Ch. 331..340
Life at the Top Chapter 331
The next morning when the stock market opened.
Jasper was sitting in front of the computer with two other computers connected to Harbor City’s trader teams that both Jake and Henry recruited.
At this moment, everyone’s gazes were burning into Jasper as they waited for him to give orders.
“We currently have 29% of Motley Media’s stocks in our hands, but they’re still not enough, so our task this morning is to continue to acquire the stocks and get Motley Media’s stock price to limit up within one hour.”
Jasper’s calm voice was heard, and the two professional trader teams from Harbor City entered at the same time.
At the same time, Jasper operated using his own account.
When the three parties entered the market at the same time, Motley Media’s stock market suddenly surged.
Meanwhile, in Swallow Capital where Motley Media’s headquarters was located, Erik was walking back and forth in the office with a sullen expression.
Not far away, three professional traders were staring at the market. Erik’s confidant and senior executive, Kingston Pitt, stood nervously behind the traders while staring at the computer screen.
“They’ve made a move!” Kingston said suddenly.
Erik, who was already anxious to begin with, suddenly raised his head and strode over quickly.
“Which direction is it? Buy or sell?” Erik asked nervously.
Kingston grimaced and said, “There are three big orders at the same time, all of which are buying!”
“Buy!” Erik paled. Jasper had still chosen the outcome that he least wanted to see.
“That darn idiot. Where does he get his money from? Does he just throw tens of millions without blinking at all?!”
Cold sweat was seeping out of Kingston’s forehead as he stared at the market, saying, “Sir, the stock price has risen by 4%. What do we do now?
Erik gritted his teeth and said, “What else? Sell the company’s shares. Since he wants to buy them so much, we’ll sell them then. Let’s see how much he can buy!”
Kingston looked bitter. They would be dead if they were caught by the Securities Regulatory Commission for carrying out such blatant violations.
Erik had the Turners to fall back on, but he did not. Perhaps, he might even be the scapegoat.
In any case, Kingston dared not disobey Erik, so he immediately ordered the traders to start releasing the company’s stocks.
At the same time, there was an unusual jump in Motley Media’s stock market.
“Mr. Laine, there are changes to the market. A big player has released stocks.” Jake’s voice could be heard from the computer, sounding a little intrigued.
“This large amount happens to be the number of stocks acquired by all three of our accounts combined. Looks like the other party is attacking with a target in mind, hoping to hedge our order.”
Jasper nodded and said lightly, “Erik is using his company’s stocks. Gather the evidence and hand it to the Securities Regulatory Commission.”
“Sure.” Jake narrowed his eyes and smiled.
Harbor City’s stock market had been recovering these days. Although it was great to have money coming in constantly, he simply had no chance to make a move.
Now that there was finally a chance for him to go to the ‘battlefield’, how could he not be excited?
The buyers headed by Jasper and the sellers headed by Erik fought fiercely on Motley Media’s stock market.
At this moment, all the flashy tactics were useless. They were simply competing to see who had more capital.
Erik was constantly selling while Jasper was constantly buying.
When the transaction volume between the two parties reached 200 million, Erik roared in the office.
“Where did this idiot get so much money from?! It has already hit 200 million and he’s still buying!”
Kingston wiped the cold sweat off his forehead and said, “Sir, Jasper already holds more than 35% of the shares. If this continues, your position as the largest shareholder will be threatened. It’ll all be over by then.”
Erik took a deep breath, and even his gaze was faltering.
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“F*ck, you think I don’t know that?!”
Kingston clammed up immediately, afraid to say anything more.
After walking irritably for two rounds, Erik murmured, “35% of the shares, huh? This idiot is already the second-largest shareholder in Motley Media. What exactly does he want to do?
“Was he just trying to intimidate me when he said he’ll hammer the market but he’s actually just trying to acquire Motley Media?”
This thought frightened Erik so much that sweat was seeping out of his forehead and even his hair stood on end.
If Jasper was only trying to hammer the market, then the truth was that Jasper would suffer losses with the Turners as he was inflicting harm on them and himself at the same time.
