Ch. 191..200
Life at the Top Chapter 191
To Jasper, he wanted to protect Harbor City’s economy even if it meant giving up the profits he already had in his hands.
What kind of mindset was this?
Even though they had made a lot of money these two days and Zack could get a hefty sum of money, he and his team were from Harbor City after all.
Zack would still feel a little uncomfortable when he watched the economy of his home being plundered and robbed by someone else. In addition to that, they were also sucking the blood of the citizens and taking away the results their economy had gained after so many years.
However, he was just someone holding onto a job. He did not have the ability, and his words would not amount to anything, so it would be impossible for him to do anything.
However, now, Jasper’s order felt like a cardiac stimulant to him.
‘Mr. Laine… is a hero!’ Zack murmured to himself in his heart.
Jasper’s expression was serious. His main issue was that someone else was digging this farmland that was Harbor City and he could not tolerate this!
This farmland would be able to bring him a lot of opportunities to make money in the future!
The measly profits that he was letting go now would be able to get him a wider space to grow in the future.
He would need to be farsighted if he wanted to do business. He would not have a future if he kept staring at those tiny profits in front of him.
Now, the Hansel Index had dropped to 8,000 points. Its limit would be this even if Jasper did not do anything. If it continued to lose another 1,000 points and reached 7,000, the Harbor City government would take strong action and those millionaires would also start to inject funds.
To Jasper, 90% of the money he could make was already in his pocket. As for the remaining 10%, it would be a worthy trade if it would be able to give Harbor City a rapidly developing economy in the next 20 years.
In Harbor Stocks Trading Center, everyone lost all of their hopes when they saw the two billion being shown on the screen.
To them, Harbor Stocks would continue to plummet this morning as they had yesterday. They would continue to bomb.
“Oh no, oh no! This is the same as the financial crisis three years ago! It’s exactly the same!”
An old stock investor wailed in front of the trading hall with tears in his eyes.
Everyone around him was silent, and they all had despair on their faces.
However, when despair was looming over everyone, a buy order of two billion appeared in the list of trading without any warning signs.
In the next second, a buying order and a selling order were hedging. The Hansel Index miraculously stabled at 7,813 points and did not drop anymore!
“What’s going on? Did someone eat the order of two billion?” someone yelled loudly.
This loud voice attracted everyone’s attention.
When they realized what they were seeing was not an illusion, someone yelled, “Did the four wealthy families do something?”
“Maybe the government of Harbor City injected the emergency funds into the market?”
Among the commotion, inside Law Manor that was more than ten kilometers away.
“There are 15 stock traders and everyone is using their own accounts to display the order they bought with 100 million. These 15 orders will be the tool for us to protect the market and fight back.”
Jasper took a sip of the spring tea Anna handed him as he stared at the screen and ordered.
Inside the living room, all of the stock traders were so excited that their faces were red.
None of them would expect to be in the team of heroes saving Harbor Stocks one day.
Some things were more important than making money in one’s life.
Harbor City was their home, and they did not want to watch as their home got destroyed.
At this moment, everyone was working faster and with more excitement than when they were furiously making money.
In the next second, an order occupied a line of information. Then, 15 lines of information and 15 purchase orders appeared in the trading list of Harbor Stocks.
15 orders.
15 purchasing information.
All of them were worth 100 million.
They were displayed dazzlingly and evidently on the screen, occupying the buying list that had been empty for a day and a half.
The purchasing order of 1.5 billion was like a soundless and shapeless thing, but at that moment, it was a message that everyone in Harbor City could understand as it resounded in everyone’s hearts.
‘When you’re in despair and when you’re feeling helpless, someone is still protecting and saving the economy of Harbor City!’
At this moment, in another secluded villa on the other side of Harbor City, Bob furrowed his brows tightly.
“Someone’s causing trouble!”
Life at the Top Chapter 192
When the 15 orders totaled 1.5 billion were listed on the trading list, Bob could tell something was wrong. Someone wanted to protect the market!
It was because Kennedy was at the internal meeting of the four wealthy families.
He could not be absent from this important meeting with his current status. If not, his entire plan would be exposed and they would be finished.
As such, Bob was the one controlling the situation. However, they did not expect that someone would do something at this moment. Were the four wealthy families and the government of Harbor City doing something to save the city?
Impossible! They would not be so fast!
“Mr. Lancaster, someone devoured the order we sold for two billion earlier in the blink of an eye. Now, they’re listing out these 15 orders and it’s clear that they’re declaring war with us.”
The manager who was leading the stock traders said.
“It doesn’t matter who it is. They’re just overrating themselves and attempting something impossible.”
Bob thought for a while before chuckling coldly. He ordered, “Take them down. Don’t give them any hope.”
After Bob gave out that order, the stock traders started to do their things.
In the blink of an eye, the 1.5 billion order was swept clean.
