Chapter 003: The First Transaction

John said he could offer us an interest rate of 12 percent, which is significantly higher than the bank's interest rate

"Oh, is there something going on?" Old Joseph took out his old pipe, lit it with the oil lamp, took a puff, and then bent down to extinguish the oil lamp. Although Old Joseph's home was not lacking in oil for the lamp, since George's homework had already been completed, saving a little was still worthwhile

Fortunately, the moon just peeked through the window, casting its silvery light into the room

"Father," Skog interrupted Joseph, "John wants to go to business school first to learn accounting.

Upon returning home and having dinner, as the sky gradually darkened, old Joseph lit an oil lamp at the table as usual. Skog could do his homework and read under the light of the lamp, while old Joseph continued his work in its glow. Meanwhile, mother Laura used the light to mend an old pair of socks, and the eldest brother, Carol, who had been helping with chores at home since finishing high school, flipped through the textbooks he had studied before.

At this moment, old Joseph was intently applying wax to a newly made pair of boots. His hands, perhaps accustomed to working with leather for a long time, took on a hue reminiscent of well-tanned yellow cowhide under the dim light of the oil lamp after coming into contact with the wax

However, one must not jump out to expose Mr. Bill's past, as he is one's own "savior" and one cannot casually defame him

Then he said: "Thank you all, I will do my best to teach you. If in the end you are unable to learn, I will refund the wages you have paid and provide interest at the bank's rate."

Indeed! This child John is quite clever! If he could keep accounts, he could earn at least five or six dollars a month, which would not only be enough for his own use but could also help Aleza... However, it seems that the tuition for business school is not cheap... Is John thinking of borrowing money from us?" Joseph said

"What kind of plan?" John D. Rockefeller asked

"Truly deserving of being the future richest man!" Scott couldn't help but silently admire in his heart

Oh," said old Joseph, "let's hear it.

"Dad, I would like to know how much liquid money we have at home," said Scott after some consideration

"Oh dear!" Laura was astonished, "How could Mr. Bill treat his own son like this? This is truly..." Considering that Bill was her son's savior, Laura felt that she could no longer use the words she had previously employed to describe Mr. Bill. After murmuring for a long time, she ultimately said nothing.

However, I am not Jewish, so how can I demand such a high interest from others? Moreover, Mr. Bill's actions may simply be intended to put a little pressure on John. I certainly do not want Mr. Bill to think that I am undermining his plans for educating his children. " Joseph took a puff from his pipe, the bowl glowing briefly, the dim red light illuminating Joseph's prominent nose.

John, my father does not agree to lend you money

"Dad, I have something to discuss with you," said Scott.

After some thought, Scott said: "Dad, how about this, I have fallen behind in some of my studies, we can hire John to tutor me, just from after school until dawn.

Therefore, he wants to borrow money from us

... ...

However, John's credit cannot be compared to that of the bank. "Carol, who can no longer continue reading the textbook, spoke up, "From my dealings with John, he is a reliable person, and there should be no problem.

He suspects that your father charges you high interest in order to develop your abilities, and he believes that we should not undermine your father's plan

However, he always spends that money on extravagant pleasures and maintaining mistresses, rather than improving the lives of his wife and children

Joseph did not make a sound, but Scogin noticed that his older brother Carol sat up a bit straighter, the moonlight streaming through the window illuminated his eyes, reflecting a bright light

As for the details of the work contract, I will come to your house to discuss it with Uncle Joseph after I finish the withdrawal procedures shortly

Moreover, he believes that no matter how high the interest you pay to your father is, that money still remains with the Rockefeller family. If you were to pay us interest, the money would then flow from the Rockefeller family to our household," said Schodde, looking into John D. Rockefeller's eyes.

Then we can pay John his salary, what do you think? Well, I only missed a few days of classes, it won't take long to catch up, but by then, John should have already been studying at business school. We can still hire him to teach me and my brother what he has learned.

He noticed that when he said, "My father disagrees," a hint of disappointment flickered in John's eyes, which was also evident when he spoke of his father's plans, revealing a mocking expression. He also observed that after the momentary disappointment passed, there was a composure in John's gaze that was not in keeping with his 16 years of age

I will go to process my withdrawal today. John D. Rockefeller said: I have explained it clearly to my mother, and she supports me.

