Ch. 111..120
Life at the Top Chapter 111
“Are you Hugh Lewis?”
The leader of the team asked Hugh sternly.
Hugh looked at him in panic and looked at the corridor. He realized that the men he brought with him were nowhere to be seen.
Ineffably, Hugh’s expression turned horrible as if a crisis was going to fall on him anytime.
“I’m asking you if you’re Hugh Lewis!” the officer yelled.
“Y-Yes,” Hugh answered with difficulty.
He knew if these people were able to show up in front of him, then they must already have concrete proof of his crimes.
“Hugh Lewis, we have sufficient proof to suspect that you’re involved in illegal fundraising and manipulating the stock prices in the dark. This is your summon. Please come with me,” the officer said in a deep voice.
Hugh gritted his teeth tightly and looked at Jasper with rancor. He growled, saying, “Did you arrange all these?”
Jasper said indifferently, “You’ve broken the law, so you were simply asking for this.”
Hugh roared, “If it wasn’t for you, how would it be possible for them to show up just in time? Stop quibbling, you’re the one who did this!”
“Hugh, you still aren’t remorseful even when death is near. We’re not working under someone, so nobody can tell us what to do. Actually, we’ve been watching you for a very long time. You’re just too egotistical and didn’t notice,” the officer said coldly.
Hugh laughed maniacally and said, “Bullsh*t! Those people’s money is for me to invest!
“You’re saying that I’m manipulating the stock prices? Jasper is the real manipulator! If not, how could Zoni have plummeted all of a sudden?”
“The investment agreement of Lantern Capital clearly states that all of the investment funds will not be used for stock speculation, so it means you’ve made a promise to your investors. Hence, this is illegal. A lot of people have reported you, you just had no idea.
“As for you saying that Jasper is also manipulating the stock price, if you have the evidence, you can report him to us too. We’ll definitely enforce the law impartially,” the officer said sternly.
“Ask them if you don’t believe me! Everyone here heard Jasper saying that… That…”
After Hugh said that, he suddenly could not continue anymore because he remembered that Jasper had never admitted to manipulating the stock price before.
Jasper looked at Hugh indifferently as if he was watching the final outburst of a hysterical lunatic.
“I think everyone here can be my witness. Just now, I said I thought Zoni has a pretty high price and it’s scamming the stock investors of their money, so that’s why I’m not happy with it. The only thing I did was sell its stocks.”
Jasper chuckled and turned his head to the officer to ask, “Is this manipulating the stock price?”
The officer shook his head and said, “This is a normal investment in the market, so it’s not.”
Hugh staggered backward and glared at Jasper with extreme rancor in his eyes. Suddenly, he laughed furiously. “Alright. Well done! What a nice trick! You’ve planned this from the start so that I’ll go behind bars!”
Now, everyone in the room understood.
This was indeed a trap.
However, could one say that Jasper was the one who set this trap?
At the end of the day, the problem was with Hugh because he was the one breaking the law. If not, Jasper would not have been able to make those officers do this even if he wanted.
As such, Hugh’s arrogance and Jasper’s impression as a scatter-brained youth back then were all fake.
This entire development had already been in the palm of Jasper’s hand.
“How horrifying!”
The person next to John who had just teased Jasper for being inexperienced sighed in regret with a horrible expression on his face.
“I’ve been living on this earth for 40 plus years but I didn’t expect to gain knowledge and experience today,” another man looked at Jasper and muttered with a complicated look in his eyes.
John snorted and said, “That’s why you can’t just look at one side when you’re looking at things. Who knows what will happen in the future? All of you are not young anymore and you still don’t know this?”
Life at the Top Chapter 112
Everyone on the table flushed red when they heard what John said. None of them dared to refute him.
“Jasper, you’ll die a horrible death!”
When he thought about how his high position and great wealth would end here today and what would be waiting for him was jail time, Hugh completely lost his mind.
He pounced at Jasper like a mad dog and looked as if he wanted badly to drag Jasper down with him.
However, Jasper stood in his spot without moving.
It was because the officers at one side who had been waiting and eyeing covetously instantly tackled Hugh to the floor.
“Take him away!” The leader waved his hand, and hence, Hugh was brought away while he yelled and cursed continuously.
As Hugh’s voice got further and further away, the officer shook hands with Jasper and said, “No matter what, thanks for your information. If not, we wouldn’t have been able to capture him so easily.”
“As a citizen, I should cooperate and help out,” Jasper said with a smile.
The officer displayed a smile on his expressionless face. Then, he said sternly, “We’ll support legal businesses, and at the same time, we’ll also provide the best environment for you guys. However, we will not allow any illegal activities to go on.”
Jasper nodded and said, “As it should.”
“I won’t be staying for long. I’ll get going now.” After the officer said that, he gathered his team and left.
After they left, Jasper turned around to look at the table.
There were about eight to nine people at the table. Even though the host, Hugh, would not be coming back anymore, no one dared to leave before Jasper said anything.
