Chapter 21 – End of the School Year

Ralph called Vince to schedule a meeting at the penthouse.

“Good day, Vince. Thanks for meeting with me. I wanted to talk to you regarding a business proposal.” Ralph said respectfully.

“No worries. Tell me what you need, Ralph.” Vince replied.

“I know you focus on the development and path of the business and not worry much about the company’s financials. Future Tech has plenty of expenses like salaries, equipment, and raw materials but still holds so much cash we’re wasting just piling up,” Ralph explained.

“Get to the point, Ralph,” Vince ordered.

“I propose creating a new department that invests part of our liquid cash in the stock markets.”, Ralph replied.

“I agree with your sentiments. An investment entity would benefit Future Tech’s portfolio in the long run. Do you need help from Dollar and the BitCash team?” Vince asked.

“Dollar is a talented crypto market dev and analyst, but the stock markets are different. So I need your approval to recruit market traders from a few Wall Street investment groups.” Ralph said.

“Approved. You can talk to Hudson regarding the recruitment. When the team is ready, I’ll allow half of our liquid cash fund to be invested. I’ll also recommend some stocks and businesses worth investing in.” Vince replied while thinking about the most successful businesses in his past life.

“Thank you for hearing me out. I won’t disappoint you.”, Ralph stated reverently. 

The lead accountant left after the meeting, and Vince decided to return home for the weekend.

[I noticed some admiration in Ralph’s tone. It does make sense he thinks so highly of me. I’m probably the most successful person under the age of 18. I should check how much cash the business has on hand, considering it got Ralph so worked up.] Vince thought.

Vince opened the latest financial reports from his secure email that itemized a total of $1.25 billion in liquid revenue, mostly from transactions fees on the BitCash network from players and regular users.

The new Bitcash wallets have all been pre-ordered as well. The Bitcoin Bank core layer contained around 20 Million BTC, and Vince also decided to sell a quarter of the amount on the Bitcoin Market.

There can only be 21 million BTC in existence, and most of the supply has already been mined by crypto prospectors due to the BitCash portal and how the transaction system was designed.

Vince wanted more BTC to circulate in the market instead of hoarding most of it. So he instructed BitCash to sell 5 million BTC slowly in the next month.

Kemp-Jacobs negotiated with the New York Stock Exchange and the SEC to eventually allow BitCash to sell options such as Bitcoin commodity futures. Perfect for the numerous crypto traders who have adopted Future Tech’s new and ingenious finance process.

Financial vehicles like futures were heavily regulated and would require the government’s cooperation, leaving Kemp-Jacobs with plenty of billable hours.

There were dozens of Bitcoin Banks worldwide serving the BitCash network and ready for the next update.

[This new feature should solidify Bitcoin’s status in the global financial market.] Vince pondered profoundly.

Ralph, who suggested using their cash laying around, gave Vince another idea.

[Future Tech should start supporting charities and other programs to help society and the less fortunate. I’ve never been in a position to create a positive impact in my community until now.] Vince thought.

He met with David at the office and discussed the philanthropic idea. Then, of course, his legal counsel agreed and immediately worked to create a charity fund meant for organizations like Red Cross and United Way, among others.

Hudson learned about the new fund a few hours later and looked for Vince to suggest something similar.

“I heard from David we’re supporting charities now. That’s great, but I want to suggest another use for our funds.”, Hudson stated in a serious tone.

Vince gave him a look of approval, and Hudson continued his pitch.

“I suggest funding vital research projects in universities around the world. We’ll provide them with resources to complete their research in exchange for the use and application of their findings.” Hudson proposed.

[This idea can also help with Future Tech’s growing need for talent.] Vince thought.

“Your idea is approved. These researchers should be given a career opportunity in Future Tech as well, should they decide to work in the private sector.” Vince replied sincerely.

“I’ll see it done.” Hudson happily stated.

[Future Tech hiring professionals straight from Future Tech-funded university programs is a sensible idea, for sure. My young boss certainly knows his stuff.] the 40-year old Caucasian-American staff manager pondered.

The high-precision CNC machines arrived, and all the AI drones were starting to be upgraded by the engineering and AI development team.

Patel and his engineering team estimated the microprocessor design to be ready for manufacturing within the next few months.

Vince attended school as he had been since winter vacation. The school year was almost over, and most students focused on final exams.

During one of the homeroom sessions, Ms. Miller announced that she would leave the school and start teaching at the University of Texas while continuing her math research.

Most of the students were bummed to lose a beloved teacher but were happy to see Ms. Miller smiling these days again.

After the class, Vince approached Ms. Miller to offer her research project funding from Future Tech.

“Thanks! I gladly accept the offer, Vince. Now that my ex-husband is in prison, I can pursue my professional goals again. He always held me back after we had our son.” Ms. Miller replied.

“You’re lucky that the university funding program of Future Tech got greenlit recently,” Vince replied before leaving the class with his friends and colleagues, now.

Vince finished the school year with decent grades and was already getting ready for the Arena Pro League playoffs in L.A.

He invited all of his friends to attend the event with him, paid for by Future Studios. Of course, all of them brought their families as well.

At the FT Offices, Vince held a meeting with the Future Studios personnel joining him at the live playoffs for technical support.

“Is everything ready for the event? I want it to go as smoothly as possible. The Grand Finals is our first impression showing the world that the APL is a spectacle of a show.” Vince asked seriously.

“The organizers and our liaisons have already set up the stage and equipment. In addition, Price will ensure security in and around the arena with his team.” Kyle replied.

“Alright. We’ll fly on chartered flights tomorrow morning. Everyone, rest well.” Vince instructed.

“Understood.” his directors replied in unison.

The following day, an entourage of people arrived at a private hangar to board the private jets that Vince rented for his guests and staff.

The planes arrived at noon while the passengers watched the bustling Californian city under a clear blue sky.

[The City of Lost Angels will be the birthplace of champions.] Vince pondered in excitement.

EDITED