Ch. 811..820

Life at the Top Chapter 811

It was very rare for Jasper to see Henry desire something so passionately.

Thinking about it, Jasper realized it made sense. Henry’s family background ensured that he would have everything he wanted.

Even though the Law family was much stricter with him, they would not throw Henry to a farm somewhere to train his endurance like a ridiculous plot from a novel considering their wealth.

It was unrealistic.

A private plane, however, was a different story.

A private plane burned a lot of resources and while money did not mean much to the Law family, they were rather strict. The only reason Zachary had a private plane was that there was no alternative since he had to take frequent business trips since taking over the family’s business.

To Henry who had been given anything he wanted since he was a child, the best things to him were those beyond his reach.

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Henry had been extremely excited these days now that buying a private plane was no longer just his wishful thinking.

Jasper took the pamphlet and flipped through it.

‘What the f*ck is this?

‘Helicopters too?’

“Which one do you have your eyes on?” Jasper asked, looking at Henry suspiciously.

“This one.” Henry pointed at a plane on the pamphlet and began to describe it, “The Dassault Falcon 2000. It’s 20.2 meters long and its main wings are 21.4 meters. Its height is 7.1 meters tall. This private plane can fly up to a speed of 851 kilometers per hour and is estimated to be able to fly 7,030 kilometers in one go.

“It’s cool right?”

Seeing how proud Henry looked, Jasper replied, “It is. But this plane costs 80 million. Do you have that much?”

Henry cleared his throat and whispered, “I borrowed 30 million from Anna.”

Jasper was shocked. “How did you persuade her?”

Henry sighed and replied, “I promised that I’d pay her back with interest in a year. And the money has to come from a legitimate business.”

“And if you can’t?” Jasper asked with a smile.

According to his understanding of Anna, her conditions would only be backed up with countless ruthless punishments.

As expected, Henry’s expression darkened. “Then she’ll confiscate my plane and freeze my credit cards, leaving me to fend for myself for two years.”

At that train of thought, Henry sucked in a cold breath and glared at Jasper. “You’d better do something instead of watching me suffer. I’m expecting you to start new companies and make them go public. I’ll come and join in on the profits.”

“Don’t worry, it shouldn’t be too hard.” Jasper consoled him as he could not bear to watch Henry wandering on the streets.

Henry immediately beamed. It was as if a nod from Jasper meant that making 30 million was no problem.

He leaned over to Jasper and spoke gleefully, “This Falcon 2000 is perfect no matter how I look at it. It has a cool appearance and awesome specs, so why don’t you get one too? Then we can ask for a discount.”

“I’ve already decided.” Jasper tossed the pamphlet back to Henry and continued, “These aren’t good enough for me.”

“F*ck you too, man!” Henry was enraged at how someone was bashing his precious love. Harrumphing, he asked, “What are you buying, then?”

“When it comes to private planes, everything is child’s play compared to the Gulfstream series.”

Henry’s eyes widened as he looked at Jasper, and the corner of his lips twitched.

While he was upset about Jasper calling his Falcon 2000 child’s play, he did not have the courage or the facts to argue since the man was comparing it to the Gulfstream.

There was too big a difference! Even the cheapest of the Gulfstream series cost at least 100 million!

Henry’s net worth was not even enough to buy that.

Henry looked at his pamphlet and his treasured plane no longer felt as valuable anymore.

Just then, Jasper had already made a call to Jameson.

“Jameson, could you contact General Motors for me? I remember that they acquired Gulfstream Aerospace last year, and I’d like to buy a private plane.”

With Jameson at his disposal, it would be a waste for Jasper not to use him.

Not to mention that Jameson contacting them on behalf of Colossal Investments would be much more efficient than if he went to look for them himself.

A wealthy man’s time was precious.

Jameson replied with an extremely envious tone, “Alright, I’ll contact them right away.”

After seeing the miracle yesterday with his own two eyes, Jameson now treated Jasper as a VVIP and immediately went to contact General Motors.

A moment later, Jameson called Jasper back. “Laine, they’d like to ask you which aircraft you’re interested in purchasing.”

“Has the first-generation G500 been manufactured yet?” Jasper asked, thinking back to his memories from his past life.

If his memory served him right, the G500 should already have been produced. Flying at a speed of Mach 0.88 kept the G500 as the fastest private plane for six years, until the record was broken by the Gulfstream G650.

Still, the Gulfstream G500 remained to be one of the best private planes.

“Alright, I’ll ask right away. Please hold.”

Jameson brought another phone to his ear and asked before replying to Jasper, “They’re shocked as the first-generation G500 was only commercially manufactured last month. They’ve just obtained a commercial sales license but have yet to give an official statement.

“They’ll send someone over to talk to you about this in person tomorrow because they just so happen to have two planes from their first batch on hand. They’re newly manufactured and if you’re happy with the price, they can sell one to you straight away and you wouldn’t need to wait at all.”

Jasper nodded, evidently pleased.

In the future, people even had to wait to buy cars that were in short supply, let alone airplanes.

There was no reason for manufacturers to keep planes worth hundreds of millions in garages waiting to be purchased, for it would take a toll on their funds.

Thus, most planes were preordered a year or two in advance and only paid when the plane had been manufactured.

To have the plane right now was indeed the best option.

Looking at the time, Jasper realized that it was already Tuesday and he had a meeting with Winston Benett on Wednesday afternoon. As such, Jasper said, “Have them come tomorrow morning. I’m busy in the afternoon.”

Jameson replied, “Alright, I’ll pass the message along.”

Hanging up the phone, Jasper found Henry looking at him sorrowfully.

“I want a Gulfstream too,” Henry wailed pitifully.

“Then go make your own money. It’s not that nice always reaching out and asking your family for money, is it? You don’t even get to choose what you want,” Jasper spoke.

“I know. But I want a Gulfstream now. Won’t you lend me some money?”

“I don’t mind lending you money, but tell your dad or Anna to ask me instead or they’ll hate me. They’re hoping you use this chance and get yourself together. You need to stop wasting your days away.”