As such, Jasper walked to the seat Hugh had been sitting on before he left amidst the stifling silence.
He draped his arm across the back of the chair and scanned everyone’s faces. Then, he chuckled lightly. “What are you waiting for? Continue eating if you’re still hungry and if you’re not, leave.”
Everyone left out sighs of relief after Jasper said that.
After all, it might seem that they were siding with Hugh because they were sitting here.
Although they never said anything, their presence was proof enough.
Now, Jasper had completely ended Hugh quickly and efficiently. No one was sure if Jasper would seek revenge on them in the future.
No one expected that Jasper, who only joined their internal meeting a few months ago as a newbie, would now replace Hugh as the powerhouse among them.
“Um, I still have something to take care of, so I have to go now.”
Finally, someone could not take this anymore and stood up while saying with a smile.
With someone taking the lead, a few more people immediately started bidding their farewells as well.
However, after they said that, Jasper did not say anything. As such, they would not dare to leave just like that.
It seemed that they were pretty cautious.
Jasper did not look at them. On the contrary, he only said nonchalantly, “Just leave if you have something else to tend to. I’m not the same as Hugh. He wants to control you guys, but I don’t want to do that. I think there’s an endless amount of money to earn in this world, and if there’s money, we can earn it together.
“However…”
Jasper lifted his eyes to scan their smiling faces.
“If anyone dares to do any shady business, then what happened to Hugh will not be the worst because there will be something even worse coming. None of us want to see that happening, right?”
Amidst everyone’s silence, John took a sip of his tea.
The hidden dragon was finally going to fly into the sky!
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“Mr. Laine, Hugh is emphatic and domineering, so we all had sorrows that we couldn’t voice out. Now that the villain has got his punishment, we’ll definitely be well-behaved.”
Someone stood up and said with a grin.
His words got the approval of a lot of people.
Jasper did not want to bother himself with whether this man was being sincere or not.
The pond of this city was too small to accommodate his growth and development.
These people would be destined to live in a different world than him in the future.
“Go now.”
Jasper waved his hand and left the room with John.
At the hotel lobby, Jasper asked John, “Do you need me to find someone to ask about your loan kerfuffle?”
John said quickly, “No need. It was difficult back then because Hugh was watching me. Now that he’s been defeated, I have a great chance to get away with this. I’ve been working in this industry for so many years and there will be some older higher-ups who appreciate me. Plus, this was a trap, after all.”
After this was settled, John felt like he owed Jasper a big one. He did not have the cheek to trouble Jasper anymore.
However, he was fearful in secret, because he could sense from Jasper’s tone that it would be effortless for him to take care of this.
John felt that this was outrageous. When did Jasper get to such a high level?
Jasper nodded. From the memories of his past life, John was able to make his way to the second-in-command position of the provincial branch before retiring with honor and glory. It was enough to prove that he had something in him.
“Mr. Laine, I don’t know how can I thank you for this. Perhaps you might not need me anymore in the future, but if you do, just tell me and I won’t hesitate to go through water and tread on fire for you!” John said sincerely.
Jasper laughed and said, “I didn’t help you just to have you make it up to me in the future. I just feel that you were only implicated in this because of me.”
“You can’t say that. After this incident, I came to understand a lot of things. I now know that I can’t depend on the brothers I drink together with when I’m in a crisis.” John shook his head and sighed sorrowfully.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed,” said Jasper with a smile.
After John expressed his deep gratefulness for Jasper, they parted ways in front of the hotel.
After he returned home, Sally asked the moment she saw Jasper, “Why did you come back alone?”
Jasper replied, “We were in the province this entire time and had a lot of things going on in the office, so Wendy couldn’t make it back in time.”
“You should do more work. How can you leave Wendy alone in the office while you come back alone?” Sally was immediately displeased.
“Mom, I’m your son,” said Jasper helplessly.
“Wendy is more lovable than you. I wanted to have a daughter back then but you Laines have a feudal way of thinking and insisted on a boy,” Sally said while feeling slightly regretful.
Jasper sat down on the sofa and saw a few pieces of crumpled-up tissue paper on the coffee table. He asked in astonishment, “Mom, were you crying? What happened?”
Sally sat down and sighed. She said with a miserable look on her face, “Rose Peters is dead.”
“Rose Peters? Who’s Rose Peters?”
Jasper frowned and tried to mentally search for this person’s information among the family and friends who were close to his family.
“Her!”
Sally pointed at the television and sighed. “She was such a wonderful person. Your father and I loved her skits. Aside from Mr. Roberts’ skits, hers were the best.”
“Famous actress Mrs. Rose Peters who was beloved by everyone passed away early this morning today because of lung cancer…”
The host’s pained voice sounded from the television.
Even though it was a local entertainment channel, Rose’s death as an artist was still being broadcasted on television and this showed just how big of an influence Rose had in the country.
For example, people around Sally’s age would know that actress with an infectious smile.
“Oh, her.” Jasper did not know whether to laugh or cry.
