Ch. 1011..1020
Life at the Top Chapter 1011
Today was an ordinary day for most people.
However, to Southeast Province’s real estate industry, today was extremely happening.
This was because three of Southeast province’s top five real estate companies had suddenly released statements right after the workday began, stating that they had initiated a partnership with Softwin.
Softwin had invested a total of 6 billion Somer Dollars into those three enterprises so they could develop Southeast Province’s real estate industry.
The officially number one ranked real estate company in the Southeast Province was JW Real Estates.
With the Southface River project as their golden brand image, and a total of forty-six profitable construction projects within the province, JW Real Estates had proven their strength and position as the number one enterprise despite being founded less than a year ago.
Even so, Softwin had suddenly invested in the number two, three, and four real estate enterprises, avoiding JW altogether.
Everyone could tell what Softwin’s goal was.
It was trying to use the strength of the three subsequent real estate companies to overturn JW Real Estates.
The news had sent shockwaves through Southeast Province’s real estate industry.
Now, everyone was looking at JW Real Estates, waiting for them to react.
In Southface River Tower’s office sat Jasper, who had immediately rushed over to the company once he heard the news. The man took a sip of scalding hot tea and closed his eyes.
He had spent most of the night awake, so he took what little time he had now to rest his eyes.
Dawson was also in the office, smoking a cigarette with a dark look on his face.
He glanced at Jasper and said, “How about you take a break and rest for a few hours? You won’t be able to work peacefully even if you push on after staying awake for so long.”
Jasper smiled. “How can I sleep when the enemy’s already at our door?”
Sean, the President of the real estate group, was also in the office. The man’s brows were tightly knitted together and he looked very concerned.
“Mr. Schuler, Mr. Laine, what do we do now?”
“This news puts us at a great disadvantage. Not to mention that the people from the company are feeling uneasy as well. I’ve received multiple calls from senior executives asking if JW Capital has any countermeasures in place.”
Dawson frowned slightly and replied, “The other three real estate enterprises are long-standing businesses here in the Southeast Province. They’re very strong.
“Our Southface River project may have caught them off guard, but their business hasn’t been too affected, nor have they suffered too much thanks to the hype in the real estate industry.
“Softwin’s huge investment will turn out to be horrible news for us if Softwin suddenly instructs them to attack JW in the Southeast Province.”
Sean sighed and seemed to age a few years as he exhaled.
“The sudden rise of JW has already changed the face of Southeast Province’s entire real estate industry. Most long-standing enterprises before us were enraged by us, but they just did not say anything. We rose too quickly, and before they realized it, we accumulated strength on par with them.
“All they needed was an opportunity to deal with us and they would seize the opportunity. So, now that this investment bank Softwin has passed them a knife, they’re coming for us with or without Softwin’s instructions.”
Jasper opened his eyes and smiled. “You’re already stunted by this? I dare say that there will be more news coming soon. Softwin won’t stop at this if they’re trying to make a move.”
Dawson and Sean exchanged a look before turning to Jasper.
They were about to ask what he meant when the office doors were flung open. Wendy entered the room as if to prove Jasper’s claim.
“Fortress Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. just released a statement. Due to the influence of international markets, they’re going to initiate restricted sales for construction steel to the Southeast Province. Unless your company is whitelisted, you’ll have to line up with the rest to buy their materials.
“Our JW isn’t in their company’s released whitelist, but the other three real estate companies are.”
Sean was furious when he heard this. “They’re attacking our roots! This Softwin is just too vile! What benefits did Fortress Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. and Stellar Company even get from Softwin to oppress us so blatantly?
“We won’t be able to get our hands on high-grade steel like this, and our cost will increase greatly if we ship them in from outside. They’re rubbing salt into our wounds.”
Jasper spoke calmly, “If I’m right, raw material suppliers of all cement, piping, construction, silt, and the like would have also received the same instructions from Softwin.
“Either take benefits from Softwin and stop all partnerships with JW, or become Softwin’s enemy and be besieged by the industry.”
Even Dawson’s expression changed slightly when he heard that.
Even someone outside the industry knew that a real estate company would be destroyed instantly if they were cut off from their raw construction materials while staring down competitors.
“What do we do, Jasp?” Wendy asked worriedly.
Jasper lifted his head to rub his face and the drowsiness away. Now slightly more awake, he turned to Sean and asked, “What did you say just now?”
Sean was stunned for a moment before he replied instinctively, “I said Softwin was just too vile.”
“No, you said they’re attacking our roots.”
Jasper got up to fill his half-empty cup of tea with hot water and chuckled. “What we’ll do next can truly be considered as attacking their roots!
“Take a trip to Waterhoof City immediately, Sean. You have my authorization as the company representative to negotiate with Stellar Company. If they’re willing to partner with us, we’re willing to buy their materials at the best price. We’ll also promise a 40% increase in yearly purchase volume.
“As for the other suppliers we partner with, send each of them a notice under JW’s name to sign a three-year supply contract.
“Using the original contract as a baseline, tell them that JW promises a 30% increase from the previous year in purchase volume throughout the length of the contract. If they disagree, look for another supplier immediately.
“Businessmen throughout the world all share a common love of money. It won’t matter how strong Softwin is, because there’s no way they can monopolize all the raw material suppliers out there. If they do, anti-trust laws will go straight after them instead of us.”
Sean was unsettled by what he heard and could not help but ask, “Mr. Laine, will we be able to use up the materials in time?”
