Ch. 371..380
Life at the Top Chapter 371
After ordering Julian to wait for him in the car, Jasper walked Wendy into the campus of Swallow Capital University.
“A prestigious university with more than a century of longstanding history is indeed different,” Jasper remarked as he surveyed the pleasant surroundings and looked at the students, who were either walking by in a rush or strolling along while chatting away happily.
With Wendy walking beside him, the two of them easily attracted everyone’s attention. Anyone who passed by, regardless of age or gender, would glance at Wendy and do a double-take.
Wendy was evidently used to receiving such treatment. She told Jasper, “I’ve been studying here for a few days, and I think that the teachers in my classes are all extremely good. They’ve given me plenty of inspiration. Why don’t you come here and take an MBA to further polish yourself?”
Jasper shook his head and chuckled. “I can’t obtain the knowledge that I need here. Besides, it’s sufficient to have you here. I’d rather not come and waste my time,” he said.
Others polished themselves by obtaining a diploma to show to their bosses. If he obtained a diploma, who would he show it to? Therefore, Jasper had never considered doing such a thing.
Universities only taught students theoretical knowledge. However, you needed to have practical experience in the business world.
No matter how skilled one was in terms of theory, they could only be a capable manager at most. In reality, it was different if you wanted to be a good boss. None of the powerful bosses out there had paved their way by being good in their studies.
Jasper had just finished speaking when a scoff rang out from beside them.
“There aren’t many people who dare to speak so boldly in the Swallow Capital University Campus. You said that you can’t obtain the knowledge that you need here? Given your bold words, I wonder which globally renowned university you graduated from?”
Jasper turned around to see two people. A young man and a young woman walked toward them.
The young man was dressed casually. His clothes and accessories were all of great value. Anyone could tell that he was not from an ordinary family at just a glance.
There was a beautiful and graceful woman standing beside the haughty and imposing young man. She exuded a good temperament, and was not dressed gaudily. According to societal standards, she was a girl with looks that were above average.
However, her beauty was overshadowed by Wendy’s presence.
Anna Law was the only person that Jasper knew whose aura did not diminish in front of Wendy.
Upon seeing Wendy turn around, the man voiced out, “Wendy, I offered to walk you to your classes before this, but you didn’t want me to. How did you meet someone like that?”
Wendy frowned slightly. “Ben, we’re just classmates. I don’t need to trouble you by asking you to walk me to my classes. Also, he’s my boyfriend. He’s not just ‘someone like that’. Please be more polite,” she said.
A slight furrow formed on Ben’s brow once he heard what she said. He fixed an icy gaze upon Jasper.
He thought that Jasper was simply one of Wendy’s pursuers, much akin to him. He had never expected for him to be her boyfriend.
Ben Hull, who was enrolled in the MBA course as well, had been crazily obsessed with Wendy ever since he first saw her.
He had seen plenty of pretty girls and all sorts of beautiful faces, but he had never once met a woman that moved his heart as much as she did.
Ben had done everything that he could to win her heart these few days, but Wendy did not show any form of reciprocation.
Her phone number was also in the address book of the class, which everyone had access to.
Nevertheless, the harder it was to obtain something, the more Ben wanted to get his hands on it.
However, Wendy Schuler suddenly had a boyfriend?
“You’re really something, my friend. You even managed to win the heart of our class belle. However, you haven’t replied me. Since you said that you don’t like the courses provided on the campus of Swallow Capital University, which prestigious university did you graduate from? Please enlighten me.”
Life at the Top Chapter 372
“I didn’t graduate from a globally prestigious university. I’m from an ordinary domestic second-rank university.”
Jasper did not shy away from the question regarding his academic qualifications.
He did not think that it was something to be embarrassed about.
One’s academic qualifications could only reflect one’s learning abilities when they were young. It could not determine one’s final achievements.
This was one of the criteria set by Jasper in the recruitment processes of all of the companies under him. His companies were not allowed to use academic qualifications as a mandatory requirement for recruitment.
Ben and the woman beside him instantly burst out into laughter after Jasper spoke.
“You were right about people nowadays, Ben. The less capable they are, the more they like to boast about themselves.”
The girl beside Ben remarked.
She looked at Jasper with a gaze full of disgust. It was as if Jasper exuded a terrible stench that would infect her if she so much as gave him a glance.
