[Chapter 39: The South African Diamond Has Returned}
Just as he hung up the phone, John noticed Zach and Bob staring at him in surprise, which startled him.
"John, why do you suddenly need such a large sum of money?"
"Zach, didn't I tell you before that we're considering starting our own venture capital firm, maybe even an investment company? Recently, I heard that Netscape is about to go public. I'm thinking about trading some of their shares before the IPO because I'm bullish on Netscape. After all, we're in Silicon Valley -- surely someone knows the leaders over at Netscape. I heard the CEO is a young guy, just in his twenties."
"Are you sure there's money to be made from that?" Zach asked doubtingly. This was already a multi-million-dollar business they were talking about.
"I'm sure, Zach. You have to trust me on this."
"Maybe you're right. You can even use my shares as collateral." Zach finally nodded in agreement.
After hearing this, John felt deeply moved. Although the Yahoo! shares were his gifts to Zach, Zach's unconditional trust made John really happy. It proved that Zach's nature hadn't changed -- a passionate, optimistic, and cheerful guy just like when they first met.
Anyway, with everything done on his end, all John could do was wait for news. Meanwhile, he had Zach prepare all the necessary documents. If Sequoia Capital didn't get back to him, he'd have to bank on the banks himself.
Then he thought, why worry so much? He'd done what he could. The rest would work out on its own -- when the boat reaches the bridge, the problem solves itself.
Besides, tonight the South African Diamond was coming back. John was looking forward to chatting with her. If John said he wasn't a bit smitten, that would be a lie -- after all, she was one of the goddesses from his past life.
But to say he was already in love might be stretching it. It was mostly the influence of his past memories. After all, holding an Oscar-winning actress -- the South African Diamond -- that was a dream many men'd had in his previous life.
He initially thought about picking her up at the airport, but then decided against it. First, he was too young, and second, it would be too forward.
Instead, he planned to have dinner together and needed to buy some ingredients. So he went with Zach to the supermarket.
---
In the afternoon, John talked to Charlize Theron again on the phone. She said she'd be home by 7 PM and was already looking forward to the food.
Then John sent Zach and Bob out of the apartment, claiming he'd manage dinner himself. He even asked them to stay inside their rooms and not disturb them.
In response, Zach and Bob grumbled -- claiming the presence of a woman had knocked his sense -- but they left, eager for the evening's drama.
---
At 6:30 PM, John had prepared what he considered his best meal. Well, it was basically Cucumber Salad for starter, Chicken Schnitzel with Roasted Potatoes as main dish, and Vanilla Ice Cream with Warm Cherries as dessert.
He opened a bottle of red wine. It wasn't a legendary Romanee-Conti or an '82 Lafite, but it cost a few thousand bucks, so John was going all out -- especially since his bank account was nearly in the red.
While waiting, John grew restless. He couldn't explain why. Despite decades of memories from past and present lives, he suddenly found himself anxious to see this through.
He concluded it was all due to the past life's strong influence, every time he thought of Charlize Theron, he remembered the goddess aura she had in his former existence.
Currently, Charlize had a little baby fat, not the most beautiful, definitely not as striking as in the future when she shed it.
In the future, the South African Diamond's beauty became legendary, especially after the Dior campaign that spread her goddess and queenly aura worldwide, stunning everyone.
John's fascination with Charlize began with that Dior ad. She instantly became one of his goddesses.
---
"Ding..."
John was sitting in his apartment when the elevator doors opened. He quickly stood up and stepped outside, having left the main door open earlier so he could greet Charlize immediately.
Sure enough, just as he stepped out, tall Charlize emerged from the elevator, pulling her suitcase.
This time, John was impressed. Charlize had straightened her hair and, following his advice, was working on losing the baby fat. Seeing her like this, John felt like he was finally looking at the goddess from his past.
The hair straightening and weight loss had been his suggestions, and she had taken them.
"Hey, wow, Charlize, you look more beautiful after a few days apart!"
"Really?" Charlize said, hearing John step outside. She put down her suitcase and spun around, quite the eye-catcher.
"Of course! Dinner's ready, I've been waiting for you."
"Absolutely. We agreed on this on the phone -- I'm really looking forward to it," she replied with bright eyes.
"Then please, after you." John held the suitcase open for her, and they walked inside together.
By now, John sensed Zach and Bob pressing up against the apartment door, probably eavesdropping, but he ignored it.
---
"So, how did the movie shoot go?" John asked, helping Charlize hang up her coat.
She smiled meaningfully but said, "Let's not talk about work. It was just a small role. By the time the movie's out, I might only have a few minutes of screen time. What about you? I've been browsing the Internet a lot lately, especially Yahoo!, and heard it's growing fast. As a shareholder, you must be doing well."
"Honestly, I haven't paid much attention. They're professionals -- I believe in letting experts handle their business. I just want the results," John replied confidently.
"Anyway, check out what I prepared tonight -- traditional German home cooking. These recipes are usually shared among family and close friends."
"Oh wow, I'm already excited. Let's get started -- let me see how good your cooking is."
...
From the looks of it, both were very satisfied, especially Charlize, who was amazed John could cook that well.
After dinner, Charlize insisted on cleaning up, leaving John standing aside and watching.
Later, they stepped out onto John's small balcony and chatted warmly, laughter ringing out through the evening.
When John walked Charlize to his apartment door at night, he couldn't help but ask, "Charlize, would you say this was a date?"
"Well, sweetheart, what do you think?" Charlize glanced at John, then cheekily kissed him before teasing.
John's heart leapt. Despite the playful response, he took it as the answer he'd hoped for.
Watching Charlize enter her room and close the door, John couldn't help but jump up and down.
"Yes, yes, yes!"
*****
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