[Chapter 625: The Retreat]
During this time, William White had some realizations.
When it comes to wealth, who could compare to Leo Wanta? This guy's money was counted in trillions, and in U.S. dollars, no less. In terms of power, the Bush family was undoubtedly influential as well. Yet, even someone like that didn't seem to live freely; so what was he to make of himself, who operated on cheat codes?
"Fulton, how did yesterday's check go?"
"Everything looks great, both little ones are very healthy."
"As for Suzuki this time..."
"Ha ha, young master, you might need to comfort her; this time it's another little princess."
William White shook his head with a wry smile; he wanted a son, but instead, he got another daughter.
"What's the difference between a son and a daughter? Speaking of, Michelle Reis is still having a boy."
"Yes, young master. Do you have plans?"
"Indeed, it's time to make plans. Fulton, if they're all in the U.S., that's not quite suitable."
"You decide, young master, but the children are still a bit small."
"Yeah, I get it; let's wait a bit longer."
After hanging up with Fulton, William White began to think about his future arrangements.
He felt a bit annoyed; if Suzuki had given him a son, everything would have been easier. The Japanese business would have been just fine. This wasn't about William White preference for boys over girls; it was just the nature of the Japanese society. No matter how high your status or how much money you have, getting married still means changing your last name.
William White's arrangements weren't just about dividing wealth. Elementary school? Forget it; that could happen on Lanai Island, but once they hit middle school, they'd have to stay local.
Otherwise, when they grow up, it's going to be difficult to build contacts and social circles. Friendships before eighteen, to be blunt, while not entirely free from ulterior motives, are at least relatively simple.
Look around at a few of his friends -- wasn't it just like that? Other than Jason, the rest of the guys couldn't really stand alone. But still, these are connections. No need to talk about loyalty or reliability, at least they know each other well.
It's unrealistic to not worry; he was cautious when it came to hiring people. What if he brought in a big problem? That would be a real headache.
What? Impossible?
Don't kid around; Bill found one. If it hadn't been for a rapid sell-off, Microsoft would have changed hands.
For William White, a company's ownership was not a big deal at all. It's just that those greedy folks aren't so easy to satisfy.
If they could support one little mustachio, they could support another one; what's the big deal? The Vietnam War dragged on so many years -- so what? Did it affect their ability to make money?
Sure, they chose to forget about how close they came to collapsing the U.S. economy; that's someone else's mess.
Some might say he saw the world too darkly; after all, we live in a lawful society now.
Ha, maybe. Cautious people do tend to live longer. As for the upright and virtuous, perhaps they exist, but I haven't seen them.
...
"Boss, you're out partying every day; I can barely keep up!"
"Pfft, don't kid around. I've realized how tough my life has been lately. Earning money? It's just dumb. Starting now, I'll be reckless; it's not like this money is going to run out."
Jason Garrison shook his head with a wry smile. What William White said was the truth. Their group of friends seemed to have it much easier.
"Boss, I don't know what has gotten into you. It'll only last a month at most. If it goes on like this, you may be able to handle it, but I can't."
"Yeah, it's just for this time. You know what, Jason? I'm about to have a son and a daughter. Alas, when the kids grow up, even if I want to lose my mind, I'll have to consider the impact."
"Ha, what's this? Pre-marital anxiety? Or is it more like dad syndrome? Come on, your three kids are all grown up; surely you're exaggerating?"
"Go to hell; it's nothing like that! I just feel a little shortchanged. You guys can go out without a care; I'm stuck being the nightlife gofer. No sense of decency!"
His outer bravado couldn't hide the unease inside. In fact, he had made some significant adjustments to his overseas trust fund during this period. Furthermore, he had corresponding arrangements concerning several children.
From William White's perspective, when he retired, the U.S. wouldn't have much growth potential left, so those kids better develop elsewhere.
...
"Young master, your arrangements still have some problems. What about things here in Texas?"
"Fulton, I don't know right now; let's see how that little one does. You know me -- I won't have many descendants. What I have now is already a blessing from God; I truly can't ask for too much."
"Sigh, I understand. Just go with your flow."
"Let's see, Fulton; I'm still young. What if I meet someone really right? I might just marry right away."
"Alright, let's hope so."
William White's arrangements didn't bother Fulton. In fact, these were preparations that should have been made long ago.
In William White's situation, preparing ahead was more than necessary. After all, he didn't have any legal heirs -- at least not in the legal sense. The U.S. only recognizes legal documents; they won't acknowledge common-law marriages.
Much like Howard Hughes, whatever you leave behind, those folks wouldn't show any courtesy. Just think, these satellite television and communications products all originated from Hughes Aircraft.
Preparation is beneficial for everyone. Some shrewd individuals, once aware of your plans, will adjust their expectations downward.
Check any Forbes magazine from the future, and you'll find that the top-ranking individuals all deliberately chose offshore funds or trust companies to manage their wealth.
The more money you have, the higher your social status. Naturally, you see and know more. Don't simply hand down your wealth or company to your descendants; doing that isn't affection, it's a fear of them perishing before you.
...
"Master, Warner's film is in post-production. If all goes well, they'll finish shooting this month."
"That's fast! How long has it been?"
William White knew full well that this film was three hours long. Those who liked it, loved it, and those who didn't, tossed it aside.
"About three months, master. If they work a bit faster, they might finish in time for the Christmas holidays. Do we need to do something?"
"No need; I'm just curious about it. Forget it. Let's leave this alone; we're just uninformed bystanders."
"Alright, I understand. I'll keep them at a distance."
Causing minor troubles was actually quite easy. If one really went all out, Warner might not even be able to find the film reels.
However, that wasn't a burden for William White; why should he take risks? It wasn't his style to hand over incriminating evidence to others.
The various disturbances over this period, while not allowing them to drop their guard, at least let out some of their tensions. They knew that whatever they intended to do, without the cooperation of a media group, it was simply a daydream.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.