Chapter Fourteen: Selling The Second-Hand Car

Ethan woke up early, his mind already buzzing with the day's plans. Today, he was going to sell the second-hand car he had recently acquired. It was a crucial step in building his financial foundation, and he needed to handle it carefully.

He headed downstairs for breakfast, where his mother was already preparing pancakes. The smell filled the kitchen, making his stomach growl.

"Good morning, Mom," Ethan greeted, taking a seat at the table.

"Good morning, sweetheart," she replied, smiling warmly. "You're up early. Any plans for today?"

Ethan nodded. "Yeah, I have to meet someone about selling that car I bought a few weeks ago."

His mother raised an eyebrow. "Selling it already? You haven't had it for long."

Ethan shrugged. "I got a good deal on it, and I think I can sell it for a profit. Trying to make some extra money."

She nodded approvingly. "Just be careful. Make sure you get a fair price."

"Don't worry, Mom. I've done my research," Ethan assured her.

After breakfast, Ethan gathered all the necessary documents for the car sale and made his way to the garage. The car, a sleek second-hand sedan, gleamed in the morning light. He had bought it at a bargain price, knowing he could flip it for a profit with a bit of effort.

Ethan drove to a nearby park where he had arranged to meet the potential buyer. He parked the car and waited, checking his watch occasionally. A few minutes later, a man in his late twenties approached, wearing jeans and a leather jacket.

"Are you Ethan?" the man asked, extending a hand.

"Yes, that's me," Ethan replied, shaking his hand firmly. "You must be Mark."

"Yeah, nice to meet you," Mark said, glancing at the car. "So, this is the car you're selling?"

Ethan nodded. "Yep, this is it. A 2010 Honda Accord, in great condition. I've had it checked by a mechanic, and everything's in top shape."

Mark walked around the car, inspecting it closely. "Looks good from the outside. Mind if I take a look under the hood?"

"Sure, go ahead," Ethan said, popping the hood.

Mark examined the engine, nodding appreciatively. "Seems well-maintained. How much are you asking for it?"

Ethan took a deep breath, knowing this was the crucial part. "I'm asking for $6,000."

Mark's eyebrows shot up. "Six thousand? That seems a bit high for a car this age."

Ethan smiled, anticipating the negotiation. "I understand it might seem that way, but this model is known for its reliability, and like I said, it's in excellent condition. Plus, I've already had it checked by a mechanic, so you won't need to worry about any immediate repairs."

Mark scratched his head, clearly considering his options. "I was thinking more around $4,500. That seems fair for a car this old."

Ethan shook his head slightly. "I appreciate the offer, but $4,500 is a bit low. How about we meet in the middle at $5,500?"

Mark frowned, crossing his arms. "I don't know. $5,500 is still pretty steep. How about $5,000? That's my final offer."

Ethan pretended to think it over, knowing he could push for a bit more. "Alright, $5,000 is close, but I really need to get at least $5,300. It's a fair price considering the condition and the market value."

Mark sighed, looking at the car again. "Fine, $5,300. But I want to take it for a test drive first."

"Of course," Ethan agreed, handing him the keys.

Mark got into the driver's seat, and Ethan joined him in the passenger seat. They drove around the neighborhood, with Mark testing the brakes, acceleration, and overall handling. After a few minutes, they returned to the park.

"Drives well," Mark admitted, turning off the engine. "Alright, $5,300 it is."

Ethan smiled, feeling a sense of victory. "Great. Let's get the paperwork sorted out."

They spent the next half hour filling out the necessary documents, transferring ownership, and arranging the payment. Ethan had brought a bill of sale, which both of them signed. Mark handed over a cashier's check for $5,300, and Ethan gave him the keys and the title.

"Pleasure doing business with you," Mark said, shaking Ethan's hand again.

"Likewise," Ethan replied. "I hope you enjoy the car."

With the transaction complete, Ethan watched as Mark drove away in the Honda Accord. He felt a surge of satisfaction. He had successfully sold the car for a profit, adding a significant amount to his growing savings.

As he walked home, Ethan couldn't help but feel proud of himself. He was making progress, one step at a time. Each small victory brought him closer to his ultimate goals.

Back home, his father was in the garage, working on a woodworking project. He looked up as Ethan approached.

"How'd it go?" his father asked, wiping sweat from his brow.

"It went well," Ethan replied, holding up the cashier's check. "Sold it for $5,300."

His father's eyes widened in surprise. "That's impressive, son. You're really getting the hang of this business stuff."

Ethan smiled, feeling the warmth of his father's praise. "Thanks, Dad. It's all about doing the research and knowing the right moves."

His father nodded, a proud look in his eyes. "Just remember, it's important to stay honest and fair in all your dealings. Reputation is everything in business."

"I know, Dad. Thanks for the advice," Ethan said, feeling a deep sense of gratitude.

That evening, as Ethan sat down to dinner with his family, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was making tangible progress, and he knew that with each step, he was getting closer to achieving his dreams.

"So, what's next?" his mother asked, passing him the bowl of salad.

Ethan smiled, feeling a spark of excitement. "Next, I'm going to look into some investments. Maybe explore some opportunities in the entertainment industry. There are a lot of possibilities out there."

His father nodded approvingly. "Just remember to stay focused and keep learning. The more knowledge you have, the better prepared you'll be."

Ethan's younger sister, Lily, looked up from her plate. "Are you going to be rich, Ethan?"

He chuckled, ruffling her hair. "That's the plan, Lily. But it's not just about the money. It's about building something meaningful."

As they continued to chat and laugh, Ethan felt a deep sense of contentment. He had a second chance at life, and he was determined to make the most of it. With his family's support and his own determination, he knew he could achieve anything he set his mind to.

Later that night, as Ethan lay in bed, he thought about the day's events. Selling the car had been a significant step, but it was just the beginning. He had a long road ahead, filled with challenges and opportunities.

"I will succeed," he whispered to himself, his resolve unwavering. "I will build a life of success and happiness. And I will have my revenge."