Ch. 721..730
Life at the Top Chapter 721
“But Fabian isn’t your average person. You have to think it through if you want to screw him over.”
Henry’s words had pulled Jasper from his thoughts. Instead of explaining himself, Jasper asked with interest, “I’ve never seen you describe anyone like that. You’ve always been quick to screw someone over if you don’t like them. Why’s it different with him?”
Henry smiled weirdly and leaned over to whisper to Jasper, “This Fabian is crueler than your average person.
“You’d think people like him getting women pregnant is no big deal, right?
“Well, what these people usually do is have the woman abort the baby and then pay them as compensation.
“But Fabian’s different. This man forces abortion pills down the women’s throats with no care whether they die or not. Some had died before, and one of the women’s family was actually quite a formidable one over at Auma City.
“He killed their daughter, so there’s no way the family wouldn’t make him pay for it. The situation blew up and a lot of people got roped into this to smooth the issue out.
“It’d be fine if this was all there was to him, but as cruel as Fabian is to women, he’s even crueler when it comes to men. Offend him and your fate is more or less sealed. Bstard likes cutting people’s dcks off and he does it himself.
“We all think he’s a pervert but we keep it to ourselves.”
At that, Henry shrugged. “You’d think perverts like this should be thrown in jail for the rest of their lives but he’s exploited a lot of loopholes in the law before. Everything requires evidence and witnesses back in Harbor City. It’s not that easy.”
“Aren’t you honest,” Jasper commented.
Henry snickered and replied, “Being self-aware is a virtue, isn’t it? This is something I’ve always known.
“But the reason why I told you to try to avoid getting into a conflict with this man is that he made a name for himself through fighting when he was young.”
Now that Henry had begun to speak, he also began gossiping about the horrible things Harbor City’s circle of trust-fund babies have done.
“Do you know why Kayden’s keeping it so low profile now? He used to be as much of a playboy as I am. But Kayden and Fabian fought once when they were my age.
“These are all stories about the previous generation of trust-fund babies, so I don’t really know how exactly they fought but I heard my dad tell me about it. It was a very fierce fight, so bad the higher-ups had to come and placate them.
“It almost became a full-blown war between the Langdon family and the Atticus family. Even the two old masters were planning to make their moves. It only calmed down when the other richest families came out and negotiated the issue. I think my dad was my family’s representative.
“Fabian ended up winning that time and it was a complete win. Kayden almost lost his life after it was over. Since then, the two of them calmed down and kept a low profile. It’s been a decade and I don’t even think the two of them have appeared in the same room again.”
After hearing Henry speak, Jasper had a completely different understanding of Fabian now.
Jasper and Fabian had never crossed paths before, but Jasper was no stranger to Kayden in both his past and current lives.
Kayden was certainly a top-notch capitalist and a business prodigy.
There was no way Fabian would be a match for Kayden if the former was a mere playboy who only knew how to flirt with women.
Not to mention that he had almost taken Kayden’s life.
Thinking back to Henry’s words, Jasper asked with a weird expression on his face, “Then is Kayden… still whole now?”
Henry was stunned for a moment before he burst into laughter. “What the fck, your imaginations are wild! Even if Fabian were crazy, I think he’d still value his own life. There’d be no smoothing things out if he actually cut Kayden’s dck off.
“Oh yeah, you haven’t told me how you two got acquainted,” Henry asked.
Jasper rubbed his temples and replied, “What do you mean get acquainted? I don’t even know what he looks like. He’s the one asking around about me in Harbor City.”
Jasper then relayed the situation he heard from Jake to Henry.
“I did end up offending a trust-fund baby back in Coreana, but he wasn’t even one of the formidable ones. I’m more interested in how he managed to get Fabian to work for him.
“Not that it’s important now. I don’t know what Fabian has in mind, but he’s going to have to show up sooner or later if he wants to do something. I’ll deal with it when the time comes. I’m busy as of late, so I don’t have the time to waste worrying about him.”
“Alright then. I’ll have my people keep a closer eye on Fabian’s movements over in Harbor City. I’ll update you the moment there’s any news,” Henry spoke.
Nodding, Jasper got up. “It’s getting late so I won’t send you off. Get some rest.”
“What the f*ck. You’re just going to throw me away once you’ve used me?” Henry complained.
Jasper smiled. “I’ve been dealing with the company for the past two days and I finally got things done today. I need a good rest or I won’t have any energy when I get to Waterhoof City tomorrow.”
“We’re going to Waterhoof City tomorrow?!” Henry gasped.
“No, I’m going to Waterhoof City tomorrow. You’re going to stay here and pass those tests for your amusement park. Then we’ll talk about it,” Jasper replied.
Henry huffed. “I’m going to call someone to knock those people out and send them on a flight back to Harbor City.”
“Up to you.” Jasper walked toward the exit of the study. Then, he suddenly turned around and spoke to Henry in a mysterious tone, “Gather a bit of money first. If there aren’t any complications, something’s going to happen soon and I’ll bring you along for some quick cash.”
Henry was only interested in food, wine, women, and making money. Among the four, making money took the top spot.