Erik would only bring hundreds of millions worth of losses to the family.
However, if Jasper’s goal was to devour Motley Media whole, then the Turners would lose Motley Media’s ownership right. That would be Erik’s doom.
His family would definitely not forgive him!
Erik subconsciously wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. This had never happened before. He felt a trace of regret for provoking Jasper. This person was simply too difficult to get rid of.
At this moment, Motley Media’s trading volume was enlarged infinitely due to the buying and selling contest between both parties.
However, the stock price continued to stabilize at a fairly reasonable value because Erik continued to sell regardless of the cost.
Ring…
Erik’s phone started ringing.
After taking a deep breath, Erik connected the call.
The unflustered and thick voice of a middle-aged man could be heard coming from the other end of the call.
“Erik, what’s going on with Motley Media’s stock price?”
There was a trace of horror on Erik’s face as he said, “Dad, it’s Jasper. He’s colluding with the Laws to attack Motley Media.”
“Nonsense!” Brad Turner’s voice was full of anger.
“Our main goal right now is to get our hands on the Olympic Village project and the Laws are our greatest enemy. I don’t want any issues cropping up at this critical juncture!”
Erik said reluctantly, “But I can’t just sit and watch Jasper snatch the qualification to host the celebratory banquet. My reputation in Swallow Capital will be greatly affected.”
“Is your reputation more important or our family’s interests?!” Brad said solemnly.
Erik gritted his teeth, afraid to talk back.
“Alright, I want you to stop immediately. Don’t give yourself trouble because of trivial things, you hear me?”
As he listened to the voice on the phone, Erik let out a wry smile and said, “I’m afraid it’s too late, Dad…
“Jasper now owns 35% of the company’s shares and is still buying. If this continues, Motley Media will change ownership.”
Brad was furious. “You own 70% of Motley Media’s shares, how did he get 35%?!”
As he said that, Brad realized what was going on and asked in a sullen voice, “Did you touch the company’s stocks?”
Erik’s lips trembled. He was too afraid to speak.
After a while, Brad was heard roaring from the other end of the phone, “You rebellious child! Get your *ss back here at once!”
After hanging up the call in a crestfallen state, Erik had yet to have the time to breathe when he heard Kingston’s hopeless voice saying, “The stock price has hit limit up!”
“Jasper… now owns 40% of the company’s shares!”
With a thump, Erik slumped to the ground. It felt as though the sky had become overcast as well.
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“The total investment is 1.25 billion. I invested one billion and you 250 million, Henry.”
Jasper closed the computer, got up, and smiled at Henry. “Soon, this 250 million dollars will double up to at least 500 million.”
Henry asked curiously, “Aren’t you going to hammer the market? Why are you only buying today?”
Jasper said, “I initially planned to hammer the market, but I had a feeling that Erik won’t give up so easily, so I tried to buy when the market opened. However, I didn’t expect Erik to actually operate illegally and use the company’s stocks to hedge against me.
“In that case, I changed my plan as well. I’d buy as much as he has and the increase in the equity ratio will directly threaten the Turners’ power over Motley Media. If I can control Motley Media, that’s when the Turners will feel the pain.”
Henry came to a sudden realization and then smiled while saying, “I’ve collected all the evidence you want and will soon submit it to the Securities Regulatory Commission.”
Jasper chuckled and said, “It’s better to pass it directly to the senior executives of the Securities Regulatory Commission via special channels. Otherwise, the Turners might place obstacles in your way.”
“Don’t worry!”
Henry said in a vicious tone, “Now that we have conclusive evidence, I’ll make sure Erik suffers!”
After Henry went out to carry out the task, Anna walked into the room with her hands behind her back.
“Like what you told me to do, I’ve asked someone to send Erik’s compromising materials to the Turners. My dad will talk to the Turners later,” Anna said softly.
Jasper laughed and said, “The Turners won’t be able to solve this without paying the price this time.”
Suddenly, Anna’s phone rang. After connecting the call, she said a few words before passing the phone to Jasper.
Jasper answered the phone and could hear Zachary’s voice.
“It’s me, Jasp.”
