After Rebirth, I Became a Billionaire — and Choose the poor Girl Vol.3

Chapter 201: Surprisingly Saw Vulgarity in a Beautiful Woman

At the hotel entrance stood a tall, gentle-tempered girl.

Derek Hayes’s eyes widened, “Isn’t that senior Samantha Rhodes, what’s she doing here?”

Ethan Cole was a little surprised to see her here.

He should go over and say hello.

After all, she might be his employee in the future.

He said to Derek Hayes, “Wait here, I’ll go over and greet her.

Derek Hayes was a bit displeased, “Why can’t I come too? It would seem impolite.” Ethan Cole scoffed, “It’s not a question of manners for you. It’s a question of whether you’re confident.”

Derek Hayes:”…”

Ethan Cole went over alone.

Samantha Rhodes, with her back towards him, was on the phone.

When Ethan Cole was about five or six meters away from Samantha Rhodes, she ended her call.

She let out a deep sigh, “Ah, I really don’t like you, I’ve upset you…

Grace, wait for me, we’ll meet tomorrow.”

Ethan Cole, who was about to greet her, was stunned.

Good heavens, what had he just heard?

Samantha Rhodes actually…

Astonishing, the college beauty had such a hidden side!

Seeing Samantha Rhodes about to turn around, Ethan Cole quickly hid behind a pillar.

Samantha Rhodes scanned the area and saw Derek Hayes.

But because of the distance, and Derek Hayes’s ordinary look, she didn’t recognize him.

She dragged her suitcase and walked into the hotel.

Ethan Cole, hiding behind the pillar, was speechless.

He shook his head.

He had to admit that Grace’s appeal was seriously strong.

He was quickly pondering about how to deal with this situation in the future.

Should he directly tell Grace Bennett to be wary of Samantha Rhodes?

This way of handling things was the simplest and crudest.

But from a beneficial perspective, it didn’t fit Ethan Cole’s needs.

“Got it.” Quickly, Ethan Cole thought of a way.

He could keep Grace Bennett out of harm’s way while also recruiting Samantha Rhodes

to work for him.

He laughed quietly, then turned around and walked back.

Derek Hayes greeted him, “What happened? Why didn’t you greet her? She just

saw me.”

“I thought better of it, didn’t want to disturb her.” Ethan Cole spouted nonsense, then teased, “She probably didn’t recognize you at all, considering your looks…” “Ethan Cole!!!” Derek Hayes was furious, “Looks are my reverse scale, the dragon’s reverse scale, touch it and you die!

Seeing his childish reaction, Ethan Cole rolled his eyes, “Do you still need to borrow money for college?”

Derek Hayes changed his expression instantly, “Haha, I was just joking, bro, don’t be mad.”

Ethan Cole:

Once they got home, Derek Hayes went to pick up Natalie Brooks.

After brushing his teeth, Ethan Cole knocked on Grace Bennett’s room door.

Soon, she opened the door.

With only her head visible, her eyes glistening, she was the perfect embodiment of ‘eyes like a pool of water’: “Big brother, you need something.”

“Uh-huh. I need to talk with you about something.

“Oh, come on in then.”

“Okay, I’m coming in.”

He entered Grace Bennett’s room.

She fetched a chair for Ethan Cole to sit down.

No matter when he entered Grace Bennett’s room, it was always tidy, with a refreshing fragrance.

Ethan Cole didn’t beat around the bush, he told her Samantha Rhodes’s secret.

The young girl’s tiny mouth gaped open wide enough to swallow an egg.

This was a big blow to her worldview.

Only after she had calmed down did Ethan Cole continue, “I had someone investigate Samantha Rhodes.

She’s highly skilled in her field, her family is quite wealthy, and she has a wide network.

I’m planning to enter the bottled water business and I need her help.”

-So, I hope that when the company is established, you’ll also become a shareholder.”

“Of course, the shares given to you on the surface will be ten percent.

“However, we need to sign an additional agreement privately. These shares will ultimately be mine.”

Even though the two were currently on good terms…

When it came to huge interests, Ethan Cole wanted to be safe.

After all, one fall into a pit was enough.

Grace Bennett was as clever as she was ice-cold.

She very quickly understood the deeper meaning of Ethan Cole’s words: “So you want me to help you tie Samantha down?”

“Grace, you’re really smart.” Ethan Cole laughed. “But don’t worry, I won’t cheat her.

The salary and benefits I give will be higher than the industry average.”

Grace Bennett lowered her head to think.

Several minutes later, she raised her head: “Okay, I agree.”

“Thank you, Grace. You’ve done me a great favor which I cannot repay.

Maybe tonight…”

“Brother, could you turn off the light when you leave and lock the door? Thank you.”

Ethan Cole looked a little wronged. “Grace, you’re not cute anymore.

The young girl covered her mouth and giggled secretly.

The next day, Ethan Cole woke up at seven.

After brushing his teeth and washing his face, he began to optimize his first browser game.

Basically, it was almost done.

Now, he just needed to check it every day to see if there were any bugs.

Ethan Cole planned to make this browser game a perennial game that would have been running for a dozen years, even decades.

Therefore, he put a lot of effort into it from the beginning.

Whether it was smoothness, character modeling, or gameplay, he put in work. If this game were to take off, it could complement the novel, it would be a win-win, and both would benefit.

And, if this model is feasible,

The many novels on the website in the future, especially those with the copyright in his hands, could be adapted and developed.

After an hour of inspection, everything was normal and there were no issues. In fact, he and the technical staff of the company had tested it hundreds of times and there were no issues.

Normally, it could already be launched.

However, Ethan Cole insisted on striving for perfection.

So, he needed to test it for a bit longer.

When he finalized the mineral water company deal, he could launch the game.

At just past 8 o’clock, Samantha Rhodes arrived.

Early in the morning, Samantha Rhodes had contacted Grace Bennett, received the address and took a taxi over.

“Good morning, Samantha, breakfast is ready. Let’s eat together.

Since she had already learned of Samantha Rhodes’s ‘true identity’, while Grace Bennett was polite on the surface, she was secretly on guard, not allowing Samantha Rhodes to touch her.

But when Samantha Rhodes saw Grace Bennett, her mood became very good. During breakfast, Samantha Rhodes constantly praised how good the food Grace Bennett made tasted.

She said it to the point where Grace Bennett was feeling somewhat embarrassed. In a trance, Ethan Cole seemed to see his past self.

My god, isn’t this a sycophant?

If Samantha Rhodes’s suitors found out, they would probably be heartbroken.

While they were still halfway through breakfast, Ethan Cole started talking about business to Samantha Rhodes.

She originally did not want to agree.

But when she heard Grace Bennett was the second biggest shareholder, she immediately agreed.

She didn’t even discuss the salary and benefits.

She was lost in thought.

This way she could work with Grace Bennett in the future and they could commute together.

If they have to work overtime late, they could… Hehehe…

Thinking about it, Samantha Rhodes unconsciously began to laugh.

Ethan Cole felt a chill.

He actually felt a ‘creepy’ vibe from a beautiful woman.

Just as they finished breakfast, Ethan Cole’s mobile phone started ringing….

Chapter 202: I should be under the car, not in the car…

The call was from the 4S dealership. His car had arrived.

Ethan Cole said to the two of them, “We’re heading out today to do an on-site survey, okay?”

Both Samantha Rhodes and Grace Bennett shook their heads.

“Good, I’m going to pick up the car now. Grace, get our luggage ready,” he

said.

Having said that, Ethan Cole left with his ID.

There was an envelope at the doorstep. It was the driving license that had been delivered yesterday, which he hadn’t had time to open.

After opening it, he put the driving license into his pocket.

Grace Bennett first gathered up Ethan Cole’s clothes.

Looking at the bustling Grace Bennett, Samantha Rhodes asked, “Grace, are you and

Ethan Cole a couple?”

“No… no, we’re not,” Grace Bennett shook her head and silently added: not yet.

■■What…”, Samantha Rhodes was greatly surprised, “If you’re not dating, Ethan Cole

isn’t a scumbag, is he?”

She felt an inexplicable heartache.

■■Not at all,” Grace Bennett shook her head, “We agreed that if his college entrance exam score exceeds 6oo, we will be together.”

“That’s wonderful.” Samantha Rhodes expressed envy on the surface, but inwardly hoped that Ethan Cole would underperform.

Meanwhile, Ethan Cole arrived at the 4S dealership.

He handed over his driving license and ID to the staff.

The vehicle management bureau was nearby, making registration very

convenient.