“Continue selling. I want the Hansel Index to drop until 7,000 points this morning!”
Bob’s haughty voice reverberated in the villa.
He was enjoying the feeling of being full of vim. When Kennedy was here, his words were nothing compared to his.
However, it was different now. He was the boss here, and with one sentence, he was able to cause the rise and fall of Harbor Stocks. He was also able to control the fall of Harbor Stocks according to his wishes. This feeling was even more addictive than doing drugs.
…
“Mr. Laine, the other party has swept our orders clean. We’re still selling shorts and watching it drop!”
When Jasper heard Zack’s voice, he stayed silent for a while. A moment later, he ordered, “Take. Take as many as they have. We have to maintain the Hansel Index at 7,810 points.”
After Jasper’s order, Zack started to instruct the stock traders.
Immediately, Jasper and Bob’s funds were competing against each other on Harbor Stocks.
The funds that were worth more than ten billion did not cause any ripples when they were going against each other. However, these funds worth more than ten billion dollars would dictate the fate of Harbor Stocks this morning before the market closed.
“Tell me the situation of the funds in our account,” Jasper said while looking at the market without blinking.
“For now, we have about 89.6 billion in our account.”
When Jasper heard what Zack said, he nodded.
His capital was 40 billion. He had made almost 50 billion from yesterday and today.
Since he had such a huge amount of funds in his hands, he was naturally confident.
“Continue to list out purchase orders for a total of three billion. I want the Hansel Index to rise ten more points.”
…
“B*stard!”
Bob stared gloomily at the changes in the market. It had only been half an hour and he had already put in almost five billion dollars. However, it was as if the other party’s funds were bottomless. The other party would put in as much as they put in.
After spending five billion dollars, not only did the Hansel Index not fall as he had predicted, it even stood firmly at 7,813 points.
This figure was like a spell and he could not get rid of it no matter how hard he tried.
If Kennedy came back to this scene, he would certainly question Bob’s ability.
When Bob thought about this, his eyes darkened even more.
“F*ck! Who the hell is fooling with me?” Bob muttered to himself sinisterly.
At this moment, a three billion order crashed into Harbor Stocks.
“M-Mr. Lancaster, should we take this down?”
Even the blind would be able to see that Bob was in an extremely bad mood, so the manager asked in a small voice nervously.
Life at the Top Chapter 193
“Rubbish! If we don’t take it down, then are we going to watch them raise the market? We’ll all be finished if the Hansel Index increases, isn’t it?”
Bob yelled angrily, and his saliva almost drenched the manager’s face.
“We can’t let him raise the market!”
Bob’s eyes were shining with a sinister glint.
“Once the market is stable or even has a glimpse of a rally, then those investors will think the time for bottom fishing is here. When they make a comeback, then we’ll be in huge trouble!”
When Bob thought about this, he yelled fiercely, “Continue to smash the price! I refuse to believe that he has so much money to play with me!”
…
The parents of the four richest families were sitting together and discussing in Clark’s house.
“We can’t watch Harbor Stocks crash. I suggest all of us take out some funds. We have to stabilize the market.”
The Ship King, who was also the head of the Boyles, said with a serious expression on his face.
“You’re right, but we don’t even know who’s the other party or how much funds they have. What if we fall into their trap if we just do this blindly?” Kennedy said indifferently.
“What should we do, then? Are we just going to watch it happen and do nothing? Everyone out there is waiting for us to say something,” Spencer Boyle said bluntly.
“Please don’t be impatient.”
Clark chuckled and turned his head to look at Zachary. He said, “Old Man Law, what do you think?”
Zachary had a calm expression on his face, and he said calmly, “I support the Boyles’ opinion. As the four richest families, we have to be the examples. On the other hand, we have to communicate with the government as well. They can’t just allow the economy of Harbor City to fall back!”
At this moment, Clark’s secretary knocked on the door before coming in. She quickly said something to Clark.
Clark made a noise of surprise that attracted the attention of the other three.
After waving his hand to dismiss his secretary, Clark said profoundly, “I think someone’s one step ahead of us.”
While he said that, Clark turned on the television and ordered someone to connect it to Harbor Stocks Market.
Immediately, the situation of the market appeared on the television.
Right now, it was 13 minutes to closing.
The Hansel Index was stable at 7,820 points and there were two large amounts of funds going at each other surrounding this point.
“Is someone protecting the market?” Spencer said in surprise.
Clark nodded and said, “My secretary told me while we were in the middle of the meeting, there was an injection of funds and the other party has been protecting the market since 7,813 points. They’ve been going at each other for the entire morning. Not only did the points not fall, it even increased by seven points.
“Now, everyone out there is guessing who this person is. Nobody has any idea who’s spending the money now,” Clark said profoundly.