“I have faith in the country’s real estate industry. If anything, I’m afraid that what we’re promising now won’t be enough,” Jasper replied calmly, “Go, I don’t have time to answer your questions now.”
Sean shivered and stood to attention. “Yes, Mr. Laine.”
Then, he immediately left the room.
Life at the Top Chapter 1012
Jasper walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the office after Sean left. Watching the calm flow of the Southface River, he fell silent.
Wendy was about to speak when she saw Dawson shake his head slightly at her.
“He’s thinking. Leave him alone for a moment.”
Wendy nodded and looked at Jasper worriedly.
She knew that Jasper was the person under the most pressure within the company.
Sean, herself, and even her father were used to relying on Jasper and placing their hope in him most of the time. It was as if every problem could be easily solved Jasper was around.
However, as someone who was always by Jasper’s side, Wendy knew better than anyone that is was because Jasper spent countless nights thinking, weighing the potential outcomes, and revising the entire situation, that everything was ‘easily’ solved.
No one succeeded without putting in any effort.
After more than ten minutes of thought, Jasper suddenly spoke, “I can’t keep waiting.”
Dawson shared a look with his daughter, Wendy. They did not know what Jasper meant by this.
A moment later, Jasper had dialed a number.
“Mr. Marlon, it’s me, Jasper.”
“Mr. Laine, we were waiting for your news,” Wayne’s voice sounded from the other end of the line.
“How are your discussions going?” Jasper asked.
Wayne replied, “I need a promise from you, Mr. Laine.”
“I’ll make the promises I should, but I don’t have the time to let you discuss endlessly. Time is of the essence, and I’m sure both Abbylon and I are racing against it.
“I suggest you hold a shareholder meeting immediately. If you agree to vote for me, Mr. Marlon, then I will do everything I can to support Abbylon’s rise. But if you don’t agree…”
Jasper stopped speaking there, but they both understood what the consequences would be.
Wayne knew that with Jasper’s current status in the dot-com industry, either Sena or Terizone could easily replicate Abbylon’s model and surpass the latter.
The most tragic part of such an outcome was that Abbylon would be too weak to defend itself against them.
This was essentially Jasper’s ultimatum to them.
Wayne frowned slightly, but not because he was displeased by Jasper’s oppression.
No businessman could be polite forever. When necessary, they had to be daring and resolute in their negotiations.
In the future, Abbylon’s development would similarly prove that Wayne was not a pushover or a cowardly businessman either.
On the contrary, Wayne was conflicted as to why Jasper was in such a rush.
After a moment of silence, Wayne asked, “Mr. Laine, I’ve also received news of Softwin targeting you. Are these two matters related?”
“Yes,” Jasper affirmed calmly.
They were all intelligent people and Jasper did not need to deny such a thing. Doing so would only be disrespectful to Wayne and himself.
It was possible that Jasper’s frankness had moved Wayne, or perhaps Wayne had another idea in mind. In any case, Wayne did not hesitate this time.
“Alright, we’ll hold a meeting.”
Jasper let out a long sigh at Wayne’s words as his mood brightened as well.
He was willing to greatly offend Softwin for Abbylon’s sake, and now that he had paid the price, Jasper was facing the risk of losing everything if he did not force Wayne to declare his stance.
This did not tally up with Jasper’s traditional way of doing business.
Wayne was well aware that Softwin and JW were already attacking each other head-on, and he could not afford to be an undecided fence-sitter anymore. Now, Wayne had to make a choice.
His final choice was to bend to Jasper’s will.
After all, Abbylon was a Somer business and Softwin was a Sunrise investment bank. However, even he could tell that no one dared to offend Jasper in Somerland’s dot-com industry.
“Two-thirty this afternoon, Shangri-La Hotel’s Conference Hall. I’ll send someone over to book the place, so just arrive by then, Mr. Marlon.”
“Alright,” Wayne replied.
“But according to the regulations, I have to notify and invite Softwin’s representatives as well They’re a major shareholder, after all.”
“Of course.”
Life at the Top Chapter 1013
“See you in the afternoon, then.”
With that, Jasper stretched and smiled at Dawson. “I’m going to rest for a while, Uncle Schuler. I’m dead tired.”
Dawson frowned and asked, “This won’t be the end of Softwin’s attacks. Are we not going to make more preparations?”
Jasper laughed out loud and replied, “I don’t think they’ll have the chance or time for that.”
…
“Mr. Welch, it’s a call from Wayne,” Yona told Echo.
Echo frowned slightly, “Why’s he calling now? Give me the phone.”
Echo took the phone and accepted it, speaking solemnly, “Echo speaking.”
“This is Wayne, Mr. Welch. We’re planning to hold a shareholder meeting this afternoon to clarify the issue of share proportions within the company.”
Echo narrowed his eyes when he heard this. A cold look flared in his eyes and he raised his voice, “Mr. Marlon, Abbylon Inc’s current shareholder structure is already very clear. I don’t think there’s any need to hold a shareholder meeting.”
Wayne replied, “This is mainly due to JW Capital wanting to invest in Abbylon.
“Whether we accept the investment, how much capital we’re accepting, and how we’re distributing the diluted shares must all be clearly discussed in a shareholder meeting. This complies with our company’s articles of association.”
“But I don’t have that kind of time now,” Echo spoke with a frown.
