Ch. 551..560
Life at the Top Chapter 551
Jasper did not expect that this was what had caused Charlie to frown and stammer for such a long time.
Jasper did not know how he should react to that.
“Uncle Schuler is very easy-going, and he doesn’t have much of a temper. He’s a very nice person, so we can be more relaxed. Else, we’ll appear to be overly formal.”
However, Jasper did not think that Charlie would glare at him when he said that.
“Nonsense! We must be polite. Although we aren’t going to ask for her father’s blessing this time, it’s still the first time both side’s parents are meeting. How can we treat this casually?”
Upon realizing that Charlie was going to take this extremely seriously, Jasper said helplessly, “Perhaps we could prepare some gifts?”
Charlie pinched his chin and raised an eyebrow before saying, “He’s a tycoon and has probably received all kinds of expensive presents before. If we gave him wine and tobacco as we usually do, he would probably just laugh at us… Never mind, I’ll consult the elders and see what I should do in such situations.”
Jasper sighed and said, “Dad, what are you so nervous about? Uncle Schuler might be one of the richest people in the province, but I’m not that far behind either. We’re not trying to claim connections with him. There’s no need to be so nervous.”
“What? He’s the richest person in the province?!” Charlie immediately ignored everything else when he heard that, and his eyes widened as he spoke.
Charlie, who had been a farmer for most of his life until Jasper made it big, had rarely even seen a large stack of cash with his own eyes. The richest man in the province was on the same level as a king to him… They were all legends he had never heard of before.
“That was in the past. Right now, it’s probably me, your son.” Jasper grinned as he spoke and tried to ease Charlie’s stress and nerves.
However, Charlie glared at Jasper and said, “You’re still young, so don’t become cocky after a few accomplishments. He has been working hard all his life, do you think he’ll be easily defeated by you?”
Jasper had no way of convincing Charlie if he did not believe him.
If he combined the cash he had in both his personal property and real estate, Jasper felt that not only could he be named the richest man in the Southeast Province, but he could even be listed as the top three richest men in the country.
However, one should not reveal their wealth. It would be better for him to keep a low profile.
“Dad, I’m serious. There’s no need to be this formal. Just act as if I were introducing you to a friend. There’s no way he’ll look down on you because you’re a farmer, and you don’t have to restrain yourself just because he’s the richest man in the province. Do whatever you’re supposed to do,” Jasper advised.
Charlie did not say anything, but there was a stony expression on his face. Finally, he said, “You make it sound simple… Never mind, I can’t come to any conclusions with you. I should talk about it with your mom and then consult the elders back home.”
“Does my mom and the elders have experience befriending the richest man in the province and becoming family with them?” Jasper grinned as he asked.
Charlie took out a box of cigarettes and tossed one over to Jasper with natural movements. “I’ll call your uncle and have him bring over the 100-year-old ginseng from home. You can’t just buy stuff like this on the market, so it should be suitable.”
“That’s a family heirloom of theirs. Is Uncle willing to give it up?” Jasper asked cheerfully.
“Why wouldn’t he be willing?” Charlie glared at him as he said, “You single-handedly helped his son’s career. It’s just some mountain ginseng, and it’s not like we won’t be paying for it. What is there to be unwilling about? I’ll take care of this. You don’t need to worry.”
“Dad, who was the one who taught me to never expect anything in return when we do good deeds when I was younger?” Jasper asked as he crossed one leg over the other.
The expression on Charlie’s face darkened as he raised his voice and said, “How is that the same? We’re going to meet your future in-law! We have to adapt to such matters. Time is of the essence, and we can’t consider that now.”
Life at the Top Chapter 552
While Jasper and Charlie were talking, at the west of Tefa City in Walmart.
Wendy and Sally talked and laughed as they picked out items while Julian stood near them and stared at everyone who got close to them.
The second time he managed to scare a little girl to tears, Wendy turned and said helplessly to Julian, “Julian, can’t you have a kinder expression on your face? Look at how scared that little girl was.”
Julian said innocently, “I didn’t mean to scare her on purpose. I just took another look at her because she seemed cute.”
“You have no idea how scary you appear when you look at people,” Sally said as she laughed. She picked up a foam pillow, which had just started gaining popularity in a small part of the country in recent years.
“Wendy, do you think these pillows are useful? Jasper’s dad has some neck problems, and the normal pillows don’t allow him to get a restful sleep. I heard that these pillows are quite useful in allowing restful sleep.”