Jasper said in a hurry, “How are you, Uncle Zachary?”
Zachary laughed and said, “I know all about the things you did. Good job! You’ve done really well.”
Jasper laughed and said, “I’m grateful that you’re not mad at me because I’ve brought trouble to the Laws, Uncle Zachary.”
Zachary said sternly, “What nonsense, we’re a team now! There’s no distinction between us. What do you mean you brought trouble to us? It’s good to have multiple friends in the business field, but if they offend us, then tolerating them constantly will only make others look down on us.”
Jasper replied, “That’s right.”
Zachary joked, saying, “Initially, I sent Henry to Swallow Capital to train his ability to work alone.
“I didn’t expect this kid to be so lucky to meet you there too. With your help, things have gone very smoothly, but the goal of training him hasn’t been achieved.”
Jasper said helplessly, “It’s just a coincidence. There will always be opportunities to train him.”
“I’ll take your word for it. I’ll leave this to you, then,” Zachary said.
Realizing that he had been tricked by Zachary, Jasper laughed and said, “You’re really cunning, Uncle Zachary. I have no choice but to agree, huh?”
Zachary laughed and said, “Let’s talk business. Two things: I just received news from Swallow Capital’s higher-ups. They’re really happy with the idea you proposed.
“This will greatly ease the process of us getting the project, and it’s all thanks to you. Anna told me that the design you gave is simply genius and impeccable.”
Jasper said humbly, “I was just lucky. Actually, I know nothing about designing, but the construction of Olympic venues is of great significance, so the higher-ups not only need to consider the creative part of it but also the culture and tradition. I paid more attention and spent more effort in this.”
Zachary laughed and said, “In any case, what you did is truly outstanding and is beyond the reach of ordinary people. You don’t have to be humble.”
As he spoke, Zachary switched the conversation around and said, “What is the outcome you’re hoping to see for the Turners?”
Jasper said mildly, “Erik beat my friend and his wife to the point that they’re now hospitalized. I hold a deep grudge against him because of this. I want him to pay. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”
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Zachary said in a deep voice, “Okay, I know now.”
Jasper suddenly said, “Uncle Zachary, would you please tell the Turners that Erik must pay the price but I have no intention of becoming the Turners’ enemy?”
Zachary was silent for a moment and praised him, “Jasp, sometimes I can’t believe that you’re only in your 20s. Your sense of propriety and your ability to make a correct assessment of the situation is proof that you’re destined to reach a peak where others can only look up to.”
…
In the Turners’ courtyard.
Erik stood in the living room covering his red and swollen face. His head was hung low as he shuddered, too afraid to say a word.
Brad was sitting on the couch with a sullen expression while getting coaxed by a woman sitting beside him.
“There, there, Erik has learned from his mistake. Others will laugh at us when they see you hitting your son who’s already in his 30s.”
Brad snapped. “Look at what has become of your son because you spoiled him too much! If he’s bold enough to violate the law so flagrantly, he’ll turn the world upside down in the future.”
The woman motioned at Erik with her eyes and said, “Hurry up and apologize to your father, Erik.”
Brad snorted coldly. “Apologize to me? He has already messed up! Do you really think the Laws are that easy to deal with?”
“Someone from the Securities Regulatory Commission called me and said that the Laws refuse to let this matter drop. They insist on having Erik take responsibility. I’d like to see what you’re planning to do about that!”
Erik was taken aback when he heard what Brad said and yelled angrily, “Jasper is always turning to the Laws whenever something happens. How useless can he get?!”
“You never learn!” Brad was so mad that he raised his hand and slapped Erik on the face.
“If you weren’t so obsessed, would Jasper even have a handle on you? If he doesn’t have a handle on you, would the Laws complain about you with such righteous indignation?”
It was at this moment that an old man who looked like a butler walked in. He leaned over and spoke into Brad’s ear.
Brad asked in a deep voice, “Where’s the person who delivered the item?”
The butler shook his head and said, “He left after delivering the item.”
After speaking, the butler handed him a folder.
Brad said in a deep voice, “Play it. Let’s have a look.”