At this moment, the expressions on Zachary and Kennedy’s faces changed subtly.
Of course, Zachary knew that the person who was protecting the market now was Jasper.
There was a hint of comfort in his eyes.
On the other hand, Kennedy was conflicted.
He did not expect that Bob would be able to mess this up when he was out having a meeting.
They had so many funds but they still let the other party successfully protect the market.
“Who’s this person?”
Kennedy asked quickly. He wanted to find out who this person was right now more than anyone.
“No idea.”
Clark shook his head and said gleefully, “But since someone’s ahead of us, then we can’t hesitate anymore. If not, people will be disappointed.”
Everyone looked at each other and reached a mutual agreement.
Even though Kennedy was extremely reluctant, he did not dare to show it. He could only say that he agreed with this while going against his wishes.
After a while, the morning market closed.
Bang!
In the villa, Bob slammed down on the screen violently. He roared, “F*ck! Who is that person?
“Who among you can tell me why not only did you fail to make the points go down, but you even walked right into the other party’s trap and lost a few hundred millions?”
Life at the Top Chapter 194
The entire villa was quiet.
At this moment, the stock traders wanted so badly to stop breathing.
They were scared that once they made a squeak, Bob, who was in the middle of his rage, would take out his anger on them.
Nobody dared to say a word, but everybody was disapproving of this in their hearts.
‘You’re the one who ordered this and you’re the one who made all of the decisions. Now that you’ve fallen into the other party’s trap, you’re blaming the people who’re working for you?’
Bob gasped for air loudly, staring at the market angrily and irritably. He was gritting his teeth tightly. Nobody knew what he was thinking about.
At this moment, his phone rang.
When he saw that it was from Kennedy, his face fell. However, he still decided to answer.
“What’s wrong with you? I handed you the power to command them and you caused this mess! How do you expect me to explain this to Rogers?” Kennedy’s dark voice sounded from the other end of the phone.
Bob could feel a demonic fire surging from his stomach, but since he was terrified of Kennedy’s power and influence, he suppressed his displeasure tenaciously. He said, “The other party is too sly. I didn’t expect this to happen—”
“That’s enough. Stop talking!” Kennedy interrupted Bob’s sentence.
“We’ve talked about this just now and we’re on the way to the government of Harbor City. We plan to host a press conference with the government at noon.
“The four rich families will take out ten billion each. With the market rescue funds from the government and the other millionaires, we might be able to get about 100 billion for market rescue funds.
“The 100 billion will be injected into the stock market for market rescue in the afternoon. I’ll come back with Rogers before the market commences in the afternoon. Be more low profile later. If you make Rogers think you’re a useless piece of trash, I won’t be able to save you, nor will I want to save you!”
After Bob heard that, he felt fear and trepidation in his heart. He said, “100 billion? How are we going to play this after the funds come in?”
Kennedy scoffed and said, “Quantum Fund has not made a move yet. Why do you think Rogers and his gang are staying in Harbor City? We’ll just wait for them to inject the funds into the market. When that happens, we won’t know for sure if they’re rescuing the market or sending themselves to their deaths. Hehe.”
…
During lunch, Jasper, Anna, and Henry were eating while watching the television.
Showing on the television was the live broadcast of the government’s press conference.
“The four rich families in combination with the government are declaring that the economy of Harbor City is the result of every citizen in Harbor City, and they won’t allow anyone to tarnish this!
“This afternoon, the four rich families, the other millionaires in Harbor City, and the government has an overall plan to raise 100 billion in funds to rescue the market!”
A series of news proved that the government had started doing something.
Henry turned his head to look at Jasper. He said, “You’re pretty accurate. The government did release a statement at noon. You even got the 100 billion correct. Are you a god?”
When Henry remembered how Jasper had said the government would release a statement before lunch about rescuing the market with 100 billion in funds and how he had not believed him, Henry felt a little awkward.
“Your dad called and told me. I was just repeating what he said, so how would I be wrong?” Jasper shrugged. He did not mind Henry’s murderous gaze after he flew into a rage out of humiliation. A moment later, he stared blankly at him.
“Damn it! You’re fooling me!” Henry yelled in displeasure.
After spending some time with him, Henry could finally predict Jasper’s temper.
He looked mature and earnest, unlike anyone who was the same age as him. However, he was a pretty easy-going person and was able to take a joke.
The relationship between the two of them was much better than before. Plus, Henry was genuinely impressed with Jasper, so his sense of superiority of being the son of the number one millionaire in Harbor City had long been gone.
Life at the Top Chapter 195
As such, Henry was able to say anything he wanted and according to his wishes.
Jasper took some soup for himself and did not forget to also take some for Anna who was beside him. The latter reacted shyly to what he was doing. Jasper said to Henry, “Let me quiz you. If you were me, what should you do this afternoon?”