Wendy asked in surprise, “Charlie has neck problems? Has he gotten it checked out at the hospital?”
Sally smiled as she said, “There’s no need to have it checked. He’s had that problem for many years now because of his work. Back then, we had to plant several hectares worth of rice in a day, and we spent all that time hunched over working in the fields. It’s not odd that we have problems with our necks and backs. It can’t be cured.”
Wendy picked out the best foam pillow and placed it in the cart. “Let’s just buy one for the time being. I have a friend overseas, and I can get her to send one that was manufactured there to me.”
“No need to go to such trouble,” Sally hurriedly said.
Wendy smiled and said, “It’s just a small matter. There’s no need to be so formal with me.”
As Sally gazed at the racks of goods in the supermarket, she asked naturally, “Do you need anything back home? Let’s buy some for you to bring back home.”
Wendy smiled as she said, “No need, Sally. I have everything. I don’t need anything else.”
Sally disagreed as she said, “I heard from Jasper that your mom passed when you were young, and your dad raised you alone. He’s a man, and you’re a girl who hasn’t done any household chores in her life. There’s no way the two of you would know if anything is lacking from the cupboards.
“I’ll buy some things for you two. Both Christmas and New Year’s are approaching. You should take this opportunity to replace some things.”
Startled and touched, Wendy took Sally’s hand in hers as she said, “Thank you.”
After so many years, Wendy had already grown used to life without her mother taking care of her. However, she now got to feel the love and care her father could not provide from Sally.
It was the kind of gentleness only a mother possessed.
This sort of tenderness toward the smallest detail was the most touching to Wendy, who had lost the love of her mother more than ten years ago.
Sally patted Wendy’s palm gently as she said softly, “From today onward, I’ll be your mom. There’s no need for us to be so polite ever again.”
“Alright!” Wendy nodded and smiled happily as she answered.
When the two pushed their trolley to the check-out counter and stood in line, Wendy realized that a man in the other line was staring at her.
“Are you… Wendy Schuler? Is it really you? I didn’t dare say hi!” the young, handsome man said excitedly to Wendy.
Life at the Top Chapter 553
In contrast to the surprise and excitement on the man’s face, Wendy only had confusion written across hers.
The man did seem familiar to her, but she had forgotten who he was.
When the man saw that Wendy was not going to say anything else, he pointed to himself and said, “It’s me, Jeremy Morris! I was a couple of months your senior back when you first started work at Commercial Bank. I taught you most of the ropes.”
Not even in his wildest dreams would Jeremy have imagined he could meet the woman he had yearned for day and night again.
He had been doing well in his career lately, having secured a large project in the province. Now that he had been reunited with the girl of his dreams, Jeremy’s eyes shone as he took pride in his success in both his career and relationship.
Wendy exclaimed, “Oh, it’s you, Jeremy! Fancy meeting you here. It’s such a small world.”
Jeremy chuckled and gave up his spot in line. As he walked toward Wendy, he said, “Wendy, so many of your colleagues were sad when you resigned. I resigned as well a week after you left.”
Wendy said courteously, “You’re a highly competent man, Jeremy. I’m sure you’ll do well wherever you go.”
Jeremy chuckled and said gleefully, “It’s not much, but I’m doing alright. My family is in engineering, and we managed to secure a huge deal in the province through some connections and contacts. I’m currently in charge of that project.
“Wendy, I’m not sure if you’ve heard of it or not, but it’s the Southface River project back in the province. The company where I work as a general manager is in charge of constructing a pedestrian greenway. It’s an investment requiring tens of millions of dollars. We’ll be able to earn quite a bit of money from it.”
When Wendy heard that Jeremy was one of the many contractors involved in the Southface River project, her liking toward Jeremy increased a notch. After all, he was working for her man.
“I heard that the outlook on the Southface River project is quite good,” Sally said as she smiled.
Jeremy pretended to smile humbly, but he then said with unmasked glee, “Yeah, did you know that the largest project in the province is currently the Southface River project? Whoever gets involved even the slightest with the project will be guaranteed an earning.
“So many people were fighting for the chance to build that pedestrian greenway. Thankfully, my family had some connections to one of the managers at the real estate agency. It’s how we managed to nab that deal.”
Jeremy did not mean anything by what he said, but those listening heard a deeper meaning in his words.
Wendy knew that Jasper placed a strong focus on the company’s integrity. He had emphasized in multiple meetings that no one was allowed to pull any strings.
All the company’s projects would be subjected to public bidding before they could proceed to the next stage.