“This is your promise! I want at least double of what I put in or it’ll be an insult to your title as the stock god!” Henry quickly spoke.
“Double?” Jasper widened his eyes. “Do I look like an actual god to you? I’d be the richest man in the world long ago if money were so easily made. Why do you think I’m still suffering like this?”
…
The following day, Hudson and the rest who had come for the meeting left. Jasper bade Wendy and Malcolm farewell as well before making his way to Waterhoof City.
The people following him were Julian, the strong man, and Sean, who was in charge of the real estate group.
The purpose of their trip today was to build a Waterhoof City branch company for JW Real Estates.
The real estate company would be in charge of the design for the skyscraper, but the most important thing now was for Jasper to deal with the more than 200 shops in Gold Pedestrian Street.
After all, there was no way Jasper would personally manage the renting process of these small shops, so it was up to Sean’s team to do it for him.
Sean’s eyes widened like saucers when he found out that Jasper had spent more than five billion to become the biggest landlord in all of Waterhoof City.
Life at the Top Chapter 722
“Mr… Mr. Laine, you bought half of Gold Pedestrian Street?” Sean exclaimed in shock.
Jasper smiled. “Not half.”
Sean let out a sigh of relief. It would be too much of an arrogant brag if he told others that half of the biggest pedestrian street in the country belonged to his employer.
“Two-thirds.”
Jasper’s following words had Sean completely sold.
“Property like this is worth keeping, we’d earn a living purely off of rent. Treat this as the future company’s fixed assets. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t touch them,” Jasper instructed.
Sean immediately understood what Jasper meant and nodded. “I understand, Mr. Laine. I’ll watch over these properties.”
PlayvolumeAdOnce arriving at Waterhoof City, Sean immediately went to manage the business for the real estate company.
From the forming of the company to the construction of its managerial ranks to the hiring of employees as well as things like deciding how the company would be interior-decorated, it would be several more months before anything was ready.
Sean would have to run between Nauritus City and Waterhoof City for the near future.
Jasper was planning to use this as a chance to test Sean. If he had managed to supervise the final touches of the Southface River project while taking care of matters here in Waterhoof City, then Jasper would consider pushing Sean up the ranks and officially passing the real estate company to him.
All financial decisions, senior executive employment, and final say were in both Jasper’s and Wendy’s hands. Jasper did not care what the people below him thought.
Whether someone was promoted or demoted would be up to him.
Since the investment company’s meeting ended and the company’s organizational as well as power structure was made clear, Jaser could finally be said to have his forces and team on hand.
In this unremarkable power structure, Jasper was undoubtedly at the very top where he could decide who stayed or left.
Jasper had come to Waterhoof City this time for two things.
First, Morgan’s team would be coming to Waterhoof City for the second time and Jasper had to confirm the final design.
Second, Jack’s Sena was about to open its online gaming studio here in Waterhoof City. the base of United Legends was decided to be stationed at Waterhoof City and this was where United Legends would make itself known to the public.
The next day after he arrived at Waterhoof City, Jasper saw Grant again.
“We’re finally done with our final draft, Laine. I hope you like it.” Straight from the airport, Grand no longer harbored the courteousness and doubt he once did. Now, he was filled with enthusiasm.
After all, Jasper’s 120 million US Dollar commission fee for a design was the biggest order he had received over the past two years.
Regardless of whether someone was from the east or west, people tend to be very enthusiastic before a large client.
Jasper smiled and shook Grant’s hand, he spoke, “I heard that you’ve fired two designers who’ve been following you for years over this design?”
Grant shrugged. “We care more about someone’s capabilities over in the west. While I’m great friends with Nathaniel and Alvin, their performance this time was too disappointing.”
“Then again, Laine, your requests aren’t easy to meet either.”
Jasper smiled as Grant complained. “I paid a high commission rate, didn’t I? Then there’s no reason for me not to have high requirements. I didn’t like either of the drafts you sent me remotely. It’s evident that those two designers think of me as a village fool who’s never seen the world before. You understand why I’d be enraged.”
Grant looked slightly ashamed.
He should be the one coming up with the design but he had chosen to be lazy. He thought that if his assistance had managed to hand in two drafts first that Jasper liked, then everything would be great and he would easily earn that 120 million commission fee.
However, Grant had not expected Jasper to scold him furiously through the phone from across the seas after the two designs were sent over.
Jasper had then threatened to end their partnership and look for someone else if their studio continued to treat him like a fool.
Grant had been terrified then and he immediately began to design it himself.
That was how this final draft came to life.
Clapping Grant on the shoulder, Jasper brought the man over the French windows on the highest floor of the hotel. Looking down at Waterhoof City’s river view, he spoke, “Look at this City before you, Grant, what comes to mind?”
Grant did not really understand what Jasper meant but he replied honestly, “Waterhoof City has sent out invitations to the world’s best Design and Architecture Firm when they wanted to design its Pearl Tower before. I came then. It’s only been a few years but I have to admit that I’ve never seen a city develop as quickly as Waterhoof City.”
“Waterhoof City can hold a match to any large City around the world now.”
