At the moment, an important event was taking place in a hotel. The supporters who had contributed to the nation’s welfare brought along their heirs to get them used to such activities and instill in them the determination to become the very best.
“Oh Jay, how have you been?” A middle-aged man approached him.
“I’m doing well. How about you, Mr. James?”
“Hohoho… you’ve grown up so well. It seems you’ve achieved quite a lot during your time as a student at Alfredore.”
Jay responded with a smile.
“Lately, my body’s been in pain and I still need regular treatment. Do you think I’ll recover?” Mr. James asked.
“If you’re willing to switch to our services, I’ll do my best to help,” Jay replied.
Mr. James smiled, “Your father doesn’t like me. How can his son offer something like this to his enemy, hohoho…”
“Someone who makes a giant dragon their enemy will gain nothing. But if you tame it well, the fire it breathes can be directed elsewhere,” Jay said with a smile.
Mr. James paused for a moment, then nodded slowly. “I see. It seems BigBrill has a brighter future in your hands. But no matter how much you wish to surpass him, don’t hate him. Since you were little, I could already see that determination in you. And your father, realizing that, started to become wary because your actions were unpredictable even to him.”
“His mental state has been deteriorating ever since Grandpa refused to meet us and cut ties with you. But I still can’t read him either. Yet he keeps forcing me to come to places like this. I wonder, is he entrusting BigBrill to me or simply maintaining the company’s image?”
Jay glanced toward his father, who was smiling while chatting with people.
Mr. James smiled. “Jay, I’m not that different from your father. We both strive to do our best for the businesses we’ve built through hardship, even if you can’t understand it yet.”
“At least you didn’t let someone die in sorrow,” Jay replied.
Mr. James fell silent, pressing his lips together as if he understood what Jay meant.
He gave Jay a brief hug. “Come visit us sometime. As you know, my wife already sees you like her own son.”
“Thank you. I’ll visit another time, and I hope Mrs. James is doing well,” Jay replied with a smile.
“Do your best to become the top candidate. I’ll support you.” Mr. James walked away, followed by one of his assistants.
Jay simply nodded in acknowledgment.
“I need some fresh air outside. Don’t follow me,” he said.
The man who had been accompanying Jay nodded in understanding.
But before Jay reached the exit, the sound of plates shattering rang out nearby.
Crash!
Two small dessert plates had fallen and shattered on the floor, and someone hurriedly tried to clean up the mess.
Although the person’s face was covered by a mask, there was something familiar in their eyes that caught Jay’s attention.
Without hesitation, Jay approached and helped clean up the broken dishes.
“Call the others and clean all this up,” he said.
The person remained silent and dazed for a moment.
Wait… that voice. It sounds familiar.
At the same time, Jay and Inmi locked eyes.
Inmi’s eyes widened in shock, while Jay furrowed his brows in confusion at her reaction.
“Hey, your hand looks hurt. Go treat that wound right away.”
Inmi didn’t respond, only nodded and walked away.
Once inside the storage room, she removed her mask and tried to steady her breathing.
“Haah…” she exhaled harshly.
“What was that? So he’s connected to the people here…”
“The information I struggled to obtain just appeared before me like this. Is this fate?” Inmi smiled faintly.
She looked back into the room, but Jay was no longer there.
“Does your hand still hurt?” asked a middle-aged woman who approached her.
“Not too much. I’m okay, thank you,” Inmi replied with a smile.
“Alright then, but still clean the wound with this and apply the ointment.” The woman walked away after handing her the items.
Afterward, Inmi wandered outside. The hotel garden was quite spacious, and tonight the moon shone beautifully. She sat down and quietly admired it.
“So you’re the chef from Lurécake,” came a sudden voice from nearby.
Inmi was slightly startled but quickly composed herself, masking her expression.
“Is the salary from that restaurant not enough?” Jay asked curiously.
Inmi chuckled softly. Honestly, Lurécake seemed to pay its employees like a top-tier company. But her smile faded as she remembered the massive costs she needed to cover for her younger sister.
“So this is the real you,” Inmi quickly changed the topic.
Jay paused, remembering how he always hid his face whenever he visited Lurécake.
He moved closer and locked eyes with her. “Why? Were you curious all this time?”
Inmi took a step back and quickly turned her face away before his intimidating gaze got any closer.
She paused.
Isn’t this a good opportunity to negotiate?
Maybe it’s too soon, but I should try baiting him.
“Are you doing alright? You seem like you’ve had a drink,” Inmi said, pressing his shoulders back gently.
“I don’t drink,” Jay replied firmly.
“Then how about your situation right now?” she asked casually.
Jay frowned. “Did you overhear something earlier?”
If she thought back, while serving food to the guests, some people had looked down on a man in a navy blue suit—who turned out to be Jay.
“Seems like you’re in a tough spot,” Inmi said spontaneously.
“You heard those people talking about me in there, didn’t you? So why do you still dare talk to me so casually?” Jay smirked.
“I don’t believe in rumors like that. Let’s just say… maybe it’s because you helped me earlier.”
Jay didn’t respond, only stared at her silently.
“Your face is decent—not ugly, but not exactly stunning either.”
Inmi didn’t care much for the comment, but she was curious why he’d say something like that.
“Well, I’m not surprised.”
Jay chuckled softly.
She really doesn’t realize it. She’s bold, but doesn’t see her own value. —Jay
“I know it’s a bit sudden, but this seems like the right time.”
Inmi furrowed her brows, confused.
“What do you mean?”
“Do you need more income than what you currently earn?”
What’s he planning now…?
“Yes. I need to save up a large amount,” Inmi answered.
“Alright then. Would you like to work with me?”
Inmi narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
“Why are you offering me a job so suddenly?”
“Let’s just say it’s because you didn’t care about the rumors people spread about me. That’s enough,” Jay replied nonchalantly.
What is this? Why is he making the first move?
Still, this is a golden opportunity.
“Alright. But will you agree if I set a condition?”
“Go ahead.”
“I’ll write it down later and send it to you.”
Jay gave her a faint smile.
“Very well. So aside from being brave, you’re also cautious. I’ll wait for it—leave it in Lurécake’s private room when I visit.”
“Excuse me, but Mr. Brill is waiting for you inside,” said the same guard who had been with Jay earlier.
Realizing someone else was there, Inmi immediately turned her face away.
Jay noticed and quickly blocked the view of her face before signaling the guard to leave.
“He’s gone now. Until we meet again,” Jay said as he followed his guard back inside.
Inmi turned around and watched Jay’s back as he walked away.
This is moving faster than I expected.
Besides, Myra needs immediate medical treatment so she won’t fall sick again.
But… will he accept all the conditions?
If he refuses, I’ll find a way to persuade him into working with me.
Inmi left the area once her shift was over.
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