Sylva leaned back against the rattan chair. He picked up a clay teapot and took a sip from the mouth of the pot. He asked, “Do you know why you lost?”
Zayden stared blankly at him, then his face became filled with bitter resentment. “The Schulers stabbed me in the back! They’re despicable and have no shame!”
“Everyone has the right to say that the Schulers are despicable and have no shame, but we can’t. If you want to say those things, then both of us are the ones who are despicable and have no shame.
“Plus, the business world is like a warzone. If you lose, it means you’re not as good as the others. You refuse to look at your own problems but instead, you accuse others of being despicable and shameless. You’re still too inexperienced.”
Sylva asked Zayden to sit down. His tone and appearance looked unhurried.
“The reason you lost is that you’re too shortsighted. You were too caught up in the momentary gains and losses. When you’re in the face of a crisis, you throw yourself into confusion. Plus, you’re so condescending and opinionated.”
Sylva looked deeply at Zayden. He was feeling a little disappointed as he shook his head and said, “You can be sophisticated, but your temper will be the thing that destroys you.”
Zayden said angrily, “Then why didn’t you remind me back then?”
“Why should I?”
Zayden was speechless after Sylva questioned him back.
“You’re my son.” Sylva looked as if he was blaming himself.
“I’ll treat this ten billion as buying a lesson for you. If you can grow, then this fee is worth it.”
“However, Dad, your position as the head—”
Sylva interrupted Zayden, “That position is just a false reputation. If people acknowledge you, then you’re the head. If people don’t, then what’s the use of you writing ‘the head’ on your face?”
“Dawson is not to be trifled with. There are more things he’s hiding than anyone else. I’ve been going against him for 23 years and I know him too well.”
Sylva put his teapot down and said slowly, “This is just a gesture, a gesture to show Dawson and the mysterious person behind his back.”
Zayden gritted his teeth and said unwillingly, “So we’re just gonna let this be?”
“An old friend from the provincial government gave me some news. He said that they’re planning to sell a piece of land at the south bank of the Southface River including the rights to develop the south bank as a whole.”
Zayden twitched his mouth when he heard Sylva changing the topic suddenly. He said, “It’s the middle of nowhere. What will it be worth?”
“Shortsighted.” Sylva chuckled.
“That piece of land will be very useful,” Sylva narrowed his eyes and said profoundly.
“Dawson is very interested in that place.”
Zayden’s expression changed as he lowered his voice to ask, “Dad, is there any inside news about this?”
Sylva caressed his expensive clay teapot and said, “Dawson is the prime example of someone who doesn’t act without some incentives. If he wants to do something, then there must be some goodies that are attracting him.
“My people are still investigating what exactly it is. However, one thing is for sure. We will snatch everything he wants from his hands,” Sylva said and looked at Zayden.
“I’ll let you handle this. If there are any mishaps, don’t even think about coming back to the Hanks family.”
Zayden could sense that Sylva was definitely not joking. He quickly said, “Dad, don’t worry. I’ll definitely do it correctly this time.”
“I know your little thoughts. Remember, a man’s first goal is their career. Women and other things are all supplementary. When you have enough status, then the things you want will come to you without you looking for them.”
“Dad, I understand,” Zayden said while feeling ashamed.
“Go report yourself in the family’s investment office later. I’ll let you handle the business over there for the time being.”
Sylva stood up and looked at the flowers all over the garden. He chuckled lightly and said, “I have a feeling that the grudge between me and Dawson for the past 20 years will end soon.”