Jasper smiled. “Waterhoof City will become one of the world’s financial centers in the future, a place just as magnificent as London, as New York in the States, and Eastern Capital in Sunrise Land. Waterhoof City’s rapid development will only repeat itself in every other City in this country.”
Grant widened his eyes in disbelief as he looked at Jasper. After a long while, he shrugged and replied, “Alright, Laine. This is your country, I understand that you want it to develop for the better.”
“Whether you believe me or not Grant, time will prove my words true,” Jasper replied calmly.
Then he looked at Grant sternly. “But if you continue looking down on us because you think being in a capitalist country makes you better, you will be the ones making a loss.”
Grant thought that Jasper was just attacking him so he shrugged and spoke, “I understand, Laine. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re very satisfied with the rest of our partnership.”
As the best architect in the world, Grant was respected everywhere he went, Except, things were different in front of Jasper.
He had to make sure and take care of Jasper’s emotions, for his little trick before had shown him that Jasper was not easily fooled.
All of this was because Jasper was rich. 120 US Dollars was enough to motivate ninety-nine percent of the human population to do anything.
Jasper was too lazy to explain himself seeing how Grant did not believe him. After all, these westerners had gotten used to being arrogant, assuming that Somerland was nothing more than a poor and underdeveloped country. It would be another seven years until the Olympics was over before their mindset started to change.
“Let’s look at the design you brought over then. I’ll be mean and keep it real now, that if I find out this isn’t your design, the partnership ends here and I’ll sue you for fraud in that damned New York Court of Law.”
“Somer descents sure aren’t to be trifled… or at least, this Somer descent is truly not a someone to be messed with,” Grant murmured as he stared at Jasper’s back.
Life at the Top Chapter 723
“I’m the chief designer for this project and I had previously gathered 70% of the top designers from our firm to form a temporary group to brainstorm ideas for this project.
“After doing necessary measurements and calculations, we noticed that it’s best to design it at a height of 666 meters mainly because those of Somer descent see this as their lucky number. Somewhere along the six and eight range.”
At this point, Grant noticed a satisfied smile on Jasper’s face before finally breathing a sigh of relief.
He, a top designer in the world, found his aura completely crushed by Jasper without even realizing it.
“Taking into consideration the aesthetic, beliefs, and what we learned from field surveys regarding those of Somer descent, we think that it is vital that we adapt to local conditions. We’ll integrate the design of skyscrapers that have already been constructed and those that are still under construction around the world.
“Waterhoof City is located at the mouth of the Yahaza River, and the majority of the land belongs to alluvial plain, which means that it has a relatively weak bearing capacity. This makes it unsuitable for traditional-style buildings…
“We have decided to go with a dragon shape to form the aesthetic base, using modern architectural geometric engineering to complete the proofing design.
“The main body of the building will be cylindrical and slanting at a 23-degree arc to reinforce the structure, increase wind resistance, and minimize polar vortex impact. 64 auxiliary lines will coil around the cylindrical main body, moving upward in the shape of a dragon…”
Listening to Grant’s explanation and looking at the computer-generated renderings on the screen, Jasper was pleased.
The building shown in the computer was 666 meters in height, with six floors underground and 122 floors above ground. The building was divided into the main body and auxiliary lines that circled upward. On the highest floor of the main building, there was a hollow-out of 40 meters high and 25 meters wide.
When Grant noticed Jasper’s gaze fixed on the hollow-out portion of the rendering, he took the initiative to explain, “Taking the coast of Somerland, a hurricane-prone area, into consideration, high-rise buildings here must be designed to resist wind, hence the hollow-out forms the essence of the design this time around.
“Based on our calculation, the hollow-out can reduce wind resistance by at least 32%. Coupled with the 64 auxiliary lines, I guarantee that it can withstand at least a category four hurricane.”
Although the hypercane along the coast of Somerland had happened in his past life and did not ruin many high-rise buildings in Waterhoof City, Jasper was still very concerned.
After all, the tallest building in the world would belong to him, hence this should be treated seriously.
“Increase the wind resistance level to withstand at least a category five hurricane,” Jasper said.
Grant froze for a moment and hastened to say, “Mr. Laine, even with just one category apart, there’s a huge difference in wind speed. Category four and five are completely different things. Category five doesn’t often happen, so there’s no need to spend a tremendous amount of money to increase—”
“Do as I say, Grant,” Jasper said.
Grant shrugged and said, “Okay then, you’re the boss. I will improve the corresponding design but it’ll mainly be reflected in the materials because to be honest with you, the exterior design has reached the limit of modern architectural theory.”
“I’m very happy with the design.” Jasper gave Grant the recognition he needed the most at this moment.
“That’s the overall design. You can submit it to the relevant departments in Waterhoof City, and once it has been approved, you can then entrust the design institute to draw up a blueprint. Once that’s done, hand it over to me to carry out the construction,” Jasper said.
Grant responded in excitement.
According to the contract, they would be responsible for drafting the design, and once it was approved and the design institute had come up with a construction blueprint, they would have accomplished their task with 120 million US dollars in their hands.