He did not understand. This person was not related to them at all, so why would his mother cry so sadly over her death?
“I think she’s the only one qualified to be an actress and a star. Look at those young people on television nowadays. They’re just androgynous bells and whistles. How can they be called stars?
“Still, you young people love them so much and call yourself groupies. I think you people need to think properly with your brains.”
While listening to his mother questioning the taste of the youngsters, Jasper laughed and said, “Mom, you’re outdated. Just you wait, in the next few years, those are the ones who are truly androgynous, and the fans will be…”
When he said that, Jasper fell silent suddenly.
Two years later, with the economic development, everyone’s living standards will increase and showbiz would welcome its boom before truly prospering.
Then, toward the end of 2020, any of those celebrities with huge followings would become cash cows.
The celebrities who would be shooting to fame in late 2020 were probably suffering in poverty or hardship now.
If he dabbled in the entertainment industry, he might not even need to do anything. As long as he signed them and gave them some resources that they were destined to get, then he could just sit home and wait for those cash cows to make money for him.
Others aside, the future superstar of Terra, Jay Ciao, might still be using other people’s recording studios to make his first album.
It was this album that launched Jay’s music career and dominated the English pop music industry for more than ten years.
Other than that, the women who the simps idolized in the future—Mimi Young, Tinker Belle, and Reba—had yet to make their mark.
Even Vicki Bird was just starting out, and she was far from being the mighty figure she became in the future who no one dared approach.
These people were the shiniest cash cows!
Throughout the ten years between 2000 until 2010, the three industries that would make one rich quick were real estate, the stock market, and the entertainment industry!
Jasper already had his plans for the first two, so now, he could not miss out on the entertainment industry!
“Why are you lost in thought?”
Sally’s voice woke Jasper from his thoughts.
“I suddenly remembered something, so I spaced out for a little,” Jasper answered without thinking.
“Wendy’s back, so I’m going to heat the chicken soup up for her to warm her body.”
Sally heard the sound of a car outside and got up to say.
“Why didn’t you tell me there’s chicken soup when I got back just now?” Jasper grumbled.
“Women are weaker, and you’re always asking her to do so many things, so of course, she’ll need this to replenish her health. You’re still young, so why do you need chicken soup?”
Sally said without even turning back. Then, she walked straight into the kitchen.
While they were talking, Wendy opened the door to come in. She asked Jasper curiously, “I heard your mother’s voice just now. What were you talking about?”
Jasper smiled and said, “We were talking about how to build an entertainment empire. Are you interested in being the best actress?”
Life at the Top Chapter 114
“Are you planning to advance into the entertainment industry?” Wendy asked as she was sharp and could sense Jasper’s intention.
As for the last sentence, Wendy ignored it automatically. She was used to this guy spewing nonsense occasionally, so she would treat it as if she had not heard him.
“The entertainment business is full of potential,” Jasper said. When he saw Wendy trying to say something but stopping herself, he asked, “You don’t agree with me?”
Wendy sat down and said, “No, I’ll always support your decisions. However, I’m just worried that we have too much on our plate. On one hand, JW Capital is doing investment, and on the other hand, we’re doing real estate too. Would it be a little too much if we venture into the entertainment industry as well?”
Wendy’s concern was reasonable. Some of the companies that were flourishing in one industry would be unable to recover after a minor hitch when they went onto the so-called path of diversification.
An example in another country would be the beverage company that was considered the brand of the people. They did not focus on making beverages, but instead, they went on to dabble in real estate and supplements. In the end, their losses almost caused the company to close down.
Within the country, it would be Schuler Group. An old fox like Dawson had almost jumped off a building because he went into the capitalist domain with his initiative after being deceived by the Hanks.
Naturally, Wendy’s concerns were not completely unreasonable.
“JW Capital’s main focus will always be in the finance industry, and our main job will be venture capital. This will never change,” Jasper explained attentively.
“As for the real estate company, it will be another business and your father will be the one managing it. As such, I’m not worried at all.
“I don’t plan to start from scratch regarding our future entertainment business. I want to buy an entertainment company in both Mainland and Harbor City. It’s the same concept. I can’t manage the company myself, so I’ll leave the professional things to the professionals. I’ll just be responsible for planning the entire project as a whole.”
Wendy’s eyes lit up when she heard what Jasper said. She asked, “Are you planning to set up a holding corporation in the future?”
Jasper smiled and pinched the bridge of Wendy’s nose. He said, “Smart.”
“The company’s system is too small.
“Although a corporation would be enough to hold a multi-industry development, the framework for a corporation is still pretty limiting.
“So, I’m planning to cast my net for now. In the future, when the companies from different industries become successful enough, then we can start a holding corporation.
“In the end, we’ll control the subsidiary companies with the holding corporation and each of the subsidiary companies will be responsible for their own industries.
“This way, we won’t cause a situation where people from outside the industry will need to lead the people from inside the industry. Plus, we won’t have the possibility of failing to have a multi-industry development.”
