SWNOVELXO Chapter 36: The Canvassing
The next day, Saimon arrived at the Toyota dealership bright and early to pick up his new ride. The Hilux Conquest was waiting for him, polished to perfection and gleaming under the morning sun. Matthew and Leo tagged along, eager to see Saimon officially take ownership of the truck that had already started to feel like a cornerstone of their future plans.
Saimon practically jogged to the vehicle, his excitement evident. The dealership representative handed him the keys and walked him through the final details of the purchase. After signing a few more papers, Saimon slid into the driver's seat with a wide grin, taking a moment to appreciate the luxurious interior.
"Alright, let's hit the road," Saimon said confidently, turning the key in the ignition. The powerful engine roared to life, and he looked back at Matthew and Leo, who were seated comfortably in the back.
"Don't scratch it on the first day," Leo teased, buckling his seatbelt.
Saimon shot him a mock glare. "Trust me, I've got this. Let's go."
With the formalities done, the three of them left the dealership and headed toward their first stop—a computer hardware store in the city. The plan for the day was simple: begin canvassing for the equipment they would need to start developing Matthew's privacy and security software. They'd compiled a list the night before, focusing on high-performance servers, networking equipment, and peripherals for their makeshift office setup.
The hardware store was tucked into a busy commercial district, its entrance flanked by glass windows showcasing the latest gadgets and components. As they stepped inside, the cool air-conditioning greeted them, along with the hum of computers and displays running promotional videos. Rows of neatly arranged shelves lined the store, stocked with everything from motherboards and GPUs to office printers and ergonomic chairs.
"Alright," Matthew said, pulling out his notebook. "First on the list: servers. We'll need something robust enough to handle the encryption processes and AI models."
They approached a section dedicated to servers and high-end computer towers. A sales representative joined them, smiling warmly. "Good morning, sirs. Looking for something specific?"
"Yes," Matthew replied. "We're setting up a small operation and need servers that can handle heavy computational workloads. What do you recommend?"
The representative nodded thoughtfully and led them to a display of enterprise-grade servers. "These models are ideal for startups and small businesses. They're equipped with Intel Xeon processors and support scalable memory configurations. If you're working with AI or encryption, these should perform well."
Saimon leaned in, inspecting one of the units. "What's the price range for these?"
"The basic models start at around ₱150,000," the representative explained. "If you're looking for more advanced specs, the price can go up to ₱400,000 per unit."
Matthew jotted down the details, nodding. "Good to know. We'll need at least two to start with, but we'll make the final decision after comparing prices."
Next, they moved to the networking section, where the sales rep introduced them to high-speed routers, switches, and firewalls. Matthew knew that building a secure development environment required reliable networking gear.
"For secure data transfer and real-time communication, I'd recommend these models," the representative said, pointing to a sleek router with multiple antennas. "It supports gigabit speeds and comes with built-in VPN support."
"How much for the router and switches?" Leo asked, crossing his arms.
"The router is ₱25,000, and the switches range from ₱15,000 to ₱50,000, depending on the number of ports and features."
Matthew nodded again, making more notes. "We'll also need firewalls with advanced security features. Can you recommend any?"
The representative guided them to a shelf displaying firewalls designed for small and medium businesses. "These models provide intrusion prevention, malware detection, and other essential features. Prices range from ₱30,000 to ₱80,000."
Saimon whistled low. "Starting a business isn't cheap, huh?"
"Good equipment is an investment," Matthew replied. "We're building something reliable, so it's worth it."
Their next stop was the peripherals section, where they explored options for monitors, keyboards, and other accessories. Leo pointed to a curved monitor on display. "Now this looks like it means business."
The sales rep chuckled. "That's a 34-inch ultrawide monitor, perfect for multitasking and working on large datasets. It's ₱40,000."
"We'll need at least three good monitors," Matthew said, turning to Saimon and Leo. "Two for the development team and one for the dashboard."
They also checked out ergonomic chairs and desks, knowing they'd spend long hours working. Saimon tested a chair with lumbar support, spinning it slightly. "I'm sold. If I'm going to sit for hours, it better be in something like this."
"That's ₱15,000," the rep said. "It's one of our best-selling models."
By the time they left the hardware store, their list was almost complete, and their minds were buzzing with calculations. They'd noted down prices and specs, and Matthew planned to create a budget proposal that evening.
Back in the Hilux, Saimon tapped the steering wheel thoughtfully. "So, what's next?"
"Let's visit the office furniture store," Matthew suggested. "We'll need tables, chairs, and maybe some shelves. Then we can start scouting for a small office space."
Leo yawned from the back seat. "Man, this feels like a crash course in starting a business."
Matthew chuckled. "Welcome to the grind."
Their next stop was a nearby office supply store, where they browsed through desks, filing cabinets, and storage options. Matthew focused on functionality, while Saimon and Leo debated over aesthetics.
"This desk looks solid," Matthew said, pointing to a sturdy wooden table. "It's big enough to hold a dual-monitor setup."
"Yeah, but this one looks cooler," Leo said, gesturing to a desk with a sleek black finish.
Saimon rolled his eyes. "Function over form, Leo. Let's stick with what works."
After finalizing their choices, they loaded the details into Matthew's notebook and decided to call it a day. As they piled back into the Hilux, the sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the city.
"Good day's work," Saimon said, adjusting the rearview mirror.
"Yeah," Matthew agreed. "We're making progress. One step at a time."
Leo leaned back, looking out the window. "Feels good to be building something, doesn't it?"
Matthew nodded, a small smile forming. "It does. This is just the beginning."