Henry was stumped for words. He bit his fork and fell into deep thought.
When Anna was about to say something, she saw Jasper smiling and shaking his head at her. Immediately, Anna fell quiet. She was also looking at her ignorant and incompetent brother with interest. She wanted to see what strategy he would blurt out.
“Wait and see,” Henry said probingly.
The way he observed Jasper carefully and the way he tried to guess if his answer was right or wrong was exactly as if he was a pupil in class who just got called by the teacher to answer a question.
However, what disappointed Henry was that he did not get anything from his observation.
“Continue,” Jasper ate some vegetables and said flatly.
“Because I know we have about 100 billion in the morning but we didn’t make the other party lose out too much because it was just a trap you set to make them lose a few hundred million.
“A few hundred million is just a slap in the face compared to such a large amount of funds. It’s far from being able to make him lose out too much.”
Henry felt that he had not killed his brain cells and operated his thoughts so violently after graduating from high school. He continued to stammer.
“Plus, I remember you saying yesterday that the government will rescue the market so the other party must be prepared because everything is according to their plans. So, we have to see what they’ll do after the market rescue this afternoon.”
After listening to Henry, Jasper nodded under his expectant gaze and grinned. “Not bad. Good answer.”
“Yes!” Henry snapped his finger and chortled arrogantly. His entire body was filled with complacent.
Mr. Law stated that it was truly so difficult to get a compliment from Jasper’s mouth.
Anna looked at Henry in surprise. To be honest, she did not expect Henry to have this thought.
Looking back at Jasper, Anna felt in her heart that this man was extremely magical. He could even educate an idiot like Henry, so what else could he not do?
“Hey, Anna, your brother is the one who did a good job, so why are you looking at him with such admiring eyes?” Henry said in displeasure.
“I’m impressed by him because you did a good job. Half a month ago, you didn’t even know what’s a stock market index,” Anna replied bluntly.
“…” Henry looked at Jasper in embarrassment. He was saying that he did not know whether he should say ‘f*ck you’ to her.
At this moment, Jasper’s phone rang.
It was from Zachary who just attended the press conference.
After a while, Jasper hung up the call and rubbed the space between his eyebrows.
“What’s wrong?” Anna asked in concern.
“Seems that we can’t execute Henry’s plan anymore,” Jasper said helplessly.
“What?” Henry looked over curiously.
“Your father sold me.”
Jasper looked as if he was complaining. He smiled bitterly and said, “He recommended me to host the market rescue with the fund of 100 billion. He’s asking me to rescue the market myself!”
Life at the Top Chapter 196
“You be the host?”
Henry was completely stumped for words. Even though he knew Jasper had the ability to do so, this involved the economy of Harbor City, and his father was recommending him to conduct this!
The more responsibility one had, the more honor one would get!
If Jasper successfully conducted the market rescue, then he would cause a sensation in Harbor City!
His status and position would be higher than his!
However, if Jasper failed, not only would he need to bear the infamy, he would also affect the Laws.
At the side, Anna also looked as if she was in deep thought. On one hand, she supported Jasper, but on the other, she was worried that Jasper might fail.
Of course, she wished that this man in front of her would succeed.
However, the market rescue involved too many people and if there was a slight mistake, then it would cause an incurable loss as well as huge trouble.
“A-Are you confident about this?” Anna asked in a low voice.
“Someone has to do it. The Laws have placed so much value in me so naturally, I don’t wish to embarrass you. However, I’ve never conducted this kind of quibble worth a few hundred billion before.”
Jasper’s expression looked solemn. After a while, a burst of light flashed across his eyes. “However, I’ve said that I won’t let anyone destroy Harbor City!”
…
On the other side, an office in the government of Harbor City.
“Are you guys crazy?”
A man in his 30s who looked as if he had an out-of-the-ordinary character yelled loudly. His face had turned green.
His name was Jake Cullen, and he was an exceptional stock trader and investor from Wall Street.
Inside the room, Zachary and another high-level official from the government of Harbor City who was about the same age as him were looking at him calmly.
“Two years ago, I was the stock market genius in Wall Street. Now that I’m back in Harbor City, I’ve never failed after hosting more than a dozen trade wars in the stock market. Aside from me, who else in Harbor City is qualified to host this market rescue?”
Jake slammed his hand down on the table angrily as he glared at the people sitting in front of him with a dark face.
“Now, you’re recommending a minor nobody from Mainland to steal this mission from me? What is the meaning of this?”
The official glanced at Zachary who had no expression on his face. He later chuckled and said, “Mr. Cullen, don’t be mad. Mr. Law must have his reasons to say this.”
Actually, the government of Harbor City was surprised and embarrassed at Zachary’s suggestion.
It was because in Harbor City, Jake was indeed the top of the top when it came to controlling the trade war in the stock market. No one had better qualifications than him.
