Jin stared at the now-clean unit across their home. It wasn't flashy — just a single-story space with one bedroom, one bath, and a modest kitchen — but it was ready.
> "System Notification: Mission Unlocked — 'First Tenant'"
Objective: Find your first reliable renter.
Bonus Reward: Early Access to Beginner Property Management Tools
He raised an eyebrow.
"No cash reward?"
> "Nope," the system replied cheekily. "Think long-term, kiddo."
---
That morning, Jin prepared a simple flyer. Just plain white bond paper with a black-and-white photo and the words:
FOR RENT — 1BR House
Affordable | Quiet Area | Walking Distance to Main Road
Contact: 09XXXXXXXXX (text only)
He printed three copies at the shop beside the school, posted one at the local store, one at the church bulletin board, and one near the tricycle terminal. Then he waited.
He didn't rush.
Instead, he went home and helped his younger sister with her modules while his mom prepared lunch. His dad, tired from another night shift, slept in the living room, snoring softly.
> "This is why I'm doing this," Jin thought, quietly folding laundry beside his mom.
---
Two days later, he got a message.
A woman named "Lena," 28, asked if the place was still available.
> "May I see it this afternoon, if okay lang?"
Jin replied calmly: "Yes po. 4 PM?"
He wore a plain shirt and jeans, brought a checklist the system had provided — things to observe during tenant interviews:
Consistency in answers
Politeness and respect
Payment plans
Lena arrived right on time. She was soft-spoken, carrying a young child in her arms.
"I work at the carinderia near the gas station," she said. "I just need a safe place for me and my daughter."
Jin nodded. He didn't act like a landlord. Just a regular guy showing a place.
He noticed she checked the locks, opened the windows, and asked thoughtful questions. The system sent a soft ping in his mind:
> "Potentially Reliable. No red flags detected."
She looked at Jin. "How much is the rent again?"
"3,000 per month. One month advance, one month deposit."
She didn't hesitate. "Okay. I can move in by weekend."
---
Later that night, Jin updated the system.
> "Mission Complete: First Tenant Secured"
Reward Unlocked: Beginner Property Dashboard (Passive)
You can now monitor rental flow, tenant status, and property health.
Bonus Buff: +2% monthly rent efficiency (secret perk: kindness bonus applied)
He exhaled softly, a rare moment of relief on his face.
---
Back at the dinner table, Jin didn't say anything about it. His parents talked about bills and his brother's cough. His sister showed her drawings. Everything was still the same.
But Jin's eyes lingered on them with a quiet determination.
> "One property down," he thought. "This is just the beginning."
He was still 18.
Still a student.
Still unknown.
But somewhere in his heart, a seed had been planted.
And it was growing, silently… powerfully.
---
End of Chapter 15