Chapter 13 – Laying the Groundwork

The sun peeked through the curtains, casting golden streaks across Ivan's room. Today was the day. The first real step toward building his future. Ivan got up with a determination he hadn't felt in years—not in his last life, anyway.

"Ready?" his grandmother called out from the kitchen.

"Yeah!" Ivan replied, grabbing his worn jacket.

The air outside was crisp as they headed to the bank. Ivan walked slightly ahead, his mind racing through plans. Everything he did now had to count. The past life had taught him that chances were few and often wasted. This time, he wasn't going to let that happen.

At the bank, his grandmother handled most of the paperwork. Ivan sat quietly, but his mind was anything but still.

"So, you're opening a Jugendkonto," the banker said with a smile. "Good start, young man. Learning about saving early is important."

Ivan nodded politely but thought, If only you knew what I plan to do with this.

The account was set up without issues. Ivan now had his own youth bank account—his first legal step into the financial world. No, he couldn't buy stocks yet or make any real investments, but that would change with time. For now, this was where he would store the money he earned, piece by piece.

"Let's grab everything you need for school," his grandmother suggested once they left the bank.

They headed to a shopping center, stopping first at a department store. The place was packed with kids running around, their parents trailing behind with carts filled to the brim. Ivan's grandmother grabbed a cart, and they moved through the aisles.

Notebooks—both lined and squared. Pens, pencils, a geometry set, colored markers, binders, and a sturdy backpack. Ivan chose simple, practical items, making sure not to go overboard.

"Anything else?" his grandmother asked, already checking prices.

"Uh… Grandma," Ivan started, hesitating slightly. He had to approach this carefully. "Would you get me a PC? I mean, not now. But maybe if I do well in school?"

She stopped pushing the cart and turned to face him. Her face was thoughtful, her eyes soft but calculating. Ivan knew her situation—she wasn't rich. If anything, she hovered near the lower end of the middle class. But she was kind, and she wanted the best for him.

"Ivan," she began, "we're not made of money. But… if you work hard in school and pick up German fast, I'll make it happen. You'll need a computer for studies anyway."

A genuine smile spread across Ivan's face. "I'll do my best, Grandma."

He meant it. He wasn't going to slack off—this wasn't just about games or fun. This was about setting the foundation for his future.

They finished shopping, adding in a few extras—some folders, a simple jacket for the coming chill, and a few household essentials. On their way home, they stopped by a bakery for some fresh bread and pastries. The sun had already started to dip below the horizon by the time they got back.

The warm scent of home-cooked food filled the apartment as they sat down for dinner. It wasn't anything fancy—just pasta with a rich tomato sauce—but it tasted better than most of the meals Ivan remembered from his past life. Maybe it was the sense of a fresh start. Or maybe it was just his grandmother's cooking.

After dinner, Ivan retreated to his room. He pulled out a simple notebook and started jotting down his plans.

Notes:

Dropshipping

• Product 1: That mini cooker I saw blowing up on TikTok years ago. I know it goes viral. That's an easy in.

• Product 2: Some kind of practical gadget—people love stuff that makes life easier.

• Product 3: Fitness gear. Always trends early in the year when people make New Year's resolutions.

Potential Revenue: €100k–€300k from these three alone if done right.

But that's not the end goal. I want more. Enough to secure my family for generations.

Content Creation

• Streaming/Youtube: I always wanted to be a streamer or YouTuber as a kid. But doesn't every kid? The difference is—I know the meta. I know what's going to trend before it happens.

• Plan: Start small—gaming content. Fortnite's coming out in a few months. I know the game inside out up until Chapter 5. If I get in early, I could make a name before the big tournaments even start.

• PC First: Need to convince Grandma to get me that PC ASAP. The sooner I can start streaming and making content, the better.

Learning Curve

• Video Editing: I need to master this as soon as the PC arrives. No half-assed content.

• Social Media Growth: Use platforms like Musical.ly when it drops. Ride trends, go viral.

Long-Term Strategies

• COVID… if it still happens. That was the gold rush of online business in the old timeline. If it hits, I need to be ready to capitalize—whether it's dropshipping, streaming, or e-commerce.

• There's always Roblox. I could recreate Adopt Me before it even comes out. But… stealing someone's entire idea? Nah… unless I'm desperate.

Ivan tapped his pen against the paper. "I'll do whatever it takes. Even if it means cutting corners," he muttered to himself.

This was it. The foundation was set. Now, it was a waiting game—school, chores, small money-making schemes—until the bigger opportunities opened up. Every small step now would lead to something bigger.

He closed the notebook, feeling a buzz of excitement in his chest. For the first time in both his lives, he wasn't just dreaming about success—he was actively building it.