“Don’t forget what I said about increasing the wind resistance level. If my building, the tallest building in the world, collapses because of a hurricane, I’ll sue your company and make you go bankrupt. When that happens, no one will hire you to design anything anymore,” Jasper reminded him.
Grant laughed. “Mr. Laine, you’re insulting my professionalism as the world’s top designer. I will execute your order without a problem.”
“Good.” Jasper got up and shook hands with Grant, saying with a smile, “Get everything done as soon as you can. I’ll be in Waterhoof City for the next two days, so feel free to discuss with me if anything crops up. I’ll be waiting for your good news.”
After sending Grant away, Jasper called Jack.
“Are you in Waterhoof City, Jack?” Jasper asked.
Things were a tad noisy on Jack’s side, but he quickly responded, “I’m here, Mr. Laine, but we’re facing a bit of a problem.
“I sent out an assistant to pacify the United Legends development team earlier and also relayed the message regarding the requirements you told me about to the team, but they seem quite reluctant to modify the game according to your requirements,” Jack said.
Jasper frowned slightly and said unceremoniously, “Jack, you’re an experienced manager now so you’ll take necessary actions to deal with these nitpickers. Do you really need to ask me about trivial things like that?”
Jack let out a wry smile. “Mr. Laine, I wouldn’t have come to you if this were an ordinary issue. That would only make me seem really useless, wouldn’t it? The main problem here is that the development team has now joined hands, banding together like strands of rope. If anything goes wrong, this team that has just been formed may soon be disbanded, so I can’t take any rash actions.”
Jasper said coldly, “Looks like someone is behind this. Otherwise, why would these Coreanans suddenly adopt a change of attitude after coming to our country?”
“I’m making my way there right now. Are you coming, Mr. Laine?” Jack asked.
“Send me the address. I’ll go and take a look,” Jasper said flatly.
After hanging up the call, Jack sent an address via SMS in no time at all. Seeing that the location was not far from the hotel, he summoned Julian and they went there together by car.
Sena’s development team was receiving pretty good treatment because Jasper took this matter very seriously.
He rented the best office building in Waterhoof City, prepared the best server room, and even the place they stayed in was a four-star hotel.
Later, they would each receive an apartment and live in it for free—provided that they continued working in Sena.
In addition to that, they received salaries that were three times more than what they got in Coreana. Frankly speaking, this was the highest-paid team in the domestic IT industry.
There was not a single decent online game in the country at the moment, not to mention that the online game industry had yet to achieve full maturity.
Though even with the treatment they were getting, someone was still dissatisfied.
They were making attempts to give Jasper trouble.
Life at the Top Chapter 724
Jack had called the assistant in charge of the situation, hence when Jasper got downstairs, he was greeted reverently by a middle-aged man.
“Hello, Mr. Laine. My name’s Terry, I’m the person in charge of the newly-established online game department in Sena. According to Mr. Tanner, I’m in charge of the United Legends project for now.” When Terry saw Jasper, he came forward to introduce himself reverently despite being in his 40s and Jasper in his 20s.
Jasper and Terry shook hands, the former saying, “I remember you. Jack mentioned to me that you’re the senior employee in charge of the Fated Swordsman gaming project that he poached from Gama Corp.”
In fact, Jack had merely mentioned this man to Jasper in passing, but because he often had dealings with clients in his past life, he had an exceptional ability that allowed him to remember people easily. He could remember information after hearing it just one time.
Terry was obviously surprised that his name had been mentioned to the big boss and said in delight, “Yes, I was working in Gama indeed. I’m surprised you know me, Mr. Laine.”
“You’re a capable employee. Work hard and you will have a bright future ahead of you.” After a few polite exchanges with Terry, they walked into the building with smiles.
“What’s the situation now?” Jasper asked in the elevator.
“Sigh, Mr. Tanner brought over this team from Coreana some time ago, therefore their bond as a team is extremely strong. Initially, I planned to place several local programmers in their team to learn from them.”
Jasper nodded upon hearing what he said. Judging from this point alone, Terry was certainly a wise man.
The Coreanans were, after all, from Coreana. Hence, it was impossible for them to work for him with all their heart, hence Terry planned to cultivate Sena’s very own development and technical team. This was a far-sighted move.
“Unfortunately, they vehemently rejected the idea. I think they look down on Somerland’s technicians very much.”
Terry looked miserable. It was clear that he had suffered a great deal in trying to get this to work.
“We don’t have a choice, though. In terms of professionalism, there’s no denying that the domestic gaming technicians are still in the rudimentary stage. They can’t match up to them in any aspects at all and are degraded to nothing in their eyes. Not only are we not allowed to get mad, but we’re also forced to face their rude behaviors with a flattering smile. I’ve never felt so offended.”
Jasper ignored Terry’s criticism and stepped out of the elevator. Before he could step into his office, he heard a loud commotion coming from inside.
“This is simply bullcrap. We shouldn’t have come to Somerland in the first place. Everyone here is a swine. No one knows anything yet points fingers at us telling us what to do. Look at this amended proposal, is this even something that a person who knows gaming would propose?”
“How dare he mess with us when he doesn’t even know what a game is?!”