Wayne smiled and replied, “If you aren’t free to attend, Mr. Welch, then according to our company’s articles of association, we’ll have to accept Softwin’s absence as a choice to abstain from the vote.”
Echo harrumphed and replied, “So this is you standing on Jasper’s side, then?”
Wayne answered calmly, “My apologies, Mr. Welch. I’m just a businessman and I only have one wish, to make Abbylon stronger and bigger.
“Whoever manages to make my wish come true will be my friend.”
Echo felt extremely displeased by this.
It seemed like anyone or anything became difficult to deal with once Jasper was involved.
“Two-thirty this afternoon, in Nauritus City’s Shangri-La Hotel’s Conference Hall.”
Wayne then hung up the phone once he relayed the time and place.
Yona took in Echo’s dark expression and could not help but ask, “Mr. Welch, did something happen with Abbylon?”
“Wayne called, inviting us to attend the shareholder meeting in the afternoon,” Echo explained grimly.
Yona frowned as well. “A shareholder meeting at such a time? Not to mention that it’s so rushed too. Something feels wrong about this.”
Echo clenched his jaw and said, “Still, we have to attend no matter what. If my guess is right, Jasper will definitely be there.
“If we do not attend, the 41% of shares Softwin owns will be considered forfeit–in that case, we might as well be giving Abbylon to Jasper on a silver platter. The headquarters will not forgive us for that.”
At two p.m., in Nauritus City’s Shangri-La Hotel’s conference hall.
The large conference hall was empty except for the three people sitting inside.
Wayne, Jose, and Jasper.
“I remember that the eighteen founders each hold a percentage of the shares, yes?” Jasper asked.
Wayne nodded and replied, “They already gave me the right to vote for them before the meeting began.”
“Alright.”
Jasper nodded, unsurprised.
All of Abbylon’s shares were split into two major portions.
The 41% in Softwin’s hands, and the remaining 59% split between Wayne, the eighteen founders, and Jose.
However, both the eighteen founders and Jose listened to Wayne’s opinions, and the man held the final say in the group. Therefore, at the end of the day, the true majority shareholder was still Wayne.
As they conversed, the clock struck two-thirty.
It seemed purposeful when the doors of the conference hall were pushed open at exactly two-thirty.
Echo walked into the conference hall expressionlessly with Yona in tow.
Echo met Jasper’s gaze. The two did not talk, but the air immediately grew tense.
Life at the Top Chapter 1014
“So it really is your fault, Jasper,” Echo spoke, looking at the man coldly.
Jasper sat on his seat and replied calmly, without even looking up at Echo. “I don’t think I understand what you mean, Mr. Welch.
“How am I at fault?”
Echo scoffed. He did not want to waste any more time arguing with Jasper, so he turned to Wayne with a dark look in his eyes.
“Mr. Marlon, you claimed that this is Abbylon Inc’s shareholder meeting. So what is this irrelevant person doing here?”
By irrelevant person, Echo was obviously referring to Jasper.
“Mr. Welch, the most important agenda of today’s shareholder meeting is to discuss whether we should allow JW Capital to invest in Abbylon. Therefore, it is only right that he is present,” Wayne replied unfazed.Echo scoffed and said, “Very well. Then according to your company’s articles of association, you should’ve sent a letter of notice to your shareholders three days before the meeting. Yet, you’ve only told me today. Aren’t you being too clear with your intentions?”
Wayne found Echo’s aggressive questioning distasteful and replied indifferently, “Perhaps you did not take a proper look at our company’s articles then, Mr. Welch. Should there be any special and urgent agendas, I have the right to hold a meeting immediately.”
Echo’s eyes shone with a frigid glare.
The two previous questions might have seemed like Echo was intentionally antagonizing Jasper and Wayne, but it was actually a method he used to test Wayne’s stance on the issue.
Now that he had finished asking this, he had gotten his answer.
The situation was not in his favor.
Wayne himself was completely leaning toward Jasper, which was horrible news to Echo.
“Mr. Marlon, it was Mr. Shon from Softwin than invested in Abbylon when you needed funds the most. We were the ones who helped you then.
“But this is how you repay Softwin and Mr. Shon?!”
Wayne looked up at Echo and replied, “First of all, our deal is purely professional. Be it Softwin or Mr. Shon, your relationship with me and Abbylon goes no further than business partners. It’s a relationship built on mutually benefiting off each other, so there’s no need to make it sound so ostentatious.
“Secondly, once again from a professional perspective, I only have one goal. I’ll make whatever choice that benefits Abbylon the most, and I’m sure Mr. Shon will understand this.”
Echo sneered and replied, “How professional of you!
“Why are we the only ones here for a shareholder meeting? Where are the other shareholders?” Echo asked expressionlessly.
“The other shareholders have authorized me to vote on their behalf,” Wayne replied.
The corner of Echo’s lips twitched and he spoke expressionlessly, “If you’ve already written your scripts, then what’s the point of asking me to come and act it out with you?”
“Mr. Welch.”
Jose had no choice but to step up and speak upon seeing the atmosphere in the room turn tense. “No matter what, Softwin is still Abbylon’s majority shareholder, so we still need to follow procedures for formalities sake.”
“Ridiculous!”
Echo slammed his hand on the table and pointed at Jasper while barking, “You think I don’t know what you’re thinking?
“What did you agree with him? What did he promise you, huh? Did you forget how Softwin helped you during your most difficult times? If so, why are you working with him to target Softwin?”
