Life at the Top

“Over four billion…”

It was a figure that would raise blood pressures and burst arteries. Jack felt his scalp go numb at the sight.

While his current boss was Charles Granger, the richest man in the world, and four billion dollars was only a fraction of his wealth, it was only because Charles was his boss.

As a professional manager, Jack’s annual salary was already considered to be one of the country’s top-paid occupations. Still, Jack’s mouth dried at the sight of such a terrifying figure.

“If you still have any doubts, Mr. Tanner, you can come with me to Commercial Bank to verify it,” Jasper spoke plainly.

Jack smiled in embarrassment and could hear the jab in Jasper’s words. “That’s alright. I’m sure you have no reason to joke about something like this, Mr. Laine.”

“Indeed. Both our time is too precious for that.” Jasper gestured back at the seat Jack had sat on before. Understanding what he meant, Jack sat back down.

Jack recollected his emotions and spoke, “If I may ask, Mr. Laine, is all your capital yours or your family’s, or is it a joint venture?”

Jasper smiled. “Are you updated with the futures market, Mr. Tanner?”

Jack nodded. “I haven’t dabbled in it myself, but I do know that two mysterious retail investors have recently appeared in the futures market.

“One of them earned tens of millions worth of revenue with just a few hundred thousand as capital in the domestic bean futures market not too long ago.

“While the other took a step further with international crude oil futures, earning a whopping few billions… Wait. Were both retail investor accounts yours?”

Jack was stunned by his own deduction as he stared at Jasper in disbelief.

a month ago. I got myself an 800-million-dollar loan with my house’s mortgage, and that 800

of boasting in Jasper’s tone. In fact, the man sounded like he was retelling a

entire time. I never thought that it’d be you. It’ll be thundering news should the public come to

smiled and asked, “Well then, Mr. Tanner,

asked, “I have no doubts about your abilities, Mr. Laine.

for a good boss was one who

however, was more concerned about the boss’ ideals. He would not entertain the

essentially a mutual inspection between the boss and their professional manager, as opposed to the boss

response to Jack’s question, Jasper replied with

what would happen in 20 years, Jasper knew very well that the internet would be an industry that

Abbylon Inc. and Terizone Inc. in the future were companies that dealt with the internet.

the domestic market. Not even investment groups overseas are optimistic when it comes to the internet. They see the current trend of the internet as something fragile that would easily shatter. Are you confident, Mr.

prosper. The only reason why internet companies around the world right now can’t make money is that

market you see now is due to capital speculation. I wouldn’t fault anyone for calling it fragile at all since it

at Andros’ bustling nightlife outside the coffee shop and spoke in a tone so

chances and gold right now. I’m going to create a world so prosperous and then I’ll stand right at the top of this world. Are you willing to miss

for two minutes before he finally made his mind and reached a hand

laughed and reached out to shake Jack’s

together, Jack asked, “When do you plan to start the company, Mr. Laine? I have to

week’s enough. Come to look for me in my city

left the coffee shop with the other two in tow. The three of them went to an Italian restaurant and got to