Chapter 14 – Scammers and Deceitful Students (1)
Jeongjin and Nebo hired a carriage and crossed the bridge to the west of River Tempus. Along the way, Nebo taught Jeongjin how to ride a chartered carriage and how to ride a shared wagon while they were inside the carriage.
‘The novel didn’t specify these types if activities. But I have to be knowledgeable of this world If I want to live a smooth life.’
After learning the ropes, they informed the horseman of their destination. Hence, the horseman dropped them off in front of a small stone building. It was one of the nearest branches of Plata Bank.
After five minutes later, the branch manager of the Royal Circus branch of Plata Bank, Henry Fist, wiped the sweat off his head.
“What?! Asser? Is it the father or the son? Which one is inside now?”
The branch manager’s secretary calmly replied, “The son.”
“Is he accompanied by the Centrum entrepreneurs?”
“It’s not the first son, manager, but the second.”
“There’s a second son in that house?”
“There is. His asking to check his account.”
“Are you sure about this?”
“His name is Clayo Asser, a student of the Royal Capital Defense College.”
“What was his inquiry?”
“He wants to withdraw money.”
“How much?”
His secretary answered, “He only answered vaguely. His total account balance is 400,000 Dinar. Moreover, our cash reserves are insufficient if he withdraws everything today. The central…”
“I see, I’ll talk to him and ask why he paid our branch a visit,” Henry said.
But the branch manager had no idea — the only reason for the boy’s visit was because their branch nearby Clayo’s school, where he was enrolled.
***
The waiting room at the Royal Circus branch of the Plata Bank was superb and lovely. The place had cigar cases and brandy bottles lined up beside a comfy sofa, looking similar to a gentleman’s club portrayed in movies.
Jeongjin enjoyed the short comfort as he sat on the sofa.
’Of course, I don’t think it’s a waiting room with a 17-year-old boy. Would it be unusual if I asked for a drink?’ Jeongjin thought as he gazed at the bottles of liquor before him.
He waited for his turn. But then something transpired the moment he reached out for the check at the teller’s window and signed it — he had no idea how much money was inside his account. So, he decided to inquire before writing an amount.
Suddenly, there was a commotion inside the teller’s room and Jeongjin was embarrassed when shortly, they asked him to come inside.
‘Why did they suddenly call me… It makes me feel as if I’ve been caught scammng…’
But of course, it wasn’t the case. Clayo’s account had 400,000 dinars inside and the bank teller was worried that he might withdraw the money in full.
Jeongjin, while ruminating for a drink, was pleased to hear about his money. He then slightly smiled when he saw the branch manager coming.
“Hello, I’m Clayo Asser. There was no need for the manager to come out, but thank you regardless,” Jeongjin greeted the branch manager first.
“It’s nothing. Thank you for using our Plata Bank for several years since your father’s time. I’ve heard about your concern. How much would you like to withdraw?” Henry replied in an amicable manner, brushing the boy’s concern.
“I was thinking of withdrawing some pocket money. But there was suddenly a commotion. I’m only going to spend it for my living expenses.”
The relief was noticeable on the branch manager’s face. Shortly, he asked the boy, “Well, how about 1,000 dinars. Is it enough?”
“That’s fine.”
‘Just how much money is 400,000 dinars?’ Jeongjin thought, but a moment later he surmised, ‘Well, I guess it’s already a significant amount of money.’
The manager then apologized for the teller’s nervousness before, “Our staff misunderstood your intentions and wasted your time. I apologize.”
“It’s fine, but can you give me some brandy for this?”
“Anything! I have a drink prepared for you.” The branch manager acquiesced to his request and generously offered him a drink without much ado. “Then, I’ll bring the cash over here later.”
“Yes, take your time.”
The manager noted that his calm attitude didn’t fit that of a boy who had just undergone puberty. But Jeongjin was too captivated at the thought of a good taste of brandy to notice.
Finally, a glass full of brandy came into his hand. The boy holding a glass of brandy, looked like he owned the world. He admired the hot sensation as the liquor traveled down his throat and the fragrant smell touched the tip of his nose. It was an exemplary quality.
It tastes even better than a twenty-five-year-old Armanac! He thought.
When Jeongjin reached his thirties, he became an addict for alcohol rather than books.
When he was in the company that he worked before, he remembered some authors brought them liquor from their overseas trips as gifts. While it was annoying to hear their boss nag as they drank, the expensive liquor was stil worth it.
Now, he felt carefree, drinking liquor without some hearing his boss’ complaints.
‘It’s not so bad at all.’ Jeongjin thought.
Jeongjin emptied the brandy slowly.
Finally, the branch manager came back, bringing the money as Jeongjin was enjoying the lingering scent from the brandy. The boy was full of smiles as the man handed him a thick envelope, of which he took gladly into his arms.
“You may call for a bank transfer next time so you won’t have to visit in person. Thank you for the transaction, and please extend my regards to your father,” The manager said.
“Sure, I’ll do that. Thank you, too,” Jeongjin answered.
‘Despite being a local branch, the branch manager personally greets the client… is this how a gold spoon tastes?’ He thought in awe, as they escorted him back to the lobby where Nebo was waiting.
After seeing the lanky boy return with adults in tow, his eyes opened wide.
“Hey, you’re a child of a prestigious family,” Nebo said.
“Well, now you know. Then let’s go now.” Jeongjin answered.
Nebo, who still dumbfounded, observed how they were greeted politely by the bald branch manager. Jeongjin felt relaxed while as Nebo took his time, gazing around the magnificent beauty of the lobby.
After Jeongjin left, Henry Fist quickly called his secretary.
“Keep track of the Asser boy’s activities in the capital. I’m sure this second son, who has never been this active before, has some hidden objectives,” he said.
“Yes, sir.”
“He’s also an Asser. I’m sure that kid has something up his sleeves. There’s nothing wrong on being cautious.” The manager murmured to himself after his secretary departed from the room.
Unfortunately, if Jeongjin knew his actions would reach Plato bank president’s ears, he would spit out his drink.