Ethan Cole chose a very lively license plate.

Yueji2126.

If translated into months, twelve signifies a year, two twelves signify two years, and six signifies half a year.

Add it up, two and a half years…

Nova, is it you working your influence?

He gave the car a simple inspection, both inside and out.

After confirming there were no issues, Ethan Cole drove off.

He headed to the nearest gas station to fill up.

He found a place to stop and called Derek Hayes.

“What’s up, Ethan?”

Derek Hayes was obviously still half asleep when he answered the call.

“Get ready quick. I’m coming to pick you up. We’re heading to Springvale.” Ethan Cole had already decided where to set up the mineral water production base.

Springvale.

The mountains were abundant there, and spring water was everywhere.

“Okay, right away.”

Hearing this, Derek Hayes was immediately energized.

After hanging up, Ethan Cole drove to Derek Hayes’s house.

When he arrived, Derek was already waiting at the door.

“Oh wow, you’ve got a new car.”

Derek Hayes, backpack on his shoulder, came up to see and touch the car, clearly envious.

While the car wasn’t expensive, it was bought with Ethan Cole’s own capability.

Unlike him, with little capability, who only had two wealthy parents.

Once in the car, Ethan Cole turned around to pick up Grace Bennett and Samantha Rhodes.

“Ah.” Derek suddenly sighed, “On this trip, I’m stuck watching you and Grace Bennett being all lovey-dovey. It’s tortuous.

The term ‘lovey-dovey’ was something Ethan Cole had taught him.

He originally wanted to invite Natalie Brooks.

However, Natalie Brooks’s parents were worried about their daughter

traveling far from home.

When they arrived home, both girls were ready.

Grace Bennett sat in the front passenger seat, leaving Samantha Rhodes with the back

seat.

Derek Hayes kept a cool outward demeanor while inwardly, he was overjoyed.

It wasn’t that he had any untoward intentions, he just genuinely enjoyed getting close to such a pretty girl.

The drive from Kingsport to Springvale took over four hours.

They could arrive by two or three in the afternoon.

Being young people, they quickly started laughing and chatting, creating a great atmosphere in the car.

Derek Hayes had brought a lot of snacks and fruits, which he shared with everyone.

While Ethan Cole was driving, Grace Bennett fed him.

She peeled an orange for him and put each slice in his mouth.

After he finished eating, she gently wiped his mouth.

The sweetness was so overpowering it made the two people in the back feel uncomfortable.

What would come next if they were already so sweet just now?

Derek Hayes said to Samantha Rhodes, “Samantha, shall I sing a song for you?”

Samantha Rhodes seemed interested, “You know how to sing? Let’s hear it.”

Derek Hayes: “I should be under the car, not in it…

Ethan Cole and Grace Bennett:”…”

Around two in the afternoon, they arrived in Springvale.

First, they found a place to try the local cuisine.

Salad noodles, three delicacies and top-grade soup, stuffed tofu, and so on.

Samantha Rhodes nodded, “Hmm, this soup is really fresh, tasty.”

Derek Hayes was eating ravenously.

Grace Bennett first poured a bowl of soup for Ethan Cole before pouring one for herself.

Samantha Rhodes couldn’t watch any longer, “Grace, don’t spoil him too much, you’ll spoil him rotten.”

During the trip, she had seen with her own eyes how well Grace Bennett treated

Ethan Cole.

It was so good it made her envious to the point of madness.

This girl was simply a treasure beyond all treasures.

Even if you put her in the old times, during the era when women needed to practice the three obediences and four virtues, she would still be rare. What did this little rascal Ethan Cole do to deserve her?

At these words, Grace Bennett blushed and smiled, and didn’t retort.

But she carried on as she had been.

Samantha Rhodes rolled her eyes, knowing that if she kept on talking, she wouldn’t listen.

So she changed the topic and asked Ethan Cole, “To enter the mineral water business, the name and slogan are key. Have you thought about it yet?” “Of course.”, Ethan Cole replied with a smile, “It will be called ‘Hometown Spring Water.”‘

All three of them looked at Ethan Cole with questioning faces.

The name sounded a bit odd.

Ethan Cole explained, “Many rural people currently go to the big cities to work or study.

They hardly ever get a chance to return to their hometown even once in a whole year, or even several years.

You can imagine if one day they see this product in a shop, it might remind them of their hometown.

Then they might choose this product, since the price is just a few bucks.

Perhaps it might help alleviate their homesickness.”

Ethan Cole had already asked Nora Pierce to register this name in advance.

In addition, he had also thought of the advertisement slogan.

■How long has it been since you last went home? Try the taste of Hometown

Spring Water.1

Of course, Ethan Cole wouldn’t reveal this slogan for the time being.

To prevent more people from finding out.

While he trusted Derek Hayes and Grace Bennett one hundred percent, Samantha Rhodes was another story.

After hearing Ethan Cole’s words, the other three were speechless and looked at him in surprise.

“You truly are a genius.” Samantha Rhodes said sincerely.

She really approved of this idea.

Grace Bennett was looking at him with awe.

Derek Hayes was proud deep down.

So what if you’re impressive, Ethan Cole? Aren’t you still my brother?

After eating, they resumed driving to their first destination: Elephant Mountain.

The mountain was named after its shape, which resembled a large elephant. Ethan Cole had looked it up online and learned that the mountain was quite large and high.

About a hundred families lived there, and there was no running water, in fact, before 2018, there were many places in the country without running water.

Those who lived high in the mountain without running water surely drank spring water to survive.

This was based on Ethan Cole’s own judgement, and he was quite sure it couldn’t be false.

When they arrived at the base of the mountain, Ethan Cole found that the car couldn’t make it all the way up.

And it was already past three o’clock

He had two girls with him, so climbing the mountain would definitely be slow. To avoid danger, Ethan Cole decided that they should spend the night outside and then climb up the next morning.

“What?”

However, just as Ethan Cole prepared to turn around, he made a surprising

discovery..

Chapter 203: Why Aren’t You Playing by the Rules, Young Man?

At the foot of this mountain, besides his car, there were actually two other SUVs!

The people from both cars had gotten out, apparently, one of the cars had broken down.

But that wasn’t the point.

The point was, Ethan Cole had seen the driver of one of these cars before.

And he had left quite an impression!

He was a henchman of Vanessa Grant.

He had even blocked Ethan Cole at one point.

Had Cole not been quick-witted, he might have been in serious danger.

His name seemed to be Elliot Danvers.

Ethan Cole’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

What was one of Vanessa Grant’s men doing here?

Was he also planning to venture into the bottled water business?

The man had also spotted Ethan Cole’s car.

Ethan Cole didn’t linger, he turned around and drove off.

Whether or not Vanessa Grant was planning to enter this business, they would find out tomorrow.

They had arrived at a reasonably sized hotel nearby.

After parking the car, Ethan Cole helped Samantha Rhodes with her luggage.

This time, besides bringing her clothes with her, Samantha brought a simple machine for testing water quality.

She was here to see Grace Bennett, and to complete the task assigned by her teacher.

This device was costly, costing millions. Ordinary households couldn’t afford it.

All four of them entered the hotel.

Samantha Rhodes was a little excited.

Four people, two men and two women, doesn’t that mean she could share a room with Grace?

But her fantasy was quickly and mercilessly crushed by Ethan Cole.

He told the hotel front desk, “Hi, I need four rooms please.

Samantha Rhodes’s eyes widened.

Why is this boy not playing according to the rules?

She quickly interjected, “No need, there’s no need to waste money like that, Grace and I can share a room, after all, we’re both girls.

Ethan Cole sneered inwardly.

Your little scheme is clear to everyone.

Out loud he said, “Don’t worry about the money. We’re going mountain climbing tomorrow, and it’ll be exhausting. Everyone needs a good night’s rest.”

He didn’t give Samantha Rhodes a chance to reply and went ahead to book the four

rooms.

Samantha Rhodes:”…”

She thought Ethan Cole was very unkind at the moment.

But soon, she came up with a new idea.

After taking her shower, she would use the excuse that she was scared to sleep alone and knock on Grace’s door.

She was sure that Grace wouldn’t refuse.

Ethan Cole received the room key cards.

Turning back, he saw the crafty expression on Samantha Rhodes’s face. They were all LSP, he knew exactly what she was thinking.

It was the same old tricks, after all.

So he said, “You all need to take a shower and then go to bed. No delaying.

