Ch. 1021..1030
Life at the Top Chapter 1021
In truth, most of Jasper’s memories during the three years of senior high were of mockery and rolled eyes. There were only three things that brought him warmth.
The random conversations with Wendy.
Playing with Greg.
As well as Ms. Tiana.
All the teachers in school had ignored Jasper and turned a blind eye to the boy. Yet, Ms. Tiana was the only one who could not bear to watch the prepubescent child eat white bread and vegetables every day. She would bring him home-packed lunches once or twice a week or even bring the boy home to eat with her.
Be it Jasper’s daily life or his studies, Ms. Tiana had taken very good care of him.
Therefore, this teacher held a very important place in Jasper’s heart, and he would always remember to call and check in with her during festivities.
“You’re right, it’s been a while since we went to visit her. It’s teacher’s day soon, right? We should visit Ms. Tiana.”
Wendy sighed when she heard Jasper’s words. “Ms. Tiana isn’t doing so well lately. I heard something about her being very sick, so the other classmates have all decided to go and visit her.”
Jasper was stunned. ‘Ms. Tiana only passed from sickness two years later in my past life. Why so soon in this?’
“Is it severe?” Jasper asked.
“The hospital’s gave her a few medical reports for critical illness, and she’s essentially spending her final days at home now,” Wendy replied softly.
Jasper frowned.
Jasper was too weak to help in his past life, but it was different this time. He decided that no matter what illness Ms. Tiana was diagnosed with, he would spend all his money even if it only meant extending Ms. Tiana’s life for a few more years.
“We’ll rush over early tomorrow morning to check up on her,” Jasper decided.
Wendy nodded.
Ms. Tiana’s excellent teaching could be seen in more than how she nurtured Jasper. She treated all her students equally.
Ms. Tiana was surrounded by students she had once taught. After all these years, these students had all become contributing members of society, yet they still remembered how great Ms. Tiana was. Hence, now that she was ill, everyone was extremely concerned.
Jasper and Wendy were no different.
As a result, Jasper and Wendy then made their way to the county early the next morning.
Julian had brought Jasper’s Bentley in for service today, so the couple drove Wendy’s BMW instead.
“I’m not used to this,” Jasper said. Driving the BMW felt weird to him.
Wendy glared at Jasper from the passenger seat and shot back, “I don’t see you getting me a better car.”
“You’re the one in charge of the company accounts, I even put the official seal with you. My personal account is also joint under your name, so you can literally take money out at anytime,” Jasper answered.
Wendy harrumphed and refuted upsettingly, “Can you even compare me buying a new car with your money with you buying me a new car as a present?”
Jasper smiled and replied, “Okay, okay, I get it. The car’s growing old, and it’s time to change it to a new one. Is there a specific car you have in mind? We’ll go get you a new one after we’re done with Ms. Tiana’s situation.”
“I was thinking of something small and quaint. Like a beetle or a SMART. This car is too big and inconvenient for me,” Wendy muttered.
Jasper replied with a crescent-eyed smile, “Alright. We don’t need cars to prove our social status anymore anyway, so get what you like.”
After a few months, Jasper and Wendy returned to Faith County again.
It had only been a few months so there had not been many changes in Faith County; The roads were still bustling with people.
The couple’s car arrived at Faith country’s number one senior high’s staff building. Jasper had just found a parking spot and was about to back the car into it when a Benz stepped on its accelerator and took the parking first, scratching the BMW’s bumper in the process.
A man and a woman stepped out of the Benz. The man was young, dressed in a suit and with an expensive golden watch around his wrist. He looked the epitome of a nouveau riche.
“Oh, Ro, what driving skills you have.”
The woman got out of the passenger seat and slinked her arms into the young man’s, speaking coquettishly.
With a snicker, Ronald slapped the woman’s butt and replied, “You know that I’ve got better skills elsewhere.”
The woman twisted her body and replied coquettishly, “Stop.
“Alright, let’s get our work done first. Then we can go somewhere else and I’ll give you a recap of how skilled I am.”
Ronald spoke with his arm around the woman. Walking past the BMW, the man spat and scoffed, “Stupid f*cker. Who are you to steal my parking spot?”
Ronald was about to leave bossily with the woman in tow when Jasper’s voice sounded out from behind them.
“So, you’re just going to leave just like that?”
Ronald stopped in his tracks and turned around to see Jasper alighting the BMW. Ronald barked darkly, “What? Angry that I’ve stolen your parking spot? Who’re you to complain when you’re a bad driver? F*cking stupid.”
Jasper rapped his knuckles on the BMW’s bumper and pointed at the large scratch as he spoke, “I’ll forgive you for the parking, but you’re really just going to leave after scratching my car?”
Ronald was stunned and he followed Jasper’s hand to see the ugly scratch on the BMW’s bumper. He suddenly thought of something and rushed over to look at his Benz.
As expected, he saw a large scratch and an indent on both the front and rear doors of his car.
Ronald’s heart ached at the sight of this and his expression changed. He pointed at Jasper and scolded, “F*cking Hell! Do you want to die?! How dare you scratch my car?!”
Life at the Top Chapter 1022
Jasper narrowed his eyes and looked at Ronald. “I arrived at this parking spot first. You were the one who forced his way in when I was putting the car in reverse.
“I even stopped reversing when you rushed over, but you still had to force your way in and scratched my bumper. No matter how you look at this, you’re the one at fault. Even so, you’re claiming that I’m the one who scratched your car?”
