A Chance In Life

After a week of selling snacks outside the school gates, Noah's small business was booming.

Every afternoon, students stopped by to buy cheaper snacks than what the canteen offered. Some even pre-ordered for the next day.

> ₱150.00 per day in revenue

₱45.00 per day in profit

At this rate, he could save up ₱1,000 in less than a month.

Everything was going perfectly.

Until the competition fought back.

---

One afternoon, as Noah was counting his earnings, Erwin appeared in front of him.

He was accompanied by two of his friends, both wearing smug expressions.

"Hey, Quinn," Erwin said, crossing his arms. " I heard you're earning well."

Noah remained calm. He had already expected some sort of retaliation.

"What do you want, Erwin?"

Erwin smirked. "Simple. Stop selling."

Noah chuckled. "And why would I?"

Erwin's smile faded. "Because this is my business."

Noah shook his head. "You're not the only one who can sell."

Erwin leaned in and whispered, "If you don't stop, you'll be the one to lose."

Then he walked away.

Noah frowned. What is he planning?

---

The next day, Noah noticed something strange.

As soon as he set up outside the school gates, some students who regularly bought from him avoided eye contact.

Some whispered among themselves.

One of his classmates, Mico, hesitated before approaching him.

"Noah… is what they're saying true?"

Noah frowned. "What are they saying?"

Mico bit his lip. "That you're making money by selling expired products."

Noah's blood ran cold.

"What?"

Mico nodded. "Erwin said your products are cheaper because you buy old stocks."

Noah clenched his fists.

This was a deliberate smear campaign.

---

Noah immediately changed his approach.

Instead of just denying the rumors, he proved them wrong.

The next day, he brought proof.

He carefully displayed the receipts and expiration dates of all his products, showing that they were fresh and bought wholesale.

"Free taste for anyone who wants to check!" he announced loudly.

Little by little, students regained their trust in him.

But Erwin wasn't done yet.

---

Just when Noah thought he had regained control, a teacher suddenly approached him.

"Noah Quinn, come with me at the Principal's Office."

His heart dropped.

As he entered the office, he saw Erwin standing there, smirking.

The principal, Mr. De Leon, looked at Noah with a serious expression.

"Noah, we received a complaint about you," the principal said.

Noah stayed calm. "What complaint?"

The principal sighed. "According to Erwin, not only are you selling expired products, but you're also selling without a business permit."

A business permit?

That was something he hadn't considered.

Even though he was just a student selling snacks, technically, he was operating a business without legal permission.

Noah glanced at Erwin.

This wasn't just about competition anymore. Erwin wanted him gone.

---

Noah took a deep breath.

"Sir, first of all, my products are not expired."

He handed over the receipts and expiration dates to the principal.

Mr. De Leon examined them.

"Hmm… it looks like you're telling the truth," he admitted.

Erwin's expression twitched.

Noah continued, "And regarding the business permit… there's no school rule saying I can't sell outside the gate."

The principal hesitated.

Erwin immediately spoke up. "But sir, that's unfair! We pay to sell in the canteen, and he doesn't?"

Mr. De Leon frowned.

Noah saw his chance.

"Sir, if you want fairness, why not allow all students to sell outside? If we need a student business permit, I'd be happy to apply for one."

The principal paused.

Erwin's face turned pale.

Noah's argument made sense.

---

After a long silence, Mr. De Leon finally said:

"Noah, you're not breaking any rules. But because this is causing conflict, we will make a new policy."

He took a deep breath.

"From now on, any student who wants to sell near the school premises must apply for permission from the school administration."

Erwin grinned.

That meant Noah had to stop.

But then

"Noah, since you suggested it, I'll give you the first opportunity to apply. If your application is in order, you can continue."

Erwin's face turned red.

Noah smiled.

He had turned the situation around.

---

Later that day, Erwin cornered Noah again.

"Son of a btch, Noah," Erwin hissed. "You think you're someone important, huh?"

Noah didn't flinch.

"If you want to sell, do it properly, Erwin."

Erwin's fists clenched.

"This isn't over."

Noah simply smirked.

"I know."

---

System Notification

> [SOCIAL CONFLICT RESOLVED]

Reward: +1 Intelligence, [Beginner's Persuasion Skill]

Noah grinned.

He had just survived his first social battle.

And he was ready for more.

---

End of Chapter 5

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