[Chapter 269: Time Management Master]
Raymond looked into Daniel's eyes. Though Daniel's tone wasn't heavy at all, Raymond felt as if he were carrying an immense burden.
"Half a month... I will make sure to complete the transfer by then," Raymond said quickly.
"Very good."
Daniel patted Raymond's shoulder, and the overwhelming pressure that had weighed on him vanished instantly.
---
On Christmas Eve, the streets of Los Angeles were decked out in silver and white, illuminated by colorful lights and towering Christmas trees.
Inside the Beverly Hills mansion, Daniel sat in a leather swivel chair, holding the latest BlackBerry phone. The constant stream of unread messages flashing on the screen almost wore out the vibration motor.
"Master, your popularity now rivals Santa Claus," said Succubus Chris, who had taken human form in a fiery Santa girl miniskirt. She crossed her long legs and sat by the desk, her fingertips tracing a line through the air.
A translucent schedule appeared before Daniel.
"This is the 'Christmas-New Year' schedule I arranged, based on everyone's availability and distances, precise to the minute. Take a look."
Daniel glanced over the densely packed color blocks -- Amanda, Megan, Scarlett, Anne Hathaway, Rachel, Jessica, Miranda, and even Ivanka, who had just flown in from New York.
"Do I even have the right to say no?" Daniel rubbed his temples.
Chris covered her mouth, letting out a light laugh. "If you want next year's headlines -- 'Multiple Hollywood actresses brawl in Beverly Hills over jealousy' -- you can try refusing."
Daniel sighed. "Let's begin."
...
December 24th, 11:30 a.m., Santa Monica Beach Restaurant.
Amanda held Daniel's arm, smiling so brightly that her eyes curved like crescent moons.
"The oysters here are really fresh, Daniel. You've been working day and night -- eat more."
Daniel looked at the plates of oysters before him. He smiled softly and swallowed one down.
Energy flowed into his stomach, digesting the food before it even landed.
...
1:15 p.m., Beverly Center Cafe.
Anne Hathaway slid a plate of delicate French pastries toward him.
"I specifically asked the pastry chef to reduce the sugar. Try it."
Daniel nodded and took a bite in cooperation.
...
3:00 p.m., Warner Studio Lounge.
Scarlett, freshly finished with a makeup photoshoot, pulled Daniel into a van, holding a pizza box.
"I'm starving. Let's eat something together."
Daniel glanced at the thick slices of bacon pizza and took one without changing his expression.
...
6:30 p.m., West Hollywood Private Club.
Jessica, wearing a deep V-neck dress, swirled a glass of red wine.
"To celebrate my new endorsement, Daniel, cheers."
Before the wine even touched his lips, a large portion of medium-rare tomahawk steak was delivered to the table.
...
9:45 p.m., Movie Theater.
Megan, wearing dark sunglasses, pointed at the poster.
"Let's watch this, King Kong."
Daniel held Megan close as they sat in the last row. On the screen, the giant ape roared atop the Empire State Building.
This was the third time Daniel had watched this movie today. The first time was in the morning with Rachel. The second was with Ivanka in a private theater.
That day, Daniel had eaten eight meals, drunk four bottles of red wine, and watched the giant ape battle planes three times.
...
December 31st, New Year's Eve.
"Master, you have forty-five minutes to get to the next location," Chris reminded him promptly over the phone.
Daniel had just finished New Year's Eve dinner with Ivanka.
Ivanka tidied her hair, her eyes dreamy.
"Daniel, where are you going?"
"Meeting a client. There's some trouble to deal with," Daniel lied without a hint of blush or a racing heart.
"Such a busy man." Ivanka kissed him.
Daniel left, driving his Cadillac wildly through the streets of Los Angeles.
...
January 1st, 12:00 a.m.
He arrived punctually by the villa's pool, where Amanda and Scarlett waited.
This was a three-person arrangement Chris had painstakingly coordinated.
Although they'd been reluctant at first, under Chris's sweet talk and the threat of a long session, they had grudgingly agreed.
---
January 5th.
Frank Douglas accompanied Raymond to Daniel's villa, carrying a heavy safe.
Half a month had passed, and Raymond looked more spirited, dressed in a neat jacket, resembling a robust man in his forties.
"Mr. Cross, I have not failed your trust," Raymond said.
He placed the safe on the coffee table and opened it. Inside were thick stacks of documents and several overseas black gold bank cards.
"As you requested, the asset valuation is complete. My equity in a Las Vegas casino, over a dozen properties, and some deposits in Swiss banks. The total sums to 850 million US dollars. These are the transfer agreements. Once you sign, these assets will be immediately under your name."
Frank sat nearby, watching the stack of deeds and equity certificates, his eyelids twitching wildly.
Though he himself was a billionaire, seeing Daniel acquire 850 million dollars in half a month made his blood pressure spike.
Last time, Daniel had sold many things, amassing wealth from various sources.
But this time, he had taken it all from one person.
Daniel casually flipped through the documents, picked up a pen, and signed his name.
Raymond stood, buttoning his jacket.
"Mr. Cross, since the formalities are complete, I won't disturb you further."
He nodded toward the safe on the floor.
"The name changes for the deeds and the notarization of the equity transfers will be handled by my legal team within three days. As for the cash portion, those black gold cards are active now. The passwords are in the document bag."
Daniel closed the thick file and nodded faintly.
"Let's proceed as you say. Remember what I advised. Though vitality has returned, moderation remains necessary."
"I understand." Raymond bowed again and left the villa, surrounded by bodyguards.
...
The room fell silent.
Frank still stared at the documents on the table, his breathing growing heavier.
Although his net worth was in the billions, most of his assets were tied up in stocks and commercial real estate.
The cash he could mobilize instantly was only a few hundred million.
And Daniel, in just ten minutes, had acquired 850 million dollars in property right before his eyes -- including about 300 million in real gold and silver.
"Mr. Cross..." Frank turned, unable to hide the bitterness in his tone. "I have to admit, I'm jealous. I've worked for the Douglas family for thirty years, and I've never seen anyone make money as easily as you."
Daniel leaned back on the sofa, fingers lightly brushing the black gold cards. His expression showed little excitement.
"Money earned by risking one's life is naturally more valuable." Frank sighed, withdrawing his gaze. "Raymond bled heavily this time, but he bought back a lifetime of time. By the calculation, it was a very profitable deal."
Daniel didn't respond. With a flick of his hand, he pulled out a blank check.
With a few strokes, he filled in a number, then pushed the check toward Frank.
Frank glanced at it instinctively -- and froze.
*****
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