The butler responded and turned around to take out the CD from the folder. He brought a laptop over and started playing the contents of the CD.
At the sight of this, Erik had a premonition that something bad was going to happen.
“What is this?” Erik asked.
“It’s about you,” Brad glared coldly at Erik and said in a deep voice.
Erik quivered. He knew what he had done. He had committed countless crimes before. If someone had dug them all out, then it would be the end for him.
In no time at all, the computer started playing the videos on the CD.
The first footage was a surveillance video, and Erik could be seen sitting on a couch in a dimly lit room.
Soon after that, Erik started taking drugs. Then, a few people of unknown gender sashayed inside and Erik began fooling around with them.
Erik paled at the unsightly scene playing out on the computer, his eyes twitching furiously. Brad was so furious that he was shaking all over.
The butler hesitated for a while and said, “Master, the man said that he has not only given a copy to us, but he has also given a copy to the family as well. I think it has been delivered to Old Master Turner by now.”
Brad abruptly grabbed the laptop and slammed it on Erik’s head while roaring angrily, “Idiot! You idiot!”
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It did not hurt when the laptop hit him, but it did break Erik’s last line of defense.
He howled and screamed, “That’s impossible! This was years ago. How could they have taken this video?!”
“What else is impossible!?” Brad pointed at Erik, livid with anger.
“Were you still expecting to hide such a disgraceful thing after doing it?! Even Old Master Turner has received a copy. What are you going to do now?!”
Even his wife’s complexion had turned pale. She said in a hurry, “Brad, if Old Master learns that Erik took drugs and did such a disgraceful thing, he’ll drive us out of the house for sure. Hurry up and think of a way.”
Brad roared, “Think of a way? What can I possibly come up with? I’ll suffer too, not just this idiot!”
“You know how aggressive your uncles are at fighting with me. In order to promote you to Motley Media’s chairman position, I spent so much effort, paid a huge price, and this is how you repay me?!”
Brad raised his foot and kicked Erik on the stomach. The latter screamed and fell to the ground, wailing. “I know I was wrong, Dad. Save me.”
Brad stared coldly at the wretched-looking Erik, feeling extremely disappointed.
He would rather have Erik grow a spine at this moment because that would at least show that he still had the courage to accept the consequences of his actions.
However, Brad was both furious and helpless when he saw the unbearable sight of his son, one whom he previously had high hopes for.
He was not actually going to ignore his own son, but this problem was just so big that even he found it impossible to cope.
After going through decades’ worth of life’s ups and downs, Brad had not felt so lost in such a long time. Never in a million years would he have thought that he would experience it again, and because of his own son too.
At this time, the butler quietly walked over and stretched out a phone, saying, “A call for you, Master.”
Brad said impatiently, “I’m not taking it. Tell them I’m busy.”
The butler whispered, “It’s from the Laws.”
Brad’s expression sank, and he answered the call.
“You’re still busy as always, eh, Brad? You don’t even have the time to answer my call?” Zachary teased.
Brad’s expression was dark and gloomy. His smile did not reach his eyes. “Well played, Zachary. You have something on that incompetent son of mine, huh? What do you want? Spit it out.”
Brad was insinuating that the Laws were really shameless for laying a finger on a junior like Erik, which was an indirect mockery against Zachary.
Zachary did not care at all, but instead, he grinned and said, “You’ve misunderstood me, Brad. This has nothing to do with the Laws. We’re just running errands. Jasper, that young lad, is still the more capable one.
“I learned about the incident just moments earlier. Gosh, I feel good after hearing about it. What do you think about this young lad’s tactics? Don’t you feel embarrassed at all, Brad?”
Brad nearly crushed the phone in his hand and gritted his teeth while sneering. “Stop being so sarcastic, Zachary. Tell me what you want.”
When Zachary heard how furious Brad sounded with nowhere to vent, he felt so refreshed it was like he was drinking a can of iced coke on a hot day.
Generals would fight against generals; soldiers with soldiers. Henry and Erik found each other an eyesore, while he and Brad had countless conflicts before as well.
Most of the time, he would have the upper hand, though only by a very small margin. He had never managed to make Brad so upset before.