Life at the Top Chapter 812

Henry wailed tragically. Upon realizing that it was impossible to scam Jasper of his money, he left with despair on his face.

Despite it no longer being as great, the Falcon 2000 was still a private plane he had been dreaming of owning. Plus, it was more than cool enough to brag about back in Harbor City.

Henry immediately confirmed the purchase after he consoled himself. He did not want to stay by Jasper’s side anymore in fear of suffering more.

Jasper found himself held back by Jack and the other senior executives after Henry left.

“You have to come join our celebratory party today no matter what, Mr. Laine,” Jack told Jasper with a smile.

“Won’t my presence restrain you from fully enjoying yourselves?” Jasper smiled.

Jack waved him off. “The older ones are resting today and they’re planning to buy souvenirs for their family. It’s just a few of us today and we’ve all been following you for quite some time. There’s nothing to be restrained about.”

“Alright then, let’s go celebrate.”

Jasper gave in at Jack’s persistence.

After all, celebrations like this were a good way for him to build better relationships with them.

He may be their superior, but it was still very important to gain his subordinates’ favor.

Nothing was going on today anyway, so he was glad to relax his taut nerves that had been getting worse recently.

In Four Seasons Hotel, while Jack dragged Jasper away for daytime drinking.

Wharton was sitting behind the desk in the study with his hands held together under his chin. He was slightly frowning as he looked up at the frantic woman who was shifting in her seat not too far away from him.

This woman was Yvonne Stone, the secretary Celine fired.

Yvonne, who was once a high-spirited and high-ranking white-collar worker, had now fallen into an embarrassing state full of despair all in half a month.

Yvonne looked at Wharton cautiously. While she had a few lovely memories with this man in front of her, Yvonne knew his character all too well.

He had used too many women that he could no longer count them, and none of the women who ever thought that they could gain benefits by selling their bodies had ended well.

That was why Yvonne did not dare to think that Wharton would treat her any differently because they had slept together before. Instead, all she felt was fear when she learned that Wharton had asked her to come over.

“Yvonne Stone.”

Wharton called out Yvonne’s name softly and stood from where he sat. He walked around the desk and stood in front of her before reaching out to gently lift her face.

Reflected in his pupils was a relatively beautiful face with a petrified expression.

“Sir… Sir Wharton,” Yvonne spoke shakily and it was evident that she was trying to control her fear.

“You’re terrified of me?” Wharton’s tone grew even softer as though he was afraid of further scaring or terrifying the woman.

Yvonne was close to tears as she replied, “I’m sorry, Sir Wharton, I… I…”

“Why are you saying sorry? Do you perhaps think that you’ve done something wrong that you didn’t tell me about?” Wharton asked gently.

His tone grew even gentler and his expression was calm, but his gaze was filled with ice-cold disgust.

“Tell me, why did Celine fire you? Who is that man beside her?

“And why didn’t you tell me she fired you? Why was your first response to hide? Did you think you could hide from me?”

Yvonne’s heart instantly sank in despair at Wharton’s words.

Life at the Top Chapter 813

She gulped and replied, “I didn’t mean to do it, Sir Wharton. I just thought that I was of no more use to you, so I didn’t dare return to your side.”

“Because you’ve seen me get rid of everyone I’ve lost use for, because you were afraid, that’s why you didn’t dare come back. Is that what you’re telling me?” Wharton asked.

Yvonne was too terrified to speak.

“You do not get to decide whether you are useful to me or not, I do!

“If I claim that you are, then you’ll live a great life even if you’re in a persistent vegetative state. If I claim that you’re not, then you can be the most outstanding person in the world and I will still wipe you off the surface of it. I do not need smart*sses, understood?”

Wharton’s gaze was ice-cold and void of any emotion.

“Un-Understood.” Yvonne nodded frantically.

Playvolume00:00/00:00TruvidfullScreen“Is there a man by Celine’s side?” Wharton asked indifferently.

Yvonne nodded and replied, “His name is Jasper Laine. A Somer businessman, he’s produced great results.”

“Great results, huh?” Wharton chuckled humorlessly. “That makes sense, or he wouldn’t dare touch women like Celine. Nor would Celine like him if he wasn’t an accomplished man.”

Yvonne mustered up the courage to speak, “Sir Wharton, Celine fired me because of that Jasper.”

With that, Yvonne received a harsh slap across her face from Wharton.

This was a strong slap, and it had Yvonne falling on the ground from the impact. Her reddened cheek immediately began swelling as blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

Yvonne did not dare to make a sound, so she cupped her cheek with one hand and held back her tears. She was too afraid to cry.

“Who gave you the right to call Celine by her name? You lowly b*tch!” Wharton spoke in a dark tone.

“I’m sorry, Sir Wharton,” Yvonne swallowed and spoke, ignoring the pain and fear she felt.

“From now on, I will ask questions and you will answer them. Do not anger me again,” Wharton warned indifferently.

…

Colossal Investments’ headquarters, Paulson’s office.

Celine sat in the wide chair carefreely as she played around with one of the trinkets on Paulson’s desk.

Paulson signed a nominating document and handed it to Celine. “Alright. You’re officially the president of Colossal Investments’ Terra regional branch from now on.”

Celine glanced at the document that countless people could only dream of having and spoke lazily, “Meh. The moment you sign a document handing your position as president to me is when it gets truly interesting.”

“Why? Are you already tired of the position?” Paulson asked meaningfully.

“It’s different.” Celine left the trinket alone and supported her chin on her hand. “I always wanted this position when I couldn’t have it. But now that I do, you realize it’s not actually that big of a deal.

“But it’s different when it comes to people, you know. I’m a good woman who loves all the way to the end.”

Paulson furrowed his brows at Celine’s words and spoke, “Doing that will bring Jasper a lot of trouble. You know that your husband is hardly someone who can be negotiated with.

“As a man, I’m very well aware that no man will remain unaffected in face of such a situation. He will do everything he can to take revenge on you. Jasper will also end up a target of his revenge.”

Celine scoffed and replied disdainfully, “Wharton? Forget it. He’s only got a few tricks up his sleeve at most. He’s not shameless enough to take revenge on us blatantly.

