CHAT WITH FATHER-IN-LAW III

"You have spoken many words, let me also say something small in my defense." His unflinching chestnut-colored eyes met Robert's eyes. He had his pride as a man in love, and not even the father was going to easily brush away their relationship.

"… I indeed come from a poor background, but that does not mean I am going to stay forever poor. I am not defined by my background but by the extent of my dreams. You have chosen to judge me by my past and present without taking into consideration my future potential. Even you, you were not born this wealthy, you toiled for what you have now. I am also striving to be wealthy, and my dreams are bigger than what you have built." Bosco's voice was passionate and determined.

"I want you to know that it is not only businessmen who can build or maintain business empires. Look at Stram Eli or Jacinta Wilson, their area of focus is different but they have been able to build empires that most businessmen like you can only dream of. It all comes down to employing and delegating the right people, something which I am sure you know very well." Without taking a pause, he moved on to the next reason for his defense.

Stram Eli was a self-made billionaire who rose to prominence in 2026 when his company Green Fire started selling proprietary high-capacity batteries used in solar farms, electricity grids, EVs, and industrial applications. Green Fire batteries were more efficient at energy storage compared to the previous generation of Lithium-ion, or hydrogen batteries. Their high density ranging from 300 to 1000 Watt-hours per kg made them the best in the field. 

Jacinta Wilson was a tech geek whose tech company Eco World sold customized robots for a wide range of jobs from casual laborers to sexual robots used in red light districts. Any job that did not require human creativity had been taken up by her wide range of robots. The mining industry and World Government were her biggest clients, the latter purchased security robots for policing and manning security points across the globe.

Stram Eli was considered the richest man on earth according to Forbes magazine, while Jacinta was the fourth richest person on earth.

"As to why you think there's no money in the medical profession. You have to know that we Doctors are not money-oriented like you businessmen. Life comes first, and money second. If you live long enough, I swear to show you that there's more money in the medical profession compared to business. Just give me ten years and I will prove you utterly wrong." Bosco chose to make a bet without knowing what exactly he was going to do to make that much money, however, he felt from the bottom of his heart, that it was possible. Bosco's facial expression conveyed a sense of challenge, with a raised chin and a confident grin.

"Lastly, it's unfair for you to measure my intelligence based on my class marks or retakes. I had some challenges like any other person which made it hard for me to put in my level best. What matters to me, is that I know I am intelligent. I also doubt if your daughter could fall in love with me if I was lazy and dull like you allude." His facial expression displayed a mix of frustration and pride.

"Concerning breaking up with Agnes, know that I am not in favor of it and it pains my heart to even have to consider it. But out of respect for you, I will discuss your objections about our relationship with her. I will tell you what we decide upon." 

Bosco's voice became polite and respectful. "Once again, thank you for your hospitality. I and my friend want to return to Tanzania, we have been posted in Mutukula town for the next five days until the asteroid crisis passes. It was good to meet you."  He said it out of courtesy even if he did not mean it.

"You are welcome, I look forward to your response. But I warn you, choose carefully and your life will be stress-free." Mr. Nzanzu warned him.

Bosco chose to ignore the warning. He walked away from the office and went to search for Agnes and the others. He found them happily conversing in the garden outside the mansion. He broke up their lovely moment by informing Agnes that they needed to leave.  They tried to convince him that they stay for a few more hours and depart later, but he was adamant. 

Agnes did not argue with him or ask what was the matter, she knew that the change in her boyfriend must be due to something her father said. They returned to the airstrip in Kisangani before flying to Mutukula.

Agnes' uncle Tomasi Nzanzu joined them on the flight to Mutukula.

Unlike the earlier flight to Kisangani which was full of joy and excitement. Bosco sat silently in the chair by the window and gazed at the scenery outside. He spoke few words with the others, they must have realized that all was not well; they left him alone.

Monica occupied herself on her smartphone, Agnes read some beauty magazine that she found on the plane, and Tomasi ordered one glass after another of wine to the extent that Agnes had to step in and tell him he had consumed enough