Chapter 34. A Great Opportunity To Enjoy Friendships.

Observing Brent's furious expression, Jared felt a sharp pain in his head for an instant.

"Listen carefully. You can pursue legal action in any way you choose, but I need clarification. Is there a provision in the contract that stipulates you will continue as an investor even after the business changes hands... or was there ever a contract at all?"

That was the thought in his mind the moment it was mentioned that they are the investors.

How could it be that Nordy never brought them up?

And why are they unaware of the ownership transition?

Did the former owner intentionally withhold this information from them?

If it was significant, why wasn't there any communication regarding their plans about such a crucial issue?

Brent abruptly halted, and his expression quickly shifted to one of surprise.

He was aware that a contract existed, but he was unfamiliar with the details of that document since it was his father who held onto it.

"Don't attempt to negotiate with me! I guarantee you, I'll make you submit before that venture of yours! Just wait for the attorney! I will take legal action against you!"

He quickly rubbed his forehead as the guards were escorting Brent out of the establishment.

"Investors and shareholders are integral to the business. Aren't you worried about ending up in prison?" Selestine asked.

"Not at all. Since I took control of the business, the management hasn't communicated anything concrete regarding investors, which indicates they don't have the authority to challenge my decisions."

Nordy never provided him with any information, leading him to believe there are no stipulations that guarantee investors will remain after a change in ownership.

Still, the former owner should have informed them about my existence... so why didn't he?

"What kind of operation is this? That guy appears to be a wandering ghost, filled with bitterness and refusing to move on. You definitely have a tough situation," Gandrick remarked.

Jared shrugged his shoulder and took another sip from his drink before filling his glass again.

"It's Yellow St. I'm the new owner," he replied nonchalantly.

"Seriously? It belongs to you now?" Nessie's eyes lit up in astonishment, and the others shared her reaction.

"That's amazing. I thought that the district was off-limits for buyers. Many have tried to take over that business since the owner is elderly and unwell, but none have succeeded. How did you pull that off?" Filio asked with interest.

"It's great because it's a steady business that has been around for years," Nessie added.

"But isn't it true that the old man has five children? Why did he decide to sell the business instead of passing it down to them? I heard it was a family legacy built with hard work, so I don't understand why he sold it to you," Matthew inquired.

He had previously considered the same question, but ultimately, it was of no concern. It wasn't even him who purchased it; the system provided it.

"Forget about that. Let's set aside business and focus on planning our next trip! Next month, we need to take down those annoying gang members once again," Gandrick's voice dripped with venom.

"Annoying gang? You're not going after people, are you?" Jared inquired with a frown, glancing at them.

Selestine curled her lips in distaste. "Ugh! They're just another group like us, essentially our adversaries. They operate a racetrack and frequently challenge us"

"It's exasperating just to think about them. Who do they believe they are? They behave as if they own everything, flaunting their arrogance and family legacy as if they're the ones running the business. They might be like us, but they carry themselves like pompous lords and royalty," Filio remarked. His previously gentle demeanor had turned icy. The others shared the same sentiment.

It appeared that their animosity ran deep.

"Is it a long-standing grudge?"

Matthew shook his head and leaned against me.

"We are like two opposing forces that cannot exist in the same space. It's like a chemical reaction that mixes and leads to an explosion. We are comparable to that when two groups come together. We create explosive energy, and that energy results in a significant impact. There's always a history of conflict between us."

Matthew certainly has an interesting scientific perspective, but Jared quickly grasped their meaning.

"It's always been this way. Our families have constantly clashed over business matters, and this tension ultimately affects us as well. Now it's not just about their parents and businesses; it involves us too."

That's concerning. Affluent individuals also face their unique struggles and difficulties in life, and tranquility cannot be purchased with wealth.

"Especially that Wilmar guy. He thinks he is so cool acting all high and mighty. I would've punch his face if it weren't for Matthew that day. Gosh! That guy is freaking me out. It irks me to think even about his face" Selestine utter in disgusted tone.

