Planning, Lying, Winning

The weekend passed fastly with either lessons with Louis or intensive Workouts.

It was Monday again and something strange happened.

After school, Eren Müller looked for Ben. Others anticipated another confrontation, but surprisingly they just talked and shacked their hands.

´Quite strange. I thought Eren hated me. We had some confrontations in the past. Still, he didn't do anything these last months. Was it a trap? No, can't be right. Why would he openly apologize? Is this one of the moments when I have to accept that not all his actions have malice? I mean. It is not like he can do anything to me. I can flee and fight. Every other problem should be able to be solved with wits and money. Right? Eren is quite intelligent and has money. He is more than worth that I try to befriend him.

What would have happened if his father's company tried to suppress my future companies.

It's not like a gave him enough reason to hate me. I just placed him back in his seat. Just because he is popular and rich doesn't mean that he can do everything without consequences.´

Ben was stopped thinking about Eren as he was looking at the recommended article with the title: "Germany will bring the next autonomous car on the market."

He didn't even have to read the article. As the title didn't conflict with his future-related memories, Ben didn't even take the time to read it. Time was precious. He still had to buy weights.

The game Swordland was slowly building some prestige on Play Store, so Ben had also to plan and make new updates.

Two weeks passed and Ben was back in his peaceful routine. Nothing in school was happening. Eren didn't talk to him again. With how fast news traveled, Ben, became now officially the hottest and most desired man in school. He may not have the best face in school, but his Intellect and physic would still make him the most desired guy in school.

It wasn't Ben's intention, but he should have known that staying so low and then doing such moves would be well-received by the girls.

The main reason for still doing it wasn't really to have a perfect score, but so that he could show his family how hardworking and cool he was.

He wanted to let them see how amazing he was.

But this wasn't as important as the rise of the Daimler AG due to selling the SD-Class (Self-Driving-Class), which was sold all over the world. As the first self-driving car on the market, it was not less than 150.000 Euro. Till the SD-class had some competition it will not decrease the price. The software package alone would only be worth about 5.000 Euro.

While Ben was waiting for the stock to increase till its peak, he planned his next vacation in Amerika. After looking at many articles, it was clear in which state he would fly. Arizona! It was the most gun-friendly state. He was going to fly to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and then take a taxi to CowTown Shooting range. There he would stay for a month to practice every day. The reason why he chose CowTown from all these shooting ranges was that they had a good reputation and had many classes.

What attracted him the most was the Sniper Training & Long-Range Precision Marksmanship. The courses were conducted by veterans. Each course was four or five days long and would cost between 1,5 and 2 thousand $.

30 days mean at least 6 classes. Taking into account that there were 4 different sniper classes, Ben had to choose two more shooting classes. He decided on taking Basic Pistol

and Basic Carbine/Rifle classes.

He reserved everything and waited for dinner…

When the family was united at the table. Ben was the first to direct the conversation.

"So, mom…you remember about last time in the USA, right?"

"You mean the one time when you just planned everything without us and just flew away."

"Yeah, that time. I know that I informed you too late, but I was already seen as an adult by the states at that time."

��Even so, this won't happen again."

"You are right. But you understand why I had to do it right? Firstly making experiences as an adult is very important. Secondly, I could improve my English. Thirdly traveling alone builds confidence. Fourthly traveling alone makes me focus more on the destination and makes me meet more locals. Fi…"

"Enough now. We understand why you had to travel alone. But you had at least be more informed about the destination you are traveling."

"You are right. So for the next vacation, I would like to visit California. California is the most visited state in the United States. The state's vast area is home to various vibrant cities, amusement parks, beaches, and natural wonders that are popular among travelers from America and the rest of the world. Both Los Angeles and San Francisco are considered Gateway Cities and are home to some of the most popular and recognizable tourist spots in the country. These include the Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland, and Hollywood. Additionally, some of the national parks located in California are also significant tourist destinations. For example, Yosemite National Park in Northern California is well known for its tall mountains, valleys, and beautiful waterfalls."

Knowing that his parents would never tolerate Arizona, he lied to them. As he would be in charge it shouldn't be difficult to let them in the dark. Ben knew exactly how this conversation would end.

"What do you mean with next vacation? You won't travel again to the USA!"

"Mom, Dad wants to stop me to make my own decision."

"Ben, you know that we are just worried about you. The last time you had already paid everything so we turned a blind eye."

"Mom, but I worked so hard in school. My grades are as great as ever. It isn't like you need me for a vacation!"

His parents didn't respond. The silence showed that they couldn't talk back, but wouldn't accept to lose. This would have normally ended up in a draw. But not with his final trump card!

Ben stood up from the table and brought his tablet back. He then showed them the rope skipping choreography. They were naturally happy to see their son's performance. Even though they had the question in their mind when he learned such things, from all the excitement they forgot to pursue that question.

The dinner continued without any more conflicts.

After going into his chamber, Ben was persuaded that his parents would visit him and accept his vacation. Humans were influenced at taking decisions by emotions and their reason.

This was proven in many experiments and often used in marketing strategies.

He just had to make it clear that there were fewer disadvantages to letting him travel than advantages and then influence their emotions more positively. Showing a bit of maturity would persuade them even more.

One hour later…

His parents came in and they discussed the conditions.

The conditions were as follows: Stay safe. Call every day. Eat enough. Don't eat too much fast food. Don't drink. Don't smoke. Don't experiment with drugs.

Having persuaded his parents, Ben could finally sleep as a winner..