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

here in the first place, it was evident that he

own stalls for the event came from major families, including the few people who were close to where the old man had attempted to

the inner 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 had planned to set up his—even more reason to

seemed to be an iron

Gerald watched the old man leave, he felt his eyelids twitch slightly the moment he gave the

as he continued staring at the iron plaque which had blotches all over its surface. It was a

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

with that iron plaque…’ Gerald thought to

wrong?” asked Misty, wondering why he was still

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

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

agreeing with the plan, Gerald immediately went after the old

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

such a person, Misty? He’s so humiliating to be

What a loser! It’s hard to even

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

Misty could only reply in a 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!

the others,

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

man knew that though the new spot was rather deserted, at the very least, nobody would

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

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

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

look particularly special. At most, Gerald could say that it had

organizer found out that I owned it through a TV show, quite honestly. You know that show where they talk about selling antiques? Well, I was 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

organizer soon 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 to

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

more, businessmen like them can be quite untrustworthy, you know, young 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 try selling the plaque on my own,” detailed the

lifting the iron plaque and weighing it. After a brief moment

man before saying, “I’m interested in buying the iron plaque from you, sir. You can name any

thing barely has any archaeological or 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

fine with that. This object will be useful to me, so don’t

“…Are you really sure?”

for me to

using the same price that I set

tell me the

he blushed slightly. The only reason

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

Gerald held his tongue just in time to prevent himself from saying something truly horrifying. Instead, he continued

hand it over, you may just have to face

Novel (Invisible or

Also, hold on, young man. Are you being serious here?” replied the old man,

on his face. After a brief call, the old man was left utterly shocked five minutes later when he saw that seven hundred and seventy thousand dollars

all, he would

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

may have only been a gut feeling, but Gerald chose to

group of people—consisting of both foreigners and locals who 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

sold the iron plaque immediately began fearing that his money would be taken

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

held the iron plaque in his hands before

one of the foreigners who appeared to be the leader of the

one, this iron plaque certainly isn’t an ordinary object! I’ll be frank and say that there’s actually a

foreigner heard that, his mood was instantly lifted as he turned to look at Gerald before saying, “How much

Mr. Snyder. So it turned out that this old man was equally as insightful as he

even if the foreigner had upped the price to five thousand times more

but I’m not selling it,” replied Gerald as

a youth who was standing by his side. The youth

Zolton Lovewell, and I’m the main organizer 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 a comfortable life without worries once

simply replied, “Again, I appreciate the offer, but I’m

the group before attempting to leave with

hair—who had also been standing close to Zolton this entire

Gerald could see that the rather extraordinarily imposing man’s irises looked somewhat triangular. Squinting his eyes slightly, Gerald realized that the white-haired man had eyes similar

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

Mr. Lovewell?” asked Gerald

response, however, Zolton simply turned to look away

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

had ended, he was

sneer before waving his hand in an indifferent manner. Just

at Gerald in panic as he staggered a few steps

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

treasure, Mr. Snyder? I couldn’t sense anything from it!” said

the 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 where the young

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

that the

Rich Man Novel (Invisible or

with

as he looked at both of his hands, evidently

yourself, Kaleb. What do you

my inner strength earlier when I was grabbing on 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

looked at the white-haired man. Since his father was the

young man!” replied Kaleb as he turned to look coldly at the direction in which

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

ground, an ancient-looking short blade revealed itself

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

blade was extremely 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

away from where he was standing.

as it whizzed through the 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

Gerald found that there wasn’t even a single scratch

“I’ve truly obtained a great treasure

Gerald’s ears twitched as he heard

gazes as a bald man stepped out from the group of people and growled, “Hey, b*stard! Hand over the iron plaque if you don’t

still trying to force me to hand it over? After all, being polite and amiable should be prioritized when doing anything, no?” advised

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

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

life, his temperament had been healing at an accelerated rate. After all, he had finally been given the chance to live the plain

the only response from the eight people were bursts of

actually claimed that he didn’t want to kill

This guy’s on a whole new level! I guess

missions together, but I guess there’s always

“I wasn’t kidding. Please, I’m being

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

seven other men’s eyes grew murderous as well as they immediately began walking

Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter

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

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

“What?”

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

man hard on his cheek! Though it had only been a single slap, the

last thing the man could register was his head deforming as blood gushed out his eyes. Upon landing

the bald man, shocked by the turn of events. However, he instantly recomposed himself as he gestured his large hand before

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

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

now that he was the only one left, and though he

moment Gerald—whose eyes had turned as red as a demon’s by

just been amiable to each other, no? Why did

my life that I’ll always be amiable from

what did you do? You ordered your subordinates to make a move on me! Isn’t that taking it a bit too far?” replied Gerald as

sincerely apologize! I won’t do anything like

dead wrong. Before his sentence could even end, an agonizing scream filled the area as all four of

turned to look at a tree before roaring, “Stop hiding

of grass could be heard as a white-haired old man

other than Kaleb whose face

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 earlier,

Gerald so respectfully since he had seen everything that had taken place from the

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

on, he no longer wondered how Gerald had ceased the flow of his inner strength so easily. As it

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

only grown upon finding out that

iron plaque as well?” asked Gerald,

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

Rich Man Novel

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

himself could estimate that Kaleb’s current strength was similar to his own half a year ago. He could also tell that Kaleb had already

he was clearly still weaker than Gerald, with Kaleb’s current capabilities, the old man could very

in Gerald’s eyes gradually returned to normal. His imposing demeanor slowly decreased as well, allowing Kaleb