As Christmas Eve approached, some bustling sections of Medford were already adorned with twinkling seven-colored fairy lights, adding a festive touch to this remote town.
"Georgie, have you thought about opening a new shop? That arcade isn't a long-term solution," Mike, driving back the way they came, said to Georgie, who was staring blankly out the window.
As mentioned before, arcades were in a gray area. Sooner or later, a crackdown or surprise inspection would cause trouble.
Therefore, just as he had persuaded Meemaw Connie, Mike also hoped Georgie could distance himself from the arcade.
"What else do you think I can do?"
Georgie, snapping out of his daze, knew he wasn't the smartest person, so he was willing to listen to Mike's opinion.
"Maybe you can start with a small auto repair shop. If you really don't know what to do, you can give the money to me to manage after you recover your principal from the arcade," Mike offered reliable advice.
Georgie actually had a talent for auto repair, and a small shop could start with car washing and tire patching. Such a storefront with low initial investment was suitable for Georgie to try.
Moreover, even if Georgie wasn't interested in this project, Mike gave him another option: investing the money in stocks. With Mike backing him, at least Georgie wouldn't lose his capital.
The next issue would simply be whether he made a little or a lot.
Of course, the premise of all this was that Georgie was willing to part with the arcade.
"I need to think about it..." Georgie said, his eyes darting away.
Clearly, Georgie, having tasted success, wasn't willing to give up the lucrative arcade business. Or perhaps, having just stabilized his life, he was afraid of change.
"Up to you. But I still suggest you find a proper job as soon as possible."
Seeing the other's hesitation, Mike gave his final advice.
Again, unsolicited help isn't appreciated. Mike had said what needed to be said; the final choice depended on Georgie himself.
Soon, the pickup truck returned outside the Cooper family's small yard.
By now, it was completely dark. After watching Georgie carry his suitcase to the garage, Mike turned and went to Meemaw Connie's house.
"Mike, I want to ask about stocks."
In the living room, Meemaw Connie hadn't rested yet.
"No problem, what do you want to know?"
Mike took off his coat and sat down on the sofa.
Then, under Meemaw Connie's questioning, Mike systematically introduced the process of stock trading.
"Is this too complicated..."
Meemaw Connie, getting on in years, was still confused after listening to the introduction.
However, not seeking deep understanding was one of Meemaw Connie's virtues. Compared to complex stock trading tips, she was more willing to believe in Mike, this "family member."
"You told me before that if I wanted to trade stocks, I could ask for your help. So I want to entrust my pension to you to manage."
Meemaw Connie took out three large stacks of bills she had prepared and said casually: "Here is exactly thirty thousand dollars. If it's lost, it's on me; if we make money, we split it fifty-fifty."
The thirty thousand dollars on the table was partly Meemaw Connie's savings from this period and partly the money from transferring the arcade.
It seemed she had taken all of Mike's previous persuasion to heart.
"I'll open a separate third-party account for you. As for splitting the money, forget it."
Mike had never thought of using his position to make money off Meemaw Connie. With a net worth of tens of millions, there was no need for him to do that.
Moreover, to ensure no economic disputes with Connie in the future, Mike decided to introduce a third-party supervision system to make the flow of Meemaw Connie's funds transparent.
Here, the usefulness of former securities company employee Chris became apparent. Chris was the male socialite among the trio Mike had rescued from the cannibal before. Now he had a new identity: Mike's financial advisor for stock trading.
Based on the principle that even brothers should keep clear accounts, Mike planned to introduce Chris to Meemaw Connie.
Of course, this didn't mean Mike would be a hands-off manager; he would still strictly control Meemaw Connie's subsequent stock trading matters behind the scenes.
"Alright, the stock trading account is set up. If you don't understand anything about the stock market in the future, you can ask me or ask Chris."
Ideally, it's better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. Mike, having helped Meemaw Connie open an account through a third party, tried to let Meemaw Connie learn to watch the stock market trends herself. If successful, this approach would surely make Meemaw Connie more at ease.
"It doesn't matter; I'm relieved leaving the stock matters to you."
Meemaw Connie, having completed her first stock purchase, said with a smile: "It's getting late, I'll go rest first."
Okay, it seemed Meemaw Connie really wasn't interested in stocks. Out of trust in Mike, she seemed to intend to be a completely hands-off manager. This operation was tantamount to leaving professional matters to professionals.
What could Mike say to this? He could only choose to "carry" Meemaw Connie to success.
Time flew to the school's Christmas party.
The grand auditorium, decorated with countless colored lights, ribbons, flags, and Christmas trees, was full of festive atmosphere. Compared to last year, this year's school Christmas party was exceptionally grand.
"Welcome everyone to the school's annual Christmas party..."
On the stage, Ms. Sharon changed her usual strait-laced image, put on a beautiful evening gown, and acted as the host of today's party. It had to be said that Ms. Sharon, in her early thirties, had a unique charm when dressed up.
"Next, let us invite Principal Tom to the stage to speak~"
As the host's voice fell, Principal Tom, dressed in academic robes, walked slowly onto the stage supported by Dean Tim.
Principal Tom, who had reached retirement age, had visibly aged a lot in this half-year. At this moment, he looked exceptionally kind.
"I am very happy to spend this special day with you young people. You are the hope of the future..."
Principal Tom finished his opening remarks as if lamenting life.
Then, he continued: "Thank you for patiently listening to an old man's nagging. Next, let us witness the great achievements Medford High School has made this year..."
"First, let me invite all members of the Medford football team. They not only won first place in the region in the invitational tournament in the first half of the year but also won the league championship in the Summer League in the second half of this year..."
Amidst warm applause and the reading of honors, Coach George and Mike, along with other football players, walked onto the stage one by one to receive everyone's blessings. The cheers that almost overturned the roof witnessed the popularity of football among students.
After commending the football team, accompanied by Ms. Sharon, the Math Olympiad team members who won this year's Math Olympiad championship also went on stage to make an appearance.
Thus, Mike achieved a double victory.
Next, some other groups that had won honors for the school went on stage to accept commendations one by one.
"I am very happy to see Medford High School becoming better and better..."
After celebrating the honors, a complex emotion of reluctance appeared on Principal Tom's face, seeming to foreshadow a major event.
"The road of life is long, and no one can walk with you forever."
"Similarly, I regret that I cannot continue to walk with you. From this moment on, the position of Principal of Medford will be handed over by me to Tim..."
As the old principal silently retreated, Tim walked to the center of the stage.