"10 million US dollars is such a waste. My father founded Motorola in 1928 and accumulated it for 60 years. The Galvin family is also relatively wealthy, but it is still difficult for me to imagine how a party spent 10 million US dollars. , this matter is as ridiculous as Westeros making more than a billion dollars in just a few months. I think the first thing the Brady Commission should investigate is Simon Westeros, find out this matter, we Maybe we can understand the reason for last year’s stock market crash.”
"Mr. Galvin, all transaction records in Westeros last year have been made public, and no one has found any violations."
"Jim, do you really believe those numbers in the media?"
"I can only say, Mr. Galvin, that another completely different piece of relevant information that I didn't read was released. It involves a huge amount of more than one billion U.S. dollars. I believe that the federal investigative agencies must have conducted investigations into Westeros. After a very careful review. If Westeros's transactions last year were indeed suspected of irregularities, he might be spending his 20th birthday in prison now."
"I still don't think he is innocent. Otherwise, this can only be said to be the most tragic incident in the history of federal finance. So many people have worked hard all their lives, and several generations may not be able to accumulate much wealth. But that young man It only took five months, can you imagine? Five months, 1.6 billion US dollars." On the TV screen, Motorola Chairman Robert Galvin became more and more excited and gestured, "Then He started behaving badly, like a gangster who suddenly inherited a large inheritance, buying airplanes and mansions arbitrarily, and spending $10 million at a time on a birthday party."
"Mr. Galvin, compared to many other celebrities, Westeros is still very low-key. Moreover, the 20th birthday is still worth celebrating."
"Westeros could definitely do something more meaningful. He is an orphan. Everyone knows that. He grew up with the support of the federal social welfare system. But now, no one sees him trying. To give back to this country and to the people who paid their taxes to provide him with food, shelter and an education. I heard from many charities who tried to contact him but got no response from any of them. His indifference to philanthropy is just chilling."
"Mr. Galvin, may I assume that you are just holding a grudge because Westeros sold off Motorola stock. As far as I know, before Simon Westeros sold off, Motorola stock price was $75, but in recent days, For months, this number has been hovering around $60. On the contrary, during this period, many companies held by Westeros Company have continued to rise. Moreover, I also heard that you have been criticized by the company’s board of directors, and it may be possible in the near future. Resign."
"No, no, of course these are not true. Motorola's stock price was indeed disturbed by the sell-off in Westeros, but it did not affect our company's performance. Last year, Motorola's net profit exceeded US$300 million. The stock price Only temporarily, being able to create profits for shareholders is the foundation of a company. In addition, as for me personally, I am 66 years old this year, and I have been thinking about retirement before this. This matter has nothing to do with West. Lowe’s sell-off has nothing to do with it.”
“…”
“…”
In the mansion in Malibu, it was already noon the next day.
Janet walked into Simon's study and listened to a few lines of the interview with Motorola Chairman Robert Galvin on the TV. When Simon, who was on the phone, hung up, she picked up the remote control and turned off the TV, saying: "You Do you like hearing others talk about you in person?"
Since this morning, both mainstream media and gossip tabloids have been using various eye-catching headlines to discuss Simon's birthday party last night.
Pat Kingsley called in the morning and reported some media developments that Simon needed to know. Finally, he laughed and said that he would be busy for a long time to quell the impact of this party.
Simon sat behind the desk and wrote something in his notebook. Hearing this, he smiled and said, "It's very motivating to know that there are still people in this world who hate you. Is your brother here?"
Janet leaned against the desk, leaned forward slightly and said, "There are still a few minutes left. I'll come over to see if you've finished your phone call."
"It's done," Simon nodded and explained casually: "Amy called. The Writers Guild of America publicly launched a strike vote this morning. This year's strike is definitely inevitable."
Today is February 23rd, and the date of the writers’ strike in Simon’s memory is March 7th. However, the strike by the Writers Guild of America cannot be a random decision by WGA executives. It also requires a member vote. Since WGA members in North America and even overseas need to send their votes by mail, this process usually takes two weeks.
Janet was obviously not interested in listening. When Simon got up, she took the man's arm and was about to leave the study, but she pointed to the TV on the wall and said: "That one just now, I think you should also set up some charity." Funds and the like, even just for show. This kind of thing is always unavoidable, otherwise more people will definitely use this matter to attack you in the future. "
Because of some things in his memory, Simon was indeed very indifferent to charity. At this time, he did not object to Janet's suggestion and said: "Okay, let's call it the Simon & Janet Foundation. Come and help me." Take care of it.”
Janet shook her head and said, "No, it should be the Simon & Janet Westeros Foundation."
"Well, make the noun longer so that people can notice it."
"Haha, that's not what I meant."
The two of them chatted and laughed and came to the villa kitchen. As soon as they brought the prepared lunch into the dining room, the doorbell rang.
Simon and Janet went out to greet them together. Although there was no special feeling beforehand, Simon was inevitably a little nervous when he actually met Janet's family.
Anthony Johnston looks older than his actual age. He wears a crisp gray suit. He is about the same height as Simon. He has a short beard on his face. Some of the features between his eyebrows can clearly tell that he is the same as Janet. family.
After hugging Janet, Anthony Johns shook hands with Simon in a gentle tone, and then took out a gift to express his congratulations to Simon on his 20th birthday: "I could have arrived yesterday, but my business partner in London made a fortune There was a temporary change in the deal and it had to be postponed until now. Happy birthday, Simon."
"Thanks, Tony, let's go inside, lunch is ready."
