Chapter 9 - A strong backer

"Adam, here's my business card. If Blake gives you any trouble, feel free to contact me anytime. You're also welcome to visit my home when you have the time," David said, handing Adam a business card with only his name and phone number on it.

"Thank you for your card. I'll remember that, and I'll definitely reach out to you if I need to," Adam respectfully accepted the card, carefully putting it into his pocket.

"Alright, it's getting late. I'll take my leave now," David said, leaving with the people behind him.

"I should go too. Where are you heading? I can give you a ride," Brittany offered.

"Brittany, aren't you going to process the stone?" Adam asked.

"No need. I'm planning to take this rough stone back to my company for processing. I'll soon return this emerald to the company, so I don't feel comfortable holding onto it all the time," Brittany explained.

"Haha, you're right. Then I appreciate you giving me a ride back to school," Adam said.

Brittany's car was parked outside the shop, a white BMW M6 worth over two million. Adam couldn't help but marvel at the life of the wealthy. They both got into the car and headed towards the school.

"Can you tell me about Blake? What kind of person is he?" Adam asked.

"Blake is the son of Brian, the chairman of Yunhai Group. You've probably heard of Yunhai Group, right?" Brittany replied.

"Yeah, I've heard of it. Yunhai Group is a huge conglomerate worth billions, one of the top-ranking in the country," Adam said.

"That's right. But more importantly, Blake's mother is the younger sister of the deputy mayor of Yunhai City," Brittany added.

"Haha, looks like I've offended quite a big shot," Adam chuckled.

"Are you scared?" Brittany asked.

"Hehe," Adam chuckled but didn't answer.

Soon, Brittany drove the car to the entrance of the school.

"Thank you for driving me back," Adam thanked.

"I should be the one thanking you. Remember to contact me if you need anything," Brittany said before driving away.

Adam watched Brittany's car gradually disappearing, then turned and walked towards the school. Just as he entered the school gate, he heard someone calling him from behind.

"Adam, please wait."

Adam turned around and was surprised to see Penelope calling him. Today's Penelope was even more stunning.

She was wearing a tight red bodycon dress, her figure alluring and captivating, with curves in all the right places. Her long and slender legs were wrapped in sheer stockings, and she wore a pair of black high heels, making her figure appear even more tall and graceful, igniting a spark of passion in Adam's heart.

However, he could feel the cold aura emanating from her, instantly extinguishing the warmth in Adam's heart.

"What's the matter?" Adam asked calmly.

"My grandmother wants to see you," Penelope said coldly, with an indifferent look on her face.

After a moment of consideration, Adam decided to agree. Despite the conflicts between him and Penelope, he couldn't refuse an old person who wanted to see him.

"I'll go with you," Adam said.

"Get in the car," Penelope commanded.

Adam got into the car, and Penelope drove away from the school.

"Where are we going?" Adam asked.

"You'll see when we get there," Penelope replied, refusing to say more.

After about fifteen minutes, the car stopped at the entrance of a military compound. After a thorough inspection, the car was allowed to enter the compound.

"Is your home here?" Adam asked in astonishment. Living in such a place, she definitely wasn't an ordinary person.

"Yes," Penelope replied. She drove the car to the entrance of a separate courtyard and said to Adam, "Get out of the car."

Adam got out of the car and followed Penelope inside. The courtyard was spacious, with a three-story building in the center.

As they entered the building, Adam saw a kind-looking old lady sitting in the living room. She seemed familiar to him, probably Penelope's grandmother.

Beside them were a middle-aged couple, the man dressed in military uniform with the rank of Major General, and the woman elegant and dignified, exuding an extraordinary aura, smiling as they appraised him.

"Grandma, Mom, Dad, I've brought someone," Penelope said before sitting down silently.

"Hello, Grandma! Hello, Uncle, Aunt!" Adam greeted politely.

"Hello, hello, child, come over here," the kind old lady said, pulling Adam to sit beside her.

"Your name is Adam, right? If you don't mind, you can call me Grandma just like Penelope does," the old lady said.

"Wouldn't that be inappropriate?" Adam hesitated. He didn't want to be accused of trying to gain favor.

"There's nothing inappropriate about it. If it weren't for you, this old bones of mine would have met Yama long ago. Let's just settle it this way," the old lady said with a smile.

"Then I'm truly grateful, Grandma!" Adam said.

"Great, that's great! Grandma called you here today to express her sincere gratitude. If you have any requests, feel free to speak up," the old lady said.

"You're too kind, Grandma. With your blessings, even without me, you would still have good fortune," Adam modestly said.

"This kid really knows how to talk," Penelope whispered quietly.

Adam heard but didn't mind, even giving Penelope a defiant glance.

"Adam, don't mind her. Penelope has been spoiled by us," Mrs. Ye chuckled.

"It's okay, Grandma. I don't mind," Adam said.

"Peter, Natalie, in the future, take care of Adam more, and Penelope, you're not allowed to bully Adam," the old lady said.

"We understand, Mom," the middle-aged couple replied.

"I understand, Grandma," Penelope reluctantly responded.

"Adam! If you encounter any difficulties in the future, just tell your uncle and aunt. If they can't solve it, tell Grandma, and Grandma will make the decisions for you," Mrs. Ye said.

"Thank you, Grandma. I will," Adam said, touched. This was the first time he felt such warmth, akin to family.

"I'll call you Adam too! I've looked into your situation. In the future, if you have any difficulties, as long as it's not illegal, you can come to me, and I'll do my best to help you," Penelope's father, Peter, said sternly.

"Adam, take this bank card. Last time when Penelope offered it to you, you declined. Consider this a gift from Auntie as a token of our meeting," Penelope's mother, Natalie, said, handing Adam a bank card.

"Thank you, Uncle, Auntie. I appreciate your kindness, but I can't accept the money," Adam said firmly.

"Alright then, if that's the case, let's leave it at that. But if you ever need money in the future, don't hesitate to ask," Natalie said, satisfied with Adam's determination reflected in his expression.

"Thank you, Auntie. I'll keep that in mind," Adam said, feeling grateful.

"Alright, Adam, no need to be so polite. From now on, we're family. Why don't you stay for dinner tonight before you leave? Later, I'll have Penelope drive you back to school," Mrs. Ye said.

"That would be great. Thank you, Aunt Penelope," Adam said.

"Hmph!" Penelope snorted coldly, clearly dissatisfied with Adam's choice of address for her.