The sun had just begun its climb over Desa Lurah, painting the streets gold as villagers opened their shops and called out greetings to neighbors. At Toko Kue Palm Sari, the morning symphony of ovens humming, mixers whirring, and soft chatter set a comforting rhythm. The bakery's display windows gleamed, showcasing rows of pandan chiffon cakes, sleek chocolate roulades, and the day's special: honey-lemon cream puffs.
Behind the counter, Phuby tapped through his phone, reviewing a steady stream of online orders. Each notification felt like a vote of confidence. He glanced up to see Hana in the back, assisting Mrs. Wulan as they arranged freshly boxed birthday cakes on a trolley. Hana's Bahasa Indonesia was growing more fluid by the day—her attempts at Sundanese sprinkled into conversation charmed the regulars and earned her warm smiles.
Despite the bustle around him, Phuby's mind buzzed with a different kind of energy. Their livestream collaboration from the night before had sparked a surge of interest: viewers loved watching Hana's careful piping technique and Mrs. Wulan's wise baking tips. But behind that viral sparkle lay a logistical challenge—how to fulfill dozens of cake orders without risking delays or damaged goods.
During a lull in customer traffic, Phuby wiped his hands on his apron and caught Om Luky's eye. His stepfather stood by the shop's front doors, wiping away smudges of flour on the glass.
"Om," Phuby said quietly, drawing Luky aside. "I've been thinking… We can't keep borrowing GoSend deliveries or squeezing orders onto my motorbike. We need our own vehicle for this business—something reliable, something we can brand."
Om Luky studied him. "You mean… buy a truck?"
Phuby nodded. "A pickup truck. Durable bed for boxes, room for ingredients, and enough power to handle weekend rushes. I've researched a used Daihatsu Gran Max that fits our needs and budget."
Luky nodded slowly, then cracked a proud smile. "Alright, Bos Kecil. Let's see it."
After closing for midday prayers and lunch, the trio drove to a reputable dealership on the edge of town. Rows of vehicles stood in neat lines under the sun. A salesman led them to a bright white Gran Max, its cargo bed empty but perfectly sized for bakery crates. Phuby tested the steering, Luky checked the engine, and Mrs. Wulan inspected the tires.
"This is perfect," Phuby declared. The dealer quoted a price of Rp130,000,000, which Phuby paid from his DANA-linked account.
Moments later, his phone pinged with a system notification:
SYSTEM CASHBACK ACTIVATEDPurchase: Rp130,000,000Cashback (2×): Rp260,000,000 credited to your account.
Phuby's balance updated immediately. He exhaled in relief, knowing that smart planning would keep their finances solid.
The next morning, the new Gran Max stood proudly outside the shophouse, already decked in vinyl decals bearing the bakery's pastel logo and contact number. Hana filmed a short "unboxing" video for Instagram, slipping behind the steering wheel to show the spacious bed and comfortable cabin, promising viewers "deliveries with love and style."
Om Luky climbed into the driver's seat, beaming. "Let me take it for our first run," he said. Phuby and Hana loaded a trolley of assorted pastries—cream horns, strawberry tarts, and coffee-flavored loaf slices—into the bed. As the truck smoothly navigated Cirebon's narrow alleyways, customers peeked out windows and waved at the bakery's newest addition.
By noon, they had completed three delivery runs without a hitch. Each recipient smiled as Mr. Luky hopped out of the truck, offering perfectly intact confections and a friendly greeting. Word quickly spread that Palm Sari's treats arrived fresh and on time.
That evening, after the shop had closed and the last pans were cleaned, the family gathered in their cozy living room. Mrs. Wulan served bowls of warm bubur sumsum topped with palm sugar syrup, while Hana handed out cups of sweet iced tea. The new truck's presence outside felt like a symbol of how far they had come.
Phuby cleared his throat. "I wanted to thank all of you—for trusting my ideas, for working so hard. This pickup is more than a vehicle. It's our backbone for growth."
Luky raised his glass. "To the best boss I know—my son."
Hana leaned in and whispered, "To our sweet journey ahead."
Phuby's heart swelled. "We're just getting started. Next week, we'll look into catering small events. With this truck, we can handle bulk orders, custom cakes, even corporate deals."
Mrs. Wulan smiled, eyes shining. "Your grandfather would be proud."
As the night deepened and the city lights flickered below, Phuby stepped onto the rooftop with a cup of strong black coffee and a single cigarette. He took one slow drag—the ritual that grounded him—and looked out over Desa Lurah.
No matter what twists awaited them, he knew this: with family by his side and a system that fueled his dreams, there was no limit to how far they could go.