After this, Echo’s sinister gaze fell on Jasper, and he chuckled.
Life at the Top Chapter 1015
“You can’t even fend for yourself now, Jasper. I’m sure you’ve already seen Softwin’s strength. It’ll only take the wag of a finger for a huge capital like us to crush you, I don’t know how you even have the mood to hop around happily in front of me.”
“Are you referring to the problems JW Real Estate faced?” Jasper looked at Echo calmly. “To be absolutely honest, if that’s all the trouble Softwin can create, you’ve disappointed me.
“Softwin’s got to be more capable, right? Or there’s no way you’ll be able to crush me.”
“Hahaha!”
Echo laughed out loud and said to Jasper, “Stop pretending. You’re actually terrified, frantic, and angry, aren’t you?
“You’re terrified that your real estate company will die from my siege, frantic because you haven’t found a way to counter it, and angry because I’m oppressing you with my power. You must be so aggrieved.”
Echo sneered, speaking as if he had seen through Jasper, “I must’ve read your mind, hmm?
“Or perhaps this huge shareholder meeting is nothing more than your final counter. Perhaps you’re hoping to threaten me as one of Abbylon’s shareholders so that I’ll give up on the siege against JW Real Estates.”
Echo’s tone grew colder as he chortled. “Too bad, because that’s not going to happen!”
He turned his head and spoke to Wayne and Jose, “Don’t fall for his lies, both of you. The real estate company under his name is under my attack and it’ll only be a few months before it completely collapses.
“Just ask around outside and you’ll discover the truth. He won’t be able to last for much longer.
His competitors are closing in, and he is without any construction materials. What can he do? Demolish his own house to use his cement and rebar for construction?
“The only reason he’s persuaded you to hold such a shareholder meeting is because he wants to use this as a condition for me to stop the siege on his real estate company.
“You two are nothing more than a bargaining chip. How is he going to invest in your Abbylon when he can’t even protect himself?”
Echo’s voice echoed through the conference hall, causing Wayne to frown slightly. His gaze dimmed such that no one knew what he was thinking about.
Meanwhile, Jose frowned heavily.
As expected, Echo’s words had affected them greatly.
Jose silently leaned over to Wayne and whispered, “We have to be wary, Mr. Marlon.”
Wayne nodded in acknowledgment and turned to Jasper, “Is there anything you’d like to say, Mr. Laine?”
Jasper shrugged and spoke calmly, “You’d believe a madman’s clamor?
“This is Abbylon Inc’s shareholder meeting. There shouldn’t be a need to raise issues irrelevant to Abbylon Inc here.”
“Regardless of whether JW Real Estates goes bankrupt or not has nothing to do with the nature of my investment in Abbylon.
“Therefore, I suggest that we spend less time talking and get to it. A shareholder meeting is a serious matter. All promises and resolutions made bear legal validity.
“If I said I want to buy shares, then I will buy shares.”
Jasper’s words had Echo bursting out in laughter. “You really are a stubborn mule, Jasper. Are you really not going to give up?”
Letting out a soft exhale, Wayne seemed to have made a decision and he spoke grimly. “In any case, the shareholder meeting starts now!
“For the first agenda, Mr. Jasper Laine will be representing JW Capital and attempting to buy Abbylon Inc’s shares. Mr. Jasper Laine, please describe your investment, as well as the percentage of shares your funds accounts for. If you could make an official statement, Mr. Jasper Laine?”
Life at the Top Chapter 1016
Echo sneered at Jasper after Wayne finished speaking as if waiting for Jasper to make a fool out of himself.
Jasper’s gaze was calm as he spoke without a script in his hand. “JW Capital intends to invest 1 billion Somer Dollars into Abbylon Inc, in return for 51% of Abbylon Inc’s shares.
“That collection of shares comes with ownership and legal personality, meaning that if JW Capital successfully invests, it will also become Abbylon Inc’s majority shareholder.
“However, JW Capital promises that it will not interfere in Abbylon Inc’s day-to-day operations. JW Capital will only employ two permanent directors within Abbylon Inc and will only be involved in huge decisions.
“Moreover, JW Capital also promises not to interfere with Abbylon Inc’s independence over their personnel. Hence, any changes or transfers in Abbylon Inc’s internal personnel will be decided by Abbylon Inc’s operating team.
“JW Capital will also have a one-vote veto or a one-vote pass for major issues regarding Abbylon Inc. Should Abbylon Inc decide to change its board of directors in the future, JW Capital will appoint the chairman of the board of directors. Abbylon Inc will have the freedom to decide everything else.”
Jasper’s words were simple and as everyone present was an elite in the business world, they all understood immediately.
Playvolume00:00/00:00TruvidfullScreenThis meant that the moment Abbylon accepted Jasper’s investments, Jasper would then become Abbylon Inc’s majority shareholder.
However, since Jasper would not interfere with Abbylon Inc’s day-to-day operations, it meant that Abbylon had free reign to do whatever they wanted unless it was a major decision, which Jasper still had the final say on.
Wayne frowned when he heard Jasper say this.
He knew that a 1 billion investment and such favorable promises were rare and highly desirable for start-up companies.
However, he was slightly uncomfortable about the fact that Jasper still held the most important power in his hands.
To Wayne, it felt like there was a chain around his neck and he was at risk of being suffocated at anytime.
Jasper noticed Wayne’s frown.