“Or our secret divorce would immediately spread throughout Great Britain. He’ll become a laughing stock and the Welling family will be faced with humiliation.”

Life at the Top Chapter 814

At that, Celine suddenly smiled.

“As to him suspecting that I’ve committed adultery, well, I didn’t. Any intimate relationship I’ve had with other men can’t be considered that since we’ve already gotten a divorce long ago. Nothing happened between Jasper and me before we got the divorce.

“Not that anything happened between us after.”

Adding that last part, Celine then sighed, looking rather despondent.

After that great opportunity last night, it was going to be difficult for her to find another chance to pounce on Jasper.

That man was too smart and too difficult to persuade. He was still able to remain sober after all that drinking.

Celine spitefully speculated whether Jasper was even a man at all.

Paulson listened quietly as Celine spoke. He waited for her to finish speaking before he slowly said, “Honestly speaking, I would’ve fully supported you choosing Jasper if he had appeared before you got married.”

Celine chuckled. “I don’t remember seeing you stand up for me when the family forced me to marry Wharton for their benefit, though.”

“The situation was special, then. Plus, it was a matter among the Maynard family. I’m merely an outsider and, at most, the man your father asked to watch over you after he passed.”

“Let’s stop here, Mr. President. You promised me not to speak of our personal feelings here at work.” It was evident that Celine did not want to continue the conversation.

“Alright, then, let’s talk about something else. What are your plans after this? Take this as a review from a superior to you, the new president of the Terra regional branch.” Paulson changed the subject.

“What else can I do? I’m going to make the Terra regional branch greater so that it’ll have the best results among the five branches under the headquarters. Then hopefully I’ll get to use that to get a spot for myself in the board of directors and you’ll get to retire two years earlier than your original plans.”

“I told you this before when you first became the general manager of the Terra regional branch. The situation there is more complicated than you think, and many people are reluctant to see such a strong character of Somer descent appear…”

At that, Paulson looked at Celine intently. “Suppressing private Somer businesses from taking the path of internationalization and globalization is one of the most important things to them!

“This is something Colossal Investments’ shareholders as a whole cannot prevent, let alone me. As second in line to inherit the Maynard business, you should know better than I that businesses frequently rely on politics for survival.”

Celine frowned slightly. “You mean that Somer businessmen like Jasper would have to trek a rocky path when they try to spread beyond Somerland?”

Paulson chuckled aloud when he saw that Celine understood what he meant. Then, he diverted the conversation away from such a sensitive and secretive topic.

There were many things better hinted than said, for being too blatant about it might only reap the opposite results.

“As to you wanting me to retire two years before my plan, I’m afraid your wish will come true very soon.”

Celine frowned at Paulson’s words and sat straight, looking at the old man in front of her seriously and silently.

“I’m retiring next year. It was a decision made among the shareholders during their general meeting. As of now, it’s still absolutely confidential,” Paulson explained.

“Thos b*stards!”

“You’ve worked your entire life to make Colossal Investments the best investment bank in the world. You’ve put decades of hard work into this and they’re kicking you out just like that?” Celine was enraged.

“Haha.”

Seeing how Celine was genuinely angry, Paulson smiled in gratitude and spoke, “It’s not that exaggerated. I’ll still get 3.8% of Colossal Investments’ shares and I’ll become one of Colossal’s investors.

“You have to understand that Colossal Investments is a professional internationalized enterprise. Its ordinary share rights are very complicated.

“There is no individual large shareholder and the shares are all distributed to all sorts of large companies. With everyone holding a small portion of shares, the company itself may be able to make its own decisions, but rights to the company are also spread out.

“That was why as humiliated I felt when Jasper rejected Colossal’s investment, I was also very grateful.

“Look at it this way, Mr. Maxus founded Colossal Investments in 1869, yet his descendants have all been thrown out of the bank at least 100 years ago. There’s not even a sign of them left.

“Jasper has his eyes on a very long-term goal, so if one day…”

Paulson’s gaze was profound. “Jasper will become the king to his own business kingdom one day, and no one will be able to doubt his power.”

Celine sighed after she heard him. “That path is too difficult to tread.

“Other large international capitals aren’t like Colossal Investments and Colossal Investments won’t be the same once someone else takes your position. That person might not be as easy to talk to, so if I can’t take it, I might as well destroy it before it gets too strong for me to do so. That’s just how the world works, no?”

“Which is why…”

Paulson stood up and placed a beloved trinket that he had kept on his office desk for years into Celine’s hand. Then, he patted her shoulder with the affection of an elder and spoke, “If Jasper really manages to open a bank one day, go help him and leave Colossal.

“Then again, this is if such a day ever comes.

“I’m giving you this trinket now. This was something your father gifted me to celebrate my promotion as Colossal Investments’ president, and it’s also the only thing I’ve never changed in my office all these years. I’m returning it to its owner now.”

…

Jasper, Jack, and the rest spent the entire day moving between bars and places to drink, having a ton of fun. Jasper had lost count of how many places they went and how much alcohol he drank.

All Jasper remembered in his blurred mind was receiving a call from both Anna and Wendy who congratulated him and nothing more.

In the end, Jasper remained the last one standing. He was proud of the fact that he had outdrank Jack and the rest thanks to his strong physique and youth.

With great difficulty, Jasper managed to return to the hotel thanks to Julian’s help and he fell asleep the moment he hit the bed.

It was 2 p.m. on a Wednesday when he woke.

Jasper reacted instantly when he opened his eyes and looked at the time. He was late!

Life at the Top Chapter 815

“Jul, why’d I sleep in so late? Why didn’t you wake me?” Jasper got up and spoke to Julian who walked in. He pressed a finger against his throbbing temple.

Julian replied exasperatingly, “I came over to wake you twice, Jasper. You didn’t wake up the first time, and you were incoherent when you replied the second time only to fall right back asleep after. I realized that you weren’t in a good condition anyway, so I let you sleep.”

Jasper got off the bed and went to clean himself up. Jasper saved a mental note to himself to not drink so much next time. Making him late was one thing, but the hangover the following morning was horrible.

