Chaptér 396
Stephen was stunned for a moment. That was Blake?
In his memory, Blake was tall, thin, and rather handsome. Now, he looked completely different.
“I couldn’t recognize you at first,” Stephen said.
“I get it.” Blake said, “I must’ve changed a lot.”
Blake sat down with Stephen and laughed. “You’re amazing, Stephen. You’re managing all of Riveria. Riveria is the number one province in the country. You might even make it to the cabinet.”
Stephen’s smile turned wry. Most people did not know about Riveria’s economic state, but he did.
The number one province in the country? Riveria’s GDP had dropped several digits from its original 15 trillion. If he did not act fast, it might even drop to 10 digits.
“Let’s change topics.” Stephen felt that he could not talk about such matters. He asked Blake, How have you been? You seem to have gained some weight, so things must be going well.”
However, Blake smiled wryly. “Not really. My parents‘ health aren’t great, so I took over the family business, but we’re struggling due to the weak economy. I gained weight because of constant social obligations.“.
Blake sighed. “I also got married, but it was an arranged one. We’ve only met less than five times…” He trailed off.
The smile on Stephen’s face disappeared. He thought that only he was having a tough time, but Blake seemed no better off. Furthermore, from how he spoke of his marriage, it was clear that he was not happy either.
Blake looked at Stephen and said solemnly, “Stephen, your background is way better than mine. If you can, marry someone you love and who loves you back. Don’t end up in a loveless marriage.”
Stephen could not respond. It was too late. He had gotten married recently, and his partner was indeed someone whom he had no feelings for!
“Stephen?” Blake called out when Stephen did not speak.
“I’m listening.” Stephen snapped back to his senses. “I know.”
“Good.” Blake stood up and said, “Let me find out why breakfast isn’t served
yet.
Stephen watched Blake leave and sighed helplessly. He felt that they were somewhat similar. His family was rich, but there were some things that he could not change.
1/2
+25 BOHUS
Not long after Blake left, someone else arrived. The person who entered this time also wore glasses, but he wore a suit, had slicked–back hair, and had a good figure. He saw Stephen as soon as he entered.
“Stephen!” The person was shocked and overjoyed to see him. He hurriedly walked over to Stephen and held his hand out for a shake.
Stephen shook his hand and asked, “Who are you?”
“It’s Leo Hayes,” the man said. “You guys used to call me Nerd.”
Stephen was struck by a realization.
Leo was the best student in their grade. He came from a modest family, and his parents were not well–connected. They did not even graduate from high school. Leo had gotten into school purely from his results. He studied relentlessly at school, reading books even during lunch break.
Stephen and the other young masters did not like him and gave him many unpleasant monikers.
Stephen did not expect Leo to have changed so much in eight years. He did not look like a nerd who only knew how to study at all.
Thinking about it now, Stephen felt that he had gone too far. He wanted to use this chance to apologize to Leo.
However, before he could speak…
“Stephen, you were completely right. I really was a nerd back then. You were right to tease me.” Leo chuckled and cut off Stephen’s words. “You all live so lavishly but remember to take care of your health. I actually have a health supplement…”
Stephen did not hear the rest. He was in shock. He had no idea what Leo must have gone through in recent years to turn out like this.
Leo used to hate rich folks like him, but now, he was flattering him to try and sell his product.
Stephen felt that Leo had become a stranger. He was so unfamiliar to the point that he felt
uneasy.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 397