Ronald replied harshly, “F*ck you. Stop giving me all these excuses! I wouldn’t have scratched you if you didn’t f*cking stop your car there, now would I, you stupid f*cker? How dare you continue to give excuses!”
“If that’s the case, there’s no point in wasting my saliva with you either. Let’s hand this to the traffic police, then,” Jasper spoke calmly.
Jasper then made a move to call them.
At this moment, Wendy got out of the passenger seat.
“What’s wrong, Jasp?”
Wendy asked this without knowing what was going on.
Ronald was about to scold Jasper when he saw Wendy. His eyes immediately shone with lust.
The anger disappeared from his features, instantly replaced with a smile as he turned to Wendy. “Yo, don’t you look familiar, beautiful? Have we met somewhere before?”
Wendy did not even spare Ronald and his flirtations another glance as she shot him down coldly, “Sorry, you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
Ronald snickered and smiled. “Instead of being with a man that drives an old BMW, how about you take a look at me, pretty? My car’s the latest Benz, one of this is twice the value of that stupid BMW.”
Wendy frowned and answered distastefully, “This stupid BMW is my car.”
Ronald was stunned for a moment before he turned to Jasper and said, “I didn’t take you to be a man that lives off his girlfriend, brat.”
Jasper did not pay Ronald any mind. The point of this trip was to visit Ms. Tiana, so he did not want to waste time on insignificant problems.
He would have handed this matter over to Julian if the man was here.
Dialing for the traffic police, Jasper began to miss the days where he had Julian by his side.
“I was talking to you. Are you deaf?” Ronal shouted at Jasper.
At this moment, Ronald walked over with the woman in tow. She glanced at Wendy warily and defensively before she spoke, “There’s no point talking to lowly trash, Ro. Let’s just get rid of them. Don’t we have more important things to do?”
Ronald harrumphed and realized that the woman was right.
“How about this, forget calling the traffic police. I won’t need you to compensate me either. But this woman by your side, I want a meal with her,” Ronal ordered Jasper arrogantly.
Jasper looked up and narrowed his eyes at Ronald.
He did not care about the scratch in the car.
After all, that would only cost a few thousand to repair.
However, if this douchebag had his eyes on Wendy, then the man had a death wish.
“You were the one who scratched our car. How can you be so shameless to claim that you don’t need us to compensate you? How unreasonable can you be?” Wendy asked Ronald.
Ronald smiled and replied arrogantly, “Only the strong are qualified to reason. What’s the point of reason when you’re weak and a nobody?”
“After all that nonsense, this is the only reasonable sentence that came out of your mouth,” Jasper looked at Ronald and said calmly, “So you think you’re strong?”
Ronald sneered and replied, “Everyone’s strong in comparison to stupid f*ckers like you. I’m someone you aren’t even qualified to admire, understood?”
Just then, a car drove over.
It was a slightly low-profile Audi.
The car stopped in front of them and the windows were rolled down to reveal a young man’s face. The man exclaimed when he saw Ronald, “Yo, well if it isn’t Ronald!”
Ronald frowned then smiled after a moment of thought and answered, “Mr. Nicholls.”
Mr. Nicholls alighted the car. He had just greeted Ronald when he spotted Jasper and Wendy.
After a long daze, he asked, “Jasper? Wendy?”
Jasper glanced at the man and it took him a while before he remembered the identity of the person. This was Archer, his and Wendy’s ex-classmate. Jasper did not expect the man to start driving an Audi and to be greeted with such respect.
Wendy greeted Archer as well, “Archer? Are you here to visit Ms. Tiana too?”
Archer laughed out loud and replied, “Yeah. Ms. Tiana isn’t doing so well, so it’s only right we students come and visit her.
“I’m doing well, working at a huge company in Nauritus City now. Let’s save each other’s numbers later so we can keep in contact.”
Archer’s words were evidently directed at Wendy, as he was not even interested in giving Jasper another glance.
Everyone in their class knew that Jasper was the poorest and most introverted person amongst them. No one expected someone like him to make too big a name for himself.
“You know each other?” Ronald asked calmly as his gaze flicked between Archer and the couple.
Archer pulled Ronald over and handed him a cigarette as he explained, “They’re my ex-classmates, Ronald. We came to see our teacher today, but did some misunderstanding happen? Maybe you could let it go. On my behalf.”
Ronald glanced at Archer and sneered. “You’re interested in her, aren’t you?”
Archer looked back at Wendy as passion flared in his eyes. He whispered to Ronald implicitly, with jargon that any man would understand, “She was essentially every man’s crush back in high school. Everyone was interested in her; I still dream about her today.”
“I can let them go on your behalf today so you get to look cool in front of your crush, but remember to share her amongst us once she’s yours.” Ronald smiled at Archer.
Life at the Top Chapter 1023
The corner of Archer’s lips curled up and he replied, “No problem. We’re friends, aren’t we? And this is just a woman.”
“Alright, haha.”
Ronald clasped Archer’s shoulder and laughed loudly before he glared at Jasper harshly. “I still have important things to do, so I’ll let you go because Mr. Nicholls asked. Be thankful, or you’d be suffering now.”
Ronald then left casually with the woman in his arms.
Jasper’s gaze dimmed and he was about to call out after Ronald when Wendy tugged at his clothes. “It’s fine, let’s visit Ms. Tiana first.”