“Have the people from General Motors arrived?” Jasper asked while brushing his teeth.

“They arrived half an hour before the agreed time at 9:30 this morning. They’re still waiting,” Julian replied.

“I’ll be there right away,” Jasper spoke.

“Won’t you eat something first?” Julian asked.

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“It’s fine. I’ll be meeting Winston Benett later anyway and there’ll be food to eat for afternoon tea,” Jasper replied.

In DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel’s executive lounge sat two irritated men clad in suits.

“It’s already 2:10 p.m., Dalton. I don’t think there’s any need to wait anymore,” the slightly chubby man spoke irritatedly.

Dalton was also irked as he glanced at the time. “Let’s wait another ten minutes. We’ll leave if we don’t see him. It seems like this person isn’t sincere at all.”

“What if they’re just joking? The Gulfstream G500 costs 47 million US dollars. How could someone with such horrible time management afford that?”

“I don’t think that’s possible. This is someone whom Colossal Investments’ Jameson introduced…” Dalton spoke hesitantly.

“If he’s not coming to buy later then we’re not going to be very polite either. People like this need to be taught a lesson.”

Five minutes later, Jasper hastily appeared in the executive lounge.

Jasper made a beeline for the two commercial sales representatives. He was about to apologize before one of them spoke impolitely with a frown.

“What on earth is going on with your boss? Where is he? Just tell us if he’s not willing to buy the plane and stop wasting our time. Why’d he send a young man like you over anyway? To apologize?”

Dalton almost could not conceal his anger when he saw Jasper.

After being made to wait aimlessly for four to five hours, the other party decided not to show up and instead sent a young man over. Dalton felt severely humiliated.

Hearing him, Jasper knew that they had misunderstood.

“I’m Jasper Laine, the person who wants to buy the Gulfstream,” Jasper stated.

“My apologies, I’ve had too much to drink yesterday.”

Jasper did not fault them for their resentment considering he had made them wait four to five hours. He apologized sincerely.

This had nothing to do with wealth but rather a person’s upbringing. Having made them wait so long, Jasper was aware that it was his mistake and there was nothing wrong with being more humble.

“Mr. Laine, we’re only here because you’re Mr. Jameson’s friend. If you can’t even manage your own time, we’re seriously doubting your sincerity in buying our plane. Plus, with how young you are, do you even have the money to buy it?”

Dalton spoke coldly.

Jasper’s brows furrowed slightly. It was his fault for being late and he would not refute them if they scolded him about his lack of time management. However, that last comment did not sit right with him. This was the United States and he did not know looking down on people was a trend here too.

“Age and wealth have no direct correlations. I entrusted Jameson to contact you on my behalf because I sincerely do want to purchase your Gulfstream G500 private plane,” Jasper explained patiently.

Dalton sneered and mocked, “Really? You’re telling me you’re actually going to buy this plane priced at 47 million US dollars?”

At this moment, Dalton still did not believe that Jasper would buy his company’s plane.

Firstly, Jasper was too young.

Secondly, he was of Somer descent.

As far as he was concerned, Somerland was an extremely poor and underdeveloped country. There was no way people from such places could afford a private plane costing tens of millions of US dollars.

“I don’t like joking about serious things, nor will I make a fool of people because of a simple joke.”

Jasper spoke as he looked at Dalton calmly.

Dalton scoffed and replied, “I can’t imagine that people from the poor and underdeveloped Somerland can afford private planes. When Mr. Jameson said it was a Mr. Laine, I thought it would be some big shot from Coreana willing to do business with us. Looks like I’ve misunderstood.”

“How ridiculous of you to make us wait here aimlessly from 9:30 a.m. to now when it’s almost 2:30 p.m.”

Dalton then glanced at Jasper mockingly, saying, “The Gulfstream G500, priced at 47 Million US dollars with no available discounts. There’s nothing wrong with you buying it, but I’m going to need to check your bank account first. Please hand me your bank account card with the most money in it. I’ve already brought my device.”

At that, Dalton pulled out a small machine.

“Imagine if he brings out his payroll card and there’s only a few hundred thousand in it.” The slightly chubby commercial sales representative suddenly turned to Dalton and mocked with a sneer.

“I heard that instead of being given checks, people in Somerland receive their salaries by having it transferred to their bank accounts at the same time. Everyone earns a monthly payment of at least 100 US dollars.”

“Pfft.” Dalton laughed aloud exaggeratingly. “100 US dollars? Damn it, what a big amount. My daily coffee costs even more than that.”

The two shared a look and laughed aloud.

Jasper calmly pulled out a debit card and stared at them, saying, “Here you go.”

Dalton took a look at the normal debit card. Seeing how it was not some limited edition card either, he looked down on Jasper even more and simply swiped it over the machine.

“Please key in your password,” Dalton told Jasper lazily, “I just don’t get it, why do you actively try to make a fool of yourselves? Are all you people of Somer descents like that?”

Putting the machine back down, Jasper received a call.

“Hello, Mr. Laine. I’m Mr. Benett’s personal life assistant. I previously invited you on behalf of Mr. Benett for afternoon tea today. Are you free right now?”

“I am,” Jasper replied curtly, “But I’m currently dealing with something in the hotel’s executive lounge.”

“Alright, Mr. Laine. I’ll be there shortly. Mr. Benett asked that I personally bring you over to meet him.”

While Jasper was on the call, Dalton and his colleague had also seen the balance in Jasper’s debit card on the machine.

Unit: US Dollars.

Balance: 31,294,124.12.

Life at the Top Chapter 816

The terrifying nine-digit balance had both Dalton and his colleague’s hearts skipping a beat.

Dalton pinched his thigh harshly to confirm that he had read the number right and was not hallucinating.

Frankly speaking, no matter where a person was, a nine-digit balance in someone’s bank account was enough to shock anyone.

Dalton felt his throat dry up and his scalp grow numb.

He could claim that the number was fake if Jasper had brought his own machine, but this was a machine Dalton brought from the company and it was made to check the balance in a customer’s card. There was no way it would be wrong.

