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

“Yo, what’s up?”

“Hey, man. What’s up?”

For some reason, college students use “what’s up” as a greeting, even when they’re not actually tired.

“I heard you hit it big at pachinko?

What’s gotten into you, offering to treat me?”

“Well, you treated me when you won big, and you also introduced me to some short-term gigs when I was broke. Consider this my way of saying thanks.”

That’s the thing about Shimizu—he’s got a bit of a boss-like personality.

He lives by the philosophy of ‘easy come, easy go’ and loves treating people whenever he gets the chance.

He’s a generous guy, but not in a reckless way—there’s something about him that hints at a well-bred upbringing.

In that sense, he almost reminds me of some politician.

He’s well-connected at university, knows a ton of people, and has quite the reputation.

“Oh? That’s rare.

Well, if that’s the case, then I won’t hold back. How about shabu-shabu?”

Shimizu’s eyes glinted mischievously as he threw out the suggestion without mercy.

“Let’s not go anywhere too high-end, alright?”

With that settled, the two of us headed to Namba, making our way to a slightly upscale meat restaurant—expensive by college student standards—where we enjoyed a good meal and strengthened our friendship.

After dinner, as if to return the favor, Shimizu took me to a girls’ bar.

There, I watched in amusement as he clumsily tried to flirt with the hostesses, making things way more awkward than necessary.

It was a fun night.

On the train ride home, we chatted about the usual college nonsense—like which professors gave easy credits and which seminar we should join next year.

At some point, Shimizu’s eyes landed on the gold watch gleaming on my wrist.

“Oh, damn. That’s a Rolex, isn’t it?

Wait, is that… an antique Onyx Day-Date?”

“Oh, this? Yeah, I got it from someone I know.

I just figured, ‘why not?’ and asked if I could have it, expecting them to say no. But they were like, ‘It’s old anyway, and this gives me an excuse to buy a new one,’ so they gave it to me.”

Apparently, my Rolex was a Day-Date.

From what I’d heard, it was quite popular in the antique market, and its value had been skyrocketing in recent years.

I didn’t dare ask about the price—it was too terrifying to know.

“Kaaaah! I’m so damn jealous!

You get a Day-Date for free, you hit big at pachinko—what the hell!?”

Shimizu was beyond envious.

I figured that if I tried to be too humble about it, he’d start joking about me giving it to him, which would be a pain to deal with.

So instead, I said,

“Man, sometimes you just gotta ask.

Ever since I got this, I feel like my luck’s been insane.

This thing’s my treasure now—no way I’m letting anyone touch it.”

Hearing that, Shimizu nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, better not let anyone touch it. Might mess with your luck.”

It seemed to light a fire in him.

Inspired by everything, Shimizu started talking about how he was going to take action and go after what he wanted in life.

Before we knew it, we had arrived at our respective stations and parted ways.

When I got home, I thought,

“Maybe I’ll try horse racing tomorrow.”

With that thought in mind, I soaked in the bath, scrolled through my phone, and eventually dozed off.