No.1 Supreme Warrior by Moneto

Chapter 201
“Oh my god, someone really jumped down?!”

“Is he not afraid of death? That’s two Siberian tigers in front of him!”

“How is he unhurt after jumping down from this height? Could that kid be a martial artist!?”

“10 million dollars. Someone’s willing to risk his life for 10 million dollars! However, that’s two adult Siberian tigers. That kid is just asking for death!”

Quite a number of tourists broke out in discussions.

Selena, too, ran to the bridge while carrying Kylie. Seeing jackie jumping down, Kylie seemed to have sensed that it was dangerous. She shouted anxiously, “Mommy, it’s Daddy. Daddy jumped down!”

Selena was just as anxious. Those were tigers, not human, and there were two of them. Judging from the looks of it, the tigers were hungry. Their eyes were filled with killing intent.

“Don’t worry, Kylie. Daddy will be fine. Daddy is a hero. He’s there to save people!” Although Selena was deeply worried, she still tried to comfort Kylie who was in her arms.

“Thank you, thank you. If you save my son, I’ll pay you 10 million dollars. I really have the money. No, I’ll pay you 50 million dollars!” That middle-aged woman kept crying on the bridge. Now that somebody went down, her emotions were slightly more stable.

After jackie jumped down, both the tigers stopped in their tracks and glowered a jackie.

jackie did not try to immediately reach for the child. Instead, he looked at the little boy and yelled at him. “Shut up. Why are you crying? You’re not a man if you cry!”

The little boy was crying out of fear. Now that jackie shouted at him, he no longer dared to cry, but instead shut his mouth and sobbed quietly.

“Do you understand your mistake? It’s written there to not climb or play. Didn’t you see it?” jackie pointed at the signboard on the stone bridge, then stated, “If you don’t admit your mistake, I won’t save you!”

“Uncle, I know my mistake!” The boy whimpered. The little boy looked pitiful. After saying that, he once again lost control and cried aloud.

“F*ck me, this man is trying to teach the kid a lesson at a time like this?!”

“Although that teaching method is the right approach, they’re both about to die. What’s the point of teaching now?”

A number of tourists were at a loss on how to react.

The two tigers raised their heads slowly and roared at jackie. That sound carried along the domineering presence of a ruler.

“You beast, if you know what’s good for you, then get out of my way. In my eyes, you’re nothing but little kittens. You won’t be able to kill the person I want to save!” jackie’s eyes turned serious. A terrible killing intent flashed across his eyes.

“Little brother, look over there. There are some vines there. Quickly carry my son and run over there. You can climb up that vine onto the stone wall. That will get you up here!” The woman on the stone bridge directed after looking left and right.

However, jackie ignored her solution and coldly looked over the two tigers.

The tigers exchanged glances, then leaped at jackie simultaneously.

“Ah!” The people on the stone bridge closed their eyes out of fright. It was too scary.

“He’s doomed. Two Siberian tigers attack together as if a planned attack. That kid is dead for sure!”

“Humans die for money, birds die for food. Sigh, it’s because of his greed for that 10 million dollars! Oh no, it’s 50 million dollars. However, what’s the use of 50 million dollars if he’s dead!?”

Chapter 202
The crowd was extremely anxious. Quite a number of them exclaimed in terror. They all thought jackie would surely die. If it was one tiger lunging at him, jackie might be able to struggle for a moment. Although it was useless to struggle, it was still better to face them one on one.

However, with two tigers coming from both sides, anyone else would only be met with death.

Unexpectedly, the next instant stunned everyone. All of them almost have their eyes popped out of their sockets from the surprise.

Both the Siberian tigers that lunged at him were held down to the ground with his hands on their head.

The tigers bellowed deeply and struggled with all their might. However, it was to no avail. jackie’s strength pressing down on their head had them fully pinned down, unable to escape.

The Tigers continued to struggle. Their hind legs were kicking so much to the point of digging two pits behind them, yet it was of no help.

At that time, two zoo employees finally arrived at the scene. When they opened the metal gates, the sight they saw had them shocked to the core.

“Oh my god, am I seeing things?”

“Yeah. Is this man that strong??”

The two employees immediately rushed over and carried the child.

Although the two tigers were running low on strength, they still continued to roar in anger.

“What now? The tigers are angry. At this rate, even if he releases the tiger, we can’t calm them down and stop them from hurting people!” One of the guys asked nervously.

“You guys carry the child and go out first. Lock the door properly!” jackie turned around and instructed the two employees.

“Wait here brother. Just hold out a little longer. I’ll go get the tranquilizer gun!” The other employee immediately suggested.

“That’s right. If the tigers were not angered, they would still obey. Normally we’re the ones to feed them, so…”

“However, in this situation, if you let go, they will surely attack…” The other employee interjected.

“You both really talk a lot. If not because these Siberian tigers are protected animals, I would’ve killed them with a punch each! Get the child out of here and lock the door!” jackie stated sternly.

“Brother, w-w-what about you?” One of them was deeply touched. What a great man that was willing to sacrifice himself to save a child.

Moreover, in order to ease their worries, he was lying about his ability to kill the tigers in one punch. Such a nice person was really rare to come by.

“Go!” jackie yelled.

The two employees finally carried the child out and brought him to his mother on the stone bridge.

“Jake!” The woman hugged her son and burst into tears once more. This time, it was because of joy.

She quickly remembered something, then looked at the man holding the tigers by the head down there, feeling extremely touched. “Little brother, what about you? You must stay alive! I still need to repay your kindness!”

“Sigh, it’s already lucky enough that he managed to hold the tigers down by their head. Unfortunately, good people don’t live long!” said a guy from the crowd.

“The two employees are off to get the tranquilizer gun. Little brother, hold out a little more!”

On the bridge, others were cheering jackie on.

Chapter 203
Both the tigers kept up with their struggles. Time and time again they tried to raise their heads. Unfortunately, they were still held firmly on the ground by jackie.

Suddenly, jackie released both the Siberian tigers and backed off swiftly.

The tigers finally got up and glared at jackie intently.

After a moment, both of them once again rushed at jackie.

This time, jackie gave each a kick and sent both tigers flying a few meters back.

“Oh my god!”

The tourists on the bridge were worried about jackie and thought he was in trouble. Never did they expect jackie to resolve the danger once again.

After sending the two tigers flying, jackie turned around and dashed, arriving at the edge of the cliff. He then dashed upward. His legs took a few steps, flashing about, and got up in just a few simple moves. With another leap, he was already up on the stone bridge, standing in front of everyone.

The two tigers pounced forward and only caught air, only realizing jackie standing on the stone bridge after raising their heads.

Both the adult Siberian tigers roared at jackie, who was on the stone bridge, for some time before they finally lowered their heads and turned away.

jackie’s entire stunt added up to a total of at most two seconds. The speed was just too fast. To many of them, jackie was back with just a blur. After a momentary silence, it was followed by thunderous applause.

“Thank you, thank you, you’re my hero!” The middle-aged woman immediately grabbed jackie’s hand and said excitedly. “Pass me your bank card. It’s a promise. You saved my son so I’ll pay you 50 million dollars as a sign of gratitude!”

“Oh my god, 50 million dollars! Just who is this woman? She’s rich enough to actually pay him a reward of 50 million dollars?”

“Big risk, big rewards. This man struck the jackpot this time!”

Quite a number of tourists were looking at jackie with admiration. jackie’s show of strength earlier had similarly shocked them.

“Pretty lady, your husband is too amazing. How is he that strong? Moreover, it’s about three meters tall and he was able to get up here in one breath!”

Another auntie could not help but approach Selena. “Your husband is too amazing. Having married such a strong husband, you must be very happy!”

Selena squeezed out a smile, then said, “He’s been in the army for five years and just only came back from the battlefield!”

“No wonder he’s amazing. Those that battled the enemies on the battlefield and survived five years are definitely not ordinary folks!”

Upon hearing that, some of the men looked at jackie more respectfully. Such a person was worthy of their respect.

However, none of them expected what came next. jackie told the woman bluntly, “Don’t bother with the 50 million dollars. If it’s for the money, I wouldn’t have saved your son!” Having said that, he went forward and crouched down. He then gently touched the child’s ankle.

Upon hearing those words, the crowd was dumbfounded. 50 million dollars worth of reward. That amount, to any of them, was a huge incentive, yet jackie rejected it squarely. Perhaps that was what it meant to be a hero that served the country.

Hearing those words, Selena too had a smile on her face. She had not planned to take the money. After all, the reason jackie saved people was not for the money.

“Ah!” The child could not hold back from crying out. His face turned pale.

“I’ve already called the ambulance. It’ll be here very soon. I wonder what’s wrong with the leg. It’s all swollen. Who knows if it might be very serious!” The woman looked and explained with a worried expression.

“Let me handle it. This ankle is badly dislocated. If we don’t fix it, the blood vessels would be blocked and make things worse!”

“By then, if left for a long time, the bad circulation might lead to the possibility of amputation!” jackie looked at the boy’s ankle, then asked him, “Jake, right? This time, it might hurt a little but it’s unavoidable. You can only endure it!”

“Wait, are you a doctor? Can you do it? Aren’t you a soldier?” That middle-aged woman was extremely worried. “Kiddo, you saved my son’s life so I’ll definitely pay you that 50 million dollars. However, please don’t act rashly on my son’s injuries!”

Crack!

However, just as she finished her sentence, jackie quickly grabbed Jake’s leg and gave it a good tug, creating that sickening sound.

“Ah!” Little Jake turned around and screamed, then passed out.