That meant the balance in the card was true!

This was money that he could withdraw at any time!

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Looking up at Jasper again, Dalton did not dare to be disrespectful at all. Trembling, Dalton was lost for words.

“Are you done checking?” Jasper asked.

“Ye-Yes.” Dalton immediately became alert and quickly replied, politely handing the debit card to Jasper with both hands.

The large change in attitude was because they knew, from the balance in his bank account, that this person of Somer descent was not someone they could afford to offend.

Dalton began to sweat abnormally. While he fumbled for words, Jasper continued to speak.

“I’m a little short on time right now as I have an important meeting in a few minutes, so let’s get the procedures dealt with quick and concisely.”

Dalton was so moved by Jasper’s words he could almost cry. “Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Laine. Let me first introduce the latest G500 to you.

“The G500 is a private plane manufactured precisely for VIPs like you, Mr. Laine.

“It can reach up to a speed of Mach 0.8 airborne, which is 0.8 times the speed of sound. This is the fastest private plane in the world, and it—”

Jasper raised his land to interrupt Dalton and spoke calmly, “What I meant by quick was to sign the contract right away. I don’t need to know about the details.”

Gulping, Dalton turned to look at his colleague.

Frankly speaking, they had come in contact with quite a few wealthy customers considering they sold private planes.

However, even rich customers tended to ask about the plane’s specifications, like normal people with cars, as this was a purchase of tens of millions of US dollars.

This was the first time Dalton and his colleague had met such a ‘hasty’ customer.

“Is something wrong?” Jasper frowned slightly.

He did not hold it against them for looking down on him, for he had made them wait aimlessly for about five hours. Even the most patient man had his limits and Jasper would not be calculative about this with them.

However, the fact that these two seemed so easily stunned made Jasper wonder if they were reliable salesmen or not.

“No, no problem at all!” Dalton quickly replied, seeing how Jasper was beginning to feel displeased. He quickly pulled out a document and was about to pass it to Jasper when a middle-aged man in his 40s entered the executive lounge.

Doyle found Jasper at first glance when he arrived at the executive lounge. While he had never met the man before, Doyle had certainly seen pictures of Jasper.

Making his way to Jasper right away, Doyle spoke courteously, “Hello, Mr. Laine. I’m Doyle, Mr. Benett’s personal life assistant. We’ve spoken on the phone before?”

Jasper got up and shook Doyle’s hand with a smile. “My apologies, Mr. Doyle, but it seems like I’ll have to make you wait a little longer. I have a contract to sign.”

“Are you Mr. Doyle?” An extremely excited voice sounded beside them.

Doyle turned to see Dalton and his colleague looking at him excitedly.

“Mr. Doyle, I’m Dalton. We’re employees of Gulfstream Aerospace under General Motors. We met once when we went to do maintenance for Mr. Benett’s private plane early last year. How is Mr. Benett doing?”

Dalton’s voice trembled in excitement.

Doyle seemed to be used to such scenes. He gave a small smile and replied politely, “He’s doing quite well. He still drinks a bottle of coke a day and insists on having two beef burgers in the afternoon.”

“That’s great. Are you perhaps here to invite Mr. Laine, Mr. Doyle? He’s our new customer.”

Hearing Dalton, Doyle looked at Jasper in shock and asked, “Are you planning to buy a private plane as well, Mr. Laine?”

Jasper smiled. “I thought that since I’ll be flying a lot in the future, it’d be more convenient to have a private plane of my own.”

“Is there anything I can help with? I’m rather close with Gulfstream Aerospace’s president and Mr. Benett is one of their shareholders. I’m sure Mr. Benett would be glad to help you secure a satisfactory discount.”

Doyle spoke enthusiastically.

Jasper smiled. “It’s alright, I’m already signing the contract anyway.”

One had to take a look at the time, place, and from who when it came to taking favors.

Jasper did not believe owing Winston Benett a favor over a bit of money was a worthy trade.

Not to mention that Jasper did not care much about a discount.

He could have bought a Falcon 2000 with Henry if he wanted something cheap.

Plus, there was an invisible yet real price to pay for securing a discount through Winston Benett’s name.

It was an overall loss.

As he spoke, Jasper directly took the contract from Dalton and signed his name.

“I’ll transfer the deposit into your company’s account today and I’ll pay the rest in full when you hand over ownership of the plane. I would prefer it if you completed the procedures as fast as possible as I’m planning to return to my home country shortly,” Jasper spoke.

Dalton had nothing but utter respect for Jasper, a man who could enjoy afternoon tea with Winston Benett. He did not dare to harbor any other thoughts as he quickly replied.

“Of course, Mr. Laine. We’ll go through all the procedures for you so that you can proudly return to your country on your own private plane, the world’s first Gulfstream G500.”

“Thank you. You have quite the way with words” Jasper smiled.

After dealing with the purchase of the private plane, Jasper did not linger and followed Doyle out of the hotel.

A Maybach was waiting for them at the door.

Doyle personally opened the car door for Jasper and only got in after Jasper was settled inside. Only then did the car slowly drive off.

This was a scene that quite a few reporters waiting outside the hotel had managed to take pictures of. Instantly, the relationship between Sena’s owner, Jasper, and Winston Benett became another hot topic among the public.

Life at the Top Chapter 817

As the globally recognized stock god, Winston Benett had already made a name for himself in the 1990s’ financial industry around the world.

While the financial industry was considered one of the more sophisticated and closed-off ones, the man truly made his name known among ordinary folk when he started to auction his lunch for charity in the year 2000.

Jasper still remembered that this year in 2001, Winston Benett’s lunch would be auctioned off at 18,000 US dollars, which was the cheapest in history.

In the year 2020 in his past life, Jasper had reincarnated before the auction that year. The latest he remembered was 2019. One might ask how much his lunch was auctioned off at.

4.56 million US dollars, which was 31.54 million Somer Dollars according to the exchange rate at that time.

Jasper had always thought that Winston Benett had made a great move by doing so.

For it had gotten him fame and actual benefits.

