Chapter 128: Wrapped up and renting failed

Chapter 128: Wrapped up and renting failed

(3rd Person POV)

Weeks flew by, and Arthur's production of "Demonfather Part 2" neared completion without major hitches.

Anubis, Leviathan, Anus, and the other mobsters who'd witnessed the production found themselves in a complex emotional state. They'd become too invested, and Michael's arc left them conflicted.

The order to kill his brother Fredo hit hard. The mobsters didn't want to accept it, yet their line of work made Michael's decision grimly understandable. Fredo's betrayal had nearly cost Michael and his wife their lives, all because he couldn't stomach taking orders from his younger brother.

Still, watching Fredo's death scene on the boat was heart-wrenching.

After filming the final scenes, the crew erupted into applause, celebrating the project's completion.

Arthur addressed his team, "Guys, we deserve to celebrate at the restaurant in Fantasia Plaza!" He gestured to Anubis and his friends. "Anubis and the others will order us free drinks!"

"Yeah!" the crew cheered.

Anubis and his mobster friends smiled wryly but acquiesced. "I'll order the most expensive dishes for everyone!" Anubis declared, with the other bosses promising top-shelf liquor.

Arthur smiled inwardly. 'This is the perk of having mobs as friends,' he thought.

"Arthur, can we talk later?"

Arthur turned to see Firfel.

"I have something to discuss about the amulet," she said quietly.

Arthur nodded. "Of course." Then, with a grin, he added, "But first, we celebrate!"

Firfel returned his smile and nodded.

"Master Arthur, can we finally scare other people as a reward?" Diddy approached Arthur eagerly.

"Yes, but don't go too far," Arthur conceded. The ghosts celebrated as he added, "Don't even think of escaping. I've honed my ability to pull you back from the ends of the earth. I've imprinted on all of you."

Diddy and the others visibly sweated. "We won't stray, boss! We'll return obediently!"

"Good," Arthur chuckled as the ghosts vanished.

Firfel watched the exchange, curious. "You're sure it's okay to let them go like that?"

"Hehe, I wasn't lying about my ability to pull them back. And I really did imprint on them," Arthur giggled.

Firfel looked astonished. "You're indeed full of surprises."

"Haha, am I?" Arthur grinned.

"Though I kind of feel bad for those ghosts. They're like unpaid workers for you," Firfel mused.

"Come on, don't feel bad," Arthur reassured her. "I think they've started to enjoy filming."

Seeing Firfel's skepticism, he added, "I also promised to include them in future films. They're excited about it."

Arthur nodded, "Yeah."

"What do you want? My time is precious," Delvin said curtly.

Unfazed by the cold treatment, Arthur stated his purpose. "I'm planning to rent space in the casino section of Fantasia Plaza."

Delvin frowned. "That's it?"

Arthur nodded again.

Delvin sighed, "I'm sorry, but several casino companies have the whole section rented out. It's called the 'Casino Section' for a reason."

"That's why I wanted to meet you," Arthur smiled. "I heard White Casino's lease is about to expire? I'd be happy to fill that spot."

Delvin shook his head. "White Casino is a loyal tenant. We're already in talks for renewal."

"Come on, I'm willing to pay double," Arthur pressed, well aware of the valuable foot traffic in Fantasia Plaza.

Curiosity piqued, Delvin asked, "What do you need the space for anyway? Is it for a film project?"

"No, it's for my gaming machines," Arthur replied with a smile.

"Gaming... machines?" Delvin echoed, assuming, "Are they gambling devices?"

"Something like that," Arthur chuckled, not quite ready to reveal the full nature of his arcade machines.

Delvin considered for a moment before shaking his head. "Sorry, but I can't risk our loyal tenant for someone with unclear intentions for the area."

As Delvin's words hung in the air, Arthur realized he'd have to change tactics. The general manager clearly valued loyalty and certainty over potential profits.

Perhaps a demonstration of the arcade machines would be necessary to sway Delvin's opinion.

"What if I could show you exactly what these machines can do?" Arthur proposed, a new plan forming in his mind. "I think you'll find they offer something unique that could draw even more visitors to Fantasia Plaza."

Delvin showed no interest in learning about the "gaming machine," firmly shaking his head.

Despite Arthur's continued attempts to persuade him, Delvin remained rooted in his stance.

Arthur shook his head, feeling a twinge of pity. He understood Delvin's desire to keep a loyal tenant, but it was a missed opportunity. Fantasia Plaza could have been the birthplace of video games in this world.

He didn't want to force the issue with an arrogant general manager. Clearly, Delvin's position at Fantasia Plaza, owned by the powerful Westfield real estate company, had gone to his head. He wasn't open to potential new business ventures.

'I guess it's time for Plan B,' Arthur thought to himself.

He'd already prepared for the possibility of Fantasia Plaza's rejection. The alternative: Hellscape Center.

While not as popular as Fantasia Plaza, Hellscape Center could serve as a decent substitute.

While the Hellscape Center appeared to be thriving, the property firm that owned it was struggling with bankruptcy.

Although Arthur was initially hesitant to venture into real estate or property businesses, he began to consider acquiring the company solely to implement his plan for introducing video technology.