Fairbanks: leans in, smirking Fancy seeing you here! Long time, no see, huh?
I give him a fake smile that doesn't reach my eyes
Fairbanks: noticing your fake smile Still with the cold shoulder, I see. Always playing the poker face. But look, I'm here to make amends.
Fairbanks: leans in closer, lowering his voice Look, I know I messed up back in high school. I was a real jerk to you, and I've regretted it ever since.
I look at him Why now? You didn't care when I was getting bullied.
Fairbanks: narrows his eyes, frustration flickering across his face Look, I didn't become a bully overnight, okay?
Fairbanks: takes a step closer, his voice firm What I'm trying to say is, I was just trying to survive back then.
So survivor arent you? That's what you are telling me?
Fairbanks: sighs, exasperated Look, being the CEO of a global corporation isn't easy, you know?
Fairbanks: rolls up his sleeves, showing off his watch I mean, come on! Balancing meetings, dealing with investors, managing crises...
Fairbanks: smirks But you know what? Despite all the chaos, I still make time for the finer things in life.
Like what? Golf and fine dining? Is that what you call surviving?
Fairbanks: laughs sarcastically Well, believe it or not, yes! Golf and fine dining are actually essential survival skills.
Fairbanks invites Stranger to join him for a round of golf at an exclusive country club
Fairbanks: grabs his golf clubs and heads towards the car Great! You'll appreciate the art of the game, I promise.
Fairbanks: pauses, turning to Stranger By the way, did I mention I went to an elite boarding school? It's true.
Fairbanks: smirks arrogantly Yeah, it was this prestigious place where I learned the ins and outs of business and life.
You must be very successful then
Fairbanks: grinning Successful? That's an understatement. I'm a goddamn mogul, my friend. But hey, enough about me. Let's focus on the game.