Thus, Jasper continued calmly, “In comparison to Softwin, Mr. Marlon, my conditions are already much more generous. I’m sure that you’ve investigated the other companies I’ve invested in as well.
“Up until now, I still harbor the utmost respect for the operations teams and I’ve never vetoed anything before. Rest assured that I will not interfere or disrupt Abbylon Inc in any way.”
“Bullsh*t!”
Echo interrupted Jasper.
“Who’re you lying to whilst trying to sound so dignified and ostentatious? You’re investing 1 billion and not interfering with the business at all, but you left the position of highest authority to yourself. So what if you promise them this now? Who’s to say what’ll happen in the future?”
Echo stared at Jasper and sneered.
Jasper looked at Echo and replied, “So you mean to say that should invest 1 billion and then give up on all shareholder rights? If Softwin is also willing to do that, then I won’t fight you for Abbylon.”
Echo’s expression changed.
There were many investments where investors did not interfere in the company’s operations, like angel investments or commercial financing.
However, that did not mean the investors were just putting in their money and not caring about what happens afterward.
To protect their interests, investors would normally add many conditions to the investment contract to ensure that they had the right to kick out the operations team from the company at any given moment. To protect their authority, they would have the operations team become their employees such that they would not dare to overthrow them.
Investors would still guarantee their own interests first when it came to future financing, shares dilution, or even when it was time to sell the company.
Life at the Top Chapter 1017
They did not care about what happens to the operations team.
As an international investment bank, Softwin Investments imposed very similar conditions.
“Mr. Welch, now that I think about it, Softwin Investment’s conditions are much harsher than JW Capital’s,” Wayne spoke.
Wayne’s words caused Echo’s expression to darken further.
“He’s just lying to you guys now, stupid. The moment the contract is signed and the most important rights go to him, you founders and the operations team will be under his control!”
Echo sneered. “Moreover, 1 billion? According to my investigation of JW Capital, Jasper’s company doesn’t even have that much cash.
“Sena had indeed given him a inflow of cash when it went public, but it was only enough to slightly relieve the risk of a capital chain rupture, There’s no way he can take 1 billion out in one go now!
“He’s scamming you!
“As I said, his goal is to use Abbylon’s shares to bargain with me. Just wait, he’ll start negotiating with me the moment you agree.
“I already know what he’s going to say. You want me to stop the attacks on your real estate company, don’t you, Jasper? And you’re going breach the contract and give up on investing in Abbylon, right?
Wayne’s expression turned stern at Echo’s words and he looked to Jasper. “Mr. Laine, while I’m unwilling to believe him, I’d like to ask you to give me some confidence in this matter. Otherwise, I won’t be able to explain it to the others.”
Echo’s words were accusatory in nature, and even Wayne had to admit that these risks were real.
Abbylon Inc was too small, they could not afford to suffer such an incident.
He did not dare to imagine how his eighteen friends would sever ties with him if Echo was right. Even if they did not, Wayne would be too ashamed to meet them.
If Echo was right, it would mean that Wayne had been played like a fool.
Being made a fool was still the least of his issues. If Jasper’s promise to invest in them was a lie, then the most important issue would be that Abbylon would have horribly offended Softwin. In this situation, Abbylon would have nothing to defend itself against Softwin’s anger.
Abbylon was nothing more than an ant in comparison to Softwin.
Echo looked at Jasper and barked, “What bullsh*t confidence can he give you? He can’t even pull 100 million out, let alone 1 billion. He might even have to sell his house and businesses just to pay you!
“Hahaha. But let’s be real, if you want, you could always mortgage your property and take a loan from Softwin. I’ll be sure to give you a relatively favorable interest rate. Hahaha.
“Maybe I’ll cut 1 million from your interest with every bark, hmm? I’m sure a huge bunch of Somer descents would fight for such an opportunity, no?
As he stood under Wayne and Jose’s burning gazes as well as Echo’s mocking clamor, Jasper did not speak as he reached into his breast pocket.
Slowly, Jasper pulled out a small white rectangular card made of unique material from the inner pocket of his jacket.
The thin card was placed on the conference table before Jasper lifted his hand to push it toward Wayne.
“A ICBS’ cashier’s check. There’s a verified asset mark on it and a sum of exactly 1 billion. It is effective for three months, meaning anyone can go to any bank to withdraw 1 billion dollars.
“With ICBS’ verification as my guarantor, it means that 1 billion dollars has been temporarily frozen in my account as pay margin. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about this becoming a dishonored check.
“Will this inspire enough confidence?”
Life at the Top Chapter 1018
The words ‘ICBS Somerland’ were written clearly on this small card made of unique material that prevented it from being forged.
ICBS Somerland’s Waterhoof City branch was clearly stated as the payment bank.
This meant that this check was verified and filled out by the Waterhoof City branch.
On the most important column specifying the value were the numbers 1000000000.00 in Somer Dollars.
With the words One Billion Only written clearly next to it.
Besides the written words and Arabic numerals, the piece of paper also had the Waterhoof City branch’s verified electronic seal signifying the authenticity of this slip of paper.
This small white paper carried wealth that dazzled people’s eyes and caused their breathing to quicken.
Ordinary people could never accumulate such wealth in ten lifetimes.
This was the year 2000. According to the domestic exchange rate for gold, where 1 gram cost around 100 Somer Dollars, 1 billion would be equal to 10 thousand kilograms of gold!
It would not be wrong to describe this sum as a mountain of gold.