Chapter 204
jackie stood up and let out a deep breath. He then reached for a cigarette and slowly lit it, taking a puff. However, his brows soon curved into a frown, feeling the gaze from the crowd turning abnormal.

“I-i-isn’t he a soldier that kills enemies? Isn’t he a fighter? Does he know anything about medicine?” Finally, one of the aunties asked slowly.

“How can he know anything about medicine? Killing and saving lives are two completely different things, okay? Furthermore, that child passed out. He’s not dead, is he?” An old man asked in a worried tone.

Hearing those words, Little Jake’s mother almost passed out from shock. She immediately glared at jackie. “What’s wrong with you? My son was just fine earlier. Why is he not moving now? Did you just kill him? Could it be that you knew my family is rich and think that 50 million dollars is too little?”

“No way?!”

A number of people from the crowd took a deep breath. If jackie really had such a thought, that would be too evil. 50 million dollars and he still finds it insufficient?

“Impossible. My husband is not such a person!” Selena immediately stepped forward, then confronted that woman. “If he wanted to kill your child, he wouldn’t have jumped down there in the first place. Saving him, then just to kill him? Isn’t that just redundant?”

Unexpectedly, that woman immediately grabbed jackie by the collar and shouted, “I don’t care. My son was doing just fine earlier. He was crying and could talk to others. Now he’s just lying on the ground, not even moving. I don’t care, I want my son to wake up right now!”

Selena was speechless. She then stood up for jackie. “Hey woman, why are you so unreasonable? My husband just risked his life to save your son. How can you think of him this way?”

“who knows if he jumped down for that 10 million dollars?!” The woman chuckled, then blabbered incoherently, “He must’ve seen me suddenly raising the amount to 50 million dollars and realized that I’m from a rich family, the super affluent. Now that he’s found me out, he feels that 50 million dollars was too little and wants more!”

“You crazy woman!” jackie’s expression darkened. “If I want more money, can’t I just ask you earlier? Why would I do something so redundant?”

That woman instantly lost all her bluster, feeling that jackie’s words made sense too. However, she did not plan to let go of jackie’s collar. She asked, “Then you tell me, do you have a medical license? Are you a doctor from a hospital?”

jackie was speechless. He smiled bitterly, “Although I have no medical license, nor am I a doctor, I have great medical knowledge. I know how to save people! Isn’t it sufficient to save someone?”

“look here everyone. He doesn’t even have a medical license. How can he prove that he can save people? He’s not even a doctor yet he dares to simply touch my son. If my son is dead, I’ll never let him go!” The woman laughed out loud, then stated in a loud voice, “Everyone here should be my witness. This kid is greedy beyond measure. I’m sure it’s because he thinks I’m underpaying him!”

jackie looked at her impatiently, then moved his cigarette to her arm.

Upon seeing that, she was alarmed and immediately let go of jackie’s collar then took a few steps back. “Kid, what do you want? You son of a b*tch, are you trying to burn me?”

jackie adjusted his own collar, then sneered, “Burn you? if you knew whose collar you were holding on earlier, you’ll be deeply regretful! I saved a life out of kindness, yet you look down on me like this?” Finishing his statement, jackie took another puff of the cigarette, then continued, “Your son was merely unconscious because it was too painful to bear. His leg is all better now. It’s still a little swollen at the moment. When the time comes, just apply some anti-inflammatory medicine and painkillers will do. You can even skip the trip to the hospital and get them from the pharmacy!”

“W-w-why should I believe your words?” The woman maintained her fierce stance, “I’ll wait for the people from the hospital to come and make an examination! Moreover, my son is still unconscious. How do I know what’s happened?”

“If you want to wait, then wait here yourself. Don’t waste my precious time. I’m enjoying the day with my daughter and wife. My time is very precious!”

Chapter 205
Having said his peace, jackie was about to leave with Selena.

“You’re not allowed to leave!” However, that woman blocked their path. “I think you’re just feeling guilty. Otherwise, why are you trying to leave?”

“That’s right. That boy was fine just earlier and would only need to wait for the ambulance, yet this guy tried to provide treatment? In my opinion, he’s just a quack that’s trying to show off but end up causing an accident!”

Some of them started to criticize jackie, stating, “The path to evil is paved with good intentions!”

Obviously, nobody would believe a soldier to do a doctor’s work.

The two zoo employees came running. When they saw the situation, they immediately exclaimed, “Wonderful, brother, you climbed up all on your own? That’s amazing!”

Having said that, he looked over to the little boy on the floor. “Wasn’t he just fine earlier?”

Hearing that, the woman immediately started complaining in tears, “That’s right. Everything was fine earlier. He was awake, but this guy came and offered to help. In the end, I don’t even know if my son is dead or alive now. I don’t care, if my son is dead, or his condition worsens, he’ll have to compensate accordingly!”

The employee’s expression darkened as he looked at jackie. “Little brother, we’ve already called the ambulance and it’s on the way. Why must you try to provide treatment? We have no idea about this child’s injuries. If you’re not trained in that field, it’s better not to do anything and let the doctors decide. Why didn’t you wait?”

“If I waited, he might require amputation!” jackie explained.

Right then, an ambulance drove to the edge of the bridge and the medical personnel ran over.

“Thank goodness the doctor is here. Doctor, how’s my son? This area was swollen earlier, but then this soldier here gave it a tug like this and my son went unconscious…” Noticing the doctor’s arrival, the woman went into tears and explained as though grasping at straws.

“Don’t rush. Let me have a look!” The doctor examined and said, “There’s nothing wrong. He’s just passed out and will wake up in a bit. Moreover, from what I can see, it must have been badly dislocated previously. It’s already being set back in place. This kid’s technique is spot on.”

“Y-y-you’re sure?” The woman swallowed hard as she stared at the doctor with wide-opened eyes.

The doctor said grunted impatiently, “Nonsense. I’m an orthopedic specialist. How can I not diagnose the situation? Go buy some anti-inflammatory medicine and apply it for a few days. It’ll be fine. The situation earlier should be much worse. If it wasn’t treated in time, that would be dangerous.”

“so the experts understand while the layman laughs!” jackie chuckled, then put out his cigarette and threw it in the trash bin.

“S-s-sorry. I’ve wrongfully accused you!” The woman lowered her head and said in an embarrassed tone, “How much money you want? I can pay you!”

“This apology is sufficient. No need for payment! Next time, don’t jump to the wrong conclusion and blame the good guy!”

Chapter 206
“I…” The middle-aged woman was furious beyond comprehension, yet she did not know what to say.

The people who had been criticizing jackie earlier now all turned on her, saying that she had gone too far, suspecting her own benefactor like that.

“Mom…” At this moment, the boy who had fainted regained consciousness. The crowd began to clap their hands again.

“50 million? You’re amazing, dear!” They walked off for a while before Selena finally smiled. “You’re really not tempted by that much money? If you took the 50 million, you could have easily solved the issue of Grandfather’s coming birthday!”

jackie gave a wry smile as he looked at his wife. “My dear, would you take the 50 million if it was from the person you had saved before?” he asked.

“Of course not. I don’t save others to get money!” He quirked a brow when he heard that. “Heh. My dear, it seems like you desperately want me to fork out 40 million dollars to get your parents’ approval. I think this proves that you truly love me, and you want to be with me.”

Selena’s face immediately reddened. “No way!” she protested hastily. “I just think that it’s a shame that you let 50 million dollars slip past your fingers just like that.”

The three roamed around the zoo for a while before exiting the place and was about to call a cab to go home.

However, they never expected a BMW to quickly pull up near them.

The driver rolled down the window. The man grinned towards Selena. “Oh, and I thought that I saw wrong. Never imagined to really run into the belle of our class!”

“Hugh Launer!” Surprise filled Selena when she recognized the man. Then she smiled toward her husband. “ jackie, this is an old coursemate from my university,” she explained. “He was like one of my bros, and we were pretty close before. Never thought I’d run into him here.”

“ jackie?” The man studied jackie, then looked at Kylie, who was being carried in his arms. His face suddenly broke into a smile. “I was wondering why this name sounded so familiar. Don’t tell me that you’re that delivery boy from last time,” he said. “Didn’t you enlist in the military? It seems like you’ve retired already.”

“That’s right. I’ve been back for quite some time now.” jackie offered the other man a smile. “I happened to have some time off today, so I came out to accompany my wife and my little girl.”

“Are you guys about to call a cab home?”

A woman sitting beside Hugh peered toward the young family. “Oh, so this is the class belle that Hugh mentions about frequently!” she said, smiling. “You married pretty early, didn’t you? Your daughter is so big already!”

“What class belle? Those boys had nothing better to do than to go around labeling everyone, that’s all!” Selena chuckled, slightly awkward.

She was not stupid. She detected the venom laced beneath the woman’s words.

“No way. Hugh told me that most of your campus’s beauties were in your class! So basically, it is not even an understatement if a class belle from your class is recognized as a campus belle!”

Chapter 207
The woman wore a black satin dress, which contrasted against her snow-white skin, giving her an ethereal appearance. Additionally, soft waves rippled down her hair, exuding a youthful countenance. Of course, the woman had a nice figure as well. She lacked some of Selena’s natural elegance, but she was equal in almost all other physical aspects.

“You’re too humble now. You’re such a great beauty yourself!” Selena chuckled and spoke politely.

“Are you guys calling a cab from here? It’ll be difficult, considering that it’s peak period now. There’ll be plenty of people calling for cabs too!” The woman scanned jackie and Selena. “Oh, what a drag it is to not have a car,” she commented. “It seems like your husband can’t support you very well!”

