– Jacob’s Car (Moving) — Night
The city sprawls, filled with vibrant neon lights illuminating the slick, wet roads.
The cab driver, Jacob, maintains his undivided attention on the driving as the car cruises along the winding road.
Richard, a distinguished middle-aged businessman, lounges comfortably in the back seat. He appears intoxicated, with his tie loosened, fully engrossed in the bright screen of his smartphone.
The car comes to a gentle stop, making Richard snap out of his trance, and he prepares to get out of the vehicle. Then he glances at the sticker on the windshield. It reads: “Be Your King.”
Richard: Are you a king?
Jacob: The world is for us to conquer, right? So, everybody is a king.
Richard: I like that.
Jacob: You are a king, too.
Richard: I have no kingdom, and I’m no king.
Jacob: Why do you need a kingdom when you can have the world?
Jacob says with great confidence.
Richard responds with a smirk.
Richard: How much do you earn working at night?
Jacob: Depends on the day. Today is Monday. Not that much.
Richard: Gimme a number, will you?
Jacob: It’s hard to get a hundred sometimes.
Richard: Then why are you nocturnal?
Jacob: I don’t like the smell of coins.
Jacob laughs softly, finding amusement in his statement.
Richard: Pardon me.
Jacob: It was a joke.
Richard: I didn’t get it.
Jacob: It’s… I mean, I don’t like the smell of coins, so I want cash. I meant poor people carry coins, and rich people don’t.
Richard: Is that what you want? Be rich?
Jacob: Everybody wants to be rich, but only some make it happen. I want to be in that top 1%.
Richard: Why do you want to be in the top 1%?
Jacob: Great life and pretty women.
Richard: So, it’s women what you are after?
Jacob: The lifestyle is what I’m after.
Richard: What’s your plan?
Jacob: Sorry, what?
Richard: What’s your plan in your life?
Jacob: Wanna build a company.
Richard: An entrepreneur. What’s your company about?
Jacob pauses for a moment.
Jacob: I don’t have any idea yet. I will save money for the next few years and start.
Richard: How old are you?
Jacob: 28.
Richard: Too bad I can’t listen to your business idea. I wish you luck.
Jacob smiles in response, satisfied with Richard’s validation.
Then.
He offers his hand.
Jacob: My name is Jacob. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
Richard: I’m Richard. It’s a pleasure to meet you, too. What are you gonna do now, Mr. Jacob?
Jacob checks his watch and says,
Jacob: I’ll work for a few more hours and go home.
Richard: I have a job offer for you. Interested?
Jacob: It’s late. I’m good. Thanks.
Richard: I’ll pay 2500$.
Jacob lifts both of his eyebrows.
Jacob: What’s the job?
Richard points to the luxury apartment building.
Richard: Do you see that building? That’s where I live. I live in the penthouse.
Jacob: It’s a nice building.
Richard: I know. That’s why I live there.
Jacob: What’s the job?
Richard: Today is my wedding anniversary.
Jacob: Congrats.
Richard: The problem is that I got busy with work and got nothing for my wife. But my wife is great at giving gifts, and I’m sure she already has something great for me.
Jacob: What should I do?
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