“This is getting interesting.”
Norman said coldly, breaking the silence. He got angrier the more he thought about it.
“You’re not paying, but you’re deciding on the address. You have nothing to lose, yet we are still supposed to listen to you? What kind of logic is this?”
After hearing what he said, Jasper replied matter-of-factly, “Well, you guys want to build this bridge in front of the South Bank, yet I’m still supposed to welcome you guys happily? What kind of logic is that?”
Norman flared up in rage as his expression morphed into one of anger. “Jasper Laine, don’t be an ungrateful wretch. The construction of the Southface River Bridge has been approved by the city government due to the benefits it’ll bring to the people. Does it not hurt your conscience to reject this project because of your own personal interests?” He questioned.
“I don’t understand what you mean,” Jasper said calmly. “The construction of the Southface River Bridge is a good thing. I expressed my support for it as well. However, I suggested a location that’s more suitable for the construction. Am I going against my conscience by doing so?” He asked.
“Alright, if that’s the case, then don’t mention the construction of the Southface River Bridge in front of me ever again. Even if you are going to build it, don’t even think of touching a piece my land on the South Bank. Do you think that you can construct this bridge without my approval?” He added.
Norman’s expression darkened. “Jasper Laine, you’re just making things harder than they need to be. Do you want me to force you to do so?” He spat angrily.
“Do you think that you’re capable of forcing me to do such a thing?”
The expressions on both Norman and Ian’s faces changed after registering his words.
Ian smiled and said, “We are all associates. There’s no need to ruin our relationship over a small issue like this. Why don’t we forget about the construction of Southface River Bridge for the time being? We can proceed after you guys settle on a set of conditions that everyone agrees on.”
“There’s no need to discuss things any further. Don’t think that you can monopolize everything here, Jasper Laine. Don’t assume that I will find it impossible to destroy your project in the South Bank,” Norman said in infuriation.
“So, you want to destroy my project?”
Jasper narrowed his eyes at Norman and said in a controlled voice, “In that case, show me your capabilities. I really want to see what other tricks you can come up with other than the shady business that you’re currently involved in.”
“Jasper Laine,” Ian called out. “Young people like you shouldn’t be so hot-tempered. No matter the circumstances, Norman is still a few decades older than you. You should be more courteous toward him. Otherwise, it’d make you seem like an overbearing person,” he advised.
“You’re right, Mr. Hull.”
A faint smile tugged at Jasper’s lips as he said, “However, I’m afraid that some people might have lived their few decades in vain. He seems to think that he’s the smartest person out there, so why should I bother with courtesy?”
His words caused Ian’s expression to darken as well.
On the surface, Jasper’s words were directed at Norman. However, he was chiding Ian implicitly as well.
Beyond angered, Ian smiled. “Alright, let’s meet again then. I believe that the chance to meet will arise very soon. The project in South Bank will commence tomorrow. We will become neighbors!” He said in a frigid tone.
“In that case, I wish you prosperity,” Jasper told the both of them.
Ian and Norman snorted and left in distaste.
After they left, the person in charge of the project from the neritic zone city government smiled bitterly at Jasper. “Mr. Laine, we are in a difficult position between both parties. Please understand that our jobs aren’t easy either,” he said.
Jasper smiled and spoke to him with utmost courtesy. “Of course I do. The higher ups are in a tough position as well. All that we can do is try our best to share some of their burden,” he said.
“How about this? I’ll go back and look into it. The construction of a pedestrian greenway along the south bank of Southface River in conjunction with the government’s greening project would be a good thing for the environment and image of the provincial government. JW Real Estates will assume full responsibility on this project.”
The person in charge’s gaze lit up as he stared at Jasper in admiration.
He had seen many capable young people. However, it was his first time seeing a young man like Jasper who did things with a certain degree of constancy and pride, but not to the extent of arrogance.
He thought that Jasper would completely disregard him due to the prominence of the project on the South Bank. He could even refute some of the things the city government had decided on during his relatively hostile interaction with Ian Hull and Norman Gardner.
