Reborn in America: Starting as a California Resident

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Leaving the helipad, Henry and his companions boarded a passenger tram and traversed winding roads, eventually arriving at the family residence in the center of the island.

Before even entering, one can see from afar a life-sized marble statue of Paul Getty, the founder of the family, placed in the center of the main house square.

Henry stopped, took a deep breath, and slowly walked to the portrait, beginning to pay respects to his ancestor in the manner of a Western Christian.

This is an essential ritual for every Getty person returning to their ancestral homeland.

First, he read aloud John 14:6 in a low voice;

Then he bowed his head again, closed his eyes, and silently prayed for the future of his family and the souls of his ancestors:

"Dear God, thank you for giving us such a beautiful home."

Please bless every member of the Getty family, and let us continue on our journey under your guidance.

May Paul Getty's soul find eternal peace in heaven, and may his wisdom and courage forever inspire us.

Amen.

After saying that, he took a candle from the candlestick next to him, lit it, and placed it on the candlestick in front of the statue.

It symbolizes light and hope, and represents the family spirit that will be passed down from generation to generation.

"Ha ha!

Brother Henry, why are you only coming back now?

After a minute's silence, Henry bowed to the statue again, then turned around and saw Gordon Jr. running out of the main house with an excited smile on his face.

"Little Gordon,"

Henry replied with a smile, "Well, I'm back now."

How have you been lately?

"Ugh!"

Gordon sighed, a hint of helplessness on his face. "What else can we do?"

Aside from attending banquets, he would follow his father around and learn.

I'm so tired.

I feel like I have no freedom at all. Every day is filled with meetings, reports, and socializing; I have no personal time at all.

Henry frowned slightly upon hearing this, patted Gordon on the shoulder, and comforted him, "I know this is not easy for you, Gordon."

But this is also part of growing up.

Your father did this so that you could better take over the family business and be competent in managing it in the future.

What does it mean to have a family tradition of learning?

This is!

In Europe and America, or even in the world's elite families, the way they educate their children is completely different from that of ordinary families.

They have always believed in elite education.

And that so-called happy education is nothing more than something they use to fool the lower classes!

After all, people at the bottom of society don't have rich families, so they have to carefully maintain the only happiness they have left!

In Europe and America, the children of noble families, especially the eldest son, learn from their fathers at a very young age, gaining an understanding of the family's business model and network of connections through observation and experience.

When they get a little older, they will go a step further and try to operate some business independently, accumulating experience and lessons learned from practice.

These are all invaluable experiences!

It is through this systematic training that children from aristocratic families are able to acquire the ability to handle complex business issues at a young age, and to have extensive social networks and deep connections.

This further widens the gap between them and ordinary people.

Take Gordon Jr. as an example. He is only a little over fourteen years old, but he has already begun to get involved in the actual operation of the family subsidiary.

After graduating from university, there will be even more opportunities;

They might even directly assume the role of head of a key subsidiary.

And what about ordinary people?

They often have to accumulate experience and resources gradually through formal education and hard work in the workplace.

While a small minority may ultimately succeed, the process is often far more difficult and time-consuming.

Gordon nodded, seemingly understanding: "I get it, but sometimes I really feel a lot of pressure."

I hope that I can not only do these things well, but also have my own life and interests.

"That's completely understandable."

Henry encouraged him, "You can find your interests and hobbies while fulfilling your family responsibilities."

In fact, many successful businesspeople have their own hobbies, which not only help them relax but also inspire new ideas.

You can have an honest talk with your uncle; perhaps he will understand your thoughts.

"Thank you for your suggestion, Brother Henry."

Gordon said gratefully, "I'll give it a try."

Oh, by the way, my father is waiting for you inside right now, so please go in quickly!

Henry nodded, patted Gordon on the back, and the two walked side by side toward the magnificent family mansion.

The Getty House covers 400,000 square feet, with the main building alone reaching an astonishing 23000 square feet. The entire building resembles a sturdy stone castle, exuding a strong Western classical feudal aristocratic atmosphere.

The exterior walls are constructed using specially treated granite, a material that not only has a dignified appearance but also exceptional durability, reportedly able to withstand damage from extreme environments, including the shockwaves of a nuclear bomb.

The gate is made of heavy bronze, with the family crest inlaid in the center—a golden eagle with outstretched wings, its talons gripping an ancient key, surrounded by the Latin inscription: "Fides et Fortitudo" (faith and courage).

The golden eagle symbolizes the family's vision and leadership, while the old key represents the ability to unlock the doors to wealth and wisdom.

The surrounding Latin inscriptions further emphasize that family members should uphold their faith and move forward bravely, no matter what challenges they face.

This family crest was created by Henry's great-grandfather as a symbol for the family. Almost every family in Europe and America with a long history designs a similar emblem to highlight its uniqueness and heritage.

After passing through a long corridor filled with portraits of family members throughout history, Henry and Gordon arrived at the hall without incident.

Gordon, dressed in casual clothes, was sitting there with his family, waiting.

"Uncle Gordon, Aunt Ann, I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting."

"kindness!"

When Uncle Gordon saw Henry, a warm smile spread across his face, and he nodded: "You look more mature and composed than the last time I saw you."

"Oh, Henry, my child, you've finally come!"

Aunt Ann, who was standing next to Gordon, was completely different from Gordon’s feudal patriarchal demeanor;

She gracefully rose, walked over with light steps, and gently embraced Henry. "Welcome home, my dear."

Are you tired from the journey?

"Thank you, Aunt An."

Henry smiled and replied, "I've had a good rest and it's very nice to see everyone."

"Alright, alright, now that everyone's here, let's begin!"

After Henry finished greeting everyone, Gordon clapped his hands, signaling everyone to go to the restaurant and take their seats. "Let's all celebrate Henry's return."

......