“When I was doing my homework earlier, I came across a question that discussed whether effort or hard work is more important. I thought that effort is nothing compared to talent, but Lexi thinks otherwise,” Irvin explained.
At that, Elise nodded. “Although the effort is important, in some ways, it is hard to surpass talent.” It was a chicken or egg question, so there wasn’t a right answer to it.
Alexander happened to be in the mood, so he chimed in, “If you don’t cherish your talent, those who work hard will ultimately surpass you. Starting a business is easy, but protecting it is a challenge. If you are gifted but do not make good use of it, it would just be worthless.”
After Alexander spoke, he paused to look at Zephyr and asked, “What do you think, Doc?”
Zephyr merely looked at him with mixed feelings and kept quiet. The next moment, he tried to change the topic. “Irvin, my dear student, if you’re free tonight, you should start taking lessons from me.”
“Hey, I’m not your student yet. Also, I just remembered something-you must defeat Mr. Raymond for me.” Irvin bargained.
“You? Defeating Raymond? Do you think you’re filming an action movie or something?” Zephyr complained.
Although Irvin was approximately 5’2, he was still a child. Meanwhile, Raymond was known as Mr. Olympia of Smith Co. since he was good at fighting. Needless to say, Irvin would never stand a chance if he was pitted against Raymond. The latter overheard their conversation and deliberately flexed to show off his biceps.
Noticing that, Irvin rolled his eyes at him before looking away. “That is not my problem. You promised to fulfill 30 of my wishes. If you fail to do so, then our agreement will be invalid. I’ll look for another master elsewhere.”
“Fine, fine, fine! I’ll help you out, but I’ll need to think of a way.” There was no way that Zephyr would let an outstanding student like Irvin leave. As he glanced at Raymond, Zephyr suddenly came up with an idea and smirked.
“Don’t even think about bribing Mr. Raymond- that’s cheating. Even if you win, it won’t be counted.’ Irvin seemed to have guessed his intention and wouldn’t give him a chance.
“Kiddo, you aren’t cute at all!” Zephyr’s expression instantly turned sour. “Hmph!” With that, he stormed away.
A week later, Alexander held a banquet where merchants all over Mesdra were invited to celebrate the establishment of Smith Co.’s subsidiary.
Napoleon was the first to arrive, and he immediately gave Alexander a big hug upon his arrival. “Congratulations, buddy! Do let me know if you need my help in the future. Don’t be shy!”
“I will,” Alexander replied humbly. “I think it’d be more appropriate if I address you as Mr. Cuber today since you’re our senior. Our friend, Jamie, will be your son-in-law soon.”
Napoleon was stunned upon hearing that, but he quickly nodded in agreement. “Yes, I’ve not thought of that. Also, I’ve not seen Narissa and Jamie for some time. Do you know what they have been up to?”
“Well, they’re a young couple who are very much in love, so they probably need some space for themselves. Now that Narissa has found a good match, your mission is complete, so you shouldn’t be too worried about them. Go and enjoy life with your wife.” Elise tried to cover up for them. If the quick-tempered Napoleon found out that Jamie was the one who dragged Narissa down the cliff, he would need to reconsider if Jamie was reliable enough to be his son-in-law.
“Elise is right. Once they’re back, I’ll quit my job and travel the world with my wife!” Napoleon gushed.
“Nap, what are you talking about?” Camren walked over to them and added, “How dare you retire when I haven’t? This won’t do. You’ll have to work a few more years at the very least, then we can retire together!”
Hearing that, Napoleon waved his hand and replied, “Money is never enough. Since Narissa is getting married soon, I should start living my life. If you like working that much, you can do it yourself.”
“Old man, you’re thinking of letting your son-in- law inherit your business while you do nothing, right?” Camren shamelessly exposed his plan, but Napoleon merely smiled without admitting. to it or refuting the statement.
“This won’t do. He’s thinking of retiring when he is two years younger than me. I’d be seen as a laughingstock if I’m still working when he’s retired. I’ll have to start pressuring Danny when I go back, Camren grumbled.
Danny, who was standing not far away from them, sneezed all of a sudden. “Are you okay?” Ariel asked as she passed him a tissue.
“I’m fine.” He rubbed his nose and smiled candidly. “I must have gotten a cold since last night was too intense.”
“Hey!” She hit his chest coyly. Noticing the both of them, Camren excused himself. “Please excuse me. I just saw an old friend. I should go over and greet them.”
He walked toward Ariel, but as soon as the woman saw him, she quickly dragged Danny away. It was apparent that she was hiding from him, so he had no choice but to turn around and chat absent-mindedly with several people who approached him.
Owen, however, was nowhere to be seen throughout the banquet. “If you don’t leave my side, I’m afraid Owen won’t have the chance to come over and speak to me,” Elise reminded Alexander.
Alexander had no choice but to ditch his wife reluctantly when he heard that. He went to another corner to entertain the guests while Elise remained where she was. Even so, many people still approached her to strike up a conversation.
With that, she came up with the idea of going outside and drinking by the railing of the empty corridor to make herself look lonely. Her plan was proven effective when Owen approached her within five minutes.
Someone suddenly clinked glasses with her as she was staring at the moon. When she turned around, she saw Owen raising his glass at her. “We’ve met again. You’re still the same, choosing to be alone.”
She gave him a faint smile and said dejectedly, “Well, some things are inevitable.”
After pondering her statement, Owen finished the wine in his glass and placed it on the railing before stretching his arm toward her. “Do you want to go for a ride?” he asked.
Elise pretended to look concerned and didn’t give him an answer. She finally shook her head and replied, “I’d better not since I’m the hostess. I shouldn’t leave my guests here.”
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re the hostess or the guest, but you should be able to take care of your emotions before taking care of others. Don’t you think so?” He looked at her affectionately and extended his arm out to her again.
If I refuse, the fish that finally took the bait will just swim away, Elise thought to herself. To avoid any physical contact with him, she placed her glass aside and walked toward the exit. “I can probably guess which car is yours.”