Archer had also walked over by then and he told Jasper arrogantly, “Ronald isn’t someone you can afford to offend. He already decided to let it go thanks to me, so don’t go causing trouble for yourself.”
Archer paid Jasper’s reaction no heed and he turned to smile at Wendy. “I don’t think we’ve seen each other since graduation, Wendy. It’s almost been seven years since then. How’re you doing?”
Wendy frowned.
Archer’s words might seem fine, but there was an amorous tone to it.
It was as if the two of them used to be close.
Not to mention that the choice of words was what couples who had broken up a long time ago normally used.
Wendy realized that Archer was trying to take advantage of her, so she glanced at him indifferently before replying, “Not bad. We were never close to begin with, so let’s not waste unnecessary time here. Let’s go visit Ms. Tiana.”
Wendy then naturally wrapped her arm around Jasper’s and looked up at him with a beautiful smile Archer had never seen before. “Let’s go, Jasp.”
Archer’s expression immediately darkened at the sight of this.
By now, Jasper and Wendy had already moved toward the stairs, leaving Archer to grind his molars and force himself to suppress his anger. He needed understand what was going on between Jasper and Wendy before he did anything rash.
‘F*cking Hell, this stupid broke f*cker! He couldn’t even afford to buy food so how dare he steal my woman now? Just you wait–upper-class society is much crueler than people on campus!’
Archer harrumphed, glaring at Jasper’s back sinisterly, before following after them.
The old staff building was already two decades old and there was a vintage air to the tubed-shaped apartments.
Elevators could not possibly exist in such a building, while Ms. Tiana’s lived on the fifth floor.
Jasper and Wendy were fine as they climbed the dark and messy staircase upward, but Archer mumbled and complained while covering his nose distastefully the entire time.
“What kind of stupid place is this. It’s so disgusting, you might as well live in a landfill at this point.”
Meanwhile, Jasper took a trip down memory lane as he walked.
He remembered walking this dark and messy staircase countless times during the three years of senior high when Ms. Tiana would bring him to her house on the fifth floor to eat dinner with her.
Excluding his home in the village, this staircase had led him to the only place that promised him a full stomach during those three years.
His meals would consist purely of white bread and vegetables if not for her.
“No one’s forcing you to walk if you don’t want to,” Jasper replied calmly, snapped out of his memory by Archer’s words.
Archer was stunned for a moment before he raged. “What do you mean?! How dare you talk to me like that!”
Jasper ignored him though, for they had already arrived at Ms. Tiana’s home by then.
From the shoes by the door, they knew that there had to be other ex-classmates inside already.
Wendy knocked on the door and someone’s voice rang out in response. This was followed by footsteps as the old room door opened.
“Wendy? Archer?”
An ordinary face appeared behind the door and the woman exclaimed when she saw Wendy and Archer.
Life at the Top Chapter 1024
She did not recognize Jasper anymore.
After all, the only impression Jasper left on anyone during senior high was that he was poor and introverted.
“Are you…Ramona?” Wendy asked after a pause. The woman beamed and replied, “Yes. You still remember me.”
“Okay, okay, enough reuniting here. You saw me, didn’t you? So let me in already,” Archer spoke irritably.
Ramona opened the door frantically to let Archer in.
Ramona seemed terrified of Archer.
“I heard that you’re a manager for Southface River Properties, right?” Ramona asked carefully.
Archer smiled, pleased that Ramona had brought up his professional identity in front of Wendy. He replied calmly on purpose, “Yeah. It’s just a job, nothing much. I’m glad my superior likes me.”
Southface River Properties?
Jasper and Wendy exchanged a look.
Jasper owned the entirety of Southface River, so he certainly knew this property company.
The real estate company needed a property managing department since Southface River had many lots, and most of them were leased out. That was why a new property company was founded.
Its only job was to manage and serve the properties in Southface River.
Was this company a huge one?
Bullsh*t. Strictly speaking, this was just a department of a real estate company.
But was this property company small?
Not exactly either.
After all, the Southface River project was huge, and new tenants came to sign contracts and move in all the time. The property company was also in charge of the managing and maintenance of water, electricity, and security of the area.
Therefore, the company could be considered a nanny of sorts.
However, the property company did have some level of authority as they were involved in many things. People and companies who wanted to make friends with JW would naturally treat the property company with respect as well.
“I only earn ten thousand or so a month. It’s not much, but it’s certainly more than the average person. The main thing about this job is the workload and people I’m in charge of, as there are tons of people begging me for a chance to meet every day. I suppose I do meet a few bigshots here and there after working long enough. Sigh, but it’s quite a lot of work actually,” Archer replied pretentiously.
From the way he spoke, he might as well be begging everyone to fawn over him.
Ramona looked at him enviously and replied, “You’ve got to be the most outstanding one out of our class.”
Wendy’s expression contorted into a weird expression.
‘Archer’s arrogance is because he’s working under us?’
“Let’s go in and visit Ms. Tiana,” Jasper told Wendy.
This was the most important goal of Jasper’s trip.
Archer scoffed when he heard that.
“Oh, why? Were you jealous that I’m living a better life than you? Where do you work now? How many hundreds do you earn a month?
“I could spare you some work since we’re classmates. Perhaps you could be a security guard for Southface River? People would fight for a monthly salary of at least 1200 bucks, but I suppose that’s way beyond what you’d ever dare to even dream of.”