If you don’t get enough rest, you won’t be able to walk up the mountain tomorrow. We can’t let anyone slow down the group’s schedule.’ Seeing how serious Ethan Cole looked, both Derek Hayes and Grace nodded. Samantha Rhodes felt very awkward.

She wondered if she was just imagining things.

She had a feeling that Ethan Cole was targeting her.

“I hope it’s just my overthinking…” Samantha Rhodes muttered in her mind.

The four rooms were all connected.

The two rooms in the middle were reserved for the girls.

Ethan Cole also took it upon himself to carefully inspect the more concealed parts of their rooms.

Such as the light bulbs, plug sockets, bedside cabinet, bathrooms and so on.

If there were any hidden surveillance equipment in this hotel, that would be terrible.

Samantha Rhodes wouldn’t care, but such a thing absolutely couldn’t happen to

Grace.

The others were a bit stunned by his actions.

Ethan Cole casually explained to the three.

“Impossible. Could something so terrifying actually happen?” Samantha Rhodes couldn’t quite believe it.

Ethan Cole said, “Peeping is a fetish for some people, just like eavesdropping on gossip, it’s unavoidable for everyone.”

Otherwise, how else would you explain why so many people in reality liked installing pinhole cameras under their feet.

To take sneaky photos in the subway or shopping malls?

In reality, they wouldn’t see much; they just did it to satisfy some psychological needs.

If they wanted to see such stuff, wasn’t the beach a much better place? It was all around.

He carefully inspected the girl’s rooms, especially the ones where they planned to stay, and only let the two of them settle in after ensuring that everything was alright.

“What about ours?” Derek Hayes asked.

Ethan Cole gave him a look: “What are men afraid of?

Even if there was, he wasn’t afraid.

He might even say in front of the camera, give me a close-up, and specify the stockings …

After all, with power, one could be bold.

Perhaps, he could even rule the domestic section…

Returning to his room.

After freshening up, Ethan Cole thought for a moment and called Frank Bennett. To ask him, it would be better if Vanessa Grant was really considering entering the bottled water industry.

“How did you know?” Frank Bennett was somewhat shocked, “The matter hasn’t been publicly announced yet, it’s still in the research stage.

He couldn’t hide anything from Frank Bennett.

He had a high chance of running into Vanessa Grant’s people tomorrow.

“Ethan, this is a bold idea.” Frank Bennett didn’t think it was a good idea for Ethan Cole to get involved in this industry.

He advised, “This industry may seem non-technical, and it indeed is.

Ethan Cole:”…”

It was like he said something and said nothing at all.

In the end, Ethan Cole said he might not necessarily enter the industry.

He just took advantage of the winter vacation to travel around, mainly focusing on sightseeing.

This slightly reassured Frank Bennett, who said, “Vanessa Grant showed me an evaluation report about the bottled water business.

If you want to occupy a tenth of the domestic market, you have to at least invest five to ten billion, and still might not succeed.”

Ethan Cole replied, “I understand, uncle. I won’t make impulsive decisions.

Frank Bennett reminded him a few times to take good care of Grace Bennett, but also not to take advantage of his daughter.

Ethan Cole was rolling his eyes as he listened.

So, was I laboring in vain for your family? Naturally, he agreed to everything on the surface.

After ending the call, Ethan Cole’s eyes flickered a few times. If Vanessa Grant wanted to join this industry as well, then… He had a bold idea.

Of course, he would need to plan things out carefully first. The next day, everyone was up and ready by 7:30am. After breakfast, they came to the base of Elephant Mountain again.

By the time Ethan Cole arrived, there were already two cars parked at the foot of the mountain.

The same cars from yesterday.

Ethan Cole told the three, “We shouldn’t easily reveal our purpose here or let everyone know.

If anyone asks, just say we’re here for a holiday, for sightseeing.

The three nodded.

Once everything was ready, they started climbing. Derek Hayes took the lead, while Ethan Cole brought up the rear. The mountain trail was rugged.

However, the four young people were fit and didn’t break down right at the start.

The good thing about climbing in winter was that it was hard to sweat, and there were fewer creepy crawlies since most of them were hibernating.

It wasn’t until around noon that the four people reached a spot halfway up the mountain.

There were villages here, most of which were mud houses with a few wooden ones.

They maintained a very primitive appearance, and the scenery was undoubtedly great.

Of the four, except for Ethan Cole, the other three’s legs were trembling, and they could barely stand firm.

Ethan Cole was helping Grace Bennett, “Let’s go. It seems something big is happening here today…”

Chapter 204: When Outside, You Fight for Your Own Status

The village was bustling.

Ethan Cole heard the sound of firecrackers.

Generally, there were only two possibilities for this.

Entering the village, he found the character for “happiness” pasted in many places.

It meant that someone was getting married that day.

Ethan Cole said, “It seems we’re in luck, let’s have our lunch here at the wedding banquet.”

“Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?” Derek Hayes hesitated, “We’re outsiders, would they be okay with that?”

Ethan Cole argued that paying was the solution.

On such joyous occasions, giving some gift money and having a meal was generally welcomed by everyone.

Even if no money was given, if someone came for the meal, the host, in the spirit of celebration, wouldn’t turn them away.

Samantha Rhodes found this very intriguing.

He had never been to a rural wedding banquet before.

Probably everyone in the village was attending this one.

Soon, they arrived at the village’s ancestral hall.

The banquet had just started, and each table only had a couple of dishes served so far.

Ethan Cole spotted the groom.

He went over and asked, “Hello, can you understand Mandarin?”

In small mountain villages, the older generations, those above sixty, essentially didn’t speak Mandarin.

“Yes, I can understand. And who are you guys?”

Ethan Cole replied with a smile, “Firstly, congratulations on your wedding, big brother.

We’re just some college students, here for a mountain hike during our holiday.

We happened to catch your wedding and thought we might join the banquet, sharing in the joyous occasion.”

On hearing that Ethan Cole was a college student, the groom’s eyes immediately filled with admiration.

Without any hesitation, he agreed.

To the people deep in the mountains, college students were a rare breed, and something they held in high regard.

“Thank you.” Ethan Cole said, pulling out two hundred dollars and handing it to the groom.

The groom was reluctant to accept it, but Ethan Cole insisted that it was a customary gesture in their hometown, and refusing it would be seen as a slight.

Finally, the groom accepted it.

Then he arranged a separate table for Ethan Cole and his three friends.

The villagers were intrigued and curious when they heard that college students had come.

Except for Ethan Cole, the other three felt a bit embarrassed.

Ethan Cole, however, was still smiling and greeting the villagers.

At the same time, he was observing them closely.

From their faces, he could tell if someone was kind-hearted or wicked, although it wasn’t always 100% accurate.

Generally, the villagers seemed simple and kind to Ethan Cole.

Occasionally, there were a few whose stares were mildly discomforting.

Those were a few middle-aged men, whose gazes were a bit off when they looked at Grace Bennett and Samantha Rhodes.

Ethan Cole took a mental note of this.

The dishes started to stream in.

Boiled chicken, assorted corn dishes with soup, chicken and fish soup, and so on.

Samantha Rhodes took a bite of the chicken and her eyes lit up, “This is so delicious.”

Ethan Cole gave a piece to Grace Bennett and chuckled, “The poultry in the countryside are raised over long periods, they roam around freely, eating various leaves and growing up drinking spring water.

It’s entirely different from the feed-raised chicken we eat in the city, so naturally, it tastes better.”

Although the meal didn’t seem overly lavish, each item was all-natural and tasted amazing.

They were all hungry and dug in earnestly, nobody was speaking.

Especially Derek Hayes and Samantha Rhodes who were experiencing a rural wedding banquet for the first time, they were stunned.

They hadn’t realized just how delicious this could be.

Once they had almost finished eating, the bride and groom came over to offer a toast.

The four of them poured some cola and raised a toast to them.

Following the bride was a middle-aged man who said something in the local dialect.

The groom translated for them, “This is my father-in-law, he is asking if your families aren’t worried about you four coming out here to have fun, considering it can be a bit dangerous?”

Ethan Cole chuckled, “We’re all adults and capable of protecting ourselves.

Besides, my parents are civil servants, and our other friends’ parents are either police officers or military personnel. Who would dare to mess with us?”

Out in the world, one had to strive for their own identity.

Moreover, even if the other party didn’t mention it, Ethan Cole would take the opportunity to bring it up himself.

This way, he could dispel any malicious intentions that others might have.

After all, Ethan Cole’s principle in dealing with others was to initially treat strangers with the utmost caution.

This way, he wouldn’t be taken advantage of.

