful and influential were expected to attend, suits and leather shoes were considered to be the norm at such an event.

Since Gerald was the only one dressed like a tourist, it was no wonder why Misty’s friend found him to be rather humiliating.

She wasn’t the only one either. Quite a few of her friends were thinking about the same thing as well.

“It’s fine, isn’t it? We’ll just enjoy ourselves together!” replied Misty who hadn’t seemed to have caught on to her friends’ evident dislike toward Gerald.

With that, all of them entered Balbrick manor together. The manor itself was extremely spacious, and according to what Misty had told Gerald, the exchange event was divided into an outer and inner area.

While the outer area only displayed regular antiques and treasures, the inner area was reserved for the so-called, ‘good stuff’.

As they were walking around, Lydia Jolly—one of Misty’s friends—looked at one of the men in their group before saying, “Say Jamie, I’ve just noticed, but is that watch new?”

“I’m glad you noticed! It is, indeed!”

“Oh? How much was it?” asked Lydia.

“It wasn’t that expensive, really. Just around three thousand dollars! I still bought it though, since the watch’s style matches my suit so perfectly!” replied Jamie Warner.

“What a rich man you are!” said Misty, a hint of jealousy in her voice.

Though she said that, Misty didn’t really think too much about it. She was pleased enough with the fact that everyone was enjoying themselves together.

“I see… Then what about the suit? How much was that?”

“A little over seven thousand dollars. I bought it in Italy when I previously traveled there”

“How nice!” replied Lydia as she and the other two men and women in the group continued discussing their attire and lifestyles.

It was evident that Lydia was proficient in getting others to do the dirty work for her. After all, she had deliberately started that particular topic of conversation just to embarrass Gerald.

She was trying her best to ostracize and make him leave since she felt that he was an embarrassment to her and her friends due to how poorly he was dressed for such a grand event.

What more, she was honestly slightly pissed with him since she had initially assumed that Gerald was some rich young man or at the very least, a prince charming after Misty told them about her rescuer.

Though she had to admit that he was quite good-looking, in the end, he was just a poorly-dressed loser!

Because of all that, Lydia felt the need to make him understand how truly different he was from them.

As her plan continued going smoothly, someone suddenly shouted, “How dare you even attempt to put that thing on display alongside our items? Are you trying to humiliate us? Get lost!”

an old man who seemed to have been trying to set up his own stall to display his

able to bring it in here in the first place, it

up there, most of the others who had already set up their own stalls for the event came from

stall owners—who had already set up stalls close to where the old man had planned to

do. Lifting his treasure—which seemed to be an iron plaque—in his arms he then began walking

old man leave, he felt his eyelids twitch slightly the moment he gave the iron plaque

all over its surface. It was a feeling that he rarely ever experienced since he became one of the

Novel (Invisible or

definitely wrong with that iron plaque…’ Gerald

Is there something wrong?” asked Misty, wondering

look around on my own!” replied Gerald with a smile before continuing to look at

Fine! But I’ll call you out again when it’s near noon so that we can have lunch together!” said Misty who had also noticed by now that her friends had constantly been giving

plan, Gerald immediately went after

moment he was gone, women from Misty’s group instantly began bad-mouthing

did you have to get acquainted with such a person, Misty? He’s

a loser! It’s hard to even have any

bring him along with us for lunch later! I mean, just compare what we’re wearing to what he wore! Since he helped you, surely you wouldn’t want him to feel inferior in front

only been acquainted with him for a short while, allow me to remind you that he’s a nice person! I’ll still call him over for lunch later but please be a little nicer to him later,

replied the others, forced to

dejected-looking old man who had

the new spot was rather deserted, at the very least, nobody would attempt to ostracize a villager

to the old man’s store, Gerald smiled at him before saying, “Is this the only

told me that the iron plaque would sell for a high price so I should definitely attend the event! Yet look at what happened! To think that I was shunned away before I could even set up my store there earlier! Humph! Do you have any cigarettes to spare, young man? If you do, I’m leaving once I’ve had a smoke! I need to

you owned the plaque, correct?” said Gerald as he looked at the iron plaque while handing the

particularly special. At most, Gerald could say that it had a simple but ancient aura surrounding it, not unlike an

on one of that show’s episodes since this plaque here definitely deserves to be an antique. It was handed down from my ancestors, you know? Even so, while the experts from that show definitely agreed that my antique wasn’t bad, they also added that it didn’t have much artistic

be sold to foreigners

don’t—but since I heard I could gain a lot of money by selling it, I arrived first thing

It wouldn’t be out of the question for a scenario where I get paid half of what the businessmen earn from selling the antique to

plaque and weighing it. After a brief moment

old man before saying, “I’m interested in buying the iron plaque from you, sir.

to fool

This object will be useful

“…Are you really sure?”

no reason for me to

that I set for the foreigners,

me

replied the old man as he blushed slightly. The only reason he had

“Forget seventy-seven thousand dollars… I’ll pay you seven hundred and seventy thousand dollars instead! Once you receive the money, you’ll be able to live a comfortable life! So

time to prevent himself from saying something truly horrifying. Instead, he continued the

over, you may just have to face the calamity of

Secretly Rich Man Novel

young man. Are you being serious here?” replied

call, the old man was left utterly shocked five minutes later when he saw that seven hundred and seventy thousand dollars truly had been banked

broadly. His joy was no surprise. After all, he would

was simply something extraordinary about it. It gave Gerald a similar feeling to when

may have only been a gut feeling, but Gerald

moment, a group of people—consisting of both foreigners and locals who were dressed in luxurious attire—began walking toward Gerald and

were in front of the duo, another old man wearing traditional clothes smiled as he said, “I wonder if you’ll allow me to have a look