The three of them walked towards the villa together, but Janet took the gift box from Simon's hand unceremoniously, opened it as she walked, took out the watch in the box and looked at it carefully, and then said with satisfaction: "It's not bad. Dad’s collection. I thought you would buy a random gift at the airport.”
Anthony Johnston listened to his sister's teasing, but said to Simon: "You must often have a headache when getting along with Jenny, she likes to play pranks too much."
Simon smiled and said: "It's not bad."
Janet was a little dissatisfied with Simon's ambiguous answer and said, "What do you mean by 'it's okay'?"
"It's just that I get headaches occasionally, but not that frequently."
Janet scratched Simon's arm dissatisfied: "If you want to, I will give you a headache every day from now on."
Although through Neil Bennett and Ken Dixon in advance, the Johnston family had obtained a lot of information about Simon and the personal relationship between Simon and Janet. Anthony Johnston noticed at this time that his sister and The kind of intimacy that was unknowingly revealed between the young people was really relaxing.
After a brief repair, the three of them sat in the restaurant.
The atmosphere at lunch was very relaxed, and everyone just chatted about various trivial matters.
After lunch, Anthony Johnston proposed to chat with Simon alone, and the two of them went to the terrace next to the cliff by the sea.
The mansion is located to the west of Dumei Point Park. Standing beside the balcony railing and looking out, in addition to the breathtaking sea view in front of you, there is also the abrupt sharp corner not far away on the left.
Anthony Johnston looked at the sharp corner of the cliff and said: "It is a very suitable location for building a mansion."
Simon smiled and said, "State park."
Anthony shook his head slightly and said, "Simon, there is nothing we can't get."
Simon hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, I will find a way to get it. It is indeed suitable for building a manor. Pointe Manor, well, this name seems inappropriate. Since it is Dumei Point Park, in the future Let’s call it Dume Point Manor.”
Anthony glanced at Simon and said, "You have already taken your fancy to that piece of land, right?"
“There was just always a bit of hesitation,” Simon admitted.
Anthony smiled, but suddenly changed the subject: "Simon, do you still remember the information about your parents?"
Simon was stunned for a moment, shook his head and said, "I don't remember."
Anthony thought for a while and seemed to hesitate, but he quickly said: "I don't know why, the first time I saw your photo, I had a certain feeling. I just saw you in person, and this feeling became clearer. However, But I can't tell what this feeling is. It seems that we have met before, but this is definitely impossible. Before you came to Los Angeles two years ago, you should have been in San Francisco all the time, but I have only been to San Francisco three times since I was a child. "
"It might just be a sense of déjà vu, which a lot of people feel."
"Maybe," Anthony nodded and said, "Actually, I hired a detective company to investigate your parents' information. I mean possible information. I don't have any malicious intentions. I hope you don't mind. However, these investigations There are no results. You were picked up by a policeman on the roadside when you were 5 years old and sent to an orphanage, but before you were 5 years old, there was no record of your personal identity. Do you remember what happened before you were 5 years old? "
Simon didn't mind, he was actually very curious about his past. If the Johnston family could find out, then he wouldn't have to waste his experience anymore.
At this time, hearing Anthony's question, Simon shook his head and said: "No, or it's very vague, I can't remember it at all."
"Forget it, it is said that some people have been claiming to be your parents trying to identify themselves, but you have not responded. I think you have no intention of looking for your parents." Anthony said, suddenly looking at Simon again, and said: "You hate Them?"
Simon shook his head: "I don't know them at all, how can I hate them?"
"Then, I'm curious, what drives you to become who you are now?" Anthony asked another question: "You know, without enough ideas, it is difficult for a person living at the bottom of society to achieve what you are now. Most of them are more likely to just drift along, or get worse.”
"I haven't thought about this question carefully, Tony," Simon shook his head and said, "If you really want an answer, maybe it's just that I want to live a better life, better than most people."
"This is still unreasonable," Anthony said, "but since you don't want to explain, I won't ask any more questions. In fact, the only thing I care about when I come here today is when you plan to marry my sister. Of course, this In fact, this is what my parents are most concerned about. They don’t want two old girls who can’t get married to appear in our family.”
Simon subconsciously said: "Two?"
Anthony was stunned and said with a smile: "I... also have an aunt, who is my grandfather's daughter and my father's sister. She is just younger than me. You should know, right?"
Simon nodded and said: "She, um, Jenny mentioned it to me, isn't she married?"
"Since Jenny mentioned it to you, she must have revealed some more things to you. My little aunt has never been married, and even, well, you will know when you see her later. My dad always feels that Jenny may It was also influenced by my little aunt that I never had a boyfriend." Anthony said, and asked again: "So, when do you plan to marry Jenny?"
Simon didn't care, and said: "As long as Jenny is willing, she can do it anytime. I am not resistant to this kind of thing."
"Then try to complete this matter within two years," Anthony said decisively without being polite: "You should know that Janet is 28 years old this year, and her parents hope that she can get married before she is thirty."
…
"Since Jenny mentioned it to you, she must have revealed some more things to you. My little aunt has never been married, and even, well, you will know when you see her later. My dad always feels that Jenny may It was also influenced by my little aunt that I never had a boyfriend." Anthony said, and asked again: "So, when do you plan to marry Jenny?"
Simon didn't care, and said: "As long as Jenny is willing, she can do it anytime. I am not resistant to this kind of thing."
"Then try to complete this matter within two years," Anthony said decisively without being polite: "You should know that Janet is 28 years old this year, and her parents hope that she can get married before she is thirty."