Greed

"It's unbelievable how wealthy one person can be," Rob muttered, his eyes fixed on Richard Manson and his family through the lenses of his binoculars. He was strategically positioned several kilometers away, perfectly placed to monitor the family's every move.

"Right? It's totally unfair. But soon, we'll have a piece of that fortune, right?" Steele replied, his voice filled with determination.

"Absolutely. They owe us that much, after everything," Rob said, refocusing on the family they had been meticulously surveilling for weeks.

Richard Manson, a man of average height with graying hair, had just inaugurated a new branch of his business, creating two thousand job opportunities. Two thousand and two people had applied, but Rob and Steele were the only two who hadn't been hired.

"We'll get our revenge," Steele declared, his jaw set firmly. "We'll take him down and grab all the cash we can. I've got my eye on his silver BMW."

"That's mine. I masterminded this plan, plus you don't even know how to drive," Rob countered.

"Fine, so when do we make our move?"

"Tomorrow morning. We need to sneak into his car tonight. That way, when he leaves for work, we'll be ready. The staff will be preoccupied, and seeing their boss's car in the driveway won't raise any suspicions..."

"...Because they'll think it's him, not us, waiting inside," Steele finished with a sinister chuckle.

"Exactly."

Their plan was cunning. Concealed behind the front seat of the double cab, Steele prepared for the grim task. He had just extended the garrote wire and was about to tighten it around Richard Manson's neck when his phone rang, and Richard picked up the call.

“Bill, how are you, my friend?” Richard greeted with a cheerful tone. “Really!” He chuckled heartily. “I’m on my way,” he said, a hint of laughter still in his voice. Muttering to himself, he reflected on life's simplicity: “It's amazing how few grasp the secrets to achieving what they desire...immense wealth, profound happiness... it's all so straightforward...” He pondered this as he pulled up to a clothing factory.

Steele exchanged a puzzled glance with Rob, unsure of their next move. Sensing a change in plan, Rob gestured for Steele to hold off.

“We need to uncover his secret,” Rob whispered, as Richard exited his car. Returning shortly after, Richard was accompanied by two men, each carrying large boxes filled with highly coveted Bulls Rugby Jerseys, each worth around R600.00. Manson then headed straight for an orphanage.

“These jerseys were gifted to me, but the color's slightly off,” Richard explained to the orphanage director. “Thank you so much, Mr. Manson! The kids will be overjoyed,” she exclaimed, tears of gratitude in her eyes. “Your generosity is astounding.”

Steele and Rob, seizing the moment, snatched a couple of shirts each before the children were sent to gather them. “Is he insane? Why not sell them? Those boxes must be worth at least R30,000.00,” they pondered.

Richard's phone rang again as they were leaving.

“Fantastic. I’ll head over now. I need to fetch my bakkie,” Richard informed the caller. Talking to himself, he mused, “I am truly fortunate. The key to my success is so simple. It's perplexing why others fail to see it.”

At Richard’s residence, Rob and Steele sneaked into the back of the bakkie unnoticed. At the citrus farm, they found themselves unexpectedly employed when Richard asked for their help to load 300 bags of oranges, gifts of generosity, and then to accompany him to a disadvantaged school for distribution.

As they neared the school, Richard received another message. The stocks he had purchased at a minimal price a week earlier had surged to unprecedented heights. He promptly called his secretary to discuss the matter.

"Gretchi," Richard instructed her. "Keep 10% of those stocks as is. Sell the remainder and allocate 90% of the proceeds to the Off Shore account we discussed, and use the other 10% for investments of your choice."

Rob and Steele exchanged looks of disbelief. "He just gives everything away. He's out of his mind," they both thought. Just today, he has distributed goods worth about R40,000.00, perhaps even more. Desperate to uncover Richard's secret to immense wealth and fulfillment, they refrained from their initial plan. Instead, they found themselves surprisingly content working for Richard two weeks later. The pay wasn't exceptional, but the promise of stable employment was appealing. Their duties mainly involved collecting and distributing items donated to Richard, including perishable foods from supermarkets following fridge malfunctions and canned goods from an overturned company truck. "These goods are perfectly fine. Why not just offer them at a discount? They could still profit," Rob pondered aloud, genuinely confused.

"No! This way, everyone benefits," Richard explained. "How so?" Rob inquired. "Well, most companies are insured, so they claim damages without a loss. The needy who receive these goods also benefit."

"But how do you benefit? You pay us, use your vehicle, your fuel to deliver these items. You never keep anything for yourself," Rob pointed out.

Richard laughed heartily. "I benefit the most. Maybe one day you'll understand."

Despite seeming to give away everything, Richard's wealth appeared to grow. The more time Rob and Steele spent with him, the more they grew to like him. He was indeed affable and always let them choose first from the donated goods. They often took more than they needed, yet Richard never expressed disapproval.

Reflecting on their situation, Rob realized they were still far from unlocking the secret to Richard's success, which he often alluded to in passing.

Six months later, they were still clueless, but then a significant event changed everything. Rugby fever was high with the Springbokkies poised to win the World Cup in France. Springbok merchandise, especially jerseys, was in high demand, selling out in most stores.

Richard received a call from a supplier about a mishap with an order from China. The Springbok logos on the jerseys were embroidered incorrectly, facing backwards or similarly flawed.

Richard was now in possession of a large shipment of Springbok Jerseys, which had been donated due to a manufacturing error. As always, Rob and Steele were offered the first pick of the lot. Their eyes lit up with dollar signs as they helped load box after box into Richard’s company trucks.