However, from what Jeremy had said, he seemed to have gotten the project through the backdoor because of his relations?
That was unusual.
The expression on Wendy’s face darkened slightly. She was about to try and find out who Jeremy was in contact with when Sally spoke first.
“You got this project through the backdoor?”
Sally knew that her son was in charge of the Southface River project, but she did not know how important this particular project was.
When she first heard from Jeremy that he was a contractor for a sub-project within the Southface River project, her liking for this person who was working under her son had increased, just like Wendy. However, she immediately became unhappy the minute she heard he had gotten the project through the backdoor.
Life at the Top Chapter 554
Any project that was obtained through the backdoor was not a good project to her. She might not know anything about buildings, but she knew that jerry-built building projects would only harm her son.
The expression on Jeremy’s face darkened when he heard what Sally said. Frowning, he turned to Sally and said, “Who are you, old woman? What gives you the right to ask about how and where I got my project?”
An angry expression appeared on Wendy’s face. “Jeremy Morris, watch your words! She’s my friend’s mom!”
“Friend?” Jeremy narrowed his eyes slightly.
It was nearing the end of the year now. Most people would be shopping for Christmas presents now if they were out.
The contents of Wendy’s shopping cart proved that.
“Boyfriend or girlfriend?” Jeremy asked, his jealousy apparent.
Wendy replied coldly, “That’s none of your business.”
Wendy’s attitude proved Jeremy’s suspicions to be true. He had just been feeling euphoric and thought that his days of being successful in both his career and his relationship had started. Jealousy coursed through him when he learned that Wendy already had a boyfriend.
“Wendy, you know how I’ve always liked you since the day you joined Commercial Bank and we got to know each other. I still like you to this day. How could you have just found yourself a boyfriend like that?”
Jeremy frowned. His voice was filled with obvious contempt as he said, “I’ve taken up a project in the Southface River project. I’ll earn millions of dollars through this project. Where does your boyfriend work? Can he even earn a million dollars in his entire lifetime?
“Wendy, times are different now. Only the rich can survive in today’s society. You’re so pretty, why should you find yourself a random man and suffer for the rest of your life with him? Why don’t you get together with me? Ignoring other things, at least you can enjoy a life that’s a cut above others.”
Wendy was shocked by how shameless Jeremy was. She scoffed and said, “A cut above others? How is it a cut above others? Is money that important to you?”
“Of course, money is important.” Jeremy pursed his lips and said earnestly, “You haven’t gotten to know the harsh realities of the world’s evils yet. I’m older than you by two years, and I’ve seen more things than you. You have to trust me. You’re no one if you’re poor, and you’re king of the world if you’re rich.
“Especially for a beautiful girl like you. If you don’t get a rich boyfriend like me, who else could possibly be a match for you?”
Then, Jeremy pointed at Sally and snickered as he said, “Look at your boyfriend’s mom. Look at how she acts and dresses. She’s no different from the farmer wives in the country. How could a family like that produce any riches?”
“Shut up!” Wendy was raging when she interrupted Jeremy and said, “Don’t think you can humiliate anyone you like just because you’ve scored some wins! Do you think you’re such a big deal just because you’ve got some money in your bank account? I don’t care for it at all!”
Jeremy laughed as he said, “That’s why I said you’ve never been out in the real world and don’t understand just how cruel it is out there. But never mind, you’ll slowly understand that in the future. But now, I can’t stand to see you get fooled by the sweet nothings of another man.”
As he spoke, Jeremy glared coldly at Sally and said, “Hey, old hag, go back and tell your son that he’s an idiot to take Jeremy Morris’ girl from him.
“Have him go take a stroll and learn about me. I, Jeremy Morris, have gotten to know many people through my projects in the province. I can quash your entire family by just calling up a few of my contacts. You’d better f*ck off while you still can!”
“You!” Sally was shaking from anger. Although she had been born on a farm and spent more than half her life in a shabby shack, she did not have the typical shrewdness of a farm woman. Conversely, she rarely got into a fight with anyone.
Sally had been alive for almost 50 years, but she had never been humiliated this way. She was so angry that she nearly passed out on the spot and could not even form a sentence.
Life at the Top Chapter 555
“What about me?”
Jeremy scoffed and said leisurely to Sally, “You’d better be careful, you old hag. Don’t make me angry. It’s almost Christmas now. I would consider myself unlucky even if you don’t think it’ll dampen your spirits.”
