Chapter 3
“Dad, how could I possibly know that? It’s my first time at the Grand Triumphant Hotel today,” Robert said, smiling embarrassedly. “Although I’m studying finance in university, I only know some world-class companies and cases.”
“Ha-ha! That’s true!” Zachary laughed, pressing a button on his desk. “Carlos, come in for a moment.”
A few minutes later, an older man, appearing to be in his sixties, entered the office and looked at the father-son duo.
“Mr. Zachary Zabinski, Mr. Robert Zabinski.”
“Carlos, I’ll leave this brat to you from now on. Haven’t there been a lot of auctions and banquets recently? Take him to some, so he can understand the Zabinski family’s status in Yrinas,” Zachary instructed.
Carlos Camidge nodded in acknowledgment. “Understood.”
Zachary glanced at Robert. “Kid, it’s hard to explain our family’s business in a few words. You might as well follow Carlos and learn by doing. Here’s a card for you to use.” Zachary produced a bank card and gave it to Robert.
Robert examined it and subconsciously asked, “How much money is in it?”
“Why are you asking? With your current ability, you definitely won’t be able to spend it all. Just use it as you wish.”
“Not be able to spend it all…” Robert mused.
“I’ve also learned about that girl from the Quesnell family. They have a small, insignificant company in Yrinas, but her family is influential in Acocester. I don’t think you’re capable of dealing with the Quesnells right now. It would require my personal intervention,” Zachary chuckled, looking at Robert. “How about this? I’ll buy out the Quesnells’ properties in Acocester and make Marilyn your secretary. Then, you can do whatever you want with her.”
“Huh!” Robert was astounded.
Robert knew little about Marilyn’s family. She never mentioned it while they were dating. However, he wasn't stupid; he knew from her lifestyle that her family was wealthy and influential.
But now, Dad’s saying he can buy out the entire Quesnell family? Our family seems pretty wealthy… Let Marilyn be my secretary… he thought.
Robert felt his heart flutter, but quickly declined. “Don’t, Dad. Let me handle things with her myself!”
“Hmm! That’s good!” Zachary smiled, nodding with relief. “In that case, I’ll leave the Yrinas business to you, seeing as you’ve just graduated. Your mother and I have been busy for years. It’s time for a break and some travel.”
“What?” Robert was astonished. “This… Can I really do it?”
“Ha-ha!” Zachary laughed. “Why not? We planned to hand the business over to you after graduation anyway. It just happened sooner than expected.”
Just then, Robert’s phone rang. It was a roommate.
“Robert, what the heck? Didn’t we agree to get together before graduation? Where are you? Samuel’s going all out tonight! We’re at Elephant Bar! You know it, right? It can easily cost hundreds of dollars! We’re going to really rip Sanniel off tonight! This is the most high-end spending of our lives! Hurry up. We’re waiting at the bar entrance. If you don’t come, we’re not going in!”
The voice was full of energy. Before Robert could reply, the caller hung up.
Zachary smiled knowingly. “All right, go have fun with your buddies. This is your first day learning about our family. I have a mission for you: spend 150,000 dollars first! Don’t tell me you don’t even know how to spend money.”
Robert was floored. Did Dad just tell me to spend 150,000 dollars? Is he trying to make me a prodigal son?
After Robert left, Zachary called someone. “Get ready. It’s time for that brat to take over some things… Yeah, let’s wait until his graduation day.”
Zachary turned to Carlos. “By the way, be prepared for the brat’s graduation. I want my son to shine, and let that Marilyn girl see the power of the Zabinski family! Get someone to devise a plan for me.”
Carlos nodded respectfully. “Understood, Mr. Zabinski. Kendrick Zabel, the fourth heir of the Zabel Group, has arrived in Yrinas and wants to visit. The Zabel Group is interested in entering the Yrinas market. If they do, we, the Zabinski Group, will be the first to suffer.”
“That’s all?” Zachary smiled unconcernedly. “Leave this trivial matter to the brat. Let him figure it out. Consider it a learning experience.”
Zachary’s attitude clearly showed the Zabel family was insignificant to him.
Carlos suddenly said, with a wry smile, “Mr. Zabinski, handing over the entire Yrinas business to Mr. Robert Zabinski might be too much pressure.”
Zachary waved a hand, interrupting confidently. “It doesn’t matter. What’s the big deal if we lose the Yrinas market? Let him do as he pleases. If anything goes wrong, we can just buy out all the companies in Yrinas.”
Meanwhile, Robert took a cab to Elephant Bar, the best nightclub in Yrinas. He’d heard female classmates say it cost at least $900 a night, which sounded terrifying.
Upon arrival, he saw his three roommates and four girls at the entrance, looking impatient. They clearly wanted to go in and party.
“Robert, hurry up! You’re last! I can’t wait to go in and experience the big scene!” Simon Stewart, the third-oldest roommate, rushed over, pulling Robert toward the entrance.
Robert greeted the girls, but they barely acknowledged him. Although handsome, in this lavish environment, his cheap clothes made him seem worthless.
Inside, Samuel Quigley, the oldest roommate, had brought $225, planning to spend it all. Alas, this was only enough for the minimum spending. After buying twelve bottles of beer, they had no money left and had to sit in a dark, secluded corner.
The four girls looked displeased. Twelve bottles of beer for eight people! What a joke! The most important thing in a nightclub is dignity! But now, we’re sitting here in the dark, with no dignity; we're just embarrassing ourselves, they thought.
“Yo, isn’t this Samuel? Even poor people like you are trying to party in nightclubs? Why only a few bottles of beer? Can’t afford more?” A mocking voice sounded. “And little pauper Robert too! Did you come here to drown your sorrows after Marilyn dumped you? I bet she’d laugh if she saw these twelve bottles of beer. No wonder she dumped you!”