After he said this, Jasper looked at Wendy and smiled softly. “Let me test you, where will these frameworks usually appear in?”
Wendy suppressed her excitement and said, “Financial groups?”
“That’s right, financial groups.” Jasper nodded.
“My goal has never been to expand any company or corporation. That’s too small. The only way is to create a true financial group and use it to own a controlling number of shares of the headquarters of different industries. That is the true development of an oligarch economy.”
Jasper was not the first person to create this framework.
For example, Simsing Financial Group, Triton Financial Group, and a lot of other financial groups in the west all developed this way.
Even the strongest company would have its limits. For example, Weresoft and Honeydew were both the biggest companies in the world, but Weresoft was good at developing operating systems while Honeydew was good at developing electronic goods.
One industry was unable to satisfy Jasper’s appetite.
He had a chance to be reborn, so if he did not start a financial group and become an oligarch, then what was the difference between him and a dead fish?
“Back then, my father kept telling me that you’re a hidden dragon and you’ll fly into the sky one day. I thought he admired you too much and was only talking big. Now, why do I feel that your ambitions are bigger than the hidden dragon?” Wendy asked sincerely.
Jasper chuckled and said, “I’ve talked to your father, and we’ll ask the head of Financial Affairs to work for half a year in JW Capital. We’ll treat this as a temporary transfer. You have to learn from her in these six months.”
Wendy said angrily, “Do you think I don’t have the ability?”
Jasper said quickly, “No, it’s not that. I’m worried that you won’t be able to handle things after the industries under our name grow.”
Life at the Top Chapter 115
“I’ll definitely let a professional be the one to manage the overall system. However, aside from my parents and you, I won’t trust anyone to be in charge of the finances.”
Wendy grunted softly. She was enjoying the fact that Jasper was trusting her as much as he trusted his parents, but instead, she said, “I’ll steal all of your money when you’re not watching!”
“Whatever is mine belongs to you too,” Jasper said with a smile.
A faint red tinge appeared on Wendy’s face.
“Wendy, come, I’ve made chicken soup for you. Drink it while it’s hot. They brought me an old hen from the hometown and it’s good for you.”
At this moment, Sally walked over with a bowl of soup.
Wendy quickly went over to take it from her.
“Thank you, Sally,” Wendy said sweetly.
Her mother passed away when she was young, so she and Dawson had been interdependent this entire time.
Even though Dawson spoiled her like she was a treasure, he was still a man and was always busy with work. Aside from materialistic things, it could be said that he was unable to give Wendy the care she needed in life.
In these few days, Wendy could feel the motherly love she had lost for so many years from Sally. Naturally, she was very close to her.
Sally was beaming with joy as she said warmly, “Just tell me anything you want to eat in the future. Don’t trouble yourself.”
“Okay.”
Wendy took small sips of the chicken soup that had been simmered on low heat for long hours. She felt a warm feeling flowing all the way into the deepest part of her heart.
Sally turned around in satisfaction when she saw Wendy drinking the soup. Then, she instructed Jasper, “Go, call your father over for dinner. That old man hasn’t been doing anything after he came here. He’s either fishing or playing chess with his friends. He never knows to come back even when it’s time for dinner.”
…
Three days later, Province International Airport.
“JW Real Estate is operating according to standards now. I’ve entrusted the designers from the Province Design Institute to come up with something. I’ll show you when it’s done.”
Dawson said to Jasper.
Jasper nodded and said, “No rush. Soon, the people who are constructing the Laws’ amusement park will arrive. We can communicate with them because after all, the Laws started from real estate. They’ll know more than us.”
Dawson laughed and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll be watching over JW Real Estate, so there won’t be a problem.”
“I’ll be leaving, then,” Jasper said softly to Wendy.
After nodding, Wendy said, “Come back soon.”
Jasper smiled and waved at Dawson and Wendy before walking into the security check lane.
“Oh, that rascal. JW Real Estate was just set in motion and he’s asking me to ask around for any entertainment companies that are on sale because of bad business. How much information does he have in his brain?”
Dawson sighed ruefully.
He could flaunt himself as one of the few successful people in the business world. However, when he looked at Jasper, he felt that he was getting old.
“He said he wants to get into the entertainment industry. I think he contacted the Laws and that’s why he’s in such a hurry to go to Harbor City. I heard he has his eyes on an entertainment company that’s going to close down and go for sale.”
Dawson furrowed his brows. He did not have any opinions about Jasper going into the entertainment industry, but he had a feeling that something bad would happen because he remembered that the Hanks had also sent Zayden to Harbor City.
However, he had already reminded Jasper. Judging from his personality, anyone in this world would suffer a loss before him.
Dawson unfurrowed his brows when he thought about this. He said to his daughter who was almost turning into the Widow’s Rock, “Let’s go, your Aunt Zoey has already arranged for you to learn under the head of Financial Affairs, so you have to learn from her. If not, you won’t be able to handle Jasper’s humongous business empire in the future.”
