For one to think that such explosive news of great technology could be kept under wraps in a small community and it's surroundings was a dream. The number one dealers of technology in the country, the Hopkins, finally got wind of the presence of such a technological guru in the country side.
Ronald was summoned to the family house by his mother. The patriarch had ordered for all his children and grandchildren that are established to show up.
His mother whispered through the phone, "Your grandfather looks very excited. He's been acting like this since yesterday. I would have had to call you to come yesterday, but your father and his brothers pleaded for it to be today as it was midnight already."
"Really? What would have made him so excited? The old man who had seen and if not experienced everything under the sun? Alright, I'm on my way."
"Yes, yes. Call your second and third brother too. I don't want to waste my call card."
Ronald rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Mother, you are married to the current leader of the Hopkins, the richest family in this country and the one of the top in the whole continent. Your husband is the richest man in the country, richer than the richest of most other countries. Please would you stop worrying about call card for once?"
He heard his mum giggling through the phone. "Doesn't mean I should spend money crazily, right? Go on, go on, call your brothers. I'll be hanging up. Bye dearie." the line was cut.
Ronald shook his head at his mother's antics. His father was surely lucky to meet someone like her. Other women would flaunt their position so much and spend money unnecessarily. But here was his mum who worried so much about them spending money unnecessarily.
He called his brothers and informed them of their mother's words. Calling his driver, he left his office unhurriedly ignoring the infatuated looks his secretaries gave him. It was a common occurrence everyday. He was rich and handsome, what more could they want?
But all the ladies sighed in disappointment, a glance wasn't even sent their way.
...
"Hello father, Grandfather." Ronald bowed to each of them.
"Welcome. We're waiting for your second brother and some of your cousins."
Ronald nodded and sat on a sofa. Soon, everyone had arrived.
They were all seated in the family meeting room unlike the dining room like the last time. Their grandfather was seated on a bigger and more elegant chair. His eyes swept round the room. Everyone who met his gaze and even those who didn't felt their buttholes tighten. Their patriarch was indeed still in shape. The gaze he had taken over the country with was still as effective as ever. Everybody turned their whole concentration to him.
He cleared his throat. His eyes were sullen. His expression was sombre.
Ronald's breath hitched observing all this. And so did every other person's.
"For over a hundred years, the Hopkins have triumphed in this country. Western Field City was developed by us making it the most advanced city in the state. Nevertheless, times are changing and moving fast. We might be the most advanced in technology but other companies are rising up good and fast." He was interrupted by one of his sons.
"But father, what do you mean? We keep tabs on every tech company in the continent, and in this country, we are way above every other company. Their improvement is still in an acceptable range so, so far, we've got nothing to worry about."
"Would you shut up! Do not interrupt me again." the patriarch said sternly. He was very strict during meeting hours and tolerated no such nonsense.
"I know very well how you all have been working hard. But new seedlings are sprouting. It's not possible to be the best forever, so work hard and cultivate good karma for yourselves and children."
The patriarch believed in Buddhist teachings though he wasn't completely one. He found sense in their words and trained his children with the same.
Everyone nodded. It wasn't the first time he was saying it.
"I'll go straight to the point. The three miracles. The epoch season of our country."
All eyes turned confused. 'What is he talking about?' they all thought.
"In the country side, three groundbreaking techs have been produced. It's widely known in that area. I received intel that the village is called Acorn village." The patriarch said noticing their confusion.
"Acorn village?" Ronald said out loud.
The patriarch and all others turned to him.
"Did you know about this?" the patriarch asked.
Ronald shook his head. "Not at all, grandfather, but I know of the village. I've visited it a couple of times."
"For what?"
"Political propaganda. Acorn village is in the jurisdiction of our state government. The legislative house I'm running for also encompasses there."
The patriarch nodded. "Ah, I see. And with all the times you've gone there, you never got to know of this very important information?"
Ronald bowed his head and shook it softly.
"How is it possible for a village to produce such tech that will make us anxious, Dad?" the same son of the patriarch interrupted.
The patriarch seethed. 'This son of his was nothing but trouble. Can't he be like his older or junior brother? With this character of his, I doubt he has accumulated any good karma for himself and children. I'm ashamed.'
He ignored his second son and faced Ronald.
"You are the CEO of Hopkins Corporation. I want you to find the brain behind this huge breakthrough and rope him into the company. Do not fail me, young man."
"Yes, grandfather. I'll definitely not fail you." Ronald said and thought, 'I am even curious about who it is. How could I ever let such a talented person go?'
The second son of the patriarch, Jason, pouted in dissatisfaction.
"Father, it's really not fair for you to have left the handling of the family to elder brother and given the company to his son. What about I and Hart, we contribute a lot to this family so why can't we have more than the assigned shares of a family member?"
Hart harrumphed. "Don't bring me into this, Jason. I'm living my life very well with my family and I don't want to be part of your schemes."
Jason scrunched up his nose. 'What a show spoiler.'
"Would you shut up, you idiot?! Your elder brother is the best of you lot and his son has way more accomplishments than you. If I would ever give the company to anyone else, it would be your junior brother. At least, he's not galavanting around, womanizing and getting drunk. He has his own company and it has worked it's way up to be one of our subsidiaries. Scram!"
Jason flinched at his father's scolding. His wife who was next to him had her head bowed and his son's face was red with embarrassment.
"Yes, father." he said appearing obedient.
Ronald steered his eyes away from them and pitied his cousin, his first uncle's son. He worked as a manager in a subsidiary company and was very important but his father and sister were something else. The sister wasn't even invited to the meeting and if not for the fact that his grandfather had always wanted his son to change and held hope, his uncle wouldn't even be here.
He sneaked a glance at his cousin, Edward, who caught his gaze. Ronald sent a quick expression radiating pity. Edward laughed softly and shook his head.