Ben chuckled and replied, “That’s why I told you that you have to be more careful when you go out next time. Some people are capable of doing anything just to get on the side of the rich and powerful. They love to brag in front of others and act all high and mighty despite being completely incapable.
“Take me for instance. Although I graduated from Evergreen University through a full undergraduate course, I have never dared to say that the knowledge we obtain from university isn’t important. Only some people that have never experienced studying in a top university would be shameless enough to say that the syllabus taught in universities is useless.”
Ben grinned at Jasper while speaking. “I’m not talking about you, so don’t take it personally,” he said, feigning a look of compassion.
Unlike his words, there was a satisfied and mocking gaze in his eyes. He did not even bother to hide it.
“I value a person’s abilities and achievements after entering society more than a graduation certificate. Be it Swallow Capital University or Evergreen University, the school mottos of both these top universities are centered on the value of virtue over fame and fortune.”
Jasper’s tone did not waver in the slightest in the fac of their overt mockery and taunts.
Ben’s expression darkened after he heard what Jasper said.
He had never expected Jasper to counter him using the words from the mottos of his two institutions.
Nevertheless, there was no way for him to refute Jasper.
The school motto of Evergreen University: Be virtuous and strive for self-improvement.
Did it not mean that one’s moral character was the most important thing?
A wise saying like that stood true in any given circumstance.
“You certainly have a way with words,” Ben said stonily with a smirk plastered on his face. His smile did not reach his eyes.
Ben’s cousin, Lisa Gardner, frowned. “You’re simply distorting the facts to justify yourself. I’ve seen a lot of people like you. People like you just want to gain attention by talking about morals and principles, when in fact, you’re just a dimwit,” she said impolitely.
“Even if I’m a dimwit, that has nothing to do with the both of you, right?” Jasper asked.
Feeling suffocated, Lisa choked on her words.
Wendy almost burst out into laughter at the sight of the unpleasant expressions on both of their faces.
Jasper had never been at a disadvantage when facing rude people like these.
“Jasp, let’s go. We have nothing more to say to them,” Wendy told Jasper.
Jasper nodded. He glanced at the two of them before attempting to leave with Wendy.
Life at the Top Chapter 373
Lisa, however, was unwilling to concede. She had never suffered such mistreatment before, so she stood right in front of the two and blocked their paths.
“What do you want?” Wendy was slightly annoyed and she frowned as she spoke. Her tone was no longer as polite as it was when she had tried to keep their relationship neutral before. Rather, it was fierce now.
“Look, Miss Wendy, we’re all classmates here, so I’m telling you that the man beside you isn’t worth your time! I’m only telling you this for your sake because I can’t bear to witness it anymore.” Lisa huffed arrogantly.
“Not everyone can enroll in MBA, and those who do are all formidable in either their academics or familial background. But look at that nobody next to you? All he has is talk–you’re just degrading yourself by being with him.”
“Don’t say that, Lisa. We have to respect Wendy’s decisions.” Ben laughed as he spoke, his expression polite.
“Perhaps Wendy hasn’t met many people before this, and her limited social experience is why she’s an easy target for others to trick. She’ll know that there are more outstanding people outside after broadening her experience, and she’ll soon know better than to be with some ignorant idiot.”
Lisa replied calmly, “It’d be too late then.
“My cousin’s liked you for a long time, Wendy, so how about you give each other a chance? Date each other for a while and I’m sure you’ll realize that he’s very outstanding. At the least, you’ll realize he’s much better than a nobody that’s all talk.”
Lisa sounded sincere, as if she truly believed that she was doing the right thing and was trying to save Wendy from disaster.
Yet, this only fueled Wendy’s displeasure and anger.
Right then, Jasper patted the back of Wendy’s hand to calm her down.
“Why am I the nobody that’s all talk?” Jasper asked.
As a man, there was no way Jasper would stand still as someone degraded him to this extent.
“We turn a blind eye and let you lie as you please, but you’re dead wrong if you think this makes you worthy to contribute to our conversation. If this is how you’re going to act, then I may as well make myself clear then. A nobody that’s all talk–that’s exactly what you are. Or are you telling me that I got it wrong?”
Lisa pointed at Jasper and interrogated him disdainfully, “Do you even know how much one year of MBA tuition costs? Do you know what kind of people the class is made up of?
“You should know that, or you wouldn’t stick to Wendy so shamelessly, would you? You just like the fact that she’s pretty and rich. Did you think we couldn’t tell?