Once hearing about the identities of Ethan Cole and his friends, the way numerous villagers looked at them had noticeably changed.

Derek Hayes and the others weren’t fools, they quickly understood Ethan Cole’s intention.

They all cooperated with a smile.

After the banquet, Ethan Cole said that he wanted to look around, specifically asking where the spring water was.

Two children, in their early teens, bravely volunteered to lead them there.

Through these two children, Ethan Cole learned that there were five springs in the vicinity.

The largest one was deep in the village.

Because the village had enough water, and the journey to the largest spring was rather long, hardly anyone went there for water.

Moreover, this largest spring had been around for decades.

Even in the driest conditions, the spring had never dried up.

This was quite remarkable.

Ethan Cole had set his sights on that largest spring.

When they arrived, he saw Vanessa Grant and her team exploring the same spot.

The man leading the team recognized Ethan Cole at first glance.

He strode over with a harsh expression, “It’s you, what are you doing here?” “What a coincidence?” Ethan Cole raised an eyebrow, “I’m just here to play with my friends. Is that not allowed?”

The man stared at Ethan Cole for a moment, said nothing more, and walked away.

Four of them stood in front of the spring.

The spring was vast, with a large amount of water flowing out.

Ethan Cole scooped up some spring water with his hand.

He drank a few mouthfuls, then nodded his head.

The water was sweet and delicious, completely unlike tap water.

It was better than any bottled mineral water brand he had ever drunk.

His buddies squatted down and, learning by example, drank a few mouthfuls each.

They all gave unanimous praise.

If they drank this in summer, it would be even more refreshing.

Ethan Cole knew that the spring water was a good find, no tests needed.

The group didn’t stay too long.

They left after collecting some water.

Ethan Cole saw the man reach for his cell phone, yet he put it away soon after.

He guessed the man wanted to inform Vanessa Grant that he had seen Ethan Cole here, but there was no signal in the mountains.

Once they left, Ethan Cole and his friends also departed.

Samantha Rhodes excitedly said, “The quality of the spring water here is high. If we could sell this, it would definitely be popular.”

Ethan Cole calmly replied, “It’s not that simple. We would need the consent of the villagers.”

Ethan Cole was eager to secure this source.

But it would depend on whether the villagers agreed.

Back in the village, Ethan Cole found the village chief.

At that moment, the village chief was chatting with the groom and Elliot Danvers on the flat ground of the ancestral hall.

It was an unusual time for the groom to be out there, but it was understandable.

The village chief spoke some Mandarin, though not fluently, making him difficult to understand.

His offer was to lease the mountain for twenty years for fifty thousand dollars.

Upon hearing this price, Ethan Cole was tempted to laugh.

This price was ridiculously high.

However, hearing the amount of fifty thousand dollars made the village chief tempted.

After all, in this small, rural village, a household might only make a few thousand dollars in a year.

Fifty thousand dollars was an enormous sum.

Seeing that the village chief was about to agree, Ethan Cole had to act..

Chapter 205: The pit is dug, just waiting for the opponent to jump in

“Fifty thousand is too little, isn’t this taking advantage of an honest man? I’ll

make it fifty-five thousand.”

Ethan Cole spoke up, drawing the attention of both sides.

Fifty-five thousand-one could only say that Ethan Cole had a conscience, but not much of one.

“Kid, what’s your stake in this? Don’t cause trouble here!” His gaze glowered at

Ethan Cole.

Ethan Cole shrugged, “I’m also planning to enter the mineral water industry. If you are not pleased, you can raise the bid.”

Elliot Danvers sneered and then said to the village leader, “One hundred thousand,

that’s my limit.”

He didn’t bother to up the bid.

Knowing Ethan Cole was there, it would have been useless.

The village leader realized that the spring in his village might be a precious commodity.

So he held up a finger, “I’ll name my price, one million.” Ethan Cole and Elliot Danvers looked at each other, both stood up simultaneously, turned around and started walking out, their movements fluid and coordinated.

Damn.

Getting used to you.

“Hey, don’t go! We can slowly negotiate,” the village leader cried out behind them anxiously.

Ethan Cole and Elliot Danvers’s eyes locked.

The two rapidly exchanged messages with their eyes.

“Let’s partner up, secure this spring first, then we can split it.”

“How should we partner up?”

“Securing it for a hundred thousand, then we’ll play rock-paper-scissors,

best-of-three.”

“Will you keep your word?”

“Yes, I stake my man’s dignity on it.”

“Alright, deal!”

Thus, the two reached an agreement, simultaneously stopped, and turned around again.

Ethan Cole shrugged, “I withdraw my bid.”

Elliot Danvers coldly said, “One hundred thousand, take it or leave it.”

The situation had drastically changed, which utterly disoriented the village leader.

He was a bit suspecting that these two were playing him, but he had no proof.

He grit his teeth and said, “I can’t decide this on my own, I need to consult with

the villagers.”

Elliot Danvers added, “If you agree, each household will receive an additional one thousand in subsidies per year.

If you miss this opportunity, there won’t be another one. After all, not only

your place has spring water.”

The village head and groom lit up.

They seemed very interested.

Ethan Cole watched, shook his head silently. They were still biting off more than they could chew.

Before coming here, his original budget to secure a spring was at least five hundred thousand.

But having seen Elliot Danvers, he felt his heart wasn’t black enough.

The village head and groom quickly summoned the villagers to discuss the

matter.

Ethan Cole and Elliot Danvers’s eyes met again.

Then, they both made their moves.

“Rock-paper-scissors, three times!”

Out of three rounds, Elliot Danvers won two.

Ethan Cole and his companions looked considerably distressed.

Elliot Danvers laughed heartily, “Kid, who would have thought your luck to be so bad, losing two rounds out of three.

Since you’ve lost already, don’t stay here any longer. Leave quickly. You wouldn’t want to renege on our agreement.”

Ethan Cole sneered, “When 1, Cole, say something, I mean it. I’m leaving right now.”

After saying this, he took the lead and left.

Grace Bennett and the others followed him closely.

“Ethan Cole, are we really giving up just like that?” Derek Hayes felt somewhat baffled.

After such a long trip to get here, was this the result?

Ethan Cole shook his head, his face grave. Seeing him like this, no one else dared to speak.

Elliot Danvers watched Ethan Cole leave, squinting his eyes.

He mused, “This kid is a crafty one, I feel like things aren’t as simple as they

seem.

Huizi, follow them. Be quiet, don’t let them notice. Listen in on their conversation.”

“Alright, Boss.”

His name was Huizi, but he was short and nimble, like a large mouse scurrying

The four of them descended the mountain, the atmosphere heavy and demure. As they passed by a sizeable tree, a sudden punch was thrown.

With the intense vibration, a great amount of brittle, yellow leaves fell. The three other members of the squad jumped in surprise, thinking that Ethan Cole was very angry.

Ethan Cole’s attention, however, remained fixated behind them.

He deliberately slowed his pace a little.

Soon, he heard an extremely faint sound-something stepping on fallen leaves.

If he hadn’t listened closely, he would have missed it.

Ethan Cole let out a silent sigh of relief in his heart.

Thankfully, he had guessed correctly, someone from the opposition had followed them.

Otherwise, it would have been a waste of his time.

As they passed a small turn, Ethan Cole stopped.

In this location, Huizi could hide behind them, undetected.

“Damn it!” He voiced his annoyance, “The plan was so great initially; now that guy has ruined everything.

If I could control the springs in this vicinity, it would have been easy to make billions in a month.”

Huizi, who had been listening in, felt his heart jump.

Could selling water really be that lucrative? Unable to stop himself, he pricked up his ears to listen more carefully. Cole XU’S companions were taken aback and didn’t understand why he suddenly mentioned this.

Grace Bennett looked at Ethan Cole’s expression, quickly realizing what he was hinting at, and immediately joined the conversation: “Why do you say so?” Ethan Cole: “Nowadays, people’s living conditions have improved and they have started to pay more attention to their health.

Tap water can no longer satisfy a portion of the population. And good quality mineral water, has become many people’s first choice. E-commerce has already started to emerge and it’s certain to become mainstream in the future.

If I had ten billion in hand now, I would immediately enter this industry. Taking advantage of the fact that the other established mineral water factories haven’t reacted, I would settle into e-commerce.

Then, I would use nine billion from the ten billion to advertise online, which would undoubtedly attract a large number of buyers.

I would price it slightly lower, which would definitely lead to explosive sales. Even the name and the slogan, I have thought of.