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Wendy put her arms around Dawson’s neck and said coquettishly, “Dad, you’re the best.”
Dawson patted the back of Wendy’s hands, which were crossed in front of his body, and said, “You’re my one and only daughter. Who else would I do all of this for, if not you?”
“The shares of JW Real Estates are already in your name. In the future, I’ll entrust the management team of the entire real estate company to you.
“Is this appropriate though?” Wendy betrayed some hesitation.
“I’m giving it to you as a gift, so of course it’s appropriate. Jasper’s a smart man, he understands my intentions.”
Dawson pondered for a moment, then continued, “Jasper is an outstanding young man. His future won’t be limited to just this province. The entire country, or an even larger stage—that’s where he should go.
“I want to seize the opportunity now to arrange a large dowry for you so that no matter where Jasper ends up in the future, you will always have sufficient authority to speak up.”
Wendy frowned and said, “Dad, I haven’t even thought this far ahead yet. What’s more, Jasper isn’t that kind of person.”
“I don’t think he is either,” Dawson commented, smiling.
“However, given he’s such an excellent young man, do you think he’d ever have a shortage of philanderers and lascivious women around him? Even if he does remain faithful to you till the end, you won’t lack for rivals. The shares of the JW Estate, as well as the future Schuler Group are the bargaining chips I’m giving you.
“This isn’t for you to strive for favor. It’s for you to always have enough to intimidate the women who want to get close to him, so that they’ll back off once they’re aware of the overwhelming odds against them.”
…
“I’ve received inside information that Sylva has fully retired and no longer manages anything within the Hanks family. However, Zayden Hanks has been dispatched to Harbor City, so you need to beware.”
On the plane, Jasper narrowed his eyes slightly, recalling the news Dawson had given him just before departure.
It seemed as if the Hanks family really did intend to keep some lingering influence.
Before Sylva fully relinquished his position, he had used the last of his resources and connections to send Zayden to Harbor City.
Surely he was counting on Zayden to open up new prospects in Harbor City to plot their comeback, father and son.
From this, Jasper could also consider himself as having gained insight into the power of this sort of large, deeply-rooted family.
It was absolutely true that old institutions died hard. Even at this point, Sylva’s reach could still extend into Harbor City.
However, the proverbial currents of Harbor City ran many times deeper than that of the province—they were powerful enough that the Law family still did not dare proclaim itself the king of Harbor City.
What could Zayden Hanks alone stir up within Harbor City, even if he had the capital that Sylva had given him?
These were just the ravings of a lunatic.
As the plane lifted off into the air, Jasper closed his eyes and temporarily put aside the affairs of the Hanks family.
He still had a tough battle to fight in Harbor City.
Three hours later, the plane eventually landed at the Harbor City International Airport.
As he came out of the airport after going through Customs, from far away, Jasper noticed a Rolls-Royce parked conspicuously by the side of the road.
In Harbor City, one could customize the numbers and letters on their own license plates.
For example, a car with a single number 9 on its license plate belonged to a tycoon in the entertainment industry of Harbor City. Anyone would recognize it anywhere; it was worth 13 million Harbor dollars.
Furthermore, the license plate of the Rolls-Royce before his eyes was known to everyone in Harbor City.
LAW.
These 3 letters represented the Law family.
As for the value of that particular license plate… Unless they were mad, no one would even consider trying to buy this license plate, no matter what the price. That would be the equivalent of a death wish.
“Mainla… Mr. Laine, you…you have quite the reputation.”
Henry Law, who was standing by the car, had spoken of out of habit before immediately realizing that he had said the wrong thing. After forcibly correcting himself, his face was still wooden with displeasure.
“This is Old Master Law’s car. He requested the driver to pick you up with this vehicle to show how much the Law family values you.”
The person who spoke was Anna Law.
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“Please extend my gratitude to the old master on my behalf,” Jasper said sincerely to Anna.
Although it were the Laws who had asked for him, they had treated him with enough respect in all aspects regardless.
Jasper was not one to have an exaggerated opinion of his own ability. He respected Old Master Law, and his words were spoken from the heart.
“You should convey this to the old master yourself,” Anna said with a smile.
“Alright, Little Sis. You’ve picked up the man, I’m leaving now.” Henry took the opportunity to say this just as Jasper was getting into the car.
Anna furrowed her brows and said, “Grandfather wants to invite Jasper for dinner at home tonight. Where are you running off to?”
“Oh shucks, Grandfather also knows that I don’t fancy these kinds of occasions. I’ve already made plans with a friend, so I’ll be going off first.”
As Henry finished saying this, he sped off in a hurry.
Anna sighed. Turning around, she got into the car.
The same moment the driver started the car, Anna said to Jasper apologetically, “My brother, he is in truth a bit rude, so please don’t mind him.”
“Not at all. From the way he sees it, we’re simply not individuals from the same world. It’s not surprising that we might not have things to talk about.” Jasper actually understood this clearly.
