Something about today felt different. Alex couldn't tell if it was excitement… or dread. He just couldn't explain it. Over the past few weeks, he had been going back and forth to ADIG Group, the headquarters of the business empire owned by Uncle Raymond. The majority of individuals in the company became well acquainted with him.
Twice a week, he met with Raymond to get lessons and wisdom on wealth. He also joined Philip on the ongoing project development plans. Alex could describe Philip as a quiet man, secretive and sensitive, who never revealed too much but was always focused and serious about his work.
On this particular morning, Alex arrived at the office earlier than usual, having a mixed feeling of excitement and curiosity. Today was special; he was told they would begin the second lesson. He couldn't wait.
The office was quiet, and Raymond hadn't arrived yet. Alex took a seat, his mind already buzzing with questions. After about ten minutes, the door opened and Uncle Raymond stepped in, looking so surprised as he saw Alex.
"You're quite early today," he said with a grin.
Alex smiled and replied, "It's a new lesson, and I just couldn't wait for it all."
Raymond sensed there was more to Alex's excitement than just the lesson, but he chose not to ask and let it slide They settled into the room, and Raymond began without delay.
"Before you understand how to build wealth," Raymond said with a calm and steady voice, "you must first understand what money really is, and how it came to be."
Alex listened intently as Raymond continued.
"Long ago, people didn't use the paper or metal we use today. Instead, they used cowries, shells, and other items that held value simply because everyone agreed they did. These were the earliest forms of money, simple, but effective."
"As societies grew, cowries and shells gave way to metal coins. Coins were harder to counterfeit and easier to carry around. Gold and silver coins became the standard because they were rare, beautiful, and universally accepted."
Raymond paused as he watched Alex's eyes widen with interest.
"Eventually, carrying heavy coins became inconvenient. So paper money was introduced, a certificate that represents value held somewhere else, a promise of worth. Today, most money is digital, just numbers in banks or phones. But it all started with something as simple as a shell."
Alex nodded slowly, as he realized for the first time that money was more than just paper or metal, but a shared agreement, a system that evolved with human progress and technology.
Raymond smiled knowingly. "Now, I want you to see this evolution in action. Your assignment is to go to the Old Market downtown. Observe the different currencies used, how people trade, and how money influences daily life there. Take notes and reflect on what you learn. We will discuss it next time."
"The market again? Wow."
"What, you do not wish to go?" Raymond asked with a face that spells confusion.
Alex replied with, "No, it's just… I thought maybe I could use my last experience. But never mind, I want to go." Raymond smirked.
Alex stood up, feeling the weight of the lesson settle in his mind, he said to himself, "This is not just about money but understanding its roots to master its future."
"..."
Alex walked through the Old Market that was buzzing, with sharp eyes and a notebook in hand. He observed the haggling sellers, the shifting prices, the currencies exchanged, coins, notes, and even digital payments in smartphones. Every detail felt like a puzzle piece.
Lost in his notes, Alex barely noticed when a beggar who was looking quite rough shuffled up beside him.
"Hey, boy! What do you think you're doing?" the man asked, his voice cracked but firm.
Startled, Alex looked up. "Sorry, I don't have anything for you."
Without a word, the beggar dropped the small bundle of possessions he was holding and settled down, crossing his legs on the ground.
"You're not from around here," the man said.
Alex glanced sideways. "I am," he cautiously replied.
The man chuckled. "Not this version of 'here', you're not. No local walks around jotting things on notes like a taxman."
Alex didn't respond. He turned and moved slightly.
But the man asked in a loud tone "You watching how they trade?". "Who calls the shots? Who folds?"
Alex turned slightly to face him, still standing. "I'm studying… something."
"Studying?" The man laughed bitterly. "Obviously not schoolwork. No lecturer would send a student out here for something like this."
Alex paused, searching the man's face. "What are you getting at?"
The beggar leaned in and lowered his voice. "This place… it's different. Not all lessons come from books or schools. Some you learn by watching… by living."
Alex frowned. "Why are you watching me?"
The man gave a toothy grin. "Maybe I'm curious. Maybe I've seen this story before."
Alex stayed quiet, unsure whether to walk away or lean in.
"Sit if you want. Or don't. But you're not going to find what you're looking for by just writing."
Alex hesitated. Then finally, he sat, still keeping some distance.
"You think the money generated here moves this place?" the man asked.
Alex narrowed his eyes. "Doesn't it?"
The man shook his head. "Not money. Power. Money is just the costume."
That struck him like a chord. Immediately, his attention snapped back to a figure across the market, a sharply dressed man, standing with quiet authority. This man scanned the crowd like a king surveying his domain. No one approached him. He wasn't buying anything. He wasn't speaking. Yet, his presence alone rearranged the atmosphere.
Alex noticed prices shifting subtly when the man's gaze passed over vendors and remembered that he'd seen something like that before, at Brixton market.
Alex squinted. What was going on?
Then, their eyes met.
Just for a moment. The man's gaze was sharp, almost amused. As if he had already seen Alex before, already knew why he was there.
Alex instinctively lowered his notebook. He blinked, and when he looked again, the man was gone.
Not walked away. Gone, vanished into the crowd as if swallowed by the market itself.
Alex turned to the old man, his voice low. "Who is he?"
The beggar beside him shook his head slowly. "You see things others don't, boy. This market has its masters, its secrets. Not just about money, but power."
Alex frowned. "What do you mean?"
The old man smiled faintly, then dropped a few words, cryptic, "Since you really want to do this, prepare yourself for what's coming. The game is bigger than you think."
Alex blinked. "What do you know, old man?"
The beggar gathered his few belongings and stood up slowly. He fixed Alex with a knowing gaze.
"I was once a banker, boy. One of the best around here"
Alex's heart skipped a beat. The man who seemed nothing more than a beggar had once been part of the very system he was trying to understand.
As the old man disappeared into the crowd, Alex sat back with a twisted mind, questions, and a sense that he still had a very long way to go.