This was the second time Jasper saw Franklin and Paulson in Nasdaq Exchange Center.
The two of them reacted to his arrival very differently.
Franklin’s gaze was filled with curiosity and admiration, while Paulson had a tense and expressionless look on his face.
“President Paulson, it seems like I’ve won our bet.”
Jasper went straight to the point as he was not in the mood to deal with Paulson’s temper and the fact that the man thought he was better because he was older and more experienced.
Paulson nodded. “Correct. Sena’s share price is valued at 122 US dollars currently, so you’ve indeed won.”
“And our agreement?” Jasper asked.
“I’ll keep my end of the promise. I’ll hold a meeting with the board of directors tomorrow and fully support Celine in assuming the position of the president of the Terra regional branch, as well as cancel all reviews on her,” Paulson replied curtly.
Jasper was very pleased.
Meanwhile, Celine, who was standing beside them, was stunned.
She knew of Jasper and Paulson’s bet, but she had no idea that Jasper’s condition was her promotion.
President of the Terra regional branch. This was a position she had worked hard for years but could never assume, yet this man had so quietly dealt with it for her!
Celine felt a strong urge as she glanced at Jasper who was beside her.
She wanted to rush over and just pounce on the man!
The urge was tremendous despite it only just appearing and it was almost impossible to suppress.
Celine flushed and her eyes grew moist, almost as though tears were about to fall.
Jasper paid no attention to the change in Celine’s expression.
“Laine, I have to admit that I’ve underestimated you,” Paulson suddenly said.
Jasper smiled softly and replied unaffectedly, “You have your own views, President Paulson, just as I have my own beliefs. No one in this world, including the two of us, can claim that our decision will definitely be the right one. All we can do is try our best to make fewer mistakes and make better decisions.”
A smile finally graced Paulson’s features as he spoke, “The more I talk to you, Laine, the more I admire you. To be honest, I don’t feel as though I’m talking to a young man in his early 20s when I talk to you. You’re experienced and mature. I can’t help but feel like I’m talking to a friend.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Jasper replied, neither overly humble nor arrogant.
Paulson smiled and continued, “To be honest, I’ve been thinking about it… If possible, I’d like to invest in your company.”
Jasper frowned slightly but still chuckled. “Sena is already a company listed on Nasdaq. You’re welcome to invest in us any time, President Paulson.”
Seeing how Jasper was deliberately acting clueless, Paulson cursed internally at the man’s craftiness.
He decided to ask directly, “I mean I hope to invest in your other companies.
“You should know that Colossal Investments is currently the largest investment bank in the industry. We wish to partner with every promising company and I can promise that no matter how many shares we own, Colossal will not interfere with the day-to-day operations of your business.”
Jasper sighed internally at Paulson’s proposal.
As expected, the issue that concerned him the most ended up happening anyway.
With his outstanding capabilities and the fact that his subsidiaries were growing larger and stronger, it was only natural that they would attract attention from other capitalists.
In truth, Colossal’s investment was something more than 90% of the world’s start-up companies wished for.
After all, such an investment would give the company a surge in cash flow in a short amount of time, and it could also rapidly increase the company’s competitive ability thanks to its relationship with Colossal Investments.
For example, if Colossal Investments was one of Sena’s shareholders, Sena could easily enter the United States share market and gain market share of the web portal and gaming markets.
However, Jasper did not want these things.
With the memory of the following 19 years, Jasper was not afraid that he would be unable to enter the market. He knew better than everyone where the world’s future was headed.
“Sorry, but Celine has suggested something similar to me before and my response hasn’t changed. I don’t plan to accept any investments.”
Paulson did not look too happy about Jasper’s direct rejection.
He felt that Jasper was not respecting him at all by putting him in a difficult spot.
“Won’t you consider it again?” Paulson asked persistently.
Jasper shook his head firmly and replied, “Perhaps Colossal and I could have future partnerships, but it certainly won’t be now and it definitely won’t be through investing in one of my companies.”
The atmosphere in the office thickened, and the office fell into silence.
Franklin watched quietly and mirthfully like an old witty fox.
Celine did not say anything either and merely looked at Jasper with admiration. ‘He’s too manly.
‘He’s so different from the average man.
‘What do I do? The urge to pounce and eat him alive is growing stronger. I don’t think I can hold it back any longer.’
Paulson looked at the man before him silently. Jasper’s jet black hair, warm skin tone, and dark brown eyes—all of this made Paulson think that Jasper was different from the other people he had been in contact with before.
For example, no one had ever rejected him so unyieldingly… Or at least, others had always done it indirectly to preserve his dignity. Yet Jasper did not.
Jasper seemed to be stating his firm stance resolutely, that he would not allow anyone to meddle with his company.
Paulson was now faced with a choice, either to be Jasper’s friend or his enemy.
With Paulson’s status and temper, the latter was something he did not even need to consider.
After all, no matter how outstanding Jasper was, he was still too weak and too young in comparison to Colossal.
This was something Jasper knew very well.
That did not mean he was afraid.
Ownership and complete control over his properties were Jasper’s bottom line. If he could not keep that, then there was no point in his reincarnation at all.
The stronger the force in front of him, the more he could not give in.
If he gave in once, then the other party would only force him to give in again and again until there was nothing left of him.
After some time, Paulson suddenly smiled.
He reached out and took the initiative to shake Jasper’s hand. “Capital is free, as is a person’s desires. While it is a shame, I respect your decision and will protect your right to make a free choice. I hope we’ll still have a chance for further partnership in the future.”
The atmosphere in the office loosened with Paulson’s smile and words.
The smile hanging on the corner of Franklin’s lips grew as well.
He knew that this witty and young Easterner had won again. He had forced his old friend to compromise after so many years.
Jasper smiled as well as he reached out to firmly shake Paulson’s hand. “I’m sure we’ll have the chance.”
