Eric believed that, as a technical reserve, they needed to invest some money. If the country introduced policies to support such initiatives, Innova might have a chance to shift from an equipment installation and commissioning firm to an equipment manufacturer.They had to take a risk to grab a piece of the pie.Andy agreed. At present, Innova was occupied with projects for Williams Corp. and Sonnex Corp. Once those were finished, many employees would have nothing to do. Starting a new project at that point seemed wise. They wouldn't know if it could succeed if they didn't try.In terms of equipment performance, algorithms were just as important as the chips used. High-quality chips were available locally. If they could optimize algorithms on a large scale, their products might rival those of international giants.Of course, Eric couldn't do it alone. He needed a team.-In the evening.After returning to the Rosewood Estate and having dinner, Eric went to his study to work on t
"Focus on your work!" Sylvia said, playfully punching Eric before running away. Eric raised an eyebrow. Sylvia's reaction hinted that his dream would come true tonight.Despite the importance of work, Sylvia held greater significance. After saving his files, he joined her in the living room."Go shower first," Sylvia suggested.Eric grinned. He used to take ten minutes to shower, but now it only took two.Upon emerging, Sylvia had already changed into workout clothes."Why are you wearing that?" Eric scratched his head.Sylvia beckoned playfully. "I've told you, you have to defeat me first."Eric was puzzled. Sylvia couldn't match his martial arts skills, so he didn't understand her persistence."Come on!" Sylvia urged seductively, luring him in.Eric couldn't resist any longer. His martial arts prowess far surpassed Sylvia's, and he easily pinned her down on the couch.Sylvia gazed at him, her eyes filled with allure. "Mr. Johnson, let me be a part of your life for years t
Tiger finally agreed to meet with Lucas. He took a sip of his tea and asked, "Mr. Petterson, why are you here after trying to meet me so many times?"Lucas had attempted to meet Tiger several times but was consistently ignored. Despite claiming to be the young heir of the Pettersons in Dortmund, Tiger seemed uninterested in their affairs. It was only today that he found some free time and decided to see what Lucas wanted.Tiger didn't even request tea for Lucas.Lucas smiled and said, "Mr. Kirkby, I've come to discuss something very important.""Go ahead," Tiger replied, not lifting his gaze.Lucas continued. "Mr. Kirkby, you're the top figure in Salt City's underworld. But with the recent crackdowns, I imagine life hasn't been easy for you."Tiger put down his teacup.It was true that the crackdowns had made life challenging for their circle. Some of his associates had even gone legit. As for Tiger, he did have some business assets, but they weren't substantial."Get to the
"Mr. Kirkby!" When Tiger gave the order to leave, Lucas began to feel uneasy. "I know you're into underground fighting. Your two fighters got beaten. Don't you want to get back on top?"Tiger froze. It was true that Eric had injured two of his fighters, and one was still recovering.Seeing Tiger's silence, Lucas felt hopeful. He seemed to have struck a chord with Tiger.As the leader of Salt City's underworld, Tiger couldn't stand his fighters being defeated. Losing money was one thing, but losing respect was even worse.Tiger finally spoke. "Can you provide me with better fighters?""Yes!" Lucas nodded eagerly. "The Pettersons invest millions annually in training fighters. They might not match King City's powerhouses, but they're quite capable. I have a fighter with King City experience."Tiger leaned back. He had spent years grooming fighters, and the two injured fighters were his best. However, they weren't qualified for underground fights in King City. He knew formidable figh
Tiger confirmed the time and location, then asked Big Sis to pass the message to Eric. They were meeting at Tiger's upscale place, Aqua Oasis, which stayed open during the day.Upon arrival, Eric told the waiter why he was there. The waiter quickly took him inside, showing that Tiger had made arrangements.Shortly after, the waiter led Eric to a hot spring area, where Tiger relaxed in a pool, surrounded by two beautiful women.The waiter whispered to Tiger, "Mr. Kirkby, the guest is here! He's alone!"Tiger turned to Eric with a smile. "I thought you might not show up or would bring others. Your courage reminds me of my youth!"He clapped, and a group of stunning women in bikinis approached.Eric might have been tempted in the past, but things had changed. After enjoying fine food, returning to his old ways was unappealing. However, Tiger's lifestyle was undeniably luxurious.Tiger pointed to the women. "Choose a few you like. They'll take care of you!"Eric replied, "Mr. Kirkb
Jasmine had taken a bold risk by placing her hopes on Eric in such a situation. If Eric had claimed not to know her, she would have faced a terrible fate. Yet, she had gambled right this time.Regaining his composure, Tiger said, "Brook is your brother-in-law, and you'd eventually hear about these things from him. Let me give you a quick rundown for now."In the underworld, apart from me, there are other influential figures, like Big Sis. While Big Sis and Brook's methods may not be as ruthless, their actions aren't very merciful either. Many others are even less forgiving."Many of the girls in my club are brought here by them. Every year, I provide them with money. These girls get replaced annually, and after leaving my place, they end up as valuable assets for other establishments. Still, their lives don't get any better."Eric understood. Beneath the glamorous facade, a dirty business thrived. Despite efforts to crack down on it for years, these illicit activities persisted due
Eric nodded and said, "Yes, it's only been four months. Testing my abilities was just one reason. The other was that someone in my family strongly opposed it."Tiger suddenly grasped the situation. It turned out that Sylvia was the reason Eric avoided getting involved in underground fights despite the attractive prize money. This explained Eric's reluctance—their affection ran deep.Tiger sighed, seemingly reflecting on past regrets, then nodded and said, "I understand now that Ms. Williams is against it."Shifting the conversation, Tiger asked, "Have you met Lucas Petterson?""Lucas?" Eric's furrowed brow indicated his familiarity with Lucas.Tiger continued. "This morning, Lucas approached me, seeking my connections to deal with the Williams and Sonnex families. Initially, I declined, but he dangled the prospect of experienced fighters from King City. It got me thinking."Eric fell silent but quickly regained his composure. If Tiger shared this information, he might not agree t
After their conversation, Eric departed.Mainly, Tiger discussed the matter of underground fighting with him, but he didn't expect Eric to fight right away.Jasmine was now in a different attire, waiting outside Aqua Oasis. When she spotted Eric, she rushed toward him."Eric!" Jasmine called out.Eric furrowed his brow, nearly forgetting about Jasmine."Do you need something else?" Eric asked, eager to return to Williams Corp. He needed to inform the Williams and Sonnexes about Lucas' actions and take preventive measures."I didn't know you knew Tiger too," Jasmine said, studying Eric. She had heard Tiger address Eric as "Mr. Johnson." Such respect indicated Eric's significance in Tiger's eyes.David had informed her about Tiger's identity. He had mentioned that if Tiger took interest in her, her life would change, though the likelihood was slim.However, Jasmine couldn't help but notice that Eric had transformed since their breakup. Even Tiger addressed him as "Mr. Johnson", a