Capítulo 152: Chapter 152: The Purpose
"10 million dollars, that's just too extravagant. My father founded Motorola in 1928, and over sixty years, the Galvin family has amassed a modest fortune. Yet, I still can't imagine how a party could cost 10 million dollars. This is just as absurd as Simon Westerosmaking over a billion dollars in just a few months. I believe the Brady Committee should start by investigating Simon Westerlow. If we clarify this matter, we'll probably understand the cause of last year's stock market crash."
"Mr. Galvin, all of Westerlow's transactions from last year have been made public, and no one has found any violations."
"Jim, do you really believe those figures reported in the media?"
"All I can say, Mr. Galvin, is that I haven't seen any different data being published. Considering the transactions involved over a billion dollars, I believe federal investigative agencies must have conducted a very detailed audit of Westerlow. If there were any irregularities in Westerlow's transactions last year, he might be spending his 20th birthday in jail by now."
"I still don't believe he's innocent. If so, it would be the most pitiful event in federal financial history. So many people work hard all their lives, and generations may not accumulate much wealth. Yet, this young man, can you imagine? In five months, 1.6 billion dollars," on the TV screen, Robert Galvin, the chairman of Motorola, became increasingly agitated, making random gestures, "and then he starts acting recklessly, like a spoiled brat who suddenly inherited a fortune, buying planes and mansions, and spending 10 million dollars on a birthday party."
"Mr. Galvin, compared to many celebrities, Westerosis quite low-profile. And, a 20th birthday, it should be celebrated properly, right?"
"Westeroscould have done something more meaningful. He's an orphan, everyone knows that, raised with the support of the federal welfare system. Yet, now, no one sees him attempting to give back to the country, to those who paid taxes to provide him with food, accommodation, and education. I've heard many charities have tried to contact him, but not a single one received a response. His indifference to philanthropy is disheartening."
"Mr. Galvin, may I assume that you're just harboring resentment because Westerossold off Motorola shares. As far as I know, before Simon Westerossold his shares, Motorola's stock price had exceeded 75 dollars, but in recent months, it has hovered around 60 dollars. Correspondingly, many of the companies in which Westerlow's company holds shares have seen continuous price increases. Moreover, I've heard that you've been criticized by the Motorola board and might resign soon."
"No, no, that's not true. Motorola's stock price was indeed affected by Westerlow's sell-off, but it didn't impact our company's performance. Last year, Motorola's net profit exceeded 300 million dollars. In my view, stock prices are temporary; creating profits for shareholders is the essence of a company. As for me personally, I'm 66 years old this year, and I've been considering retirement for a few years now, unrelated to Westerlow's company's sell-off."
...
Inside a mansion in Malibu, it's already noon the next day.
Janet walked into Simon's study, listened to a few sentences from the TV interview with Motorola's chairman Robert Galvin, and after Simon finished his phone call, she casually turned off the TV with the remote control, saying, "You really enjoy listening to people talk about you, don't you?"
Since this morning, both mainstream media and tabloids have sensationalized Simon's birthday party last night with various eye-catching headlines.
Patricia Kingsley called in the morning, reported some media dynamics that Simon needed to be aware of, and even joked that she would be busy for a long time dealing with the aftermath of the party.
Simon, sitting behind his desk writing something in his notebook, said, "Knowing there are people in the world who hate you can be quite motivating. Has your brother arrived yet?"
Janet, leaning forward with her arms on the desk, said, "A few more minutes, I came to see if you were done with your call."
"It's settled," Simon nodded, explaining, "It was Amy who called. The Writers Guild of America initiated a strike vote this morning, and the strike this year is inevitable."
Today is February 23rd, and Simon remembers the strike date as March 7th. However, the Writers Guild of America's strike isn't something the WGA leaders decide on a whim; it requires a member vote. Since WGA members are spread across North America and even overseas, they need to mail their votes, which usually takes two weeks.
Janet, obviously not very interested, listened as Simon got up, and as she was about to leave the study with Simon, she pointed at the TV and said, "Although you might not care about what that old man says, I think you should also set up some charitable funds, even just for show. These things are unavoidable, otherwise, more people will criticize you in the future."
Due to some memories, Simon was indeed very indifferent to charity, but he didn't object to Janet's suggestion, saying, "Okay, let's call it the Simon & Janet Foundation. You help me manage it."
Janet, however, shook her head, "No, it should be the Simon & Janet WesterosFoundation."
"Ah, the longer name, the more it catches attention."
"Hehe, that's not what I meant."
Jokingly, they went to the kitchen, and just after serving the prepared lunch in the dining room, the doorbell rang.
They went out together to greet the guests. Although there was no special feeling in advance, seeing Janet's family, Simon inevitably felt a bit constrained.
Anthony Johnston looked older than his actual age, dressed in a sharp gray suit, about the same height as Simon, with a short beard on his face, and facial features that clearly showed he was related to Janet.
After hugging Janet, Anthony Johnston shook hands with Simon in a warm tone and even brought a gift to congratulate Simon on his 20th birthday: "I could have arrived yesterday, but a business partner in London changed their mind about a deal at the last minute, forcing me to delay until now. Happy birthday, Simon."
"Thank you, Tony, let's go inside, lunch is ready."