Hugh flashed an awkward smile at the woman’s words. “Right. Selena, it so happens that there’s a class reunion tonight. We’ve already invited quite a few of our old cronies over. Why don’t you come too? You can bring your family along!”

“Oh, yes! Come on over. It must have been years since you guys last met!” The woman nodded her head too. “You have to show up for our dear Hugh.”

“Well…” Selena drew her brows together, hesitant. She had been good friends with Hugh before, but she had not seen him in a few years. She was afraid that the old cronies he had been referring to would all regard her with judgmental eyes, like Rachel Linsay.

“What are you waiting for? Trevor Turner’s back in the country too. He says that he’s going for a job interview tomorrow in a huge corporation. Apparently, he knows a manager who works there. The interview is practically in the bag for him! Besides, we haven’t had a gathering in years. You, as our resident class belle, will definitely have to come!” Hugh quickly added on, “If you don’t come, I’m not your bro anymore!”

“All right, all right. I’ll come. Where is it? I’ll send my daughter back home first, and I’ll come tonight with my husband.” Selena’s smile was empty. She had no choice but to accept the invite at his persistence. Besides, she had not seen Trevor in a long time either. She had been pretty close with him too.

“The Lotus Bar and Lounge at eight. We’ll be waiting at the entrance for you. Be sure to turn up!” Hugh smiled and waved his hand. “Then it’s settled. I’ll be going off first. I have to change my clothes!”

After he finished speaking, he immediately drove off.

“Seriously? Why do you have to invite her to the gathering? They can’t even afford a car, and you invited them to such a classy place. We’ll be embarrassing ourselves too then.” Hugh’s girlfriend could not help but roll her eyes at him. “The people at this gathering are either driving a Benz or a BMW,” she said unhappily. “Your friend and her husband are in a completely different class from us. They are like the country bumpkins as if it was their first time stepping out into the world. They will become a laughingstock”

“What are you talking about? We graduated from the same university! Besides, we were close before, and it’s not easy to get everyone together. It won’t be a problem if she’s there!

“Other than that, I heard that she’s been running into walls over the past few years. It’s because she married a good-for-nothing and insisted on having the kid, so the Taylors practically forsook her. She can’t even find a job now!”

Hugh flashed a wry smile. “The Taylors are aristocrats too. Who knew that Selena would have fallen to where she is today!”

“Hmph. She’s such a pitiable creature, isn’t she? Perhaps you like her? She has a husband though, so don’t think about it!” The woman beside him spoke, envy tingling her tone.

Chapter 208
jackie and Selena quickly called a cab and left, with little Kylie in tow. However, jackie looked as though a thought occurred to him just as they drove through a street lined with 4S Audi retail outlets. “Sir, let us down here,” he told the driver.

“Here?” Selena was stunned, her gaze flickered with suspicion.

It was only after they got down from the cab did jackie explain everything.

“Honey, I think we should get a car. It seems as though the former classmates who’ll be showing up at the gathering are the classy sort. That woman just now was practically showing off, too. They might gossip terribly about you if you don’t drive a car there!” he insisted. “I’m fine with that, but I can’t let you suffer!”

“But do you still have money? Why don’t we wait until my pay comes?” Selena frowned. “I’m not afraid of suffering. If they look down on me, so be it. Everything’s fine as long as I’m happy. Let me live my own life; it’s not like I’d bother about theirs.”

“I still have money! We haven’t finished the bonus I was awarded for being in the military for five years.” jackie scratched his head and looked at Kylie before he turned to look at Selena. “Besides, it’s going to be hard taking Kylie to school during rainy days if we don’t have a car,” he added. “So this won’t do. And I don’t think one car is enough. We need at least one for ourselves, and another for Jenny to take Kylie to school!”

“You still have money? You spent 3.2 million already though, yet you still have money?” Selena was slightly taken aback. “How much did they give you, exactly? 5 million? 10 million? If you did get 10 million, you weren’t some regular grunt in the forces, were you? You must’ve at least been in special ops!”

jackie did not know whether to laugh or cry when he heard this. “Something like that,” he concluded. “Just don’t look down on your husband. Let’s go. We still have enough to buy a car!”

“All right then. Let’s get two!” Selena was in a good mood, and the smile on her face was evidence of that. “My family will be in for a shock when we drive the cars back home!”

“Heh. Let’s go!”

The family of three quickly walked towards a BMW retail outlet.

“Sir, Madam, are you here to see the cars? I’m sorry, but we’re about to close up shop!”

A saleswoman was mopping the floor inside, and she immediately stopped when she saw the three of them. “Come again tomorrow if you really want to take a look!”

“What are they looking for, anyway? It’s so late already, and I need to go for a date. Besides, the cars here aren’t cheap. They don’t seem like the sort who can afford them!” Another saleswoman walked over and said disdainfully, a frosty smile on her face.

“Joyce, be more polite. You can’t speak like that even if they can’t afford the cars.” The saleswoman who was mopping the floor rolled her eyes at Joyce.

“I’m polite enough as it is. See, this model is one of the cheaper ones, and it’s already 300 thousand dollars!”

“This one here is seven hundred. Do you think they can buy them?” The saleswoman named Joyce folded her arms across her chest as she sneered. She added arrogantly, “It’s so late, and everybody can’t wait to go back home. Why should we waste our time on them? Besides, it’s too troublesome to do all the loan applications and all that!”

The saleswoman who was mopping the floor nodded her head. “That’s true. It’s always like that. No one buys the car even after we spend nearly half the day introducing the models to them. What a waste of time!”

“ jackie, dear, forget about it. They’ve started mopping the floor already. It won’t be too nice if we leave our footprints all over the place either,” Selena spoke as she frowned.

Chapter 209
“True. Let’s go over to the Porsche store on the opposite side.” jackie nodded and brought Selena outside.

“Porsche?” The two saleswomen finally responded after the family of three walked out. They stared at each other, wondering if they misheard what jackie said.

The two thought the family would go to a store that sold cheaper cars when they heard the price of the BMWs. They never thought that they would actually go over to the Porsche store instead.

“Joyce, do you think we’ve lost a potential customer? What if he does have money?” The saleswoman mopping the floor frowned. Regret tinged her expression.

“No way!” Joyce replied instantly. “The clothes the woman was wearing don’t seem too bad, but the man’s clothes are basically market goods,” she argued. “How rich do you think a man like that can be? He probably just said something to provoke us to save his own face!”

After she finished speaking, she headed straight toward the entrance. “If you don’t believe me, let’s watch them from here. They definitely won’t go in!”

The saleswoman who was mopping the floor joined Joyce at the entrance. Her brows furrowed. “No way… Joyce, they went in. Don’t tell me they genuinely want to buy a Porsche.”

“No, no. It must be an act,” Joyce answered immediately. “They’re afraid that we’re watching, so they’re pretending to go in. They’ll come out in a while. I’ve seen plenty of that sort before!”

…

“Are we seriously going in?” Selena frowned at the Porsche store’s entrance. “Do you know how to pick a car? Porsches are very expensive, and you say you want to buy two. I’m scared that we can’t even afford one! How much money do you have left, exactly?”

After he heard this, jackie replied carelessly, “Honey, don’t worry about it. Don’t mention two cars; buying this entire store won’t be a problem!”

Anxiety washed over Selena. This man still wanted to joke around at this time. ‘Don’t tell me jackie actually received 10 million dollars from the military. In that case, he must’ve been a commander in his troop, or maybe a high-ranking officer!’

Selena drew her brows together as she considered the possibilities. Judging from jackie’s confident demeanor, he probably would be able to take out at least a few hundred thousand dollars even if he were exaggerating his wealth. Otherwise, they would just be embarrassing themselves walking in like this.

Yesterday, she happened to learn the positions of a commander and a captain; the former was in charge of leading a good hundred men whereas the latter would lead roughly a thousand or at least a few hundred men. Retired colonels could obtain 10 million, though it could even exceed that amount. Of course, some merely received 4 or 5 million.

‘He probably had 10 million. He had just spent three million and two hundred thousand earlier. If he buys two cars by the end of this, his spending could be about 5 million. He even promised to compensate my mother with the three million and eight hundred thousand that can’t be found anymore. He wouldn’t be that confident if he didn’t have at least 10 million!’ Selena slowly made the deductions in her head.

Noticing his wife’s absent-minded gaze, he spoke, “What are you thinking about, dear? Look around and see if you like anything. We’ll get whichever you like!”

Selena snapped back into reality. “I don’t know the price of the cars here, and you tell me to get whatever I like? Let’s just get whatever that’s cheaper! It’s a waste of money if we buy the expensive ones.”

After she said that, she stepped into the reception area and saw a saleswoman mopping the floor. Her expression immediately darkened. “Oh, come on. They’re about to close up, too! I don’t think we can get a car today…” she grumbled. “Let’s come back tomorrow.”

Chapter 210
The saleswoman was scrubbing the floor with vigor. Sweat trickled down her forehead due to the sweltering weather. She lifted her head and spotted a couple at the entrance. The man even had an adorable little girl in his arms. She immediately placed the mop aside and walked over, a smile plastered on her face as she did so.

“Are you two here to have a look at our cars? Please, please, come in. Do you want a drink? We have lemonade, coffee, plain water… Anything you like.” The saleswoman peppered them with questions, and the smile she wore never fell for a moment.

Selena was stunned for a moment before she looked at the recently mopped floor. “Aren’t you worried we might dirty the floor you just finished cleaning?”