“Apart from his group of scoundrels, who else would be of the same world as he?” said Anna unhappily.
As they sat in the car, there was a faint feminine fragrance coming from his side. This fragrance was not heady and carried with it the slight scent of perfume.
Ordinary women certainly wore perfume as not all women had a natural bodily fragrance. Like for Wendy, she did not really fancy using perfume as her body was naturally pleasant smelling.
It was different for Anna, though. The perfume on her body was supplemented by the scent of her own body, making it even more fragrant. Even though it was not heavy, the level of its intensity was one that tugged at heartstrings the most.
Jasper felt some discomfort sitting in the same car with both of them so close together.
They were so close that the two could clearly feel each other’s breath and heartbeat.
“This is the first time you came to Harbor City…”
“This is the first time I’m in Harbor City…”
The both of them opened their mouths and spoke at the same time, then stopped at the same time as well.
Looking at each other, the two began laughing. The previously awkward but charming atmosphere immediately dispersed.
“You speak first,” Anna said softly.
Jasper smiled lightly. “I wanted to say that this is my first time coming to Harbor City and I’m not familiar with the place. I’d like to ask you to bring me around Harbor City later. I heard that Victoria Harbor is the most beautiful at night.”
Anna’s face turned a faint red. She nodded and said, “I was just about to say the same. I’ll be your tour guide when you’re free tomorrow.”
As they chatted happily, the car drove quietly on the road and gradually left the bustling city.
Sassoon Road, Repulse Bay. As the top wealthiest district of Harbor City, almost all of the four wealthiest and most powerful families in Harbor City lived here.
33 was the residence of the Law family.
In Harbor City, the huge gap between the rich and the poor could be seen from the housing.
99% of the people in Harbor City lived in cramped ‘coffin rooms’ with family members essentially piling up on one another.
For a large family like the Laws, the area occupied by their house was so extravagant that their wealth had soared within this rich port city.
Entering through the gates of the villa and bypassing the garden lawn, Jasper then arrived at the door of the villa.
To his surprise, Zachary Law himself was actually waiting at the door.
This action showed that the Laws were really treating him like a distinguished guest!
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“Jasper, we meet again.”
Zachary walked over with a loud laugh when he saw Jasper getting down from the car.
As he spoke, he smiled heartily while firmly shaking hands with Jasper and patting Jasper’s shoulder with his free hand.
Jasper smiled and replied, “I’m sorry to bother you with my coming to Harbor City this time.”
Zachary returned with a smile as well and said, “It’s no bother. It’s our responsibility to host you as the owner of this place.”
With that, Zachary guided Jasper into the manor. He said as he walked, “How’s the scenery of Harbor City on the way from the airport?”
Jasper thought for a moment and sincerely said, “I saw prosperity along the way. I also saw opportunities everywhere.”
Zachary said meaningfully, “Young people are full of vitality. Your vision is indeed different.
“C’mon, the old master is in the backyard. I’ve talked to him about you and he really wants to meet you,” Zachary said.
Following Zachary to the backyard, Jasper saw an elderly man in loose, everyday clothes wearing a straw hat. He was doing weeding work in a small vegetable garden.
Frankly speaking, Jasper really did not expect this to be how his first meeting with the corporate legend Old Master Law would turn out.
“Typically, when the old master has nothing to do, he likes to keep himself busy in this small vegetable garden. There’s nothing we can do about it, ” Zachary explained and then walked toward the vegetable garden.
At this moment, Old Master Law saw the two of them. Ignoring Zachary who was walking over, he beckoned to Jasper and motioned for him to come over.
Jasper entered the vegetable garden and smiled. “Old Master, you’re as fit as fiddle.”
The old master was born in 1923 and was now at a venerable age of 77.
Old Master Law leaned on the garden hoe, his forehead slightly sweaty. He took in a breath and smiled. “There’s a lack of energy to do other things when one is old, but it instead feels meaningful to be in a vegetable garden.
“C’mere, youngin, come over and talk.”
Jasper went to the old master’s side. The two of them finally had the opportunity to take a good look at each other at this moment.
The old master was very lean. He was not a tall man, nor was he what novels might describe as ruthlessly ambitious or intractable. His whole bearing was not redolent of the domineering aura of the sort of people who enjoyed simply lording over everyone.
On the contrary, he looked more like an ordinary old farmer. It was just that his eyes were very bright. Although he was nearly 80 years old, his gaze was not murky but full of vitality.The old master scanned Jasper from head to toe and complimented, “Not bad.”
“Youngin, come here and have a look. How’s my vegetable garden?” the old master asked rather proudly.
Jasper looked over and noticed that the vegetable garden was not big, but it was obvious that someone took great care of it every day. Some of the vegetables were growing up well.
If it were ordinary people, they would be racking their brains to think of praise and flattery regardless of the situation.
Jasper, however, shook his head. “Old Master, you’ve planted them wrongly.”
The old master was taken aback. He asked, “How is it wrong?”
