Chapter 147
"She had been married once, but the man cheated her. He was a freeloader, using his wife's money to support other women, more than one. When everything came to light, guess what that man said?"
"What did he say?"
"He actually said she was unable to get pregnant!"
"Damn! That's really scummy."
"Indeed!"
George said angrily, "What's most infuriating is that the inability to have children had nothing to do with Lauren. The problem lies with the man. We only found out about this after their divorce."
"Damn! So he's slandering her."
"I even attended their wedding back then. When she was young, she was an absolute beauty, and of course, she still is!"
George took a sip of his drink. "It's only natural for Edward to pursue her. One widowed, the other divorced, with their relationship, it's a good thing for them to get closer."
I nodded. Indeed, this kind of thing was quite normal.
As long as both parents agreed, they didn't need to care what others might think.
"Well, these days he's been trying to please her," George chuckled.
"How did it go?"
"Not well."
George shook his head. "No matter how hard Edward tries, she is unmoved."
"Isn't that just wishful thinking then?"
"Who knows?"
George raised his glass."Come on. Let's drink!"
We clinked glasses, and he continued, "Enough about Edward. Let's talk about you. I heard from Edward that the Allen Family offered you a one-billion-dollar check, and you turned it down."
As the words fell, the woman sitting on my lap began to breathe rapidly, and the women around George looked at me as if they wanted to devour me.
"Well, I declined. A man must have principles in life."
"I admire you for that. That was a billion dollars!"
George gave me a thumbs-up. "You have no idea how much Edward admires you. He said he's been in business for over a decade and has never met a young man like you."
"It's really nothing. Recalling it, I might regret it."
I smiled, "If given another chance, I definitely wouldn't refuse."
George also smiled, "Compared to the check, you gained the friendship of the Allen Family, which is invaluable. You know, in Sevan, the Allen Family's influence is significant. You must make good use of it."
I nodded, keeping his words in mind.
After chatting for a while, George took me to toast to other people. "This is Mr. Morales from Tower Company..."
These people were all big shots in the Sevan liquor industry, genuine networking resources.
After going around, I added over a dozen people to Facebook.
Coincidentally, Charles had finished his game by then.
He was leaning back comfortably, with three women massaging his legs and shoulders, and another woman carefully feeding him water.
Even a god would envy such a life.
Having money was truly fantastic.
"Charles!"
George walked over, and Charles waved his hand. The three women left immediately, and George pulled me to sit beside him.
Charles seemed to have sobered up from his earlier daze.
"Sorry. I drank too much. Just sobered up."
Damn! Charles was just enjoying himself. But he pretended to just sober up! Of course, I couldn't say that.
"Charles, this is the John I often mention."
"Hello, Charles!"
I quickly lowered my posture and raised my glass. "George often speaks highly of you, saying you're his good friend and a leader in the Sevan liquor industry. It's an honor to meet you. I'd like to toast to you!"
I downed the drink in one gulp, and Charles nodded. "You're quite the talent, as George often mentions you."
I caught the emphasis in his words. He called George by his name.
And George seemed at ease. Clearly, they addressed each other like this on a regular basis.
It seemed Jenny was right after all.
"I'm so flattered."
"Don't be so restrained. You're George's friend, so you're my friend, too. No need to be so polite among ourselves."
George added, "Don't worry, John. Charles is very easygoing."
I nodded.
"Since we're all family, I won't beat around the bush."
Charles said, "John, I heard from George that you have a close relationship with the Allen Family. Is that true?"
I glanced at George, wondering why he had shared this with Charles.
George seemed a bit embarrassed, winking at me. After a moment's thought, I nodded. "Yes."
"I want to as you for a small favor. Could you help me?"
Damn! There was definitely something he needed from me.
I now realized why George had called me over. Initially, it was supposed to be a private meeting, but when he invited me to the Sevan liquor circle gathering, I sensed something was wrong.
No wonder George ignored Edward. Now, I even doubted if he had actually called Edward.
But at this point, I couldn't ask. Since I was here, if I refused, it would be disrespectful, and if I didn't help, it would be a blow to George's reputation. He wouldn't be pleased, either.
"Charles, please go ahead. I'll do my best to help. However, if it's beyond my capabilities, I can't promise. I hope you could understand."
Charles Williams smiled, "Don't worry, what's difficult for others is not necessarily difficult for you."
I listened attentively, and George let out a sigh of relief, silently giving me a thumbs-up.
"The Allen Family's young master has started a fast-moving consumer goods company, controlling the distribution channels of Sevan's major supermarkets. I want you to help make the connection."
So that was the deal.
I replied, "Is it that simple? With your capabilities, wouldn't it be better to negotiate with him yourself?"
"Don't rush. Hear me out first."
Charles continued, "Negotiating is one thing, but getting access to good resources is another. The resources controlled by the Allen Family's young master are not as simple as they appear on the surface. He can even place liquor in the canteens of major factories and even government offices. Do you understand?"
It suddenly dawned on me, and I finally realized the matter.
The profits involved were substantial.
"Not only that, apart from Sevan, the Allen Family's young master's channels extend to other cities."
I nodded, fully comprehending.
Negotiations might succeed, but obtaining quality resources wouldn't be easy.
With me as the intermediary, negotiations might go smoother, given my connections.
George added, "John, just give us a hand. If things work out, Charles will definitely show his appreciation."
I said, "Since both of you are asking, as a friend, I won't refuse. However, I can't guarantee success.