Marvel 1919 : Rise of an Empire

The next day, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Massachusetts.

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), founded in 1861 and located in Massachusetts, United States, is a world-renowned private research university. It is famous for its engineering and computer science programs, consistently ranking among the top universities globally. Other disciplines include physics, chemistry, economics, philosophy, political science, and architecture.

In 1916, MIT moved to the Cambridge side of the Charles River, near Harvard University.

When George first walked into the university, he didn't feel any sense of awe or excitement. Given his current circumstances, attending university didn't hold much significance. U.S. universities have always emphasized practical experience over academic theory. Therefore, students who simply buried themselves in books without gaining real-world experience were often overlooked.

However, if you started a company or interned at a well-known enterprise, taking leave was entirely acceptable, as long as you submitted a report afterward.

Upon arrival, George first paid a visit to the current president, Mr. Elihu Thomson. Then, he gave a brief interview with four faculty members. In simple terms, he explained why he had returned and what he had accomplished. The conversation was rather uneventful.

Nonetheless, the faculty was very satisfied and immediately approved his application. George was informed that he could register for classes on September 5th.

Capitalist society is brutally realistic. Attending a university in the United States is a luxury—if you don't receive a scholarship, you may as well give up, as tuition fees can be financially crippling.

American parents rarely support their children financially past the age of 18, except for the wealthy and Asian families. Middle-class families manage slightly better, but most people are left to fend for themselves.

Want to attend university? Great—work your way through school. Alternatively, serve two years in the military and use the compensation to pay for your education.

In short, you're expected to handle your affairs.

Also, don't assume money alone guarantees admission to a good university. It's merely the first requirement. You'll also need a letter of recommendation—and the more prestigious the recommender, the better. The more renowned the university, the higher the tuition. So if you lack both money and connections, consider a community college. Fortunately, George met all the requirements.

Studying medicine in the U.S. is complex. You can't become a doctor with just a bachelor's degree—you must earn a doctorate. Hence, being addressed as "Doctor" also implies having earned a Ph.D. degree.

To pursue medicine, students must first study pre-medical subjects such as biology and biochemistry, then pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Admission to medical school is based on GPA and MCAT scores.

It's best to start with biology and human anatomy. As for exams, they vary across institutions but universally include graduation and licensing exams that test both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The path is further divided into specialized and general practice doctors, making the journey all the more intricate.

However, as George had already realized, results and practical performance mattered most. He didn't intend to become a doctor—he simply wanted the knowledge and a legitimate source for his next key project. Without that, he risked complete exploitation. From day one, George had no intention of following the curriculum step by step.

One advanced feature of the U.S. undergraduate system is its liberal arts philosophy. This approach mandates that students receive a broad-based education in arts, humanities, social sciences, philosophy, and natural sciences before pursuing a specific field.

Most students can choose an "undecided major" in their first two years, then specialize in the third. If they dislike their chosen major, many schools allow a transfer.

Thanks to this flexible system, George planned to explore multiple disciplines. He had ample time and could easily balance academics and making money. Studying was a hobby—there was no pressure.

After completing his interview, George returned to New York. Paul had informed him that the current wheat futures price had dropped to \$0.96 per bushel.

The next day, the New York Stock Exchange.

The exchange was bustling—some were selling, others were trying to stabilize their companies' stock prices.

George didn't linger on the trading floor. He went straight to the private room, where Paul had arranged for a broker. George instructed the broker to close the position.

The settlement was completed just before the market closed. George had previously bought a \$100 million contract at \$1.96 per bushel, earning a net profit of \$50 million.

Was George afraid of a government investigation? Not at all. First, his funds were from legitimate, traceable sources. Second, he wasn't involved in insider trading or market manipulation. Third, he hadn't overreached—he used only 10x leverage. Using more would have been blatant market exploitation.

With \$50 million in his pocket, George was at ease. Compared to him, the Morgan family—top players on Wall Street—handled such operations even more smoothly. Their creed: "What drives history is not law, but money—only money!"