The government had planned to entrust him to host this market rescue worth 100 billion.
However, the government had to take Zachary’s suggestion into consideration as well. As such, that was why there was this scene in the office.
Zachary knew who Jake was, but his expression did not show that. On the other hand, he said slowly, “Everyone, firstly, I need to mention that this young man named Jasper is not an unknown nobody.
“He started out by depending on the stock market in Mainland. He was the mysterious retail investor who defeated the capitalist big shots in the international crude oil futures market a few months ago.
“He was also the one who purchased Gladness Entertainment Movies and caused a stir in Harbor City a few days ago.
“Plus, he was also the one who tried hard to save the market this morning.”
While Zachary said that, he looked expressionlessly at Jake and the official.
“Next, this is not just my suggestion. This is also a suggestion made by my father to the higher-ups of the government.”
Jake and the official still disapproved while listening to the first two statements, but when they heard that Jasper, who saved the market in the morning, was also recommended by Old Master Law, their expressions changed.
The market rescue this morning had given the citizens of Harbor City a lot of confidence. When the hearts of the citizens wandered in this kind of economic crisis, it would be hard to assemble them again.
It was because of Jasper’s market rescue this morning, the government had time to release the press statement at noon to strengthen the confidence of the citizens.
It could be said that Jasper was already the hero of Harbor City with just the market rescue this morning and nothing else.
Plus, with the recommendation of Old Master Law, even the higher-ups of the government had to attach some importance to him.
Jake moved his lips. The reason he dared to slam down on Zachary’s table just now was that the government officials supported him in doing the market rescue, so that was why he had the guts to be so arrogant.
Life at the Top Chapter 197
However, he did feel a little guilty now after hearing Jasper’s past achievements and how Old Master Law had already taken action.
“If that’s the case, then I think Mr. Law’s suggestion is reasonable.”
The official wiped the sweat from his forehead and thought of a compromise.
“Everyone is just trying to protect the economy of Harbor City, so there’s no need to make this so tense. Why don’t we let Jasper host the mission this time? However, Jake, as the representative of the government, you should go along. If Jasper can’t handle it, then you can help him too.”
The 100 billion market rescue plan was funded by the four rich families and the government. As such, it did not matter who was the host. The four rich families or the government would definitely ask someone to keep watch.
As this was the case, Zachary did not have any opinions on it.
“Okay, I want to see how skillful this country bumpkin from Mainland is!” Jake said with a cold chuckle.
He did not go against what the Laws wanted, however, he was genuinely looking down on this country bumpkin named Jasper.
He was just a hillbilly from Mainland, so what knowledge and experience did he have? How dare Jasper steal this chance to rescue the market from him?
Initially, he wanted to use this market rescue opportunity to better his reputation so that his business would have a bright future.
However, everything had gone down the drain now.
Jake’s heart was bleeding.
Half an hour later, Zachary went back home. The people tagging along were Jake and a few officers from the government of Harbor City.
“Jasper, this is Jake Cullen, the number one professional stock trader in Harbor City. He just came back from Wall Street. Initially, the government planned to ask him to host the rescue, but I recommended you.”
Zachary reminded Jasper indifferently. Then, he patted his shoulder and said in a low voice, “However, he’s nothing to me compared to you. You don’t have to treat him like a fellow human being.”
Jasper almost burst out laughing at Zachary’s last sentence.
“You’re Jasper?”
Jake narrowed his eyes and said with a cold chuckle.
“Mr. Cullen, hello,” Jasper nodded and said courteously.
On the other hand, Henry’s eyebrows twitched at one side. Even though he did not hear what his father said to Jasper, Jake’s expression, eyes, and tone…
…were pissing him off!
Usually, he would be the one looking down on people with the kind of despise that came from the bones because he was Young Master Law.
“Mr. Cullen, may I know which university did you graduate from? What course did you do?” Jake asked with a smirk.
Jasper answered indifferently, “Just a regular university in Mainland. I have a degree in Business Administration.”
“Hahaha…”
Jake guffawed and said, “I was a postgraduate student in an Ivy League university in the United States and I majored in Economics. After I graduated, I joined one of the Big Four companies in the United States as an investment supervisor. I’m the most well-known young stock trader on Wall Street!
“You graduated from a diploma mill in Mainland and you’re here hosting a market rescue worth 100 billion? Are all Mainlanders so shameless?”
Jasper could feel Jake targeting him, and it was obvious that he was not happy with him. However, Zachary had given him a lot of confidence just now.
At this moment, Jasper did not plan to exercise forbearance with him. The situation was urgent now, and he could not let anyone affect the market rescue!
“You don’t think I can succeed in this mission?” Jasper asked indifferently.
“Hehe, I don’t care what you’ve achieved before this, but you have to know that the 100 billion market rescue will directly affect the future of the economy in Harbor City. Not any Tom, Dick, or Harry can host this thing!”