Life at the Top Chapter 1025
Archer’s words were intended for Jasper, but he looked at Wendy as he spoke.
He mainly wanted to show off his capabilities in front of Wendy so as to attract her attention.
Therefore, he was disappointed when Wendy did not react in the way he wanted her to. In fact, Wendy looked at him with slight exasperation.
Wendy looked at him in a way that one would look at a clown.
Archer was enraged by her gaze.
Jasper was the poor person here. Archer believed that he was strong enough to crush Jasper with his mere finger, so who was Wendy to look at him like that?
“Thank you for the good intentions, but I won’t be needing it,” Jasper replied calmly before he pulled Wendy into the house.
“Hmph!” Archer harrumphed as he stared at Jasper’s back darkly. “Who are you acting for? Seriously, the poorer and more useless someone is, the more they like to act like they’re some sh*t.”
At this moment, Ramona asked carefully, “Archer, did Jasper and Wendy get together?”
The question hit Archer where it hurt, and the man glared at Ramona before he spoke.
“What gave you the idea that idea? Don’t spout nonsense when you don’t know what you’re talking about. All of us know about Jasper’s limited capabilities anyway.
“He’s just a poor man without a buck to his name. All he can afford is white bread and vegetables, so who is he to be involved with Wendy? I’ll never agree to it!”
Jasper had already walked into the bedroom by then.
It was still decorated with vintage ornaments just as Jasper had remembered. The paint on the furniture had already cracked and begun to turn yellow, but the furnishing of the house was just as Jasper remembered seven to eight years ago.
One could easily come to the conclusion that Ms. Tiana had not changed nor added any new furniture to her house over these years.
On the bed laid a frail old woman, who peered at Jasper and Wendy as they walked in.
“Ms. Tiana.”
Jasper sped up and walked to the bed, lifting his hand to grab the sickly elder’s hand and whispered, “It’s me, Jasper. Do you still remember me?”
Ms. Tiana chuckled with difficulty and replied weakly, “Of course, I remember. You’re the introverted and shy boy who always failed his tests.”
“…” Jasper was speechless.
Wendy leaned down to speak to Ms. Tiana, “Ms. Tiana, it’s me, Wendy. Do you still remember me?”
Ms. Tiana nodded and replied, “Of course. You’re the smartest and prettiest student I’ve ever taught throughout all these years.”
“I’m very glad you came to visit me,” Ms. Tiana said, looking at Jasper and Wendy.
Jasper sat on the bed and replied, “Ms. Tiana, I still remember how you used to give me your lunchbox back in senior high and how you used to bring me over for dinner. Then, you’d supervise my homework or tutor me after dinner. I still remember everything you’ve done for me, Ms. Tiana.”
Ms. Tiana replied gently, “It’s my duty as a teacher. I can’t bear to see children suffering. How can you grow strong and well without proper nutrients during puberty?
“I might never produce genius-like students, but I hope that every child I teach ends up kind, dutiful, and good.”
Jasper replied softly, “Still, how many teachers in the world would go as far as you did? Perhaps as a teacher, you think that you’ve only done your part. But to me, it was something that changed my life.”
It was said that a teacher’s job was to teach students principles of life, study curriculum, and explain difficulties. The study of curriculum and explanations came after, as the principles of life always came first.
Jasper’s personality in both his lifetimes as well as his ingrained kindness was due to two main reasons. Firstly, his parent’s teachings not to be malicious and mean, followed by Ms. Tiana’s kindness.
It was not wrong to say that during the critical period in which Jasper had cultivated his character, Ms. Tiana was the one who had influenced him most right after his parents.
“Why won’t you go to the hospital if you’re so unwell, Ms. Tiana?” Wendy asked gently.
“This is a psychological issue. The hospital can’t solve it and staying there will only be a waste of my money,” Ms. Tiana replied weakly.
‘Psychological issue?’
Jasper and Wendy exchanged a look and frowned.
It seemed like Ms. Tiana’s sickness was not as simple as it seemed.
Just then, Archer walked in from the outside.
He stopped in front of Ms. Tiana, and before he could speak, Ms. Tiana flew into distress.
“What are you doing here? I don’t have students like you, nor do I need you to visit me! Get out!”
Ms. Tiana was even about to sit up from the bed in agitation. However, Wendy quickly went to help Ms. Tian and asked, “Calm down, Ms. Tiana. What’s wrong?”
Archer sneered and replied calmly, “I’m still technically your student, Ms. Tiana. How could you treat me like an enemy?
“Moreover, I’m the one that’s been helping you all this while. Your useless children can’t even pay your hospital bills. I was the one who paid them for you.
“Despite all that, instead of thanking me, you’re chasing me away. Ha, what kind of teacher are you?”
Ms. Tiana’s complexion flushed red in anger as she pointed at Archer to speak, “You only did so in order to get me to sign the demolition agreement! I’m telling you, no way! I’ll never sign it!”
“Why must you be so stubborn, Ms. Tiana?” Archer stared at her and spoke unkindly.
“Everyone in the staff building’s already signed the papers. You’re the only one between everyone and the demolition compensation. Who knows how many of your old colleagues are angry at you for being stubborn? Yet, you still won’t give in?”
