No longer confined to bed rest, Jasper got off the bed and respectfully invited the old man to take a seat.
“Please have a seat, Mr. Coine. Moving is still a little difficult for me and this place really isn’t appropriate, so I’ll skip out on asking you if you’d like some coffee this time.”
Jasper smiled. “Next time, then. I promise I’ll invite you to a cup of hot coffee next time, Mr. Coine.”
Peter smiled gently and waved him off. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not used to drinking coffee anyway. Alcohol, on the other hand, is always a good choice. But I’ve grown old and my body can’t take that anymore, so I’ve quit it.”
Jasper nodded. “That’s good, then. Seniors like you, Mr. Coine, are important people to us. It’s good to see you taking care of yourself.”
Peter was surprised by Jasper’s attitude. “I thought that our meeting would be an unhappy one, but I like you a lot, young man. Most importantly, I can tell that everything you’re saying and doing now comes from your heart—it’s genuine respect.”
Jasper spoke sternly, “It is truly what I think, after all. People like you are old heroes, Mr. Coine. Your generation is the reason why we can live such great lives. Your heroic achievements are things anyone of Somer descent should never forget.”
“Very good. Thank you for remembering our hard work,” Peter smiled softly and spoke.
At that, Peter pulled up his sleeve and showed a deep knife scar as well as a few bullet wounds. He explained, “These are from three different battles. See this scar? It was from a bayonet that had pierced right into the bone. These few other bullet wounds were also from the enemy troops. I have more wounds on me, but I’ll spare you the sight.”
Jasper looked at his own tightly wrapped shoulder and smiled. “Looks like I’m just weak, then.”
Peter waved him off and spoke slowly, “People grow old and their thoughts change as well. Look at me and the tough life I’ve lived. Despite the enemies’ bayonets and bullets, I lived to 80 only to send my children off instead of the other way around.”
Jasper remained silent.
“Mr. Laine…”
“Please don’t, Mr. Coine. Just call me Jasper.”
“Alright then, Jasper. I’ll get straight to the point. Seeing that I’m asking you, could you at least leave the Coine family a living descendant?”
Jasper replied calmly, “Mr. Coine, they’ve broken the law. While it is a huge offense, it will not result in the death penalty. I can’t be certain of the judge’s ruling because I’m not the judge, nor do I have any power to change their mind.”
“Jasper, I’m here to shamelessly beg you, so there’s no need for such a grand facade. Your attitude on this is key. A word from you and they’ll be out in a year or two. I may be old, but I still have a year or two in me. It’d be nice to have someone send me off, no?”
Jasper looked at Mr. Coine and spoke, “Logically speaking, Mr. Coine, considering your identity, such a request is in no way overboard. But I also heard that you didn’t stop the prosecution of Marcus and Len.”
Peter smiled. “What use is there in stopping them? They did this to themselves. Who knows how many wrongdoings they’ve committed with my name all these years.”
“That’s why it’s too late now.” Jasper sighed lightly. “I respect you as an old hero, Mr. Coine, but your heroic achievements should not be used to forgive the mistakes of your descendants. Mistakes should be stopped and corrected once they come to light.
“I’ve met other old heroes as well, but they’ve done their part to educate and instruct their own students and descendants.
“Of course, it’s not that I’m being unreasonable or inconsiderate. I can openly admit that there is resentment between me and them, and I must seek revenge. Think of it this way. If I had lost too much blood the other day and passed away then, who would seek justice for me?”
Mr. Coine fell silent at Jasper’s words.
“How about this, Mr. Coine? Regarding my personal resentment with them, I’ll let go of it for your sake. I have nothing against Len Coine, so as long as he pays up the tax he has evaded, I’m sure the judge will be merciful when he gives the verdict. Marcus, however… Let’s not discuss his issue anymore. Will that be alright?”
Peter stood and turned to Jasper. “If that’s the case, very well then.
“Rest up, it’s time I return.”
Peter then rejected Jasper sending him out and turned to leave.
Standing by the window, Jasper shook his head as he watched Peter slowly walk out of the hospital and get into a car.
‘Is Peter pitiful?
‘Very. An old man like him should not need to send off his descendants first.
‘But pitiful people are distasteful in their own way.
‘Peter just happens to be spoiling Marcus.’
Coincidentally, Jasper was a person who believed in treating the cause instead of the symptoms. Jasper did not like leaving himself with future complications.
There was no way Marcus would be released for another dozen or two years, while Len would have at least three to five years waiting for him. By the time they were released, they would have lost all their power and prestige as well.
…
Jasper’s talk with Peter marked an end to his incident with the Adkins and the Coine families.
Jasper was discharged the following day.
Once discharged, he immediately established a new agreement with the city government.
Since Marcus had breached the contract and was discovered to be involved in illegal activities, the plot of land he previously won from the bid would be returned as well. Now with 200 million Somer Dollars, the plot of land was sold to JW Electronics Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Following that, Jasper did not forget to benefit the local businesses. He distributed the design and construction projects for the factory to capable local companies.
This was how benefits worked. If Jasper wanted this factory of his to operate smoothly, he would need more than just the city government’s support. Recognition from the local forces was necessary as well.
These benefits were how Jasper showed his stance.
Without a doubt, JW Electronics had now become the next Coine family. However, the difference between the two parties was that everyone was earning money together now and benefiting from it.
Jasper’s actions had gained the favor of many uneasy local forces, and his reputation immediately spread throughout Reed City.
The equipment Jasper bought through the Law family had arrived as well, and in a week, the factory had already started to prepare for production in an orderly manner.
Jasper temporarily put Chad in charge of hiring workers and managerial teams in Reed City, while he quickly rushed back to Nauritus City.
He needed a professional team to further upgrade the patented MP3 player technology.
This was Jasper’s ultimate attack.
