Tale of Fortune and Innovation
When he received the news of the monk's return, Charlie Lee was in the No. 22 Club, listening to Ben's report. The two-month plan to get rich overnight was finally wrapping up.
"Boss, we now hold 9.13% of GE Power, 6% of American Steel, 27% of American Radio Corporation, 7.03% of Standard Oil, 33% of Bethlehem Steel, 18.19% of Sears Roebuck, and 3% of Merrill Johnson & Wire," Ben reported.
Charlie, impressed but not one for lengthy updates, interrupted with a satisfied nod. "Good. Let's keep it brief, Ben. Reports as long as a novel only belong in libraries."
"Bethlehem Steel—second largest in the U.S.—intrigues me," Charlie mused. "Isn't it facing operational trouble?"
"Yes, sir," Ben confirmed. "Of the shares we acquired, only 5% came from the stock market. The rest were sold directly to us by Charles Schwab."
Charlie's brow furrowed. "Charles Schwab? The founder of Bethlehem Steel? Why's he selling his stake?"
"His private life is… expensive," Ben said delicately.
"Ah," Charlie nodded knowingly. "Another rich man who earns it fast and spends it faster. Some things never change."
"By the way, how's that copper company doing?" Charlie asked, attempting to recall its name.
Ben suppressed a sigh. "Boss, FSC produces sulfur, not copper. We're still negotiating for control; we currently hold 41%."
Charlie cleared his throat, feigning casualness. "Well, Jesse should've flagged this sooner. She might need a little… adjustment."
Ben ignored the blame-shifting and resumed his report. "The plan is complete. Total revenue stands at $503 million, including the initial $20 million from your private account."
Charlie leaned back with a theatrical sigh, pretending to lament. "Oh, only $503 million? Such a tragic mistake! Ha!"
The successful operation called for celebration, and the team of nine—Ben, Graun, Papol, Maiton, Johnny, Aria, Mahdi, Michelle, and Bob—gathered to receive their dividends. Each received a generous bonus, bringing the total payout to $6.7 million.
"Enjoy your family time," Charlie said, distributing the checks. "Next time we meet, I hope to see you arriving in your own cars."
"Boss, you're too stingy to buy us cars yourself!" Aria quipped, earning laughter from the group.
"Is that so?" Charlie pretended to grab her check, prompting Aria to flee with a grin.
As the team dispersed, Ben declined a ride home, opting instead to walk briskly through Chicago's November chill. The biting wind and Lake Michigan's humidity didn't bother him; thoughts of his wife, Joanna, filled his mind.
Arriving at his door, Ben knocked, eager to surprise her.
"Who is it?" Joanna's voice came from inside, and she opened the door holding a baby.
Ben froze, stunned.
"What are you thinking?" Joanna teased later that evening, after they'd made up for lost time.
She couldn't stop laughing, recalling Ben's reaction when he saw her holding the neighbor's child earlier. "Your face was priceless!"
Ben flushed. "I just missed you too much," he mumbled, handing her a folded check.
Joanna unfolded it, her eyes widening at the string of zeros. "Oh my God!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing through the house.
Similar exclamations erupted in the homes of the other team members, each celebrating their newfound wealth.
Meanwhile, at the No. 22 Club, Charlie sat at a breakfast table, savoring freshly baked cheese bread. Suddenly, a rhythmic thumping from beneath the table interrupted his quiet meal.
"Careful with your teeth," he muttered, glancing down with a smirk.
Aria, blushing furiously, avoided his gaze, lost in a daze as Charlie finished his breakfast.
Afterward, Charlie stood and clapped his hands. "Alright, team meeting!"
The group gathered near a makeshift kitchen resembling a food truck, where seven cooks worked in synchronized harmony, assembling burgers with precision.
"Every burger takes just 30 seconds," Charlie explained proudly. "Speed, temperature, and coordination—this is how a perfect system works."
The onlookers watched, amazed, as burgers slid down a conveyor in flawless assembly-line fashion.
"What's this called, Uncle Charlie?" asked Yan Yan, a curious young girl in the crowd.
"McDonald's," Charlie declared with pride, gazing at the efficient kitchen setup.
As the demonstration concluded, the team dispersed, and Charlie leaned back, marveling at the possibilities ahead. In this cold November of 1929, a legend was being born.