Even Wayne and Jose, who had much more money than ordinary people, felt the corner of their eyes twitch.
This was 1 billion.
With this amount, Abbylon would never have to worry about funding again. At the same time, accepting these funds would immediately turn Abbylon into a large enterprise within the country without them doing anything.
There were few enterprises in the country with more than 1 billion in funds.
Despite Wayne’s personality and Jose’s wealthy familial background, the two still felt their heartrate quicken as they looked at Jasper whilst sharing the same thought. ‘Having money sure is f*cking great!’
Producing a 1 billion Somer Dollar check as if it was nothing.
Not to mention that it was verified too.
There was no refuting it.
This meant that Jasper had already anticipated Echo’s accusation, and thus made preparations to counter it.
‘You claim that I can’t even save myself because you’re holding a siege against my real estate company? That my investment company is short on cash and can’t afford to buy any shares? That I’m trying to scam them?
‘Sure.
‘Then I’ll pull out a 1 billion bank-certified check that can’t possibly be dishonored.
‘What can you say now?’
Wayne finally understood why Jasper could be so calm in the face of Echo’s provocations and clamor. From Jasper’s point of view, Echo must have looked like a clown performing by himself. He was not worth explaining to at all.
This reestablished Wayne’s understanding of Jasper’s tricks, the complexity of his thoughts, and how strong the man was.
Jasper had already predicted every last detail of Echo’s plan since the conference began and had prepared accordingly. There was just no winning against Jasper.
Wayne could not help but glance at Echo when he thought of this.
As expected, he saw a horrifyingly dark expression and the corner of the man’s eyes twitching crazily.
The man did not seem to believe what he saw.
“No way!”
Echo suddenly roared.
He glared at Jasper and shouted, “How can you still have 1 billion?
“This money, this check! Something’s wrong with it!”
Both Wayne and Jose shook their heads slightly at Echo’s claim. The man had lost his mind.
Jasper would never forge a 1 billion Somer Dollar check with a verification seal even if he was crazy. Such forgery would be punished with a lifetime in prison.
“I could plop a mountain of gold in front of people like you and you’d still claim that I dyed brinks to look like the real thing.” Jasper looked at Echo with a glint in his eyes that the latter did not understand.
It looked like… pity. The kind of pity a hunter would look at his prey that was caught in his trap with.
Echo was going mad under that gaze.
“What kind of look is that?!
“Who do you think you are? You lowly Somer hybrid! The lowest race of them all! How dare you look at me like that?!”
Wayne’s expression immediately changed at that. Even Jose looked at Echo in disbelief.
Jose was a Nawaiter. Even though he had grown up abroad, it could not change the fact that he was of Somer descent.
No Somer descent could let the matter go after hearing such a thing.
Jasper’s expression grew cold and he replied, “Did you just call Somer descents lowly?”
Echo also realized that he had said something inappropriate and immediately replied in a cold tone, “Don’t change the subject! Where’d you get the money from?!”
“I don’t need to explain the source of my money.” Jasper’s tone was frigidly cold.
“Mr. Laine, he’s not worth being calculative over,” Wayne replied.
“Since Mr. Laine’s already shown proof, then there’s no point in further hesitation. Let’s begin voting on the agenda of JW Capital investment of 1 billion Somer Dollars in Abbylon Inc in return for 51% of the shares.”
With a cold look on his face, Wayne raised his hand and continued, “I vote with 59% of the shares in agreement.”
Wayne then looked at Echo, who had an utterly dark expression on his face and said, “There’s already more than 51% support in favor of the motion, so your opinion isn’t needed anymore.
“But I’ll still ask anyway. Do you agree, disagree, or forfeit your vote?”
Echo slammed his palm on the table and roared, “You two vile and shameless Somer dogs! You did this on purpose!”
Echo then glared at Wayne and growled icily, “Did you forget what you promised Mr. Shon, Wayne? You kick us out right after we invested in you. Aren’t you afraid of Mr. Shon’s revenge?”
With that, Echo then turned to Jasper and warned, his words dripping with resentment, “So you’re really going to challenge Softwin to a full-on fight huh, Jasper?
“Abbylon is the Somer enterprise Mr. Shon values most. Interfering with Abbylon means interfering with Mr. Shon and Softwin’s core interests here in Somerland! Trust me, you are not strong enough to bear Softwin’s true anger!
“It’s still not too late to turn back now!”
Jasper chuckled at Echo’s threat and got up from his seat.
Jasper’s actions had reminded Echo of particular unhappy memories, and the man took an instinctive step backward.
It immediately occurred to Echo how embarrassing this action was, so he took a step forward to return to his original position.
This back and front was quite a hilarious sight.
Jasper stood in front of Echo, and due to the difference in heights, the latter was forced to look up to meet Jasper’s gaze.
“Go back and tell your master, Sunriser. We’ve got time to slowly play this out …”
Life at the Top Chapter 1019
“You… idiot! Let’s go!”
Echo knew that staying would only lead to him humiliating himself further, and understood that the current situation had already gone beyond what he can solve. Thus, he had to return and report it straight away.
Jasper gave a small smile as he watched Echo leave. Then he extended a hand to Wayne, “I look forward to working with you, Mr. Marlon!”
“And I you…” Wayne spoke, shaking Jasper’s hand.
“Gentlemen, I have to say that we still have a huge problem in front of us,” Jose continued with a frown, “We’ve badly offended Softwin now, so we have to consider how Softwin will react to today’s shareholder meeting.
