Chapter 367 Out of Your League
Clifford wasn't just calling James his boss this time; he was addressing him as "teacher" with a respect that surpassed even what he showed his own parents.
Clifford had initially thought James was exaggerating. Sure, James had accomplished a lot, but claiming to know the long-lost Suppressing Demons Technique seemed a bit far-fetched.
After all, even Clifford's master from back in the day didn't fully understand it, leaving behind only half a manuscript.
So, when Clifford first glanced at the Suppressing Demons Technique completed by James, he was skeptical and ready to give some half-hearted praise.
But after practicing it, Clifford was completely convinced. Not only did James's version seamlessly connect with the first half, but it also amplified its power tenfold.
Just one night of practice significantly improved Clifford's energy and spirit, healed his injuries, and broke through the strength barrier he'd been stuck at for years.
From that moment, Clifford worshipped James wholeheartedly.
Anyone who could casually write such a legendary technique was someone worth getting close to. Only a fool would pass up the opportunity.
Faced with Clifford's relentless pestering, James reluctantly agreed to take him on as a disciple, then finally found some time to go out for his morning exercise.
James practiced his martial arts in the park, reviewed his medical skills, and then picked up three breakfast meals from KFC on his way back.
"Isn't that Bruce and his family?"
James had just swiped his card to enter Leo Villa when he noticed a few people walking along the main road.
He immediately recognized Bruce and his family, who were clearly out for an early morning stroll.
James turned to greet them.
"James?" Coralie, dressed stylishly, was the first to spot him and called out in surprise.
She was clearly taken aback to see James in such a place.
James, carrying the breakfast, walked slowly from the private path connecting Leo Villa to the park.
"James, what are you doing here?" Bruce and Marigold were also surprised and puzzled to see him.
After all, James had just come out of Leo Villa.
James greeted them with a smile, "Good morning, Uncle Bruce, Aunt Marigold, Coralie."
Bruce and Coralie nodded in response. "Good morning."
Marigold, however, let out a snort, not hiding her disdain and contempt.
Although James's ginseng and agate grapes had shocked Marigold, she still didn't believe James was wealthy, attributing it more to luck.
In her view, James had tried to buy high-quality imitations to show off but had accidentally bought the real thing.
So, she not only didn't change her opinion of James but also blamed him for the two slaps she had received.
James ignored Marigold and smiled at Bruce. "Uncle Bruce, out for a morning walk?"
Bruce nodded with a smile. "Coralie's live streams have been quite popular lately."
"She's been getting tens of thousands of dollars in tips every day, plus over ten million dollars from some really rich guy."
Bruce didn't hide his pride as he spoke to James.
"Her commission this month will be over five million dollars. She's planning to save up to buy her own villa."
"So, I brought her here to check out the prices and environment, to motivate her to work even harder."
Bruce was very pleased with Coralie, who had become an overnight sensation but still kept her job at Wish Group.
Coralie looked proud. "Dad, just wait. With the Rosewood City miracle doctor, I'll be able to buy a villa here within a year."
Today, Coralie was wearing a black suit with a light-colored blouse underneath, her makeup was exquisite, and her confidence was radiating.
"What are you two talking about?" Marigold interrupted the father-daughter conversation. "James can't possibly understand things worth millions or tens of millions of dollars."
"Besides, showing off like this might make James feel bad."
"Even his job tomorrow is arranged by Coralie, remember?"
Marigold loved to show off to friends and family but didn't want James to know they were too wealthy, fearing he might cling to them.
She worried James might use the childhood engagement to make a big deal out of it, and Bruce's pride might actually lead to them being matched.
So, Marigold quickly changed the subject. "James, sorry, Bruce and Coralie just like to brag."
"By the way, you haven't told us why you're here. I saw you coming out of Leo Villa earlier."
Marigold sneered. "James, Leo Villa is for important people. Don't wander around out of curiosity."
Bruce was also puzzled.
Coralie looked at the three KFC breakfasts in James's hand and seemed to understand.
"I live here." James smiled at Bruce. "Uncle Bruce, why don't you come over for a visit?"
Bruce and his family were taken aback, their expressions turning strange.
Marigold scoffed. "Are you saying this Leo Villa is yours?"
James nodded lightly. "Yes, it's mine."
"James, what's happened to you? You need to be honest." Bruce's face darkened. "Do you think we're fools? Everyone in Glowing Oasis knows Leo Villa belongs to Mr. Rivera. When did it become yours?"
"Even if you want to save face, at least be realistic."
Bruce looked pained. "Where's your old honesty? Even if you're poor, you should have your own principles."
James was taken aback. "Uncle Bruce, this house really is mine. Why don't you come in and see?"
"Enough, James. Is there any point in pretending in front of us?" Marigold sneered. "The villa clearly belongs to Mr. Rivera, yet you claim it's yours. How shameless."
"Don't tell me the Rivera Group gave it to you."
She shook her head at James, thinking it was pathetic and laughable to be poor and vain.
James chuckled. "Actually, Mr. Rivera did give it to me."
"That's enough, James. Stop talking." Bruce's enthusiasm for James had waned. "I don't want to say more. Just hope you stay grounded and take care."
He felt deeply disappointed.
If Virgil and Michelle knew James was like this, how heartbroken and disappointed would they be?
"If you still consider me an elder, remember to follow Coralie's arrangements for work tomorrow."
"I won't be visiting your villa."
With that, Bruce walked away with a stern expression.
"Bruce, James is too vain. He'll probably cling to us in the future." Marigold chased after Bruce. "I need to call Michelle and tear up that childhood engagement."
Bruce's tone turned cold. "That was just drunken talk."
Marigold snorted: "I know it was drunken talk, but I'm afraid it might have been taken seriously."
Watching them walk away, James shook his head helplessly, not wanting to chase after them to explain.
"James, there's no need for this. If you're delivering food, just say it. Why claim the villa is yours?"
Coralie looked at the KFC breakfasts in James's hand, her cold face showing deep disdain.
"Delivering food isn't shameful, but vanity is."
"The Rivera Group is one of the top five families. How could they need you or try to please you? Who do you think you are?"
Coralie was very disappointed.
"I know earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in half an hour from live streaming might have deeply affected you, as it's money you might never earn in your lifetime."
"But you should still work hard instead of using someone else's villa to show off."
"This won't make me think highly of you; instead, it'll make me think poorly of your character."
James smiled faintly. "Whatever you say."
Coralie walked past James, her breath fragrant. After a few steps, she turned back and spoke, "And James, don't have any thoughts you shouldn't."
"A girl like me is out of your league."
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