his money would be taken

the other hand, simply handed the iron plaque over to the other old man

Gerald, the old man in traditional garb held the iron plaque in his hands before slowly caressing its surface. It didn’t

of the foreigners who appeared to

an ordinary object! I’ll be frank and say that there’s actually a

look at Gerald before saying, “How much did you pay for this? I’ll pay fifty times that price for this

it turned out that this old man

thousand times more than what he

it,” replied Gerald

before turning to look at a youth who was standing by his side. The youth himself looked to

today’s event, mister. I’m also the young master of the Lovewell family, so I truly suggest that you just sell it. Think about how you’ll be able to lead a comfortable life without worries once you get the

replied, “Again, I appreciate the offer, but I’m not selling

nodded slightly at the group before attempting to leave

he could leave, however, an old man with white hair—who had also been standing close to Zolton this entire

him, Gerald could see that the rather extraordinarily imposing man’s irises looked somewhat triangular. Squinting his eyes slightly, Gerald realized that

inner strength. So it seemed that the long history that the Lovewells had established within

possibly mean, Mr. Lovewell?” asked Gerald as he turned around to

away

said, “As mentioned before, he was willing to up the price by fifty times of what you

old man’s sentence had ended, he was

your capabilities!’ Gerald thought to himself with a sneer before waving his hand in an indifferent manner. Just by making that simple gesture, Gerald

had just happened, the old man stared at Gerald in panic as he staggered a few steps

don’t continue pestering me,” said Gerald as

the plaque is a treasure, Mr. Snyder? I couldn’t sense anything from it!” said the foreigner with a frown as he

positive that the iron plaque is what it was pointing at. In fact, the compass is now pointing in the direction where the young

you’re that sure, Mr. Snyder, then we definitely have to get our hands on that plaque no matter what!” said Zolton as he

was then when he finally realized that the white-haired

Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel

wrong with

as he looked at both of his hands, evidently

yourself, Kaleb. What do you mean,

to that youth’s wrist… However, my inner strength just ceased halfway through!

remained silent for a while, utterly perplexed as he pondered on the odd feeling he had

much into it?” asked Zolton as he looked at the white-haired man. Since his father was the one who had invited the mysterious Kaleb over, Zolton respected

replied Kaleb as he turned to look coldly at the direction in which Gerald had

to a riverbank not too far off. Once he was sure that he was alone, he held on tight to the iron

the pieces of iron fell to the ground, an ancient-looking short

there truly was something mysterious inside!” said Gerald to himself as he

over it. Holding the magic artifact alone made Gerald feel that the blade was spiritual in nature, and in

around him, Gerald noticed a large stone around three hundred feet away from where he was standing. With a simple flick of his wrist, he swiftly threw the blade toward

debris flew all over the place the moment the short blade collided with the rock! As bits of broken-off

blade, Gerald found that

truly obtained

Gerald’s ears twitched as he heard rustling sounds coming from all around

equally cold gazes as a bald

repeated several times, I’m not selling it. Why are you still trying to force me to hand

item is extraordinary! Can’t you see that just by owning such a great treasure, you’ll be seen as someone guilty, even if you truly are

anything funny. I don’t want to kill any more people during this period of time!” replied Gerald who knew he was now being placed

an accelerated rate. After all, he had finally been given the chance to live

the only response from the eight

think that he actually

knew they were going to die… This guy’s on a whole new level!

missions together, but I guess there’s

wasn’t kidding. Please, I’m being dead serious here. If you leave

be able to complete our task!” said the bald man as he

eyes grew murderous as well as they immediately began walking toward Gerald. From

Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest)

for courting death! Prepare to be killed!” roared the bald man as one of his

it took the assailant a second to realize that though his short blade had struck, spot on, to where he was aiming for, for some ungodly

“What?”

the only response the stupefied man could say as Gerald angrily replied, “Don’t say I didn’t warn any

that, Gerald immediately retaliated by slapping the man hard on his cheek! Though it had only been a single

head deforming as blood gushed out his eyes. Upon landing in a puddle of mud a few

shocked by the turn of events. However, he instantly recomposed himself as

the remaining six men rushed toward Gerald at the same time. As was expected, however, there was no way in hell that

already efficiently landed fatal blows on all six of them. In just a few

that he was the only one left, and though he

by now—began walking toward him, the bald man became fully petrified in

bald man, Gerald said, “Everything could’ve ended nicely if everyone had just been amiable to each other, no? Why did you have to force me

always be amiable from now on! What happened earlier was just a

even begged you to just leave, remember? Yet what did you do? You ordered your subordinates to make a move on me!

won’t do

enough, he soon found out that he was dead wrong. Before his sentence could even end, an agonizing scream filled the area as all four of his

Gerald turned to look at a tree before roaring, “Stop hiding already! Show

be heard as

than Kaleb whose face was now completely drained of

you’ve already managed to reach your current state at such a young age… I, Kaleb Merrett, admit that I failed to recognize your great talent earlier. However, do note that I’m not on the same side with those people from

since he had seen everything that had taken place from the moment Gerald had broken the iron plaque

it was true that he had initially stalked Gerald in order to retrieve the iron plaque for Zolton—while simultaneously investigating the reason for Gerald’s great strength—he was left dumbstruck

how Gerald had ceased the flow of his inner strength so easily. As it turned out, Gerald’s had trained far more than he could have ever

also the moment when he had started hiding behind the tree, though it had less to do with continuing

upon finding out that the youth had already noticed his presence long

you here for the iron plaque

that that truly had been my intention at the start, mister. However,

Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest)

around ninety actually bowed before Gerald! Though after he witnessed

his own half a

clearly still weaker than Gerald, with Kaleb’s current capabilities, the old man could very well be considered

imposing demeanor slowly decreased