Numerous orphanages and disadvantaged schools were in for a treat, and many elderly residents in nursing homes would have a reason to smile. However, before making these generous deliveries, Rob planned to stop by at his and Steele's homes to drop off a few boxes. Unbeknownst to Rob, Richard was fully aware of their intentions to take more than their share.

Tragically, that very night, Rob's house was burglarized, and all his Springbok jerseys, save for the one he was wearing, were stolen. His prized Blue Bulls Jerseys and other items acquired since working for Richard were also gone. To Rob's surprise, Richard's demeanor towards him changed significantly. No longer was Richard the jovial, supportive figure he had always been. Rob sensed he had fallen out of favor, a realization that pained him more than the loss of the jerseys.

Rob was tormented by guilt and disappointment in himself. He had never heard a reprimand from Richard about the jerseys, but he suspected this incident had caused Richard's coldness. He couldn't believe Richard would be involved in the burglary; it was completely out of character.

Rob's distress deepened. He pondered over how to mend his relationship with Richard, a concern that consumed him. He had never cared this much about what anyone thought of him. It wasn't Richard's wealth or fame that elicited this profound respect and affection; it was something deeper. Rob realized that Richard had this effect on everyone. His presence was uplifting and encouraging, always seeking to commend others.

Since the incident, Richard had stopped complimenting Rob, a fact that filled him with sadness. He was restless, constantly thinking of ways to resolve the issue. His appetite waned, and the state of his relationship with Richard weighed heavily on his mind. It baffled him how profoundly he was affected by another person, especially a man. He knew his feelings weren't romantic; they were different from the attraction he felt towards women. Yet, he couldn't deny the unique bond he felt with Richard.

“Richard is the epitome of decency. He deserves all his success, happiness, and the good things that come his way. And to think, Steele and I nearly ended his life. It was my plan,” Rob recoiled in horror at the thought, disgusted by his earlier greed. “Yes, it was greed,” he confessed to himself. “I would've robbed the world of a truly remarkable man. I deserved to be burgled and Richard's coldness, but I wish I could make things right. I'd do anything to be in his good graces again,” Rob pondered, amazed at the profound impact Richard had on his life and on everyone he encountered. The world would indeed be a lesser place without Richard Manson, a man who gave relentlessly – his money, time, wisdom, love, and energy, never once complaining.

Rob's mind replayed the moment Richard had laughed heartily, saying, ‘I score the most, maybe one day you’ll understand.’

“I want to emulate him,” Rob realized, surprised by his own revelation. “Forget the secret to great wealth and happiness.” Suddenly, he felt as if he was on cloud nine.

The next morning, Rob's opportunity to be more like Manson presented itself. They were at the police station to retrieve a suitcase of recovered stolen watches.

“They're beautiful,” observed Richard. “I’m almost tempted to keep one for myself.”

“Why don't you? You've given so much, you deserve to keep something now and then,” Rob suggested. Richard chuckled, patting Rob's shoulder. “What would my wife and daughter think if I didn’t wear the watches they gifted me? No, I have more than enough watches. But you, take your pick,” he said, the warmth in his voice reminiscent of their time before the jersey incident.

Rob hesitated to accept a watch. He had never owned something so luxurious. Richard encouraged him and selected the most stunning watch for Rob. Eager to regain Richard's trust, Rob timidly accepted it.

At the orphanage, where they distributed watches to the matric students, they found themselves one short. The disappointment on the last youngster's face was palpable, until Rob, acting like a magician, presented the watch he had received. “Guess what? Since you’re the last to get a watch, you now have the best one,” he told the youngster, a gesture reflecting the generosity he had learned from Richard.

The look of sheer joy on the young boy's face, mirrored by Richard's expression, filled Rob with an indescribable happiness. As a tear rolled down his cheek, he finally grasped the profound meaning behind Richard's words, 'I score the most, maybe one day you'll understand.'

"I've figured out Richard's secret," Rob confided to Steele the next day, while they cleaned out a mini-bus combi.

Richard planned to donate the minibus to an AIDS shelter. "You're delusional, mate. How can you get rich by giving everything away?" Steele chuckled skeptically.

As they cleaned, Rob discovered a refuse bag wedged between the seats. Inside, he found several Springbok and Currie Cup Jerseys.

"You should take these to replace the ones you lost," Rob suggested.

"No, leave them for the shelter," Steele replied, somewhat mockingly. "You're turning into another Manson."

"Am I?" Rob replied, his face lighting up with joy.

Just then, Gretchin, Richard's secretary, approached. "There's a reason to smile," she said to Rob. "The shares Mr. Manson had put in your name have skyrocketed." She revealed, leaving Rob astounded. He burst into laughter, overwhelmed by the unexpected windfall.

"Could you do me a favor, Gretch? Donate half of it to..." Rob began, his request cut off by Gretchin's knowing nod.

In that moment, Rob realized the true essence of wealth and happiness. It wasn't just in acquiring riches or material possessions, but in the joy of giving, the happiness it brought to others, and the unexpected rewards that often followed such generosity. The transformation in Rob's outlook reflected the profound impact Richard's philosophy had on him, turning his once greed-driven motives into a desire to share and contribute positively to the lives of others.

Steele, puzzled, tried to comprehend the situation. "Never mind, Steele," Rob said with a smile. "Maybe one day you'll understand too."