Ms. Tiana’s emotions calmed down under Wendy’s care and she spoke with a slight pant, “Your demolition paperwork isn’t complete, and you’re also paying half of what the official statement claimed. They only signed the papers because they had no other choice after your threats and bribery! But I will not compromise with you!”
Archer chuckled sinisterly and answered, “I already knew you were going to say that. But don’t worry, I’m not the demolition company after all. Someone else will talk to you regarding this.”
Archer then made a call and went to fetch someone at the door.
Jasper’s gaze darkened as he watched Archer leave.
“The building’s getting demolished, Ms. Tiana? And you disagree?” Jasper asked.
Ms. Tiana sighed and explained, “Their papers aren’t complete and they’re also paying half of the standard compensation fee. They’re beating up whoever doesn’t agree so no one truly agrees with him!
“It’s just that everyone else has a family to protect, so they have no other choice but to leave. It’s different for me. However, my children are working outside and can’t be threatened. Additionally, I’m just an old woman, so what can they do?”
Life at the Top Chapter 1026
Jasper frowned slightly.
The staff building of Faith County’s number one high school had only been demolished after 2010 in his past life because it was too old.
So why was it being demolished now?
Jasper could not help but feel that there was more to the situation.
Just then, two familiar voices sounded at the door.
Shockingly, it was Archer and Ronald.
“Mr. Nicholls, you swore that you were going to persuade the old woman. That’s why I let you come here first.
“See, I even got the signatures of the last family on the sixth floor, and you’re telling me you can’t even handle one old woman?”
Ronald sounded displeased.
The important business he referred to moments ago was to sign contracts on behalf of the demolition company.
He thought that Archer would be able to handle this old Tiana woman, but he did not expect Archer to come back empty-handed.
Ronald began to feel impatient when he thought about the pressure the real estate company was giving him.
It was rare that such a profitable piece of business fell at his feet, and Ronald desperately wanted to show his capabilities to the client. That way, all new demolition businesses in Faith County would be given to him.
However, if he could not carry out the first bit of business well, then there was no future to speak of.
Ronald’s expression darkened and he pushed open the room doors.
Ronald snickered when he entered and realized that both Jasper and Wendy were there. “F*cking Hell, why are you everywhere, you stupid f*cker?”
Ronald then turned to Ms. Tiana, who was sitting on the bed, and spat arrogantly, “My name is Ronald, Madam. I’m the person in charge of Robust Demolitions.
“I’m sure my subordinates and your student Archer already told you about the demolition. So, I won’t waste my time. I’ve brought the contract, so sign it and the demolition compensation will be banked into your account in the afternoon.”
“Get out! I will not sign your papers!” Ms. Tiana shouted with newfound strength.
Ronald sneered and spoke, “I already gave you respect, you old woman! I’ve seen old b*tches like you before, you just want to squeeze me of my money, don’t you? Well, I’m telling you, there’s no way in hell I’ll let you scam me of my money!
“Everyone’s already signed it and you’re the only one left. You’re going to sign this paper whether you want to or not. Either you sign it by yourself and I’ll still pay you the demolition fee, or you watch yourself before I kill you!”
Jasper looked at Ronald indifferently as he spoke up, “So you’re going to resort to violence, then?”
Ronald scoffed and replied, “Who are you to join the conversation, you stupid f*cker?
“I’m only letting you be because you’re not worth my time, you brat. Don’t take it for granted. Or do you want to die too?
“Go out and open your ears. Do you even know who I am in Faith County? Who do you think you are? What gave you the right to raise your voice at me? Had this been any other day, I’d have slapped you across the face long ago. F*cking idiot!”
Ronald then pulled out a contract from his briefcase and tossed it on the bed with a sneer. “Be a good student and persuade this old woman to stop being so stubborn.
“Otherwise, by the time the lights go off and she’s too old to run, an old woman might get buried here when my bulldozer comes to wreak the building.”
This was a blatant threat.
Even Ramona, who had been watching everything happen from the outside, was looking at Ronald furiously, much less Jasper and Wendy.
Archer was the only one with a matter-of-fact expression on his face.
“I suggest you sign the papers, Ms. Tiana. You’re already an old woman, what do you even need so much money for anyway?
“It’s not like Ronald isn’t giving you money. Don’t think that just because you’re educated you can base everything on the official statement. Did the official statement consider Ronald’s situation?
“Do you know how many people Ronald has in his demolition company? If he follows the official statements every day, then Ronald and his employees might as well not take home a salary at all!
“So just sign the paper. This is for your sake. Didn’t you say you don’t care about money or fame and only had your students’ best interests in mind? In that case, why are you being so stubborn now? Just take the money for your retirement.”
Ms. Tiana paled in anger as she seethed, “Do you think I’m doing this for myself? I’m doing this for justice and equality! This house is mine! Do you think you can decide how much to pay me for demolition compensation?
“I’m still sponsoring the tuition and living costs of more than ten children in poor families! I’m arguing for their sake!”
When she said this, everyone in the room was stunned.
“Ms. Tiana, you’re sponsoring more than ten students?” Wendy gasped.
Ms. Tiana sighed deeply and turned to Wendy, “In the second drawer by my bedside table is a canvas bag. Take it out.”
Wendy followed and pulled out an old canvas bag.
Ms. Tiana took the bag and pulled out a thick pile of envelopes. There were new and old ones, spanning over at least a decade.
Ms. Tiana took these envelopes and said, “You can read the letters if you don’t believe me. These are all written by children I’ve sponsored, and inside them are their pictures.”