Jasper pointed to a tomato seedling and the cucumber seedling next to it, saying, “Old Master, tomatoes and cucumbers cannot be planted together. Cucumbers have relatively shallow roots and need to be watered regularly, but tomatoes are the opposite. They have deep roots and low water requirements.
“If these two are planted together, either the cucumbers will die from underwatering or the tomatoes will die from overwatering. Only a child born in a farmer’s family like me would know such things.”
The old master slapped his forehead and said with a sudden realization, “So that’s why I’ve been unable to grow the tomatoes. Alas, knowledge obtained from books indeed feels shallow.”
Zachary, who was not far away, was sweating profusely.
He never really expected the old master and Jasper, where the age gap between the two was more than 50 years, to have such a great conversation on the topic of growing vegetables.
Anna, who had come over to his side at some point, burst out laughing.
“What are you laughing at?” Zachary asked curiously.
Anna looked at the two people in the vegetable garden and said, “Before this, Grandpa wouldn’t even listen when told to rest more, but it’s alright now. Grandpa will probably be embarrassed to show off the garden hoe again now that somebody has revealed his flaws.”
Life at the Top Chapter 119
At this moment, Old Master Law smiled and said to Jasper, “As a matter of fact, you’ll understand how to be a person after living long. The principle is the same when it comes to growing vegetables.
“From loosening the soil to sowing the seeds, fertilizing and watering, then waiting for the flowers to bloom and bear fruit; each process has to be done meticulously in its rightful order.
“Problems may occur at every stage. If the quality of the soil is not good enough, the seeds won’t grow. Too much fertilizer and the roots will burn, but too little fertilizer and they will wilt. Too much water and the veggies will be waterlogged, but too little water and they will dry up. Everything has to be just right.”
Jasper nodded in deep agreement. “The smallest piece of land may be no more than a few square feet, but it still possesses great wisdom.”
Old Master Law said cheerfully, “I heard from Zachary that you promised to help the Law family earn back the nine billion?”
Jasper said solemnly, “I’m certain of it.”
However, Old Master Law waved his hand and said, “There’s no need to feel pressured. The Law family enjoys making friends, even more so with young talents like you.
“When there’s a lot of money, it’s just a string of numbers. The Law family is still the Law family regardless of that nine billion. You don’t have to worry about it.”
Jasper smiled and said, “I am, of course, impressed that Old Master Law is able to look at the bright side of things, but I plan to seize this opportunity to lay a solid foundation for myself, so I can’t let it slip by.”
“If there’s anything you need, you can let Zachary know. The Law family will provide you with all the help you need,” Old Master Law said.
“Thank you, Old Master Law.” Jasper did not pretend to be modest.
Showing up in Harbor City and standing in the Law family’s manor had already proven the alliance between the two parties.
The Law family needed him, and he also needed the Law family.
The main intention when it came to helping each other out was to form an alliance.
“I’m tired, I’ll be heading upstairs to rest. You can look around the Law family’s manor while you wait to have dinner together in the evening,” said Old Master Law.
“Alright,” Jasper smiled and said.
The two of them walked out of the vegetable garden with Jasper right behind Old Master Law.
“Dad, don’t work on this vegetable garden anymore. Just leave it to the servants,” said Zachary.
“Grandpa, I’ll help you upstairs,” Anna said with a sweet smile.
“It’s still my granddaughter who understands me.” Old Master Law smiled and patted Anna’s hand, then said to Zachary peevishly, “You just need to mind your business. I don’t see any prospects from you even at this age, yet you still want to lecture me every day?”
Jasper stood beside Zachary and watched Old Master Law leave.
It would be too foolish to think that he was just an ordinary old man because of his appearance.
This old man was considered to be the real hero of Harbor City!
Like any other wealthy family, even the richest Caucasian family, the Langdon family, had encountered violent criminals kidnapping their son. However, the Law family had for many years stood firm against the wind and rain. No one from either law enforcement or the mafias dared to touch them and why was that?
It was because Old Master Law of the Law family was still around.
This old man was a big shot who had connections in both sides of the laws and clever means. The Law family had also been involved in arms dealings back in the early years.
Besides, very few people knew that the Law family held a lot of shares in the gambling industry in Harbor City. Back then, the king of gambling had offended Old Master Law and the latter said to him, “Never step into Harbor City for as long as I live.”
The king of gambling was so scared that he had yet to step into Harbor City till this day.
In the past, it was only after Old Master Law died did the king of gambling dare enter Harbor City free and easy again.
It could be seen that while Old Master Law had long retired and was busy with this vegetable garden every day, his name could still keep the entirety of Harbor City and Auma City in his control.
There was a saying that everyone in the elite circle knew.
Old Master Law was the first and only true top businessman since the economic reformation.
It was not an exaggeration to say that Old Master Law’s ability had surpassed the heavens!
Life at the Top Chapter 120
“Jasper, I heard you started an investment company in Mainland?“
After Old Master Law had gone upstairs to have a rest, Zachary took Jasper for a walk in the backyard and asked the latter casually.