“At least look at the mirror first. Do you think you have the ability to give Wendy happiness and the life she wants to live? It costs a million per year for an MBA, so forget everything else, can you even pay her school fees?”
Lisa scoffed. She looked down on Jasper just because she was from a higher social class and somehow that made her better than him. “You can’t even imagine how much money that is, but it is a different story for Ben. The President of the Haddock Chamber of Commerce is Ben’s father, and Ben is the heir to the QC Group!”
“Ben started in a position that nobodies like you could ever imagine ever since the moment he was born, so what makes you think you can fight with him?”
Then Lisa pulled out the car keys to a Maserati from her LV purse and spoke calmly, “Do you see this? A top-level Maserati Quattroporte, with an on-the-road price of 3.8 million. If you weren’t born with it, then you’d never have it no matter how hard you tried. You poor beggar.”
Jasper smiled and pulled out his car keys from his pant pockets and spoke, “And here I thought that it was something special. A car key, right? I have one too.”
The huge Bentley logo, with angel wings spreading out on both sides of the letter B, was a symbol of wealth and dignity.
“It’s no Maserati, but a Bentley has an on-the-road price of 5 million. A little more expensive than yours. What a shame that I didn’t have it when I was young, but it’s mine now.”
Then Jasper shrugged and glanced at Ben and Lisa, who were both shocked and mortified. He reached out to wrap an arm around Wendy and smiled, his expression gentle and calm.
Ben stared enviously at the arm Jasper had wrapped around Wendy’s small waist and clenched his fists. He had never felt so humiliated before in his life.
“Benny, is that… real?” Lisa asked embarrassedly.
“No way! Look at that nobody, even his clothes are cheap pieces you could buy from the streets. None of what he wears is over 200 bucks, yet you tell me he drives a Bentley? We saw them get out of an ordinary Buick at the gates!”
Lisa brightened at the memory, thinking that she had been played. She huffed angrily. “Exactly! Even if it was a Bentley, that’d still be Wendy’s Bentley!”
Life at the Top Chapter 374
“Whatever helps you sleep at night, then,” Jasper replied plainly.
“But I’d appreciate it if you stopped pretending that you’re better than everyone else. You look immature.”
Jasper’s words infuriated Lisa.
“What did you say?!” Lisa screamed.
“I think you’re just humiliated because we saw through your lies.”
Then, Lisa sneered. “That has to be it, or how about you show us your driving license as proof?”
Jasper replied calmly, “You’re just going to suspect that I’m living off Wendy’s money when you see my name on my driving license, won’t you?
“I could show you my bank account balance, but then you’d suspect that I faked that too. Or perhaps I had photoshopped it.”
Smiling, Jasper spoke plainly, “I don’t have to prove anything to you at all. You acting like you’re better than everyone just looks childish and stupid to me.
“I won’t deny that you have a great family background, but that does not make you nobles who are better than everyone else.
“People are people, and if you think being rich gives you the right to look down on people, then people richer than you will only look down at you in the same way. That’s karma.”
Ben replied coldly, “What are you trying to say, then? Lisa’s right, you’re just guilty.”
“I don’t need to hear your opinion or what you think about him,” Wendy suddenly spoke, turning to look at Ben and Lisa indifferently.
“My relationship with him is our own matter, and I don’t need, nor is it up to, you to interfere and decide on what should happen in it. Thank you for caring, but your so-called care has only made me feel uncomfortable. How about you take care of yourselves first?”
Wendy then turned to Jasper and said in a soft tone, “Let’s go, Jasper. I’m a little tired.”
Jasper nodded and left with Wendy, his arm around her waist.
Envious and furious, Ben’s gaze was filled with fury and jealousy as he stared at the two exiting figures.
Especially the hand Jasper rested on Wendy’s slim waist. It almost seemed like he was doing it on purpose to piss him off as, instead of letting go, Jasper immediately held her tighter.
“B*stard!” Ben clenched his jaw and growled.
Lisa tugged at Ben’s shirt and whispered, “Don’t worry, Benny, we still have time. We’ll find a way to get him back for this.”
Ben scoffed. “People like him will never have the right to be compared to me. It’ll only be a matter of time before I make Wendy understand that I’m the one who’s right for her.”
Lisa nodded. “Yeah, I believe you.”
