"Master Sean, there's already a strike at the factory."
A tall, well-dressed black man bowed to the little boy in front of him, who looked only about ten years old. The room was filled with the scent of polished wood and the faint aroma of leather-bound books. Sean's office was an elegant blend of modern design and classic sophistication, with large windows offering a panoramic view of the sprawling estate grounds.
Sean, seated at a desk that dwarfed him, rubbed his temples with an oddly mature gesture. His young face bore the signs of deep thought, a stark contrast to the typical carefree expressions of boys his age.
"Are you really coming to me for this?" Sean's voice, though young, carried an authority that belied his age. His eyes, sharp and calculating, met the butler's with an intensity that could unnerve even the most steadfast adult.
"Where's my dad? Where did he go? Do you think I have nothing better to do?"
The boy's voice grew louder with each question, his frustration evident. The butler, standing at 1.9 meters tall, trembled slightly, fear flashing across his face. Sean's stern demeanor seemed to magnify the age difference between them, reversing the expected dynamic of authority.
Just as the butler was about to respond, a gentle voice floated in from the hallway, softening the tense atmosphere.
"Sean, how many times have I told you not to lose your temper? Seth is doing his best."
A woman with an air of effortless elegance entered the room, carrying a plate of fruit. Her presence seemed to immediately calm Sean. Alice Sebastian, with her charming smile and graceful movements, was the epitome of poise and warmth.
"Mom, where did Dad go? The factories are on strike."
Seth, the butler, spoke with sincerity and fear. "Master Sean, the master has already taken steps to suppress the riots at the factory, but there isn't a particularly good solution yet. That's why... he sent me to you."
Sean sighed and gestured for Seth to approach. "Come here and listen to what I tell you."
Seth leaned in, listening carefully as if every word from the boy was a decree. His heart pounded in his chest, the tension of the moment hanging heavy in the air.
"They're making trouble because of wages. They think they're too low."
"But Master Sean, they said the wages are too low..." Seth's confusion was palpable.
Sean, having traveled from the 21st century, had seen similar issues and knew how to handle them. He smirked slightly, a knowing look in his eyes. "It's either too low or too high. Follow my instructions. Give a raise to a select group of people. Make sure it's not too many. The reason? Outstanding performance. Promote them to management, give them a car we produce, and their own offices."
"But... won't the others burn down the factory?" Seth's face went pale.
Sean's smile turned mysterious. "Don't worry, these workers won't cause trouble. They'll start competing with each other, working harder out of jealousy and ambition."
Sean's confidence stemmed from his past life. He knew human nature well enough to predict their reactions. Envy and competition would dismantle any alliances among the workers.
Seth, though unsure of Sean's plan, trusted him implicitly. Over the years, he had seen Sean make countless successful decisions. Despite his young age, Sean was the true power behind the family's vast business empire.
"Yes, Young Master. I'll report this to the master immediately."
"Wait," Sean interjected. "How's the contact with the gemstone distributor in India?"
"It's going well, Master. We should soon secure the development rights," Seth replied, a hint of pride in his voice.
Sean nodded and dismissed the butler. After Seth left, Sean stared at the documents on his desk, his mind drifting. "Once the gem industry is secured, our family's assets will easily surpass ten billion. Then I can return to China. I've earned enough. It's time to enjoy life back home."
Alice approached Sean, her hands gently massaging his shoulders. "Sean, it's your eleventh birthday today. How about taking a break?"
Sean considered it for a moment before nodding. "Alright, let's go to the book club."
Alice's face fell slightly. "Sean, you need to rest. You're only ten, and you've already finished your Ph.D. coursework! Go play with Lego, be a kid for once."
Alice's tone was filled with both pride and concern. Her son was a genius, but she often wished he could enjoy a normal childhood. While other children were playing, Sean was solving advanced math problems. Their family meetings often involved Sean, with a pacifier in his mouth, leading discussions.
Just then, the door opened, and a familiar voice rang out. "I'm back."