Chapter 8: Gradual Availability of Supplies
Phoenix provided his address to the restaurant staff for the delivery of the hot pot bases. For other food supplies, he planned to obtain them directly from Walmart's warehouse when needed. The hot pot bases, a unique offering not typically sold in stores, were vital for recreating the restaurant experience at home, which is why customers would flock to dine in rather than just buying bagged hot pot ingredients from a market.
As Phoenix was settling his bill, his phone rang with a call from the manager of the five-star hotel.
"Mr. Phoenix, the 500 tables worth of banquets you ordered are ready. Is it convenient for you to receive the delivery now?" the manager inquired.
"Yes, you can send them over," Phoenix replied.
Back at his residence, Phoenix awaited the arrival of a feast that would sustain him for years. With millions still in hand, the urgency to spend it outweighed any stinginess.
On his way home, Phoenix pondered other culinary delights he enjoyed. In a spree of orders, he contacted several top restaurants in Solstice City, requesting each to deliver a hundred tables of their finest dishes to him. A gastronomic spread of eight major cuisines, including Western fare, soon amounted to thousands of tables' worth of food, securing his culinary needs for the foreseeable future.
When the Hotel's delivery trucks arrived at the entrance of the neighborhood, the fleet of vehicles caused quite the spectacle, drawing the community's attention. Uncle Isaac, the security guard, intervened, demanding to know the purpose of their visit. The hotel manager explained, but Uncle Isaac insisted on owner verification before allowing entry due to the magnitude of the delivery.
Phoenix descended to the neighborhood's entrance, where a crowd, including curious neighbors and the observant Mira and Iris, had gathered. He reassured Uncle Isaac, "These trucks are delivering food to me. Please let them in."
The neighbors buzzed with speculation and awe as they realized the scale of the delivery. Rumors and admiration spread rapidly, with many concluding that Phoenix was a hidden tycoon.
Amidst the murmurs, Mira approached Phoenix with a smile, seeking to ingratiate herself. Phoenix, however, was nonchalant, dismissing her inquiries and distracting Uncle Isaac with a cigarette while the hotel staff began unloading the banquet into his home.
Mira persisted, attempting to maintain a connection with Phoenix, who deflected her advances by attributing the purchases to his boss. Her interest waned as Phoenix affirmed his ordinary financial status, and she tactfully retreated, still wanting to keep him as a friend, albeit at a distance now.
The hotel employees worked to store the lavish banquet inside Phoenix's home. Unbeknownst to them, Phoenix discreetly transferred all the food into his alien space, avoiding any detection.
That evening, Ryan from Battle Dragon Security Company contacted Phoenix, ready to commence building the safe house. Phoenix scheduled the work for the next day, intending to relocate to a hotel in the meantime.
The conversation then turned to a more sensitive matter: Phoenix's request for a firearm, which Ryan had initially been hesitant about. However, Ryan eventually offered to make an introduction, with the understanding that the cost would be substantial. Phoenix, unconcerned about the expense, emphasized the importance of quality.
Ryan agreed to facilitate the introduction and promised to provide Phoenix with the transaction details in three days.