I would call it Sofa King Mineral Water. It’s got a nice ring to it -- refreshing, memorable, the kind of name that sticks in your head.

All together, it implies that customers will be very fortunate after drinking Sofa King Mineral Water during the scorching summer.

The slogan would be Sofa King Mineral Water, the first choice of mineral water for the young, offering you an ultimate refreshment.

Derek Hayes, being Ethan Cole’s close friend, although he wasn’t sure why Ethan Cole’s words differed so greatly from the day before,

but judging from Ethan Cole’s expression, he guessed that someone was eavesdropping from around the corner.

Thus, Derek played along: “Then let’s go to another mountain. Can he contract all the mountains?”

■■Ah!” Ethan Cole suddenly let out a deep sigh. “There’s nothing we can do. Vanessa Grant has also gotten involved, and we can’t win against them. She’s too wealthy. How can we compete with her?

It’s such a pity. If I had as much money as Vanessa Grant,

I definitely would have immediately mobilized funds to seize the emerging markets, no matter how large the initial investment needed to be. One can hardly imagine the returns that would come from becoming the leading brand online.

Let’s just take it as a fun outing. We won’t venture into this line of business anymore. Let’s head back.”

Having said this, Ethan Cole waved his hand, his demeanor one of defeat and dismay.

It wasn’t until they left that Huizi emerged from his hiding spot. Without any delay, he ran back to inform Elliot Danvers of the conversation he had just overheard.

“This young man certainly has some tricks up his sleeve.” Elliot Danvers was overjoyed. He told the others, “Wait here for a while. I’m going down the mountain to report to the boss.”

Meanwhile, the four, including Ethan Cole, descended from the mountain. Grace Bennett and Derek Hayes both wanted to ask Ethan Cole about his actual plans. However, knowing that Samantha Rhodes was with them, they surmised that Ethan Cole wouldn’t divulge anything and refrained from asking.

It was getting late—past four in the afternoon.

The group left the place and returned to where they had stayed the previous night.

After checking in, Ethan Cole said, “Let’s shower first, then have dinner.”

Upon returning to their individual rooms, after a few minutes, both Derek Hayes and Grace Bennett, as if by agreement, arrived at Ethan Cole’s room.

Derek Hayes rubbed his hands together and asked: “Come on, what’s your plan?”

Chapter 206: Self-imagination from School Beauty An

“Boss, I have something important to report to you…”

After descending the mountain, Elliot Danvers drove a little further away.

He stopped where there was cell signal and called Vanessa Grant.

“Hmm, what is it? Say it.”

“Your voice has become softer since you got pregnant,” Elliot Danvers muttered to himself.

As one of Vanessa Grant’s confidants, he naturally knew about her pregnancy. Then, he reported everything about Ethan Cole and what Huizi had overheard. “Really?” Vanessa Grant was a bit surprised, “I didn’t expect him to be focusing on this area too.”

After expressing her surprise, Vanessa Grant also felt fortunate that she had also deployed people to the area.

“You did very well,” Vanessa Grant praised Elliot Danvers.

She did not want to see the rise of Ethan Cole, as that would threaten her business in the future.

“Boss, do you think Ethan Cole’s theory about online discourse is reliable?” Vanessa Grant pondered, “E-commerce is indeed on the rise.

Ethan Cole has the right vision, it will definitely become mainstream in the future.

Traditional mineral water manufacturers mainly focus on offline sales.

It’s indeed possible for us to outpace our competitors by focusing on online sales at this time.

Although that kid Ethan Cole is a bit annoying, he’s very sharp-witted.

You did an excellent job this time, hurry up and secure the water source and start building the production base.

Your bonus next month will be ten times the amount.”

Elliot Danvers was pleased, “Thank you, boss.”

On the other hand,

Vanessa Grant disconnected the call.

She turned to look at Frank Bennett, who was reading on the edge of the bed, “You heard everything, this time, Ethan Cole provided us a chance to beat him at his own game.

His brand name and slogans are all creative, so I won’t hesitate to take them.”

Frank Bennett closed the book and smiled, “It seems we’re in luck.”

Vanessa Grant walked towards him, asked coyly, “Honey, do you need my help?”

Frank Bennett: “With what?”

Vanessa Grant rolled her eyes at him: “What do you think?”

In the room.

Ethan Cole had anticipated that they would come over.

Without waiting for them to speak, he said, “Indeed, e-commerce is on the rise.

If you sell items online now, you will undoubtedly make a fortune.

But this excludes mineral water.

Or to be more precise, it is not viable for the next few years.”

Ethan Cole was very clear on this point.

E-commerce is just beginning.

Selling clothes, shoes, bags, etc., is definitely doable.

But for food items, many customers actually have concerns.

They are unsure if it is safe and sanitary.

We need to wait a few more years, when the self-operated products of certain e-commerce giants come out and establish a brand image.

Only by then, if we start focusing online, there is a chance of success.

Grace Bennett’s eyes sparkled, “So you mean, you intentionally said all those things just to make Vanessa Grant suffer a loss?”

She was somewhat touched.

Ethan Cole must have done this to avenge her.

If Ethan Cole knew what she was thinking, he would probably laugh out loud.

It’s true, this is the direction to think in, vigorously embellishing it.

Ethan Cole shook his head, “The way you think is only the first layer whereas I am thinking of the third layer.

Suppose, everything I said on the mountain, is reported to Vanessa Grant without missing a single word.

And she executes it as per the thinking I presented.

Then she will invest a large sum of money promptly in the industry.

Establishing mineral water production lines, testing lines, and so on.

Then will advertise both online and offline.

When the opportunity arises, I will deliver a fatal blow.

When the project becomes inviable, I will step in and buy it at a very low price.

Then change the name, and through my hands, turn from a loss to profit.” Originally, Ethan Cole only planned to occupy a spot and slowly develop it with tens of millions of investment.

But Vanessa Grant’s intrusion made him see another possibility.

That is to own a fully equipped and fully accredited mineral water company in a short time.

Of course, this all depends on whether Vanessa Grant will eventually join the game or not.

“But…” Derek Hayes was puzzled, “How are you going to deal her a fatal blow at the critical moment?”

Ethan Cole smiled but did not divulge, keeping everyone in suspense.

The fatal blow is, of course, referring to the name of the mineral water.

It is the homophone of a swear word, and people like Vanessa Grant, who are high above, probably have never heard of it.

No one would dare to say such a thing in front of her.

Some of her subordinates might know about it, but Frank Bennett is also there, so overall, the problem is not that big.

When she spends a lot of money on advertising and it becomes popular on the Internet.

Ethan Cole will come in and add fuel to the fire.

Hehe.

Netizens love this kind of thing.

The name will definitely explode on the Internet in a very short time.

By then, netizens will have a lot of fun online.

Ethan Cole could even imagine the scene.

Netizen A: Did you drink Sofa King Mineral Water today?

Netizen C: Why are you swearing?

Netizen A: Where did I swear? Did you drink Sofa King water or not?

Netizen C: Damn it, I will kill you.

Of course, this is an ideal situation.

Even if Vanessa Grant doesn’t use this name, it doesn’t matter.

Ethan Cole knows a lot of ways to smear a person or a company.

In previous years, videos smearing others or companies proliferated.

If they are posted now, that would definitely be a powerful blow.

Even if Vanessa Grant changes the name later, it will be useless.

Ethan Cole will keep an eye on her, and he will attack whenever she shows her face.

After listening to Ethan Cole’s entire plan, both Grace Bennett and Derek Hayes were stunned.

After a while, Derek Hayes gave a thumbs up to Ethan Cole: “You’re brilliant, but your mind is a bit dirty.”

Grace Bennett, on the other hand, was worried about something else: “Won’t this be dangerous for you? I’m afraid she will resort to unconventional means.” “Don’t worry,” Ethan Cole patted her head, “Even if she’s very fast, it will be June or July of next year before she can officially launch.

By then, I will be the top student in the state, she wouldn’t dare touch me.”

Neither Grace Bennett nor Derek Hayes argued with him over this point.

Ethan Cole’s academic performance was indeed impressive.

He certainly is qualified to aim for that position.

Needless to say, both of them made drastic progress in their grades under Ethan Cole’s guidance.

Especially Derek Hayes, it was like giving him another round of enhancement.

Having known Ethan Cole’s entire plan, both of them felt relieved and went back. With him there, nothing unforeseen!

Ethan Cole went to take a shower.

After the shower, he sent a message to Grace Bennett asking if she had finished showering.

They were returning the next day.