“Or do you want to squander my money? That’s fine too. If you get your son to f*ck off, I can give him tens of thousands if I’m in a good mood. That would be much better than him working his socks off and earning so little, right?”
Wendy gritted her teeth in anger as she looked at the gleeful expression on Jeremy’s face.
“Julian!” Wendy called out.
Julian, who had long since been unable to stand him, immediately appeared. He stared unblinkingly at Jeremy.
Jeremy, who had been wild with glee, sensed the unmasked hostility from Julian when he appeared. Jeremy frowned.
“Where did this idiot come from? F*ck off, can’t you see I’m talking?”
Jeremy had just finished speaking when Julian picked him up by the collar. He was raised several feet off the ground.
His shocking strength caused everyone who was watching to cry out in surprise.
“I’ll make you shut up forever if you say another word. Do you believe me?”
That one sentence was enough to shut Jeremy up.
Julian had already proven that he had the strength to do what he said he would do. The look in his eyes proved to Jeremy that this man, who had appeared out of nowhere, had the guts to do so as well.
“Julian, I don’t want to see him anymore,” Wendy frowned as she spoke.
Wendy might have an intense hatred toward Jeremy, but she did not get Julian to do anything extreme. After all, they were in a supermarket, and there were lots of eyes on them. Things would become difficult if any accidents happened.
Julian seemed to understand that too. Huffing, he tossed Jeremy aside. He landed sprawled on the ground.
“It’s best you f*ck off now, or I won’t let you be sprawled out so comfortably the next time,” Julian said coldly.
Jeremy scrambled to his feet and adjusted his collar. The fall had him grimacing in pain.
“Alright, just wait and see!” Jeremy glared evilly at Wendy and Julian before he turned and left.
“Sally, are you alright?” Wendy grasped Sally’s hand as she asked.
Sally waved a hand and sighed. “One can really meet all sorts of people these days. I’m fine, don’t worry. I was just so angry I couldn’t catch my breath just now. I feel much better now that I’m not so angry anymore.”
“Don’t worry Sally, people like him won’t remain gleeful for long,” Wendy said.
“Ms. Schuler, Mrs. Laine, I’ve already contacted Jasper. He should be here soon,” Julian said as he walked over.
Wendy said in surprise, “When did that happen? What did you call him for? It was nothing.”
Julian scratched his head and said, “I messaged Jasper when I saw him speaking rudely to Mrs. Laine… Did I do something wrong?”
Wendy shook her head. “You didn’t do anything wrong. You were just carrying out your responsibilities, and you were worried about us. I just think that we might be making a big deal out of nothing.”
Julian chuckled naively but did not say anything else.
Either way, he would still let Jasper know immediately if anything similar happened in the future.
As Jeremy grumbled and walked out of the supermarket, he thought about the incident and could not stand what had just happened to him. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he began calling the people he knew.
Taking Julian’s terrifying ability into consideration, Jeremy made a couple of extra phone calls. When he finished his calls, Wendy and Sally were walking out of the supermarket. Julian was behind them, a large bag in his hands.
When Jeremy remembered that his men were almost there, he became gleeful again. Walking over to Wendy, he gritted his teeth and said, “Stop!”
Wendy frowned at Jeremy and said impatiently, “Why won’t you leave us alone?”
Jeremy gave a twisted smile and said, “Did you think you could beat me up and be done with me? How would I, Jeremy Morris, continue doing business if that was the case?”
Julian was just about to speak when a car’s headlights shone in their direction.
The bright light caused everyone to squint and look toward where the light was coming from.
Jeremy watched a car drive toward him and stop right in front of him.
Life at the Top Chapter 556
It stopped less than an inch away from his feet.
Jeremy was so shocked he took several steps backward before he roared, “Can’t you see that there’s someone here? Are you trying to kill me?”
Then, he saw the make of the car. It was a Bentley!
Only the richest of the rich could drive such luxurious cars worth several million Somer Dollars.
Cowardice immediately took over Jeremy as he took several instinctive steps backward.
When everyone who was with Wendy saw the Bentley, a smile appeared on their faces.
They knew that Jasper had arrived.
When the Bentley pulled to a stop, Jasper got out of the car and walked straight toward Jeremy with a nonchalant expression. He turned to Julian and asked, “Julian, is he the one who insulted my mom and Wendy?”
Julian nodded.
Jeremy had a confused expression on his face and was just about to speak when he got slapped.
Jasper’s calm voice rang out after he slapped him. “So, you insulted my mom?”