At this moment, another voice rang out. “That’s enough, Diamonique. Don’t rant anymore. Just throw their amended proposal into the trash can. We agreed that we’re just here for the money anyway. If we must work, we can just show them that we don’t know anything. They won’t have the guts to lay a finger on us anyway.”
“Mr. Adams, those of the Somer descent are just plain ridiculous. I can’t believe they’re actually expecting us to improve the game for them but are giving all sorts of opinions that will potentially ruin United Legends. We must teach them a lesson this time.
“Speaking of which, although Somerland is lagging behind, life over here is pretty comfortable. I can just sleep in the office every day, and when I go back, plenty of women rush at the opportunity to please us after learning that we’re Coreanans. Honestly, I’ve slept with four or five beautiful girls in the past few days.
“Two of them actually expect me to take them back to Coreana. Hahaha.”
Diamonique’s words triggered tacit laughter from several other people in the office, and they were still laughing when the office door was pushed open. Standing at the far front was Jasper, who wore a blank expression on his face. He was followed by Terry and a professional female interpreter.
Jasper could understand Corean, but Terry and several others in the company could not, hence the female interpreter would help to interpret the conversation.
The Coreanans did not know who Jasper was, but they knew Terry.
They all let out a dry cough and turned around to stare at their computers, pretending to look busy.
Jasper could clearly see that one of them had not even turned on his computer.
Life at the Top Chapter 725
“What are you up to?” Jasper asked, walking up to that employee’s desk.
“Huh?” That man obviously did not expect Jasper to know how to speak Corean. Although he was slightly taken aback at first, he shrugged and replied, “I’m in charge of the numerical values. I was just planning to fix the value.”
“With a pen?” Jasper asked indifferently.
From his voice, Jasper could tell that this man was Diamonique, the man who claimed to have slept with several women.
Diamonique frowned and replied curtly, “What do you people of Somer descent know? Don’t ask if you don’t know.”
“Are the Coreanans so skilled now that they can modify the numerical values without even turning on the computer?” Jasper asked.
Diamonique could not stand the humiliation anymore and sprung up from his seat, flying into a rage out of embarrassment. He said to Jasper, “What do you mean by that? Do I need to report how I work to you?”
“Of course!”
Jasper raised his voice abruptly.
“I’m the one who’s paying the salary of each and every one of you here!”
Jasper’s words left the entire office in pin-drop silence. Everyone, including the leader, Mr. Adams stared at him with a contemptuous gaze as though they were staring at somebody with more money than sense.
After hearing what the interpreter said, Terry stood next to Jasper and introduced him, “This is Mr. Laine. He’s our big boss.”
“So what if you’re the big boss? Why don’t you try firing us if you’re so capable? None of the technicians in Somerland can interpret our codes. You can’t do anything without us.”
Diamonique refused to give in after listening to the interpreter.
Jasper laughed. “Yes, you’re right. It’s precisely because our technicians aren’t good enough that I have spent a tremendous amount of money to poach you from Coreana.”
Diamonique puffed his chest out after hearing those words and was just about to speak when Jasper cut him off, giving him no chance.
“In order to reward you for being absolutely right, you’re now fired.”
“Huh?!”
Diamonique was not the only one who was stunned. Even Mr. Adams and Terry were struck dumb.
In order to serve this group of men well, Terry had endured tremendous humiliation these days. He thought that Jasper would placate the group because after all, these men were the key to making this game a success. Now, however, Jasper was firing someone as soon as he arrived?
In addition to being surprised, Terry felt a great sense of pride and pleasure.
Sure enough, Big Boss was still the most domineering. He could make whoever would not stop yammering to pack up and leave straight away. He would never indulge these Coreanans who had their noses in the air.
“Terry, get the procedures done for this man immediately. Pay him the necessary compensation, not a single cent less. Once it’s all calculated, I want him to get out of my face immediately,” Jasper roared.
“Yes, sir!” Terry responded in a sonorous voice. This was his first time carrying himself with an air of pride and satisfaction after a very long time.
Life at the Top Chapter 726
Even Diamonique was dumbfounded. He did not know that he would be fired as soon as Jasper showed up.
Although the Coreanans always voiced out their contempt for Somerland and complained that Somerland was underdeveloped and poor, the Coreanans, Diamonique included, were well aware that the urban construction in Waterhoof City was nowhere worse than in Sela.
Even if they were in Sela, so what? Despite living in a big city like Sela, they were nothing but low-level white-collar workers whom everyone viewed with contempt.
Over here, however, they were receiving three times their salaries than in Sela, lived in a four-star hotel, and even managed to attract a bunch of women with their charms.
Here, they had experienced what it was like to be a top dog for the first time ever.
How could they possibly give this all up just like that?
Diamonique regretted it a little and cast a glance at Mr. Adams as though he was pleading for help.
Mr. Adams looked upset because what Jasper did had violated his authority.
Moreover, he could not allow Jasper to sack his own staff in front of so many subordinates as this would affect his prestige in the team.
“You can’t just sack my employee as you like, Mr. Laine.” Mr. Adams stood up and looked at Jasper unwillingly.
