In April 2008, the Vanderbilt family experiences a whirlwind of emotions, receiving both exhilarating and disheartening news.
The unsettling news is that Sebastian Vanderbilt receives his acceptance letter from the prestigious law program at New York National University. He is the first in the family to gain admission based solely on his academic merits. This means that the 3 million dollars he borrows doesn't need to be returned, showcasing his extraordinary talent. Unlike George Vanderbilt's degree in the arts, Sebastian's law degree promises valuable connections that could benefit the entire family. Now, the Vanderbilts can hold their heads high, especially since the Caboat family's son has bragged about getting into Yale for journalism.
The good news soon alleviates everyone's worries.
Despite receiving warnings, Sebastian audaciously invests the 3 million dollars he gets for his birthday into the stock market. The thirty-seven stocks he picks, now worth just over $500k, have plummeted in value. This reckless behavior seems to affirm what some in the Vanderbilt family have suspected: "Looks like the kid's business acumen is inherited from his father!" someone remarks humorously.
In the office of Oceanic Securities' general manager, Edward Vanderbilt chuckles as he reviews the latest report. "I hear that kid is planning to team up with friends and launch a show called King Game that involves selling lingerie. At this rate, he'll burn through that 3 million in no time." Tossing the report aside, Edward feels a growing sense of satisfaction as he looks at his son.
Edward has once worried about his son's academic performance. Now, he is relieved. "Thank goodness you didn't excel in school. Look at that family with good grades; their business mindset is just inherited and downright infuriating."
After sharing a laugh, Edward turns back to the business reports, but his brows soon furrow. "This King Investment firm keeps showing up quite frequently, doesn't it?" He points to a chart of quarterly earnings where King Investment consistently appears as a major shareholder of soaring stocks without significantly affecting their volatility.
His secretary, wearing a serious expression, responds, "Yes, the King Investment firm emerges out of nowhere around mid-last year. They have a knack for timing their market entries perfectly, either joining during stock booms or exiting just before peaks."
"Really? That impressive?" Edward's curiosity is piqued. "Did we investigate? This kind of instinct—it's almost like they're manipulating the market."
"We couldn't narrow down their IP address; it's simply registered overseas. We asked the securities exchange to investigate, and they found no evidence of market manipulation," the secretary explains.
Edward ponders for a moment. "Do we have all the data on this investment firm?"
"Yes, sir." The secretary nods. "Since last July, King Investment has made short-term investments in 179 companies and holds long-term stocks in companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla. So far, they've invested $1 million with a 516% return rate for short-term investments and $1.5 million with a 19% increase in long-term stocks."
"So, this firm has made more than five million dollars in the stock market in less than a year?" Edward is genuinely impressed.
After a brief pause, he says, "Let's keep a close watch on King Investment."
"But monitoring this closely might invade the investors' privacy," the secretary hesitates.
"We'll just track their investment performance, not pry into their personal information from the securities exchange," Edward clarifies.
...
In New York's Uptown, along the bustling main street, a new era is dawning. Various shops line the street, filled with pedestrians. The most eye-catching spot belongs to a five-story office building. With a drum roll, a banner covered in red cloth is unveiled, revealing the name in elegant purple-gold calligraphy: King Game!
Sebastian stands below, looking up at the sign with satisfaction. The design, crafted by New York's top art student, is captivating and sparks the imagination.
Next to him, his friend Patrick Anchor can't help but be amazed. They have spent $150k just to secure the building and have yet to start on renovations. It is a bold move for someone fresh out of high school who has lived an ordinary life up until then.
"For the renovation, we'll need another $100k," Sebastian says, his eyes still on the sign.
Patrick's eyes widen. "How... how much?" he stammers.
"You heard right, $100 thousand!" Sebastian explains. "That covers renovations, equipment, establishing the company, hiring staff, and the initial batch of products. It'll probably cost more when all's said and done."
Patrick falls silent, his mind still reeling from the numbers. After a moment, he leans in, half-jokingly accusing, "Did you rob a bank or something?"
"The first designs are ready. We just need a big fashion show to launch them," Sebastian says, pushing Patrick's head away jokingly. "And it wouldn't hurt to get some celebrities involved..."
Just as Patrick is about to speak, Sebastian gets serious. "I've got a money-making opportunity. Are you in?"
"Making money?" Patrick's skeptical expression shifts.
"If you're not interested, I'll find someone else," Sebastian says, turning to leave
"I'm in. If it involves making money, count me in," Patrick says quickly, dropping his playful demeanor. "But you know, I'm not exactly flush with cash..."
Despite his well-off family, Patrick's funds are tied up, leaving him with little cash on hand.
"You won't need to spend a dime," Sebastian replies, his sly smile returning.
"Doesn't your family have connections at CBS? Help me get some celebrities for the fashion show."
Patrick's family has close ties with TV stations due to their business in importing and exporting filming equipment. That connection is why Sebastian ropes him in.
"That... might be tricky," Patrick hesitates. "Celebrities might be hesitant to endorse a lingerie show."
Business-savvy and a finance student at NYU, Patrick is quick to point out the obvious challenges.
"I'll pay them," Sebastian says confidently. "100k for each show, for three shows..."
"If it really doesn't work..."
"I'll give you a ten percent cut of the profits," Sebastian offers, his grin widening. "And whatever rate you negotiate with the celebs, that's your business."
Patrick doesn't need any more convincing. "Deal!" he exclaims.