“Once we’ve accepted your investment, Mr. Laine, my, Mr. Marlon, and Softwin’s percentage of shares will all have diluted. Softwin currently holds 20.5% of Abbylon’s shares after financing. What are your plans for this, Mr. Laine?”
Jasper fell silent for a moment before he smiled and replied.“I’ll talk to Softwin’s headquarters about this. I’ll contact you when it comes to the specifics. After all, I’ll still need your absolute support in the follow-up for this matter.
Wayne and Jose exchanged a look and nodded.
Regardless of whether they wanted to admit it or not, the two of them had to understand that they were already affiliated with Jasper.
Jasper investing in Abbylon would definitely evoke Myles’ fury, and Softwin would certainly target more than just Jasper in their upcoming revenge. There was simply no way Wayne and Jose could ignore this.
This was especially true for Jose, who looked very conflicted.
“If that’s the case, Mr. Laine, then I should return right away. There’s much I need to discuss with the others in the company,” Wayne told Jasper.
Jasper nodded. “Alright. I’ll find time and take a trip there too so I can meet everyone formally. Still, as I said, Abbylon is your company and I will not interfere. As far as I’m concerned, your capabilities are worth more than Abbylon itself.”
Jasper was not lying.
Rather than investing in Abbylon, it would be more accurate to say that Jasper had invested the 1 billion in Wayne.
The man was worth the price.
Wayne smiled and replied, “Then I shall await your arrival in Harvey City.”
“Alright,” Jasper replied with a chuckle.
The duo soon left, leaving Jasper to stand by the conference hall doors as he watched the scene downstairs quietly. Jose told Wayne something as they walked out of the hotel before the two got into the car and left.
Jasper then pondered over how he was to treat Abbylon in the future.
Abbylon was unlike the other subsidiaries under him. Naturally, this was because Wayne himself was different.
Both their surnames started with ‘M’, yet Wayne and Hudson were completely different people. Hence, Jasper had to treat them differently as well.
People like Wayne would never agree to be someone else’s subordinate, so Jasper had to treat him like a partner right from the get-go. The same applied to Hudson.
However, Wayne needed more autonomy than Hudson did.
Abbylon was going to be a company that would cost more of Jasper’s money and effort.
Softwin’s Myles Shon alone was a tough nut to crack.
Jasper had made it sound easy in front of Wayne and Jose, but he knew that this would be an extremely difficult feat to perform.
“Slowly, then. At least I’ve already got a good start.” Jasper let out a soft exhale.
He knew that the old man in Sunrise Land would be notified very soon. His fight with Jasper would also begin to surface.
JW and Softwin still had a long, bloody war to fight over Abbylon.
Everyone saw how he had acquired Abbylon, Terizone, and Sena. However, only Jasper himself knew that Google, all the way across the Pacific Ocean, was just as important.
Google’s rise would be JW’s main support as it expanded out of the country.
Just as Jasper was deep in thought, his phone rang.
“Where are you, Jasper? I’ve already arrived at Nauritus City.”
Jasper’s eyes lit up when he heard the voice come through the speakers and he smiled. “I’ve been waiting for you for ages. I’ll come pick you up.”
An hour later, in the office in Southface River Tower. Greg looked around the brightly lit office and the floor-to-ceiling windows that displaued the superb and astonishing river view. He exclaimed.
“I only knew that you were rich and had a huge business, but it never felt like anything to me. It’s only today after I arrived at your company that I realized that you’ve already walked further than most people will throughout their entire life.”
Greg stood beside him and the two watched the quiet flow of the Southface River below them. Jasper smiled and replied, “You’re just seeing a small portion of this. The whole company’s moving to Waterhoof City in two more years.
“That’s when the letters JW will resound all over Somerland.”
Jasper was, of course, referring to the first skyscraper to be built in Waterhoof City.
Greg did not know too much about this, and he gasped, “But this building is still new, isn’t it? Are you going to give it up so soon?”
Jasper smiled. “I’m just moving the company. I can still lease this office to other companies, you know?”
Greg looked at Jasper and answered. “As we promised, I come here today in hopes to start my own business.”
Jasper nodded and said, “I know what you’re capable of and that you have extraordinary talent when it comes to the managerial ranks. Go ahead, tell me what kind of work you want to do.”
While Jasper and Greg had initially agreed to have the latter start from a clerk-level position, Jasper had changed his mind over the past few days.
He believed that starting from the bottom was too much a waste of Greg’s talents.
Jasper knew Greg too well, thanks to experiences from his past and present life with this man. It was this profound understanding Jasper had of Greg’s personality that made the man so trustworthy to Jasper.
As Jasper’s property grew, so did his employee-base. There were tons of capable people under him.
However, a person’s capability was one thing. Their trustworthiness was another thing altogether.
Life at the Top Chapter 1020
Winthin JW Capital and its subsidiaries, there were only a few people Jasper could trust. Wendy was one of them, of course; Malcolm and Jack too perhaps, but that was all.
Now that Greg was here, there was one more person that he could mostly trust.
Hence, Jasper decided to give Greg a special mission.
Greg replied determinedly, “I want to start from scratch. Regarding what kind of work, I’ll accept whatever you assign me.”
“But what if it’s difficult and filled with obstacles?” Jasper’s gaze burned into Greg as he asked.
“To be frank with you, I’m planning to assign you to somewhere completely new. It’ll be a huge challenge for you once you go there.
