Chapter 293: The Expensive Gift

August 15th, 2028. Quezon City, Philcoa.

The sky was clear, and the sun shone brightly over the old Citi Mall Philcoa. A fleet of construction vehicles, including excavators and bulldozers, surrounded the dilapidated building. Workers in hard hats and neon vests moved purposefully, preparing for the demolition.

Michael Reyes stood at a safe distance, watching the scene unfold. Bridget and Juliet stood beside him, sharing his sense of anticipation. The construction firm had been hired to bring down the old mall, marking the first major step in the redevelopment project.

Today marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one," Michael said.

A loud horn blared, signaling the start of the demolition. The excavators roared to life, their massive arms swinging into action. The first blow struck the building's facade, sending a cloud of dust into the air. Brick by brick, the old mall began to crumble.

Juliet watched intently. "It's fascinating to see how quickly something that took years to build can be brought down."

Michael nodded. "It's necessary for progress. We have to clear the old to make way for the new."

The demolition continued throughout the day, with workers ensuring safety protocols were strictly followed.

***

October 15th, 2028. Quezon City, Philcoa.

The sky was clear once again as the crowd gathered on the cleared site of the former Citi Mall Philcoa. Rows of white chairs were neatly arranged under a large tent adorned with banners from Reyes Corporation and SM Prime Holdings. A stage with a podium stood at the front, and a table with ceremonial shovels awaited the groundbreaking.

Michael Reyes stood at the edge of the tent, greeting guests and shaking hands. Among the guests were community leaders, local politicians, business partners, and media representatives.

Juliet was busy ensuring everything was in place, coordinating with the event staff, and making sure the schedule was on track. She had worked tirelessly to prepare for this moment, and it showed in the meticulous setup.

Meanwhile, inside the tent, Michael and Henry Sy, Jr. were having a glass of champagne.

"Mr. Reyes...it's great to finally see you in person. You have been an incredible person, especially with your humble beginnings," Henry praised.

"I appreciate your kind words, Mr. Sy," Michael replied, a modest smile on his face. "But I couldn't have come this far without the support of my team and the community."

Henry raised his glass in a toast. "To teamwork and community. It's clear that you value both, and that's a big part of why SM Prime is excited about this partnership. Your vision for this mall is truly inspiring."

Michael clinked his glass with Henry's. "To new beginnings and successful partnerships."

Henry stepped forward, taking his place at the podium. "Thank you, Mr. Reyes. It's an honor to be here today, and I am excited about what we will achieve together. This project represents a fusion of innovation and tradition, bringing together the strengths of both Reyes Corporation and SM Prime Holdings.

Together, we will build a space that not only meets the needs of the community but also sets a new standard for what a modern mall can be."

The crowd applauded once more as Henry finished his speech. Michael and Henry moved to the table where the ceremonial shovels awaited. Each took a shovel, joined by a few key figures from their respective teams. With a nod to each other, they dug into the soil.

Cameras flashed, and the crowd cheered, capturing the moment for posterity. Michael felt a surge of pride and determination as he worked alongside Henry, knowing that this was just the beginning of a long and rewarding journey.

After the groundbreaking, the guests mingled under the tent, enjoying refreshments and discussing the exciting future of the site. Michael took the opportunity to speak with community leaders and local officials, reinforcing his commitment to the project's success and addressing any concerns they might have.

Henry approached Michael once more, a satisfied smile on his face. "Today was a great success, Mr. Reyes. I'm looking forward to seeing how this project unfolds."

"Thank you, Henry. Your support means a lot. Together, we're going to create something truly special," Michael replied and added. "Please, enjoy yourselves as I have to meet someone."

"Oh please, go ahead. I'll be mingling with the guests," Henry said with a warm smile.

Michael excused himself and made his way to a quieter part of the tent where his mother, Myra, stood watching the festivities. Her eyes lit up when she saw him approaching.

"Michael," Myra hugged Michael the moment he came near her.

Michael embraced her warmly. "So, what do you think Ma? Isn't this great? When I said that I would bring you a mall, I would bring you a mall. And now it's coming to reality."

"I know," Myra said, her voice full of pride. "But, Michael, you don't have to do all this just for me. It's such a huge undertaking."

"Ma, I have to. This is not just about the mall or the business. It's about honoring everything you've done for me."

Myra's eyes filled with tears as she took her son's hand. "You've always been so determined, Michael."

Michael squeezed her hand gently. "Thank you ma,"

Suddenly, his notification system popped up.

[Congratulations! You have completed a mission "Build a Mall!"]

[You have received 100,000 System Points!]