Jasper was not surprised that Zachary knew about this.
After all, investigating his background would be an effortless task for the Law family and their capabilities.
“My capabilities are limited and I can’t perform specific tasks, so I can only provide the money and let the professionals do what the professionals do best,” Jasper smiled and said.
Zachary laughed and then said, “The lower-class work using effort, the middle-class work using talent, and the upper-class work using people.”
Jasper chuckled and said, “In fact, in my opinion, this is a golden age, especially in Mainland where opportunities are everywhere. Start a little earlier and you may have some preemptive opportunities in the future.”
Zachary nodded and said, “Your investment company has invested in an internet company called Terizone Inc.. You seem to be very optimistic about the internet industry?”
Jasper nodded. “The internet is the general trend of the future. This is what the generation has chosen.”
Zachary did not comment on that.
Jasper knew very well that all the rich and powerful in Harbor City of today were still sticking to traditional industries apart from a few others.
It was not that traditional industries did not make money, but these people had become accustomed to cultivating deeply in the field they were good at.
They did not understand the internet, nor were they optimistic about it.
The issue of the rich having limited vision was not exclusive to Harbor City. It was the same in many places.
“The present performance of the internet companies in the stock market indeed makes people green with envy,” Zachary said.
“The Law family also has some investments in Harbor City’s stocks, but the current turmoil in Harbor City’s stocks has been treacherous and the market is a bit unpredictable. Several recent investments have failed, and comments against the Law family from the outside world are uproarious, which is very troublesome.”
Jasper immediately recalled something about the Law family from the memory of his previous life.
In his previous life, the Law family at this time had suffered a loss of nine billion as well and had been looking for opportunities to earn back what they had lost.
However, matters in the financial world could never be done in a hurry.
The Law family had made several investments. Although there were gains and losses and still a slight profit overall, it was not worth mentioning when compared to their investments and the risks taken.
For example, if one earned 10,000 from spending a million while risking the possible loss of half a million, should one really think that such an investment was successful?
It was without a doubt, a failure.
That was because the cost and risks were too high and not worth the profits.
Furthermore, according to the timeline, the Law family should have bought Hansel Index by now.
This was the Law family’s last financial investment because they had lost 800 million at once in this investment.
800 million was not a big deal for the Law family, but this failure had driven the family to completely abandon the financial capital market and return to the traditional industries of real estate and shipbuilding.
“Is Mr. Law betting that Harbor City’s stocks will fall?” Jasper asked according to the information from the memory of his previous life.
Zachary said in surprise, “Yes, how do you know?”
Jasper thought for a moment and said, “Can you look at Harbor City’s stocks here at home, Mr. Law?”
Zachary nodded. “Come with me.”
With Zachary’s guidance, Jasper came to a study room.
After switching on the computer, Zachary ushered Jasper to take a seat in front of the computer while he himself stood by and watched.
“How much did the Law family buy?” Jasper asked.
“One billion.”
Zachary sighed. “Because the stock that we’re betting on is falling, the recent rise in Hansel Index also means that the Law family account now has a loss of at least 200 million.
“But we’re ready to increase our investment. As long as the Hansel Index drops later, we will not only gain back our previous losses but also earn a lot of money!”
Jasper smiled, shook his head, and said, “Mr. Law, you and your analyst, along with most of the richest people in Harbor City, are wrong.”
Since his rebirth, Jasper knew very well that Hansel Index Harbor City’s stock will continue to rise above 18,000 points soon, maybe even today.
What was more, the burst of the internet economy bubble that was soon to come would cause the Hansel Index to plummet immediately, erasing more than 100 billion worth of wealth in an instant.
Three years later, under Harbor City’s rooftops, there would be many bodies of those who jumped off buildings due to their bankruptcy.
“What do you mean? Do you think it’ll rise above 18,000 points?” Zachary asked in astonishment.
Jasper nodded and said, “It’s now the last carnival of the capital and the amount involved has reached trillions of dollars!
“Besides, the stock market of both Harbor City and the United States are closely intertwined. Several of the major financial giants have poured in nearly one trillion dollars in funds with the prosperity of the internet economy, and good news will continue to come.”
Zachary frowned deeply. He paced a few steps at where he was before looking at Jasper seriously, asking, “What would you do if it were you?”
“Accept all the losses, then take out as much cash as possible to buy it all up!”
Jasper raised his head and looked at Zachary. The corners of his mouth were slightly raised, making him look confident and crazed.
“The Hansel Index will definitely surpass 18,000 points!”
Although he was mentally prepared, Zachary still found it a little outrageous in the face of Jasper’s confidence.
“With this back and forth, there’s at least a billion-level gap. Are you confident that it will be as you think?”
Zachary asked seriously.
Jasper tapped his finger on the tabletop lightly and said indifferently, “Mr. Law, if you believe in me, just do as I say. If you don’t, it’s useless no matter how much I say!”