Jake suppressed the jealousy and displeasure in his stomach, saying coldly, “I would advise you to give up voluntarily.”
Jasper sighed and turned around to call the security in Law Manor over. “Get me a few people and make this idiot sit over there quietly.”
Everyone in Law Manor from the maids to the bodyguards knew Jasper. Naturally, they would not dare to defy his orders.
As such, two beefy bodyguards walked over with malicious looks on their faces immediately.
Jake widened his eyes and backed away subconsciously. He roared, “What’s the meaning of this?! I came here representing the government of Harbor City and you have the balls to call the security to control me?”
“Shut up then!” Jasper suddenly opened his mouth and yelled, “This is serious, and there’s no time for you to be so presumptuous! I don’t care who you are. We’re doing a market rescue right now, so I won’t be fighting with you over the position of authority!”
“I don’t care which Ivy League school you graduated from and I don’t care what stock genius you are on Wall Street. If you want to be a poser, then get the hell out! If you affect my decision-making with your nonsense, you won’t be able to pay for the losses even if you sell your body!”
Life at the Top Chapter 198
Jasper’s words shocked everyone into looking solemn.
No one expected Jasper, who usually appeared so cultured and refined, to look so terrifying when he got angry.
Henry almost burst out laughing at one side.
“Listen. Listen to that. What a beastly statement.”
Henry only thought of one word while listening to Jasper scold Jake.
‘Great!’
It was so great that it felt refreshing!
Henry wanted to laugh out loud when he saw Jake’s face that looked as if he had eaten dog excrement.
Jake was stumped for words.
To him, a hillbilly from Mainland would be very gutsy if he could say a complete sentence without stammering in front of him.
However, what was going on now?
Was he being berated now?
Was he being scolded?
He felt angry and wronged as a series of emotions became intertwined in his heart. Jake’s face was green, and his entire body was trembling.
He stared fixedly at Jasper, and his eyes were filled with so much bitter resentment.
However, when he saw the two bodyguards who were waiting longingly for him to explode, Jake burst out laughing suddenly.
He was laughing from anger.
“Alright, hot stuff. Okay, I won’t talk. I’ll see how you’re going to lose later! If you cause the market rescue to fail because of your problems, then let me tell you, no one will be able to save you when that happens!”
Jake’s tone was extremely cold. It was as if he was hoping for Jasper to face a crushing defeat. He wanted the Laws and the government to know that it was their biggest mistake to have chosen this hillbilly from Mainland over him!
“Are you hoping that I’ll fail?” Jasper looked at Jake and asked flatly.
Jake scoffed, and there was visible disdain on his face. He said, “This is a battle of capitals of hundreds of billions. This is a capital trade war! Do you even know what you need?
“You need structure! You need foresight and strategy! You’re just a country bumpkin from Mainland, so what do you even know?
“Do you think you know the capital trade war just because you’ve made a few coins from stock speculation?
“Please take a piss and look at yourself in the reflection. I just can’t bear watching the funds from the four rich families and the government being wasted by an ignorant country bumpkin like you!”
Jasper placed his hands behind his back and watched Jake coldly. He said, “What if I win?”
It was as if Jake had heard the funniest joke in the world. He pointed at the floor and said, “If you win, I’ll kneel in front of you in front of the four rich families of Harbor City. I’ll grovel to you and admit my mistakes. Then, I’ll formally become your apprentice!
“Same goes the other way. If you lose, you need to kneel, grovel, admit your mistakes, and apologize to me. You don’t need to become my apprentice. You’re not worthy!”
Jake smirked and looked at Jasper. He did not believe that Jasper would agree to these circumstances.
Even though he did not know what kind of spell Jasper had cast on the Laws to make them support him so much, so what?
Everything depended on one’s ability in the finance market.
You could not do anything you want just because you have someone powerful backing you up.
“If you don’t dare to do it, then hand over the authority to command. Tell the government that you’re a piece of trash and you’re just a country bumpkin from Mainland who’s not brave enough to gamble!’
The smile on Jake’s face was sinister and malicious. “Don’t do something that you’ll regret forever because you’re impulsive. You have to think carefully. This is a trade war that is worth hundreds of billions and not the child’s play of millions or tens of millions you’re used to in Mainland.
“Everyone is watching the stock market in Harbor City and you want to host the market rescue this time? Are you even qualified for this?”
Life at the Top Chapter 199
When Jake was close to getting the opportunity to humiliate Jasper, he heard four unenthusiastic words.
“Alright, I’ll do it.”
Jasper’s four words caused Jake to have a million words in his head but he was unable to even utter one word.
“What did you say?” Jake narrowed his eyes and looked at Jasper.