Ben’s expression smoothed out and he smiled. “Enough about me, how has your relationship with Mr. Erik Turner been lately? The family’s been really eager to know how you’re doing. It’ll be great for the family if a marriage union with the Turner family is set in place.”
Lisa smiled proudly. “It’s going smoothly. We need the Turners, and the Turners need the support from the business people of haddock as well.
“I don’t know what happened but he doesn’t seem to be in a good mood these days. He looks ready to kill someone every time I saw him. I’d say he got his d*ck cut off if I didn’t know any better.
“It shouldn’t be anything big though, Erik asked me out for dinner tonight.”
Ben nodded, pleased by what he was hearing. “If you and Mr. Turner can take things a further step in your relationship, I’d say it’d be worth this MBA in Swallow Capital. Since we did all this just so you would have a reason to get closer to Mr. Turner.”
Life at the Top Chapter 375
“Oh, and Benny, about the celebratory banquet for the approval to host the Olympics, our dads will definitely attend as representatives of the businesspeople of Haddock. Did you tell Uncle to add you to the list of attendees yet?” Lisa asked.
Ben sighed. “It’s a very high-scale banquet, and our dads are only invited because they’re the president and vice president of the Haddock Chamber of Commerce. I’m not at that level of importance yet, so my dad said he’ll apply, but fingers crossed for results.”
“I think we should still go as long as there’s a way, even if we’re only going to be sitting at a corner behind. Considering its scale, everyone in attendance will be from rich families. It’ll do us good to meet a few powerful people here and there.”
Ben looked even more despondent when he heard Lisa’s words. “Theoretically speaking, yes, but it’s still a very high-class banquet and our statuses haven’t reached such a level yet. All we can do now is apply and see if fate will be kind to us or not.”
“Or I could tell Mr. Turner about it tonight during dinner? He might have a way considering how powerful the Turner family is in Swallow Capital. It shouldn’t be too hard for him to get our names on the attendance list, right?” Lisa suggested.
Ben’s gaze brightened as he nodded. “Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. Good luck tonight, then!”
Lisa smiled confidently. “As long as Mr. Turner has a say in this, then I’m sure I can convince him to help us.”
…
While dropping Wendy off in her classroom, Jasper became stressed.
“Don’t interact with boys so much, especially Ben. Don’t get too close to him, and call me if he bothers you again.”
After giving it some thought, Jasper added, “Maybe I’ll get Julian to follow you wherever you go. That should do the trick.”
Wendy looked at Jasper exasperatedly, and she immediately declined after realizing that many other classmates were looking at them curiously. “You’re starting to act like my mom. I know how to protect myself, so don’t worry, okay?”
“I should still have Julian follow you, though. You’re out and about all the time. You’ll be meeting all sorts of people outside too.”
Jasper smiled. “Don’t worry, as long as I don’t actively provoke someone, no one’s going to want to bother me here in Swallow Capital. I’m safe for now.”
Jasper was not lying. Now that the situation with the Turners was over, the Combe family had turned into his most loyal underlings. He had completely devoured the entirety of Kaymaroon. Jasper did not have any enemies in Swallow Capital for now.
Even if someone wanted to screw him over, they would not dare to do it now when Jasper was currently in charge of the celebratory banquet. Everyone was fighting to fawn over him and apple-polish the man.
Nothing was more important than the celebratory banquet!
This was more than a mere business gala, for it was an important event that would speak for the country’s might.
The higher-ups had told him yesterday of some big shots whose attendances were confirmed, and Jasper felt his heart shake in fright at the mere sight of their names.
Jasper was an outstanding person himself, but these bigwigs were all of formidable statuses. They were people Jasper had only ever seen on the news in his past life.
Outsiders could not possibly imagine the true meaning of the banquet and how aristocratic it was.
“Then I’ll get going first. Call me if you need anything, okay?” Jasper spoke.
Wendy nodded. Suddenly remembering something, she asked, “Oh, Jasp? Can I bring a few friends to your banquet? They’re good friends of mine and they’re hoping they can attend.”
Worrying that it would put Jasper in a tough spot, Wendy backtracked and said, “It’s alright if they can’t. I didn’t tell anyone about it yet so they don’t know that you’re the host.”
Jasper smiled. “That’s fine. Hand me a list of their names later and I’ll add it to the attendance list. It’s just a few extra invitations, so don’t worry about it.”
“Okay!’
