Banking on Dreams

Thomas Rodriguez hadn't yet grown into the polished banking executive I remembered from 2035. His suit was off-the-rack, his desk cramped in a corner of the bank's lending department. But his eyes had that same sharp intelligence that would later help guide our global expansion.

"Let me get this straight," he said, reviewing our proposal. "You want to convert an abandoned warehouse into a state-of-the-art recording studio and production facility. With what collateral besides a Sony advance that hasn't even cleared yet?"

Mom slid forward her research folder. "Property comparables, projected revenue streams, and a five-year growth model. The warehouse's current distressed value creates an unique opportunity for appreciation."

I watched Thomas's expression shift as he read. In my original timeline, he'd shown this same analytical focus, but years later when our empire was already rising. Now, we were catching his attention early.

"The construction costs alone..." he began.

"Are offset by the existing structural integrity," I interrupted, pulling out Mr. Chen's preliminary assessment. "The bones are solid. Most of the investment goes to specialized equipment and acoustic modification, both of which increase property value."

Thomas leaned back, studying me with newfound interest. "Rico said you were different. Didn't mention you talked like a business school graduate."

Mom tensed beside me, but I stayed calm. Had to play this carefully – ambitious but not impossibly sophisticated.

"I study everything about the music business," I said. "Production, technology, finance. Success leaves clues, right?"

"And you're sure about the Sony deal? No chance they'll back out?"

I pulled out my phone, played one of the new beats I'd prepared. The one that walked the line between current trends and future innovations. Thomas's head bobbed unconsciously to the rhythm.

"That's why they signed me," I said, letting the track fade. "But this isn't just about music. It's about building infrastructure. Creating a hub that attracts talent, generates revenue, and appreciates in value."

Mom jumped in with cash flow projections, her natural financial instincts shining through. "The studio rental model provides steady income while the production business scales. We've identified three potential anchor tenants..."

I watched Thomas following her numbers, saw the moment the banker's skepticism began to crack. In our original timeline, he'd been the first institutional investor in our tech division. This time, he'd be there from the beginning.

"The numbers work," he admitted finally. "On paper, at least. But it's still a huge risk. A teenager and his mother trying to build a music empire?"

"Sometimes the biggest risk is not taking one," Mom replied, and I heard echoes of her future CFO self in her voice. "The question is: do you want to be part of something revolutionary, or watch it happen from the sidelines?"

Thomas smiled – the same smile I'd seen at countless board meetings in another life. "You know what? You sound just like my cousin Rico when he's onto something big."

He pulled out loan application forms, started filling them out. "We'll need additional documentation. Tax returns, business registration, insurance... but I think we can make this work."

As Mom discussed terms with him, I felt the future shifting again. In our original timeline, we'd wasted years trying to secure traditional financing. This time, we had an ally from the start.

"One condition," Thomas said as we wrapped up. "I want first right of refusal on future funding rounds. Something tells me this is just the beginning of whatever you're building."

If he only knew.

Outside the bank, Mom let out a breath she'd been holding. "He's going to back us. I can feel it."

I hugged her, remembering how proud she'd been in our other timeline when we'd finally secured major funding. This victory was sweeter – we were sharing it together, right from the start.

"Next stop, property lawyer," she said, already checking her planner. "I've got a list of questions about the liens on the building."

I smiled, watching her transform more with each passing hour. The business leader I knew she'd become was emerging years ahead of schedule.

The future was changing, piece by piece. Better this time. Stronger.

Time to build something extraordinary. Again.