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Zachary, who was feeling refreshed, said cheerfully, “The Turners must withdraw from the Olympic Village project. As for the other venues, we will compete based on our own capabilities.”
Brad flew into a rage, saying, “You’re making an unreasonable demand!”
Zachary said mildly, “You can’t say that, Brad. Listen, the CD that’s meant to be sent to Old Master Turner’s house is still with my men. You still have a chance to redeem the situation.
“It’s your decision whether you want to solve this between you and your son or cause a stir in the entire Turner family.”
Brad narrowed his eyes when he heard what he said.
If the materials were sent to Old Master Turner, then he would be doomed for sure. He would certainly not let Zachary get what he wanted, but there was now a glimmer of hope. He was hesitant to pelt a rat for fear of smashing the vase beside it.
As for the Turners’ pillar, Brad knew better than anyone what the upright and plainspoken Old Master Turner would do to his son once the materials reached his hands.
After taking a deep breath, Brad said in a deep voice, “This is the only condition you have?”
Zachary was not surprised by Brad’s compromise. He continued happily, “This is just my own condition. After all, this is still a grudge between Jasper and Erik. My nephew wants me to pass on a message to you too.
“The wrongful act that Erik committed will be returned. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. However, he has no plans of becoming the Turners’ enemy.”
Brad sneered when he heard what he said. “You can press Brad’s face on the ground and bash him up. Jasper is considered the best among his peers. Is that all he wants? To bash him up?
“He doesn’t want to be the Turners’ enemy? Easy for him to say. Everything he’s doing shows that he’s going against the Turners.”
Zachary’s smile diminished as he said insipidly, “If this is the attitude you have, then I don’t think there’s a need to discuss this anymore. I must remind you that Old Master Turner is a hero whom I respect, but none of his descendants have the guts.
“Don’t underestimate others just because you’re born in Swallow Capital. Why don’t you go and find out what kind of reputation Jasper has in Harbor City and the things he has done?
“If you want to fight, then bring it on. If you lay a finger on Jasper, then you’re laying a finger on me, Zachary!
“Let me tell you one last thing. Old Master Law is very fond of Jasper. You can say that he thinks highly of Jasper. If worst comes to worst, my old man and I will make a trip to Swallow Capital and face the Turners personally. Who do you think will suffer the worse defeat when that happens?”
Having said that, he hung up the call.
Brad held the phone, gasping for breath.
There was anger, astonishment, and disbelief on his face.
He could not believe that the Laws would actually say things tantamount to starting a full-scale war with the Turners.
As the head of the Laws, Zachary would not joke about something like that.
If he laid a finger on Jasper, then the Laws would definitely start a war with the Turners.
At the thought of this, Brad smashed the phone in his hand.
“What the hell did you do to Jasper?!” Brad stared at Erik coldly and roared.
Erik stammered and said, “I didn’t do anything, really. I just hired someone to beat up one of his friends and got him hospitalized.”
Brad pointed at Erik furiously and yelled, “Go and apologize to Jasper immediately. If he wants you to eat muck, then you’d better eat it before you come back or even I won’t be able to help you with this!”
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Erik trembled all over, clutching his red and swollen face. He said unwillingly, “You want me to apologize to him? I would rather die.”
“Then die!” Brad roared and gave Erik a cold look.
“You idiot! That’ll teach you. Before you offend someone, find out who he is first!”
“Who else could he be? He’s just a boy toy clinging to the Laws. He’s just slightly rich.” Erik gritted his teeth.
Brad was so furious he laughed out loud. “Boy toy? Slightly rich? Do you think you have the ability to make the Laws start a full-scale war for you?”
When Erik heard what he said, he felt as though he had been struck by lightning. He said incredulously, “The Laws are starting a full-scale war with us because of him? Are they out of their minds?”
Brad sneered, “Zachary is an old cunning fox. A really sharp-witted one too. Do you think he’s crazy? He’s smarter than anyone!
“If he can speak on Jasper’s behalf and is willing to pay such a price, then that just proves Jasper is worth a lot to the Laws!