Slap!
A second slap.
“You want to take my woman away from me?”
Slap!
A third slap.
“You said you would give me tens of thousands if I f*cked off?”
Slap!
A fourth slap.
“You think that you’re invincible after you managed to get a sub-project in the Southface River project through the backdoor?”
Four consecutive slaps were enough to slap Jeremy silly. As he backed away, he tried to use his hand to shield himself, but he could not stop Jasper from slapping him again and again.
Jeremy’s face swelled like a pig’s face after getting slapped four times in a row.
He no longer cared if Jasper had gotten out of a Bentley.
“What the f*ck, how dare you slap me?! Do you know who I am?!”
Jeremy roared as blood dribbled from his mouth. His eyes were bloodshot, and he seemed ready to eat Jasper alive.
“Slap you? That’s child’s play.”
Jasper laughed coolly and took out his phone. He dialed a number.
The call was answered after a second.
“Mr. Laine, it’s so late. What do you—”
Sean thought Jasper needed him to do something upon receiving such a sudden call. However, he did not have time to finish speaking before Jasper yelled, “Sean Tucker, are you having too much fun being the vice president? Would you like to move your ass a little? If that’s the case, you can go stand guard for me at the construction site tomorrow!”
Sean, who was back at the province, was so shocked he immediately sat upright on his bed and said humbly, “Mr. Laine, I don’t understand what you mean?”
“The project for the pedestrian greenway. Who’s in charge of it? How did those people become in charge of it?” Jasper asked.
Sean had a confused expression on his face. He was an executive who was in charge of the larger issues. How would he be able to pay attention to the tiny details? Thus, he could only say nervously, “Well, I’ll have to make some inquiries…”
“No need for that. I don’t care who’s in charge. We’re terminating our contract. Besides, whoever was in charge of sealing the deal will have to be fired tomorrow. From tomorrow onward, your most important task will be to conduct an office-wide investigation to see if anyone received bribes or kept the benefits of the contract for themselves!”
As he spoke, Jasper narrowed his eyes and looked at Jeremy who had already lost all color from his face. He said, “I don’t care who it is. If they’re discovered, throw them into jail using the evidence. I’ll throw you into jail too if you dare step out of line!”
Life at the Top Chapter 557
That one phone call was enough to knock Jeremy into an abyss.
He could not figure out how someone who had appeared out of nowhere could tear apart the project he had gotten for himself.
Such a person was either a lunatic who was really good at acting, or they were actually legit.
Jeremy glanced at the Bentley parked behind Jasper and gulped. He felt chills running across his entire body.
Could a lunatic afford to drive a Bentley?
Moreover, based on what had just happened, it was clear that this man was Wendy’s current boyfriend and the son of the farmer woman he had just laughed at!
Jeremy was incredibly decisive when he realized he was in deep trouble. He immediately knelt before Jasper and said, “I’m sorry, I failed to recognize your talent. I looked down on you because of my own twisted views!
“I have a mouth too big for my own appetite!
“But that project is our family’s lifeline. None of us went through any backdoors, everything was done properly through bidding. Please forgive me this one time…”
Jeremy spoke desperately, the sincerity and look of apology on his face were not faked at all.
Jasper watched Jeremy’s performance calmly and waited for him to finish before he said, “Very well. I shall investigate if you got this project legally through a bid or not.
“If you did get this project through a bid, I won’t hold anything against you. However, if bribery was involved, not only will the person who accepted the bribe face time in jail, but you will also suffer consequences as the person who initiated the bribe.”
The expression on Jeremy’s face changed when he heard what Jasper said.
“Who the hell are you?” Jeremy asked dazedly as he raised his head to gaze at Jasper.
“You have no right to know who I am yet.” When Jasper finished that sentence, he ignored Jeremy and turned to walk to Sally. He asked, “Mom, are you alright?”
Sally shook her head and said, “I’m alright.”
Jasper took Wendy’s hand and escorted Sally back to the car. Julian, who was behind them, stood in front of Jeremy with a stony expression on his face as he said, “Didn’t you say it was an impressive feat that you had managed to secure a contract in the Southface River project?
“He’s in charge of the Southface River project.”
Julian did not give Jeremy’s colorless face another look before he turned and left.
Jeremy could not stand even after the Bentley had driven off. He had a sullen expression on his face when he thought about how his world was going to collapse around him.
Soon, two vans pulled to a stop in front of Jeremy and several men jumped out from them. The leader ran over to Jeremy and was shocked when he saw the state Jeremy was in.