Ethan Cole guessed she couldn’t sleep since it was a long night.

He had no other plans, just wanted to go over and give her some tutoring, help her learn more.

However, at this moment, Frank Bennett called him.

Ethan Cole sighed in his heart, Mr. Bennett you can’t be psychic, can you? Your call is just on time.

Although he had complaints, Ethan Cole picked up the call immediately..

Chapter 207: Unexpectedly, You Are So Scheming at Such a Young Age

“Uncle Frank, good evening, not too busy, are you?”

Ethan Cole deliberately accentuated the word ‘busy’.

Frank Bennett laughed and scolded, “You cheeky brat, you dare to tease me, huh?” Ethan Cole chuckled, “Uncle Frank, you’re not busy this late in the evening. So, what’s your command for me?”

“Stop playing dumb, you know why I’m looking for you.” Frank Bennett said irritably, “Are you setting a trap for Vanessa Grant?”

Ethan Cole: “I am not involved in any plotting with her.”

Frank Bennett:

This kid really deserved a beating.

If there wasn’t a screen separating them, Frank Bennett would have kicked him twice. Ethan Cole knew when to stop, his tone turned serious: “That’s right, I hope Uncle

An can help me from behind and send Vanessa Grant into the trap I prepared

for her.”

“Humph!” Frank Bennett snorted: “So, your plan is to reap the benefits without effort, right? To take over the land and equipment invested by Vanessa Grant, isn’t it?”

Ethan Cole felt a flicker of caution.

If Frank Bennett could see through him, could Vanessa Grant as well?

It’s as if Frank Bennett had guessed what Ethan Cole was thinking.

His next words dispelled Ethan Cole’s apprehension: “She hasn’t thought in this direction.

She probably thinks you’re not that smart… or never thought that someone as young as you would be so crafty.

Ethan Cole: “Hehe, thanks, uncle.”

He knew that Frank Bennett must have made some effort in this process as well.

“Humph, don’t mention it, I can help you secretly, but in return, give my daughter forty percent of the shares.”

“Um…this…” Ethan Cole feigned hesitation for a few seconds: “Forty is too much, how about twenty?”

“Get lost, such a small stake, what do you think I am? Thirty-five, no less.”

“Alright, let’s do it as Uncle says.”

Ethan Cole ‘reluctantly’ agreed.

He was glad that he had previously discussed this with Grace Bennett. Giving her shares openly, then signing another private contract with her.

Just inflate the share proportion when the time comes.

As for what’s on the surface, just show it to Frank Bennett, the actual shares will still be under Ethan Cole’s control.

Anyway, in Ethan Cole’s mind, his startup company’s shares should be controlled by him.

As for Grace Bennett, if she wants to start a business or anything in the future, Ethan Cole would help her without reservation.

“Well, consider yourself lucky, brat. That’s settled then, let’s keep in touch by

phone.”

After finishing the call with Frank Bennett, Ethan Cole checked the time.

It was almost eleven o’clock.

Well, he couldn’t go see Grace now.

Oh well, time for bed.

The next day.

Ethan Cole drove to several well-known attractions in Springvale. In the afternoon, he filled up the tank and returned to Kingsport. Samantha Rhodes was still feeling a bit unsatisfied.

These two days with Grace Bennett were too enjoyable.

Thinking of separating, she couldn’t bear it.

Looking at Ethan Cole who was driving, she cocked her head and said, “You know, I’m free now, how about I stay with you guys for a few more days, to build up our relationship?

It will also increase our efficiency when we work together in the future.”

Inside, Ethan Cole sneered.

Your calculations are so transparent, even a toothpick in jail could hear it.

Is that what you call bonding?

You’re not trying to seduce me, are you?

On the surface, Ethan Cole showed excitement: “It’s great if Samantha is willing to come.

Grace is going back to the countryside tomorrow, so the two of us can really bond.”

“Huh? Grace is going back to the countryside?!” Samantha Rhodes was dumbfounded.

Grace Bennett quickly nodded her head.

Samantha Rhodes shrunk back her neck.

Seeing Ethan Cole’s excited face, she couldn’t help but shudder. She quickly shook her head: “Never mind, some other time.” Ethan Cole: “No, Samantha, please stay at my place for a few days.”

“Don’t worry, I’m a good person.”

Samantha Rhodes shook her head even more vigorously.

The more Ethan Cole assured her of his good character, the more she was convinced he had improper intentions towards her.

Derek Hayes in the vicinity had a puzzled look, witnessing everything unfold. Once back in Kingsport, Samantha Rhodes couldn’t wait for Ethan Cole to drop her at the high-speed rail station.

She dared not stay another moment longer.

By now, she perceived Ethan Cole as someone who could harm her at any moment.

Only after getting out of his car and watching him drive away,

Did Samantha Rhodes clench her fists: “So, Ethan Cole is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Grace, just hold on. I will rescue you soon!”

They dropped Derek Hayes at his home and then went back to their own place, ordering some takeaway on the way.

Today, they didn’t feel like cooking.

After resting for a day, Ethan Cole and Grace Bennett stayed at home. They spent two hours doing homework and eight hours writing.

And so passed two days.

It was Friday.

That night they were going to attend the success party hosted by Olivia Turner.

After two hours of writing, Ethan Cole opened Google and started to search for the films and TV dramas produced by Stellar Entertainment over the years. The list was lengthy.

Eighty-nine movies and 122 TV dramas. Among them, about a third of them had good reviews, high viewership or box office success.

Ethan Cole noted the names of all these films and TV dramas on a piece of paper. Then he searched Galaxy Entertainment’s works.

The quality of the films and TV dramas produced by Galaxy Entertainment was a bit higher and their quantity was greater.

Ethan Cole selected more than ninety of them.

Attending the success party tonight was secondary. The real goal was to secure the online broadcasting rights of these films and TV dramas.

And the rights were to be permanent.

Additionally, he had asked the company’s legal team to draft a contract. Everyone in the company was like a sister. So, accepting a little fleece from Olivia Turner and Julia Monroe wasn’t a concern, right?

At six in the evening, Ethan Cole took Grace Bennett in his car and set off.

The success party was at a five-star hotel in Kingsport.

If there was no traffic jam, it would take forty-five minutes to drive there. Ethan Cole wore a suit that he had bought for a little over two hundred dollars, and wore a down jacket over it.

Grace Bennett was also dressed casually. There wasn’t a need to dress too grandly. Upon reaching the entrance of the hotel, Ethan Cole spotted Olivia Turner. She was probably waiting for him.

Ethan Cole didn’t get out of the car. Instead, he called Olivia Turner, “Olivia, I’m here. See that black Hyundai Tucson at the entrance of the hotel.”

Olivia Turner spotted him quickly and rushed over.

Her complexion was much better than the last time they met.

She was dressed in an OL outfit, with a pair of bare legs enhancing her long, lean physique.

Well.

The only drawback was that her figure didn’t show any undulation when she ran, making her perfect for running.

Because of her low wind resistance.

Ethan Cole rolled down the window of the driver’s seat and said to Olivia Turner, “Olivia, could you please tell your staff, When Grace and I enter, please refrain from taking sneaky pictures of Grace.

Or perhaps, you can collect their cell phones temporarily?” With Grace Bennett’s stunning looks, her presence would surely cause a stir. If someone took a secret photo and posted it online, it would cause a lot of trouble for Grace Bennett.

“This…” Olivia Turner was a bit hesitant.

Remembering Ethan Cole’s support in the TV series, she found it hard to refuse and agreed.

“Alright, no problem. However, there is something I need to tell you….”

Chapter 208: The key to this problem is to find the crucial issue

“A few people from Clearwater Entertainment will be here today. Just to clarify, I didn’t invite them.

They knew about today’s celebratory banquet and volunteered…”

Ethan Cole had a thought, “You mean Chloe Winters will be here, right?”

“Yes,” Olivia Turner nodded slightly and then looked nervously at Ethan Cole and Grace Bennett.

Ethan Cole chuckled, “Let her come. She won’t eat us.”

“Unless under special circumstances…” Ethan Cole mumbled to himself.

That’s good,” sighed Olivia Turner, “I’ll go collect the staff’s phones first.

You guys should hurry up and come inside. The venue is on the twenty-third floor, hurry up.”

With that, she turned and left.

Ethan Cole called after her, “Olivia, please don’t make me give a speech or anything.”

He hated doing that and he also hated listening to long speeches.

Like when someone starts with, “I’ll be brief,” and then goes on forever about the key to the problem being finding the key problem…

And just like that, several hours would pass.