“Don’t worry about it! You’re our customers, and you’re the king here. Step over the floor as much as you like!” After the saleswoman said that, she looked at Kylie. “What an adorable young lady,” she said, smiling. “She’s so pretty. It’d be great if I had a daughter as pretty as her in the future!”

“That Dana… Why is she so welcoming toward anyone she sees? Does it do her any good?”

“Yeah. We sell Porsches here. Can that couple afford them? We’re about to close shop and here they are, wasting our time. Everybody worked so hard to mop the floor, and they just came in here dirtying the place. We’ll have to mop all over again!”

“I don’t care…she’s in charge of mopping, anyway. I’m just going to go home when it’s time to go.”

The salespeople who stood by the side observed Dana, quietly muttering among themselves. It seemed like they were displeased with their colleague’s actions.

One of the salespersons flashed a mirthless smile. “Dana is still at the bottom of this month’s sales performance,” he commented. “Hmph. She’ll probably receive a good scolding from the manager if she still can’t make sales, so she has no choice but to be friendly. Still, she’s such an idiot. She really doesn’t know how to pick her customers. Doesn’t look like she’ll make a sale this time either!”

Meanwhile, jackie was encouraging Selena to look at the cars. “Go and look around, dear. Just choose anything you like. If you want it, we’ll buy it!” jackie told Selena, smiling.

She frowned. “Don’t worry about the drinks,” she said to Dana. “What are the cheaper models around here?”

“This way, Miss. Take a look at this one. It’s a lower-end model that only costs 5 to 6 hundred thousand!” Dana smiled as she walked toward a model, introducing it to Selena.

“Honey, you have to buy a car you like. How can you use the price as a criterion?” jackie observed the situation and simply asked his daughter, “Kylie, why don’t you choose? Let’s just get whatever car that you like.”

Kylie scanned her surroundings. Then, she pointed at the 911 model, its design sleek and luxurious. “This red one looks good to me, Dad!”

“The red one?” jackie grinned when he heard that. “Then let’s get it!”

“Sure, it looks good. But how much does it cost?” Selena’s brows furrowed. She was worried that jackie would not have enough cash in his credit card, and that would be an extremely awkward moment for them all.

“You have a good eye. This is the 911, but this model is more expensive with better specs. Of course, this model isn’t all too pricey. It’s only about 2.7 million!”

A saleswoman of the shop felt her patience leaving her, and she strode over on purpose. “I knew you can’t afford it!” she mocked.

“2.7 million?” Selena took in a sharp intake of breath when she heard the price. She tugged on jackie’s sleeve. “Never mind, dear. It’s too expensive. Let’s just get the car she introduced to me earlier!”

The saleswoman’s lips twitched by the edges. Judging from Selena’s tone, it was as though they could still afford the previous car Dana introduced to them worth 5 to 6 hundred thousand.

Furthermore, it seemed that the couple was truly intent on buying a car. Could it be that Dana had stumbled upon an opportunity?

“No can do. Since you think it’s nice, and our daughter likes it, let’s get that one!” jackie smiled and fished out his credit card. “Do you have stocks of that red model?” he asked Dana. “I want two of them, and the exact same model!”

Chapter 211
“Y—Yes! Yes we do!” Dana was so elated that her voice quavered as she spoke. This particular model was extremely expensive; it was good enough if they could see one of them per month.

Although quite a number of people bought Porsche cars, they still could not regularly sell a model that cost over 2 million. More importantly, jackie requested for two of the same model.

“Did…did I hear wrongly?” The other saleswoman’s jaws slacked. She stared at the credit card in shock. “No, wait,” she said. “What card is this? Why haven’t I seen it before?”

jackie’s lips twisted into a wry smile. “It’s a specially made card. There’s probably less than five of its kind in the entire world. It’d be stranger if you’ve seen it before! I think I’m the only one in Daxia who has it.”

The saleswoman suddenly flashed a humorless grin when she heard that. “You’re lying. Less than five of its kind in the world? We don’t know if you can swipe that card with that much money charged to it. If you’re really the only one in Daxia who has this card, then no one will recognize it, but that also means no one can prove that it’s real either. Isn’t that right? You’re pretty clever, aren’t you? What a seamless lie!”

Selena stifled her chuckle with a hand over her mouth; her husband was exaggerating his wealth to another level. Less than five of that card in the whole world, and he was the only one in Daxia who had one? He really had an inflated opinion of himself. The lie was so bad that even the gods would frown upon him.

“You’re the best, Daddy!” Selena felt embarrassed when Kylie stared at jackie in pure admiration, her eyes practically sparkling.

“All right, let’s get the bill. The two cars will cost 5.4 million dollars in total.” Selena said to jackie, a stiff smile on her face.

“Sir, aren’t… Aren’t you going to bargain with us? We can provide special offers!”

The saleswoman’s expression was stricken with panic. It was the first time she had seen someone spending over 5 million dollars in one shot, and he did not even try to bargain!

“Hmm? No thank you. It’s too troublesome. It’s so late already, and we have an appointment tonight. How about this: just give us a toll card!” jackie inattentively bargained after he thought about it.

“All right. I’ll give you a toll card worth 20 thousand dollars!” Dana was practically jumping with joy. She quickly handled the necessary documents before bringing jackie to the payment counter.

The face of the salespeople who had been looking down on jackie earlier suddenly darkened. A sale of over 5 million, and Dana snatched up this bigshot customer.

“Sir, Miss, the insurance will be effective immediately, but you won’t have a license plate if you drive the cars now. It’ll take a few days before the plates will be issued, but we’ll provide temporary plates.” Dana spoke with a small smile as her heart leaped with delight. Never could she have imagined that this man would be such a wealthy tycoon.

“All right, then we’ll just drive it off first!” jackie nodded his head, and the husband-and-wife pair drove the cars from the shop. They stopped at a nearby gas station to refuel their cars before returning to the dilapidated garden.

“Wow, a Porsche 911!” Ben was resting in the garden. He opened the door to the sight of the two new cars, and he immediately cried out, “These are definitely not the lower-spec models either. Heh. It’s got to be at least 2 to 3 million per car!

“Who’s driving them? Why do I feel like they’re driving inside here? Don’t tell me that jackie offended some tycoon again and they’re here to create trouble for us.” Xena stood up too, gulping.

Soon enough, the cars came straight in, parking within the perimeter of the garden’s fence.

“Mom, we’re back!” Selena was grinning, pure happiness on her expression.

Chapter 212
For the past five years, their family had suffered together. At that period, Selena constantly thought of how wonderful it would be to live a good life or drive a nice car. Unfortunately, she had not much of a choice back then. She could only grit her teeth and move on to survive.

It was only natural that she was overcome with giddiness as she could finally drive a luxury car worth more than 2 million.

“Huh? I—It’s Selena!” Fiona rushed out of the house. She noticed that it was jackie and Selena who got out of the cars, and she abruptly yelled to the house, “Andrew, come here! Look! It’s our daughter. Oh my goodness, what a beautiful car. It must have cost quite a pretty penny.”

“Selena, what…what’s going on?” Ben walked up to her. “It must’ve been expensive, and it looks new. Dear God, don’t tell me that this is yours?” he asked.

“Well…” Selena cast a glance towards her husband, frowning. She did not know how to explain this.

If she told her mother that jackie had plenty of cash on hand to buy these two cars, she would surely think that jackie had refused to take his money to compensate for her stolen 3.8 million dollars. She would not be so happy then!

jackie shared this thought and was just as stunned as his wife.

Fiona quickly stepped forward when Selena did not answer immediately. “I see… jackie, you little punk. Did you get my 3.8 million back?” she huffed. “And you just took the money to buy these two sportscars? That’s too much! That’s my money! How can you just use it to buy your car without my approval? These cars are too expensive; all they do is burn a hole in your pocket. It’s fine if we’re rich, but we wouldn’t even be able to feed ourselves if we weren’t!”

“Luckily jackie and Selena make good money now. It won’t be a problem!” Andrew chimed in from the side. He stared at the handsome new cars, the red coat of paint that gleamed over their bodies. The sight sent a chill down his spine.

“Where did you find the money then? Tell me, jackie, did you find my 3.8 million? I told you to find it for me, not use it to buy new cars.” Fiona glared at jackie, panting with anger as she asked the questions. That was her money—her life.

jackie thought about it for a while, and soon after, he chuckled. “Mom, how could I?” he said, smiling. “This isn’t your money at all!”

“Then is it yours? You punk. You still have that much money? How much do you still have? Take it out and give me my 3.8 million…” Fiona stuck her hand out towards jackie as she asked for the money.

jackie flashed a mirthless smile. “It’s not my money either. Tanya bought the cars for me. Heh!”

Selena also released a sigh of relief. “That’s right. Tanya does everything without a thought given to it,” she added quickly. “She just gave each of us a car after she found out that we have none. It’s so that we’ll have our own transport to work!”

“So Tanya gave them to you? That’s awesome! She gave such expensive cars to us just like that. My goodness, our luck might just run out!” Andrew was extremely excited. He stepped forward and carefully trailed his hand over the car as though he was touching a child’s unmarred skin. “How much is one of this? At least a million? It’s a Porsche, right?”

It was obvious that Andrew did not know cars.

“Dad, it’s the Porsche 911. The cheapest model costs at least 1 million, but this doesn’t look like the 1 million-dollars model!” Ben spoke as he raked his eyes over the car.