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While it was done in the name of charity, Jasper’s keen eyes and understanding of things had greatly exceeded those of ordinary people. He was well aware that Winston Benett auctioning his lunch was a much more complicated and wise business skill.

Ordinary people would never understand why someone would spend tens of millions for a plate of steak that Winston Benett had eaten before, but the increase in reputation was much worth the price paid.

The Maybach quietly drove past New York’s streets and boulevards before it finally arrived at a seemingly normal restaurant by the streets.

Jasper realized that a white old man seemed to have been standing at the restaurant’s entrance for quite some time.

That man was the legendary Winston Benett, an old man with a kind smile that never left his face.

Jasper had already stepped down from the car before Doyle could open the doors for him, and he made his way toward an approaching Winston Benett.

“Hello, Mr. Benett, it’s an honor to receive an invitation to join you for afternoon tea. I’m sure our conversation today will be immensely joyful,” Jasper spoke first.

Winston shook Jasper’s hand and spoke gently, “Mr. Jasper, while this is the first time we’ve met, I must say that I’m greatly impressed by your achievements. I’m also very glad to see such an outstanding talent emerge from the mysterious Somerland in the East.”

“My country has one of the oldest civilizations in the history of mankind. It’s also the only one of the four ancient civilizations that have continued into the present…”

“I believe all we lack back home are opportunities. Now that opportunities have arisen, I’m sure that there will only be more people like me making a name for ourselves outside the country for the world to know.”

Jasper was neither too humble nor arrogant when he spoke, and his confidence in his own ethnic race was rewarded with Winston’s admiration.

A man’s success would be limited if he did not even love his country and its people.

The two chatted happily as they entered the restaurant.

It was a normal restaurant and there did not seem to be anything special inside.

Considering the time now, the restaurant was rather empty. There were only two waiters with Jasper and Winston as the only customers.

Winston must be a regular here, for the waiters did not seem too excited at the sight of the man. They merely greeted him and asked if he wanted the usual.

Winston turned to look at Jasper and introduced, “I love the food at this restaurant so I chose to meet you here. Is there something you’d like to eat, Laine? I personally quite like their beef Wellington. It’s very authentic.”

“Alright then, I’ll have a beef Wellington with a fruit salad and a cup of tea please.” While Jasper was not used to eating Western food, he had no other choice but to go with the host.

Jasper was really hungry considering he had not eaten anything since he woke up hungover, so the large portion of beef Wellington actually tasted delicious.

“I must thank you for the statement you released on the first day Sena went public, Mr. Benett. Had it not been for you, I don’t think Sena’s share prices would’ve managed to reach 122 US dollars,” Jasper told Winston after finishing half his food.

Winston smiled and replied, “It’s what I usually do, releasing a statement after I’ve purchased a certain percentage of shares. It’s nothing to thank me for. Plus, even if I didn’t release any statement, I’m sure someone will manage to find out from the published data sooner or later.”

“But there will be different implications to the public if they were to realize it themselves and if you were to release a statement about it yourself. Its effects and time taken are different too, ” Jasper spoke seriously.

Winston smiled and slowly said, “Laine. I actually invited you today because I’d like to discuss business with you.”

“Business?”

Jasper put down his cutleries and looked at Winston intently, waiting for the other to elaborate.

As expected, Winston did not make Jasper wait too long and quickly spoke, “Laine, you own a company called Terizone Inc back in Somerland, correct?”

That sentence immediately raised Jasper’s defenses.

After a moment of thought, Jasper replied calmly, “I wouldn’t say I own it. Terizone has a group of founders and I’ve agreed that while I do own a majority of shares, I will not interfere with the company’s day-to-day operations.”

Winston smiled as if he had seen through all of Jasper’s thoughts.

“I understand. We play quite the same role most times, looking for promising companies and investing in them to earn profits in the end.

“But the difference is that the companies you’ve invested in as of late are all companies with unlimited potential. Your foresight is something no one can compare to and this Terizone Inc is one of the most outstanding of them all.”

Winston’s gaze shone with great interest. “From what I can tell, Terizone will one day become an entity so large it’ll stun everyone. It’ll become a topic everyone talks about in the internet era, but it’s a shame that you were a step ahead of me.”

In all honesty, if not for the fact that it was impossible, Jasper might seriously suspect Winston to be another reincarnated man.

This old man’s foresight was too accurate.

Terizone had already shown its strengths, but it still had a long way before it became a household name.

Especially the base of Terizone’s business, the instant messaging domain, which would be known as the social networking domain when the concept expanded in the future.

As of that moment, in the year 2001, no one in the world had any idea how socializing on the internet would completely change the way people socialized.

Yet Winston Benett had already realized it.

“Are you interested in Terizone Inc, Mr. Benett?” Jasper had to ask.

“I am!”

Winston replied straightforwardly and frankly.

“If possible, I’m even willing to invest one billion US dollars to buy all the Terizone shares you have.”

 

Life at the Top Chapter 818

Jasper smiled at Winston’s words.

One billion US dollars.

That was still an astronomical amount in the year 2001 when all currencies were severely depreciated.

Such money was enough to make an utterly poor man into the top 1% of the world’s richest people.

People slaved away for a better quality of life, yet how many people could ever make so much money their entire lives?

This was certainly a convincing price.

“That’s a very appealing price you’re offering, Mr. Benett,” Jasper commented.

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Winston shook his head regretfully at Jasper’s response. “Yet I feel like you won’t agree to this business proposal.”

“Indeed.”

Jasper admitted without hesitation.

“Terizone is very important to me. It’s a major part of my plans for my business career that I cannot afford to lose. So unless you’re proposing to buy my entire future, I apologize as I cannot sell it to you.”

Winston laughed along with Jasper’s words. “That’s a very interesting way of speaking. You managed to reject me without making it too awkward. So, Laine, how much for your future?”

“Do you really want me to make an estimate, Mr. Benett?” Jasper asked.

“Haha.” Winston laughed out loud and spoke, “I hope we’ll have more chances to work together in the future.”

“I’m sure we will,” Jasper affirmed.

Jasper had begun testing online payment, be it for online shopping or for socializing online.

