Behind The Spotlight Chapter 147
"The dot-com list is indeed like a bubble that can burst, but it doesn't mean it will pop in 1999. Collin, how about investing more instead? I can assure you, you will earn more money." Stan's voice was calm but carried a hint of desperation.
Stan Gavin wouldn't earn anything from a client cashing out. He earned his commission only if his clients bought stocks. Collin was one of Stan's biggest clients, bringing him a generous profit every year.
However, if Collin completely cashed out his investments, this might be the last time Stan would ever see him again. The thought made Stan's chest tighten. Losing a high-value client like Collin meant losing a steady stream of income.
"I know how to analyze the stock market. The bubble burst won't happen in 1999. The internet industry is a promising market, you don't have to worry," Stan tried to convince him. He forced a confident smile, though his eyes briefly glanced toward the computer screen flashing volatile stock charts.
"But what if the bubble bursts and I lose all of my money? Stan, I'm going to cash out my investment before that happens and buy a property instead. At least a property won't disappear even if the market crashes."
Collin could see through Stan. He knew the man relied on commissions, he could practically feel his anxiety.
"Don't worry, I'll consult you if I'm interested in buying stocks again," he said to comfort him. A small, polite smile appeared on his lips, one that offered reassurance but no real promise.
Left with no choice, Stan Gavin showed him the growth of his investments. He sighed quietly, then pulled a printed report from a folder.
Collin was surprised, his stocks were worth $69 million! His eyes widened slightly as he flipped through the pages, his pulse quickening.
Macrosoft: $7.2M × 134.6% ≈ $9.691M gain
Cisko: $6.3M × 20.1% ≈ $1.266M gain
Intelligence: $5.1M × 38.2% ≈ $1.948M gain
Database Giant: $5.1M × 650% ≈ $33.15M gain
He checked each stock carefully and found that the biggest factor was Database Giant! A 650% increase in stock price had turned his $5 million into $33 million. His heart skipped a beat. He leaned back in his chair, stunned by the sheer growth of his investment.
His hands slightly trembled as he read the documents, the crisp paper crinkling between his fingers. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips, a mix of disbelief and satisfaction.
Last year, back in January 1998, his stocks were worth $23 million. Yet now, a year later, his investment had grown to $69 million. The realization sank in, and a quiet sense of accomplishment filled his chest.
Now that he had confirmed how much money he had, Collin became more determined to cash out. He didn't want his fortune to be wiped out by the upcoming bubble burst. He didn't know every detail about the stock market, but he was knowledgeable enough to understand that his stocks would be badly affected once the bubble popped.
In his opinion, it was better to buy a house than to keep his money in volatile stocks. Real estate, at least, was something he could see and touch, solid and dependable, not a line on a screen that could vanish overnight.
'If I remember it right, I only invested $8 million in these stocks initially. I can't believe they increased to $69 million.' His mind replayed the moment he first made that investment, full of uncertainty. Now, seeing the results, he couldn't help but feel proud of his younger self.
As for the taxes... Collin had no choice but to play along. He just told himself that he was helping his country. He brainwashed himself into believing that his taxes would fund public infrastructure instead of going into politicians' pockets. Anyway, the accountant on his team would handle everything, he'd just pay her. He chuckled softly to himself, at least he could pretend his taxes built something useful.
Once the money was transferred to his bank account, Collin bid farewell to the investment firm. He extended a hand toward Stan, whose forced smile barely hid his disappointment. As for seeing Stan Gavin again, only fate could decide that.
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...
...
"Ouch, why did you pinch me?" Collin flinched, rubbing his shoulder with a frown.
"I'm trying to absorb some of your luck."
"By pinching me?"
"By pinching you."
Arnold nodded while Collin rubbed the sore spot on his shoulder. Arnold grinned mischievously.
"I'm going to talk to HR and tell them that you harassed me."
"Harassed you? I just want to absorb your luck."
"That's it, you'll have to explain yourself to HR." Collin stood up to leave his new office. He grabbed a few documents and straightened his tie, pretending to look serious. Yes, the new office, Collin's office, was now on the 7th floor, and it was much larger. Furthermore, his secretary had a smaller office next to his, a sign of his promotion and growing influence in the agency.
His status in the agency had improved, which was exactly why Arnold decided to pinch him, hoping to "absorb" some of his luck.
"Hey, why are you taking my joke seriously? Come on, sit down. I came here because I got some news that might interest you."
Collin narrowed his eyes and returned to his seat. He leaned back slightly, curiosity flickering in his gaze.
"Don't pinch me again. I prefer it if a woman pinches me instead of a guy like you. Besides, what luck are you talking about? I'm not a lucky charm."
"Considering that you're moving up fast, I think you're lucky. Give me some of your luck."
"You sound gay right now."
"No homo."
"Nah, that statement won't save you. You're gay. You just wanted to pinch me because you're gay."
"If I'm gay, I wouldn't have fucked Jolyne."
"Damn, you did what?" Collin didn't expect Arnold to brag about that. His eyes widened in disbelief.
"All four holes."
"Four holes? What's the fourth one?"
"Titjob."
"I learned something today. So the space between the breasts is considered a hole?"
"You can fuck it, so yeah, it's a hole." Arnold shrugged, saying it with a straight face, completely unashamed, while Collin facepalmed with a groan.
"I can't believe you're telling me this."
"Also, Jolyne is pregnant. I'm going to be a dad."
"... Excuse me, what?" Collin froze mid-motion, his expression shifting from disbelief to genuine surprise.
He blinked a few times, processing Arnold's words.
"I'm going to be a dad. Jolyne and I are thinking of getting married. Of course, I signed a prenuptial agreement since I'm the poorer one in the relationship. I want my kid to grow up with a complete family." Arnold's voice softened at the end, his eyes filled with sincerity.
"Damn. You're serious?"
"Yes, I am." Arnold genuinely smiled. It wasn't his usual cheeky grin, this one was real, proud, and hopeful.
Collin stood up and hugged Arnold, congratulating him. He patted his back firmly, a smile spreading across his face.
"Hahaha, that's great, Arnold. I'm happy for you."
"Thank you. So how about you give me some of your luck?"
Collin stopped hugging him when he heard that.
"Fucking gay."
"Just like I said, I wouldn't pipe the greatest actress in Hollywood if I were gay."
"Alright, alright. Whatever you say. Also, I don't have any luck," Collin said, sitting back down. He couldn't explain that his success was because of his golden vision.
"Bullshit. Your newest client reached the top 1 on Billboard 100 this February, and now you're telling me you're not lucky?"
Princess Chantal's debut single was a huge hit, it became number one for six consecutive weeks before going down to number two. The record label had been buzzing with excitement ever since.
Moonrise Music was overjoyed with that achievement, considering that Princess Chantal was their first artist. Her success elevated not only the record label but Collin's reputation as well. His name now shine brighter than ever in the entertainment industry.