Chapter 359
When the government’s involvement was mentioned, any lingering regret dissipated. It was clear–this project was no longer short of funds.
They’d been too slow. Now they couldn’t even get a taste of the opportunity.
58%
0
53)
At that moment, their jealousy once again turned to the fortunate Celestia Group, which seemed to have effortlessly cruised into victory.
Some were seething with envy, fantasizing about storming the Celestia Group, dragging the CEO out, and taking their place.
Others, more resigned, tried to console themselves. They thought, ‘Maybe the Celestia Group must just be lucky. It’s probably destined for them. Nothing we can do about it; it’s just fate.
“This is how we comfort ourselves, but if we ever see the CEO of Celestia Group at a business banquet, we’ll make sure to give that lucky winner a piece of our mind.
‘Nothing worse than a lucky dog, and even worse is being the one who didn’t win. If resentment could form, it would soar to the heavens by now.
Disappointment washed over them briefly, but it didn’t last. They were back to square one, their spirits lifting again.
Sure, they’d missed out on the retirement home, but there were plenty of other ventures to explore. What mattered was that peculiar ‘Life Energy! in Richard’s hands. There were countless ways it could be utilized.
Its potential was beyond imagination.
The government was undoubtedly interested in its unique properties. Whether Richard was building a retirement home or a chicken farm, the government would knock on his door as long as it had Life Energy.
That was where the real value lay.
No one knew what this “Life Energy” was, not even its form. Yet, the fruit’s abilities had already proven its strength.
They thought, ‘If Richard decides to apply this “life energy” in other industries, who knows how many sectors will be disrupted. As long as we can hitch a ride with the Adler family, making money in the future would be a given.”
But even now, there were no signs of them expanding into other areas, which left everyone guessing. With such innovative technology, one would expect them to conquer everything in sight, yet aside from the retirement home, no movement at
all.
They thought, ‘We’re just afraid that Richard is secretly planning something big, and that he’ll make an announcement one. day, out of nowhere. By then, we’ll be caught off guard like we are now!
The thought made them uneasy, and they spoke more cautiously, probing to see if Richard had plans to branch into other industries, while trying to present themselves as valuable partners.
They could tell that they were trying hard to secure a place by his side.
Yet Richard’s attitude remained as elusive as ever. No matter what they asked, he didn’t reveal a thing. The most he would say was, “I’m old. How could I manage more?” With a knowing look, he added, “It’s all in your hands now. The future belongs to you, young ones.”
The group could sense there was more to that statement, but none could quite figure it out. Richard smiled warmly at them, his eyes flashing with a sharp glint..
Before this, the higher–ups had already had several conversations with him and Tinley about the matter. Fortunately, they were well–prepared.
1/3
19:59 Tue, 15 Apr
Chapter 359
<58%
自
Richard thought, ‘Earlier, I met with Taylor. We agreed that if anyone from higher up asks, we’ll redirect them to him. After all, the research came from Taylor’s work. At this level, we have every right to refuse anyone, no matter who they are!
‘No one would dare force their hand unless it involved significant public interest. They all knew that if things went south, it wouldn’t benefit either side. And if it ever came to that, they’d figure out how to help society independently?
At this thought, a more profound smile spread across Richard’s face.
Richard thought, ‘I never expected that, even at my age, with my time running out, my wealth would still rise because of Yvonne. She was truly a gem–if only I could live a few more years, my clever little Yvonne might make me the richest man in the world‘
The thought brought another laugh to his lips. Richard thought, ‘What a wonderful granddaughter she is. I must keep her hidden from those higher–ups. They can’t find out about her .
‘Safety isn’t a concern, after all, she’s Tinley’s child. But they are such a hassle. I hope no one comes around trying to steal Yvonne. A few rebellious grandchildren are already enough trouble for me!
Up until now, no one had suspected a thing about Yvonne. A glance at Taylor’s situation confirmed it–the higher–ups still focused on him.
Richard thought, ‘All I need to do is look at how things are going with Taylor. The higher–ups are still focused on him. I’ve heard he’s been swamped lately, barely able to catch a breath‘
His superiors and others called him in for meetings every other day, leaving him with no time to visit Yvonne.
Richard couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction with this. He thought, ‘As long as Taylor stays away, Yvonne is mine–all mine!
He recalled how Yvonne once asked why Taylor hadn’t visited her anymore.
At first, she’d asked often. But lately, the frequency of those questions had dropped, and now it had been a week since she last asked. It seemed she’d forgotten about Taylor.
Richard couldn’t suppress his glee at the thought. His smile widened as he thought about Yvonne–a little force of nature who had single–handedly made him and Taylor famous. And the best part? She had no idea about it.
She was blissfully unaware of her abilities. Her family ensured she kept them hidden from outsiders and obediently followed their wishes. Most days, she ran around with Richard or Jeremy, having fun.
Occasionally, she’d secretly add something to Richard’s fishing bait to indulge his vanity, but otherwise, she lived like a normal child.
Richard chuckled for a while, then suddenly found himself missing Yvonne. Checking the time, he called for Kelvin, who was passing by.
“Tell the kids to come over. Yvonne must be hungry after running around for so long. Richard was so familiar with her routine that he could predict exactly when she would be hungry in the afternoon.
On his way out, Kelvin asked a few staff members, and based on their answers, he figured out that the kids had been all over the place that afternoon.
The last he’d heard, about ten minutes ago, they had been playing with swans by the pond behind the hotel. They probably hadn’t moved yet.
Following their directions, Kelvin went to the pond, where the kids stood at the edge. But as he neared, he suddenly heard a few excited shouts from the group, mixed with praise and envy.
“That’s amazing, Jeremy! Wherever you go, these swans follow you!”
Jeremy, can you teach me how you do that? It’s so cool! I want to learn too!”
Kelvin’s got twisted with an unpleasant feeling. As he reached the scene, his face darkened immediately.
