I Suddenly Became Rich, But I Have No Idea How to Spend the Money

“Hello, this is Nishimura from the Osaka University Faculty of Law administration office. Is this the mobile phone of Kirishima, student ID number 22〇〇〇〇〇〇?”

“Yes, that’s me…”

At that moment, my mind was in turmoil.

I hadn’t done anything wrong, yet receiving a sudden call from the administration office could only mean bad news.

Did I do something? I wondered, as I waited for their response.

“First of all, congratulations on your victory at the Kobe Amateur Golf Championship.

We would like to hold an awards ceremony in the President’s Office. Do you have any available dates after the start of the fall semester?”

I felt an immense sense of relief. A huge, overwhelming relief.

Golf, huh? I thought. But as soon as I relaxed, I realized that standing out and being honored was rather bothersome.

“Ah, thank you.

But I don’t really like standing out. Can I decline the ceremony?”

“I understand how you feel, Kirishima, but that might be a little difficult.”

I thought it was an exaggeration to make such a big deal out of a local amateur golf tournament, but in reality, it wasn’t just any tournament.

The Kobe Amateur Golf Championship is the most prestigious and historic tournament in western Japan. Many of today’s top professional golfers in Japan participated in it during their amateur days.

From the university’s perspective, I was the first Osaka University student to win the Kobe Amateur. Of course, they wanted to claim some credit for it and use it to boost the university’s golf club.

“Well, that makes sense. I understand. Let’s do it on October 1st.”

“Thank you very much. Please wear a suit on the day. It may be a bit of a hassle, but we appreciate your cooperation.”

I sighed internally. This had turned into such a hassle.

“So, I’ll be returning to Japan for a bit,” I told Emma and Hitomi.

“A President’s Award sounds like a hassle,” Hitomi commented.

“Then I shall prepare your luggage for the trip,” Emma responded, as efficient and precise as ever.

The reforms I had implemented at The Venetian Macau had resulted in unprecedented monthly profits, bringing the business to a stable phase.

“I’ve ended up climbing the ranks pretty quickly, haven’t I?” Hitomi murmured.

Originally my secretary, she had been promoted by Sands’ headquarters, which recognized that her title needed more weight for both internal and external dealings. In just a month, she had rocketed up the corporate ladder, going from Secretary to Chief of the Secretariat, then Advisor to the Corporate Strategy Office, then Director of Sales, and finally Non-Executive Officer—an ascent worthy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

“It really was fast. It felt like watching a time-lapse of someone’s career progression.”

“Unbelievable, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

With that, I temporarily returned to Japan, resuming my role as a university student.

This time, the two of us traveled light.

I carried a Birkin bag with some miscellaneous items and a Dunhill autumn suit neatly packed in a large-capacity Briefing garment case prepared by Emma. The case even had a compartment for shoes—impressive.

Hitomi, on the other hand, had stuffed even her makeup into my Birkin, leaving her completely hands-free.

We boarded a private jet and returned to Itami Airport. From there, we headed to the parking lot where my Lexus LX was waiting, loaded our luggage into the backseat, and set off.

“Big cars really are comfortable. The G65 is nice, but the Lexus takes comfort to another level.”

“I totally agree.”

I first drove to Hitomi’s house to drop her off.

“My place is spacious, so why don’t you stay here until you move into your new home?”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.”

Gladly, I accepted her offer.

I gradually moved my belongings in, and by the time the fall semester began, I had settled in. I terminated my old lease, gave up my parking space, and rented two parking spots in Hitomi’s building, updating my vehicle registration.

On October 1st, the first day of the semester, I headed to the administrative office at the Suita Campus, rather than my usual Toyonaka Campus.

“I’m Kirishima.”

“Ah, Kirishima-kun! Just a moment!”

The response came in thick Kansai intonation. From behind the administration desk emerged a surprisingly young woman.

“Alright, let’s go!”

She led me to the President’s Office.

I found myself wondering—why were the administration staff at universities always young and cute?

Knock, knock, knock.

After a brief pause, a voice answered.

“Come in.”

“Excuse me.”

“Hello, Kirishima-kun. Congratulations on your achievement.”

The President extended his right hand.

“Ah, thank you.”

My response came out somewhat weak, but meeting the President in person for the first time and shaking his hand was nerve-wracking.

That’s when I noticed that the Dean of the Faculty of Law was also present, along with someone from the university’s PR department holding a large camera.

“Shall we proceed with the ceremony?”

At the cue from the administrator, the ceremony began.

“Student ID number 16〇〇〇〇〇〇, Kirishima Akira.

In recognition of your outstanding achievement in winning the Kobe Amateur Golf Championship, we hereby present this award.

October 1, Reiwa 〇〇.

Osaka University President, Hirata Masaaki.

Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

We shook hands firmly.

The moment was captured in photos and later published in the university’s internal magazine. For a while, Osaka University’s golf club members kept appearing around me almost daily.

After the ceremony, I ended up talking with the President about golf, which led to a lunch invitation.

Curious about what kind of meals university presidents eat, I quickly accepted.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Yes.”

The President had a university-assigned driver and a black Lexus LS, the latest model.

“A Lexus, huh?” I commented.

“Before I took office, it was an old Crown, but it was worn out and smelled of cigarettes, so I had it replaced,” he said with a laugh.

We arrived at a Japanese restaurant and were ushered into a private room. Without ordering, an elaborate course meal was served. Everything was delicious.

“What kind of places do you usually eat at, Kirishima-kun?”

Noticing his Kyoto accent, I replied, “Recently, I went to Saeki. But I’ve been abroad until just recently, so I haven’t eaten much in Japan.”

“Saeki? That’s not a place a university student usually goes to… Were you traveling?”

“Yes, I was in Las Vegas, Macau, and Monaco. I came back briefly for the golf tournament and then returned to Macau.”

“A gambling trip?”

“At first, it was for social study, but now I run a casino in Macau.”

“I don’t even know what to say… And that suit—Dunhill, right? Rolex watch… Kirishima-kun, who exactly are you?”

“Just a student who started with investments.”

“Stocks?”

“Various investments. My assets just kept growing.”

“Must be nice to say that.”

The President turned out to be a very easygoing person, and we even planned a golf outing together.

“Kirishima-kun, keep up the good work.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Returning home, Hitomi greeted me.

“Welcome back, Akira-kun.”

“I’m home, Hitomi.”

“Dinner’s ready.”

Having someone waiting at home felt wonderful. I savored the happiness of it.