Life at the Top

“Can’t enjoy good food without some good wine.” Vita laughed as he took out two bottles of aged brandy and said, “It’s all thanks to you that I could advance further in my career, Mr. Laine. Let me give you a toast.”

Smiling, Jasper picked up his cup and said, “Cheers to that. Before we talk about anything else, you should first stop calling me Mr. Laine. You’re about John’s age, and I should be addressing you as an older brother instead. Please, call me Jasper.”

“Alright, Jasper, cheers!” Vita’s face was bright red as he excitedly clinked his glass against Jasper’s and downed its contents.

Jasper, too, tilted his head back and finished the entire glass.

…

“This is the meat of the albino beluga sturgeon, a rare fish which can only be harvested for half a month every year. It’s suitable to be consumed by women because it nourishes your body and skin.”

Jasper did not give Celine the cold shoulder as they ate. He cut her a slice of sturgeon meat as he spoke.

When he heard that, Vita smiled and said, “Two years ago, a pound of this could be bought for 8,000 dollars. But bear in mind that it was 8,000 dollars back in 1999. Now, there’s simply no supply although there’s a great demand for it. You can’t buy it even if you have the money.”

fresh, and fatty without being greasy.

of sturgeon in the rivers when I was a child.

exclaimed in

rolled her eyes at Jasper and said, “I’m a southerner through and through, alright? I only left the country when I was in fourth grade, but it’s been more than ten years since I’ve returned to my hometown. I wonder what

sturgeons, but overfishing has caused its numbers to drop greatly. A policy was even introduced so now, they can only

in recent years, but

he said, “You should have more of this, Jasper. It has amazing

“I’m still young and strong. You two are the ones who should drink more of this. Don’t regret

end up talking about slightly

both well-versed in such topics. Jasper had initially been worried Celine would not be used to

actually want treatment, you might as well take two

table burst into laughter when

present because of Celine, who was a