Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Michael approached the two and made his presence known.

"Good evening," Michael greeted, his eyes fixed on Catherine. "Happy birthday. I hope I can give you a gift but I don't have the time to pick one up, unfortunately. I hope my presence can somehow make up for it."

Catherine turned towards Michael, her eyes lighting up with recognition and a warm smile spreading across her face. "Michael, thank you so much for coming. Your presence is more than enough. I'm really glad you could make it," she replied, her voice filled with genuine happiness.

Joshua, standing next to Catherine, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's great to have you here, Michael. It's not every day we get a CEO to attend a birthday party," he added.

Michael noticed a tinge of protectiveness in his voice as if Joshua didn't want him to speak to Catherine at all. Well, it's expected, that he saw him as a threat to their relationship, thinking that he might steal Catherine from him.

Michael smiled and replied. "Yeah…how is the potato chips business going?"

"It's doing good, making headlines," Joshua said.

"I heard that you are also opening up an academy to nurture students in the world of business. The tuition is high I might say but for me, it sounds like a…" he paused, not wanting to spoil the mood of the evening.

"Sounds like?" Joshua tilted his head to the side, curious about what Michael had to say to his program.

"Nothing at all," Michael decided to steer the conversation away from potentially contentious topics. "I'm sure it will provide great value to those who attend. Education is an investment, after all," he smoothly transitioned, wanting to keep the atmosphere light and friendly.

Catherine interjected, perhaps sensing the subtle tension, "I think what Joshua is doing with the academy is wonderful. It's about giving back and creating opportunities for others. And Michael, your work with SolaraTech has been equally inspiring. Who would have thought that you'd reach such heights."

"Yeah…literal rags to riches," Michael said with a loftiness in his tone, acknowledging the distance he had traveled in his career. "But it's important to remember where we come from, and the challenges that have shaped us. That's something I try to embed into SolaraTech's culture."

"Perhaps you can join the rest and enjoy the evening, Michael," Joshua suggested as if he wanted him to leave them alone.

"Joshua, I also saw your videos on Facebook, about you giving motivational videos and your take between diploma or strategy. Well this is my take on that issue that is being debated online by Filipino netizens. I think both are good. If a diploma is a waste, then why do you think I'm still enrolled as a college student who wants to finish his mechanical engineering degree?

Because it sounds so good when your name is prefixed by an 'Engineer,' doesn't it?

"But at the same time, strategy and practical knowledge in the field can significantly propel one's career forward. It's not about choosing one over the other; it's about how you can integrate both to maximize your potential," Michael elaborated, offering a balanced perspective on the ongoing debate."

"So what's your point? Just because I focused on business and not on finishing a four-year program makes me pathetic in your eyes?" Joshua's tone had an edge of defensiveness, clearly touched by Michael's comment.

Michael raised his hands in a placating gesture. "No, that's not what I meant. I admire your entrepreneurial spirit, Joshua. It takes a lot of courage and innovation to do what you're doing. My point is that there's value in both paths. I'm pursuing a degree because it's a personal goal of mine, not because I believe it's the only way to success.

You've clearly found your path, and it's working great for you."

"You two are always in tension whenever you meet," Catherine commented. "It's my birthday and I don't want it to be ruined by you being competitive in one another."

"Competitive? I don't think his company can even compete with mine," Michael interjected. "We are already an international market in Europe and we are expanding to America. Soon, we are going to penetrate the whole East Asia market. So, there's no competition to speak of. He is the CEO of the potato chip company, who is just famous here in the Philippines."

"Okay, I think both and I should talk to one another in private," Joshua said, gesturing for Michael to follow him to a quieter part of the house. Catherine, although hesitant, nodded, understanding the need for them to clear the air.

Once out of earshot from the other guests, Joshua turned to Michael, his expression serious.

"Okay, what's your problem?" Joshua asked.

In the past few months, Michael has not forgotten scrolling through Facebook, and in his feed, he would occasionally see Joshua making a statement over certain issues, primarily the diploma vs the strategy. And then he started his own mentorship program where a student would pay 10,000 Philippine peso just so they can learn about entrepreneurship from him.

The price was steep, especially for the average Filipino, and Michael had always questioned the ethics behind such a high fee for mentorship, especially when it targeted young aspiring entrepreneurs who might not have that kind of money.

"Your business plan, it's all BS. It's networking. But yeah, that's my beef to all the content creators and businessmen here in the Philippines is that when they get rich, they start to take advantage of the people who would want to have the kind of life they are advertising. So yeah…sometimes, I'm just irritated by it. But who am I to care right? It's your hustle.

I'm just saying this. On social media. I understand the need for profit, but where do we draw the line between making a living and exploiting those who aspire to improve their lives?" Michael didn't mince his words, his frustration apparent.

Joshua seemed taken aback by the bluntness of Michael's criticism. "So, you're saying I'm exploiting people?"

"I'm saying there's a fine line, and we need to be careful not to cross it. It's about integrity in business," Michael clarified. "You have the platform and the influence. Use it to genuinely uplift others, not just profit off their dreams."

"How dare you make such baseless accusations?" Joshua's tone hardened, clearly offended by Michael's blunt assessment. "I know it's because of Catherine. You are not being honest, you do like her."

"I don't like her, in fact, I already have a woman in my life. I'm just saying this as CEO to CEO, we may have the same title but different values. Don't become one of those creators, you'll ruin your reputation and possibly harm those who trust you," Michael said earnestly, trying to get his point across without causing further offense.

After saying that, Antoinette found them.

"You two, what are you doing here?"

"Mrs. Estolas, I apologize, we were just speaking about something," Michael said, his gaze flickering toward her.

"Well…great, because I invited someone."

"Who?" Joshua asked.

"Alexander Tan," Antoneitte revealed.