Chapter 9: Ambrose Meets Old Master Jun

Ava took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. "Jonathan, I need your help. I'm in a bit of a bind with the Wei family. I was supposed to secure a major deal, but things fell apart at the last minute."

Jonathan chuckled softly, though his tone was curious. "The Wei family, huh? That's a tough break. But why come to me, Ava? You've always kept me at arm's length.”

 

"I know," Ava admitted, her voice quieter. "And I regret that now. But your father has connections with the Wei family, right? I was hoping you might be able to pull some strings and help me salvage this deal. It would mean a lot to my family and me."

 

Jonathan paused for a moment, considering. "Ava, I'm flattered you thought of me. And you're right, my dad does have some influence. But what's in it for me? Why should I help you after all the times you've brushed me off?”

 

Ava's heart sank a little, but she pressed on. "Jonathan, I'm asking for your help as a last resort. I know I haven't been fair to you, but this deal is crucial for my family's business. If there's anything I can do to make it up to you, just name it."

 

Jonathan's voice softened slightly. "Alright, Ava. I'll see what I can do. But remember, you owe me one. I'll get in touch with my dad and see if we can arrange a meeting with the Wei family. I'll let you know as soon as I have news.”

"Thank you, Jonathan," Ava said, relief evident in her voice. "I really appreciate it."

"Don't mention it, Ava. I'll be in touch soon," Jonathan replied before hanging up.

Meanwhile, after an hour's drive, the car finally stopped in front of a big gate that resembled the fort gate of an estate. One of the men at the front got down and went to open the gate, allowing the car to drive in.

 

Ambrose was stunned but remained quiet as the car drove into the estate. It parked, and the driver got down to open the door. Anna stepped out first, followed by Ambrose. He looked around, taking in the vast and impressive surroundings. The estate was massive and exuded wealth from every corner.

 

"Please follow me," Anna said, climbing the stairs and walking inside.

 

Ambrose nodded and followed her, with the two men trailing behind. As they entered, Anna closed the door behind them. Ambrose's jaw dropped in amazement. The interior was the epitome of luxury: a large TV was on, and the hall alone was enormous, filled with opulent furnishings.

 

Gulp! He couldn't help but swallow hard. Compared to the Ainsley manor, this place was a fortress, making the manor seem insignificant.

 

Ambrose also noted an old man with grey hair seated on a large sofa, draped in white. The man seemed busy with something Ambrose couldn't see.

 

Anna quickly approached the old man, saluting and bowing her head slightly. "Sir, I've brought him," she said, gesturing for Ambrose to come forward.

 

Ambrose quickly rushed forward and stood in front of the old man. Now he could see the man's face well; he looked like someone in his 60s, and he was holding a tablet.

 

"Good day, sir," Ambrose said respectfully.

 

A sudden joy seemed to creep across the old man's face. He quickly placed the tablet on the table, picked up his glasses, and put them on. He raised his head to look Ambrose straight in the eye with a happy smile.

 

"Same voice, just a little bit bolder now. You've really grown well, Ambrose. I have waited for this day for so long. Sit, sit," the old man said quickly.

 

Ambrose was stunned. The man spoke as if he knew him from somewhere. He looked at Anna, shocked.

 

The old man turned to Anna, his smile widening. "Thank you, Anna, for your excellent work. You've done well."

 

Anna bowed her head slightly. "It was my pleasure, sir," she replied.

 

The old man then shifted his attention back to Ambrose, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of nostalgia and joy. "Ambrose, it's truly wonderful to see you. Please, make yourself comfortable. There is so much to discuss.”

 

Ambrose, his voice hesitant but firm, asked, "Who are you, sir? I don't actually know you. What do you mean by it's been a long time and it's wonderful to see me? What's going on? Why don't I know any of you?”

 

The old man sighed, removing his glasses and leaning forward slightly. "Ambrose, do you remember that about seven years ago, you helped an old man in the countryside?"

 

Ambrose shook his head, confusion written all over his face. "Me? You must be mistaken, sir. I haven't met you before.”

 

"Look at me well, Ambrose," the old man urged gently. "You were young then, but don't you remember? You saved me when I was traveling then for business when my car met with an accident hitting a tree. I told you my name, and you helped me out; you even called the ambulance with my own phone."

 

He took Ambrose's hand, holding it firmly. "I placed my palm in yours and promised you that I'd repay you one day.”

 

Ambrose was quiet for a moment, his brows furrowed in concentration as he tried to recall.

 

You wiped my blood with your shirt. Don't you remember?"

Gasp!” Hearing the man talk of him wiping his blood with his shirt shocked Ambrose. All of a sudden, a realization seemed to dawn on him. 

 

Boom!” His body shivered slightly. "You... you are named Jun?" he asked incredulously.

 

As soon as Ambrose mentioned Jun, Anna smiled warmly, and the old man nodded with tears glistening in his eyes. "It's me, grandson," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

 

Around 7 years ago, Ambrose was returning from school when he heard the screeching sound of tires followed by a loud crash. Rushing toward the source of the noise, he found a car that had careened off the road and crashed into a tree.

 

Approaching cautiously, Ambrose saw a man slumped over the steering wheel, blood flowing from a wound on his forehead. It was Jun. His head was resting on the steering wheel, and his eyes were flickering weakly.

 

"Save me, child... save me," Jun muttered, his voice barely audible. Ambrose's heart raced with panic, but he knew he had to act fast. He reached for the man's phone, which was still intact, and dialed the emergency number he had learned in school.

 

As he waited for the ambulance to arrive, Ambrose took off his shirt and used it to gently wipe the blood from Jun's forehead, trying to keep him conscious. Time seemed to stretch endlessly until the distant sound of sirens finally grew louder, signaling the arrival of the ambulance.

 

Paramedics rushed over, assessing Jun's condition and swiftly loading him onto a stretcher. As they prepared to transport him, Jun managed to speak in a weak whisper.

 

"What's your name, kid?" he asked.

 

"I'm Ambrose Li," Ambrose replied, his voice filled with concern.

 

Jun grasped Ambrose's hand weakly. "Remember this, Ambrose Li," he said. "One day, Jun will repay your kindness for saving him.”

 

Ambrose nodded that day; it was something he would always remember. Even if he had forgotten, he was never going to remember the incident of him wiping away blood with his uniform because, after that day, his uniform got destroyed, which worried him a lot because of his parents financial situation then. 

 

He looked at the old master, stunned, he found him after all these years? How he found him was shocking, because he was young then. 

 

Jun's eyes bore into Ambrose's, filled with gratitude. "Ambrose," he said, his voice quivering, "your suffering ends today, my dear boy. Just as you helped me in my darkest hour that year, I vow to repay your kindness a hundredfold; you'll take control of every wealth I have made.” He said