Wendy smiled at Jasper sweetly. She was in a wonderful mood considering how her boyfriend could so easily deal with the issue of being invited when an invitation to the banquet was something the upper-class outside was pleading to receive.
Life at the Top Chapter 376
Exiting Swallow Capital University, Jasper returned to the hotel to rouse Henry from his sweet dreams.
“Hey! What the f*ck man, f*ck you! I was having a nice f*cking dream there!”
Henry growled, angry and bleary-eyed.
Jasper took a look at the hickey left on his neck and huffed. “You’ve been spending these few nights drowning in women, haven’t you? The moment Anna left, you completely let go and do whatever you want.”
Henry’s pissed expression froze and he immediately denied. “Hey, I’m innocent, okay! I didn’t…”
Then as he spoke, he watched Jasper pick up a black bra with a trendy design by the bed with two fingers…
Henry immediately shut his mouth and tried to recall his memory. ‘Who did I bring over last night? Was it the innocent Annie, the sexy Angela, or the intellectual Catherine?
‘F*ck! That’s too many women, I can’t even tell them apart anymore!’
As such, Henry decided he would not think about it and just block all of them. He could not believe he made a fool of himself in front of his future brother-in-law.
Jasper ignored the embarrassed expression Henry wore and decided to ask in seriousness, “Do you have a way to contact your grandfather?”
Henry was stunned. “My grandfather? I mean I have his assistant’s phone number, but why do you want to contact my grandfather?”
Jasper smiled. “I was hoping to invite him to the celebratory banquet next week.”
Henry shuddered, and the thick drowsiness muffling his mind immediately vanished. He instantly became filled with vigor as he roared, “Calling my grandfather over? Do we need to kill someone? The Turners? Yeah, man, let’s do it! I knew you wouldn’t just let the Turners go so easily. We’ll f*ck those motherf*ckers up so bad! The moment my grandfather is involved in this, they can kiss their wealth and status goodbye!”
Jasper took Henry’s phone and spoke exasperatedly, “Is your every thought just filled with bullsh*t like that? I might as well admit my loss if I have to involve Old Master Law just to fight someone.”
Henry was stunned. “Not at all. That’s how we all do things. We go to our parents when people bully us.”
As he dialed the number, Jasper spoke, “Seems like you’ve bothered him quite a bit for things like this, then.”
Henry looked embarrassed as he scratched his head. “No way. Others like to ask their parents for help, but I just turn to Anna instead. It’s embarrassing… but you know how it is in my family. My dad would break my legs and I don’t want to imagine what my grandfather would do.”
While Henry spoke, Jasper’s call with the old master’s assistant was connected. The phone was then passed to Old Master Law.
“Old Master Law. It’s me, Jasper,” Jasper greeted politely.
Old Master Law’s bright laughter echoed through the speakers. “You’re calling about the banquet, aren’t you, Jasper? Zachary told me about it yesterday. I was just about to have him tell you when you called me yourself.”
Jasper replied sincerely, “I’ve been thinking about it, and I realized that even though it’s only right I tell Uncle Law in advance, I should still discuss this with you myself regarding inviting you to the banquet.”
Old Master Law was extremely pleased with Jasper’s detailed thoughtfulness and smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll be there. One, to support you so that people won’t look down on you, and two, there are also some things about the family that I have to talk to them about in Swallow Capital.”
Jasper knew that he was referring to the Olympic Village. ‘It seems like Old Master Law is planning to take the project for sure.’
“Alright then. I’ll pick you up from the airport,” Jasper replied happily.
Old Master Law chuckled. “No need. We’ll get there ourselves. You don’t need to fetch us at all. Aren’t you busy enough right now? Just focus on your own things and push everything else to the side.”
“I’ve already put a word in with Spencer, Joe, and Wallace for you. They’ll be there too, so you don’t have to call them,” Old Master Law spoke gently.
Jasper was stunned. Old Master Law was doing more than just standing on his side. He had also gotten the rest of Harbor City’s major rich families to support him.
Life at the Top Chapter 377
At the same time, Jasper was well aware that the more support he received, the more careful he had to be.
After all, while he and Spencer Boyle were acquaintances, he and Joe were practically strangers. The gap in their statuses was too large.
As for a big shot like Wallace, Jasper had never once spoken to the man at all. The only impression he had was of Kennedy, and even then it was not great. If anything, Jasper found Kennedy an extremely selfish hero.