“What about you? Look at you, you’re already in your 30s and still can’t do anything right. I don’t expect you to accomplish anything great, but at least stay out of trouble!”
As he said that, Brad demanded while offering no room for doubt, “I want you to go and settle this dispute with Jasper at once. I don’t care what conditions he gives, you’ll agree to them all or I won’t be able to help you when your grandpa finds out about this.
“You know how your grandpa is. If he knows that you took drugs and messed around with those people, you’ll get kicked out of the house!”
Erik quivered all over. Although it was really humiliating for him to yield to Jasper, this was the only option he had at the moment.
He gritted his teeth and said, “Fine, I’ll go!”
…
In the hospital. Jim’s ward.
When Jasper walked in through the door with Henry, Jim quickly sat up. At the sight of the fruits Jasper was holding, he hastened to say, “Your presence is more than enough, why are you still bringing me things?”
Jasper smiled and said, “These are to replenish your vitamins. Do you feel better now?”
Jim smiled and said, “Much better.”
Jasper introduced Henry to Jim, saying, “This is Henry, the son of the Law family in Harbor City. You’ve met him before. Now the Laws are doing investments in Mainland, so you may have the opportunity to work together in the future.”
Judging from Henry’s status and temperament in the past, Jim would normally be someone beneath his consideration.
With Jasper as the introducer, however, Henry did not mind having Jim’s back in the future.
Henry handed out a business card and grinned. “Let’s keep in touch.”
Jim took the business card with both hands emotionally and said awkwardly, “I don’t have a business card with me right now. I’ll give you a call later and you can save my number. I’m pretty confident about running a business consulting firm. I’ll need your guidance and help in the future.”
Henry grinned and said, “Sure.”
Jim knew that Jasper wanted to compensate him. Having a top resource such as Harbor City’s Law family was better than giving him cash.
If he could just take a tad of resources that slipped out of the Laws’ fingers, it would be more than enough to sustain his company.
If it were not for Jasper, it would be impossible for him to make contact with big shot young masters like Henry, let alone have the Laws take the initiative to give him a business card.
At the thought of this, Jim could not help but give Jasper a grateful stare.
As they spoke, there was a knock on the door of the ward.
Julian walked into the ward and said to Jasper, “Erik is here, Jasper.”
Jasper nodded, indicating that he understood. However, he did not mention that Erik could come in.
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Julian understood what Jasper meant. He walked out the door and said to Erik who was standing at the door with a sullen expression, “Wait here.”
Erik took a deep breath, feeling deeply humiliated. He was surprised that Jasper would put on airs and deny him entry even when he had personally turned up to apologize.
“How long am I supposed to wait?” Erik asked through gritted teeth.
Julian said mildly, “He didn’t say. Just wait here.”
“You!” Erik flew into a rage and glared viciously at Julian, eager to kick him.
While Erik grew impatient, the door of the ward opened and Henry walked out grinning from ear to ear.
He took out a cigarette and lit it with a lighter, exhaling a puff of smoke on Erik’s face.
Arrogant and presumptuous!
“Sigh, this ordinary cigarette is dull and tasteless no matter how expensive it is. It must be cooler to take drugs, huh?”
Henry laughed.
Erik’s face was so dark that it could absorb all the light around it. “Stop being so proud, Henry. Who are you being sarcastic to?”
“Talking to you,” Henry said in a free and easy manner. “I’m nothing compared to you, though. How can you bring yourself to mess around with ladyboys? You’re f*cking dope.”
Erik glared at Henry with spiteful eyes. He gritted his teeth without a word.
He knew that the more he spoke, the possibility of him being humiliated would be even bigger.
When Henry was done smoking, he clapped his hands and said, “Go in then. My brother-in-law is waiting for you.”
Erik could not stand it anymore and flew into a rage. “Why didn’t you say it earlier!?”
Henry grinned and said, “You didn’t ask.”
Erik glanced bitterly at Henry, then drooped his head and walked into the ward.
Never in Erik’s wildest dreams would he have expected himself to stand outside the door ‘asking’ to meet Jasper, even more so in such a humiliating way when he was left to wait outside the door for more than ten minutes.
