Jacob had already had a conditioned reflex to grab red envelopes. Therefore, he subconsciously clicked on the red envelope and he was surprised to discover that he had actually received two hundred dollars from the red envelope!At this time, Jacob also found out that his other classmates had also received two hundred dollars each.It seemed as though this person was giving everyone two hundred dollars each!Jacob was initially when he realized that he suddenly had an extra two hundred dollars! However when he saw that the other party’s nickname was ‘I miss the beautiful Matilda’, the expression on Jacob’s face darkened immediately!At this time, all of the classmates in the group were already exploding in excitement.“Oh my. Thank you, boss!”“Yes! Thank you so much, Mr. Pearson! You’re really very generous to give everyone a two-hundred-dollar red envelope just like that! You’re really one of a kind.”“I’ve already heard that Mr. Pearson has been making a lot of money over the
“William Pearson?!”Jacob turned into a green-eyed monster upon the mention of that name.William Pearson was from a wealthy family and was the head of the student council’s public relations back in college.Back then, he and Aaron Philips were Matilda’s suitors. However, she had no interest in him or Aaron, so his effort of winning Matilda’s heart was to no avail.When Jacob and Matilda were dating, William had always tried to get on Jacob’s nerves in order to impress Matilda.Later, William saw his chance when Matilda broke up with Jacob. He stepped on the accelerator and launched an overwhelming pursuit of her then, but she did not accept him and went to the States instead.William’s family was very wealthy and powerful at that time. Before he went to college, his father had already expanded his business to Hong Kong. Their family could be considered the first influential tycoon following Oskia’s economic reform.Due to his solid family background, he had gone after Matilda t
William immediately replied in the group, “Oh, my wife passed away a long time ago, I guess Matilda and I share the same fate…”One of the nosy friends said, “Hey, you and Matilda are a match made in heaven as always!”Some of the people who accepted William’s gift of money joined in the bandwagon. Someone even said, “Hey, William, now that you and Matilda are widowed, you guys should be together! I remember how you fell head over heels in love with her. Come on, go for it! We send you our sincere blessings!”William laughed out loud and said, “Then I would like to express my gratitude to your support and blessings, but it’s all up to Matilda, I can’t force her.”Then, he continued, “Besides, I’ve decided to return to Aurous Hill and start my business venture here regardless.”“What? Why?” Someone in the group exclaimed, “William, haven’t your family settled down in Hong Kong for many years already? Why have you suddenly decided to return to Aurous Hill?”“Look at Matilda, she ha
Jacob’s eyes widened in shock when he read William’s message.William was right. Jacob was indeed afraid that William would become his rival in love, but of course, he couldn’t say such things in public. He was still a married man, after all.Hence, he said against his real intention, “No, I’m just worried that you find it hard to blend in here after spending years in Hong Kong. We aren’t getting any younger and our bodies are aging too, it will take a toll on your health if we rashly shift to an unfamiliar place that your body hasn’t gotten used to.”William giggled in amusement and said, “Oh, I’m perfectly healthy, don’t you worry about me!”Jacob couldn’t be bothered with the teasing anymore. He put his phone in his pocket and said, “Matilda, let’s go inside and take a walk around.”Matilda nodded and strolled around the campus with him.At 10 am, Matilda checked her watch and said, “Hey, the reunion is at 11, I think we’d better get going now.”Jacob nodded and smiled. “Al
William had been waiting for Matilda since he arrived at the club. His eyes were glued on her now that she was here.He was shocked to see that Matilda was still as beautiful, flawless, and charming at the age of 50! He was even more certain that he would put all effort into pursuing her!However, never did he expect that the beautiful Matilda, who he had been missing for the past two decades, would walk in with Jacob, the scumbag who broke her heart.He was agitated by their appearance together and stood up angrily. “Jacob Wilson! How dare you come here with Matilda?! You may not remember what you did to Matilda, but we all do! If not for you, scumbag, she wouldn’t have flown to the US and lived there for so many years! You should be ashamed of yourself! If I were you, I wouldn’t have the courage to come at all!”Jacob was infuriated by his insult that he growled, “Hey, William Pearson, watch your tongue! People with common sense would know what happened back then, I’m innocent!”
