1 Chapter 1

April 1, 1979

Today is a day etched into the memory of William White, a day he finds particularly significant.

He's bewildered. Does even God have an April Fool's Day? Why else would it be chosen for this occasion?

William White, a scion of wealth, is a second-generation heir who inherited immense riches after his parents' tragic accident.

In his previous life, he faced a plethora of challenges, losing not only the family fortune but enduring personal hardships as well.

Fortunately, this time around, he has a chance at rebirth. Suddenly, his mind is flooded with an overwhelming influx of information.

Questions swirl in his head. Why does he possess these fragmented memories? And who is this David Liszt, the author next door?

Then there's the mention of a plane. Is it an air current? The circumstances surrounding this rebirth seem supernatural, perhaps involving a wormhole or a space storm.

William can't help but feel sorry for those poor souls caught in this mysterious phenomenon. Another plane crash? He reflects on the tragedy of his parents, their lives cut short.

Despite being a second-generation heir, he cherished a close relationship with his parents, especially his doting Chinese mother.

Chinese or not, parents tend to spoil their children, a universal truth irrespective of nationality.

"Mum, don't worry. I'll live well. I'll make you proud," William silently reassures his mother, tears streaming down his face.

The familiar sound of footsteps interrupts his thoughts. "Master, you haven't eaten all day."

"I know, Forbe. I'll take a shower and be out soon."

Forbe, the old housekeeper, commands respect not just from William but even from his mother. A stalwart companion, Forbe's loyalty stems from a deep familial bond.

As William readjusts to this new life, he senses increased strength and mental clarity. Is this the benefit of a second chance?

Wearing a more casual outfit, William heads out of his bedroom, pondering what to eat. "Forbes, I'm craving something delicious tonight."

"Master, the steak is excellent today—fresh. The truffle soup is also noteworthy."

"Great, Forber, get me a red wine. I'm almost 19; you can't keep me under control."

Seeing his young master in good spirits, Fu Bo refrains from giving advice. He hopes William's recovery will be swift, aware of the void in leadership at home.

William, however, remains melancholic. If only he had returned a year earlier, his parents might still be alive. The pyramid scheme they fell victim to puzzles him.

Despite his father's wealth, a significant portion was lost due to unexpected events and tax troubles. Inheritance tax in the U.S. proves to be a formidable adversary, threatening to confiscate half of the family's assets.

The family's mainstay, comprising farms and oil fields, is under severe tax-induced duress. Either the farm or the oil field must be sacrificed.

Forbes, aware of the family's predicament, reluctantly shares the distressing news. "White Oil is under pressure. Stock prices are plummeting, and it seems to be a targeted move."

"How much of a cash gap are we facing?"

"Approximately $30 million."

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, William instructs Forbe to apply for a deferred payment of the inheritance tax, hoping for a positive turn of events.

Inheritance tax, though typically a concern for the affluent, becomes a significant obstacle for William. The family's survival is at stake, especially given the turmoil in the oil industry following his father's confrontations with influential figures.

Uninterested in the oil business, William is determined to protect his family's legacy from exploitation.

Faced with financial challenges, he contemplates a quick solution, vowing not to fall victim to opportunistic individuals.

Reflecting on the past, William recalls the distressing sale of the family's oil company, a multimillion-dollar entity sold at a fraction of its value to the Hunt family.

The Hunt family triggers a realization in William, leading him to a potential solution involving silver.

Confident in his ability to confront the challenges ahead, William contemplates leaving the farm. Texas, with its focus on farming and oil, does not align with his aspirations.

Engaging in the U.S. oil industry proves unattractive due to monopolies, prompting William to consider divesting from these industries and capitalizing on favorable oil prices.

The night at the farm is serene, but William is unsettled. It feels as though an entire century has passed in a single day.

Leaving the farm seems inevitable for William, and he contemplates the future, pondering how to revive the family legacy and ensure its continued prosperity.