None of them were easy to talk to.
With his own ability, there was no way Jasper would have gotten all four families to attend.
The fact that they were attending was all thanks to Old Master Law.
“Thank you.” Jasper gave his heartfelt gratitude.
Old Master Law smiled warmly. “What for? You’re being too polite to an old man like me.
“The four of us will be in attendance because we think you have promising talents. You helped the four of our families during that stock market war in Harbor City back then, so they’re just returning the favor.
“And at the same time, the celebratory banquet for gaining the right to host the Olympics is a large event. It’s good news for the country and its citizens. There’s no way we’d miss this out.”
Then, Old Master Law advised in a meaningful tone, “You’ve always had a good grasp of what kind of future you want for yourself, but remember that as much as this is a chance for you, it’s also a test. The smallest details can affect the majority, so be very careful and attentive.”
Jasper’s mind lit up at the advice. There was no reason for Old Master Law to say meaningless things considering his status and identity, so there had to be something more to his words.
He remembered how he had suggested to Zachary the possibility of a mole within the four rich families during Harbor City’s stock market havoc.
Hearing Old Master Law, it seemed like he had an inkling but was not certain yet.
‘Could it be Spencer Boyle?
‘Joe Langdon?
‘Or Wallace Langdon who always kept a low profile?’
Jasper shook his head and did not delve deeper into the issue. He turned to the phone and replied, “I understand, Old Master Law. I’ll keep a closer eye out.”
The old master smiled. “Don’t think too much about it. You’re still young, still in the developmental stage. Growth is a process, so give it some more time and no one will be able to hold you back.
“Henry didn’t cause you any trouble there, did he?”
At that, Jasper glanced subconsciously at the hickey on Henry’s neck and the woman’s undergarment on the floor before replying with slight embarrassment, “He’s still the same, but it could be worse.”
“This child.” Considering who Old Master Law was, he understood what Jasper meant immediately and had Jasper pass the phone to Henry so he could speak to his grandson.
Henry immediately felt goosebumps across his skin when he saw Jasper passing the phone to him instead of hanging up after they were done with their conversation.
He stared at the phone in Jasper’s hand in fright as if it was a bomb.
Still, he did not dare to make the Old Master wait, so he stuttered as he took the phone and wailed as he greeted his grandfather.
Jasper had no way of knowing what the old master told Henry over the phone, but seeing how wilted the man looked after he hung up, Jasper knew that Henry had been taught a lesson.
Henry felt Jasper’s gaze and shrugged, not embarrassed in the slightest. “You get used to it. After all, I’m in Swallow Capital now and it’s not like I‘ll get physically hurt from a scolding.”
Life at the Top Chapter 378
The following day, Jasper arrived at Easy Media half an hour before the scheduled meeting was about to begin.
Ryder, who had arrived long before him, brought his team and a few senior executives over to greet him.
“How’d it go? Was it smooth?” Jasper shook Ryder’s hand and asked with a smile.
Ryder looked exhausted, but his expression was one of excitement. “It was very hectic, to be honest. The people in Easy Media can’t really do much since they don’t have experience in hosting large-scale banquets like this.”
At that, the face of the vice president of Easy Media flushed as he stood by the side.
There was not much he could say since Ryder was the president of the company in Harbor City. There was no way he would come after his spot in Easy Media if he wanted to make money.
Plus, everyone had seen the strength Ryder’s team had.
No matter the place, people tended to be impressed by people with true skills.
“Mr. Lawrence is right. We’ve realized how much we lack in that sense and we’re embarrassed.”
Thinking Jasper would scold them, the vice president was shocked to hear Jasper reassure them instead. “Don’t worry about it. Everything starts from nothing before it can grow into something. With your experience now, you’ll know what to do next time.”Jasper then turned to the vice president seriously. “Easy Media should learn from Mr. Lawrence and their team humbly. This is an opportunity any other company could only wish to have, understood?”
The vice president immediately brightened up and replied, “Understood, Mr. Laine!”
Jasper nodded then walked toward the meeting room with the large group of people in tow. “Has the representative the higher-ups sent reached yet?”
The vice president shook his head. “We’ve sent someone to fetch them, but they’re not here yet.”
Jasper glanced at the time. ‘The meeting is in less than ten minutes and they’re still not here yet?’
Just then, Jasper received a call from Jacob.
