Chapter Fifteen: A Surprising Donation
Quinn Parker sat in his apartment, staring at his laptop screen. Numbers flashed in front of him, digital transactions flowing seamlessly through multiple accounts. His wealth had skyrocketed since he had started working with Nexus. Between the online gambling platforms and his underground arms dealings, the balance in his bank account now felt unreal.
But despite the millions sitting there, a nagging issue remained—his tuition fees. It was a minor expense in the grand scheme of things, something that could be taken care of in a heartbeat. And yet, he had been too distracted by his larger plans to address it. The conversation with Professor William from the day before replayed in his mind, irritating him. Paying tuition should have been the least of his concerns, but the university's bureaucracy was something he couldn't ignore.
Just then, Nexus's voice echoed in his mind, calm and analytical as always. "Host, I have a suggestion. You still have half a million dollars sitting idle in your account. Tuition is only a few thousand. If you want to solidify your position and gain more influence at the university, consider donating half a million. It would raise your status significantly and make it easier for you to operate here."
Quinn leaned back in his chair, considering the idea. He had more money than he knew what to do with, and it wasn't like the university would turn down a generous donation. It could even give me leverage, he thought. If the administration viewed him as a benefactor rather than a mere student, it might open doors, allow him to move more freely without scrutiny.
Nexus continued, "You've been running into small hurdles at the university. This donation will not only remove the immediate issue of tuition but also help build goodwill with the faculty. It's a strategic move."
Quinn's fingers hovered over the keyboard as he thought it through. A half-million-dollar donation was nothing to him at this point, but to the university, it would be a significant gesture. And, as Nexus pointed out, Professor William might even play a key role in smoothing things over for him. The man had influence, and it wouldn't hurt to have him on his side.
He nodded to himself and made the decision. "Let's do it," he muttered under his breath.
Without hesitation, he accessed his banking app and quickly transferred the required amount to cover his tuition fees. He then typed out an additional sum—$500,000—and waited for the confirmation screen to pop up. But before he could complete the transfer, he realized he would need to inform someone.
I need William's banking details, Quinn thought. He couldn't just dump money into the university's general account without someone noticing.
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The Meeting with Professor William
The next morning, Quinn walked into the lecture hall, determined. He didn't have time for small talk or distractions today. After the lecture, he would approach Professor William and get his personal details.
As usual, William was already at the front of the room, organizing his notes and preparing for the day's class. His kind demeanor was unchanged, the scholarly aura surrounding him as he adjusted his glasses and looked up to greet his students.
The lecture passed without incident, though Quinn found it hard to focus. His mind kept drifting to the plan he was about to execute. When the class finally ended, Quinn stayed behind, waiting for the other students to file out. Professor William noticed him lingering near the back and gave him a warm smile.
"Mr. Parker," William said, "How are you today? I hope everything is going well with your studies."
Quinn nodded, stepping forward. "Actually, Professor, I wanted to ask you something." He paused, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "I need your payment code—the one the university uses for faculty transactions."
Professor William looked at him curiously, clearly confused by the request. "My payment code? Why would you need that, Quinn?"
Quinn didn't waste time with pleasantries. "I just paid my tuition," he said, pulling out his phone. "But I've also been doing some business on the side, and I've earned more than I expected. I'd like to donate half a million dollars to the university. You've been a great help to me, so I figured it would be easiest if I made the payment through you."
Professor William's face went blank for a moment, as though he hadn't quite processed what Quinn was saying. "Half a million dollars?" he repeated, clearly stunned. "Quinn, that's... that's an incredibly generous offer. Are you sure about this?"
Quinn nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "Yes. After deducting my tuition, the rest is a donation. I made some money from an online hustle I started about a month ago. It's nothing major, just something I got into on the side. But the money is real, and I think it's only fair that I give back to the university."
William was silent for a few seconds, visibly processing the situation. This kind of donation from a student was practically unheard of. But then again, Quinn had always struck him as different—focused, driven in ways that other students weren't. Still, half a million dollars?
"Quinn, I don't know what to say. That's... incredible," William finally managed, still clearly trying to wrap his head around the situation. "But are you certain you want to give this much? If you've just started earning money, maybe you should hold on to some of it for yourself."
Quinn gave a small smile. "I appreciate the concern, but I've got more than enough. Trust me, this is just the beginning for me. Consider it a gesture of goodwill. Besides, it'll help me navigate the university more easily, right?"
William hesitated for a moment longer before finally nodding. "Alright, Quinn. I'll give you the details."
Quinn quickly entered the code William gave him, finishing the transaction within seconds. A message flashed on his phone: Transaction complete. $500,000 transferred.
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William's Reaction
Professor William checked his phone as the notification came through, and his eyes widened in shock. There it was—half a million dollars, sitting in his bank account. He had seen large donations before, but never from a student. He glanced at Quinn, who was calmly putting his phone back in his pocket, as though nothing unusual had just occurred.
"Quinn, I'm... speechless," William said, still processing what had just happened. "The university will be deeply grateful for this. And I'll make sure that your contribution is recognized."
Quinn waved it off. "No need for recognition. Just let me know if you need anything else."
Professor William smiled, though there was still a hint of disbelief in his eyes. "I will, Quinn. And thank you. I don't know how you managed it, but it's clear you have a bright future ahead of you."
Quinn gave a curt nod. "Thanks, professor. I've just been taking advantage of some opportunities."
With that, Quinn left the lecture hall, his mind already turning to his next steps. The donation had been made, and now he had secured a more comfortable position within the university. It was a small move, but one that would ripple out over time, easing his way as he continued to build his empire.
Next, the island, he thought, as he walked out into the bright daylight.