Chapter 6: Jude Lim

When the news broke that a certain businessman would visit the university, a lot of people looked forward to it. After all, this is one of their chances to gain something for themselves. Those who needed donations to their studies, those who needed scholarships, and more, planted hope in their hearts.

At the grand entrance of K University, everyone welcomed Mr. Lim, a figure of influence in the business community. He accomplished everything that made people think that he was only second to Kyle Montenegro. As Mr. Lim arrived for a visit, he dressed formally. With the air that was excluded from his body and the authority he had when everyone looked at him, no one could deny that he was part of the upper class.

The professors, deans, and even the students are aware of it. The professors and dean immediately extended their hands to welcome him and greet him. They ushered him with praise, which made Mr. Lim think that it was a good thing that he donated even a little for this university.

Mr. Lim was introduced to the faculty member, and even though he was smiling, inside his head, he couldn’t help but think about when this would end. The program started, but not everyone went inside since there’s only a limited number of people that could go inside. Those who had an intention to gain something cursed at the people inside the quditorium.

Then, after the pleasantries, one of the professors suggested that Mr. Lim take a tour of the university since he was there. This made Mr. Lim subtly convey his specific request. “Then, if I’m going to have a tour, I believe it would be most insightful if my daughter, Elisia, and her friend, Sherly Montenegro, could accompany me during the tour.”

Some of the professors, as well as the dean, stiffened. Mr. Lim did not see it, but some of the deans and professors know nothing.

A dean eagerly accommodated Mr. Lim’s wishes and agreed to them wholeheartedly. “Of course, Mr. Lim. It’s just a simple request that's easy to fulfill. We’d be honored to have Elisia and Sherly guide you through the campus. They are both outstanding and well-acquainted with the university, so they will be able to provide you with a comprehensive tour.”

With those words, Mr. Lin grinned. Of course, he did not do that for the sake of being enlightened and knowing more about the university. As a person in the business world, one must know how to use people. This time, these people aren’t even aware that he is using them to gain Shelry’s trust.

In the middle of the class, someone knocked on the door and asked Sherly and Elisia to come with him. The person who knocks on the door is a math professor. When he discussed the things needed for the person who’s giving a lecture, they let Sherly and Elisia go.

Mr. Lim’s visit to the university surprises Elisia, but it was already seen by Sherly. After all, that man accidentally called his father, ‘dad’, in the hallway of a hotel. With his specific request, it isn’t that hard for Sherly to know what Elisia’s father is up to.

Meanwhile, when Elisia recovered from shock that his father had visited the university, she calmed down. Despite her calm demeanor, she is panicking inside. After all, she knows and recognizes the importance of her father’s connection.

When the two young women met Mr. Lim, some people sweated. After all, some of the faculty members knew who Sherly was. Those who were present when she enrolled with her eldest brother knew her background. Those who are not are not worthy of talking to her.

Sherly wanted to know what he'd do. Thus, he nodded her head and said, “Mr. Lim, welcome to K University. We’re honored to show you around.”

Her voice does not sound right. However, Mr. Lim let it pass. After all, who was this young woman in front of him? The one and only pearl daughter of the Montenegrin family. Even those in the side family recognize her. Thus, her tone isn’t something he couldn’t point out.

Elisia felt unseasy since he saw her father’s ambision in his eyes. However, he joined in, saying, “Yes, Dad, Sherly, and I will do our best to make sure this tour is enjoyable and full of knowledge.”

When they left the faculty building, everyone looked at them. Some of them wanted to come and be near them, but seeing Sherly beside Mr. Lim, they back out. They know how sharp Sherly’s tongue is, and if they do something not good or if they make themselves like fools, she’ll criticize.

As the sun started to set on the horizon, casting a warm orange light over the whole university soccer field and some university buildings, Mr. Lim started to initiate a conversation with Sherly.

He wanted to get close to this girl after all; he knows how much those three demons cherish her. If he could get close to her, then he could get whatever he wanted. If not, it’s okay; there’s still time to get to know her more and use it to gain her trust.

