(Bonus Chapter, Today is my birthday)
There was quite a stir. The red-haired journalist made her way closer to young Rich.
- Tell me, Lord Rich, how did you come up with the idea of obtaining graphene?
"An epiphany," the boy replied calmly. "That happens to me sometimes. That's how I got the idea to launch the clippy."
The shark of the pen bared her teeth in a predatory grin. It was clear from the journalist's expression that she had seized the scoop by the tail.
- Clippy? So you invented them?
"It's hard to call a piece of plastic an invention. I just had the idea that such a product would be of interest to consumers. Experience has shown that this is indeed the case. My company, Rich Junior, partners with such giants as Walmart, Asda, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and many other well-known international companies."
"Amazing!" the red-haired journalist marveled. "May I ask how old you are?"
- I don't hide my age. This summer I'll be ten.
"Tell our viewers what else you do?" the reporter continued.
"I'm concerned about the issue of orphans. That's why I decided to get actively involved in charity work. Frankly, it's an extremely challenging endeavor. On my very first charity trip, I was able to help an orphan from a disadvantaged family, which I'm proud of. But this is just the beginning. This year, Rich Junior is launching a campaign to help young professionals who plan to develop innovative technologies. We plan to invest substantial capital in promising venture startups. This support will also include young scientists researching artificial intelligence, nanomaterials, and nanotechnology.
"Lord Rich, our viewers will be interested to know about your personal life. Do you go to school? Do you have any hobbies?" the reporter continued.
Managing a large company takes a lot of mental energy. Due to a lack of time, I had to switch to homeschooling and take my exams externally. Since I'm young, I have to comply with labor laws and work no more than twenty-four hours a week. The rest of the time, I have a fairly busy schedule. I do aerobics and fencing, study, and enjoy magic.
Richard unabashedly demonstrated a trick with a coin he pulled from behind a journalist's ear. After twirling the coin in his hands, the boy tossed it into the air, caught it, rubbed it between his palms, blew into them, and then showed his empty hands to the camera.
Dealing with journalists had exhausted Richard. He took incredible pleasure in climbing into the backseat of the Bentley. But he wasn't destined to relax.
"Richie, how many times have I told you not to disgrace the Rich name? What kind of clownish behavior is this?!"
"Dad, where's the shame? I played it perfectly. I was a good boy. I advertised my company, and for free. I helped bring a promising new substance to life."
"Why did you demonstrate magic?" Gerald asked sternly.
"What magic?" Richard said, his eyes wide. "It was a trick! The only trick I ever learned. Sleight of hand, no magic."
"Do you even realize you've turned an ordinary event into a circus performance?!" Rich Sr. continued to rant. "You could have demonstrated your graphene later, in a calm setting, without the journalists."
"No, Dad, that can't be. The whole world needs to know about graphene, otherwise it would take journalists four years at best to get word of it. But now the whole world will know about this substance. Corporations and governments around the world will invest big money in its research. The sooner they do, the further science will advance, and the sooner I can make big money from it. The right action at the right time can work wonders."
- What's so good about this material?
"It could be used to create shatterproof displays for electronics, tear-resistant condoms, and ultra-strong composite materials that could be used in all industries, including the space industry. Graphene research will give impetus to the creation of nanorobots that will radically change the world. A cure for cancer, genetic surgery, life extension... All of this is just around the corner. Who knows, maybe we'll live to see the day when scientists learn to extend human life using nanorobots. And then we'll be able to live not just the years allotted by nature, but several centuries longer."
"Richie, you speak as sweetly as the song of a beautiful bird. It wasn't for nothing that your tutors earned a decent salary. But you'll still get a belt for behavior unbecoming an aristocrat!"
"A belt is not pedagogical! Dad, I suggest we ban sweets."
"Good for you for haggling, but that won't work with me. I've been in business a lot longer than you. So it's definitely a belt across the ass!"
"That's how you make world-class discoveries!" Richard sighed sadly. "You give the world everything, and in return you get a belt..."
"The world is unfair," Gerald said, barely holding back a laugh, while remaining outwardly deadly serious. "But next time you'll remember the spanking and think about your behavior."
***
There's one downside to being a child: parents feel entitled to punish their children. So, after the trip, Richard couldn't sit down properly the entire next day. Richie's pride was hurt more than his butt. He considered himself a serious businessman, but it's hard to continue to think that way when you're getting a spanking.
Enhanced regeneration has made Richard's life much easier. Otherwise, he would have been wary of chairs for days and would have slept on his stomach.
After the execution, a chill developed between Rich Jr. and Gerald. Richard believed he was right, as he was doing everything he could to boost the business industry and profit from it, and to give global science a slight boost, plus, on top of all that, to secure a reputation as a young genius. But the elder Rich had his own vision of how a young aristocrat should behave.
Little by little the tension subsided and Friday arrived.
Richard couldn't show up to the dinner party empty-handed, so he set out immediately after fencing practice and lunch. Scott Potter joined him by prior arrangement.
Richie had a reasonable suspicion that Steve might be blind to wizards' homes. Mr. Potter lacked this flaw, which greatly increased his value. Moreover, he was the only one who knew the exact address of the destination.
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