That night, George hosted a celebration at the hotel, inviting only his company's employees.

The next day, the New York Financial News ran the headline: "The Fastest Person to Become a Millionaire This Year." The article detailed George's rise to wealth, from gambling to success in futures. Some called him a "lucky boy," while others identified him as a newly successful novelist. The news was intentionally spread by Paul after a reporter called the company.

From that day forward, George began receiving invitations to charity galas and auctions. He avoided interviews but had Paul attend charity events on his behalf. Not only could he acquire antiques, but charitable donations also offered tax deductions.

Uninterested in politics, George focused on non-political charities such as animal protection and child welfare organizations. This was a wise move—America emphasizes public morality more than private conduct.

The next day, George had Paul buy shares in Lincoln Company on his behalf.

Founded in 1917 by Henry Leland, the Lincoln Company was named after President Abraham Lincoln.

Before World War I, Leland developed the Lincoln L-type model. Although excellent, it became a casualty of the post-war economic downturn. Sales halved, and with shareholders withdrawing and tax-related legal troubles, the company faced severe challenges.

George remembered that eventually, Leland sought help from Henry Ford. Persuaded by his son Edsel, Ford acquired Lincoln for \$8 million in February 1922. Leland and his son Wilfrid were made President and Vice President. However, disagreements soon arose, and Henry Ford dismissed them, appointing Edsel as President.

Lincoln was now at its lowest point. George aimed to acquire the company during this vulnerable period. With his knowledge of future developments, who could compete with his vision for car models?

He could have Lincoln manufacture all the classic luxury car models of the future, even create limited edition versions.

A week later, George's acquisition sparked market attention. While auto stocks were falling, his active buying of Lincoln stock drew curiosity. Small investors holding Lincoln stock saw the interest and rushed to sell.

Instead of lifting the price, this wave of sales caused it to drop further. George seized the opportunity and bought all the available shares.

Wall Street is a small world—word travels fast. George's continued buying puzzled major shareholders. If he began dumping shares, panic would ensue, and share prices would plummet.

Someone contacted George through the American Bank. George, ever sincere, agreed to meet. Since September 1st and his academic registration were approaching, he didn't want further delays.

At the meeting, George met Henry Leland and several key shareholders. After pleasantries, they got down to business.

"I heard from Mr. Groman that Mr. Orwell is young and promising. Only now do I see how young you truly are," Leland said.

"You flatter me, Mr. Leland. I just got lucky in a gamble."

"If your gambling success was luck, your futures trading is more than luck. Congratulations."

"Thank you. Now, to business. Mr. Leland, may I ask why you requested this meeting?"

"Well," Leland began, "the auto industry has suffered due to the war. We noticed you've been acquiring our shares. We'd like to know—are you planning a short-term trade or a long-term investment?"

"Oh, I see. Well, I made some money in the stock market recently. I wanted to get involved in a tangible industry. I bought a Lincoln and found it extremely comfortable. Despite your company's struggles, I have great faith in its potential—and in your leadership. So yes, I'm buying shares. I don't mind losing money."

"So, you're not committed long-term?" a shareholder asked nervously.

"Lincoln isn't my company. Whether I stay depends on your future performance."

The shareholder, aware of the company's fragile state, feared a mass sell-off but also wanted to cash out.

Seeing an opportunity, George added, "Are some of you looking to sell? If the price is right, I'll buy. But I must admit, I'd prefer to own all the shares."

"Impossible! I built the Lincoln brand—I won't hand it over," Leland said, visibly upset.

"Mr. Orwell, are you serious? I'm willing to sell my shares," the shareholder replied.

They spoke simultaneously.

George smiled. "Seems there's no consensus."

"Mr. Leland, may we speak privately?"

Leland hesitated, then nodded. "Alright."

"Gentlemen, please excuse us. I have a private matter to discuss with Mr. Leland."