At the sight of Jasper sitting on a chair next to the hospital bed, the fear in Erik’s heart overwhelmed his hatred.
After all, Jasper’s means were simply too cruel.
In just a few days, Jasper had forced him every step of the way to a point where he needed to show up here and beg for mercy.
With his fists clenched, Erik threw caution to the wind and walked straight to Jasper, saying, “I was wrong, Jasper. I give up. Please forgive me.”
Jasper was calm as if he did not hear what he said at all. Instead, he asked Henry who was leaning against the door with his arms crossed, “What are we having for dinner?”
Henry thought for a while and said, “We’ve been eating western food these days and the food just tastes so bland to me now. Should we have something more exotic?”
“Venison then. Venison barbeque,” Jasper proposed.
Henry’s eyes lit up. “Sure!”
Erik stood in place, his entire body going rigid. He did not know whether to leave or stay. He had never felt so humiliated in his life.
He took a deep breath whilst trembling, staring straight at Jasper. He said, “You’ve won, Jasper. I admit that I’m not your match and shouldn’t have attacked you. What do you want to do to me? Be quick, why must you torture me?”
It was only then did Jasper look straight into Erik’s eyes. He said mildly, “Young Master Turner, you have such an important and noble identity, why would I torture you? However, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. He and his wife are still lying on the hospital bed. Why don’t we settle this first?”
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Erik turned to look at Jim as he lay on the hospital bed, his eyes twitching wildly.
He took a deep breath and said, “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth? Why don’t you ask someone to beat me up then?”
“That’s a good idea,” Henry said with a grin, “I meant to hire someone to put you in a sack and then soak you in the sea for a few hours to cool you down, but someone refuses to let me do it.”
As he said that, Henry shrugged, looking as if it was a shame.
Erik gritted his teeth with a sullen expression. He had never seen anyone so arrogant, telling to his face that they planned to soak him in the sea?
This was simply a humiliation to Erik!
He looked up at Jasper, knowing that he was the person who would ultimately decide his fate.
Jasper, however, turned to Jim and asked, “Uncle Jim, what do you plan to do? If you want to return the punches then just say the word and I’ll get it done immediately.”
Erik gritted his teeth. He could tell that Jasper was serious about it. As long as Jim nodded, then he would not be able to escape the brutal beating he would get today.
Jim was lying on the hospital bed, feeling a little flattered.
He did not expect himself to one day have the power to decide Erik’s life and death.
It might sound a little exaggerated to say life and death, but the brutal beating he had suffered was enough to leave anyone’s life hanging by a thread.
He did not expect an insignificant figure like him to one day experience this high point in life.
For some reason, Jim had a sudden realization that nothing in this world was constant.
After thinking for a while, Jim smiled at Jasper and said, “Forget it, Jasper.”
Jasper raised his eyebrows slightly. When he was about to speak, Jim spoke again.
“Jasper, this is what I really think. If revenge breeds revenge, will there ever be an end to it? That doesn’t mean anything. It’s only natural for us to retaliate after we’re bullied, but we can always adopt other means.
“After all, harmony is the most important thing in the business field. I’ll let you decide the specifics of what you want to do. I don’t have an opinion on this.”
Jasper nodded when he heard what Jim said.
On the one hand, Jim had considerations about his company in Swallow Capital. This was a small piece of land. If he pressed Erik’s face to the ground and bashed him up, he would feel great about it but it would be difficult for him to guarantee his safety in the future.
What was more, even if he was not afraid, what about his wife and kids?
This was the most practical consideration for a middle-aged man who had experienced the harsh reality of society.
On the other hand, Jim might also have other reasons for not offending the Turners too much.
Jasper understood Jim’s goodwill.
Erik breathed a sigh of relief after hearing what Jim said.
He could not help but look at Jim again. Well, he was not exactly grateful, though. Jim was already lucky enough not to be squashed to death by a prodigal son like Erik.
Jim’s words had put out the thought in Erik’s mind about striking him, though.
Jim was, after all, the most insignificant character in this ward—one that was beneath Erik’s consideration.
“Five million,” Jasper said.