After this, Ms. Tiana sighed deeply and continued, “As you said, I’m already old and I don’t even know how many more days alive I have left. I don’t need so much money, but any extra amount will go to another child in need. These children are too pitiful.
“I don’t even want more, just what the rules say. I just want what I am entitled to, is that too much to ask for?”
At that moment, even Ronald felt his cheeks burn in humiliation, let alone Archer.
Jasper glanced at the letters that were filled with innocent words of gratefulness directed at Ms. Tiana. These words and feelings could not be replicated.
Jasper took a deep breath and turned to Ms. Tiana. “Don’t worry, Ms. Tiana. I’m sure heaven sees everything that’s happening here. If you’re willing to demolish this place, then you will not get a Somer Dollar less than you deserve.
“If you don’t want to demolish the house, then God himself can come down here and he still wouldn’t be able to touch a single brick!”
Life at the Top Chapter 1027
Archer was the first to laugh when Jasper said this.
“Would you stop acting like you’re some bigshot, Jasper? Don’t you feel ashamed at all?
“Seriously, I’m starting to think you’re living backward while all of us are moving on with the times. You were still smart back in school, not daring to interfere with anything or spout any nonsense. It’s only been a few years since we graduated, so why did you start acting pretentious all of a sudden, huh?
“At least look around before you start acting. Does this look like something you can control?”
Ronald scoffed at Archer’s words and continued, “Who knows, maybe he’s outstanding now? Maybe he’s a boss of some company.”
“Hahaha, as if his company would be more formidable than yours, Ronald. Your demolition company makes at least a million each year.”
“Poor fellows like him only got to eat white bread and vegetables every day. His clothes were always torn and sewn back together, and even his shoes had holes in them. You think he’s ever seen so much money before in his life?”
Archer chortled loudly.
Ronald scoffed when he heard that.
“So, that’s the kind of person he is? And to think that he was so aggressive to me downstairs. If not for you, I’d have taught him a lesson long ago.”
Archer glared at Jasper before turning to Ronald and saying, “You let it go on my behalf, Ronald, I only asked because we used to be classmates.
“However, if he’s going to continue acting so stubborn, then there’s no need to leave him alone for my sake anymore. Hit, slap, do what you have to. Ignorant people like him won’t understand the concept of respect without a harsh beating from society.”
Archer then warned Jasper, “This is my last warning to you, Laine. Ronald isn’t someone you can afford to offend. His demolition company is the biggest in Faith County, and there are dozens of people under him.
“Most of them are ex-convicts, and Ronald’s bent so many of them to his will.
“Ronald’s also working with JW Real Estates. Have you even heard of JW Real Estates? It’s the biggest real estate company in Southeast Province! Do you know about the Southface River Project? Poor fellows like you will never get a chance to encounter such a thing, huh?
“But that’s okay, you can look for yourself. The south bank of Nauritus City’s southface river doesn’t charge admission fees. You’ll understand once you go there that there are tons more powerful people and companies in society. Who do you think you are?”
Jasper looked at Ronald and asked calmly, “JW Real Estates commissioned you to demolish this building?”
Ronald scoffed and replied, “Yeah, so what? Why do you sound like you don’t care about JW Real Estates, hmm?”
“You can’t blame an ignorant person for not understanding fear, Ronald. How can he be afraid when he doesn’t even know how big JW Real Estates is? Haha.”
Ronald laughed out loud at Archer’s words.
Just then, Ms. Tiana turned to Jasper and sighed. “Thank you for your kind intentions, Jasper, but there’s no need for you two to interfere with this. These people are all rascals and they’re willing to do anything to achieve their own goals. I refuse to believe that they would dare to bury an old woman like me here!”
Ronald’s expression grew cold and he shouted at Ms. Tiana, “Take the kindness I’m extending you now, old woman. I already gave offered you my respect when I first negotiated with you, but piss me off and I’ll immediately have my bulldozer come over and run this building to the ground!”
By now, Wendy was absolutely furious.
“You two are going too far!”
Instead of feeling uncomfortable, Wendy’s words only caused Ronald to laugh maddeningly. “A pretty lady is just different. You look so beautiful even when you’re angry and you scolding me only makes me feel better. Hahaha.
“So what if I’m going too far, pretty? After all, I have the qualifications for it.”
Archer piped up in agreement. “You’re too naive, Wendy. This society runs on strength, not reason.
“Ronald’s power is beyond your imagination. Attacking him is a suicide mission, so don’t do anything stupid. With your looks, Ronald and I can still help you enjoy a life in the upper-class.”
“Life in the upper-class?” Jasper asked meaningfully.
“You think that you’ve made it in life because you’re considered powerful in a small place like Faith County?”
Archer scoffed. “I really pity you, Jasper. What are you trying to say? That the world is huge?
“Yeah, Faith County is small and the world is huge. There’s also a ton of much more powerful people outside, but are you one of them? No! You’re nothing more than a pitiful pest.
“It’ll take us no effort to crush you!”
“Mark your words.” Jasper gave Archer and Ronald one last glance before he turned to Wendy and asked, “Do you know who the person-in-charge of Faith County is?”
Wendy naturally knew who Jasper was referring to and nodded. “He’s in the company’s contacts list. We can reach him at anytime.”
“He has ten minutes to come over,” Jasper said coldly.