Jasper smiled and asked, “You must be Mr. Adams?
“When you say I can’t, are you saying it in accordance with Somerland’s labor law or Coreana’s labor law? No matter which country’s labor law you’re referring to, which clause stipulates that a boss cannot fire his employee? I did mention that I’d compensate him, not a single cent less.”
Mr. Adams’ complexion paled. He looked a little furious due to the embarrassment he was feeling.
In his opinion, Jasper was simply unreasonably punishing Diamonique to teach others a lesson.
He had no interest in discussing the unspoken rules in the workplace, nor about the balance of power. He was dismissing his employees simply because he was the boss. Would anyone be bold enough not to leave?
You had to leave even if you did not want to.
Mr. Adams was infuriated. “If you insist on doing so, then we will resign collectively!”
As soon as he said those words, everyone in the office was alarmed.
None of them expected the conflict to escalate so quickly in just a few sentences.
Diamonique looked at Mr. Adams emotionally. At this moment, Mr. Adams was almost like a beacon of light in his eyes.
He was surprised that Mr. Adams would threaten Jasper by saying they would resign collectively!
‘Wussed out now, haven’t you?’
Diamonique looked at Jasper triumphantly.
However, Diamonique did not detect the slightest fear or trepidation on Jasper’s face. His face remained calm.
It was a terrifying and bottomless calm.
“Okay then.” Jasper nodded.
“I can save the compensation money if you resign voluntarily anyway. You can hand in your letters immediately, then.”
Jasper sat on the executive chair while nonchalantly speaking.
As soon as he said those words, the Coreanans could not sit still any longer.
Like Diamonique, these men had experienced completely different lives in Waterhoof City for the past few days.
Their extraordinarily high incomes and superior positions in those women’s eyes made them reluctant to leave.
Life at the Top Chapter 727
Everyone looked at Mr. Adams with pitiful eyes.
Mr. Adams was caught in a difficult position.
If others were reluctant to leave, then he was even more reluctant. One must know that as the leader of the team, he was the one who received the most benefits.
“Aren’t you afraid that the United Legends game that you’ve spent a hefty sum to buy would come to naught? Without the technical maintenance from our side, you can’t even open beta testing!” Mr. Adams said in a threatening manner, though he was cowardly on the inside.
Jasper laughed. He shrugged and said, “With all the benefits I’m offering you, I can easily hire a group of top game developers from any country in the world to study your codes. How long will it take? One month? Or perhaps two months?
“Or are you so confident to the point where you think that other developers in the world can’t understand the codes you’ve written? Hmm?”
Jasper’s words turned Mr. Adams’ face scarlet.
It was because Jasper had touched a sore point.
Even though they had put a lot of effort into developing United Legends, its technical content was just average. Otherwise, the EU server leak in the future would not have led to the birth of a large number of private servers either.
An ultra-difficult code was not one that could be constructed by private servers alone.
It even got to the point where ultimately, anyone with a bit of computer knowledge could set up a server with a single click.
Therefore, Mr. Adams knew very well that if Jasper was bent on hiring another team to study their codes, it was not going to be difficult at all.
It was at this moment that Mr. Adams realized that the ability he had been capitalizing on probably amounted to nothing in Jasper’s eyes.
What Jasper said next proved him right.
“You must understand that I was willing to spend a hefty sum to bring you over from Coreana not because I can’t do anything without you, but because you’re United Legends’ original development team and can get this game online in the shortest time possible.
“If you piss me off, though, I can just spend a bit more time and money to get this done. I have no scruples about dumpling in tens of millions of US dollars to do this. This bit of money means nothing to me.”
Jasper’s gaze was cold, and his tone was calm. “Therefore, if you want to work here, then do your job according to my instructions. If you don’t, then pack up and leave right away!”
One must never stoop down to these Coreanans.
These were a bunch of contemptible individuals. A polite smile on your face and a slight show of courtesy as proper Somerland etiquette could give these contemptible individuals a chance to ride roughshod over you and trample on you like a doormat.
However, if you gave them two slaps across the face one day and one more slap on the third day, they would be deeply grateful instead.
A prerequisite course that Jasper had to go through as a superior was one that taught him how to exercise control over his subordinates and treat people according to their status.
He should not treat everyone equally and favorably. When faced with Malibu, it was crucial to treat him with all sincerity and honesty; when faced with the Coreanans, he should give them two slaps across the face and launch a kick or they would not behave themselves.
Mr. Adams looked grim. He stood awkwardly on the spot and was itching to swagger away but could not.
He noticed his subordinates avoiding his gaze and knew that if he walked away, then aside from Diamonique who had been dismissed and would come along with him, everyone else would just turn a blind eye.
After all, who would want to go back to their difficult lives as a white-collar after experiencing life as a superior over here?
After a moment’s dilemma, Mr. Adams turned around and said to Diamonique, “Diamonique, you should resign yourself and go back to our country.”
Diamonique’s complexion was pale as he shouted, “You promised to never give up on me, Mr. Adams. You can’t do this to me. I’m your most loyal—”
“That’s enough, Diamonique!” Mr. Adams frowned and said irritably, “I can’t sacrifice everyone’s interests for your sake.”