“Tanya is such a nice person!” Joan had just emerged from the kitchen. She had overheard the entire conversation and gracefully spoke, “I don’t know how we can ever thank Miss Tanya! She’s our savior; she’s helped us so much before, and now she’s given us such luxurious cars.”

had given the cars, jackie tacked on after he thought about it for a while. “These cars aren’t actually ours, either; they’re Miss Tanya’s. She

it is!” Selena managed an awkward smile. If her mother ever found out that jackie had used his money to buy two cars worth

was quick on his feet. He just shoved

two

much did she spend to buy this?” Ben asked

about 2.7 million

it’s amazing. This is a car

two cars come to over 5 million in total? My God,

with the upper class through Ben. After all, he was an aristocrat. Of course he had been chased out of the family, but

ours! They’ll be ours!” Fiona

she is the wealthiest woman in the entire Eastfield,” Fiona rambled in exhilaration. “The Drake family is probably even wealthier than the Four Major Families! It seems like Miss Tanya truly values the two of you, so I’m telling you to not do anything stupid. Just do a good

since Miss Tanya is so

that you bought it. Others won’t know the entire situation, so they’ll definitely believe you. We’ll have such an indisputable reputation!”

ourselves!” Selena looked at her husband and flashed him a humorless smile; she

right. Why don’t you come in and rest first? Dinner will be ready once the rice is done!” A satisfied smile lit up Joan’s face. Everything would be all right so

down. Fiona and Andrew—as well

my money this afternoon, jackie?” Fiona raised the question when the hype had

of now. Miss Tanya called us by then and asked us to pick out a car. At first, I thought she was taking us to choose a regular car, but who knew that she

seven days after all. You either find the money, or you pay me that amount of money.

get your money back.” Selena gave her a tight smile and replied, “All right. jackie and I are going to a class reunion later. A few of my old classmates invited us to go and

rested for a while before they went off to shower, and they then prepared to

She had heard the sound of a starting car when she was showering but assumed that it came from the road. She

cars out for a spin,” Fiona said

did they drive both off? They knew that I had to go

his friends!” Fiona replied immediately, dismissing her daughter’s concern. “He asked you and jackie to call a cab to wherever you’re supposed to go first and let them drive the cars, and you can call them when you’re about to

life at risk on the battlefield to earn money for them, and he even bought her a luxury car so that

a pained smile. “Looks like we can only call a cab now,”

an equally tight smile on his face as well. “No way around it. Who knew that you had such an inconsiderate little brother?” He mused. “By the way, your old university mates are cultured, right? I hope they’re

as he added, “Oh, yeah. Did something happen between you and Rachel during your university days? Why would she treat you so disdainfully

always thought that she was prettier than me back in university, so she thought that she should be the belle

you, but she still thinks she’s prettier than you. And she envied you because of that. So now that she’s married to a rich man, she’s trying

Selena offered her husband a kind smile before her

nicer clothes later on? You did buy mine earlier,

mind, we don’t have that much time. My clothes are pretty clean too, and I just changed into them. We don’t need to go and buy a special fancy outfit. It doesn’t matter what I wear anyway, so long as you’re dressed up

know your way around words!” The two of them exchanged words as they walked out. They quickly hailed a

moment, quite a few people had already gathered before the bar’s

you today. Our class belle Selena Taylor—who had disappeared off the radar for a long time—will join us! I so happened to run into her at the entrance of the zoo, and I managed to get

years. I

results were always the best when we still studied together. She must be doing much better than

able to imagine what actually happened to Selena and what she’s doing now, Rosa!” A bespectacled man adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose. He exuded a smart, stylish countenance. “Five years ago, not long after we graduated,” he said to Rosa, “Selena

was not considered too late for the modern woman to get married, especially for a strong, career-oriented woman like Selena. Furthermore, she was only 27 years old. Selena was about her age. If she had married five years ago, then her child—if she had one—would be able

though? I heard the rumor too!” Another woman said,

still needs

to have invited Selena to their gathering. Just that afternoon, although she and her husband had walked away unscathed from jackie at the kindergarten, the people they had hired to fight for them had been beaten black and blue. They were all sent to the hospital and the total bill would probably

to go for physical rehab, asides from the treatment fees. She and her husband would have to pay yet another pretty sum of money no matter what to appease them. The total amount she and her husband would have to spend was enough to make

so glum? Don’t tell me you’re

thought that Rachel seemed to have a grudge

remember! You and Selena didn’t

asked, “What’s wrong? Did you see her already? How is

that good-for-nothing husband of hers today. More importantly, they would not dare to offend the other party anymore in the future. Since jackie and Selena were not around,

talk about it anymore. I just met her family this morning while we were registering our kid at a kindergarten. Selena is such a hypocrite now. She doesn’t have any money, yet she struts about as though

jobless, trash-picker have? Her husband has probably

though they have no money? It’s all talk! I wonder who they borrowed money from to pay the tuition fees!” Dylan also came to the gathering, his rotund figure heaving heavily. He had not

had pretty attractive features too. His sour mood was lifted slightly at the sight He thanked his lucky stars he came along tonight; his

did she not marry a good man, she even scraped her

doesn’t have money, yet she likes to pretend that she does! And you guys haven’t met her husband yet,” Rachel rambled venomously. “He’s such a boorish man. All he knows is fighting, and he isn’t that educated. He does nothing but get into brawls all day.

then fanned the flames by saying, “Right? People of his sort always have violent tendencies. Heh… If Selena provokes him one day, we might have a case of domestic

she heard this. “No way… I hate violent men. What kind of

it so? I think Selena doesn’t have

much so that she’s even known as the Beauty Queen of Eastfield. It’d be fine if she just simply married some rich fellow. Anyone would’ve been ten times better than her current husband!” Rachel huffed, looking as though she felt exasperated

Rosa sighed. It was a real

young missus without her family to back her up. She’s probably still not used to the poor man’s life even

she noticed Matt by the side, smoking silently. “Eh, Matt, why aren’t you saying anything?” she said. “Oh, I almost forgot… Selena was your ex, wasn’t she? You guys were dating for one year back in university,

darkened. “Rachel, why do you still like to speak such nonsense?” he responded. “How old is your kid now? Probably older than Selena’s, right? You’re already a mother, but why

her. Don’t tell me that you like her? Perhaps you still

about Matt’s girlfriend who stood right beside him. Her expression morphed into

your ex? Do you still like her?” The pretty young woman standing by his side huffed

before him. She was from a well-to-do family and was considered a wealthy young lady; Matt on the other hand was an attractive young man. He was with Britney to live a comfortable

man without money was not a man at all. Someone like that would be regarded as trash no matter where he went. That was why he chose to live off his girlfriend—to come into money, to enjoy a rich

yours is prettier than I am. She’s already given birth to a kid. She must look like an old goat now!” Britney harrumphed frostily, evidently displeased. She was only 24 years old.

and is picking up trash for a living now. How can she ever compare to you, the young mistress of Lee?” Matt

Britney lifted her chin,

“He’s here! Trevor’s here!”

returned

BMW!” Dylan instantly grinned when

model isn’t as expensive as yours!” Hugh commented, not knowing whether to laugh or

manager, a

expression darkened. It was true: he had said that he was going to treat everyone to bolster his reputation. However, the incident from that morning cost him a lot of money. Moreover, their factory had not received a lot of orders these past two months. He might not be able to foot the bill

while she was boasting.

Long time no see!” Trevor chuckled heartily as

in a long time. We’re gathered here today to welcome you

“What happened? Your girlfriend

business to attend

the crowd. “What’s wrong? Aren’t we all here? Why aren’t we going in

A very beautiful woman hasn’t arrived yet. Want to take a lucky guess, Trevor?” Rachel spoke in

his mind, he answered, “You’re already here…so the only other person who you call ‘beautiful’ is Selena Taylor, right? What happened? You guys managed

fast. Her expression soured slightly. “That’s right. We got into contact

she quickly launched into yet another narration of Selena’s life to Trevor,

pulled over on the roadside. Selena and jackie got down from

her. She was already exuding elegance on her own; she seemed even more of

everyone when she got down from the car. The men

sight of her ex. Back

She could not accept how Matt told her that he loved her yet had slept with her friend. Needless to say, she broke up with him. Of course, Matt and Rachel were not together either. Matt wanted money and so did Rachel, yet the two did not want to look for the money

really pretty!” Matt’s girlfriend, Britney, stepped forward. She had a frosty smile on her face as she spoke, “It’s a pity that a gorgeous woman like you married a foot soldier. He can’t even afford a scooter, and you guys used a cab to come over. What a waste of

a moment before he gave a wry smile. It seemed that this was not going to

a bitter smile. “Do you want to hear the whole story? We only

head. “No need to

Additionally, he clearly remembered what he saw—blood

how we come here, Miss?” he challenged. “Is it so wrong to use a cab?” Here, jackie paused for a bit before continuing, emphasizing every word, “Besides, don’t look down on soldiers. Would you live such peaceful lives without

people are ill-mannered. It’s the first time I’ve met someone so poor yet so rude!” Britney chuckled and gestured to an Audi A6 parked by the side. “Do you see that? That’s my car. It’s not very expensive, but you guys probably won’t be able to afford it even if you worked your entire life. This is the difference between us!” she said. “The others also drove here; Audis, BMWs. Don’t you feel like a failure as a

measurement for wealth, then we’ll go get the two Porsche 911s that we have in our house. Doesn’t that mean we’re richer than you? Will you get on your knees and

“Porsche 911?”

