Nair dropped Wilkie off at the town station. Wilkie mentioned that after the New Year, he would head to Hollywood for an on-site investigation. He would report back on whether investing in the film industry was a viable option. If things looked promising, he would sign an investment contract with the people there. If not, he would send a telegram back to Brooke County for the final decision. The main issue was that neither Frederick nor Nair's family could get through by phone to communicate directly.
"Well, if it works out, great. If not, no big deal," Wilkie said.
Wilkie was a little reluctant to leave. The train wasn't due yet, and in Brooke, the coal cars had to arrive before any additional cars could be attached. So the two of them stood next to the boiler room of the station, chatting for a while. As people passed by, they smiled at Nair. While Nair didn't necessarily recognize them, they knew he was one of the good, young Irish-Americans. Even the station conductor invited them into the duty room to sit down, saving them from standing outside.
Wilkie had one strong suggestion: Nair should go to Columbia University in New York. Wilkie's connections in New York could be helpful, and getting into Columbia would be a piece of cake for someone like Nair.
This idea reminded Nair of two figures from his past life, both deeply involved in music and both marrying women who were also attending Columbia. Nair chuckled to himself at the thought. However, he also recalled that in a few years, Columbia would play a key role in the "Manhattan Project," developing the first nuclear reactor and eventually building the atomic bomb. This would make the university one of the most prestigious institutions in the world.
While Nair wasn't interested in studying physics (he simply didn't have the aptitude), he considered studying law at Columbia, especially since the university's law school had produced two U.S. presidents and several Supreme Court justices. Nair could study for four years, then intern at Wilkie's firm. This could set him up for a good career, whether in law or politics.
"I'll think about it," Nair said as he saw Wilkie off.
No need to rush. He had nine months before the next school year to decide. Yale or Princeton were also excellent options, and American universities were indeed top-notch, with plenty of choices.
"Come to New York next summer and look me up," Wilkie waved as he left. He genuinely wanted to help Nair get into Columbia.
"Columbia University wouldn't be a bad choice; you'd have someone to look after you there," Frederick, who had just arrived, said to Nair.
"True, but I'm not really interested in physics," Nair responded instinctively.
It wasn't that he didn't want to contribute to world peace, but he just wasn't cut out for it. As for studying medicine, Nair wryly thought of a quote from Lu Xun, "Studying medicine can't save Americans."
"Don't kid me, Columbia isn't just for physics. You could study business, and later you could help him or me—either way, it'd be useful," Frederick suggested.
If Nair studied business, his target could be to become a professional manager, then learn tax law from Wilkie. Eventually, he could return home to help manage Frederick's growing business. It was already making a lot of money, and in the future, it would make even more.
"Why don't you study business?" Nair countered.
In Nair's past life, young entrepreneurs like him would typically go to a prestigious school like the Yangtze River Academy and get an MBA. Even if it wasn't for the knowledge, networking alone could be valuable. Of course, some people might go simply to meet female professionals.
"I can't spare the time," Frederick rolled his eyes. His plan to take advantage of Nair had clearly failed.
"Let's go, it's freezing," Nair said, rolling his eyes. He quickly pushed Frederick along, the cold wind unbearable.
Riding his little motorcycle in the winter was harsh, so Nair bundled up with his scarf and gloves. Just as he was about to start the engine, an Irish man he recognized waved to him from the side of the road, asking if Nair had picked up the family aid check.
The man was carrying a large roll of fabric under his arm, two bottles of liquor in one hand, and a small bag of groceries in the other—clearly getting ready for Christmas. After a quick chat, Nair offered the man a ride. It wasn't a big deal to drive an extra kilometer, and he didn't mind using a little extra fuel. The man hesitated at first but eventually agreed, understanding how uncomfortable it would be to walk five or six kilometers in the cold.
Nair, with his little motorcycle that had a top speed of 30 km/h, continued chatting with the man. The government's $80 aid was straightforward, and the man still had over $70 in his pocket.
The man also mentioned his wife, who was due to give birth in three months. If the baby had been born later, the family would have received an extra $12.
It seemed that family sizes in America, especially among lower and middle-class communities, were still large. In the future, the birth rate would drop significantly, and what was once normal—families of five or more—would become a rarity.
Nair thought about the family sizes back home in the country. The average family was around five, and if you counted the elderly, families often grew larger.
Wait!
Nair realized something. The Irish and German immigrants in the state had high birth rates, and five-person families were typical. The total population of the state was fewer than two million, with around four to five hundred thousand living in towns. That left about one hundred and twenty to one hundred thirty thousand farmers, which wouldn't even amount to 150,000 households.
The government was distributing $80 per household, and with 150,000 households, that would amount to $1.2 million. Even if there were some families of veterans or disabled individuals receiving an additional $50, the total wouldn't come close to the $24 million allocated. Something didn't add up.