LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 28: Chapter 28
Alex's desk had become a second home. The overtime hours stretched endlessly, far beyond what he'd ever planned. Each evening, he'd look out the window, watching the sunset through the cracks of the office blinds, wishing for a moment of peace. His meditation sessions were reduced to fleeting minutes during breaks, and his smart mode, while helpful, couldn't eliminate the pressure mounting at work.
His family, especially his sister, kept buzzing with excitement over her school projects. She'd talk animatedly about what their school expected them to achieve during this chaotic period, while his parents—particularly his father, who had been affected by the worsening neighborhood safety—constantly advised Alex to take it easy.
"You can't keep working like this, Alex," his father had said one night, after recounting how he'd lost his change in a random incident on the street. "Look at you—missing out on everything."
His sister joined in. "Yeah, you've gotta relax. Look at me! School's driving us nuts with projects, but I still make time for fun."
Alex nodded absentmindedly, though his mind was far from their words. The idea of breaking free from the constant grind grew more appealing with each passing day. His smart mode allowed him to work faster, but the influx of tasks from the new boss made it impossible to catch up. The boss, with his mild demeanor, often added more to Alex's plate, remarking on his occasional daydreaming as a sign that he had plenty of extra time to handle the workload.
"You're reliable, Alex," the boss had said with a smile. "I can trust you to get these done on time."
But behind that calm exterior, Alex could sense an invisible wall. The boss could decide everything. He held power over the workload, over the pace of Alex's life, and it was starting to make Alex long for a change—a life where he had the freedom to choose when and how he worked. He didn't want the spotlight or the attention of being a public figure. What he wanted was control, a life behind the scenes where he could manage his time and responsibilities quietly, without interference.
Evening discussions with his friends were becoming less frequent, as Alex found himself glued to his desk long after the office had emptied. The murmurs of a potential salary cut only added to the growing pressure.
As the days went by, Alex became more determined. His friends might not understand his quiet resolve just yet, but soon, he would make his move.
He was ready to become his own boss—on his terms, in his own way.
Chapter 29
Alex sat at his desk, the blue light of his screen casting shadows on the wall. The usual hum of the office had died down for the night, but Alex was still there, brainstorming. The pressure from work had become constant, and the idea of finding a way out kept gnawing at him. He wasn't looking for a quick escape—he knew better than to rely on things like gambling or lotteries. He needed something steady, something that could generate a legal, consistent income without drawing too much attention. A path that would seem natural, one where his abilities could blend seamlessly into a skill people would attribute to talent or expertise.
Crypto trading. The idea kept circling back in his mind, day after day. It wasn't an alien concept to him. In fact, it was closely related to his current work in bookkeeping and finance. Shifting into it and making it his primary focus wouldn't raise too many eyebrows. It was risky, sure, but it was a game he could master with the right mindset and analysis. With his smart mode and memory processing ability, he could track trends, understand patterns, and make decisions that others might find complex—but for him, it would feel almost effortless.
Each night, as Alex pondered his next steps, life at home and work continued like clockwork. His parents went about their daily routines, discussing the same neighborhood troubles and the state of the world. His sister was wrapped up in her school projects, always excitedly sharing new ideas and developments. And Alex, in the background, was slowly but steadily planning his move.
The thought of breaking free from the constraints of a traditional 9-to-5 job kept him motivated. He didn't need massive wins or flashy gains; what he wanted was a stable and calm flow of income, a way to gain wealth naturally. Crypto offered that—high-risk, but with high potential, and Alex knew he had the skills to make it work without anyone suspecting his true edge.
On his lunch breaks and in between work, Alex would occasionally check in on the forums, particularly under his alias, Star Gazer. Meditation had become a regular part of his life, and he found himself answering questions from other users about visualization techniques and mental strengthening. His answers were always cryptic, never too revealing. He enjoyed these moments of anonymity, contributing quietly to discussions, never giving away his real identity or abilities.
Days turned into weeks, and the world moved on. State affairs were still a hot topic at home, with his father commenting on the latest political shifts and the impact on the economy. Work was still a grind, but Alex's mind was already elsewhere—contemplating the freedom that could come from making a solid move into crypto trading.
Finally, after enough research and thought, Alex made his decision. Crypto was the way forward. He'd start small, build his portfolio, and eventually make the full switch when the time was right. It was the perfect path—logical, natural, and, most importantly, one that would allow him to leave the grind of office work behind without raising suspicions.