The Hollywood Tycoon

In the blink of an eye, it was August 9, 1995.

The stock market was set to open at 9:20 that morning, and Kyle arrived at the bustling trading floor early, filled with excitement.

Naturally, today was a significant day that commanded a lot of attention.

Netscape’s initial public offering marked the beginning of a new era for Internet companies.

As a result, all of Silicon Valley, and indeed the entire nation, were focused on it. Major corporations like Microsoft, Apple, IBM, and HP were also closely monitoring the event, using it as a barometer for the industry.

Marc Andreessen and Jim Clark, the primary shareholders and founders of Netscape, had become the icons of the moment, drawing everyone’s gaze and attention. Just look at the crowd around them to see that executives from prominent firms like ****, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and others were all present.

"Mark, it’s your moment now," said a cheerful Jim Clark, who was in his 50s.

"Hahaha, let’s make it happen together."

As the principal shareholder, Mark Anderson accepted Clark’s invitation without hesitation. Grasping the gavel, he successfully tolled the opening bell at 9:30.

"Congratulations to both of you. You are now billionaires!"

"You’ve got it wrong. Mr. Clark was already a billionaire!"

"This day will be etched in history because Netscape has gone public!"

"It soared, quickly surpassing $35 in value."

Investment firms surrounding the event, including Citigroup, were the first to cheer.

...

"I’m wealthy! I’m wealthy!"

"I purchased it for two hundred thousand dollars!"

"Darn it, I only bought it for $10,000. If I had known, I would have sold everything I owned to invest in Netscape!"

The shareholders nearby, who had invested in Netscape’s stock, now displayed a range of emotions.

Kyle’s grin widened.

"Today is a day I will never forget!"

Observing the stock price surge from $28 per share to $35, Kyle made a significant profit. It’s worth noting that today, Netscape’s stock reached a peak of $75.

That’s an increase of more than 2.5 times!

....

At 3 PM.

Dawn Investments.

"Mr. White, liquidate all my stocks immediately!" Kyle commanded.

Upon hearing this, the seasoned trader Klas White was taken aback: "Mr. Page, are you certain?"

"Do it right away!"

Kyle was resolute.

"Alright, since you insist."

Klas White couldn’t help but shake his head. Although he wished to advise him again, he respected Kyle’s decisions due to professional ethics.

Nonetheless, Klas White thought to himself: "I believed he was a genius, but now he seems like a fortunate fool. With Netscape’s stock currently at $73 per share, it could reach at least $85 today. Oh..."

$85?

The thought is driving me crazy!

Despite Kyle’s limited financial knowledge, he realised that when a stock’s price climbs to a certain extent, the bankers will invariably cash in.

Moreover, Kyle was also aware of the future. The highest stock price for Netscape that day was only $75, which ultimately closed at $58.25.

After a short while.

"Mr. Page, all stocks have been offloaded. After deducting your $120,000 principal and transaction fees, your total profit amounts to $2.5 million."

Although Klas White considered himself a Wall Street elite, he was still astonished upon seeing Kyle’s astonishing return ratio.

A profit of $2.5 million!

Tenfold leverage, that’s phenomenal earnings!

Striking it rich overnight!

"Absolutely!"

Kyle had encountered significant situations before, so he tightened his fists.

"I am now a millionaire!"

The cash in hand now totals over $2.6 million. With rebirth and wealth, this is truly a promising beginning! Even with personal income tax due next February, I will still be a millionaire.

In his past life, Kyle toiled for a decade and earned less than 90,000 $

Now, in just over a month after arriving here, I have made over two million US dollars.

"Come on, Kyle, stay strong! This is our moment!"

Kyle immediately motivated himself, but it was futile. Now the only thing he wants is to go home and tell this news to his mother.

...

The sun cast a golden hue over the modest shop in California, where Kate sat on the cash counter, her hands deftly arranging plants on the shop windows. The scent of the flowers mingled in the air giving a fresh feeling. She hummed a familiar tune, her thoughts drifting to her son, Kyle, who had been away in New York for two days, chasing dreams that once seemed distant.

Suddenly, the gate of the shop swung open. Kyle stood there, a radiant smile on his face, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Mom!" he called out.

Kate looked up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Kyle! What a pleasant surprise!"

He rushed to her, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "Mom, I have news—big news!"

She pulled back slightly, searching his face. "Tell me, son."

He took a deep breath. "Mom, I’ve become a millionaire. My funds which I had put in the stock market, made me this much of a profit ... we’re set for life!"

Kate’s eyes welled up with tears, a mix of joy and disbelief. "Oh, Kyle! I always knew you’d achieve great things."

He chuckled, wiping away her tears. "And it’s all because of you, Mom. Your sacrifices, your unwavering belief in me."

She smiled, cupping his face. "No, my son. It’s your determination and hard work. I’m just glad to see you happy."

They sat together in the shop, the plants forgotten, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on a mother and her millionaire son, united in love and pride.

....

After a while when both mother and son had calmed down they sat together, and started to discuss the plans which were necessary for the development of the shop,

Kate looked toward her son and said "So Kyle what are your plans now that, you have got the funds which you needed?"

Kyle looked at his mom and replied " Mom, first of all, I will go and clear all our debt toward the bank and free our shop."

Kate immediately responded with affirmation "Yes Kyle you should do this first, We will discuss the future of the shop tonight at dinner time, I am going to prepare your favourite meal. You should come directly home from the bank, I am also going to close the shop early and prepare dinner"

"OK, Mom see you at night" After saying this Kyle stood up and went toward the bank to clear the loan.

On the other side, Kate was looking toward Kyle with her eyes full of love and warmth.

...

The sun filtered through the windows of the bank branch in Los Angeles, casting long shadows on the tiled floor. Kyle stepped inside, the cool air a relief from the hot streets outside. Just a week ago, he had walked these very floors, anxiety knotting his stomach as he signed the loan papers. Today, however, his stride was confident, his eyes bright with determination.

Approaching the counter, he greeted the bank officer, Mr. Miller, with a nod. "Good morning. I’m here to pre-close my loan."

Mr. Miller looked up, eyebrows raised in surprise. "So soon? It’s been only a few days since you took the loan."

Kyle smiled, handing over a folder. "Yes, circumstances have changed. Here’s my ID, loan documents, and the bank statements ."

Mr. Miller took the documents, flipping through them. "Alright. There will be a pre-closure charge, typically around 2% to 5% of the outstanding amount, depending on the bank’s policy."

Kyle nodded. "I’m aware. I’ve accounted for that."

After some calculations, Mr. Miller provided the total amount due. Kyle wrote a cheque for the specified amount and handed it over.

Mr. Miller processed the payment and then handed Kyle a receipt. "Here’s your payment receipt. We’ll also provide you with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and a loan closure certificate. Please ensure you collect all original documents submitted during the loan process."

Kyle took the receipt, relief washing over him. "Thank you, Mr. Miller. I appreciate your assistance."

As he stepped out of the bank, the sun now higher in the sky, Kyle felt a weight lift off his shoulders. The swift closure of the loan marked not just the end of a financial obligation, but the beginning of a new Chapter in his life.