Chapter 9
At nine o'clock the following night, Gilmore sat on the hotel room sofa, holding his lottery ticket and intently watching the live lottery program. On TV, the host announced the winning numbers: "The first winning numbers for Powerball lottery No. 20200 are 15, 25, 17, 19, 03, and the last two winning numbers are 02 and 08!"
Gilmore compared the seven numbers on his ticket to those shown on TV, confirming they were identical. The prize amount and number of bets were also announced. He calculated his winnings, factoring in his 12X Play, arriving at a final amount of $28 million. After taxes, he would still receive approximately $20 million.
This was a windfall. The lottery ticket had cost only a few dollars; his great wealth stemmed from his supernatural ability to foresee the future. This ability made acquiring wealth remarkably easy.
After turning off the TV, Gilmore relaxed on the sofa, overwhelmed with joy. He felt elated. Considering his humble beginnings in a small town and poor family, winning $20 million overnight was understandably shocking. However, he remained remarkably composed.
It was a sleepless night. With $20 million, he decided to move his parents and sister to Oakhaven and provide them with better lives. He could also enter the business world and build a business empire. He would no longer be vulnerable to people like Tiffany. Poverty was no longer his only option. He was full of ambition and expectations.
He was most grateful to the old man who had given him the elixir, without which he wouldn't have his powers or the lottery win. Unfortunately, he didn't know the old man's name or whereabouts, but he vowed to repay him upon their next meeting. After much reflection, Gilmore finally fell asleep in the late hours.
The next day, Gilmore woke up at nine o'clock, checked out of his hotel, and had breakfast at a street stall. He passed a toy store, and after some consideration, purchased a panda mask. He knew lottery winners often claimed their prizes on TV while wearing a mask for safety and privacy.
He hailed a taxi to the Oakhaven Lottery Commission. That day, Gilmore, masked as a panda, claimed his prize, appearing on television in millions of Oakhaven households. The panda-masked, $20 million lottery winner immediately became a topic of much discussion:
"Who is this person in the panda mask?" "How will they spend the $20 million?" "With that kind of money, do they even need to work anymore?"
The conversation continued. Gilmore completed the redemption process, and the money was deposited into his account. On his way home, he heard people discussing him, a familiar experience from watching past lottery winners on TV. He found the role reversal interesting. He touched the bank card in his wallet, holding $20 million, feeling like an invisible millionaire.
His first thought was to buy a house and move his parents to Oakhaven from the countryside, also giving his sister the opportunity to attend a better high school in the city. Family was his priority, and now that he was wealthy, he wanted to improve their lives.
Before buying a house, he needed advice on Oakhaven properties. He thought of his best friend, Luke Mann, whose family's business was worth tens of millions. Luke was knowledgeable about new developments. Gilmore called him.
Luke answered anxiously, "Gilmore, you finally called! I was about to call you."
Gilmore asked, "What's up?"
"Two days ago, you kissed Christine after school. It's all over campus, and I'm worried about your safety," Luke said angrily.
Gilmore understood the gossip. He replied, "We'll talk about that later. I need to buy a house. You know Oakhaven properties; can you help me look around?"
"Buying a house? Gilmore, are you joking? Prices start at $2,500 per square meter! Did you win the lottery?" Luke asked incredulously.
Gilmore laughed, "I did, actually."
Luke was silent for a few seconds before asking urgently, "How much did you win?"
"Tens of millions," Gilmore replied, understating the amount to avoid shocking his friend.
"Tens of millions?! You call that 'not much'?" Luke was still stunned. "Give me your location; I'm coming right now."
"Okay, I'll send it via WhatsApp."
Gilmore sent his location. Ten minutes later, a white Land Rover screeched to a halt in front of him. Out stepped Luke, stylish in a white shirt, brown shorts, and limited-edition sneakers. He pounded Gilmore's shoulder, exclaiming, "Dude, you're a millionaire! Let's celebrate!"