America: My Time

Chapter 4 Millionaire
Chapter Four: Millionaire

“Mom, this is a TV program I’ve come up with. I’ve made a plan. Can you take a look and see if there’s anything lacking? If possible, I’d like to sell it. Maybe it will bring me a considerable income!” As he spoke, John quickly took out his millionaire plan, which he had already written.

For a moment, Mr. and Mrs. Smith were speechless. Although they had both weathered many storms and were used to big events, they shouldn't have lost their composure like this, no matter what happened. However, what they were seeing was so drastically different from their preconceived notions that it was unbelievable. Someone who had never been involved in television program planning, and who was also a child, had actually written a television program and prepared a proposal. In their eyes, it was a joke.

As a father, Smith said, "John, what did you just say? I didn't hear you clearly. Could you say it again?" As he spoke, Smith also saw Anna, who was equally shocked, and the notebook in John's hand, which made him realize that he had not misheard, but he just couldn't accept it!

John, oblivious to his parents' surprise, held up his notebook and said, "I made a reality TV show called 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,' please take a look."

After John regained consciousness, he shocked his family in many ways, first with his ambition, then with his impressive musical talent, and now with his own self-produced television program!

Although she was incredibly surprised, even in disbelief, Anna, as a mother, took the notebook from John and said, "I know a bit about television programs, let me see! John, no matter what, I'm very proud of you, your talent is amazing!"

Unlike Anna, her father, Smith, tentatively asked, "John, did you do this all by yourself? What were you thinking? Do you perhaps want to pursue a full-fledged career in entertainment?"

At this moment, Smith really wanted to know John's true thoughts and to understand John's future direction, since it concerned John's future and could not be taken lightly!

Upon hearing his father's question, John thought to himself, "Of course I copied it, but unfortunately no one knows, so it's my own creation."

"Yes, I did this all by myself. During that period of confusion, I had many thoughts in my mind, but I couldn't muster any enthusiasm at the time. Now I have finally woken up and emerged from my confusion, so I need to seize the time to organize everything that is in my mind. I hope you won't laugh at me."

At this point, John paused, gathered his thoughts, and continued, "I do have ideas about developing in the entertainment field, but that's not my whole plan, nor is it my main focus. My ultimate goal is Silicon Valley, technology and investment. Developing entertainment is just a means to raise more funds for myself in the early stages!"

There was one more thing John didn't say: he could gradually increase his control over the narrative through entertainment, thereby gaining more benefits for himself. However, if he said this, his parents wouldn't believe him, because he was too young!
Smith sighed, "John, you should focus your attention on one thing at a time and not be too distracted. It's not good for your future development. You're still too young. Concentrating on doing one thing well is the best choice. Too many distractions will only scatter your energy and ultimately lead to nothing!"

This statement is an absolute truth for ordinary people, and it couldn't be more fitting! However, I am not an ordinary person; I have an unfair advantage with access to countless pieces of future information. Even if I am distracted, I will continue to achieve success and will not experience complete failure. At least in entertainment and investment, the power of my "golden touch" is invincible in these two areas!

My father is right. My biggest weakness right now is that I'm too young. I'm still a child, and it's difficult for me to do many things. The only way to overcome this weakness is to increase my fame.

Only when you possess unparalleled fame will all the obstacles brought by youth disappear. The fastest way to gain fame is naturally through entertainment, which is also the easiest way to make money.

John smiled calmly and said, "Father, I know, but I believe I have the ability to forge my own path. As you said, I'm young, and I can afford to fail." Just as the conversation between Smith and John became awkward, Anna finally finished reading the project presentation in her hand. She was incredibly shocked and said, "Smith, now I need to have a serious talk with John. This is indeed a great television program with huge commercial potential."

Hearing this, Smith said with slight surprise, "OK! You mean it?" Although John was a genius, writing novels and creating television programs were completely different fields, and this result was somewhat unacceptable to him!
"Of course, John's plan is perfect, meticulous, and completely captures people's hearts, as if we don't know him at all. This plan can achieve great success in the commercial market and has endless potential."

"This is what I thought of when I was feeling lost. Although I was very confused and bewildered during that period, inspiration flowed like a spring, but I just couldn't muster any energy to create. It felt like my whole being was drained. That feeling was really terrible for me!"

Seeing this, Anna sighed softly and said, "You've suffered. Perhaps only through this ordeal can you see everything clearly and gain such an understanding of human nature, enabling you to devise such a perfect scheme driven by profit. As long as you're human, you can't escape the shackles of fame and fortune. No one can resist the temptation of money!"

"That's what I think too. Even a seventeen-year-old like me can't resist the temptation of money, let alone adults. Their greed for money is only more insane and more persistent than mine!"

At this moment, John showed no humility whatsoever, because this was America. Americans don't value humility; humility is merely seen as weakness, a lack of confidence, and an easy target for bullying.

“John, your plan could bring in tens of millions of dollars, or even more. Do you still need to accept the family’s ten million dollar fund?” Suddenly, his mother Anna looked up and stared directly at John.

Facing his mother's gaze, John didn't flinch. He smiled calmly and said, "Why wouldn't I accept? Even tens of millions of dollars wouldn't be enough. Having ten million more on hand would be better. This is a cash-is-king society; more money means more power. It's not a burden for me. With ten million, I can try out many of my ideas without waiting. Time is money, and I want to try out all my ideas while I'm young and see if I can succeed!"

Trying is a good decision. In many fields, although you may have a forward-looking vision and advanced understanding that others don't, you still need to put in the effort to succeed.

As the saying goes, "every profession has its own secrets." While a seasoned internet user and financial professional might succeed—and even achieve great success—entering a completely new field is not guaranteed to be as successful. When starting a business, it's wise to try different things. Even if you fail, it's not a big deal, as the initial investment of capital and effort won't be too large, and you can afford the losses.

"Okay, it's good that you think that way. In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with this plan. However, I don't want you to sell it completely. It would be better if you asked for a portion of the cash and a share of the advertising revenue. As long as the Millionaire program is still being produced and broadcast, you will have a share of the revenue. If you have no objections, I will handle the plan!"

"Thank you, Mom. Your suggestion is excellent. I completely agree. We'll do it your way!" John said, a faint smile appearing on his face. He could finally breathe a sigh of relief. As long as the millionaire's project was sold, he would have enough funds to make a fortune in the upcoming gold market fluctuations and accumulate resources for future development.

John has absolute trust in his family! As long as there is a shred of kindness in one's heart, there is no mother in the world who does not love her child. Tens of millions of dollars is a considerable fortune, but it cannot shake his heart. He is still willing to trust his mother. If he cannot even trust his family, who in the world is worthy of his trust? Outsiders are even less reliable, especially this scheme involving tens of millions of dollars, which would drive them crazy.

He knew in his heart that leaving this matter to his family was the best option. It was impossible for a seventeen-year-old to get the maximum benefit from the TV station. No matter how good his plan was, it wouldn't work because capital is greedy, and the TV station wouldn't give him much profit. There was also a big problem: he didn't have that much time to waste; he had more important things to do.

(End of this chapter)