Wendy gave her acknowledgment and then made a call.
Archer and Ronald were confused by Jasper’s actions.
“Did you go crazy or what?” Ronald sneered at Jasper and scoffed. “Person-in-charge? What person-in-charge? Considering that you know him, I’d say it’s got to be the person in charge of sweeping the streets, hmm? Oh, I’m so scared.”
Archer laughed loudly too. “Who knows, Ronald. Maybe he’ll call JW Real Estates’ person-in-charge over? After all, everything’s possible when you live in a dream.
“But why would you put on this act with him, Wendy? Aren’t you just lowering yourself by doing so?”
Archer snickered and continued speaking to Wendy, “People say you start imitating the people you spend time around, Wendy. I suggest you leave this poor and stupid f*cker Jasper lest your intelligence gets dragged down as well. Come follow me and Ronald. It’ll be much better for you.”
Jasper smiled faintly when he heard Archer. After Wendy made a call, so did he.
Jasper then called the general manager of Southface River Properties.
The general manager was many ranks below Jasper, so he immediately greeted the man frightfully when he picked up the phone.
Jasper only said one thing.
“What kind of people are you employing? What use is being a general manager if you can’t even employ the right people?
“I want you to reflect on your issues, and I don’t want to see the name Archer Nicholls in the list of employees under my companies!”
“Understood?!”
Jasper hung up the phone right after saying this.
Archer was about to laugh and mock Jasper when his phone rang.
Seeing that it was a call from his general manager, Archer’s smile froze and an ominous feeling filled his chest.
Life at the Top Chapter 1028
No matter what, Archer did not dare to leave a call from his superior unanswered, so he accepted it hesitantly. Before Archer could speak, his general manager shouted through the phone.
“Archer, I don’t care how you want to f*ck yourself over, but don’t involve me in your mistakes! Listen to me closely, you’re fired!”
Archer’s heart raced and his expression paled.
He felt the urge to explain himself quickly, but he had only just opened his mouth when the general manager hung up the phone.
Archer gaped at Jasper with widened eyes and he felt his throat tighten as if clogged with cotton. Countless words formed at the tip of his tongue but he could not say a thing.
Conflicting emotions of agitation, shock, disbelief, and confusion swarmed Archer and engulfed him.
The entire house fell silent for a moment.
“What happened?” Ronald asked, seeing how the color had drained from Archer’s face.
Ronald was confused at the strange situation.
Before Archer could reply, hasty knocks were heard at the door.
It had only been eight to nine minutes since Wendy’s call.
“I’ll open the door!”
Ramona volunteered bravely.
It seemed like she was the only one suitable for the role.
She had watched everything transpire with her own eyes just now, including the phone call from which Archer was fired. The other party was too loud, so everyone in the room, including Ramona, had heard the contents of the call even without the speakers being turned on.
Ramona was not stupid, so she knew that Jasper currently had a magnificent status and identity.
Excited, Ramona opened the doors.
On the other side of the door stood a middle-aged man panting and sweating in place. The man was currently using an expensive suit jacket to wipe the sweat from his face.
Ramona could tell that this was a man who stayed in a luxurious environment most of the time. It must have been difficult for such a person to run up five floors of stairs in one go.
Nobody knew how this man had rushed over.
“You…”
The man interrupted Ramona before she finished speaking.
“Sorry. My name is Currey Abbott, I’m JW Real Estate’s Faith County branch’s person-in-charge. Is Mr. Laine here?”
Ramona sucked in a cold breath at how polite Currey was.
JW Real Estates was the number one real estate enterprise in the whole of Southeast Province. As the person in charge of the county, this man was someone a normal salaryperson like Ramona could never approach.
“Jasper Laine?” Ramona asked bravely.
“Yes.” Currey nodded vigorously.
“He’s inside, follow me.”
Ramona answered before bringing Currey inside.
“Yes, please. Thank you.”
Ramona marveled over how weird the world was when she heard Currey speak.
She could never meet people like Currey normally. Even if she did, Currey would certainly be very arrogant throughout the meeting and might not even spare her a word, let alone speak to her so politely now.
Upon entering the bedroom, the atmosphere in the room turned exceptionally strange.
Archer’s complexion was still devoid of color as his lips started to quiver.
Ronald had also realized what had happened. The man now looked at Jasper warily. He looked like there was a lot he wanted to say but decided to bite his tongue.
Life at the Top Chapter 1029
Jasper and Wendy were the only ones unaffected as they took care of the weak Ms. Tiana.
“I’m here, Mr. Laine,” Currey greeted courteously once he saw Jasper and rushed over.
Jasper hummed in acknowledgment as he held a cup of hot water in his hands. With Wendy’s help, he slowly fed Ms. Tiana the water.
Currey stood rigidly in place and did not dare say another word. He stood there like a guilty student awaiting his teacher’s punishment.
Ronald’s expression also changed when he saw Currey.
He knew who Currey was.
Ronald had put in a lot of effort to become Currey’s friend.
His relationship with Currey was finally going somewhere, but… Ronald’s expression soured greatly when he thought back to how Currey had addressed Jasper.
Mr. Laine!
Not anyone could be referred to so courteously.
Archer had only pretended to be the president of a company purely for the sake of fooling others and showing off.
However, when Currey referred to Jasper as Mr. Laine.
It meant that Ronald had completely screwed himself over.
Jasper only turned to meet Currey after Ms. Tiana had drank her water.