Diamonique slumped back on his chair and looked at Jasper teary-eyed, begging him, “I know I was wrong, Mr. Laine. Please forgive—”
Jasper waved his hand, not wanting to listen further.
Terry walked up to Diamonique with a smile and said to this unfortunate victim meant to deter others, “Mr. Diamonique, should I lead you to hand in your letter or do you want to do it yourself?”
Life at the Top Chapter 728
After Diamonique left while looking as pale as a ghost, there was an air of grievous silence lingering in the office.
Jasper looked at a total of eight men in front of him. These eight men were the technical development team for United Legends. Among them, Mr. Adams was the leader.
Even though Jasper’s method of deterrence had suppressed their arrogance and helped them understand who the real boss was around here, it was still far from enough to get them to swear their allegiance to him.
However, Jasper did not need them to swear their allegiance to him.
“Diamonique mentioned that he was in charge of numerical values?” Jasper asked indifferently.
Mr. Adams was just about to nod when he abruptly recalled something and hastened to say, “We can fill the vacancy with our own—”
“Mr. Adams,” Jasper cut Mr. Adams off with a grin and said, “You have too much on your plate already. Since you’re short of one person, I’ll send someone in to replace Diamonique, okay?”
Mr. Adams’ complexion changed. He knew that Jasper was going to slot in one of his own men into the team.
He really wanted to reject it, but the words that Jasper said earlier were still echoing in his ears.
“Alright then.” Mr. Adams submitted to reality.
“Also, since you’re responsible for the entire team’s technical work, Mr. Adams, I believe it’ll be really exhausting for you. I’ll assign you an assistant,” Jasper said flatly.
Mr. Adams’ countenance changed abruptly and he said, “Don’t go too far, Mr. Laine.”
“I’m thinking of ways to lessen your burden, Mr. Adams,” Jasper said.
Mr. Adams stared fixedly at Jasper and gritted his teeth. “I believe I can handle my own work, Mr. Laine. You’re paying me anyway.”
“So you do remember that I’m paying you, Mr. Adams?” Jasper asked.
Mr. Adams’ expression sank, and he did not utter a single word anymore.
Jasper stood up and walked over to Mr. Adams. Patting the man’s shoulder, he said, “I don’t expect your team to work for me with unswerving loyalty, so don’t expect to seize any form of authority in my company. You should do nothing more than to live a peaceful and secure life.
“Perhaps save some money for a few years so you can start your own business when you return to Coreana, am I right?”
Mr. Adams eyed Jasper suspiciously after hearing what he said.
Sure enough, Jasper’s words had hit him straight in the heart. As a foreigner himself, he had no plans of staying in Somerland forever, let alone work for Jasper his whole life. Therefore, he was bound to leave sooner or later.
Before that, though, he needed to earn enough before going home.
Otherwise, would he not turn into a laughing stock if he brought so many men over yet went home in less than a month in such a wretched state?
“I can fulfill your wishes, Mr. Adams. I’m also willing to look at us as partners and take you as my equal, provided that there’s mutual respect between us. Therefore, Mr. Adams, why don’t you put away your petty schemes? You know I’m not stingy with giving rewards.”
Jasper’s words broke Mr. Adams’ last line of defense completely.
Jasper did not expect these men to work for him with unswerving loyalty; Mr. Adams did not see himself staying in this gaming company in Somerland.
When both parties were clear on that, many things were much easier to manage.
Life at the Top Chapter 729
I understand. You can send your men over and I’ll explain the United Legends game to them without holding back anything. I’ll also be in charge of the early stages of development and maintenance until the end of our cooperation.”
Jasper snapped his fingers and stretched out his hand toward Mr. Adams, saying, “I hope we will have a great time working together.”
“I hope we will have a pleasant time working together.” Mr. Adams stretched out his hand to take Jasper’s. After putting aside their differences and defenses, he admired the actions taken by this young man standing before his eyes from the bottom of his heart.
It did not take long for him to discipline a group of men, himself included, and tame them as soon as he came in.
He had achieved deterrence, placed his men in the team, and even obtained the technical abilities of his team.
However… Mr. Adams sneered in his heart. So what if Jasper was capable and brilliant? He was the one who had the technology and capabilities, so he had the final say in steering the entire project.
As soon as this thought emerged in Mr. Adams’ heart, Jasper spoke.
“I want you to follow the amended suggestions fully and thoroughly.”
Jasper pointed at the paper in the trash can that Diamonique had thrown earlier.
Mr. Adams frowned. He was against making compromises in his area of expertise. He said, “Mr. Laine, allow me to be frank with you, but those who gave these suggestions know nothing about games. Others aside, how could the so-called money bug even exist?
“My game has only been tested internally in Coreana. How does this person know anything about bugs when he hasn’t even played the game?”
Jasper knew what Mr. Adams was referring to when he mentioned bugs. This was written out based on the memory of his past life.
