Chapter 12: Drain every bit of value

"Uncle, are you joking? That's some serious Interpol-level information," Sam replied excitedly.

"I'm glad you found it helpful," his uncle responded calmly.

"Thank you, Uncle, but you mentioned 'regarding your secret in the transaction section' without actually sharing your thoughts on it," Sam said, a hint of curiosity and confusion in his voice.

"I didn't feel it was safe, so I left it unwritten," his uncle replied, his voice tinged with worry.

"How can that be? Isn't your IP address locked down and secure against hacking?" Sam voiced his doubt.

"I don't know, Sam. I just trusted my gut feeling," his uncle admitted with helplessness.

"A businessman's gut feeling—definitely something to trust," Sam joked, easing the tension in the call.

"Anyway, I can share it with you now," his uncle said, his tone shifting.

"Okay, I'm all ears," Sam replied.

"It's about the small boxes. Some of my old friends want to buy them," his uncle's voice sounded conflicted.

"If you trust them, Uncle, I can give them the boxes as gifts since they're your old buddies," Sam offered calmly.

"Hey, son. Business is business, and friendship is friendship," his uncle replied with a chuckle.

"Relax, Uncle. I can read your thoughts. Don't worry—I know producing these boxes won't be a burden," Sam reassured, catching his uncle's hidden concerns.

*Cough* *Cough* "Thanks," his uncle muttered, sounding a little embarrassed.

"Uncle, there's no need for thanks," Sam smiled but then a thought struck him. "By the way, have any of them gained supernatural abilities?"

"Sharp but slow," his uncle teased. "You've got to be quicker, sharper, and more attentive to deal with them. So, will you handle this trade yourself, or should I?"

"I'll take this chance, Uncle. You can set the date," Sam decided firmly.

"No problem."

"Uncle, you're adjusting too quickly," Sam noted casually.

"Seeing my colleagues and friends adapt, I decided to take it as a natural course. I wanted to be part of these events and learn more," his uncle shared with newfound energy.

"That's a great mindset. I expected no less from you, Uncle, but how's Aunt doing?" Sam asked, his voice filled with concern.

"As her husband, of course, I take care of her mental and physical health. Don't worry, she's more motivated than I am! Her dream is to regain her youth and play the upcoming game with you guys, spending quality time together," his uncle said with a smile in his voice.

"Uncle, you don't need to use us as an excuse. Just say Aunt wants to spend quality time with you," Sam teased, grinning widely.

"You cheeky one!" his uncle laughed.

"Anyway, I'm happy you two are adapting so well. I'll prepare a special gift for Aunt to help her regain her youth," Sam promised.

"Really? I'm not doubting you, just curious…" his uncle's voice trailed off in uncertainty.

"Uncle, you know me as your own son. It's my duty to fulfill her wish," Sam reassured, taking a deep breath. "In the coming years, anything is possible."

*Hiss* "I thought that was possible, but not this quickly. We old folks are a bit slow, aren't we?" his uncle admitted with a sigh.

"Don't worry, Uncle. I believe my small boxes will have a long-term effect," Sam said confidently.

"I had a great night's sleep and feel refreshed today," his uncle agreed, sounding more relaxed.

"You should focus on your health," Sam advised before shifting topics. "By the way, Uncle, you mentioned a 'game1' earlier. Has the government started publicizing it within influential families?"

"Yes, they've been openly promoting it," his uncle confirmed.

"Sounds like the government can't handle it, or something's preventing them from full control. Do you know what it is?" Sam pressed curiously.

"From my sources: Everything happening in the next month will be controlled by AI. The AI has retracted all critical powers from the every governments, leaving only minor responsibilities to the country leaders," his uncle explained in a calm, analyzing tone.

"Oh! That explains why they've launched so many schemes recently. It all makes sense now," Sam replied thoughtfully. "After putting together so many pieces, it's finally clear."

"Well, now I'm worry-free, knowing you can handle things. I won't interfere; you'll have to make your own profit," his uncle said, reassured.

"Don't worry. Since you've taught me everything about business, I'll make sure not to disappoint you. I'll extract every ounce of value," Sam said confidently.

"That's the attitude I'm looking for! Drain every bit of value," his uncle laughed before pausing. "So, I can tease them later."

"Get your teasing lines ready, Uncle," Sam replied with a grin, his confidence soaring.

"Hmm… Sam, I have some work for you. Would you like to handle it?" his uncle asked.

"Of course. What's the task?" Sam responded eagerly.

"This evening, Mohan will meet you with some documents. You both can handle the matter together."

"Which company is it related to?" Sam asked, his curiosity piqued.

"The one we're talking through right now," his uncle hinted.

"This telecommunication company? Sounds fine," Sam pondered for a moment. "Anyway, don't worry. I'll update you after the meeting."

"Great, I'm counting on you both," his uncle replied expectantly.

"Relax, Uncle. You can spend time with Aunt. Mohan and I will handle the issue," Sam assured him.

"Alright. Talk later," his uncle said, and the call ended.

Stretching his body on Palang, Sam lazily remarked, "Communicating with Uncle certainly raises my business standards." He glanced at his tablet, which displayed the time: 5:30 AM, and sighed, "I have far too many tasks to complete today."