“Mr. Laine, the representative sent to attend the meeting with Easy Media this time is my dad’s absolute rival. He thinks that you only got the right to host because we teamed up, so he might cause you some problems.”
Jasper finally understood. That explained why the other party was being so high and mighty.
“Alright, I’ll keep an eye out. It’s already set in stone right now and no protest is going to change anything. Unless you’re telling me he has the ability to make me give up my right to host?” Jasper spoke plainly.
Jacob smiled. “The invitations have already been sent out and the banquet is in less than a week. There’s no way he can make you give your rights up, nor does he have the right to host the banquet even if he manages to.
“The most he can do now is supervise the meeting, especially the list of guests in case the company tries to play dirty. Not that he has the say over who should or should not attend, since he’ll have to hand the list to the higher-ups too. Basically, he’s just here to be unreasonable and cause trouble. Don’t take it to heart, Mr. Laine.”
Understanding the deeper meaning underneath, Jasper smiled. “Alright, thanks for the intel.”
Jacob hummed happily before he stuttered, “Uh, Mr. Laine? I was wondering if it’d be okay for me to go too?”
The Combe family had performed very well this time, and this mere phone call from Jacob had already reduced a lot of Jasper’s issues. Naturally, he would not be calculative regarding such small matters.
“Sure. I’ll put you and your brother’s names on the list as well. As Easy Media’s shareholders, I see no problem in you attending a banquet hosted by your own company,” Jasper replied.
The mere fact that Jacob could attend was already something great and something that boosted his ego greatly. After all, the entire upper-class in Swallow Capital would be there, and everyone was proud to have their own ways to obtain an invitation.
However, since the guest list had yet to be finalized, most people who claimed to have been invited were just bluffing. Now, Jasper had not only promised his place in the guest list but his brother’s as well.
Jasper was being very nice to them.
Amidst Jacob’s repetitive thanks, Jasper hung up the phone.
It was time for the meeting to begin.
“It’s 8:30, Mr. Laine. They’re still not here yet. Should I urge their arrival?” the vice president asked carefully.
“No need. We’ll start on time. It’s not our fault he’s not here,” Jasper replied.
Life at the Top Chapter 379
Jasper did not entertain people who thought the world revolved around them just because they were of higher status.
Jasper had just finished speaking when the meeting room doors were pushed open and a middle-aged man entered the room with two other staff in tow.
The middle-aged man leading them was Jon Foxx, a man the higher-ups sent to go over the guest list.
“For a man so young, you sure have quite the temper, Mr. Laine. What’s this? I arrive right on the dot and you’re already so displeased. Who knows what you would’ve done if I came late?” Jon sneered at Jasper.
“Ted!”
Jasper suddenly frowned and shouted.
Ted was the name of Easy Media’s vice president. The man was wiping his sweat when Jasper called his name and it startled him. He quickly replied, “Present, Mr. Laine!”
“Why is there an unknown outsider in the company’s meeting room?” Jasper asked calmly.
Ted’s pupils constricted, and his complexion paled. His eyes darted toward Jon who was fuming. He bemoaned internally and bitterly. He wondered why he had to be caught in the crossfire.
“What are you saying, Jasper? I’m the team leader the higher-ups sent over to supervise the guest list. How dare you chase me out?!”
Jon pointed at Jasper as he roared, “Can you even bear the responsibility if anything goes wrong with the banquet?!”
Jasper smiled before he replied calmly, “Oh, so you’re the person the higher-ups sent to join the meeting. How am I supposed to know who you are when you just charged into my meeting room out of the blue and started reprimanding me about my temper without even telling me who you are?”
Jon’s gaze turned cold as he scoffed. “Are you telling me I’m wrong about your temper? Don’t think that because you’re the host here that you can ignore the higher-ups’ wishes. You’re still too young to fight with them!”
Jasper merely replied, “I do respect the higher-ups. I just don’t like pretentious people.”
“What did you say?!” Jon clenched his teeth.
He had planned to make a fierce entrance and show Jasper his power. At the same time, it would be an attack on his own enemy, Hendrik Combe.
As far as he was concerned, there was more to the fact that Easy Media was given the right to host the banquet, and neither would Easy Media dare to step out of line.
However, Jon had not expected to go speechless from Jasper’s chides before he could begin.
At that train of thought, Jon’s fury flared.
