Life at the Top

“Mr. Layne.”

Jasper got out of the car and shook hands with Vita who was grinning from ear to ear.

Vita took Jasper’s hands with a chuckle and lowered his voice to say, “I will soon be the branch president, Mr. Laine.”

Jasper was pleasantly surprised. “You got a promotion? Congratulations! You will have to buy me lunch, you know?”

Vita let out a modest smile and said, “I’m keeping a low profile. They came and talked to me earlier, so I think there won’t be a major issue. The official documents have yet to be issued, though, so I can’t disclose this to the public yet. As for lunch, sure, as long as you’re willing to give me the honor, Mr. Laine, then I can buy you lunch anytime!

“Speaking of which, I have to thank you for this.”

“Oh? Why is that so?” Jasper asked curiously.

“It’s all thanks to that plot of land previously.” Vita led Jasper into the office building.

“You wanted to talk to the city hall regarding the construction of the world’s tallest building on that plot of land, didn’t you? The branch received the news the next day itself, alerting the headquarters as well. They knew that I had gone all out to make this happen, so they issued an order of commendation straight away.”

“I heard that the head of Waterhoof City Hall even gave a call to the headquarters’ boss and told him that our branch had done a great deed that would benefit the country and the people.”

Vita said in elation.

A man of his age and status would find it extremely arduous to get promoted. After all, every level presented a massive barrier.

Though thanks to Jasper, he was able to take a big step forward effortlessly. In the future, he would remain in the vice president position to build up his skills for a few years. Then, he would be promoted as president in one of the provincial branches. When he retired, according to customary practices, he would be raised by half a level, serving temporarily as the headquarters’ vice president.

had dared not

country was in urgent need of major events to boost national confidence and demonstrate national strength. The previous Olympics was one, and

no wonder Vita benefited from it

municipality, what more for an ICBS branch’s vice president

do need to buy

happens.” Vita chuckled, leading Jasper to his office and making him

on his face gradually diminishing as he spoke softly, “I

slightly as he stared at Vita, waiting for him

slightly awkward expression, “You spoke to me about the partnership two days ago, remember? I conveyed your requirements to the president and two other vice presidents

you’re a huge figure in Waterhoof City now. Everyone in the branch is thankful for your contribution regarding that plot of land. So we compiled the documents and handed

Jasper’s countenance as he

was gradually losing confidence and felt slightly guilty about

promoted as the branch’s vice president, yet he

be upset about

was a reasonable and legal partnership. Jasper was not going through

branch in Waterhoof City has the authority to grant me access to an

“We do, actually. If we hadn’t reported it to the headquarters and kept it to ourselves, then it would’ve been doable. But the problem here is that the president who only initially intended to inform the headquarters did not expect them to reject it straight away. Since this is the

frown, “Do

the headquarters will need to have a meeting to seek permission. You know that ICBS’ shareholder structure

City Trade Settlement

holds 31% of ICBS’ shares, making them the third-largest shareholder. Hence, they have