Jason didn't waste time replying.
Emma? She wasn't worth his attention. Arguing with someone at her level would only drag him down.
The barbecue stand near the university district buzzed with life. Laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as the night breeze carried the scent of grilled meat and beer.
Across from him, Ryan raised his glass with a grin.
"Junior Jason," he said in a low voice while the others were distracted, "I heard you're looking for an on-campus representative. Would you consider me? I'm capable."
Jason swirled the ice in his glass and met his gaze. "I've asked you to handle campus matters before. You did well. I trust your ability." He paused. "But you're graduating this year. Most seniors won't be on campus next semester."
Ryan didn't hesitate. "I'm planning to take the postgraduate entrance exam. I'll stay another two or three years."
That wasn't his original plan, but plans change when opportunity appears.
Jason nodded. "Then I'll leave campus matters to you."
Ryan's face lit up. "No problem at all! Anything related to school—just tell me."
To him, this wasn't just a favor. This was a connection. A stepping stone to something greater.
Jason opened the university forum on his phone and deleted the post that had stirred discussion all night. A moment later, his phone vibrated.
Olivia had sent a message. After multiple rounds of written exams and interviews, three candidates for the personal secretary position had been shortlisted. Detailed resumes followed.
Jason leaned back and reviewed them. The first candidate was a woman in her forties—experienced, steady, and reliable. The second was in her early thirties with strong executive ability and an excellent performance record.
The third caught his attention.
Name: Ameli
Age: 25
Education: Master's degree
Experience: Three years in the industry, but already well-known in her field. Fast learner, sharp judgment, impressive adaptability.
Her only weakness? Less experience than the others.
Jason's lips curved. He valued potential over seniority. The attached photo showed a poised young woman in professional attire. Elegant features, calm eyes, confident posture. At least an eight out of ten.
"Choose Ameli," Jason replied.
Olivia responded with a simple "Understood."
Seconds later, a familiar system notification echoed in his mind.
Ding.
Ameli: Favorability +10
Favorability: 0 → 10
Jason's gaze flickered. So it started at zero. Good. That meant she wasn't influenced by prior emotions—only professional respect for now.
With the campus representative settled and the secretary chosen, he could prepare to leave New York with peace of mind.
A deafening engine roar shattered the relaxed atmosphere.
Heads turned. A red Ferrari SF90 Spider sped down the street, its convertible top open under the neon glow of city lights. Behind it followed several luxury cars—Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes AMG—forming an extravagant convoy.
Gasps erupted from the food stall crowd. For most college students, this scene belonged in movies.
The Ferrari slowed. In the passenger seat sat Emma, the Information Management Department's so-called campus goddess. She wore a sleek black dress tonight, her hair flowing in the wind.
Her eyes locked onto Jason.
"Rick, pull over," she said, squeezing his hand. "Let's invite someone."
Rick smirked and steered the car to the side. He stepped out, opening the door for Emma like a gentleman. She took his arm. The two walked toward the barbecue stand.
Rick's expression was filled with barely concealed arrogance. His gaze swept across the stunned students as if declaring: This is your department's goddess. You can only admire her from afar. But she's standing beside me.
Jason watched with an indifferent expression.
Did Rick care whether Emma was materialistic? Not at all. He preferred it that way. If a girl wasn't materialistic, what was the point of having money? This was college. This was entertainment. Why waste time deciphering emotions when money could buy admiration and dependency?
Los Angeles' business circle had undergone a major shake-up. Infinity Group had absorbed several mid-sized companies, triggering a chain reaction. Rick's father had sharp instincts. He rode the wave, securing contracts that multiplied their family assets within months.
As the only son, Rick's allowance skyrocketed. Spending two or three hundred thousand dollars a month? Pocket change.
Tonight's "surprise" wasn't about romance. It was about display. About dominance.
Emma, holding Rick's arm, walked toward Jason. Lily hurried behind them, her smug expression exaggerated. The street food stall fell silent.
Emma stopped in front of Jason. Under the dim light, she glanced at his simple outfit. No luxury watch. No obvious designer logos. A faint sneer tugged at her lips.
She lifted her chin. "Jason, let me introduce you. This is my boyfriend, Rick. His family owns a Marketing company."
Her tone carried pride.
The surrounding students leaned forward. They didn't understand Jason's financial strength or the true scale of this Marketing company. They only knew both were "rich." This would be interesting.
A few people exchanged strange looks. To them, this scene was comical.
Rick stepped forward, enjoying every second. So this was Emma's ex-boyfriend. He loved it.
He extended his hand with arrogance. "Hello, classmate. My name is—"
He took one step closer. The streetlight shifted. Jason's face became clear.
Rick's words died in his throat. His extended hand froze midair. His pupils shrank.
No. Impossible.
He rubbed his eyes. Looked again. The calm eyes. The composed posture.
His face turned deathly pale. His lips trembled.
"Ja… Jason… Mr Carter?"
The name came out in a broken whisper.
He had never met Jason Carter in person. His family wasn't qualified. At Shenna's birthday banquet hosted by Jason, his father hadn't been eligible to receive an invitation.
But in Los Angeles' business circle, who didn't know the Carter name now? The recent corporate restructuring? Driven by Infinity. The business opportunities Rick's father seized? Enabled by Jason's restructuring.
And now Emma's ex-boyfriend was Jason?
Rick's mind went blank. His knees weakened. Before anyone could react, he collapsed onto the pavement with a dull thud.
Kneeling.
The entire street fell silent. The onlookers were stunned. They had expected a confrontation between two wealthy heirs. Instead, one side hadn't even spoken, and the other was kneeling on the ground.
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