“I’ll take this bet. If I win, you’ll kneel and formally become my apprentice. Of course, you have to kneel and grovel. It’ll depend on my mood if I want to take you as my apprentice.
“And vice versa,” Jasper said fully.
Jake laughed angrily and said, “Alright, you’re the one who said this. I’ll take this bet!
“Country bumpkin from Mainland, remember this, the worst mistake in your life is stealing this market rescue because you seek to impress people by taking on more than your ability. From this moment on, you’re going to have your reputation swept away!”
Jake smiled coldly and said, “The facts will tell you that Harbor Stocks is the one place where all the international capitals come together. On the other hand, a country bumpkin from Mainland like you will only be an ignorant and narrow-minded toad. You have no idea how big the outside world is!”
“I have no idea how big the outside world is, but there are a lot of idiots in society nowadays,” Jasper said insipidly.
Jake said sharply and unkindly, “Don’t think you’re all that because you’re quick-witted. I’ve seen a lot of people like you. They don’t have any talents and only know how to dupe people with their smart mouths, but actually, they’re just lying.
“I’ve seen more than you think you know. I can even make a name for myself in a place like Wall Street, so who do you think you are?” Jake said disdainfully.
“Not bad. You’re indeed educated so that’s why you keep saying the same old stuff. Remember what you just said so you can reminisce about them when you eat your words later. It’ll help you make clear of reality.”
After he said that, Jasper did not want to pay any more attention to this simpleton. He entered the door while talking to Zachary.
Then, the group went into the house together. Nobody paid any attention to Jake.
“Mr. Cullen, shall we go in?”
The official from the government who tagged along smiled bitterly and said.
Jake gritted his teeth while feeling aggrieved. He smirked coldly and said, “Go! Let’s go now. I want to see how he’s going to fail and how he’s going to die!
“When he fails, I want him to kneel in front of me, unable to cry!
“Those people who are supporting him now will also pay the price for being hot-headed. They will know that only I can host this rescue!”
…
Still in that secluded villa.
Bob stood at one side with an awkward and angry expression. Kennedy’s face was grim, and he did not look good.
On the other side was Rogers. He lightly tapped the surface of the table with his fingertips and said coldly, “Lancaster, I think you’re very stupid. It was such an obvious trap and you couldn’t even see it. On the contrary, you even fell into it.”
Bob’s expression looked even worse.
Even though he was feeling extremely pissed, he did not try to defend himself.
He knew what everyone wanted now was results and not explanations.
The result was that he was the one who did not crash Harbor Stocks according to the initial plan, but instead, he fell into the other party’s trap and caused them to lose a few hundred million of funds.
At this moment, the more he explained, the more mistakes he would make.
Kennedy scoffed. Even though he was displeased with Bob’s useless performance, he still said, “Since it has already happened, there’s no use explaining anymore.”
“I just got the news that the Laws are going to make Jasper the host of the market rescue. Now, we can be sure that Jasper was the one behind what happened this morning.”
At this moment, a Caucasian man walked in front of Rogers with a cold expression on his face. He handed him some documents.
“Jasper Laine? That young man…” Rogers lowered his head to look through the information in his hands. Suddenly, he guffawed and said, “Interesting! I didn’t expect this young man to give everyone such a huge surprise!”
Life at the Top Chapter 200
“Earlier this year, he made his first pot of gold in the futures market in Mainland. Then, he made a lot of money in the international crude oil market. I didn’t expect the mysterious retail investor that Quantum Fund contacted last time to be him as well.”
When Kennedy and Bob heard that, they were surprised.
“I guess we underestimated him last time!” Kennedy said profoundly.
“You guys got information on Jasper in such a short time?” Bob narrowed his eyes and said while suppressing the shock in his heart.
Rogers shrugged and said nonchalantly, “You have to believe in the ability of Quantum Fund. We have clients and information all over the world. As long as you can pay, I can even tell you what color underwear the top man of the United States is wearing right now.”
“I have to go to Law Manor in the afternoon. On one hand, I’m going to watch their every move, and on the other hand, I need to be prepared at any time. So, over here…” Kennedy looked at Rogers.
“You don’t have to worry,” Rogers said flatly, “My people from Quantum Fund will take over from now.”
Bob was not happy that he had been pushed aside. He asked quickly, “What about me?”
“You can watch from one side.”
Kennedy sighed and made eyes at Bob secretly.
Even though he was disappointed in Bob, Kennedy could not kick him away now.
The collaboration with Quantum Fund was fine for now, but Kennedy knew more than anyone that Quantum Fund was a coyote that would swallow a person whole.
He needed to go to Law Manor, so no one would be keeping an eye on Quantum Fund. He would not be able to be at ease this way.
Bob understood what Kennedy meant and could only nod.