Sensing that his mother didn’t want others to know his middle name, Paul smiled politely and said, “Everyone, please enjoy your gathering. Excuse me.”Jacob hurriedly said, “Hey, Paul, what’s the hurry? How about joining us for lunch?”He intentionally talked to Paul as a hint for the rest to realize that he and Paul knew each other so they could assume that he had already met Matilda before the reunion.It was also to suggest to them that both of them shared an extraordinary connection and to chase away Matilda’s suitors.Indeed, when the others heard their conversation, they found it rather odd and peculiar. They wondered how and when Jacob and Paul had become so close.Paul smiled and said, “Thanks, but no thanks, I have a meeting in the afternoon.”Then, he said to Jacob in a moderate voice, “I have an appointment with Charlie. He’s coming to my new office to check out the Feng Shui there, so I have to be there to entertain him.”Jacob nodded with a smile. “My son-in-law has
William sneered contemptuously. “Hey, think about it. You’re a married man, so I’d advise you not to mess around and not to nurse any illicit passion for other women! If that shrew wife of yours knows about it, she will not spare you!”Jacob was incensed by his ridicule that he blurted, “Hey, William Pearson, what the heck are you talking about?! I don’t mess around, and I definitely don’t nurse any illicit passion for anyone! Don’t you dare make oblique accusations just because you have some dirty money in your pockets! Don’t come the old soldier with me, I’m not buying it!”Matilda felt extremely awkward with the ridiculous exchanges and she started to growl, “Could you guys shut up, please? What did I just say earlier? We’re here today for the reunion, not to watch you fight like rabid dogs! If you guys still behave like this, I’ll leave then!”Jacob whined innocently, “Matilda, you heard him, it’s this old fart who’s fanning the flames!”William was a renowned businessman in Ho
William immediately wiped that arrogant expression off his face when he heard that the man was Uncle Oscar.Back when he was still studying in Aurous Hill, he had learned about the powerful Moore family and their top position in the social pyramid in the city.Although he was a renowned businessman in Hong Kong with a net worth of hundreds of millions, he was incomparable to the Moore family. Their fortune was worth at least hundreds of billions of dollars, a hundred times higher than his, so even the status of their butler was higher and more powerful than his.Paul was a little flattered and taken aback by Uncle Oscar’s appearance in the suite.Oscar smiled and said, “Mr. Paul, the Moore family and you go way back. When the family first operated their export business in the US, I accompanied Lord Moore to look over the operations and whenever we encountered any legal problems, it was your father who solved it all for us. Frankly, our Lord Moore and your father shared a personal f
Jacob then realized that Charlie was also driving a Rolls-Royce, and it was a more expensive Phantom. Surprised, he asked, "Charlie, where did you get this car?" Marilyn had prepared the car for Charlie when he left Scarlet Pinnacle Manor. He had driven it to Thompson First, so he had decided to use it today. Charlie replied, "A client lent it to me. You sounded urgent, so I drove it over." Then, he added, "You're something else. You're crying like a baby yet you're still in the mood to ask about the car. What's going on? Your friend said you'd cried twice already?" "That bloody Simon!" Hearing this, Jacob became furious and cursed, "He still doesn't have the slightest clue! He's such a damned fool! The more I try to avoid him, the more he keeps blabbering on and on. Argh, he's so stupid!" Charlie asked, "What exactly is bothering you?" Jacob's face instantly turned dejected, and with a long sigh, he choked up and said, "Charlie— Matilda— She's getting married—" "Gettin
Things were a little different and unique in the United States, though. Westerners tended to approach marriage with greater caution. Many couples stayed together for years, had several children, and yet remained as boyfriend and girlfriend. Being together, having children, and raising them jointly didn't necessarily mean they would get married. In fact, it was not uncommon for some to walk down the aisle only after having multiple kids. Because of this environment, elderly couples in the West often limited their relationships to dating, and at most, cohabitation. Very few progressed to the stage of marriage. However, Yolden, like a young man in the throes of passionate love, had invited her on a trip, secretly prepared a proposal ceremony by the seaside, and gotten down on one knee with a ring to propose. These actions deeply moved Matilda and, at the same time, gave her an unprecedented sense of security. Now, Yolden had moved their wedding up a big step and set the date just on
Hearing Jacob's tone, Charlie could tell that Jacob must have already learned about Matilda's plans to marry Yolden. So, Charlie said, "I'm just around the corner. I'll head over now, and we can meet at the gate." Choking up, Jacob replied, "Alright, I won't drive then. I'll wait for you at the gate. Hurry!" "Okay," Charlie agreed, but after hanging up, he deliberately waited for a few minutes. It was because Yolden had just left moments ago to pick up Matilda at Senior University. If Charlie had gone there right now, all four of them could have run into each other at the gate, which would make things even more awkward. Charlie wasn't worried about feeling awkward himself—he was more concerned about Jacob being further hurt. After intentionally waiting a bit, Charlie finally drove to the university. Just as Charlie drove toward Senior University, Matilda was waiting for Yolden by the roadside at the entrance of Senior University. At this moment, Jacob stumbled out of th
