I own 15% of the World

Yes, he pitied them, but he didn't care if they overworked themselves to death. He was paying them a huge amount of money, so they could either learn to work smart or work themselves to exhaustion.

Surprisingly, his words brought laughter to the room—genuine laughter—to which David simply smiled in response as he went on to showcase his plan. He had thought it out and researched it thoroughly, using the surge of energy he had before bed. It was well-structured, with laws and all, but executing it was up to these people.

That part, however, was by no means easy.

"I don't want to bother you all with any boring talk or small talk, and I'm pretty sure you all know who I am, as I know who you all are. We both saw profiles of each other, so I'll get straight to the point," David said as he picked up a pointer from the table before him.

Immediately, the projector turned on, and the room darkened. David couldn't say that he had done something like this before, but he also wasn't one to fear public speaking, especially now that he had the resources to back up his words.

"I went through the list of restrictions the World Bank put on my shoulders in the name of 'regulations,' and some things stood out to me," David said as an image appeared on the screen.

As he spoke, he noticed Mr. Obi shrink back a bit, but David just smiled. As he said before, he wasn't so petty as to hold that against him.

"It says here that I can't acquire beyond 15% of any given trade sector. And, as you all know, I currently own zero percent. So I thought—why not do just that?" David said, looking at them.

David could already see their faces twist as they contemplated the level of work they'd have to do to achieve what he'd proposed.

"Don't worry, I'm not wicked. The starting budget is 2.5 trillion dollars. My initial plan was to acquire 15% of all sectors across Africa alone, but then I thought, why aim so low? Go for all continents—I'm rich enough to do it comfortably," David continued as the image changed to an organizational hierarchy chart.

"Hence, I propose the establishment of my company, the Continental. Not exactly imaginative, but pity me—I was up researching all night. Starting with Asia, 15% of its total sectors is around 2.3 trillion. Books helped, but I'm sure you all can research better."

"I allowed room for error, so 2.5 trillion it is. However, to achieve this, we'll set things up as follows. I don't want to burden anyone with excess work, so we'll use this pyramid of holding companies," David said as he began explaining his plan.

Seeing the smiles on their faces, David couldn't help but frown a bit. He'd already done part of their work for them. Figuring out how best to manage his assets was supposed to be their job, yet here he was, giving them a solid plan.

At the top of the pyramid was the Continental, but below it were continent-level holding companies he aptly named after each continent, followed by country-level holding companies.

"I think we understand, sir. However, you do realize that a 2.5 trillion dollar budget won't accomplish what you're aiming to do?" one of the managers said.

David recognized the person asking the question—David Asinaba Jite, a fellow Nigerian, which was rare in this group. Apart from him and Mr. Obi, the others had been born overseas, so they had different nationalities.

"Naturally, that's why this is a five-year plan divided into five phases. The budget should be more than enough for Asia, so we'll focus on that. Once we succeed, we'll move on to Africa. So for now, please focus on establishing Continental Asia," David said with a smile.

"While calculating this yesterday, I found a small gap in phase two. So I'd like to set aside an extra 500 billion from my total wealth to add to the next phase if needed," David said as he finally returned to his seat.

"That's all. If you have any questions, please ask now," David said as he set down the pointer.

"Regarding the company, from what we understand from the contract you signed, you're required to stay politically neutral, correct?"

"Naturally."

"Then wouldn't setting up a company compromise that? We all understand that no matter how neutral you try to stay, companies rarely survive by being neutral."

"But the Continental isn't just a company, is it?" David asked.

"Sir, I don't…"

"I understand what you're saying. Considering that our target continent is Asia, known for its emphasis on family and connections, it will be challenging to stay neutral. However, for the Continental reach of the Continental, it's possible."

It might not make much sense now, but it was still true. Once a company gets big enough, people tend to worry less about which side you're on and more about who you favor.

Similar in effect but not the same thing. If the Continental becomes as successful as he envisioned, then such statements would hold weight. People would naturally align with him because they'd need him, not the other way around.

"I understand, sir," the man said before sitting down.

"Is that all? Wow, you guys really are professionals. I spent the whole night preparing and researching, yet you understood it all in thirty minutes."

"Well, sir, you already simplified it for us," Mr. Obi said as he stood up.

"I see. Very well, I'll leave you to work your magic. Oh, and if you succeed, remember that out of the 5% allocated for the company, each of you owns 0.1%. That's around $625,000 extra per month, so please do your best," David said as he stood up.

He wasn't the best in formal meetings, but he had conveyed his message. Seeing the surprised looks on their faces, David could already tell they were ready to burn the midnight oil for him.

He didn't trust people; he trusted the money that motivated them. Even if it was just 0.1%, it was an amount that would slowly increase until it was worth billions, meaning the monthly dividends would be in the millions. They were set for life as long as they did their jobs well.

"Well, that will be all," Mr. Obi said as they all stood up and bowed toward David.

Seeing this, David didn't respond, as he wasn't used to it. Instead, he made his way out of the room.

The very second the door closed, David heard shouts and screams of joy as they celebrated.

"Trust the money," David whispered with a smile as he left with Mr. Obi.

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