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!”

was causing the commotion, everyone saw an old man who seemed to have been trying to set up his own stall to

it in here in the first place, it was evident that he had managed to pass

stalls for the event came from major families, including the few people who were close to where the

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

this simply wouldn’t do. Lifting his treasure—which seemed to be an iron plaque—in his arms he then began walking off in

leave, he felt his eyelids twitch slightly the moment he

at the iron plaque which had blotches all over its surface. It was a feeling that he rarely ever experienced since

Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter

definitely wrong with that iron plaque…’

Is there something wrong?” asked

you guys go on ahead first? I’d like to have a look around on my own!”

out again when it’s near noon so that we can have lunch together!” said Misty who had also noticed by

with the plan, Gerald immediately went after

he was gone, women from Misty’s group

Why did you have to get acquainted with such a person, Misty?

a loser! It’s hard to even have any fun when

I mean, just compare what we’re wearing to what he wore! Since he helped you, surely

saddened tone, “That’s quite enough. Though I’ve only been acquainted with him for a short while, allow me to remind you that he’s a nice person! I’ll still call

the others, forced

man who had just set his stall up

deserted,

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

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 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

Just to confirm, the event’s organizer invited you over the moment they found out that you owned the plaque, correct?” said Gerald as he looked

plaque itself didn’t look particularly special. At most, Gerald could say that it had a simple but ancient aura surrounding it, not

Well, I was on one of that show’s episodes since this plaque here definitely deserves to be an antique. It was handed

item could be sold to foreigners at a high price, which led

arrived at the event 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

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 try selling the plaque on my own,” detailed the old man as he finally

quickly handed him another cigarette before carefully lifting the iron plaque and weighing it. After a

Gerald then turned to look at the old man before saying, “I’m interested in buying the iron plaque from you, sir. You can name any price you

simple iron plaque used to fool foreigners!” replied the old man in a rather embarrassed tone—who must

with that. This object will

“…Are you really sure?”

no reason for me to

price that I set for the foreigners,

tell me the price

thousand dollars!” replied the old man as he blushed slightly. The only reason he had set the price so high was

you seven hundred and seventy thousand dollars instead! Once you receive the money, you’ll be able to live a comfortable life! So how about it? It’s not like you’ll have any use for the plaque if you decide not to

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

to hand it over, you may just have to face the calamity of your total family’s

Man Novel (Invisible or

man. Are you being serious here?” replied the old man, his

After a brief call, the old man was left utterly shocked five minutes later when

you, young man!” said the old man as he smiled broadly. His joy was no surprise. After all, he would never have dreamed that he would actually be able to

anything special, there was simply something extraordinary about it. It gave Gerald a similar feeling to when he had

may have only been a gut feeling, but

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

duo, another old man wearing traditional clothes smiled as he said, “I wonder if you’ll allow me

his money would be taken away from him. As a result, he quickly left the scene, not daring to linger for any

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

taking it from Gerald, the old man in traditional garb held the iron plaque in his hands before slowly caressing its surface. It didn’t take long for his expression to

asked one of the foreigners who

this iron plaque certainly isn’t an ordinary object! I’ll be frank and say that there’s actually a holy spirit surrounding it!” replied

that, his mood was instantly lifted as he turned to look at Gerald before saying, “How much did you pay for this? I’ll pay fifty times that price for this

Gerald turned to look at Mr. Snyder. So it turned out that this old man

to five thousand times more than

appreciate the offer, but I’m not selling it,” replied Gerald

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

of 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

subtle smile, he simply replied,

Gerald nodded slightly at the group before

also been standing

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

that the long history that the

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

look away as the old, white-haired man

he coldly said, “As mentioned before, he was willing to up the price by fifty times of what you paid. How could you still be dissatisfied

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

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

stared at

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

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

one 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 rested his hands

realized that the white-haired man had

Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter

with you,

at both of his hands, evidently

yourself, Kaleb. What do you

to that youth’s wrist…

while, utterly perplexed as he pondered on the odd feeling

you aren’t just looking too much into it?” asked Zolton as he looked at the white-haired man. Since his father was the one

as he

too far off. Once he was sure that he was alone, he held on tight to the iron plaque before applying his inner strength

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

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

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,

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

air, debris flew all 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

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

then said, “I’ve truly obtained

ears twitched as he heard rustling sounds coming from all around

of the nearby bushes in unison. Encircling Gerald, all of them bore equally cold gazes as a bald man stepped

Why are you still trying to force me to

that just by owning such a great treasure, you’ll be seen as someone guilty, even if you truly are

want to kill any more people during this period of time!” replied Gerald who knew he

been given the chance to live the plain and worry-free life that he always yearned for. While he was

the only response from the eight people

To think that he actually claimed that he didn’t want to kill

guy’s on a whole new level! I guess the shock must have been too overwhelming for him to even be able to say such

have accomplished several missions together,

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 that

that we’ll be able to complete our task!” said the bald man as

they immediately began walking toward Gerald. From their eyes alone, Gerald could tell that

Novel (Invisible

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

short blade had struck, spot on, to

“What?”

the stupefied man could say as Gerald

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

man could register was his head deforming as blood gushed out his eyes. Upon landing in

recomposed himself as he gestured his large hand

same time. As was expected, however, there was no way in hell that

blows on all six of them. In just a few seconds, all six people

forehead. He realized now that he was the only one left, and though he was terrified, his

eyes had turned as red as a demon’s by

had just been amiable to each other, no? Why

life that I’ll always be amiable from now on!

You ordered 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

I won’t do anything like this anymore! I

dead wrong. Before his sentence could even end,

look at a tree before

the slow rustling of grass could be

other than Kaleb whose

think that you’ve already managed to reach your current state at such a young age… I, Kaleb Merrett, admit that I failed to

was now speaking to Gerald so respectfully since he had seen everything that had

for Gerald’s great strength—he was left dumbstruck with amazement from the second

Gerald had ceased the flow of his inner strength so easily. As it turned out, Gerald’s

had started hiding behind the tree, though it had less to do with continuing to

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

you here for the iron plaque as well?” asked Gerald,

had been my intention at the start, mister. However, I no longer wish to do so after witnessing your

Rich Man Novel

ninety actually bowed before Gerald! Though after he witnessed all that, it was really no mystery

similar to his own half a year ago. He could also tell that Kaleb had already

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

to normal. His imposing demeanor slowly decreased as