Mr. Bill has this sum of money, but he is unwilling to give the money to John; he is only willing to lend it to John, and he requires John to pay him an interest of fifteen percent.

"However, John, it is not that we are unwilling to help you; we have another plan. Please see if it is feasible," said Scott.

Old Joseph walked over to his rocking chair and sat down, took out his old pipe, and said to Scott, "Well, go ahead, I'm listening."

"Their family is not having it easy either," Mother Laura interjected, saying, "Joseph, Bill has just saved our son; we must do our part to help his son.

Their family is large, but there are few who can work, which is indeed very difficult... Well, John is supposed to graduate this June, right? We should do our best to help him, at least to ensure he obtains a diploma.

He said that there is currently a shortage of people who can keep accounts, and those who learn this skill can earn a high wage for their work

John Rockefeller stood still, silently contemplating for a moment.

John's father told John that he could no longer provide tuition for him, and he said that John was old enough to earn a living for himself

What do you think of this plan

John feels that if the interest is calculated at such a rate for 40 dollars, even if he finds a job in the future, it will still be very difficult for him to repay it

Scholz fell silent for a moment; he knew that Mr. Bill's request for John D. Rockefeller to pay interest was absolutely not what Joseph referred to as some kind of "educational plan" to pressure children. From having read the biography of Rockefeller in a past life, Scholz understood that this Mr. Bill, who had saved his life, was not only a great fraudster specializing in selling cancer miracle cures but also a bigamist.

As the warm orange light of the oil lamp faded away, the entire room was plunged into darkness in an instant

The homework assigned in this era's secondary schools is still somewhat too simple for Scott, who quickly completed it

John Rockefeller is still waiting for news about himself tomorrow

The ability to keep accounts is also very important for the elder brother, as he is destined to be the pillar of the family in the future

In this way, John's stress should be significantly reduced

"Mom, John does not plan to continue his high school education, as the high school diploma is of no real use anyway," said Scott.

"Dad, I am done," said Scott.

Therefore, lending him money is not a significant issue

"Well, this idea should work, right?" Joseph said, "However, Scott, we cannot offer him too much pay; otherwise, Mr. Bill might be dissatisfied.

Then he stopped writing and looked at his father

"Yes, Dad," said Scott, "the tuition fee is 40 dollars"

Therefore, the general items in the room can still be seen clearly

We employ you as my tutor, with working hours from after school until dark

Oh. Old Joseph raised his head and glanced at his youngest son, "Why are you back so early today? Look, I haven't even had the chance to finish these boots yet—do you still want to read a book?"

I can indeed come up with forty dollars, and I also trust this child, John

We will pay you a total of 10 dollars, and you must help me make up the classes I missed. Additionally, you need to teach me and my brother the accounting knowledge you learned in business school, especially to my brother, until he fully understands.

"Hmm, John is looking for something to do, isn't he?" Old Joseph said, "This child is quite sensible! It's not difficult to find something to do now, but finding a good thing to do is not easy.

I recognize a few old customers

"No, Dad," said Scott. "It was John who got into trouble."

"No, Dad," replied Scott.

"Very well," said Scott. "So when are you planning to drop out? Additionally, we need to find a time to discuss the details of the contract for this job thoroughly."

Two individuals walked out of their home, proceeding along the street paved with coal dust towards the school

In fact, he is not short of money; through fraud, he has earned quite a substantial amount.

You need not worry about this

Ah, then you should rest early, you need to take more rest now. Old Joseph put down his boots, carefully covered the wax box, then wiped his hands on the apron hanging in front of his chest, and stood up from his workbench

Early the next morning, John D. Rockefeller came as usual to go to school with Scogin

It was John who first discovered the incident when you fell, and he called for help. In a way, he has also done us a favor.

Yes, this is indeed higher than the bank

Certainly, the devoutly religious Aleza is also reluctant to accept those "unclean" funds from her husband

I will borrow money from Bill when I go back tonight, and then I can register tomorrow, allowing me to start studying at the business school the day after tomorrow

"How does your family say it, Schott?" John Rockefeller asked somewhat apprehensively

What is it? Does the school require any more fees? Old Joseph said nonchalantly, Although we don't have much money at home, it is still not a problem for you to continue your studies

Well, Scott, you should talk to him tomorrow and see if he is willing to do it this way

I would like a part-time job like this, and we should be able to offer him 10 dollars, after all, he is not a certified teacher