Chapter 86
Alvin was something else.
If Alvin weren't undeniably human, Shirley would have thought he was an alien.
In Shirley's mind, Alvin had transcended the realm of ordinary people.
His intelligence and sharp market sense left her in awe.
Meeting Alvin was proof that her luck wasn't too shabby!
Shirley mused to herself, a smile tugging at her lips.
Her thoughts drifted to Sam, and she couldn't help but laugh at the memory of their first encounter.
When she first met Sam, she thought he was hilarious.
She genuinely believed he might be a weirdo or someone with peculiar habits.
But after spending half a day with him, she found him quite alright.
And pretty handsome too! Shirley thought to herself.
She pictured Sam's goofy face covered in random doodles and chuckled.
His clueless expression was just too adorable, and Shirley couldn't resist teasing him.
Shirley was really eager to meet Alvin's wife.
What kind of woman could capture Alvin's heart?
Alvin, a successful career man, was also so family-oriented!
Shirley's curiosity was piqued; she was dying to know what kind of woman could attract such a well-rounded man like Alvin.
The thought of dining at The Epicurean Haven later made her giddy with excitement.
She turned back to her computer, determined to finish her work for the day.
She had to get everything done because she was going to The Epicurean Haven!
Her fingers danced across the keyboard, her efficiency soaring.
Shirley envisioned the upcoming joyful moments, a happy smile on her face.
Alvin and Sam sat in the car, the scenery outside whizzing by as they headed to the school.
It was still early, and Isabelle hadn't been dismissed yet.
Only a few parents were waiting, and Alvin and Sam were among them.
Alvin bought two ice creams for Isabelle and Lisa, planning to surprise them after school.
They found a shady spot to wait, passing the time idly.
Sam hadn't stopped talking since they got out of the car, chattering away in Alvin's ear.
Alvin was nearly dozing off but was used to Sam's chatter, occasionally responding.
"Alvin, Alvin! You were amazing today!" Sam said excitedly, clearly admiring Alvin.
"Your skills are incredible!"
Sam gave Alvin multiple thumbs-ups, his face full of admiration.
"Tomorrow's another big day."
"I wonder if Robert will show up."
"That guy is always so busy!"
Sam complained about Robert like a disgruntled spouse.
Hearing this, Alvin glanced at Sam and said bluntly, "He's not as free as you!"
Sam immediately put on an exaggerated heartbroken expression.
In broad daylight, he started acting!
He clutched his chest, looking devastated, and stared at Alvin with a wounded expression.
"Alvin! How could you say that?"
"That's so hurtful!"
Sam's voice carried a hint of exaggerated sorrow.
"I'm not lazing around! I'm seriously learning stock trading from you!"
Sam continued his act, looking a bit aggrieved.
Suddenly, Sam's eyes lit up with an idea.
"Alvin, I just thought of a way to make money!"
"It's the information age! Short videos are so popular!"
"Look at those influencers; they make a ton of money from live streaming!"
"They make it look so easy!"
Sam's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Alvin, why don't we seize this opportunity?"
Alvin looked at Sam's excited face.
He blinked, feeling a bit helpless under Sam's gaze.
Alvin exaggerated his expression, pretending to be shocked.
"Sam, spill it!"
"What's this brilliant money-making idea?"
Alvin's face was full of playful mockery.
Sam laughed sheepishly, but since Alvin asked, he decided to share.
"Alvin! You could start live streaming and become an influencer!"
Sam was thrilled, clearly thinking his idea was brilliant.
"You're so talented; you'd be great!"
"Just focus on teaching people stock trading!"
"As long as people make money, your reputation will skyrocket!"
"Oh my god, I can already see it now! You'll be famous in no time!"
"Your live streams will have hundreds of thousands of viewers!"
"Then we can recommend stocks during the streams!"
"With so many viewers, we'll make a fortune!"
"All kinds of commissions!"
"When you're famous nationwide, people will pay you by the second!"
Sam got more and more excited, imagining Alvin as a world-class influencer.
Alvin blinked in disbelief.
"Wow, Sam!"
"You're getting smarter hanging around me!"
"You're even coming up with ways for me to make money!"
Alvin laughed coldly, clearly not taking the idea seriously.
"Why not get the whole family involved and become influencers?"
Alvin's words were mostly teasing, but Sam, not picking up on the sarcasm, took them seriously.
"Yeah, Alvin!"
"That's exactly what I was thinking!"
"Making money would be so easy!"
"We could live stream and trade stocks at the same time!"
"We'd have more money than we could spend!"
Sam stood up, gesturing excitedly.
Alvin had been teasing him, but poor Sam didn't catch on.
He kept talking, making Alvin a bit annoyed.
Alvin stood up and smacked Sam on the head!
He scolded, "Sam, you idiot!"
"You really think you're smart now?"
"Planning my career for me!"
Alvin frowned, glaring at Sam.
"Sam, you've got some nerve! Who gave you the courage?"
Alvin wasn't satisfied and punched Sam a few more times.
Sam, holding his head, ran and explained, "Alvin, Alvin! You misunderstood me!"
"I didn't mean it like that!"
Sam looked aggrieved.
He sincerely said, "I just think you're so amazing; more people should know!"
"Give it a try; what if it works?"
"If we make money, we won't have to work so hard."
"We could make money from home!"
"And you could be an all-around househusband!"
Sam's words were heartfelt; he meant no harm.
After hearing his explanation, Alvin chased him.
"Sam, you jerk!"
"You're trying to work me to death!"
"When have I ever worked that hard? Sam, you're overthinking!"
With nowhere to run, Sam covered his head and apologized.
"Alvin, Alvin, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"
"I won't do it again!"
Seeing Sam's pitiful look, Alvin's anger subsided.
He knew Sam meant no harm; he was just a local loudmouth.
Alvin looked down at him, snorting lightly.
"Alright, alright, stop playing the victim."
"Don't give me such stupid ideas again."
Alvin said grumpily.
"I won't, Alvin! Really, I swear!"
Sam nodded earnestly, clearly scared by Alvin's "lesson."
Seeing Sam's scared face, Alvin couldn't help but laugh.
"Idiot! I was joking; can't you tell?"
Sam looked terrified, taking a while to process.
Alvin held back his laughter, enjoying teasing Sam.
"Sam, don't be scared!"
"Your idea is actually pretty good!"
"But I hate sucking up to people, trying to make them like me!"
"Live streaming attracts all kinds of people."
"It would bring a lot of trouble."
He continued seriously, not joking at all.
"You only see the glamorous side of influencers, not their struggles."
"In this era, anyone can be an influencer!"
"More and more people are drawn by the huge financial rewards."
"But there's a saying: value must match your ability!"
"Greed will make those who follow pay the price."
"I've told you before, the most expensive tax is the cognitive tax."
"Didn't I just teach you this today?"
"Idiot, it's good to have money-making ideas!"
"But always have a clear self-awareness and don't go astray!"
"Besides, what I'm doing now makes way more than being an influencer!"
"I make more money easily than those who work hard to please everyone in live streams!"
"Sam, stop worrying!"
"Just take care of yourself!"
"Or learn stock trading from me and become an influencer yourself!"
"Then you'll be rich!"
"Your whole family will live in luxury, proud of you!"
"Sam, imagine that life, how perfect!"