Suits: A Lawyer Surviving TV Chaos

Faced with Clark's probing, Martin wasn't overly concerned.

The mutual aid group and the Hope Charity weren't some evil organizations—there was no need to deliberately conceal anything or create an air of mystery.

"You're talking about the Hope charity? Yes, one percent of the shares of all enterprises founded by my clients are in it. Mark's girlfriend, Priscilla Chan handles the day to day operations. Currently, it mainly focuses on investing in primary education in developing countries."

"Although charities are what they are in terms of offering tax avoidance and inflation resistance benefits. However, I still hope that the members genuinely love charitable causes."

"Would you be interested in joining, Mr. Clark? I don't expect shares from Microsoft, but we can do with cash or other stocks. "

Now it was Clark's turn to be Surprised. He hadn't expected Martin to be so forthcoming with the information. More so he even had the audacity to hint at Microsoft and himself!

Clark became intrigued by this complex young lawyer..

He wanted to know how a rookie lawyer, just 25 years old and freshly graduated, managed to convince these rapidly growing founders of high-tech internet companies to willingly contribute one percent of their shares—worth hundreds of millions of dollars—to a charity fund with no profitability.

Since Martin was being open, Clark didn't beat around the bush and directly voiced his doubts.

Martin straightforwardly recounted what Priscilla Chan had once told Rachel, omitting only details related to the mutual aid group.

"Facebook and LinkedIn were both founded under my suggestion. As for MS, I provided some cash or market support during their early stages."

Clark, who had a background in investments, couldn't help but admire Martin upon hearing how he had turned the legal profession into a business model akin to venture capital.

"I must say, your emergence has brought me too many surprises. While other lawyers are still chasing after already successful tycoons or celebrities, you've successfully carved out a new path."

"What you've done isn't much different from us. Judging by the results, you have a keen sense of investment and vision. Simply being a lawyer seems like a waste of your talent."

"Are you interested in giving Microsoft a try? I can offer you the position of Deputy Chief Legal Counsel of Microsoft's Investment Strategy Committee."

"And yes, with voting rights."

Martin never expected Clark to hold him in such high regard. He was momentarily stunned by the offer.

After a while, Martin shook his head apologetically.

"Ever since I saw *L.A. Law* on TV when I was ten, I've aspired to become a full-time lawyer. For that, I started studying legal texts in middle school, and even spent my summer social practice at a law firm in Texas."

"I love the law. It's the cornerstone and rule of a civilized society. I want to master it, not merely use it to gain wealth or social status."

"Lord Clark, do you understand what I mean?"

Although it did reflect Martin's thoughts to some extent it wasn't exactly all true half of it was hoghwash like "LA law" or "social status" part. While there were many ways he could get rich or have social contacts those thing won't cement him or his legacy (metaphorical or literal heir) in these United States of America, if he doesn't have some tangible way to get some power to bend people to do his bidding illegally or legally.

Money, Status, Power are the trioka required of any and all legacy to exist . And their individual strength and combination define the length and strength of it. None can be players in the game with only one, atleast two are required to fix their butts at the table but I digress we will cross this bridge when we get there.

Clark Hunt scrutinized Martin up and down for a while before finally shaking his head with a hint of regret.

"I deeply admire your loyalty to the law and your self-awareness. It was impolite of me."

Martin smiled. "No need to apologize. Your invitation itself is the best recognition of my efforts over the years!"

Since recruitment attempts hadn't worked, Clark didn't dwell on it and smoothly changed the topic. "Let's talk about your charity again. Are there any new members worth my and Microsoft's attention recently?"

Martin thought for a moment, hesitating slightly. "There might be, but I've been busy sorting out my work-related matters and haven't had time to reach out to new members. Based on the current progress, it might happen after the New Year."

"Perhaps we'll have more opportunities for collaboration."

Clark waved over a waiter from the cocktail party and had fresh champagne poured for both of them.

"Microsoft has always been looking for valuable or promising enterprises and individual entrepreneurs. We're happy to provide them with funding and marketing support."

"At present, your charity's members represent an excellent client channel for us. Perhaps sometime we can sit down and discuss the details of joining the Hope Charity ?"

A $10 million investment or equivalent stock wasn't a problem for either Microsoft or Clark Hunt personally.

In recent years, as tech companies' valuations inflated like balloons, the cost of acquiring clients in the investment industry had skyrocketed. Exchanging $10 million in projected five-year returns for investment opportunities in thirteen high-growth companies seemed like a very profitable deal to Clark.

Not to mention the young lawyer's eye for potential. If he could establish a cooperative relationship with Martin, who knows what future investment opportunities might arise?

"I'd be delighted."

Martin raised his glass in acknowledgment. "I personally thank Microsoft and Lord Clark for your attention to charitable causes. I believe this will also be a great opportunity for my clients to make a pilgrimage and further expand their influence."

Bill Gates was a one of the top bosses in a manner of speaking in his past life —Martin felt he was one step closer to the top.

Never did he expect that the troublesome little brother would bring him such a great opportunity, advancing his plans for the future so much.

This trip was worth it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, Martin Scott and Clark Hunt had lunch together.

Zuckerberg didn't show up, but Priscilla Chan and Rachel Zane accompanied them as the charity's manager and administrative director, respectively.

Yes, after the mutual aid group's party in New York, Martin had given Rachel the additional title of administrative director for the foundation.

Since the foundation had only been operational for two years and didn't have much to do on a daily basis, taking on the role part-time wasn't a problem. Plus, it came with a modest salary that was somewhat respectable.

Priscilla enthusiastically introduced the foundation's relevant details to Lord Clark, while Rachel assisted by displaying pictures and text materials.

It was vivid and engaging!

Clark Hunt appeared very interested, even interrupting Priscilla occasionally to ask for specific details. His oily and insincere performance made Martin's skin crawl.

Those founders may have seemed impressive, but they were still in the phase of burning money to capture market share—none of them had gone public yet.

Though the shares in the foundation were valued at $1 billion, they currently generated no profit, meaning there was no money to run charitable projects.

As a result, since its establishment, the Hope Foundation had only built two Hope Primary Schools in Asia—one funded by the founders pooling their resources, and the other from Martin's small gambling win during last year's World Cup.

Even Martin felt embarrassed about it and could only shift his gaze out the window, pretending to admire the street scenery.

(End of Chapter)