“This is because it’s going to be a completely new environment and industry. I can give you start-up capital, but you’re going to have to start from the bottom for everything else.
“The chance of failure is extremely high and the road to success will be long and arduous. Therefore, I’ll respect whatever decision you make.
“If you still wish to stay in the Southeast Province, then you can choose any position within the province and I will get you that job, no problem.”
Greg was stunned for a moment. This was different from what they had discussed in the beginning.
Frowning slightly, he asked, “Can I ask what kind of work you’re arranging for me?”
Jasper raised his hand and patted Greg’s shoulder before pulling his phone out. He said, “Look at this, this is Nokia’s newest mobile phone. Equipped with the Symbian operating system, this phone has many strong features and is really useful.”
Greg nodded dumbly and asked, “I know, but what does this have to do with my job?”
Jasper placed the phone on the table and pointed at it as he explained to Greg, “If I told you, that this small gimmick will one day become an important tool that people cannot part with, and will also represent the prime application of future science and technology, would you believe me?”
Greg looked at the insignificant mobile phone on the table and answered instinctively, “Are you kidding me?
“Someone said that computers would change the way people lived a decade ago. No one believed them, but look at the it now.”
Jasper continued softly, “I dare say that mobile phones will change the way humans live in the next ten years.”
“So you want me to manufacture phones?” Greg asked in shock.
“Bingo. Counterfeit mobile phones are everywhere within the country, but only a few are actually manufacturing their own brand. I want to enter this field, but I’ve got too much on my hands right now. I have too few capable people by my side, so you’re the only one I can ask.
“I can give you a start-up capital of 200 million, but you’ll have to find your own technicians, equipment, and employees. And I’ll need results within the year.”
Jasper reminded Greg, “Think about it carefully before you decide. Don’t force yourself either, as there will be no hard feelings regardless of your decision.”
Greg stared at Jasper and asked, “You’re going to trust me with 200 million just like that?”
“You’re worth the price,” Jasper smiled.
“Then what more do I have to worry about?” Greg shrugged. “If you’re not afraid that I’ll lose this 200 million, then I have no reason to be afraid of trying. Still… Where do you want me to start?”
“Cavern City!”
“Cavern City? Seems like a good place to start, considering it’s a Special Economic Zone,” Greg spoke.
Jasper chuckled and said, “That’s not the only thing. Being adjacent to Harbor City, Cavern City has the advantage of being by the harbor, which naturally makes transportation extremely convenient. In comparison to Waterhoof City, Cavern City also has a much thinner foundation, which means there’s more room for development.
“Waterhoof City is a special zone too. In fact, it’s even a municipality. But unfortunately, its foundations are too thick. Moreover, Waterhoof City’s already registered as the country’s financial center, so it wouldn’t be suitable to set up factories there.”
“Indeed,” Greg nodded and agreed, “I also heard that an equivalent area of land in Waterhoof City is five times more expensive than in Cavern City. Not to mention that it’s also more expensive to employ people there. I agree that it would be better to set up factories in Cavern City.”
“Go,” Jasper clapped Greg’s shoulder and spoke, “Create a whole new world.”
“Alright!” Greg nodded seriously, “I won’t let you down.”
Just like that, Greg took the 200 million Jasper gave him and made his way to Cavern City.
Neither of them knew when they would meet next and in what setting.
On the way back, Wendy was told about Jasper’s plans for Greg.
“Greg? He used to be our ex-classmate, right? We didn’t talk much before, but his story sure seems like a touching one from what you’ve told me.”
“It’s good to see him doing well now,” Jasper spoke.
Wendy looked at him and asked, “You trust him with the 200 million?”
“I wouldn’t ask him if I didn’t trust him. He knows what to do,” Jasper spoke calmly, “I wouldn’t just give him 200 million if I didn’t have my own contingency plans, though I do hope I’ll never have to resort to them.”
At this, Wendy changed the subject and asked, “Why the sudden desire to manufacture mobile phones, though?
“Mobile phones are going to be an important electronic device in the future. The MP4s and MP5s we’re making now are nothing more than small fry to people in the electronics industry.
“The battlefield of mobile phones is going to be where the king of the industry is decided. Therefore, we have to enter the industry and start setting up in advance!” Jasper replied.
“If that’s the case, don’t we already have an electronics company? Why would you still ask Greg for help?” Wendy asked confusedly.
Jasper chuckled and replied, “Having both a well-known and a secret company is very befitting of our current situation.
“We might have to invest a little bit more in the beginning, but if it succeeds, 1+1 will equal more than just 2. We’d be reaping 3 or even 4.”
Wendy shook her head and replied in exasperation, “Nevermind. I won’t be able to understand your thoughts when it comes to business.”
“Oh, right. Let’s go to the county tomorrow,” Wendy suggested.
“What for?” Jasper asked.
“Do you still remember Ms. Tiana?”
When she mentioned this name, Jasper’s mind immediately filled with the mental image of an average-looking middle-aged woman with gentle features.
Ms. Tiana was Jasper and Wendy’s homeroom teacher back in senior high school. She could be considered a truly nice teacher who had her students’ best interests in mind.
“My familial conditions were horrible during senior high, and Ms. Tiana used to call me over to her office to eat lunch that she had brought from home. She even brought me straight to her house for dinner sometimes.
“But for the sake of my self-esteem, she did all that under the guise of tuition. How could I forget her?” Jasper answered softly.