Chapter 10: Thinking Three Steps Ahead
Nathan walked down the hallway, lost in thought.
His study guide business had been a success, but Jordan was always looking for ways to shut him down.
Now that the school was cracking down on paid homework help, he needed to pivot fast.
If I can't sell study guides, what else can I do?
That's when he realized something.
He had spent weeks building a customer base—students who trusted him to deliver value.
Instead of starting over, he just had to give them something new to buy.
A New Opportunity
Nathan took out his phone and checked what students were talking about.
One thing stood out:
Personalized digital services.
Custom-designed phone wallpapers
Edited photos for social media
Profile picture enhancements
Most students didn't know how to make these things, but they were willing to pay for them.
Nathan smirked. This could work.
The Shift to Digital Services
During lunch, he met up with Sophia and Aaron.
"I'm shutting down the study guide business," Nathan announced.
Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Why? We were making good money."
"Jordan got teachers involved," Nathan explained. "If we keep going, we'll get caught. But I have something better."
He laid out his new plan:
Instead of selling notes, they'd sell custom digital designs—something school rules couldn't touch.
Aaron hesitated. "But none of us are graphic designers."
Nathan grinned. "That's the best part—we don't have to be."
Leveraging AI & Freelancers
Nathan spent the next two nights researching.
He found free online tools that could generate high-quality wallpapers, edit photos, and even make social media templates.
Then, he tested a few designs and posted them in a group chat.
Within an hour, he got his first order.
For $7, he created a custom wallpaper with the buyer's name and favorite colors.
By the end of the week, he had made $78 just from simple designs.
And best of all?
Jordan had no way to shut him down.
Jordan Notices the Shift
On Friday, Nathan was heading home when Jordan caught up to him.
"You're really something, you know that?" Jordan said, shaking his head.
Nathan smirked. "I try."
Jordan sighed. "You're lucky. The school can't stop what you're doing now."
Nathan shrugged. "Not luck. Just thinking ahead."
Jordan stared at him for a moment, then laughed. "Alright. You've got my attention."
Nathan frowned. "What do you mean?"
Jordan leaned in slightly.
"I mean... maybe instead of fighting each other, we should talk business."
Nathan's eyes narrowed.
Was Jordan trying to make a deal?