Lord Alvarado felt embarrassed, and he coughed to try and hide his embarrassment.
“What happened over at the United States stock market after I fainted?” Jasper changed the subject.
The little prince thought back to that day. “Nothing too big. Their market didn’t crash, but we earned quite some funds from them. We already made back what we put in at the beginning.”
“You decide what you want to do next.”
Jasper nodded. It seemed like the remaining funds have already been transferred to him. His chest felt much lighter as he looked at the four others in the room.
He would love for life to go on like this, but there was no promising how long this leisurely peace would last.
“Oh, right. I almost forgot,” The little prince suddenly said, “There was a letter from Swallow Capital. To commend you, Lionel, and I for our contributions.”
“It’s only right to commend to the two of you. None of this would have been possible without you two,” Jasper said with a smile. This glory did indeed belong to the two of them.
The little prince and Lord Alvarado shared a look and nodded.
Then the five of them started to chat idly.
***
In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.
Old Master Law and a few government higher-ups have also come to visit during this time. Those higher-ups were extremely monumental figures in Somerland, so they did not stay for too long. After a short chat and commendation, they quickly left.
Jasper stayed in the quiet room and looked outside the window. He could not help but lament. It had been a long time since he felt such peace. Ever since the battle with the United States began, every day was a busy day. Only now did he realize how nice it would be to live a quiet and peaceful life.
Jasper originally wanted to be discharged two days later, but he gave in when Wendy strongly re quested he stay admitted.
Once Jasper was finally discharged, he finally felt comfortable taking a deep breath of fresh non-disinfected air.
“It’s much more comfortable outside the hospital, isn’t it?”
Along with Wendy, Henry had also come to fetch Jasper. “Of course. The air outside is much better.”
Jasper enjoyed the outside air greedily.
“Do you want to eat something first? Or do you want to wait until dinner tonight?” Wendy asked.
Just as Jasper was about to reply, he saw a familiar silhouette out of the corner of his eye. At the same time, that person turned to look at Jasper as well.
The two shared a look and smiled at the same time. Jasper replied softly, “Looks like I’m not going back so soon.”
Wendy and Henry followed Jasper’s gaze and immediately grew wary when they saw who it was.
“Soros? Why is he here?”
“Why did he come to a Somer hospital? Don’t tell me he’s here because he’s sick and the hospitals in the United States can’t treat him. As if I’d believe that!” Henry mocked.
Wendy did not say anything, her gaze falling on Jasper instead.
“Are you going?” Wendy asked.
Jasper smiled and stretched.
“He already came all the way here. What will he say about Somer descents’ hospitality if I reject his visit?”
Henry shrugged and looked around.
“Be careful, in case he came prepared. Our relationship with him has never been friendly, stay cautious.”
Jasper understood what Henry was trying to say, but he also believed that Soros had come here alone.
By the time Henry stopped the car at the entrance of the hospital and the three of them alighted, Soros had made his way over.
When Jasper and Soros stood eye-to-eye, their auras clashing against each others’. The fact that they were rivals was evident during their every encounter.
“Long time no see, Mr. Laine.” Soros smiled, reaching his hand out to Jasper.
Jasper smiled as well and extended his hand too.
“Indeed, Soros. There’s a Somer saying that goes, days feel like years without you. I don’t think I can recall how many years it has been between us.”
The two pulled back their hands after this. It was a normal handshake, yet it had Wendy and Henry feeling nervous beside Jasper.
It had to be understood that when they were opposing parties during the financial war a few days ago, both Jasper and Soros had caused huge chaos in the other country’s stock markets.
The fact that they could still smile and shake hands right now was a miracle.
“I heard that you fainted that day, but I couldn’t find out which hospital you were admitted to. I only found out today, but you were discharged just as I came to visit you.”
“How are you feeling, any better?” Soros asked.
Jasper smiled and nodded. “Indeed. I’m as good as new, healthy as a horse. Though I’ll recover even faster once I get to eat good food again.”
“That’s good, then. After all, I would love to still see your shadow in future financial battles.”
Jasper’s heart stuttered when he heard Soros’ claim, but the smile on the corner of his lips did not falter. Just as he had expected, Soros was not here just to visit him. He had come to declare another war.
It was interesting, how Soros had come so far just to declare war.
“Sure. Then I shall await your invitation.” Jasper’s gaze lit up brightly and burned with battle intent…