As they walked into the villa, Janet unceremoniously snatched the gift box from Simon's hands, unwrapped it while walking, and after examining the watch inside, she was satisfied, "Not bad, Dad's collection. I thought you would just pick up something at the airport."
Hearing his sister's teasing, Anthony Johnston said to Simon, "Dealing with Janet must often give you a headache. She loves pranks too much."
Simon smiled, "It's manageable."
Janet was somewhat dissatisfied with Simon's ambiguous reply, "What do you mean 'manageable'?"
"It means, occasionally it gives me a headache, not too frequently."
Janet pinched Simon's arm, "If you want, I can give you a headache every day."
Although the Johnston family had already received a lot of information about Simon and the progress of Simon and Janet's relationship through Neil Bennett and Ken Dixon, Anthony Johnston only really felt relieved when he noticed the intimacy between his sister and this young man.
After a brief rest, the three sat down in the dining room.
The lunch atmosphere was very relaxed, with casual conversations about various trivial matters.
After lunch, around one o'clock, Janet surprisingly took the initiative to clean up the dishes, while Anthony Johnston suggested a private chat with Simon, and the two went to the terrace by the sea cliff.
The mansion, located west of Point Dume State Park, offered a breathtaking view of the sea and sky, with a conspicuous promontory nearby.
Anthony Johnston looked at the promontory and said, "It's a great location for a mansion."
Simon simply replied, "State park."
Anthony Johnston shook his head, "For us, nothing is unattainable."
Simon hesitated for a moment, then agreed, "Okay, I'll find a way to acquire it. It's indeed a perfect site for an estate. Promontory Estate doesn't seem quite right. Since it's Point Dume State Park, let's call it Point Dume Estate."
Anthony Johnston smiled, "You had your eye on that land already, didn't you?"
Simon nodded, "Of course, many people have been looking forward to acquiring that land."
Changing the subject abruptly, Anthony Johnston asked, "Simon, do you remember anything about your parents?"
Simon was taken aback, shaking his head, "No, I don't remember."
Hesitating for a moment, Anthony quickly said, "I don't know why, but the first time I saw your photo, I felt something, and seeing you in person, that feeling became clearer. But I can't explain it. It feels like we've met before, but that's impossible. You must have been in San Francisco until you were 18, but I've only been there three times in my life."
"It's probably just déjà vu. Many people have that feeling, an unfounded sense of familiarity with someone or something."
"Maybe," Anthony nodded, "Actually, I hired a detective agency to look into your parents' information, or potential information. I had no malice, hope you don't mind. However, those investigations turned up nothing. You were picked up by a police officer on the roadside at the age of five and then sent to an orphanage, but there's no record of your identity before that. Do you remember anything from before that?"
Simon wasn't too bothered; he was curious about his past as well. If the Johnston family could find out, it would save him the effort.
Hearing Anthony's question, Simon shook his head, "No, or it's very vague. I can't remember at all."
"Then let it be. Apparently, many have claimed to be your parents trying to acknowledge kinship, but you've never responded. I guess you have no desire to find your parents," Anthony said, suddenly looking at Simon, "Do you hate them?"
Simon's expression remained neutral as he shook his head, "I don't even know them. How could I hate them?"
"I'm very curious then, what drove you to become who you are today?" Anthony asked another question, "Without a strong obsession, it's difficult for someone from the bottom of society to achieve what you have. Most would just go with the flow or get worse."
"I haven't thought about it much, Tony," Simon shook his head, "If you really want an answer, maybe, it's just that I wanted to live better, better than most people."
"That doesn't sound quite right," Anthony said, "But since you don't want to explain, I won't ask further. Actually, my only concern today is when you plan to marry my sister. Of course, this is also what my parents are most concerned about. They don't want our family to have two unmarried old maids."
"Two?" Simon was puzzled.
Anthony Johnston was taken aback, then laughed, "I have an aunt, my grandfather's daughter, my dad's sister. She was born much later, even younger than me. You must know, right?"
Simon nodded, "Janet mentioned her. She hasn't married?"
"If Janet mentioned her, she must have also shared some details with you. My aunt has never married, even, well, you'll understand when you meet her. My dad always feels that Janet might be influenced by my aunt, hence her reluctance to date."
"So, when do you plan to marry Janet?" Anthony asked again.
Simon didn't hesitate, "Whenever Janet is willing, anytime is fine. I'm not too resistant to the idea of marriage."
"Then let's try to make it happen within two years," Anthony wasn't shy to urge, "You know, Janet is 28 this year. My parents hope she can get married before turning 30."
"Alright," Simon agreed.
Anthony Johnston observed Simon for a moment, then laughed, "Actually, you're just 20 this year. Even two years from now, you'll only be 22, still very young. Young people always have a bit of playfulness. Just don't indulge too much, and more importantly, try to stay out of the media's spotlight."
Simon could only smile silently, knowing what Anthony was referring to.
Anthony continued, "Janet is actually very stubborn, or rather, extremely so, just like my aunt. So, since she's chosen you, she definitely won't change her mind. I hope you won't let her down. And her personality, she probably won't pressure you into marriage. You'll have to take the initiative."
Simon nodded again, "I will."
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