Erik looked up at Jasper incredulously.
This huge affair could be solved with only five million?
Erik did not know if he should laugh at Jasper for being an idiot or if he was simply too lucky.
“Five million for the medical expenses. This is the compensation for Uncle Jim,” Jasper said flatly, seemingly seeing through Erik’s thoughts.
Erik gritted his teeth. The joy that had just surged through his heart was gone without a trace.
The medical expenses alone were five million bucks? He was simply demanding an exorbitant amount.
Erik could not care less about this bit of money, though. He simply wanted to solve the problem now. As for the rest, he would think about it next time.
Therefore, Erik nodded immediately and agreed.
Life at the Top Chapter 340
Jim looked at Jasper gratefully, knowing that the latter was helping him.
He had gotten five million as compensation for being beaten up.
Despite having a net worth of tens of millions, five million in cash still felt like a Godsent.
Such great benefits were scarce.
“So about the celebratory banquet…”
This time, Erik interrupted and replied, “It’s yours. I have no right to fight you for it.”
Everything had stemmed from this banquet, and Erik no longer wanted to fight for the right to host the banquet anymore. In hindsight, he should never have gotten himself into so much trouble now that he knew what would happen.
“Then all that’s left is Motley Media.”
Jasper glanced at Erik calmly, his gaze slightly intrigued.
“You have two options. One, I buyout Motley Media.”
Erik’s expression darkened at that. Motley Media was a company his family had given him. Any blunder he made would directly affect his position in the family.
Not to mention that Motley Media had a market price of two billion and was an important asset to the Turner family.
In addition, the past two huge wars had pushed Motley Media’s market value to almost three billion now!
No matter what, there was no way the Turner family would simply hand Motley Media over. This was a responsibility that not even his dad, Brad, could take up, let alone Erik.
Instead of running his mouth, Erik waited quietly for Jasper’s second option.
“The second option is that the Turner family buys the 40% stocks I have on hand for two billion.”
The second option forced Erik into an absolute corner.
“Two billion? That’s too much!” Erik exclaimed, aggrieved.
No matter how rich the Turner family was, there was no way they could just take two billion out like that.
Especially not when Erik was far from being a representative of the Turner family.”
Jasper replied calmly, “Is it? Two billion is nothing in comparison to your future, Mr. Turner.”
Erik clenched his teeth. “Please, Jasper. Give me a discount. I don’t have two billion to take out.”
Jasper replied calmly, “Sorry, no negotiations.”
As he stood in place, Erik felt his scalp go numb. It was a frightening amount of money and he did not have the authority to give Jasper a reply.
Seeing Jasper’s expression, Erik knew that there was truly no room for negotiations.
Taking a deep breath, Erik spoke grimly, “Give me some time. I have to discuss this with my dad.”
“Go ahead.” Jasper smiled. “I’m an understanding person most of the time.”
Erik felt his legs give out and while he did not fall back onto the floor, it was a close call. Jaw tight, he walked out of the hospital room.
Erik closed the door behind him. Henry looked at Jasper with his eyes shining. “I thought you were joking when you told me that my 250 million investment would double to 500 million. You were serious?”
Jasper smiled. “What more are you waiting for when there’s a perfectly plump sheep lying on the slaughter table waiting for you to slaughter?”
Henry guffawed. “You’d better not forget me when you’ve got these great deals again.”
A few minutes later, Erik returned and handed Jasper his phone. “My dad wants to talk to you.”
Jasper received the call and greeted, “Hello, Mr. Turner.”
On the other end, Brad’s voice drifted over calmly. “I didn’t know that you’re Harbor City’s stock god and the host behind Harbor City’s market rescue plan, Jasper. I’ll take my disappointing son’s loss against you in my stride, but I do hope that you can be the bigger person and forgive him.”
Jasper replied calmly, “You’re too kind, Mr. Turner. I’ve already stated my conditions. It’s up to you whether you wish to agree to them or not.”
“I agree. Two billion will be wired to your bank account tomorrow, and whatever resentment there is between you and my son gets written off.”
“Thank you, Mr. Turner!”