“Is this our first time meeting?” Jasper asked.
Currey quickly replied, “I’ve only been in Faith County for one and a half months. I was working in the headquarters in Nauritus City before, and I was fortunate enough to meet you during the Southface River topping-out ceremony, Mr. Laine.”
Jasper nodded. Be it the real estate company, his other subsidiaries, or even JW Capital the parent company itself, the number of employees under him was ever-growing as his enterprise continued to develop. Hence, he could no longer remember every single employee.
“Do you recognize this person? Is he a partner?” Jasper pointed at Ronald and asked.
Currey turned his head to look. The look in his eyes had terrified Ronald.
“No, that’s not the case, Jasper. Oh, wait, Mr. Laine. Mr. Laine, it’s a misunderstanding, Mr. Laine.”
Ronald no longer held the same air of arrogance about him now as he stumbled about to explain with a pale face, “This really is a misunderstanding. I didn’t know about your noble status before this, Mr. Laine.”
“Noble?” Jasper smiled and spoke calmly, “I don’t think there’s anything noble about my identity though. I’m just a normal man that’s doing business to make a living. How does having a larger business suddenly make me someone noble?”
Ronald looked like he had been made to swallow a fly. He nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes, of course, Mr. Laine. You’re right, you aren’t noble… no, that’s not what I meant.”
With a ‘pfft’, Ramona burst into laughter as she listened to Ronald stammering.
Ramona would never dare to laugh out loud if this was any other time, but she was elated right now.
Contrary to how arrogant Ronald and Archer were earlier, the two were now terrified and humiliated.
Ramona was extremely thrilled to see the large contrast in the two’s behaviors, especially when the two were acting so vile and abominable just moments ago.
Just then, Currey spoke.
“He’s Ronald Malone, Mr. Laine, the owner of Robust Demolitions. We do share a few business partnerships.
Jasper nodded and looked at Currey to ask, “Is the partnership process normal?”
Corruption was a potential risk to any company.
The larger JW got, the more likely problems of this kind were to arise in the lower ranks.
Currey from the county branch, for example, had full control over which demolition company he chose to partner with. There had to be a reason why he set out to partner with a specific company–be it Ronald, McDonald, or otherwise.
That was why Jasper had asked this.
Life at the Top Chapter 1030
The situation suddenly became more serious when Currey heard him ask this.
“I can guarantee this with my life, Mr. Laine. There’s no problem with the process at all.
“I chose Robust because I thought that it would be better to choose a local demolition company considering how demolition is extremely complicated and troublesome work. Robust happens to be the best demolition company in Faith County as well, so we decided to commission them.”
Jasper smiled when he heard Currey’s explanation and replied, “Don’t worry, I was just asking.
“But you have to remember that our partner’s strength shouldn’t be JW’s only metric when looking for a partner. The company owner’s personality is also very important.
“What kind of partnership benefits can we expect from a company that would hurt civilians for their personal interests? We should be satisfied as long as the partnership doesn’t come back to bite us in the bud.”
Jasper pointed at Ronald who was shivering and pale as he continued, “Take him, for example. He threatened a retired and severely ill teacher who was living alone. He claimed that he’d use a bulldozer and bury her under the building if she didn’t sign the demolition contract.
“Regardless of whether he was just threatening or if he actually planned to do so, JW should never partner with such people. Understood?”
Currey fully understood Jasper’s lecture and immediately replied, “I understand, Mr. Laine. I’ll go back and immediately announce the cancellation of all partnership with Robust Demolitions.
“We won’t partner with them again in the future, and we’ll also do some digging on this aspect when we choose our future partners.”
“Very good.” Jasper nodded.
Jasper then turned to Ronald who looked desperate and asked calmly, “Do you two remember what you said just now?
“The world is huge and there’s also a ton of much more powerful people outside. I might not be the most powerful person out there, but I am more powerful than you.”
Jasper spoke slowly, and there was no hint of glee in his voice from oppressing them with his status and power. There was no sign of arrogance either–Jasper was calm, as if he had just done something insignificant.
“You had claimed that strength is more important than reason in this society, but what about now?”
“I fired Archer and ensured that your Robust Demolitions would never receive another deal from us. This is my strength. Even so, I believe that without enough reason, a little bit of strength will get you nowhere.”
Ronald’s entire body shivered as he looked at Jasper in despair. “Who, who are you?”
Jasper chuckled and replied, “Does it matter who I am?”
Thud.
It was the sound of Ronald falling to his knees.
He wailed as he begged Jasper, “Please, Mr. Laine, please. Forgive me, I’m sorry, I won’t bully people like this anymore. Please, let me live, I don’t want to go bankrupt!”
“Is it my fault whether you go bankrupt or not?” Jasper asked coldly.
Ronald frantically replied, “If you don’t dissolve our partnership, then I’ll spend the rest of my life as your lackey, Mr. Laine. I’ll never be disloyal.”
“Forget it, not with how you’d readily bury people with your bulldozers. I’m not brave enough to hire you.”
Jasper averted his gaze from Ronald. It would only sully Jasper’s business to have someone like Ronald work under him.
Jasper looked at Currey again and asked, “What’s with the demolition of this staff building?”
Currey immediately replied, “We’re planning to build a small district here and we’ve already demolished the surrounding area. All that’s left is this building. The company’s ready to start construction once that’s done.”