In his previous life, when United Legends first released the open beta version, a mega game currency bug appeared. The said bug had caused the economic system in the game to collapse. According to United Legends’ magnitude and design at the time, having a stable and value-preserving economic system was completely doable.
Judging on this point alone, only one online game in the world, World of Warcraft included, had been capable of achieving it.
That game was Netsy’s West Fantasyland.
Jasper would not allow United Legends to fall into the mega hole again.
One must know that West Fantasyland’s stable economic system was the main factor why it was able to remain popular for more than a decade. It supplied no less than ten billion Somer Dollars and a net profit of more than six billion Somer Dollars to Netsy, climbing up to the position as the world’s top three most profitable online games.
Jasper did not explain this, nor did he know how to explain it. He simply said, “Set up the game on the internal test server.”
Mr. Adams sneered seeing how hard-headed Jasper was and how he insisted on testing it. Eager to see Jasper humiliating himself, he immediately instructed someone to execute Jasper’s order.
The game was set up on the test server in no time at all.
“Alvis Kristen, you’re in charge of reproducing the situation where the bug occurs based on the suggestion. I’d like to see which ignorant brat is saying that my game has a bug even before playing it.” Mr. Adams sneered.
A young man rushed out and sat in front of the computer. He opened up the client and after logging in, he spread open the crumpled up paper of amended suggestions upon taking it out from the trash can.
Based on the detailed explanation about the bug, Alvis’ game character came to a specific storage keeper NPC and keyed in -5,000,000. In front of everyone’s eyes, the game currency in the character’s item pack did not decrease but instead increased by 5,000,000.
“F*ck!” Alvis cried out in surprise.
“What’s going on? Who is in charge of this map’s NPC transaction code?!” Mr. Adams shouted in embarrassment after the humiliating event.
“It’s… It’s me, Mr. Adams,” Alvis said with a pale expression, standing up from his seat.
Life at the Top Chapter 730
Mr. Adams gritted his teeth and was itching to kick Alvis to death. He roared in fury, “Go and check the codes immediately and see which part went wrong!
“And you!”
Mr. Adams pointed at his subordinates.
“I want all of you to go and check your respective parts. If this serious code error had been tested in public and used by the users, it would’ve led to very bad consequences!”
One must admit that Coreana’s technicians had basic professional qualities.
The men rushed back to their seats and began checking for bugs, stealing glances at Jasper as they worked.
They were both astounded and curious, wanting to know who it was who found the bug.
This was a question that was bothering Mr. Adams too.
“Mr. Laine, who found this bug? Is he a Coreanan?” Mr. Adams asked straight away.
Jasper replied indifferently, “I will give you an answer later, Mr. Adams. Since we have successfully proven the bug and loophole, do you think you can execute the rest of the amended suggestions?”
Mr. Adams said while pulling a long face, “Although detecting a bug has proven that the man who made this suggestion is someone with a certain level of skill, I must say that the other amended suggestions he made have shown that he’s a person who knows nothing about games.
“For example, the so-called beginner’s mission as well as the daily missions. Does he not know that doing so would speed up the players’ beginner-stage development and the progress of the game? If the players receive too much in the game, the lifespan of the game will decrease sharply.
“Forget it, Mr. Laine. You don’t work in our industry, so you won’t know what I’m talking about. I think you should summon that person and I’ll teach him how games are developed,” Mr. Adams said arrogantly.
Jasper shook his head at Mr. Adams’ arrogance. It was no wonder Coreana, the country that was at the forefront of the world when it came to high-grade high-precision advanced technology, could only rest on its laurels in the future. The citizens of this country seemed to all have an unfounded sense of superiority.
“Mr. Adams, you must know that abusing the players isn’t the only way a game can shoot to fame. Players must gain something and have something to look forward to. There must be something the players are eager to do in the game at all times.
“Take leveling up for example, or treasure-hunting, or even defeating a much stronger boss. Then there’s also the social systems, take guilds, for example, or sworn brothers—even marriage systems.”
These are all listed down to be added into the game in the amended suggestions. These will get players to linger in this virtual world and make them reluctant to leave, not giving them one boring and tedious thing to do repeatedly the whole time.”
The revisions that Jasper made were all recognized by the market in later generations. Even the world’s first online game, World of Warcraft, had adopted these advantages created by the domestic operators.
“If you don’t believe me, Mr. Adams, let’s make a bet,” Jasper said when he noticed Mr. Adams’ disapproving gaze.
“Oh? What would you like to bet, Mr. Laine? I don’t want to bet money because no one here is wealthier than you,” Mr. Adams ridiculed.
“You will follow all instructions in this list of amended suggestions and implement all functions accordingly. If the number of players is less than two million on the day of the open beta testing, then I’ll pay you one million US dollars straight away.”
Jasper’s words left Mr. Adams tremendously shocked.
“Two million?! That’s impossible!”
In Coreana, even the most popular game had only recorded hundreds of thousands of online players at a time. Even if Somerland was a dozen times bigger than Coreana, Somerland had almost no foundation in online games. Having 500,000 players was good enough.
“If it’s impossible, then why don’t you just agree to the bet, Mr. Adams? Perhaps this is the time when I will give you money for nothing.”