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!”

at who was causing the commotion, everyone saw an old man who

it in here in the first place,

to set his own stall up there, most of the others who had already set up their own stalls for the event came from major families, including the few people who were close to where the old man had

person like the old man, which gave the stall owners—who had already set up stalls close to where the old man had planned to

iron plaque—in his arms he then began walking off in search of another spot

his eyelids twitch slightly the moment

heart palpitating as he continued staring at the iron plaque which had blotches all over its surface. It was a feeling that he rarely ever experienced since he became one of the

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

with that iron

Gerald. Let’s go. Is there something wrong?” asked Misty, wondering why he

on my own!” replied Gerald with a smile before

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

Gerald immediately went after

was gone, women from Misty’s group

such a

loser! It’s hard to even have any

we’re wearing to what he wore! Since he helped you, surely you wouldn’t want him to

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,

others, forced to

Gerald finally caught up to the dejected-looking old man who had just set his stall up again

rather deserted, at the very

smiled at him before saying, “Is this the only item you have for

me over! After we talked for a bit, they told me that the iron plaque would sell for a high price so I should definitely attend the event! Yet look at what

you owned

could say that it had a simple but ancient aura surrounding it, not

plaque here definitely deserves to be an antique. It was handed down from my ancestors, you know? Even

met up with me. They told me that the item could be sold to foreigners at a high price, which led them to invite me over

venue. I was also told to hand the plaque over to them once we met up. I didn’t really understand the request at the time—and I still don’t—but since I heard I could gain a lot of money by selling it, I arrived first thing in the morning today. Even after wandering for

man? 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 happen. With that in mind, it only gave me more reason to

another cigarette before carefully lifting the iron plaque and weighing it. After a brief moment of consideration,

the old man before saying, “I’m interested in buying

artistic value to it… It’s just a simple iron plaque used to fool foreigners!” replied the old man in a rather embarrassed tone—who must have felt bad after smoking two of Gerald’s cigarettes—as he quickly dissuaded

that. This object will be

“…Are you really sure?”

reason for

same price that I

tell me the

didn’t warn you… I’m selling it for seventy-seven thousand dollars!” replied the old man as he blushed slightly. The

Once you receive the money, you’ll be able to live a comfortable life! So how about it? It’s not like

himself from saying something truly horrifying. Instead, he continued the sentence in his

may just have to face the calamity of your total

Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest)

on, young man. Are you being serious here?” replied the old man, his eyes widened in

his face. After a brief call, the old man

After all, he would never have dreamed

himself had bought the item since though the plaque didn’t look like anything special, there was simply something extraordinary about it. It gave Gerald a similar feeling to when he had first laid

have only been a gut feeling, but

and locals who were dressed in luxurious attire—began walking toward Gerald

of the duo, another old man wearing traditional clothes smiled as he said, “I wonder if you’ll allow me to have a look at that iron plaque

sold the iron plaque immediately began fearing that his money would be taken away from him. As

plaque over to the other old man as

the iron plaque in his

Snyder?” asked one of the foreigners who appeared to be

object! I’ll be frank and say that there’s actually a holy spirit surrounding it!”

to look at Gerald before saying, “How much

look at Mr. Snyder. So it turned out

to five thousand times more than what he had initially paid, Gerald wasn’t letting go of the

I’m not selling it,” replied Gerald as he took the iron plaque back from Mr.

wanted, the foreigner frowned before turning to look at a youth who was standing by his side. The youth himself looked to be around twenty-six and wore quite luxurious clothes, just like the rest of the people within the foreigner’s

today’s event, mister. I’m also the young master of the Lovewell family,

he simply replied, “Again, I appreciate the

Gerald nodded slightly at the group

however, an old man with white hair—who had also been standing close to Zolton this entire time—stepped in front of Gerald,

somewhat triangular. Squinting his eyes slightly, Gerald realized that the white-haired man

at that point that the man blocking his way truly had inner strength. So it seemed that the long history

