Since it was Saturday, lunch on the base was probably a sub sandwich and a bowl of soup. After the pleasantries and catching up on old times was over, rich dad said, "As you can see, Mike has done an excel- lent job investing the profits from the business. We have made more money in the last two years than I made in the first twenty. There is a lot of truth to the statement that the first million is the hardest." What Should I Invest In? 21 "So business has been good?" I asked, encouraging further disclosure on how their fortunes had jumped so radically. "Business is excellent," said rich dad. "These new 747s bring so many tourists from all over the world to Hawaii that business cannot help but keep growing. But our real success is from our investments more than our business. And Mike is in charge of the investments." "Congratulations," I said to Mike. "Well done." "Thank you," said Mike. "But I can't take all the credit. It's dad's investment formula that is really working. I'm just doing exactly what he has been teaching us about business and in- vesting for all these years." "It must be paying off," I said. "I can't believe you live here in the richest neighborhood in the city. Do you remember when we were poor kids, running with our surfboards be- tween houses trying to get to the beach?" Mike laughed. "Yes I do. And I remember being chased by all those mean old rich guys. Now I'm the mean old rich guy who is chasing those kids away. Who would have ever thought that you and I would be living... ?" Mike suddenly stopped talking once he realized what he was saying. He realized that while he was living here, I was liv- ing on the other side of the island in drab military barracks. "I'm sorry," he said. "I... didn't mean to ..." "No apologies necessary," I said with a grin. "I'm happy for you. I'm glad you're so wealthy and successful. You deserve it because you took the time to learn to run the business. I'll be out of the barracks in a couple of years as soon as my contract with the Marine Corps is done." Rich dad, sensing the tension between Mike and me, broke in and said, 'And he's done a better job than I have. I'm very proud of him. I'm proud of both my son and his wife. They are a great team and have earned everything they have. Now that you're back from the war, it's your turn Robert." 22 Rich Dad's Guide to Investing May I Invest With You? "I'd love to invest with you," I eagerly replied. "I saved nearly $3,000 while I was in Vietnam and I'd like to invest it before I spend it. Can I invest with you?" "Well, I'll give you the name of a good stockbroker," rich dad said. "I'm sure he'll give you some good advice, maybe even a hot tip or two." "No, no, no," I said. "I want to invest in what you are invest- ing in. Come on. You know how long I've known you two. I know you've always got something that you're working on or investing in. I don't want to go to a stockbroker.