Charlie asked, "There are too many new domestic energy brands now. Do you think they still have a shot in vehicle manufacturing?" "Of course," Yolden affirmed. "There are indeed many new energy brands now, and many of them are struggling on the edge of survival. A lot of them have already disappeared, but the automotive market is so vast, and new energy vehicles only account for a small portion of it, which proves that the future of new energy still has great potential. Now, if the focus is only on competing with other new energy brands, the scale is indeed a bit small. The scope should be broadened to compete with traditional gasoline vehicle manufacturers. If you can cut Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai's global sales in half, that would truly be a giant." Yolden paused for a moment, almost as if remembering something, and then said, "Actually, you could consider researching this field. You don't lack money or resources, and with Ito-Schulz Ocean Shipping Group as your logistics channe
When Jacob came to his senses, he was already in tears. The student presumed he was unwell and asked, "Mr. Wilson, do you want me to call your wife to pick you up?" Elaine's sarcastic face immediately popped up in his mind, and he trembled with fear. He quickly wiped away his tears and stammered, "D-don't bother... I... I just got something in my eyes..." The student obviously didn't believe him and asked worriedly, "Why don't you call your wife? Or I'll call a cab for you." "No, no." Jacob waved his hand and said, "I'll call my son-in-law to pick me up. He has just returned to Aurous Hill, so it shouldn't be a problem." After that, he quickly took out his phone and called Charlie. Just a few minutes ago, Charlie had left the cafe and was about to walk Yolden to his car. When he saw Yolden walking straight toward a domestic new energy vehicle, he asked curiously, "I don't think you were driving this model before, were you?" "I just bought it," Yolden replied with a smil
If Matilda still had feelings for Jacob, his nostalgic strategy would definitely have a strong impact. However, Matilda had already decided to move on, so Jacob's suggestion did not stir any emotions in her at all. With an apologetic smile, she said, "Sorry, Jacob, Yolden is downstairs waiting for me. We have something to discuss. How about another day? We can have dinner together, and I'll treat you." Jacob didn't expect the nostalgia strategy to fall flat. His original plan was to use nostalgia to get Matilda to go with him to eat near the school, then take the opportunity to revisit old places and subtly reignite their past memories. After all, revisiting old places was the best way to rekindle old feelings, no exceptions. It was like drinking the pasta water after cooking the pasta. However, he never imagined that Matilda's expression wouldn't change in the slightest. There was no shyness, no hesitation, no nervousness, and certainly no fluttering heart. She simply and
Matilda had been listening attentively before, but now, she was lowering her head, fiddling with her phone, and her expression even carried a hint of shyness and happiness, like that of a young girl. Jacob felt a pang of jealousy. While doing the presentation, he couldn't help but resentfully think to himself, "What has Matilda been chatting about with that Yolden guy? She's so happy..." At that moment, Matilda had just received a message from Yolden. In the message, Yolden informed her of the outcome of his conversation with Charlie and expressed his desire to have the wedding as soon as possible. Seeing how eager her beloved was to marry her, Matilda naturally felt very touched. At that moment, she had completely fallen into Yolden's love. For this man, who had a similar background, education, values, and even lifestyle to her own, she could find no fault with him. She felt that he was perfectly tailor-made for her by heaven itself, almost as if everything about him perfectly m
Charlie's worries were not unfounded. He had long known that Jacob had not completely given up on Matilda despite her relationship with Yolden. After returning from the cultural exchange in Korea, Jacob had been more dejected than ever before—something he hadn't even displayed when his family had gone bankrupt. If there was still a chance to salvage the relationship when one's beloved was merely dating someone else, their marriage was tantamount to a death sentence. Furthermore, considering the high intellectual backgrounds of Matilda and Yolden as well as their age and life experience, their decision to marry at this stage of life undoubtedly signaled their intention to build a long-term future together. This left Jacob with absolutely no chance at all. At this moment, Jacob was blissfully unaware of the devastating news and was busy conducting a calligraphy and painting workshop at Senior University. The so-called workshop was essentially a few slides showcasing classic
After that, Charlie asked with a bit of curiosity, "When did you and Matilda decide to get married?" Yolden smiled sheepishly and explained, "Remember when the city organized our cultural exchange trip to South Korea? I confessed to Matilda during that trip, and she accepted. After spending some time together, we both felt we were a great match. Considering our age, we didn't want to delay such an important decision any longer, so we decided to take the next step and build a family together." He continued, "Last month, we went to Lambonear for a few days. I bought a ring and proposed to her by the seaside, and she said yes. We also sought the opinion of our respective children—Autumn and Paul—and they were both very supportive. Both kids are exceptional and independent, so they urged us to have the wedding as soon as possible. I wanted to wait until you returned so I could check your schedule. For our wedding, we'd like to ask you to be our officiant." "What? Me as the officiant?