The scenes described by Mavi are commonplace in the future. However, in the year 2000, they were cutting-edge insights and theories. Larry, Shigeru, and the others had no idea what kind of expression they should have while listening to Mavi.
After all, looking at the future from the perspective of the present is truly difficult…
…
After handling Google's business and other current development matters, Mavi returned to his hotel for a good sleep. When he woke up, he planned to fly back to Russia for a couple of days.
At this point, he had already invested in Amazon, which would become America's second-largest company in the future, and had acquired Google, which would be the third-largest. So now, Mavi decided to take some time to enjoy life.
After all, companies like Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter—future tech unicorns—had yet to be founded in the year 2000. He still had plenty of time to take things easy.
However, the next day at noon, just as Mavi was about to ask his butler to arrange his itinerary, he suddenly received a phone call. It was from Jennifer.
"Didn't you say a couple of days ago that you were going to California? I'm heading there now. Want to grab a meal together?"
Jennifer was attending a friend's concert in California, so she figured she might as well take the opportunity to meet up with Mavi.
Mavi thought for a moment before replying, "Sure. What time will you be there?"
"I'll be landing at California Airport in less than an hour…"
Jennifer had made the call from her private jet. In fact, she had been debating whether to call him for the entire four-hour flight before finally dialing his number.
The reason for her hesitation was simple—ever since their last meeting, she hadn't been able to find a good excuse to ask Mavi out again. Girls have their pride, and it takes courage to initiate a meeting with a man.
Jennifer had been building up that courage for the better part of a day before she finally made this satellite phone call.
Sometimes, fate works in mysterious ways. If she had called just two hours later, Mavi would have already boarded his flight back to Russia!
---
One Hour Later – California Airport
Jennifer's father's Gulfstream V private jet landed safely on the tarmac. The Gulfstream V, which sold for $36 million in the year 2000, was significantly larger than Mavi's Gulfstream G200.
As soon as the plane came to a stop, three pristine white Aston Martin V8 sports cars swiftly surrounded it in perfect formation.
Inside the cabin, Jennifer's female bodyguard frowned and said, "Miss, he's here again."
The "he" she was referring to was a man stepping out of the first Aston Martin V8, dressed in a crisp white suit and holding a bouquet of flowers. His name was Bob, a wealthy young heir who had been relentlessly pursuing Jennifer with grand romantic gestures.
Bob's family was in the fashion business, with branches in numerous countries worldwide.
To please Jennifer, he had specially purchased these three Aston Martin V8s, knowing they were among her favorite car brands. The cars alone had cost him nearly a million dollars.
"Ugh, him again? How does he even know I'm coming to California?" Jennifer frowned as she glanced out the window. Her good mood instantly soured at the sight of the persistent playboy.
In truth, one of her friends had tipped Bob off about her schedule, hoping to give him a chance to impress her.
As Jennifer sat there, feeling frustrated about having to deal with Bob, her phone suddenly buzzed with a new text message.
"Has your plane landed yet?"
It was from Mavi, who had already arrived at the airport.
"Just landed! I'll be right there…" Jennifer quickly replied, preparing to brave the situation and head to her family's car, determined to ignore the man with the roses.
When the jet's door opened, Jennifer—wearing a light blue dress—stepped down with an icy expression, escorted by her bodyguard.
Bob immediately put on a charming smile and strode toward her with the bouquet.
"Hi, Miss Jennifer! These are for you—roses, your favorite! I specially picked them out for you. And these three Aston Martins, they're all yours if you like them!"
"Sorry, I have things to do." Jennifer rejected him without a trace of emotion. She had absolutely no interest in playboys like him.
Bob's enthusiastic smile stiffened awkwardly. He had come all this way, hoping to surprise Jennifer and win her over, only to be met with indifference once again. It stung.
"That's okay! Miss Jennifer, I can drive you wherever you need to go!" Bob persisted, ever the gentleman.
But Jennifer's attention had already shifted.
In the distance, a Mercedes SLR McLaren sports car was approaching smoothly.
The car, gleaming silver under the sunlight, reflected a dazzling metallic sheen. The iconic Mercedes emblem was prominently displayed on the hood, complementing the sleek air intakes and sharp headlights, exuding an unmistakable aura of luxury.
"No need, thanks." Jennifer declined once more, her eyes now fully locked onto the incoming Mercedes.
As the silver Mercedes SLR McLaren came to a smooth stop beneath the Gulfstream jet, the car door swung open.
Mavi stepped out, wearing sunglasses, exuding effortless style.
He took a glance at the situation before teasingly asking Jennifer, "Got a date?"
"No! No way!" Jennifer quickly waved her hands in denial, afraid that Mavi would misunderstand her relationship with Bob.
"Oh, no date? Well then, I guess I'll be heading out." Mavi smirked mischievously and turned to get back into his car, acting as if he were about to leave.
Jennifer was caught completely off guard—she had just seen her "savior," only to be playfully abandoned by him!
Without thinking, she bit her lip in frustration, then dashed toward Mavi's car. She swiftly opened the passenger-side door and jumped in, raising her delicate fists to playfully punch him in the chest.
At that moment, Mavi experienced firsthand what it felt like to be on the receiving end of a "girly fist attack"—a mix of pain and amusement. Luckily, his well-built chest could take the hits. Otherwise, her punches might have actually hurt!
"Buckle up and hold on tight."
With that, Mavi started the car. As Jennifer secured her seatbelt, he pressed the accelerator, unleashing the Mercedes SLR McLaren's V8 engine, which roared to life with a thunderous growl.