for a moment, then she sniggered. “Hilarious! Would anyone who has two Porsche 911s call a

you called a cab when you took your kid for registration too,” she added. “You two can’t even afford an

not help but laugh when

person! You’re just like your husband. There’s nothing wrong with calling a cab, but you guys claim that you have a

the same classmate who did not place that much importance on

the afternoon, thinking that it would be easier for us to just drive to work!” Selena explained, wearing a

like I’m going to sit in your car anytime soon!” It was obvious

you two are here. What a coincidence!” jackie walked over to Dylan and Rachel. His eyes narrowed. “It

men were still lying on hospital beds. He quickly waved his hand dismissively. “No,

and boisterous, but

219 “Nevermind. Some people are too thick-faced, and we can’t do anything about it! If she says that she has a 911 and yet she doesn’t drive it here, what can we do? We

its own in her head, Britney then spoke with a disdainful grin, “All right then. How about this? Since it’s a class reunion, why don’t

implication of this; they knew Britney was stirring trouble with Selena on purpose. She was evidently not pleased, looking at her boyfriend’s ex. Matt had even spoken up on her behalf earlier, and this only made a petty person like her even more vexed. The bill here would definitely not be cheap and everyone would still need to fork out quite a bit of money even after they split it. It would be awkward for Selena and jackie if they did not have any

but it’s not easy for him to earn money too. We can’t just take advantage of

The couple immediately agreed to the idea. Since the

What about you two? It isn’t cheap here. You better think twice! Still, even if we call for a vote,

spent 5 million to buy two cars today. She did not know how much was left in jackie’s card. If they did not have at least one or two hundred

you, so I thought that I’d treat everyone this once. I never thought that you guys wanted to go Dutch but, since it’s like that, let’s do it then!” came jackie’s sincere assurance, though with a wry smile on his

the way here. These were her old schoolmates and, as her husband, he should be the one up keeping her reputation. He did intend to foot the bill. Of course, then they could call for another gathering had they turned out to be kind people. Since they were snobs and

not even foot the bill if they split it. What a joke! Never mind going Dutch: He could probably buy

to do that, who are

stunned for a while. ‘This fellow was making empty brags for the sake of his pride again,’ she thought. If this was the case, it would fit just

our class belle. It’s only natural that you treat us, having married such a beautiful

now you think that it’s not

the situation was hilarious. These people wanted to turn him

stiffened when they heard this, especially Britney. Her features immediately

just generous. Anyway, you said it yourself; it’s your first time meeting us. This and that are different! What now? Don’t tell me that you’re scared because we want you to

if he wanted to boast so badly? It was obvious that he wanted to pretend that he was rich, even though he had no intention of forking

meal is on me. Let’s go! Let’s drink to our heart’s content!”

pay is 10 to 20 thousand dollars. I can’t say how high the bill will go. A few hundred thousand or even more, perhaps! Also, the people who frequent this bar are mostly rich young men from affluent families. Are you sure you

would be scared sh*tless after he heard this, and he would not have the

men? I’ve seen plenty of

regarded as a wealthy young lady, but the Lee family was regarded as a second-rate blueblood family. As for someone who opened a small factory like Dylan, he was nothing to these aristocrats.

gulped. The light in his eyes as he

I’ve beaten them up real good, though I haven’t touched Michael Wilson yet!” jackie flashed a

This guy had beaten up those two young masters? Would their underlings stand for

frosty smile after her initial shock subsided. “You’ve seen them before, do you? Plenty of people have seen them too. If you walk on the streets and spot them from afar, that counts as ‘seeing’ them too. And did you really think that

it was too preposterous for them to believe. If she had not seen it with her own eyes, she probably would not have believed

You almost had me fooled, but we’re not idiots. It’s so easy to see that it’s impossible once you put some thought into it. You’re just a retired military man. Could you still be here talking to us, alive and well, if you really beat

Selena is now a prideful person who brags about things she doesn’t have—I never

did push them to

was only when he saw that Hugh was not happy did Carl say, “All right, all right. Let’s go in. I’m drinking

“Sure, sure. Drink more!”

up some more and looked at her boyfriend, Matt. “You too!” she

but a smile was still plastered on his face. “Definitely, my dear! I’ll listen to

the Lotus Bar and Lounge. The lobby was on

private room could be seen, but this could be resolved by pulling the curtain on

minimum consumption will be 50 thousand dollars. The price in this menu is for your reference when you’re ordering snacks and alcohol!” A lovely server

help to save some hard-earned money of yours, so we’ve no choice but to pick a medium-sized private room.” Carl said as he sat down and lying her leg over and across the

too. You could watch everything from above like a king overseeing his kingdom! The best part there is a grand piano inside that big private room. Selena was an excellent pianist back then, and she graduated from The Bachelor Fine Arts in Dance! It’s been a long time since we’ve seen her dancing and playing the piano!” Rachel, on the other

faculty. Unfortunately, I do think that the luxury big private room is a little too much for us. Besides, I heard that the minimum consumption in that huge room is a million!” Rosa chimed in with her own opinion, smiling bitterly. “My current pay is around 10 thousand

Annual income plus the bonus will be around 10 million dollars or so. I could only visit the big-sized private

goodness! I never thought that you were this successful! You’re amazing!” Rachel responded in a surprising tone, “There are so many employees in my husband’s factory, but the net earning

Hugh and asked, “How about you, Hugh? You

replied. “We used to have only three stores, but now we’ve managed to expand to another seven stores. It’s enough for house expenses, I’d say.” Hugh was genuinely humble, not at all like Carl.

I’m doing the worst here!” Trevor gave a bitter smile and continued, “I haven’t attended my interview, so I’m kinda an unemployed

assistant manager in the Drake family’s company. I heard that for this position, the monthly salary can be up to 20 to 30 thousand dollars!” Britney responded, smiling. “Not to mention, your lovely girlfriend is the supervisor of that company and

tone,

big private room! I want

boasting confidently a moment ago went silent in a blink of an

private room of Lotus Bar and Lounge?” Rachel was taken aback. She started to doubt that she heard it wrongly. jackie wanted to go to the room that had a million-dollar price tag as

for the big room when he did not even have

want to listen to my wife playing the piano. We have to go there.”

for you when I’m free. Be a good boy for me, okay?” Selena rolled her eyes at jackie, and continued, “We’ve already spent more than 5 million for two cars today! You think your wallet is bottomless? Don’t squander

already exposed yourself!” Dylan interrupted

two Porsche 911s and that the price will be around 5 million for two. Don’t twist

out and treat us tonight in this medium room! That

“Stop pretending! I can’t

who stayed quiet all the time, finally voiced out, “You have my respect for being the most pretentious couple,

to prove that you’re doing better than I am? Do you really have to do so? Don’t you dare to think that we didn’t know what happened to you

find a job anywhere, and was forced to pick up trash for a living? Someone even saw you picking up trash with a kid! What now? Trying to fake your

private room, ask me. I’m the richest and wealthiest here! Our family, the Lee family, is a third-class aristocrat family! A million is a

was forced to pick trash for a living, it’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Selena’s face dropped and replied, icy-cold as she did so. “But that was before. Now I’m with jackie, and we both have proper jobs with medium range salaries. It’s not as bad as you think. It’s enough for us to

smirked. “What kind of job

so much better than you anyway.

to please Miss Britney, right? She’s the only daughter in the Lee family, and you’ll get all her money when you marry her, am I right?” She continued bluntly. “Tsk, tsk, tsk. I knew you pretty well back then. Your two criteria for a life partner is good money and her being the only child

“Bullsh*t!”

place to critique and destroy our relationship! What about yourself,

off of somebody. Besides, I don’t think that my man isn’t excellent enough. Just a moment ago, he was willing to spend a million just to see me dancing! What do you think of that? It says that

blooming within him. This was the first

under a roof together!” jackie was overly excited that he turned his face toward Selena

a tomato. She never thought that jackie, this sneaky yet adorable b*stard, would exploit this opportunity to plant a kiss on her cheek! The sight of Selena’s gorgeous face searing with blush harbored the jealousy in the others and

He recalled that during the one-year relationship with Selena back in university, Selena was so conservative that she had only let Matt hold her hand, let alone a small peck on her cheek. That was what made his fury spring to life and decided to sleep with Rachel; his childish act to madden her. Of course, right now, the scene before

go to the big private room then!” Matt gritted his teeth with anger, and before long, he sneered, “The minimum consumption in that room is one million. Listen carefully: one million, minimum consumption. It also means that it might exceed that amount. Since you have the gall to treat us, please don’t be a crybaby when you realize you have no

much money will he have to treat us there? Moreover, it’s been only a few days since

Matt delightfully, seeing that her boyfriend was hostile with the

useless bodyguard with 20 million pay a month? I really don’t understand what you’re bragging about when your salary is like a peanut

joke is getting better now! Which family on the earth can afford a 20 million bodyguard? Even the Drake family’s bodyguards aren’t paid such a high salary!” Britney was so angry that she could feel her resentment growing inside her like a tumor. She stepped forward and yelled, “Don’t think that I don’t understand the market. I belong to a third-class aristocrat

really don’t understand the market. I do so happen to be the Drake family’s

hearing that statement, everyone present almost burst out laughing. How outrageous would it be to say that the Drake family benefited from hiring a bodyguard for

million and they benefited from it? Please, they can hire a few hundred bodyguards with that kind of money. Excellent ones, even!” Rachel cackled out

you taking the Drake family for a bunch of fools? Not even their commander gets paid that much, right?” Carl

offended than what they let on. They could

Tanya herself, so it can’t be a mistake!” Selena

the situation had already progressed to the way it was, she had to fight for her pride. She had been very patient toward them from the start, yet she did not expect

chuckled. He then turned toward Selena and asked, “Didn’t you get a job as well? What job is that? Share it with us and let’s see

she was still studying back then, and she was only willing to come this time mainly because of them both.

going for an interview tomorrow, right? For the position of a

Drake Group. Not to mention, they’re currently in charge

had a prideful look on his face as he pompously added, “Don’t worry.

