Reborn in America: Starting as a California Resident

The following morning, as Henry stepped into the dining room on a Persian hand-woven carpet, Anne was stirring Darjeeling tea with a Georgian silver teaspoon.

Morning light streamed through the Regency-era French windows, casting shimmering gold on her classical French updo—secured with her great-grandmother's pearl hairpins, each South Sea pearl a testament to five generations of the Getty family's morning prayers.

"Good day, Mr. Henry Getty."

Without looking up, her delicate, parchment-like fingertips traced the financial section of The Times. "Let me remind you, this is the third time this month I've missed morning prayers."

As Henry lazily settled into the Louis XVI-style gilded chair opposite Anne, he noticed the family seal ring on his eldest sister's left ring finger—since their father's death, this sapphire ring, engraved with an oil rig and laurel wreath, had become a symbol of authority for the executor of the family trust.

The maid silently served Wedgwood bone china plates. When the silver bell-shaped cover was lifted, the aroma of truffle omelets subtly clashed with the cool scent of Clair Silver Mountain Spring on Anne's body.

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again..."

"Your tutor at Montivita Secondary School called yesterday to inform you that you missed the Classics seminar, and that you were supposed to attend the fencing class yesterday..."

Anne seemed not to hear her brother's explanation, and proceeded to fold the linen napkin soaked in rose hydrosol diagonally. Her gilded quill pen drew sharp diagonal lines on the schedule. "Does this force me to reassess the school board's tolerance for absences?"

"Sister, you know I've always been an independent person, and I did really well on the SAT recently, didn't I?"

"Yes, your grades are indeed very good."

Anne nodded in confirmation, "But that doesn't mean you can skip important school events and classes at will."

Henry's expression turned somewhat awkward, and he scratched his head.

"Um... I do have some personal matters to attend to."

"Personal matters?"

"Is it your recent high-stakes bet on spot oil, or the so-called American Dream software company you established in San Francisco?"

Henry tried to change the subject by mentioning his SAT score of 1580, but then Annie pulled out a Bank of America cash flow report from her Hermès Kelly briefcase.

Her nails were manicured into perfect almond shapes, their mother-of-pearl-like sheen flowing with each page turn.

"Compared to these numbers games,"

She pushed a copy of "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" with its gold-embossed cover across the mahogany dining table. "I'm even more eager to see you complete your annotations on Tacitus."

How could Anne, as Henry's older sister, be completely unaware of what Henry had been doing over the past six months?

The reason I didn't interfere too much before was that I hoped Henry could experience life's setbacks on his own and learn from them.

Last Christmas, their mother gave Henry ten million dollars, not only because Henry had officially come of age;

A large part of the reason was that her whole family felt Henry's extreme desire for money during that period.

He always talked at length about changing the family's investment strategy, even suggesting investments in industries that he saw as highly promising but which his family actually thought had no future.

These thoughts caused them great distress.

Therefore, in order to make Henry understand the harsh reality, they decided to give him a fortune and see how he would handle it.

Initially, everything progressed as they had expected;

Henry, with no business experience whatsoever, invested all his assets in the oil market at once, betting that oil prices would experience another surge!

In their view, this was simply the ignorant behavior of a child.

After all, their family is a giant in the oil industry, so how could they not know the specific situation of the oil market?

They were waiting for reality to teach Henry a lesson so that he could return to school with peace of mind.

Unfortunately, the twists and turns in reality are often so sudden—Henry actually made the right bet!

A few days earlier, while Henry was busy finalizing the transaction, Anne had already learned through her connections at Bank of America about the astonishing returns Henry had made during this oil price surge.

This seemed unbelievable to them;

After all, it's hard to believe that a young man who once had no interest in business could suddenly become a stock market guru.

Therefore, in the eyes of his family, Henry's success is still regarded as a fluke.

To prevent him from losing the money he earned by luck due to his own lack of ability, Annie decided to have an honest conversation with him today.

"What?!"

Hearing his sister's words, Henry thought to himself, "Holy crap!"

He never thought he could hide his bet on oil from his family.

After all, he was well aware of the Getty family's influence at Bank of America.

But how did Annie know about the American Dream Software Company that she had painstakingly and secretly created in San Francisco?

You did it very discreetly!

.......

Could it be that I was exposed when I used the Getty family's name to fool more than a dozen college students?

Ok!

Now that he was "completely naked," Henry chose to be honest with his family: "Anne, you know me. I've always had my own dreams and plans."

Regarding the American Dream Software company, I think it's necessary for me to explain things to you in detail.

Henry took a deep breath and began to organize his thoughts. "You know I've always been particularly interested in technological innovation; it has endless possibilities, and I believe I can make a name for myself here."

"I understand that this successful bet on oil may seem like luck, but American Dream Software is different."

I have hired some very talented technicians and consultants who all believe in my vision;

We've developed a detailed business plan and already have some initial product prototypes. I want to do something truly meaningful, not just to make money, but to change the world.

He paused for a moment, observing his sister's reaction: "As for my studies, I've already made some arrangements."

I will soon find an excellent tutor to make up for the school lessons I missed during my startup.

This way, I can satisfy my passion for business while ensuring my studies are not affected.

"Henry, I'm glad you think this way, and I fully support your dream."

But please remember to distinguish between primary and secondary matters.

At your age, it's really not suitable to start a business rashly; you'll easily fall into the vicious cycle of entrepreneurship.

Although Anne understood her brother's determination and conviction.

But this is the only one in the house with a handle!

In the future, the family business will still need him to take the helm.

If Henry fails to start a business while his mind is still unstable;

This could very likely cause the confident boy to be overshadowed by the shadow of failure.

Starting a business is not child's play;

It is completely different from investing.

If you fail, you will lose more than just money; you will also lose your self-confidence.

"One month, just one more month."

Henry knew that Anne was doing it for his own good;

But as a time traveler, he was also very clear about the critical juncture he was at;

If we wait until he finishes his studies in peace, by then the Microsoft empire will have basically already risen to power, and it will be too late!

Therefore, he earnestly made a promise to Anne: "If American Dream Software cannot take the first step towards entrepreneurial success within this month, I will immediately withdraw from the business world and focus on completing my studies until I graduate from university."

"Ding-dong!"

Just then, the housekeeper rang the crystal bell, reminding the young lady that it was time to head to the Getty Museum Board of Trustees' quarterly meeting.

"Okay, Henry, I agree."

Anne paused for a moment, then gracefully rose to straighten the wrinkles in her Chanel tweed suit and smooth out the camellia brooch on the cuff.

"But you must stay in touch with the school and make sure you don't miss any important lessons;

Secondly, you need to regularly report your progress to me and your teacher to ensure that everything is under control;

Finally, if after a month your American Dream Software company hasn't made substantial progress, you must return to school and focus on your studies, at least until you obtain your degree.

"remember,"

Anne turned on the porch, the morning breeze lifting the hem of her Burberry trench coat. "True aristocracy doesn't need to gamble."