“Mr. Morris, what happened to you? Where’s the person who hit you? Don’t worry, I’ve brought all my men along with me. I’ll make sure justice is on your side.”
Jeremy was not in the mood to explain anything to these thugs and could only mumble, “Sh*t, I’m done for. My entire family is done for. What should I do?”
The man who was the leader of the thugs was confused, but he could more or less guess what had happened from what Jeremy said.
Could it be that Jeremy had angered the wrong person today?
This immediately caused the man to go on high alert. The way he looked at Jeremy immediately became less friendly as he asked probingly, “Young Master Morris, should we also leave now that they’ve left too?”
“Look, my men all abandoned whatever they were working on to come here. Do you think we can get some compensation?”
Jeremy shuddered and seemed to come back to his senses as he glared at the man. He roared, “What compensation? I let you eat and drink all you f*cking want but you’re asking me for payment now even though you didn’t do anything when I was in trouble? Do you think my money grows on trees?
“F*ck all of you freeloaders! Would I be in this mess today if you weren’t circling me and dragging me into messes? F*ck off! All of you f*ck off!”
The expression on the man’s face grew ugly as he was berated in front of his men. He glared at Jeremy as he said, “Morris, I’m showing you respect by calling you Mr. Morris today. If I don’t feel like doing so, will you believe me if I say I’ll cut you to death?
“You have to pay for us traveling out here today whether you want to or not! Or else, don’t blame me for not being courteous.”
Jeremy stared at the man in front of him and at his men who were staring greedily at him. He felt his vision go black.
…
Jeremy’s issue was insignificant to Jasper.
However, this prompted him to sense that there was a major hidden problem in the real estate agency.
Just like how a problem had been discovered in the investment company back when he was battling the Hull family. However, the problem that was discovered in the real estate agency seemed to be even more serious.
“Jasp, what are you thinking about?” Wendy was sitting on a chair after she returned home, and she saw Jasper sitting at his desk with a dark expression on his face.
He had been maintaining that posture for almost half an hour ever since they returned from the supermarket.
“I’m thinking if the problem in the real estate agency is a major one or not,” Jasper replied.
Wendy frowned when she heard that. “You mean Jeremy’s case of bribing employees and getting hold of projects through the backdoor might not be an isolated one?”
“Isolated case?”
Jasper smiled.
Jasper had been reincarnated with his memories from his past life. He had seen too many cases of people taking advantage of loopholes and cases of corruption within a company.
When corruption happened, it was probably a whole nest of cases—the kind where you only needed to discover one case before you discovered the rest of them.
“The real estate agency might be a brand new company, but most of the middle and top managers were transferred over from Schuler Group. This brand new company would be the perfect place for these experienced people to get up to no good.”
Jasper said calmly, “After all, your dad has run Schuler Group for more than ten years. There’ll be far fewer loopholes there. But the real estate agency is different. A new business requires a new set of rules. The sly ones would easily be able to spot loopholes that benefit them.”
Wendy frowned as she said angrily, “My father only transferred those he trusted over to the real estate agency. They…”
Jasper replied calmly, “Take higher-ups like Sean Tucker, for example. He wouldn’t get involved in such matters for such measly benefits, but what about those in the middle level of management? You need to understand that mid-level management is what truly makes up the foundation of a company.
“If anything goes wrong there, it would be much more difficult to deal with than if one or two higher-ups got into trouble.”
“So what do you plan to do?” Wendy asked.
“We can’t be soft when dealing with corruption within the company. No compromising or indecisiveness is allowed. We have to deal with matters the way they present themselves.” Jasper massaged his temples as he smiled at Wendy and said, “But tomorrow’s the last day of work. Everyone will be on winter break starting tomorrow. Let’s talk about this after New Year’s.”
Life at the Top Chapter 558
The end of the year was soon approaching. Jasper’s family had three important meals that they would always have at this time of the year.
The first one was on the 24th, Christmas Eve dinner.
Another one was on the 25th, Christmas lunch.
The last one was on the 26th, Boxing Day breakfast.
The south had just about the same traditions, but they just had the meals at different times of the day.
There were only a few days left before Christmas. Wendy had to return to the province to accompany Dawson. After all, even though he had not said anything about being left alone in the province, everyone knew he hoped his daughter would accompany him during this special day.
Jasper began preparing this year’s Christmas Eve dinner after he said goodbye to Wendy.
