The weekend sun had barely risen when Jin stepped off the jeepney near the town municipal hall. Wearing a simple polo shirt and slacks, he looked like just another college kid running errands. But in his folder were printed layouts, handwritten notes, and the first draft of Project Haven—the seed of something bigger.
Inside the office, a sleepy staff member raised a brow. "Building permit? You sure you're not too young for this?"
Jin smiled politely. "Just need the requirements, sir. I want to do this the right way."
---
Meanwhile, back in his neighborhood
At Dren's house, the boys were cleaning out a small room that would soon be converted into the first kitchen space. Aldrin was on a call with a secondhand supplier for basic kitchen tools. Mark was sketching out shelving and wiring needs.
Everyone had something to do. For once.
---
Back to the municipal office
The officer handed Jin a checklist. Jin scanned it quickly:
Proof of Land Ownership or Lease Agreement
Endorsed Building Plan (signed by licensed architect or engineer)
Barangay Clearance
Fire Safety & Sanitary Permits
Initial Tax Payment
He nodded. "Got it. I'll get all these."
Before leaving, he paused.
"Sir, is there a fast-track option?"
The staff member smirked. "Only if you're building a small project and pay upfront."
Jin pulled out a printed sketch of a 30 sqm food stall with a connected resting area.
"Like this?"
The man raised his brows. "...You did your homework. Alright. File this under micro-enterprise. Things move faster for those."
---
System Notification
> [New Task: Legalize Operations]
Time Limit: 14 Days
Bonus Talent Unlock if Completed Early.
---
Later that day – Family dinner
Jin's mom looked up from the dinner table. "You've been going out a lot lately. You working on something?"
Jin nodded. "Planning a small business. I'll take care of all expenses. Just need your trust."
His father didn't say much—just watched him for a moment, then gave a slow nod. It was enough.
---
Evening - Group Call with the Outside Circle (6 Friends)
Jin set up a Zoom meeting, something none of them had done in months.
The guys laughed at each other's broken mics and grainy webcams, but when Jin showed them the plan—his real plan—everything changed.
"You serious?" one of the Education majors, Kevin, asked.
"You really have land?" added Josh, the gamer.
"I have the opportunity," Jin said. "What I need are hands, eyes, and loyalty. You want in, this is your chance."
After a long silence, his friend Lance leaned in. "I've been waiting for something to believe in, bro. Count me in."
One by one, they all followed.
---
At the Architect's Office – Monday
Jin sat with Calix's cousin, a chill but sharp guy in his early 30s named Kuya Nico.
"Your plans are too clean for someone your age," Nico said. "Who's backing you?"
Jin just smiled. "Just me."
Nico leaned forward. "Alright. I'll help. But once this gets built... don't half-ass it. If you want real impact, it starts with discipline."
"Deal," Jin said.
They shook hands. Haven was now more than a dream—it was getting a blueprint.
---
System Notification
> [MISSION PROGRESS: 45%]
Status: Building Permit - In Process
Talent Progress: Visionary Leadership – 75% to Unlock
You are building faster than expected. Keep momentum.
Jin looked at the notification and exhaled.
Each step was heavy. But each one was real.
The kind of real that could change lives.
To be continued...
[Chapter 13 – First Investment, First Failure?]