The Gold Solution

“Sir?” came the secretary’s voice over the speaker. “A man is here to see you. He says he wants to offer you a product of his own invention. He says he has invented a fluid that can… turn anything into gold.”

“Well, this should be interesting,” replied the CEO. “Send him in.”

The door opened and a short, peculiar man walked through. The man was wearing a red plaid suit, and in his hand was a large glass bottle.

“Hello, hello!” said the man. “I bring to you a solution that your company cannot refuse to buy!”

“I hear you say this ‘solution’ can turn anything to gold on contact?” said the CEO.

“My friend, you are exactly right!” the man said. “I assume you would like a demonstration?”

“Of course.”

The man grinned and revealed a piece of paper. He unscrewed the bottle’s cap and tipped a drop of the solution onto the paper. The spot hit by the solution turned to gold and expanded until the entire paper was turned to gold.

“Wha-la!” declared the man. “Beautiful, solid, gold!”

“Remarkable,” said the CEO.

“All right, let’s talk prices. I am willing to sell you this amazing solution for a mere two million dollars! That is a deal you cannot pass up, sir!”

The CEO rubbed his chin and looked at the man, his plaid suit, and finally, at the glass bottle he was holding in his hand. Wait a minute, thought the CEO.

“Usually, I would accept such a deal. Except for one thing - this is a scam, and I can prove it.” said the CEO. “If your solution can supposedly turn anything into gold, why is your bottle still glass?”

The man promptly left the company’s building and was never seen again by the CEO.