Although the Laine family wasn’t huge, as they were from the village, there were relatives who moved around and they all still kept close contact with each other.
Moreover, because they knew he had made it big this year, the majority of Jasper’s relatives suggested having this year’s Christmas Eve dinner at Tefa City for a multitude of reasons.
Sally and Charlie would not let go of this opportunity to have bragging rights in front of their relatives. Thus, they immediately agreed and expressed that they would pay for everyone’s room and board.
Jasper did not mind. It did not matter if they were his relatives or tribespeople. Men could not survive in the world alone.
Jasper was willing to keep in touch with them too, but on the condition that they did not treat him as a cash cow just because he was rich now. If they did that, he would ignore them.
In his past life, he had seen plenty of people who held grudges because their relatives did not share their earnings with them after making it big in the world.
When faced with such relatives, Jasper’s only reaction was to ask them to get as far away from him as possible.
“Dad, I know you and Mom want to look good in front of them. I’ve already booked three tables at Shangri-La Hotel. All you have to do is go over. Moreover, I’ve arranged for several cars to pick everyone up because there are so many of you guys. Someone will get in touch with you once you’re there. I’ll arrive slightly later.”
Jasper sat in John’s office and crossed one of his legs over the other as he talked to his mom, Sally, over the phone.
It was bustling and noisy on Sally’s end of the line. A bunch of his relatives must have already arrived at his family’s villa.
Once in a while, Jasper could also hear the sounds of a relative marveling and being blown away.
Even Sally’s eyes were smiling as she said, “Alright, we’ll get going right now. Hey, where did you get those cars from?”
Jasper smiled as he glanced at John and said, “I borrowed them from a friend. You don’t need to worry about that. That’s all for now.”
After he hung up the phone, Jasper said to John, “Thank you so much for your help, John. Else I would never have been able to book that private room at Shangri-La Hotel. And thank you for those six BMWs as well. I would never have been able to procure them myself.”
John smiled as he said, “I dare not take credit for this. I turned to Kai after you told me about this last night. That man is a social butterfly and has friends everywhere.
“His social circle has expanded since what happened the last time. He’s extremely popular now and is the leader of the circle in Faith County.”
Jasper said teasingly, “What about Samuel?”
John said happily, “Do you think Samuel would dare make an appearance while you’re here? I heard from someone that he’s planning to move to Dusk County.”
“I don’t have the time for him. He can move wherever he likes,” Jasper said calmly.
John’s voice was lowered as he said, “Jasper, Kai has been looking for the chance to thank you personally.
“Take this time, for example. The end of the year is right around the corner, and most people have already booked their rooms at hotels several months in advance. He went straight to those people with several million dollars in cash and half-bribed, half-fought them to get these rooms for you.
“The same goes for the cars. He spent the whole night running around before he got them all.”
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“These are all insignificant, though. You’re a busy man with no time for these things. It doesn’t matter if we, your friends, help you take care of matters like these.
“But he still put quite a lot of thought into it, so how about we go visit him after Christmas?”
Jasper gave John a meaningful look and smiled as he said, “John, you’re playing mind games with me as well now. Kai doesn’t have such a simple purpose behind wanting to meet me, does he?”
John knew he could not fool Jasper and decided to say honestly, “Well, his main reason is to thank you. His other reason is that he would like to take Faith County’s resources once Samuel is gone.”
Jasper thought to himself for a moment. No matter how he advanced, Faith County and Tefa City would be his home base for a long time.
At the very least, his parents would retire here. They would not go anywhere else.
The company’s headquarters was in Waterhoof City. The amount of time they needed to spend there would be calculated in years. They would not be able to move away anytime soon.
Thus, it would be much better to have someone on his side take care of things than to have someone like Hugh or Samuel.
“Alright, just let me know in advance,” Jasper said.
John smiled when he heard Jasper’s answer and said cheerfully, “Alright, I’ll let him know he can come over for a visit.”
…
While Jasper and John were chatting in the office, in the villa.
Sally and Charlie were happily leading a team of relatives out of their villa.
“Ah, Charlie, Jasper really has outdone himself. This is such a huge villa and in such a beautiful area! I wouldn’t even dare dream to have this.”
A woman turned to speak to Charlie, her envy evident on her face.
The people beside her all nodded in agreement and turned to gaze reluctantly at the villa they had just left.
Most of them had been born on farms. At most, they only managed to start a small business in Faith County. They were all your average families and had never been in such a luxurious neighborhood before. Thus, it was only natural they seemed like country mice on their first visit to a town.