“The company already informed you of the time and location of today’s meeting three days ago. We also sent someone to fetch you and that’s enough respect as it is. Yet you decided to take your own sweet time and be late, so tell me why do I have to wait for you?” Jasper asked calmly.
Jon replied coldly, “Can’t there be traffic?”
“Sure.” Jasper smiled and ignored him, turning to announce to everyone else in the room, “Let’s start.”
Eyes wide and speechless, Jon brought the two other employees with him inside. ‘Jasper’s just going to start the meeting when we’re still standing at the door? He’s not even going to ask us to sit?
‘What does he take me, Jon Foxx, for?’
His face was flushed red from being infuriated. Jon had never respected businessmen considering he had always found work with big shots.
He had always been at the receiving end of businessmen’s pleasantries, and he had never found himself at a loss of whether he should enter a businessman’s conference room or not.
“You’ve gone mad, Jasper Laine!”
Jon barked out angrily.
“Without me, any guest list you come up with is useless! They’ll never be approved!”
“And what kind of influential guests can you invite anyway? Who do you think will entertain a rascal like you when it comes to a banquet of this scale? You’ll need the officials to back you up anyway! You won’t get a single guest in attendance if you offend me, I’m telling you! You’re just f*cking yourself over!”
Life at the Top Chapter 380
The entire world would have their eyes on this banquet.
Firstly, it was of exceptional meaning and status, so it was only right that people paid attention to it.
Secondly, many were waiting to see how Jasper was going to make a fool of himself.
While Jasper would not have to bear any responsibilities if anything went south, there was no chance any media company under his name could work together with the higher-ups and officials in the future.
Within the country, a media company might as well close down if they got blacklisted by the officials.
Not to mention that there was still the guest list to worry about.
Without question, ambitious youths like Jacob Combe would do everything they could to get a spot on the guest list and Jasper could do nothing to hold them outside.
These youths had been asking around their contacts for a potential way in.
It was because this banquet would turn out to be a great chance to show their faces and broaden their contacts.
However, a banquet of such class could not possibly be made up of youths like Jacob.
That would be a joke.
To put it bluntly, they were not formidable enough.
As such, top-level big shots must attend as well.
Yet there was no way these big shots would ask to be invited themselves, so it was left to Jasper and the higher-ups to invite them.
Still, their attendance was not absolutely guaranteed.
Especially when it came to people of Old Master Law’s fortitude. The officials could invite them, but if Old Master Law claimed that he was too tired and old to move, then there was nothing they could do.
Essentially, underqualified people would beg the hosting party for an invite.
While the hosting party would beg the true bigwigs to attend.
Jon’s words were not baseless.
He did not believe that a youth like Jasper, a little brat he had never heard of, would be able to invite any big shots at all.
He would need the higher-ups’ help in the end anyway.
By then, Jon would be able to tattle on Jasper to the higher-ups as he pleased.
Scoffing, Jon sneered at Jasper while waiting for the other to sob and beg him for forgiveness.
However, he only heard Jasper speak plainly.
“Whether I manage to invite them or not is my business. I don’t need your input on the matter. Taking a step back, what makes you think you can invite guests that I cannot?”
Jon’s eyes widened immediately and he stared intently at Jasper, wondering if he had heard the man wrongly.
After a while, Jon guffawed. “Fine! You think you’re so great, huh? Well then, if you think you’re so fine on your own, then I don’t think the three of us need to sit in on this meeting, do we? I’d like to see what kind of guest list you can come up with!
“I won’t be the one getting the brunt of it when it turns out your guest list consists of just a couple of small-timers! I’d like to see how you plan to save yourself then!”
Jon spoke and turned to leave with his subordinates with the flick of his hand.
“Leave then, goodbye,” Jasper replied, unfazed.
Jon slammed the door angrily behind him as he left, and Jasper glanced at the senior executives in the room who all wore strange expressions on their faces.
Excluding Ryder’s team that came from Harbor City, Easy Media’s senior executives all looked worried and did not dare to voice their concerns.
“Don’t worry, everyone. I won’t make fun of such a big deal.”
They had no other choice but to believe in Jasper after the man’s reassurance.
After all, Jasper should be the one under the most pressure. He would be the one taking the brunt of it when everything came crashing down, not the subordinates.
“Show me the drafted guest list first. Let’s take a look at it,” Jasper instructed.
Ted, the vice president, was the person in charge of the list, so he immediately had someone display the drafted list on the large screen in the conference room.