BXBX NOVEL Chapter 80: Purchases
I continued to browse the showroom floor. I passed by a range of Ferraris in various colors—yellow, red, black, silver. With prices spanning from $120,000 to well over a million dollars.
As I strolled around, my gaze fell upon a striking Ferrari 550 Maranello with its hot red exterior. The car's curves and angles were flawlessly sculpted.
The Ferrari's iconic prancing horse was proudly displayed on the hood.
I walked around the vehicle, my eyes following the sinuous lines that began at the front bumper, flowed along the dynamically contoured side panels, and arrived at the rear, where the classic round taillights and quad exhausts were artfully mounted.
The car hugged the showroom floor with it's strikingly assertive stance.
I scanned the showroom, looking for a dealer who could help me. I spotted a sharply dressed man in a tailored suit. He had just finished with another customer.
"Excuse me," I said, catching his eye. "I'm considering buying a Ferrari. I wanted to ask you something."
"Which Ferrari are we talking about?" he asked politely.
I pointed to the Ferrari 550 Maranello and we walked back to it together.
"Please tell me... How does this Ferrari compare to the new Lamborghini Gallardo?" I asked him with a straight face.
The dealer's face momentarily registered a flicker of offense, but then it swiftly changed into one that welcomed the challenge.
"Both cars go from 0 to 60 in 4 seconds," he began, his tone confident. "But the Galardo has a V10 engine; on the other hand, the Ferrari has a V12. And oh man! You can just feel as the V12 throbs and roars into life."
Leaning in ever-so-slightly, his eyes gleamed with passion. "It sends vibrations through your ears and shivers down your spine."
He paused to let that sink in. "Also, Ferrari is a sports car at it's core, but it's made with grand touring in mind. High-quality sound system, great comfort; an amazing suspension setup. It has everything you would want from a car like that. It's perfect for both high-speed driving and long trips.
Whether it's driving, drifting or crusing, the Ferrari 550 Maranello is one of the best cars in the world."
I stood there quiet for a while, just looking at the Ferrari in front of my eyes.
After some time, I glanced at the dealer.
"I will be buying this car," I said matter-of-factly.
"Yes, sir?" The dealer's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly composed himself. "Excellent," he continued, his enthusiasm evident. "Let's get the paperwork started. Will you need the car delivered?"
"Yes," I confirmed. "To Gainesville."
The dealer nodded with a satisfied smile on his face.
The Ferrari cost $240,000.
After finalizing the purchase of the Ferrari, I headed out of the dealership and decided to make one last stop before heading back to Gainesville.
I walked into the Ralph Lauren store and grabbed a very simple black polo sweater, a pair of matching black pants, as well as a dark belt to complement it.
The total for these items came to just over $500.
Next, I made my way to a watch shop, where I tried on a mid-range Vintage Longines watch.
I really like the leather strap.
After checking the fit, I decided to purchase it for just over $1000.
I headed out of the store with a few shopping bags and drove back to Gainesville.
...
On Wednesday morning, I met up with Isabella, the homeowner, and the property agent, an older man with a gruff, no-nonsense demeanor.
We signed all the necessary documents and although I was given a week to transfer the funds, I sent the money immediately.
I was officially cleared to move into the house.
I theoretically had the option to move my stuff from my dormitory room and reclaim a portion of my money from the school's administration, but I decided to keep the room for the time being.
Because of the meeting, I'd missed half of my first class.
The rest of the day dragged on, and finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, I drove to my rented garage in the east of the city.
The garage complex was tucked away in an alley, lined with large, robust units available for rent.
I pulled up to my garage, clicked a button on my key and the towering steel door slowly slid up.
Inside, three cars were revealed to be standing, facing the exit.
The Snow White; BMW M3.
A black 1999 Ford F-150 pickup that I bought for practical use.
As well as the blue 2000 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 that I passed on the first time around, but because it still wasn't sold when I returned, I decided to scoop it up.
I backed my Subaru Impreza into the garage, parking it next to the other cars and stepped outside.
'I'm running out of space here.' I thought.
A few minutes later, I saw a striking red Ferrari delivery truck making its way down the row.
A few people who were walking by or doing something in their own garages stopped to watch.
The delivery truck came to a halt, and the backdoor slowly began to lower with a faint hydraulic hiss.
The Ferrari worker slowly rolled the Ferrari down the ramp.
"It's yours?" a man in his early 40s who had been eyeing the Ferrari asked me as the car hit the pavement.
"Yes, it is. Beautiful machine, isn't it?" I said with a grin.
"I mean... brother, it's a Ferrari! You're living the dream."
After finalizing the paperwork with the Ferrari worker, I slid behind the wheel of my new Ferrari, taking in the light-brown leather interior and the sleek black cockpit.
I grabbed the ignition key, inserted it into the slot and gave it a twist.
"VAHROOOOOM-ROOOM-ROOOM-BUH!!!"
"Yees! The sound of speed," I mused aloud. "I could use it as a ringtone."
I noticed the few people outside opening their mouths in awe.
But it was time to go before neighboors start peeking out of the windows, saying 'what the fuck', and the Karen't appear at the garage ranting.
I quickly found a way to clear space so the Ferrari truck could drive away, followed it out of the alley, and took the Ferrari for a spin.
Driving back to the dorm to change my clothes, I couldn't help but notice the reactions. As I cruised through the streets, heads turned and eyes widened. Girls, boys, students, young couples, and even older folks glanced at the Ferrari, although some with clear annoyance at the loud, throaty growl.
Back at the dorm, I changed into my new clothes, sent a message to Hana and then drove to pick her up at her house.
I pulled the Ferrari up in front of her house and waited, lowering the car's window to let in the evening air. The V12 engine's rumble was a low purr as I sat there.
After a few minutes, Hana appeared at her front door. She was wearing black jeans and a blue t-shirt tucked in, looking casual.
I could see her hesitate at the sight of the Ferrari, her eyes looking in my direction, confused.
"Come on! I won't wait forever…" I called out.
She walked up to the car, and blinked at me a few times, "Jack... what the fuck?!"
"What...? Just get in." I graced her with a brilliant smile.
After Hana's shock wore off, we headed to the Chinese restaurant she suggested.
When we got there, Hana asked how I could afford the Ferrari.
I casually explained that I'd been lucky with some recent investments.
We shifted the topic to her plans after university. She spoke about her goal of working in sales, particularly focusing on advertising large-scale business solutions and services.
Then we talked about why her family has moved to Florida.
The reason was simple, her brother, Minho, was recruited into the NBA and was playing for the Orlando Magic.
"You're shitting me, really? Could I meet him sometime?" I asked.
"He's actually home right now," Hana replied with a smile. "If you're up for it, we can head over and play ball..."
I did not refuse.
Five minutes later, I made a right turn into Hana's driveway and parked it beside her sleek Honda sportbike.
As I got out of the Ferrari, I glanced at the garage and noticed two cars parked inside.
"Is your dad also home?" I asked Hana.
"Yep," she replied with a cute nod as she closed the car door.