That confident?” Selena frowned. Was that not the same company she was currently working in? “Which department manager’s

supervisor there as well, so my interview will go on smoothly. Besides, my resume is pretty impressive too. When they heard that I returned from overseas, who wouldn’t worship me? It doesn’t matter if I had wasted my life overseas or didn’t learn much… Who knows

course, my girlfriend is the

then added, “I heard that the procurement manager is a beautiful lady. However, she might’ve had an affair with the Drake family’s young master to be

smug look on his

while he listened on the side. Was this manager

have any proof?” Selena’s expression dimmed. She did not expect Sonia would say that about her behind her back. It was a good thing she came

prideful manner, “Do you know who my girlfriend is? She’s a distant relative to the Drake family and had worked there for a good number of years now. She should be the one getting promoted to the position of a manager, but that manager of theirs appeared out of nowhere. She’s attractive and dresses suggestively, so if she isn’t having an affair

a few hundred thousand dollars per month but when this manager enters, guess how much she makes a month? A

making a living based on their appearance

like you?” Selena was

wasn’t even talking about you! What are you getting so worked up for?” Matt

baseless accusations. You’re asking for a beating!” jackie’s expressions dimmed

signaled at him not to act so rashly. jackie held himself back

are asking for a beating for minor things. Do you think that everything can

through violence,” he spoke. “If a single punch can’t, then two punches can do

“Hey, lady, mind switching the room for me? I won’t be stingy on your tips later if you’re still going to be our

was immediately delighted.

the waitress immediately led them to a

Miss. This man just so happens to be a veteran and now he’s working as

it’s true, he was only back a few days ago. He hasn’t even gotten his paycheck yet, so I think he might not be able to foot the bill later. Everyone will be detained

the elevator and arrived at the second floor together. From the second floor, everything on the first floor

looked like an

the piano. Someone who loved their wives this much would never lie!” the waitress replied

lower than 10

dollars?” Rosa gasped after hearing

for a month only to receive meager pay. To put it in a much better way, she was only a supervisor yet she

you so much,

was also very delighted. The usual source of income would be the commissions they make from the alcohol they serve. Nonetheless, these commissions were very low.

them tips, yet getting 3 to

aristocratic families, a generous tip from them would be about 2 to 3 thousand dollars; waitresses like them were very insignificant to their eyes. If

smiled; the impression the woman left on him was positive. She basically would not say anything she should not on top of keeping a professional smile on

man you are,” he commented. “The

abroad. You spend every day enjoying life there then boast about it when you return. You’re telling me that you want to work as that manager’s assistant with that behavior? I think you’re a little too

choice for that female manager. My girlfriend faked a preliminary interview and rejected everyone that came for that position, leaving only my resume and another girl’s resume. However, that girl doesn’t even exist. Till then, all Sonia needs to do is tell their manager that the girl caught a cold

Besides, I had been abroad for some time, and that fake resume won’t be more outstanding than mine. So you can tell me now: If it isn’t me who will attend the interview,

“This is called benefiting

her. She said, “That’s right, Rosa, your monthly wage is about 10 thousand, right? That’s not bad, what job is

supervisor and yet I had to do a lot of things outside my job scope. Moreover, it’s construction work! Such meager pay. Now that I’ve paid my rent, I don’t have much left to save up after my meager budget for food

she said, “Supervisor on paper but in

at work. Why don’t you come work for my company? I’ll talk to my manager to see if they’re able to offer

her heart was moved. It seemed Rosa cared about her a lot

was then when Hugh spoke out, “Yeah, my purpose of inviting Selena out today was to ask everyone if any of you have any suitable job for her. However, since Selena mentioned she got a job earlier and it’s uncertain if it’s real or not,

like you thinks it’s okay, then you can come to

mocking her intentionally, “What are you talking about? Her husband makes 20 million a month. It doesn’t matter if she works or not, right? Does she even

I almost forgot about it!”

my business card, so just hold on to it first. The offer will be much better than your current job. I have faith

not be bothered to expose her so she

“Not bad; you can still recommend jobs to people. I didn’t expect you to be recruiting, judging from the

they made their

room? This

here is a Yamaha! The

excited after inspecting every nook and

“Not bad! Not bad!”

also nodding

fork out a single penny!” Britney once again

course. Order to your heart’s content, guys!” he spoke. “Order anything, and we’ll have as much fun as we can! Besides, it’s not every day we get an opportunity to

the more expensive ones. Besides, the lowest one can spend here is a million. We’re not going to

wife. “Honey,

“I haven’t danced in years!” she squeaked. “Forget it,

how to play!” Hugh let out a bitter chuckle and said, “If one wishes to dance

this, Matt started chuckling coldly as he stared at jackie. “If Selena dances, it wouldn’t be appropriate if we played the piano, right? Someone would be jealous if the duet turned out

the one playing, he wouldn’t be

even have proper education. He could be playing a chaotic tune too,” Trevor mocked, to which everyone started laughing.

nothing more than a mindless brute. How would he know a

piano, sat down, and said, “Honey, I’ll play and you dance. Let’s both perform a

228 Selena became skittish right away. This fellow here was a soldier; how could he possibly know how to play the piano even though he was not always

people who understood them as it was something that could connect souls. How could one not take it

she was to dance majestically, she could never be in

be too poor at the very least. Only

drinking later anyway…” Selena laughed mirthlessly, her statement sounding more depressed than what she let on.

on the stage like a swan. She would feel different every time she got on stage to dance back then; it was as though the entire stage was hers and only hers. The cheers from the audience would make

could no longer have the same feeling she felt from back then; the feeling of understanding the deeper meaning of

don’t embarrass yourself with elegant things like holding a pen or performing a dance!” Britney

a perfect performance if you play the piano

but you’ve dated back then, no? Why don’t you just give it a shot, Matt? I believe

to say, she said all that to

jackie simply ignored her as he gently touched the black and white keys; it was as though he was caressing a baby’s

years of battle had almost made him forget about his

had never expected he would become a soldier. Even more so, he never expected he would be fighting on the battlefield to defend the borders. Of course, times have changed and he no longer held regrets. It was being on the battlefield that he felt true friendship between his comrades. He felt the fighting spirit between his

himself within that sacred

the ground. Was this brat not a takeout delivery boy that had gotten enlisted as a soldier for five years? Surely

keep himself warm and fed, it would have made his day. How

own and the harmonic tone made everyone feel as if they were floating mid-air. It soon picked up the pace and turned

This is way better than our piano teacher back then. He’s

was how Maxim described music as it

of corpses laid dead while a crow wept under the setting sun. This single song surprised everyone as their hearts were instantly touched, so much so that those images came

She never knew jackie’s piano playing had already

standing here for? Hurry up and go!” Rosa nudged Selena soon after she

eventually settle back into reality. Selena then gracefully lowered and

a counter spin of her legs, her body started to slowly get up as she was completely lost in the harmonic balance of music and dance, unable to escape. She had returned. Everything had

and the dance concluded! Everyone was entranced, and they

magnificent!” Dylan suddenly started clapping, and everyone else could

before; all of them were clapping. They were praising their duet, their emotions sincere from their hearts and free from their feuds and petty grudges. Their souls seemed to be completely cleansed at this

emotional, at the brink of tears. “I’ve never expected even after graduating so many years ago, I’d still be able to hear such a powerful piece of music and witness such a perfect dance,” he gushed. “Both

so emotional, he repeated the word

well!” jackie

at jackie. However, her heart felt like it was slathered with a sweet

want to grab a drink!” jackie smiled

now, we don’t want to embarrass ourselves!” Hugh waved his hand and he no longer dared to mention he was a

to that, I feel like money is merely worldly possession, so

Dylan with his rounded waist chugged down a glass full of wine. It made him seem more like a

230 Rosa pulled Selena

piano, and he played it so well too. I don’t believe he’s just some grunt anymore… Anyone

he become god-like to you now?” Selena chuckled humorously as it seemed this change in attitude was

nonsense Rachel concocted. Man, that woman has gone too far since she never seemed to like you even in our university days. She always assumed you were stealing the spotlight away from her. We’ve all graduated, and it’s been so long. I thought it’s all behind us now

assured her. “Besides, I offended Rachel this morning, so her trying to ruin me in

you get back. You can help me out in

smile gracing her face before she tugged on Selena’s arm. “Let’s go pick

the other side, Britney was sitting next to Matt as she whispered to him, “Do you know how much

a veteran would be able to fork out that much money. We’ll spend

as though she had never given birth before. She was still as stunning

back then, he might have been the one married to Selena. Even if he was not married to her, he might still end up dating Selena.

