Super Spender

“A lot.” Finn Lewis hesitated for a moment, scared to utter the actual figure. He feared scaring his parents. This was also why he didn’t go home immediately. Some things are not as easy to explain as you would like them to be.

“A lot? How much is that? It isn’t in the millions, is it?” Fay Wells exclaimed in surprise.

“Several tens of millions.” Seeing his mother guessing like this, he figured it would take her forever to arrive at the right amount. So, Finn simply delivered the number straight up.

“Several tens of millions?!” Not just Fay, but even Hazel Lewis was shocked. He couldn’t help but glance at Finn and asked, “You didn’t engage in anything illegal, did you?”

“Dad,” Finn chuckled, somewhat helpless, “what illegal activity could bring in so much money? That’s several tens of millions. Even if I robbed a bank, there wouldn’t be that much cash inside.”

“Then what’s the software you made used for? Why would they spend so much money on it?” Fay Wells still seemed a little worried, “They won’t ask for it back, will they?”

“Mom, the contract has been signed, and the money is already with me. How would they take it back?” Finn laughed bitterly. After thinking for a moment, he added, “Remember the news story about the Fruit Company? They spent several tens of millions, maybe even hundreds of millions, just to buy a brand name. That was just a name. You can imagine how much my software can help improve their product.”

“However, this feels like they don’t see money as money at all.” Fay Wells having watched the news before, had a general understanding of what Finn was talking about, but she still murmured reluctantly. Finn felt relieved that, fortunately, the advancement of media, like television and the internet, had reached his village. Even without a computer at home, they had cable television. So, his mother was keeping up with the times. He could not imagine how to explain all this if it were four or five years back.

“Mom, this time I came back because I want to take you and dad to Shining Pearl.” Finn decided to reveal his real purpose for coming back.

“Why would we go to Shining Pearl? We don’t know anyone there, and it’s such a big city that we wouldn’t understand anything,” Hazel Lewis protested.

“Most of the young people from our village have moved out to live with their children. Wouldn’t you do the same in the future?” Finn immediately responded.

A hint of hesitation crossed Fay Wells’ face. After thinking for a while, she voiced her concern, “Son, your dad and I don’t mind going with you, you’re our only son after all. But what about your grandfather still living in town? Who would take care of him if we left? Also, can you be honest with me about this money? It sounds like a made-up story to me.”

“Oh Mom, why would I lie to you? Look, Fishy Wells is not my girlfriend, she’s now my assistant. I’m planning to start my own company. I’m quite successful now. Remember how you used to say I was clever as a child and that I would be successful in the future? Well, I am now. If you still don’t believe it, I can have Fishy Wells come out and confirm it,” Finn was getting a bit exasperated.

“An assistant? A company? These are big decisions, why didn’t you discuss it with us first?” Fay Wells argued anxiously, “What if you lose all that money? I think it’s safer to keep it in the bank.”

“What would you understand about this? You can’t give me any advice even if I did tell you, right? Leave it, kids grow up and need to make their own decisions,” Hazel Lewis, who had been silent for a while, surprisingly sided with Finn.

“If you know so much, why don’t you ask?” Fay Wells snapped back at Hazel Lewis.

“Fishy Wells, come here,” Finn requested, trying to avoid a argument between his parents. The two had been squabbling for a lifetime.

Hearing Finn’s voice, Fishy Wells promptly exited the car and went to them. Finn patted the haystack next to him, “Sit down and explain to my parents, are you really my assistant, did I really start my own company and is the money I

earned real or not?”

Fishy Wells was nobody’s fool; she instantly fathomed what she needed to say based on Finn’s words.

But, before Fishy Wells could say anything, Fay Wells was already trying to get up from the ground, “Don’t listen to him, Fishy, we can talk standing.”

“It’s okay, Auntie, I’ll sit down. If it gets dirty, I can wash it.” Fishy Wells, who had clear priorities, directly sat down.

“Fishy, tell me, is it true that Finn sold a piece of software and earned tens of millions?” Fay Wells immediately asked.

“Of course, Auntie! Director Lewis is one of the most talented geniuses I’ve met. The software he has written has gotten praise from many international engineers. You might not fully understand how hardworking he was in school. He spent almost all his time studying, working part-time jobs in his free time to support himself. The rest of his time was mostly spent coding. You should believe your son, Auntie. You watch TV and you should know many successful business founders started their companies when they were his age. Like Marshall Paker, the founder of Wealthy babe, who started it when he was Finn’s age,” Fishy Wells replied earnestly with a smile.

“Oh! Really? Haha, but my son can’t be compared to Marshall Paker. No way!” Fay Wells immediately beamed with joy. Finn on the other hand, could only stand by speechless. On seeing Fishy Wells’ convincing skills, he couldn’t hide his admiration.

“Moreover, Director Lewis wanting you and Uncle Lewis to move to Celeston

City does make sense. Look, you’re not there. Finn doesn’t like the food there. He’s busy with his newly-created company each day, and can only order take out. Bad food means bad health. Furthermore, Finn might need your advice on major decisions. While you may not be able to provide him with professional advice, the wisdom you’ve garnered with age is precious. The more years you have, the more experience you have,” Fishy Wells continued talking.

“Look, kids these days know how to talk! Hazel, what do you think? I agree with Fishy. When Finn came back this time, I felt he had lost weight,” Fay Wells now put her previous worries behind her, focusing on how she could take care of Finn.

Finn was left dumbfounded. Mom, are you sure I’m your own son? Is this really okay? You wouldn’t believe anything I said, but you bought everything after hearing just a few words from Fishy Wells.

“Yes, but we can’t just leave at the drop of a hat. We’ll soon have to harvest the wheat. So, we would have to wait until after the harvest to leave,” Hazel Lewis voiced his reluctant agreement after some hesitation..