“Got it,” Olivia Turner replied without turning her head.

Ethan Cole and Grace Bennett then stepped out of the car.

There was a doorman at the hotel, so they handed him the car keys.

Grace Bennett wore a mask, following Ethan Cole closely. She didn’t stray even an inch away from him.

This kind of occasion was somewhat stressful for her.

Ethan Cole patted her on the back of her hand, “Don’t be scared. The women in there either aren’t as rich and good-looking as you, or they’re not as young and mature as you. As for being better looking than you… that’s impossible.” “Okay, I’m not nervous anymore,” Grace Bennett nodded obediently, with a twinkle in her eyes.

They reached the twenty-third floor.

As the elevator doors opened, they were met with a wave of noise.

Basically all of Starfield Entertainment’s staff were present.

The incredibly success of this TV show held significant importance for the company.

That’s why everyone was invited for the celebration.

Olivia Turner had booked the entire floor of the hotel.

A staff member stood by the elevator door.

Upon spotting Ethan Cole and Grace Bennett, she handed them two lottery tickets, “These are your raffle numbers. The grand prize for tonight is a solid gold Buddha carving weighing one kilogram. Good luck.”

Ethan Cole took the tickets. The numbers were 66 and 25.

In the center of the hall was a buffet filled with various kinds of food.

Ethan Cole told Grace Bennett, “Stay in the corner, I’ll go get the food. Let’s eat a bit first.”

“Okay.”

Grace obediently followed Ethan Cole’s instructions.

Other than socializing and discussing business deals, this event was mostly about eating and drinking for Ethan Cole.

He guessed there would be other activities later on.

After spending so much time together, Ethan Cole knew exactly what Grace Bennett liked to eat.

The selection was rather varied.

Ethan Cole grabbed a plate and filled it with a huge Australian lobster and two crabs.

He set the plate to the side, got another plate, and filled it with fruits and desserts.

Carrying both plates, he walked over to the corner.

No one else around them seemed to notice.

Grace Bennett removed her mask, revealing her face that was even more stunning than any fairy’s.

She first cracked open the lobster shell.

She cut small pieces off of one half of the lobster with a small knife and put them in Grace Bennett’s bowl.

Then Ethan Cole picked up the other half and began feasting.

The meat was juicy and, when dipped in sauce, extremely delicious.

The two of them blended into the background, enjoying their food and drinks.

After a while, Olivia Turner stepped onto the stage.

She picked up the microphone and gave a quick thank you speech.

Then, she introduced the guests of honor, “Tonight we have some special guests visiting. Two directors from Clearwater Entertainment – Miss Julia Monroe and Miss Vivian Chase – and rising star Chloe Winters, who has been gaining more and more attention recently. Let’s give them a warm round of applause.” The audience broke out into enthusiastic applause as the three women made their way to the stage.

That evening, all three of them were dressed to the nines, looking absolutely glamorous.

Vivian Chase and Chloe Winters, in particular, stood out.

Both women were breathtakingly beautiful…

“Wow, it’s Vivian Chase! I love the dramas she’s in.” Grace Bennett’s eyes sparkled,

She’s so beautiful. Winters is also pretty.”

Ethan Cole said, “There may be countless women in this world, but none of them can compare to you, Grace.”

Immediately Chloe Winters’s face turned red.

This kind of cheesy line proved to be a bit too much for her to handle.

Ethan Cole loved seeing Grace Bennett’s blush.

Her bashful and endearing expressions mixed with a touch of confusion were just too cute.

‘You… you should eat some fruit…”

In order to change the subject, Grace Bennett quickly pushed a piece of apple toward Ethan Cole.

“Mmm, it’s so sweet,” Ethan Cole took a bite and said with a smile, “Thanks, Grace. I’ll repay you in the future.”

“There’s no need, it’s nothing.”

“No, I always repay my debts.”

With the appearance of Vivian Chase and Chloe Winters, the venue erupted into a short frenzy.

Then Olivia Turner invited Chloe Winters onto the stage for the raffle drawing.

Chloe Winters was wearing a deep blue evening gown and a pair of crystal shoes.

Her long hair was elegantly pinned up and she carried herself with the grace of a future leading lady.

Upon stepping onstage, she quickly scanned the room with her gaze.

She soon discovered Ethan Cole and Grace Bennett in the corner of the room and quickly averted her gaze.

One of the staff members brought a large box onstage and placed it in front of Chloe Winters.

Olivia Turner stood by her side. The two girls standing together made quite an appealing sight.

They were evenly matched in looks, but Chloe Winters had the advantages of youth and double the attention, which gave her the edge…

Olivia Turner spoke into the microphone, “We have several prizes tonight, including a first, second, and third prize, as well as twenty smaller, joy prizes.

The grand prize is a pure gold Buddha carving worth two hundred thousand dollars.

The second prize is a car worth one hundred thousand dollars.

The third prize is fifty thousand in cash.

The joy prizes are two thousand dollars red envelopes.

For those who don’t win anything, we will be giving out five hundred dollars red envelopes to each attendee when they leave.

We will now begin drawing for the joy prizes…”

Ethan Cole nodded in approval.

Olivia Turner had done well organizing the event, taking everyone’s feelings into consideration.

The actual costs weren’t that high, but it made everyone feel valued and happy.

Suddenly, it was time for the grand prize.

“The grand prize goes to… number 66. Whoever holds number 66, please come

to the stage to collect your prize.”

Ethan Cole, who was in the middle of eating, was stunned.

Had he won?

He quickly pulled out a few napkins to wipe his hands and mouth and then got up to walk towards the stage.

Nice, you have good luck,” Olivia Turner commented quietly after she stepped away from the microphone.

“Olivia, did you rig this lottery for me?” Ethan Cole joked.

Olivia Turner just rolled her eyes at him.

Ethan Cole handed his ticket to Chloe Winters.

After checking it, she nodded and accepted a twenty-centimeter high golden

Buddha carving handed to her by a staff member.

She then handed it to Ethan Cole.

Ethan Cole took it and was about to step away when he realized Chloe Winters was still firmly grasping the carving.

Ethan Cole narrowed his eyes.

Little sis, are you trying to cause trouble for me?

Chloe Winters moved her lips slightly and said in a voice only the two of them

could hear, “I have some information for you..”

Chapter 209: I Can’t Refuse This Big Pie

“Hmm?” Ethan Cole slightly frowned, peering warily at Chloe Winters.

Upon hearing these words, his initial reaction was – what was this woman up to now?

In hushed, rapid speech, Chloe Winters said, ”1 met Galaxy Entertainment’s third-largest shareholder’s son not long ago.

He’s pursuing me, and he let slip some important information.

His dad is planning to sell his shares in Galaxy Entertainment.

I know you have grand ambitions, and I’m certain you wouldn’t miss this opportunity.”

A notion stirred in Ethan Cole’s mind.

This news was indeed of significant value to him.

Therefore, he said, “Let’s talk more after I get off stage.”

Chloe Winters’s mouth slightly curled into a smile as she released her hold.

Ethan Cole, holding a golden Buddha statue that weighed two jins, said a few words of acceptance and stepped off the stage.

Dinner formally started.

Most of the people were attracted by Vivian Chase and Chloe Winters.

They were all hovering around them.

Vivian Chase seemed to be managing effortlessly.

Chloe Winters also had plenty of experience in this, showing no signs of stage fright.

Ethan Cole and Grace Bennett stayed in a corner.

They were nearly full.

Ethan Cole handed the Buddha statue to Grace Bennett: “This is for you.”

“It’s too valuable,” Grace Bennett shook her head.

Ethan Cole nodded: “Alright, then I’ll give it to Chloe Winters later.”

The next second, the Buddha statue was in Grace Bennett’s hand.

Even though Grace knew that Ethan Cole said this on purpose, her mouth still puckered, as if she could hang a bottle from it.

Ethan Cole started to laugh out loud.

A moment later, Olivia Turner walked over, one hand holding a glass of red wine and the other holding several red wine glasses.

She placed the glasses on the table and poured three glasses: “To the three of us.”

Ethan Cole smiled and shook his head: “We’ll just drink cola, the color is similar.”

Olivia Turner laughed: “That works.”

After finishing her drink, Olivia Turner smoothly sat next to Grace Bennett.

The two girls started chatting.

Olivia Turner was quite fond of Grace.

If Ethan Cole wasn’t so powerful, she would definitely have helped her brother win Grace over.