These were the main features that would change the rules the world played by, and Jasper would make sure all of the technology spread across the world.

Winston had made a huge name for himself in the United States and even the majority of the West, so he was one of the most important candidates for future partnership.

That was why Jasper believed that there would certainly be opportunities for them to work together.

“Then let us toast to our future.”

Winston, a great fan of coke, raised his cup of it which Jasper toasted with a cup of coffee instead of alcohol.

It was already evening when Jasper got back into the Maybach Winston had prepared for his return to the hotel.

While the two had not solidified any future partnerships, the conversation today had left the two with a chance for happy meetings in the future.

Both of them anticipated the day they would get to work together in the future.

Upon returning to the hotel, Jasper received a notification from General Motors.

Winston had indeed helped him secure a few advantages when he found out that Jasper had bought a Gulfstream G500.

Gulfstream had prepared a professional crew that would fly Jasper back to Somerland. This team would then stay to help Jasper train his own team of flight crew and teach them how to fly the world’s most advanced private plane.

This alone had saved Jasper 500,000 US dollars.

In addition, Gulfstream would also gift Jasper three years of free maintenance service, which would save Jasper at least two million US dollars.

This was an advantage of making more friends. Of course, Jasper could always purchase such services with money, but it would not be as convenient or attentive.

It had to be known that Winston was a shareholder of both General Motors and Gulfstream Aerospace, so his words were just as powerful as the chairman of Gulfstream.

With his own plane dealt with, Jasper thought of Henry and immediately called the other. He then found out that Henry had left to pick up his own Falcon 2000.

To quote Henry, he ‘could not wait to show off anymore.’

The man had taken dozens of pictures of his new plane, and half of Harbor City’s circle of trust fund babies now knew that Young Master Law had bought a private plane with his own money. If not for the fact that WeTalk Memories had yet to be a thing, the man would have been trending throughout the country.

Now that all this was dealt with, Jasper was left with one last issue.

One last and most important issue of all.

The meeting with Google’s founders.

Google!

It was one of the greatest companies in the 21st century! One could only imagine how powerful this company was.

Due to political reasons, ordinary people in Somerland might not know much about this company’s influence.

Yet outside of Somerland, Google’s influence was sensational.

It was a company that started off through search engines and its status in the search engine domain around the world was comparable to Terizone’s status in Somerland’s social networking domain.

Moreover, Google would soon play an active role in highly advanced industries such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and biotechnology.

It was as if Google excelled in every industry it dabbled in and had never failed before.

For example, Google had also decided to venture into mobile phone operating systems and the product they came up with was widely used.

The operating system went by ‘Andriod’.

87% of the world’s mobile phones in the market used this operating system.

If not for Apple’s Steve Jobs being quite the man himself, Android would have taken over the world.

Thanks to Todd, Jasper had contacted two of Google’s founders, Page and Brin. Both parties had agreed to meet in Hilton Hotel three hours later.

Jasper was confused about this.

‘I clearly remember that Google’s first office was actually one of their female classmate’s garage. They only got an actual company with offices after they received enough funding half a year later.

‘Yet the two claimed they’d arrive at the hotel in three hours, meaning they’re in New York.

‘What are they doing in New York, then?’

…

At the same time, in a luxurious office in another corner of New York City.

A young Westerner in a white suit and leather shoes sat behind his office table. The man’s features were laced heavily with arrogance and indifference as he stared at the uneasy young man in front of him.

“My father is Rogers, the president of Quantum Fund, and I’m the senior investment manager at Layman Investments. How dare you reject me and turn to cooperate with a Somer businessman?”

Life at the Top Chapter 819

Morrison’s overwhelming force had Page and Brin looking embarrassed and afraid.

While the three of them were of similar age, Morrison had grown up in a wealthy family and received the best education available. When he graduated, he got a job in the world-class Layman Investment Bank’s middle management.

As for Page and Brin…

Page’s family could still be considered slightly powerful, but Brin had come from an ordinary family.

Not to mention that Page’s family background was nothing in comparison to Morrison’s.

“We have no intention of offending you, Mr. Morrison, but you understand that cooperation has to be done on common grounds, at least. And we believe that you…”

“I mean that Layman Investment Bank’s conditions are too harsh. By purchasing 80% of our shares with 60 million as well as accepting you as our operational supervisor, we would then lose all initiative.”

Page glanced at his partner and spoke with difficulty.

“We cannot possibly accept such harsh conditions.”

Morrison scoffed and leaned back against the chair as he spoke coldly, “You need to know that there are at least 8,000 to 10,000 start-up companies like yours in the United States. Do you know what makes you different from them?

“The only difference is that I like you and I’m willing to invest. Yet you’re criticizing me for having harsh conditions?

“What makes you think that a small company like yours will still find other sources of investment after rejecting Layman Investments, huh?”

Page clenched his jaw at Morrison’s words and replied, “There are other people interested in our company, at least.”

“That man of Somer descent?” Morrison’s expression grew even more mocking.

“Somerland is nothing but a poor, underdeveloped, and feudal country. The only people you’ll find there are scammers and ruffians! Do they even know what the internet is? Or what a technology company is?

“You’re people of the United States, and yet you lower yourself just so you can work with the lowly people of Somer descent? How shameless!”

Page frowned heavily at that and was about to speak when Brin tugged on his hand to stop him.

After stopping Page, Brin then gave Morrison an apologetic smile. “We’re merely getting in touch with them, Mr. Morrison. After all, this is someone Mr. Todd has introduced. He bought 27% of Google’s shares from Mr. Todd.

“Even if not to discuss the terms of cooperation with him, it’s only right we meet him considering he’s one of our shareholders.”

“So you’re using Todd’s name to shut me up, then?” Morrison scoffed.

“Who the hell is Todd in comparison to my father?”

“Yes, yes, of course.” Brin smiled, much more tolerant than Page.

“But we aren’t you, Mr. Morrison. You have a powerful family supporting you and you’re the senior investment manager of Layman Investments. We’re but the founders of a small start-up company. We don’t have any power at all so we don’t really have a choice when it comes to a lot of things.”

