Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty: The Wind Rises
Hearing that someone wanted to acquire his Flor de Loto perfume company for the paltry sum of one million pounds struck Zhao Lun unexpectedly.
From the way Charlie Edward expressed it, it seemed that if they refused, there would be force behind his intentions.
Zhao Lun had anticipated feeling furious upon receiving such news, perhaps storming out in anger. Instead, his mind remained calm as he pondered who had come to trouble him and what their purpose was. Were they someone he could provoke, or were they not to be trifled with?
For Zhao Lun, understanding such matters was straightforward. With the right information and the assistance of his neural implant, he could gather data and run simulations to come up with reasonable strategies; he simply needed to choose the most effective one.
This ability was formidable but also attracted envy. He seldom used it casually, reserving it for situations that threatened his foundation.
Flor de Loto was his first company, his very foundation. Now, it had grown strong enough to compete with established perfume houses, with its market value estimated at over a hundred million pounds. The offer of one million pounds for acquisition was not only insulting but also dripped with malice, akin to throwing crumbs at a starving person.
As the ladies discussed this, Zhao Lun activated his neural implant, quickly linking to the estate's surveillance system. Silently gaining access, he copied video feeds and erased any traces, ensuring no one would notice.
Through the footage, he identified Joe Edward and his wife, witnessing their encounter with Nicole and the others.
Their expressions and lip movements revealed their arrogance, as if they were high and mighty figures handing down a generous offer.
"What could have made him so arrogant and presumptuous?"
"Is it merely the support of the Edward family?"
Zhao Lun found himself both amused and incredulous at Joe Edward's demeanor; he felt as though he were watching a clown perform. It was difficult to feel anger toward someone so ridiculous.
After a chuckle, Zhao Lun feigned indifference.
"Aren't you angry?"
The women beside him were surprised. Based on their expectations, their boss would surely react with indignation upon hearing this news, if not outright fury. They didn't expect him to merely smirk and return to normalcy, as if the prior unpleasantness had never occurred.
Such a transformation left them feeling unsettled, as if their boss had evolved too quickly.
"Angry? He's just a clown; is he worth my ire?"
In Zhao Lun's eyes, Joe Edward was nothing but a jester, incapable of causing him harm. The true concern lay with the ancient Edward family; without their backing, he was nothing.
A serving cart rolled out, revealing a towering six-tier cake. The cake was lavishly adorned with cream and chocolate, studded with fruits that glimmered like gemstones, making it a feast for the eyes.
Sixty specially made candles were artfully inserted into the cake.
Many children accompanying their families were eagerly anticipating this grand cake. Upon seeing it, they couldn't help but salivate, their eyes fixated on the cake, unwilling to look away.
Not just the children; even some adults with a sweet tooth were unable to resist the temptation.
Next to the cart stood Charlie Edward, enthusiastically waving and greeting guests. Beside him were Joe Edward and his wife. At that moment, Joe Edward appeared to have transformed, groveling shamelessly before Charlie Edward.
"Look at that sycophantic face! It's nauseating!"
"Hmph! A small man reveling in his newfound status!"
"A small man reveling? Perhaps. I suspect his ambitions are quite grand, or else he wouldn't cling to his wife's surname so tightly."
The group shared their various opinions on Joe Edward.
Charlie Edward, visibly pleased, addressed the crowd, "I hope the ladies and gentlemen have a delightful evening… Without further ado, let us share in my joy…"
Applause erupted, echoing through the hall.
As the applause faded, Charlie Edward offered a brief prayer, closing his eyes as if making a silent wish.
Whoosh!—
He opened his eyes, took a deep breath, and blew out the candles atop the nearly meter-tall cake in one breath.
"Ah!—"
Some guests who knew his true age gasped in disbelief, their expressions filled with surprise.
To extinguish all the candles in one breath required remarkable lung capacity, something even most young people might struggle to achieve. Yet Charlie Edward accomplished it effortlessly, leaving the guests astonished.
They understood that Charlie Edward had truly regained his youth, not through cosmetics but in a genuine revival. He seemed more vibrant than many younger individuals.
If I could regain my youth, could I do the same? Perhaps even better?
Applause swelled again, louder than before.
The gazes of the attendees grew warmer, and Charlie Edward beamed with satisfaction; this was the effect he desired.
Achieving his goal, he wasted no time and moved directly to the next phase: serving the cake. Charlie Edward personally began distributing slices. There was no elaborate show or the famed cake fight; everyone behaved like gentlemen, sharing and enjoying the cake without wasting food.
Everyone present received a piece of cake, adults taking smaller slices to savor, while the children devoured the majority, their plates piled high with cream and chocolate, their little faces smeared with confectionery.
The grand cake was quickly devoured.
As the cake disappeared, the atmosphere settled.
In the gentle lighting, Zhao Lun received his slice, topped with cherries, grapes, and melon, the chocolate glistening enticingly under the lights.
The cake was delicious; even after being spoiled by Mulan's culinary expertise, Zhao Lun and the others enjoyed every bite.
"This cake is quite good; we should try making it ourselves when we get back."
"Mm."
They spoke casually, their minds drifting elsewhere.
Whoosh!—
A sudden gust of wind swept through.
The wind had risen.