It was as if Rogers had no idea what they were communicating about. He said insipidly, “Initially, my team and I planned to collaborate with the government and aristocrats of Harbor City to rescue the market. This time, we’ve prepared 150 billion Harbor Dollars in addition to your 50 billion.”
He lifted two fingers. “We have a fund of 200 billion, but the market rescue fund of Harbor City is only 100 billion. Plus, I have a team of the best traders in the world, so how can they fight with me?”
When Kennedy heard this, he got up and said, “Okay. We’ll do it according to the plan. I’ll go to Law Manor now. It’s almost time, so I have to get there before the market commences in the afternoon.”
…
Before the market commenced in the afternoon, the atmosphere in Law Manor was getting lively.
One after another, cars representing the top aristocratic families in Harbor City drove into Law Manor.
At the same time, the security had been heightened to the max. Not only did the millionaires have their own bodyguards, but the police force that was transferred here by the government was also patrolling around the place.
Before the end of the financial war, this place would be one of the safest places in Harbor City.
In the living room of Law Manor, Jasper was officially meeting the heads of the four richest families in Harbor City.
There was nothing much to say about Zachary.
The first one to greet Jasper was Clark.
“Young man, I’ve heard about you. Keith told me about you as well. You’re exceptional. I’m depending on you this time,” Clark shook Jasper’s hand and said.
Jasper nodded and said, “Don’t worry, Mr. Duvall. I’ll do my best.”
Clark laughed loudly and said, “You don’t have to bear too much burden. If the sky were to fall, us old farts will hold it for you.”
“I’m young and my body is still strong, so I don’t think you elders need to throw your caps in the ring.”
Jasper made a joke.
Clark guffawed and pointed at Jasper before he turned his head to say to Spencer and Kennedy, “Look, I told you that Zachary won’t make mistakes. This young man is so interesting.”
Kennedy smiled and looked at Jasper. He said, “Our hopes are on you.”
Jasper replied neither obsequiously nor superciliously, “I’ll try my best.”
“To be honest, I was quite surprised when I knew it was you.” There was a hidden meaning behind what Kennedy said and it was significant.
Jasper looked at Kennedy without saying anything.
Kennedy patted Jasper’s shoulder affectionately. He grinned and said, “My son is insensible. It’ll be useful for him if you taught him a lesson.”
Jasper did not think much about what Kennedy said.
At this moment, perhaps he was worried that the animosity between the two of them would affect the market rescue plan, so Kennedy’s words actually sounded pretty reasonable.
“Your son and I did have some beef between us, but it’s between us. The present condition is more important for now.”
Jasper’s attitude caused Kennedy to smile in ‘satisfaction’. He said, “We’re looking forward to your performance.”
While they were talking, Zack knocked on the door and came in. “Sir, three minutes till the market commences.”
There were a lot of ‘sirs’ in this room.
However, everyone knew he was referring to Jasper.
Jasper nodded and extended his hand as an invitation. Then, he led the heads of the four rich families into the living room.
Clark, Zachary, Kennedy, and Spencer arrived in the living room, and the air there immediately became intense.
Even Zack and Jake, who wanted so badly for Jasper to fall flat on his face, were feeling more nervous than usual, let alone the stock traders.
After all, these four men were the heads of the four rich families of Harbor City.
It would be extremely difficult to meet even one of them on any ordinary day. Now, they were here together.
Everyone felt a sense of glory as they were in the same room as sovereign kings who were far removed from the masses and reality.
Jake suppressed the nervousness in his heart. With a scoff, he looked at Jasper who was the center of everyone’s attention. He felt extremely jealous and furious.
If it was not for this country bumpkin from Mainland, the person enjoying the attention and escort from the heads of the four rich families would be him, Jake Cullen!
When he thought about this, Jake clenched his fists in anger. His eyes that were staring at Jasper were getting more and more hostile.
“Stock traders, get ready for the commencement of the market.”
Jasper did not care what the four rich families and Jake were thinking. He ordered calmly and unhurriedly.
After he said that, the stock traders under him started making preparations. A hint of solemnness and respectfulness appeared amidst the intense atmosphere in the living room.
After turning around, Jasper saw Anna handing him a pot of tea she just brewed.
Anna knew Jasper liked drinking tea and he would drink some whenever he felt like it. As such, whenever she was free, she would make a pot for Jasper.
This was the tacit understanding that had been cultivated between the two of them after spending these few days with each other.
Jasper smiled at Anna before turning around and lifting his head to look at the digital screen. Right now, it was the countdown to the commencement of the market.
At the same time in the secluded villa.
The team of stock traders had been replaced by blonde-haired Caucasians with blue eyes. As the person with the decision-making power, the man stood under the digital screen and stretched lazily.
“Brace yourselves, boys. This afternoon, I want to massacre Harbor Stocks. Tomorrow, all of the investors from around the world will know the name Quantum Fund. We’re the kings of the capitalist world!”