“Sherly, when I got to know about you, I wouldn't hide it; I did investigate you."Beside the rough past you have, everything is unexpectedly excellent.”

Sherly did not speak up; she looked up and stared at the old man in front of her. She tried to think about what he’s up to, but now she could guess it already.

“Thank you.”

Mr. Lim shook his head. “The way you engage and commit to the things you do is quite impressive, really.”

Sherly nodded her head, and with him not being close to her but trying to with ill intent, she nodded her head with grace and composure. After all, this is what she is doing in front of those she doesn’t know. “Thank you for your compliment, Mr. Lim. I believe all I did was contribute and use my mind to think critically.”

Mr. Lim stared at the young woman in front of him. He did not expect that he could hear him say that. He looked at his daughter, trying to vanquish the weird feelings he just had. “Elisia, while your involvement is noteworthy, why don’t you be like Sherly? Her leadership skills in different kinds of areas surpass those of her father and brothers. Why could you be like her?”

Sherly, hearing the pleasant word from the man in front of her, wants to puke. After all, she couldn’t understand why he needed to bring his daughter down just to bring other people up. Why is he being like this?

Sherly couldn’t understand why, but he knows that some people are really like this. Unfortunately, he met Elisia’s father, Jude Lim.

For a person who only has profit and business in his mind, it isn’t wise to use the people he has to gain something. Like now, he’s using his daughter to gain her trust.

Sherly acted innocently and as if he appreciated everything he said. “I believe in the importance of the development, Mr. Lim.” She smiled.

Jude Lim enthusiastically nodded his head. “Right? Elisia, go and make her your idol or role model. Her face is much better than those you see in the fashion world. She’s smart as well, and she has her own business. Why don’t you be like her? You're the same age as her, but you’re nothing?”

“Dad—”

“When you get home, stop everything you plan and study to be like Sherly.”

Sherly narrowed her eyes. She could see Jude Lim’s intention with his words. She knew that he only said those words to please her, and Elisia does not even need to do what he says when he comes home. However, in this kind of situation, she’d rather lose her shoe than be in this complicated situation.

“I’m grateful for your praises, but isn’t that kind of heavy?”

Mr. Lim stopped and looked at Sherly. “Heavy?”

Sherly responded as she nodded her head. “Yes, heavy. Perhaps you see Elisia as good for nothing, but it has nothing to do with me.” She interjected with humility, “Every individual has their own unique strengths, Mr. Lim. It’s just that mine is more visible than Elisia's. Thus, her being only second to me does not mean she’s worthless.”

With Sherly’s words, both father and daughter couldn’t help but look at her. For Mr. Lim, Sherly’s words mean that he didn’t gain her trust by comparing his daughter to her. Instead, it made her annoyed. For some reason, he could see how unworthy her daughter was. As for Elisia, she only clenched her fist as she stared at Sherly, unable to believe that she said those words. For Elisia, those words mean that she isn’t worthy of Sherly’s opponent and that no matter how much or what she does, she won't be able to surpass her.

Sherly crossed her arms. “So, Mr. Lim,” she began. “I appreciate your kind words, and I am glad to know that you think so highly of me. However, I can't help but wonder,” she paused and stared into Mr. Lim’s eyes. “You want me to further support the family of yours?”

Mr. Lim was caught off guard; he stepped back quickly before he regained himself. “Sherly, it's just that in business—”

Sherly then raised her hand, surrendering. “If you are asking me about me asking my brother to let you be his partner, I refused. My brother has his own brain and makes his own decisions. Thus, making this kind of thing isn’t necessary at all. If those praises you throw at me mean doing this, no, sorry, I will gladly return them to your daughter.”

“Why? Why won't you help my dad even once?”

Sherly raises an eyebrow. “Huh? Did he do something for me to owe him something? Elisia, wake up. There is no free will in this world. Why are you thinking like that? "Shaking her head, she smiled at the two of them. "Then I’ll let you two catch up. I still have a lot of things to do.” Then she looked at Elisia. “Unlike you,” she added, smiling.

She walks away from the father-daughter tandem before she calls her brother’s number. After all, she needed to remind him about this.