"What kind of bet place in there?" Jared curiously asked.

"Anything accessible. Money, equity, cars, anything valuable you have. If you can't pay, they will take anything valuable as collateral"

'equity? Like shares? Is it the equity of the racetrack? That's...cool' Jared thought.

Wealthy people sure know how to play.

"They also bet business shares? Isn't that a loss for them?"

They shook their heads simultaneously.

"There was before when they challenged us, but we never won" Gandrick.

"What racetrack is it?" Jared inquired curiously.

"Windmill Speedway in Orange City" Matthew response.

"You can come if you want, do you race?" Filio asked but Jared shook his head.

"It's okay, you can come along. Nessie and i are the only ones who don't race" Selestine added.

"Sure"

It was nearing midnight when the group engaged in a deeper discussion filled with laughter and sharing self-interest stories.

As time quickly flew by, they became better acquainted, and Jared glanced at his watch. It was past midnight when fatigue gradually set in.

He finished the last sip from his glass and pressed the button. "I apologize, but I need to head home. Let's catch up next time."

The waitress approached them with a friendly smile. Matthew reached for his wallet, but Jared quickly stopped him. "No, this one's on me..."

"Are you sure? Our drinks are quite pricey," Nessie remarked, to which Jared simply shook his head. "It's fine, I'll handle it."

He pulled out his card and handed it to the waitress. "I'll take care of the bill."

The waitress smiled and nodded. "Certainly, sir. Please hold on for a moment."

Once the waitress walked away, Matthew slid his wallet back and nodded. "Alright, but next time it's on me," which made Jared nod in agreement.

"How about we come to see you one of these days? Where do you live?" Selestine asked, flashing her captivating smile.

"Of course, you're welcome to visit me. I live at Starry Moon Lake in the Crystal Community. Just give me a call if you'd like to come," Jared replied.

A hush fell over their table, and all attention turned toward him.

"Starry Moon Lake? Wait, that's yours? Is that why it's never been sold all this time because it belongs to you?" Selestine asked, and Jared nodded in agreement.

Once the waitress tallied the total for both tables, she returned with the card and receipt. "Sir, your total is 330,000. Thank you."

Matthew and the others nearly spit out their drinks upon hearing their total bill. They had never before spent nearly half a million in Neon. Usually, their tab ranged from 50,000 to 100,000 for just the five of them. They only ordered their regular drinks, which didn't cost much more than 50,000, but the series of numbers they heard...

"Did you happen to order a case of expensive drinks?" Matthew asked in disbelief as Jared tucked the card into his pocket.

"No, I'm not familiar with the drinks they offer, so I let the waitress take care of my order. I just asked for a bottle. Anyway, I'm heading out now. We should catch up another time," then their gaze fell upon a black bottle resting on the table. It was worth 300,000 and hadn't even been half consumed. They were so engrossed in their conversation that they hadn't noticed the bottle until now.

"Sure. Next time"

They acknowledged him with nods and waves as Jared turned away from the table, while the others watched him gesture to the waitress, who then placed a stack of bills in her hands. The people at the table observed the waitress's jaw drop in astonishment as she gazed at the cash in her hands.

"Hey. Where did you find someone like him? He's generous" Filio inquired.

"Gym. He won 10,000,000 just for a single fight on our first meeting"

Their mouths hang open, their eyes wide with a mixture of amusement and disbelief.

"Wow! Is this for real?" asked Gandrick.

"I really want him! I truly do!" exclaimed Selestine.

"He's incredible," Nessie added.

"Is that Milton Gym again? Do they really have that much money to gamble?" questioned Filio.

Matthew shook his head and poured himself a glass from the bottle Jared had paid for before taking a sip. "Nope. He was the one who challenged Milton for 5,000,000, and the cocky guy upped it to 10. In the end, he ended up losing."

Their eyes widened with even more amusement, and smiles began to form on their lips.

"He's really good. I like him," said Gandrick.

"I feel the same way, which is why...I want him in."