idiot is doomed!” Britney chuckled and took a sip of red wine from her wine glass before saying, “Alright, I need to use the

housing two bottles of red wine. Moreover, there were two servers guarding that case while

you looking at?” Rachel who had just exited the washroom noticed Britney was staring at

actually

“Impossible. Where does

did it for

He isn’t going to dine and

no longer as certain as she was. “I doubt that jackie knows who the owner is, considering he’s just returned from the army,” she commented, “so how would

heard when those veterans came back, those who stayed for quite some time in their department would be able to get a good sum of money since they contributed to the country, and they’d be able

was a little shocked as she continued, “So that’s why he was so confident when

guessing it’s not much and should only be a million or two. Otherwise, those two wouldn’t come here in a cab!” Britney continued her breakdown, “Because that money didn’t come easy, and since jackie risked his life for that money, they spent meagerly. It’s just that they didn’t expect us to look down on them and jackie is known to act pretentiously. To stop his wife from getting bullied, he agreed to

chuckled immediately and sneered, “Since people like him loved to

suddenly dimmed. “We can let them off the hook so easily… What if they do have the money to pay our bills tonight?” she fretted. “Also, Selena is Matt’s ex-girlfriend and I just can’t stand that woman. I don’t want them to walk out of Lotus Bar and Lounge today, so we can’t let them off the hook so

when they have money?” Rachel sighed. “I too wish to see them struggling to pay the bill then be caught by the boss and, heck, might even get beaten to a

bonded through

of red wine. “Say, would those two bottles of red wine be expensive since they’re

to have thought of something as her eyes lit

asked the waiters, “Is this wine expensive? What are you guys standing guard here for? Is it only for people

bottles of red wine happen to be our establishment’s most

less than 10 bottles

“Perfect!”

gaze as she immediately said, “Send a bottle

“You want a bottle? This costs 6.66 million; it’s too expensive!” Rachel gasped. “How can you

afraid of? He said it himself: We can order anything we want. Besides, if

enough…we’ll take both. I’m quite interested to taste what

it’s too expensive… It’s over 14 million!” Rachel was flabbergasted. She wanted jackie to

he was acting earlier? He claims to be rich and told us to order anything we want so blatantly. This time, we have to teach this brat a very

from where they initially stood and whispered, “This is an extremely rare opportunity,

Didn’t he mention he makes 20 million a month? Didn’t he also say he bought two Porsches? Even we don’t have the heart to buy one and he bought the 911 model. This time, he’s in for a world of

Britney said with mocking laughter. “Failing to foot the bill will put them to great shame, and worst of all, they’d be offending a first-class aristocratic family since this business

bottles, so send

13 million. Are you

wine for the two to three years

than 6 million for a bottle

when you bring them in. We were also like that when we ordered plenty of wine bottles

room. It was jackie’s first time to come to a place

be a toast for you defending us and our country in the frontlines. This is my respect to you!” Hugh had a grin

“Thank you!” jackie smiled.

with him, he chugged down the wine

good!” Hugh laughed as he also chugged the

Dylan the alcoholic would also sit with them at this moment. “I didn’t expect your piano skills to be this good, jackie,” he started, “and you’re pretty handsome, too. I see now why a beauty like Selena would be your wife! Although

was flustered. He did not expect Dylan would say something like that

drink with you. At least as gratitude to your treat. You’re treating me to drink in such a lavish spot. I

It seemed he was more talkative after some drinks. Matt was drinking alone on the other side of the room. He was chugging down

Why are you drinking so much?” Britney spotted

being pretentious? This wine I’m drinking costs 50 thousand a bottle. F*ck it, I’ll keep asking for more wine after I’m done with this. Let’s see what

turned to look at jackie on the side with a

leaned to Matt’s ear

sinister intent flashed across his gaze and said, “Good. Let’s do that since he said it was on him anyway. I

and beg us to split the bill with him later.” Britney cackled out loud and bragged, “No one will agree to it, especially when Rosa’s pay is only 10 thousand a

glass of wine before handing it to her. He said, “You truly are smart. Those two

actually be 20 million dollars?” Britney took a sip of red wine before saying that

would believe him. A mere bodyguard could have a monthly wage of 20 million? Do you take the Drake family for

in a bucket of ice and two bottles of red wine. After greeting them with a

notice what had happened as they were busy singing and drinking, but both Britney and Matt cracked a

had been serving them all this time noticed the

did not take her long to return. Her expression turned bitter after

was amiss when she connected the dots to jackie and Selena being a married couple. However, she dared not approach them to say much. All she could do was stand on the side and smile while waiting for

to use the washroom. After some thought, the waitress was too antsy that

know if I should, but I want to

return trip did the pretty waitress decide to approach him. “I… I feel like you’re a kind person and I’m worried you might be toyed by people, so I

course, jackie was stunned for a moment, but he quickly recovered with a smile on his face. “Every scheme or plot will be useless in the face of true power!

crack a joke. His behavior made her giggle anxiously before she added, “Sir, I’m afraid you’ll need someone extremely powerful to back you up in addition to an extremely strong

you mean 14 million?” jackie’s

no

notice it then but when I looked at the bottles, I knew something was off. Those happen to be the most

had to sneak out to ask my colleague, and they claimed they were ordered by those two women. Oh, that’s right… They were

You didn’t know about it, and it seemed those two were messing

jackie scoffed and looked at the pretty waitress in front of him. “Thank you for telling me this. Don’t you worry. It’s

sigh of relief. “I think you and your wife are pretty close together so I decided to tell you,” she explained. “Also, your piano performance earlier was very good. It was my first time listening to something

for your kind praises!” jackie smiled and was getting ready

Only guests in the luxury rooms are allowed to watch. You guys can spectate later! Moreover, if any guests here can attempt that challenge and

is just too powerful! He’s from America, and the man is extremely huge and tall. I’m pretty sure he’s over two meters. Those few people who came forward to

people didn’t take the challenge for the free bill. Some did it because he—an outsider—had murdered a few of our best fighters from our Daxia. They were very dissatisfied so they

had been killed before. The fight stops when one of them yields. The worst-case scenario is just crippling

gritted her teeth just by relaying the information

However, it seemed the Americans stepped foot on Daxia’s soil to stir up the occasional trouble. Since both countries signed a truce, minor frictions like these would naturally be ignored. Minor hiccups like these boxing matches, of course. After both parties

back from swearing. “I have to

Good sir, I’m informing you because I wanted you guys to spectate since you had already spent this much, so you have the right to watch the match on the

235 “Sir, he’s too powerful and had ten consecutive

it. She was afraid

if I’m oblivious to it but since I already

to the room. “It seems our

“But…he’s really…powerful!’

Regretting her decision, she mumbled, “I shouldn’t have told him. He’s so loving to his wife… What if he dies in the name

by and when it was almost 11 o’clock, everyone

wine was amazing

distinct taste over the rest, and that’s strange. What’s stranger is that Rachel seemed to have come to her

was done speaking, she gasped and spoke in a slightly frightened tone, “Oh dear… Nothing’s wrong with these two bottles, right? They wouldn’t have been poisoned

big, but don’t you worry; they’re not. Though, you’d know soon enough if there’s anything fishy about those two

and was about to

about time. Did everyone have a

and said, “Of course. We’re incredibly happy. I don’t come here often to places like these. I didn’t expect you, jackie, a bodyguard can afford to treat

in and smiled at everyone in the room. He said, “Ladies and gentlemen, since your room happens to be the highest spender tonight and also broke

didn’t mishear it, right? An 8.8 percent discount

on her. “That’s impossible though, right? We’ve only spent 1.3 million. Isn’t the lowest spending rate here a million?

from the looks of things, people who came here were all spending on a million dollars budget, right? We

bill even after the 8.8 percent discount!” Britney scoffed as she waited

at each other and were considerably worried if jackie had the money to pay the

guys have spent is 14.67 million. After the discount, it’d be 12.9 million. Our manager said he can round down the value, so

of red wine. “That’s right,

only totaled to 1.3 million. Even after adding a few bottles, it shouldn’t go past 1.5 million. How could it be this expensive?” Selena was flabbergasted, but the shock slowly sizzled into

shouldn’t be over 10 million, since we didn’t order that much!” Rosa was shaken as well. Based on

did. Did you forget?” The supervisor frowned and added, “You’re not trying to get

glass table before adding, “You ordered these signature bottles and you’ve finished those. Are you trying to get out of

bottles. They were holding a few complimentary bottles they had prepared

“You need to realize where you are right now. Listen to what people have to say about what

alcohol is this?” Selena frowned; something

red wine when she drank them. She was just talking to jackie about this. Could that be the

have been here for years, and they’ve never been sold.

introducing the bottles. After that, she said, “You’ve ordered it, you’ve finished it, so you

Selena was left speechless. “When did we order it? How could I have

Selena’s worried look, Rachel, Britney, and Matt could not help but smile coyly

tipsy Dylan was shocked as well. He grabbed the bottle and took a good look at it. “F*ck, this bottle is that expensive? I

billionaires who were willing to splurge with their money, but it looks like they’re playing dumb here, trying to get out of paying for it!” the supervisor said to one

stood aside with a dark expression. Did

a cigarette to light it, Britney sneered, “ jackie, why aren’t you saying anything? You

such expensive bottles? Aren’t you obviously trying to set us up?!” Selena was angry beyond

would do something like this. Despite their

we wanted, and we saw these two bottles. Is it wrong that we wanted to taste it?” Rachel scoffed. “If he couldn’t afford it in the first place, don’t pretend to be someone he’s not and ask us to

Hugh’s face was dark. Their spending had gone

owned by a first-class family. The owner behind the scenes should not be offended at all. Even Hugh’s girlfriend was no longer speaking. She did not

scene at our Lotus Bar

ordered them. After you ordered them and finished them, you’re trying

it

Act like the size of your bank account; don’t pretend to be someone you’re not in front of us!” Matt chimed in,

want to capture or kill anyone, get them!” Seeing the number of men in the room,

knew, we wouldn’t have come here tonight. Some of

dollars at that moment; where would they find that kind of money? If they did run out of ideas, they might have to call the second daughter of the Drake family