"What's our next move, Sam?" asked Eva, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Let's start with registering the company," Sam replied.
"Okay, let me register the company. How do you want it to be registered, and what should be the name?" Eva counter-questioned.
"Orion Enterprises. And as a private corporation, obviously. I will give you 1% of the shares right now. So whatever is the starting valuation, you will get 1%." Sam said.
Eva considered his question and responded, "I like the sound of 'Orion Enterprises.' We will register it as a private corporation. And as for the ownership, you'll grant me 1% of the initial shares?"
Sam nodded, "Yes, 1% right off the bat. Based on the starting valuation, you'll own that portion."
Eva frowned, "Just shares? No regular salary?"
Sam laughed and reassured her, "Of course, there will be a salary! I mean, are you sure you want the shares? You know they might not be worth much at the start."
Eva raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips, "Well, who in their right mind would refuse shares? They might not hold much value initially, but I have a hunch they'll appreciate significantly."
Changing the subject, Sam asked, "Fancy a coffee, Eva?"
She nodded, "Absolutely. A small, single shot espresso would hit the spot. No sugar, please."
Sam got up and ordered two coffees.
Sam got up and ordered their coffee, and they sat together in the cafe where their partnership had begun. It was the same spot Sam had abruptly left before, prompting Eva to reach out and propose a meeting to solidify their plans.
As for Sam's source of funds, he'd made a pretty penny in the stock market - a profitable venture for someone like him, reborn with future knowledge.
Sam set up an account for the stock market on the day he returned from the future. It was approved in 3 days, and Sam deposited most of the savings, other than to live for a month.
He had around $10000 saved as emergency funds.
Using that $10000, he'd managed to multiply it tenfold - a dream outcome for any market newcomer.
With these new funds, he was ready to set the ball rolling for Orion Enterprises.
"We now have a capital of one hundred thousand dollars for Orion Enterprises. I'll transfer the funds to you, Eva, and you handle all the legal matters," Sam informed her.
Eva's eyes widened, "That's quite a sum! You just graduated, didn't you? Did you inherit some fortune or something?"
Sam shrugged, playfully remarking, "I dabbled in the stock market. Quick bucks, you know. I'm kind of an expert.".
Obviously, he just used the stock market for some quick bucks; he would not use this legal gambling platform to amass his wealth. This type of wealth either doesn't last or takes a long time to acquire.
While his future knowledge was advantageous, he also understood that his actions would inevitably alter the stock market's historical course.
"Seems like you enjoy a good gamble, Sam," Eva teased.
He shook his head, "Just this once, Eva. I don't intend to make it a habit."
Eva nodded, "Alright, Sam, I've got everything I need now. I'll proceed with the registration and touch base if I require additional information."
"After we've incorporated the company, let's start hiring. We'll need personnel for after-sales service and management. Things will ramp up quickly," Sam suggested.
"That's already on my to-do list, Sam. Once I've completed the paperwork, let's meet at the Registrar's Office at the Business Bureau," Eva agreed.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll message you the office location later today. See you at the Registrar's office," Sam responded, standing and extending his hand for a firm handshake.
As he left the cafe, the reality of starting a company hit him, sending an adrenaline rush through his veins.
He then shifted his thoughts toward securing a location for Orion Enterprises. It was evident that the heart of the city was beyond their budget.
He already had a target in his mind, and that was the Business Hub that the Atlantic Union had just made in City N to promote entrepreneurs and start-ups as well as those giants to make collaboration easier.
He boarded the public bus to the Business Hub.
As he boarded the bus, he found an empty seat, sat down, and closed his eyes in peace, waiting for his destination.
But his peace was short-lived. Many people entered the bus at the next stop, which was overcrowded.
And at the same time, an elderly couple boarded the bus.
Sam opened his eyes and saw that no one was willing to give a seat to the elderly couple.
Somehow, this reminded him of his parents. He didn't have a chat with them for a long time.
'I have to give them a call.' he thought.
"Please, take my seat, ma'am." Sam offered his seat to the elderly lady.
To his surprise, the young man beside him did the same, providing a seat for the older gentleman.
The couple gratefully accepted, "Thank you, dear. God bless you!"
"You are welcome, elders!" said Sam.
[2 Empathy points gained!]
Sam was surprised by the notification from the Empathy System.
Now he realized how to earn these points.
See, being too intelligent, you sometimes tend to overlook some basic stuff.
Empathy in Empathy System and Empathy Points literally meant empathy.
It was a two-way street, either receiving or showing kindness.
And this was the first instance after his rebirth that he showed kindness.
'What will happen if I release the Translation software? Will I get empathy points? Will it count as empathy? Let's see in the future.'
As Sam was engrossed in his thoughts, his stop arrived, and he descended.
He looked up at the towering business buildings, knowing he had to make a choice.
Walking into a building labeled 'BH-09', he was greeted by a receptionist.
"Good afternoon, sir! How can I assist you today?" the receptionist asked, bringing Sam back to reality.