Brin’s extremely humble attitude slightly brightened Morrison’s dark expression. “Hmm, not bad. At least, you’re respectful when you speak.

“Go if you must, then. But remember that my conditions are here. You’d better decide quickly because if I change my mind, I won’t entertain you even if you come begging at my door.”

“Yes, yes, of course. We’ll definitely think it through and give you a satisfactory reply, Mr. Morrison.”

Brin spoke and dragged an upset Page out of the room.

After they left, a beautiful and lithe secretary strutted into the room.

Morrison slapped her on the butt.

“Have someone find out who that person of Somer descent in touch with Google is. Google’s a very promising company and investing in them will help me fight for the position as president of the Terra regional branch. There’s no way I’m going to let some stink*ss person from Somerland screw my plans over.”

“Very promising company?” the secretary asked.

“Yahoo has already agreed to use Google’s search engine technology. That’s what my dad said. No one knows about this yet, not even Google themselves have been informed.

“Google’s market price will immediately skyrocket by the time news gets out. Only idiots will think that Google’s an ordinary start-up!”

…

Page and Brin arrived at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel one and a half hours after they left Morrison’s office.

They were shocked to see Jasper standing by the entrance to greet them.

Sitting in the car, Page, who had been wearing a dark expression on his face because of Morrison the entire ride over, suddenly turned to Brin when he saw Jasper standing by the entrance from afar. “Brin, I would prefer accepting this person of Somer descent’s investment if his conditions aren’t too harsh.”

“Why?” Brin asked.

“Take a look.”

Page pointed at Jasper’s silhouette that was getting clearer as the car drove toward him and said, “We’ve been smiling as we begged others to invest in us all this while, yet who has ever come out to greet us before? It’s been a very long time since I’ve been treated with such courtesy. He makes me feel respected.”

Brin’s gaze burned into Jasper as he pursed his lips silently.

 

Life at the Top Chapter 820

“It’s nice to get to meet you two.”

Jasper reached out to shake Page’s and Brin’s hands as he spoke, approaching them once they got out of the car.

Page shook Jasper’s hand and spoke with a smile, “Hello, Mr. Laine. I’m Page and this is Brin, we’re the co-founders of Google. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“I’m honored to meet you as well.”

In truth, Jasper had seen pictures of these two people in his past life.

Page was a shut-in obsessed with technology, a direct and blunt man. While Google was still in its most difficult incubation stage, they had relied mostly on generosity to overcome it.

Brin, on the other hand, was more restrained and had more tact. He was more of a businessman than Page.

Playvolume00:00/00:00TruvidfullScreenWhen Google grew, Page became the face of Google most of the time but true control of the company still laid in Brin’s hands.

He was a low profile man who had self-restraint.

After quick small talk, Jasper invited the two into the hotel’s restaurant as they enjoyed dinner.

Page and Brin had just sat down when they realized that Jasper had attentively prepared a meal that catered to their Jewish tastes.

“To be honest, Mr. Laine, I’m feeling a warmth from you that I’ve never felt before during this time,” Page told Jasper, feeling touched.

Jasper smiled. “I learned that you two are Jewish from Mr. Todd, so I had the hotel prepare something else instead. It’s nothing much, actually. I just believe that mutual respect is the foundation of mutual trust between people.”

Page and Brin shared a look before nodding.

This alone had earned Jasper brownie points from both of them.

As they ate, Jasper also began to chat aimlessly with Page and Brin.

Jasper had merely been an employee of a small financial company back in Somerland in his past life, so he had only eaten meals outside with his superior a handful of times—let alone top-notch talents like Page and Brin.

Yet here Jasper was, eating dinner with them as the duo spoke politely to Jasper.

Such was life…

After simple small talk, Page first brought up the issue of investment.

“We know that you’ve bought 27% of Google’s shares from Mr. Todd, Mr. Laine. Do you perhaps see a bullish trend in our company’s future?” Page asked excitedly, extremely eager for Jasper’s recognition.

After all, in comparison to them, Jasper had achieved way more. They were both in the dot-com industry, and Jasper’s Sena had already successfully gone public and evoked the enthusiasm of the investors in the United States to invest in the industry. Sena’s share price had also exceeded 150 US dollars in a few days!

“My apologies, I don’t really know Google too well, so I can’t say whether I have a bullish or bearish stand on your company’s future.”

Admiration was one thing, but Jasper was not going to compromise at all when it came to business—even if he was facing future big shots.

Everything Jasper said now would affect the investment and distribution of benefits later, so Jasper made sure he spoke in accordance.

Ignoring the disappointed looks on the duo’s faces, Jasper continued, “To be honest with you, I bought 27% of your shares because of my friendship with Todd. Google itself did not play too big a part in my decision.

“I heard that you’re lacking in funds?”

With just a few sentences, Jasper managed to put Page and Brin, two future wealthy businessmen, through an emotional rollercoaster. At the same time, he had also grasped the initiative of the negotiation tightly in his hands.

“We are. Our company does indeed need more funds for future development. Not to toot our own horn, but our patent search engine technology is irreplaceable worldwide!

“All we need are funds to expand our company’s business. Once we have the funds, I’m certain that we’ll be able to further develop in a short amount of time. I promise that you won’t make a loss if you invest in us, Mr. Laine.”

Page spoke hastily.

After a moment of thought, Brin added, “We’ve been in contact with Yahoo three months ago, Mr. Laine. And we’ve proposed a partnership with them. We’re willing to provide our search engine technology to them for free.

“The partnership hasn’t been approved yet, but once it has, Google’s search engine will immediately take up most of the United States’ market share and we’ll be able to gather a large number of users’ data in a short amount of time.

“These are all beneficial to Google’s development.”

Both Brin and Page felt rather guilty after saying those words.

After all, including themselves, no one would believe that Yahoo would partner with such an insignificant company.

Yahoo was currently the largest web portal in the world and the technology company with the second-highest market price just after Weresoft.

Yahoo and Google were miles apart, so there was no way the former would consider their technology.

Yet Jasper smiled as the two were worried.

Page and Brin were still fresh to the world.