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

Zolton simply turned to look away as

willing to up the price by fifty times of what you paid. How could you still be

old man’s sentence had ended, he was already surging a secret strength

with a sneer before waving his hand in an indifferent manner. Just by making that simple gesture, Gerald was

old man stared at Gerald in panic as he staggered a few steps

not selling it. Please don’t continue pestering me,” said

I couldn’t sense anything from it!” said the foreigner with

that led us here, so I’m positive that the iron plaque is what it was pointing at. In fact, the compass is now pointing in the direction

definitely have to get our hands on that plaque no matter what!” said Zolton as he

he finally realized that the white-haired man had a flabbergasted expression

Man Novel (Invisible or

wrong with you,

muttered Kaleb as he looked at both

Kaleb. What

youth’s

while, utterly perplexed as he

as he looked at the white-haired man. Since his father was the one who had invited the mysterious Kaleb over, Zolton

wrong with that young man!” replied Kaleb as he turned to look coldly at the direction in which Gerald had left seconds

off. Once he was sure that he was alone, he held on tight

the ground, an

there truly was something mysterious inside!” said Gerald to

sharp and a black glow seemed to emanate from it. What more, several strange, vein-like lines could also be seen engraved all over it. Holding the magic artifact alone made Gerald feel that the blade was spiritual in nature, and in a way, he felt slightly oddly moved by it. It was as though

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

over the place the moment the short blade collided with the rock! As bits of broken-off stone flew all over the place, the black short blade itself

the condition of the blade, Gerald found that there wasn’t even

truly obtained

Gerald’s ears twitched as

they stepped out of the nearby bushes in unison. Encircling Gerald, all of them bore equally cold gazes as

selling it. Why are you still trying to force me to hand it over? After all, being polite and amiable should be prioritized when

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 innocent! The foreigner even attempted to pay for the plaque earlier, yet you refused!

any more people during this period of time!” replied Gerald who knew he was

given the chance to live the plain and worry-free life that he always yearned for. While he was well aware that all this was

from the

he actually claimed that he didn’t want to kill

my age, I’ve seen several people wetting their pants once they knew they were going to die… This guy’s on a whole new level! I guess the shock must have been too

several missions together,

laughing till their sides hurt, Gerald took in a deep breath before pleading, “I wasn’t kidding. Please, I’m being dead serious here. If you leave me be, then all of you will live. Isn’t

Just kill him and retrieve the iron plaque so that we’ll be able to complete our task!” said the bald man as he gestured for his comrades to attack, his expression turning hideous within a

other men’s eyes grew murderous as well as they immediately began walking toward Gerald.

Novel (Invisible

death! Prepare to be killed!” roared the bald man as one of his men immediately revealed a short blade and

second to realize that though his short blade had struck, spot on, to where he was aiming for, for some

“What?”

stupefied man could say as Gerald angrily

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

blood gushed out his eyes. Upon landing in

by the turn of events. However, he instantly recomposed himself as he gestured his large

rushed toward Gerald at the same time. As was expected, however, there

any of them could even inflict any wounds on him, Gerald had already efficiently landed fatal blows on all six of them. In just a few seconds, all six people were already lying dead on the ground, their agonized expressions suggesting that they had died in terrible

bald man to himself as cold sweat began running down his forehead. He realized now that he was the only one left, and though he was terrified, his legs felt like stone. However, the worst

as a demon’s by now—began walking toward him,

Gerald said, “Everything could’ve ended nicely if everyone had just been

swear on my life that I’ll always be amiable from now on! What happened earlier was

your subordinates to make a move on me! Isn’t that taking it a bit too far?” replied Gerald as he flicked some grass off

sincerely apologize! I won’t do anything

would let him off if he pleaded 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 limbs simultaneously detached

Gerald turned to look at a tree before roaring,

slow rustling of grass could be heard as a white-haired

whose face was now completely drained of

reach your current state at such a young age… I, Kaleb Merrett, admit that I failed to recognize your great

now speaking to Gerald so respectfully since he had seen everything that had taken place from the moment Gerald had broken the iron plaque with his bare

simultaneously investigating the reason for Gerald’s great strength—he was left dumbstruck with

ceased the flow of his inner strength

started hiding behind the tree, though it had less to do with continuing to stalk Gerald and more so out of

and respect for Gerald had only grown upon finding out that

the iron

to you, so I admit that that truly had been my intention at the start, mister. However, I no longer wish to do

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

bowed before Gerald! Though after he

similar to his own half a year ago. He

than Gerald, with Kaleb’s current capabilities, the old man could very well be considered to be one of

normal. His imposing demeanor slowly decreased as