Charlie felt extremely proud and was already inwardly rejoicing. However, he put on a calm expression as he said, “It’s not much. It’s just that our boy knows what he’s doing. He’s a big spender though, and I can’t get him to stop no matter how I try.”
“I wonder how Jasper is doing now? He must have still been in elementary school the last time I saw him, right? The years have just flown by. I remember saying he was a smart kid who would definitely make it big in the future. And look! I’m right, aren’t I?”
“Exactly. I used to think Jasper was different from other children as well. He didn’t talk much, but he was smart and always knew what to do.”
“You don’t say, I remember when he was younger…”
Charlie and Sally exchanged helpless looks with each other as they listened to their relatives talk about how special, smart, and gifted their son was when he was younger.
Toadying to the rich and bullying the poor was man’s instinct.
Back then, their son had never been popular among the relatives. They had all said he was clueless and did not have it in him to make it big in the future.
However, they all seemed to have forgotten that now and were praising Jasper.
A young man standing on the edge of the crowd pursed his lips. Contempt was written all across his face.
‘What a bunch of ignorant hags they are! What’s so special about Jasper? My brother has already signed an agreement with a CEO and he’ll be opening multiple hotpot restaurants in the entire province next year! My brother will also be a CEO then! Let’s see if Jasper will still be smiling when the time comes!’
Terence’s disdain for Jasper increased as he thought that to himself.
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“You silly boy, what are you thinking about? I’ve already called out to you multiple times!”
Startled by that voice, Terence hurriedly turned to his dad and asked, “Dad, what’s wrong?”
Jasper’s uncle glared at Terence as he said, “When will you grow up? Let’s not talk about your cousin, Jasper. But even your brother has his own business now. Can’t you learn from them?”
Terence said impatiently, “What do you know? I’m friends with… Never mind, you wouldn’t know even if I told you. What did you need me for?”
Jasper’s uncle said, “Did you bring the mountain ginseng as I asked you to?”
Terence hoisted the large box in his arms as he said, “Yes, I did.”
Then, the expression on Terence’s face darkened as he said reluctantly, “Dad, are you really going to give this heirloom to Jasper Laine’s family? Is this necessary? This is our family’s heirloom and can’t be bought on the market no matter how much money you have. It’s 200-year-old mountain ginseng—”
Jasper’s uncle interrupted Terence and said, “Don’t call him by his full name. Your cousin is older than you are, so what right do you have to call him by his full name?
“You’re a child who knows nothing. Just give it to Jasper once he arrives at the hotel.”
Terence whined, “Can we give him something else? I want to give this mountain ginseng to an important figure I know.”
“What kind of important figures could you know?!
“I don’t care even if you know God himself. You have no say when it comes to this mountain ginseng. Do as I say, or you’ll face my wrath when we get back home!”
As he watched his father turn away from him and sidle over to Charlie, Terence hugged the box tightly. He lowered his head to mask the dark look in his eyes.
As everyone walked out of the villa and walked to the gate, they saw six shining BMWs parked by the road. Each car had its driver standing respectfully beside it.
The leader jogged over to Charlie and Sally once he spotted them, saying respectfully, “Sir, Ma’am, the cars have been prepared. Everyone only needs to get in now.”
“Woah, a BMW! The mayor’s son in the next town loaned one when he got married. It was such a rare sight then, and we weren’t even allowed to touch it. Now, we get to sit in one.”
A relative gasped in surprise beside Sally.
Everyone’s eyes shone as they looked at the row of BMWs. Back then, it was already a considerable feat to own a car. Needless to say, they had never seen a scene as grand in front of their eyes before. There were six identical BMWs parked in front of them!
“Ah, what a wonderful son you have. I’m so jealous.” Jasper’s uncle sighed to Charlie.
Charlie smiled as he said, “Darrel is doing well too. You’ll have the same opportunities in the future.”
Always intent on maintaining his dignity, Charlie was extremely pleased with Jasper’s arrangements. The smile did not leave Charlie’s face as he gazed at the expressions on his relatives’ faces.
There were a lot of people present, but six BMWs were just enough for everyone to fit in.
Terence got into the last BMW while clutching the box. He shook as he sat in the soft seat.
On what grounds?!
Back then, Jasper had not been as good as him in academics and did not have a silver tongue like him either. He had been the receiver of everyone’s praises while no one even bothered to ask about Jasper.
Thus, even though Jasper was older than he was, Terence had never once respected Jasper.