Winner Takes All novel Chapter 143

Laughter and toasts to drinks can be heard at the banquet.

The atmosphere was joyous. Jack did not feel out of place with Steve, Minister Mable, and Artist Warnock.

They spoke freely and casually. This made Steve, Rosie, and Warnock nod in agreement with praises for Jack.

The status of the three of them was extremely high. Even if they shared the same table with the rich and powerful, it was only superficial interactions. But for Jack as a younger generation to be able to hold his own and not appear too weak nor arrogant and yet engaging to the elders, that was certainly remarkable.

The food was delicious and the wine was exquisite.

Artist Warnock stood up with his wine glass, “Jack, allow me to toast to you. The last time I wronged you. Please accept my apologies!”

He was not stupid but extremely intelligent. Being the master artist of the country and renowned internationally, he had the clarity of thought when interacting with people of importance.

Previously, he was still reluctant to apologize to Jack due to his temper and status. But this Calligraphy of Peace made him accept that Jack was someone extraordinary.

At an astronomical price of three hundred million yuan, the value of the Calligraphy of Peace was totally beyond Tang Yin’s Voyage of Qiantang. For someone to be able to buy the Calligraphy of Peace at an auction, his status and wealth must be extremely high.

For Jack to be able to get the Calligraphy of Peace to give to Steve and Rosie, proofed that there was more to Jack than he could ever know. Even he as the country master artist was unable to bid for it at the auction! Precious treasures of this nature cannot be simply bought with money!

Jack held up his glass, stood up, and smiled, “Mr. Warnock is my elder and I can’t allow you to apologize to me. What happened was a misunderstanding. Please allow me to respectfully toast in return and drink three glasses to honor you.”

With this statement, Jack not only expressed his thoughts, but he also enabled Warnock to retain his dignity as a sign of respect.

“Excellent!”

Artist Warnock’s eyes lit up and laughed heartily. He patted Steve’s back, “Steve, your future son-in-law is alright!”

After saying, he drank the glass of wine. Jack drank three glasses in return.

The dining hall became loud and joyous.

Artist Warnock was very happy with what Jack said and drank a lot. Very soon he was drunk and Minister Mable instructed someone to help him carry Warnock away.

Only Amber’s family and Jack remained in the dining hall. “Hoof… “ Jack exhaled. He drank a lot and was tipsy from the wine.

“Rosie, take Amber out. I have something to discuss with Jack.” Steve wiped his face and started to slur.

“Dad…” Amber was astonished.

Rosie smiled, “Okay, Amber, come out with mom.” Although Amber was unwilling to, she followed Rosie obediently.

As she walked by Jack, she turned to look at Jack, “Stop drinking, it harms your health.” Jack smiled in return and took a sip of the hot tea.

The dining hall became so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Steve gently drummed his fingers on the table and seemed to be pondering. Jack held onto the teacup and waited quietly.

“Jack, today’s gifts are too valuable!” Steve finally broke the silence.

“Mr. Knight, this is a token of my gratitude to you for saving my life. I even felt that it was insufficient.” Jack said sincerely.

Whether it was for Amber or for saving his life, his words were totally genuine.

“Oh…” Steve squinted at Jack and said, “Speak up, I’m an understanding person. I will not make things difficult for you.”

Jack was confused.

When Steve saw that Jack was silent, he laughed as if he had understood Jack’s thoughts, “Who wasn’t once young? Speak out bravely. Tell me your thoughts!”

Jack became even more confused and suddenly feel flustered. What should I be saying, he thought?

Jack took a deep breath and said, “Mr. Knight, you’ve drunk too much. I’ll help you out to rest.”

“I didn’t, I can still drink two bottles of Moutai … “ Steve waved his hand and became slightly annoyed, “You came with something on your mind. If you don’t speak up, are you expecting me to say it for you?”

Jack, “??”

Steve shook his head helplessly when he saw Jack’s puzzled look. He continued as if he had seen through Jack’s intentions. “You are still young and are too shy. When I was at your age, my skin was so thick that it can stop a bullet!”

As he said, he slapped the table, ‘Smack’! The slap was forceful and rattled all the dishes on the table.

“Rascal, out with it! You gave so many valuable gifts, I’ve already guessed your intentions!”

The sudden change of events took Jack by surprise. Amber and Rosie were also startled and ran quickly into the dining hall.

“Dad… what are you doing?” Amber looked at the furious Steve and asked in surprise.

Steve was furious until his face was red and clenched his teeth. He pointed at Jack and said, “This rascal gave so many gifts clearly to ask for your hand in marriage. But why doesn’t this rascal say anything? Does he expect me as your father to say?”

Marriage?

Kaboom! Jack and Amber’s minds thundered at the same time.

The two looked dumbfounded at each other. At that moment, Amber blushed immediately and almost bled through her skin. She drooped her head shyly, stomped her feet, and said angrily, “Dad, what are you talking about?”

Jack also waved his hand anxiously and explained, “Uncle, these gifts are really a token of my appreciation. I’ve not thought about marriage.”

Amber shivered and looked at Jack in surprise.

Steve’s expression darkened, “Never thought about marriage? Rascal, what’s the meaning of this? You gave out hundreds of millions and didn’t mean to seek my daughter’s hand in marriage? Are you saying that my daughter is unworthy of you? You…”

His series of statements shocked Jack till he didn’t know what to do. But he really didn’t mean it that way!

It was just hundreds of millions of yuan, why did it have to be linked to marriage?

There was fire in Steve’s eyes as he laughed arrogantly, “Just admit it. I already guessed your intentions. Just with your background, if it were just an introductory gift and thanking me for saving you, how could you spend hundreds of millions?”

“If you honestly admit it, I will graciously agree to it!”

When this was said, Amber looked towards Jack, wrung her hands, and was obviously expecting something. Rosie’s beautiful eyes twinkled and patted on her daughter’s back.

Jack was at a loss and took a deep breath and explained, “Uncle, these hundreds of millions isn’t much to me. I’m really here to thank you and express my appreciation.”

Smack!

Steve slapped the table angrily, burped, with a flushed drunkard face turned towards Amber and slurred, “Amber, look, this rascal thinks that you are unworthy of him, ‘burp’…”

After a while, he burped again from having too much to drink.

Amber’s body trembled, her eyes turned red, and glared at Jack. She then turned to leave the dining hall.

“After drinking, you don’t remember your manners!” Rosie lamented, glared at Steve, and ran after Amber.

Jack looked helplessly at Amber who ran out. He collapsed onto the chair.

What the hell happened… He felt devastated!