On the other side, Julia Monroe watched Vivian Chase and Chloe Winters getting surrounded by the crowd, and gently shook her head.

She decided not to join them and her gaze wandered around.

She quickly found Ethan Cole and the others in the corner.

She carried her wine glass over.

As she walked in,

When Julia Monroe saw Grace, she paused.

It felt as if she was suddenly given a punch.

As a woman, she found Grace’s face flawless.

Although she’d seen Grace when she accompanied Chloe Winters to the school lecture last time,

seeing her again still left her stunned.

From her professional perspective,

If Grace entered show business, her achievements would surely surpass Chloe Winters’s.

After all, she had never met a girl as attractive, innocent, and spirited as Grace.

Pausing momentarily, Julia Monroe approached them.

After greeting them, she sat down and joined Grace and Olivia Turner’s conversation.

A little later, Ethan Cole saw Chloe Winters leave alone in the elevator.

He said something before getting up and heading her way.

He saw the elevator go down to the basement.

By the time Ethan Cole reached the basement, Chloe Winters was already waiting there.

Ethan Cole cut straight to the chase: “What do you wish to gain?”

Chloe Winters’s lips curved into a smile: “What if I said I wanted you, would you comply?”

“Let’s stick to the matter at hand.” Ethan Cole’s tone was neutral: “I’m not in the mood to joke.”

“Get in the car. If anyone sees us here, it won’t look good for me.”

Ethan Cole followed her into a car worth over two million.

Chloe Winters didn’t beat around the bush and bluntly said, “I can act as the mediator and arrange a meeting with the third shareholder.

Besides, I can also vouch for you in front of his son, helping close the deal.”

The terms are simple, there are two.

One is, when I compete for an S-tier contract in the future, you need to support me.

The other, I need you to tailor-make a novel for me.

A novel that can make me glow with success, and you’re also responsible for promoting it.”

Ethan Cole didn’t refuse, instead, he scrutinized Chloe Winters from head to toe.

In the face of Ethan Cole’s gaze, Chloe Winters held herself even straighter without dodging. She wanted to show him her best side.

Ethan Cole smirked: “Stop that. You don’t even compare to half of Grace. What are you acting so proud for?”

His words caught Chloe Winters off guard, making her glare at him fiercely.

This man was usually very honest. Why was he so mean now?

At this moment, Ethan Cole, however, was thinking about a palace fight drama that had been a hit in 2011.

Empresses in the Palace.

This drama had set numerous records back then.

Most of its lead actors and supporting actors rose to fame because of it.

The one who benefited the most was the main actress, Sun Li.

The TV drama itself was a golden goose that kept laying eggs.

Even after ten to twenty years following its final episode, the company owning its copyright was still earning tens of millions each year.

That alone was quite remarkable.

Ethan Cole had watched this drama in his previous life. He was so familiar with it as he had seen it many times.

But, he actually didn’t like such dramas.

It was because Chloe Winters liked it that he had forced himself to watch it in order to have a shared topic with her.

Then… he became infatuated.

He watched it many more times when he was free.

The main character from Empresses in the Palace wouldn’t suit Chloe Winters at all.

However, Ethan Cole thought he could tweak the character’s persona.

Without changing the other parts, the plot, or the characters, the drama could still be a hit.

There was another issue. The novel of this drama had been written for two years and wouldn’t be finished until next June.

But it wasn’t a big issue.

The crux of this drama was all kinds of palace fights, cunning tricks, and schemes.

Ethan Cole could totally create a similar but differently plotted novel.

He could make it a hit by filming and airing it in advance.

Once the author of Empresses in the Palace finished the novel next year, he could buy its copyright and develop it…

Having thought that far, Ethan Cole had made up his mind.

He looked at Chloe Winters and asked: “How many shares does the third shareholder of Xinghe have, and how does he plan to sell?”

“He has 9% of the shares and plans to sell them for around fifty million.”

In that case, the entire value of Xinghe was around five hundred million.

This was almost consistent with the current value of Galaxy Entertainment.

If the coming drama became popular, the estimated value of the company would surely skyrocket.

Having thought this far, Ethan Cole nodded. “Alright, deal.”

A smile showed at the corner of Chloe Winters’s mouth.

She then opened the glove compartment and took out two contracts. “Take a look. If there’s no problem, sign it.”

Ethan Cole took them and read carefully.

The contract was straightforward, only two or three hundred words in length.

Moreover, this woman understood him quite well.

In the draft of the contract, it was stated that the digital broadcast rights were given to Ethan Cole, and the drama would offer him a 10% dividend.

As for the novel resulting from it, the electronic copyright, publication copyright, and related stuff still belonged to Ethan Cole.

These terms were very generous.

Well, she had big ambitions. She planned to invest in and film the drama herself to get the larger share.

Ethan Cole read it several times and found no pitfalls.

The contract simply clarified the terms of their cooperation, the responsibilities that needed to be fulfilled, and the penalties for breaking the contract.

Once he made sure that both contracts were the same, he signed them.

This was a private transaction, so no company stamp was needed.

Chloe Winters held the contracts, barely concealing the smile on her face.

She had great faith in Ethan Cole’s ability.

He surely could help her become popular.

After putting away the contracts properly, Chloe Winters looked at Ethan Cole again.

Her gaze was playful: “Do you want to know how far I’ve gotten with that man?”

Chapter 210: Who Can Resist When Grace Acts Cute? (Extra update for the first day of December) !

“Oh, so tell me, how far did it go?”

Ethan Cole, in truth, didn’t want to know at all.

However, he knew this woman, even if he said he didn’t want to know, she would still speak.

Because when she began speaking, she conveniently locked the car door.

Chloe Winters steadily looked at Ethan Cole, “Don’t worry, he didn’t even touch a finger of mine.

In this lifetime, I only love you.”

Ethan Cole: “We will never happen.”

Chloe Winters was unaffected: “It’s too early to talk about this, we are still young, the future holds infinite possibilities.”

Ethan Cole didn’t continue that topic, he only told Chloe Winters a date.

In a month, the novel could be finished.

The most challenging part of this type of novel is the ensemble cast, the character profiles for various characters are hard to create.

First establish the character profiles, then proceed with the creation, it simplifies things greatly.

In terms of word count, it will only be two to three hundred thousand words.

There’s no need to be like internet novels that run into millions of words.

After discussing, Ethan Cole left.

Chloe Winters watched Ethan Cole’s retreating figure, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

Finally, she let out a self-deprecating laugh, “Ha! I told myself a thousand times over to get my revenge on this man.

However, every time I see him, the hatred I’ve slowly accumulated vanishes instantly.

“Chloe Winters, oh Chloe Winters, you really are useless.”

The banquet ended after 10pm.

Then Olivia Turner invited everyone to sing.

She and Vivian Chase were invited by Ethan Cole to a recently opened VIP room on the upper floor.

Grace Bennett, Olivia Turner, and Chloe Winters were talking on the first floor. “You say you want to buy one-third of the company’s TV drama broadcast rights?”

Upon hearing Ethan Cole’s words, Vivian Chase and Julia Monroe were quite surprised. “You, do you have some inside information?” Julia Monroe asked.

She knew Ethan Cole.

No advantages are gained without hard work.

Since he wanted to buy the internet broadcast rights, he definitely believed he could make a lot of money from it.

“No, you’re thinking too much.” Ethan Cole shrugged his hands and began to bluff:

“You all know I have an online novel platform, and I plan to use this as a foundation in the future.

To branch out into comics, animation, TV dramas, and audiobook companies. Once the entire industry chain is completed, it will go public.

Producing our own TV dramas is too time-consuming and costly,

But this step is indispensable.

So, I thought about buying some internet broadcasting rights to gift glossiness. Anyway, this is cheap, as for TV drama broadcasting rights, I couldn’t afford them.”

After a blustering excuse, he successfully fooled the two shareholders. Primarily, no one was paying attention to internet rights at the moment.

After a while, it would enter an era of fierce competition of the video industry.

By then, internet broadcast rights for TV dramas would become extremely valuable.

For example, the subsequent shooting of the 87 episodes of “Reign of the Phoenix Empress”.

The exclusive internet broadcasting rights sold for a terrifying 810 million dollars.

On average, single episode rights exceeded 9 million dollars!

For instance, the total bid for “The Concubine’s Gambit” from four provincial TV stations was less than 4 million dollars.

But by the time of “The Legend of Empress Wei”, the price had reached an absurd 360 million dollars.

This was the result of several fights leading to soaring copyright prices. Afterward, Ethan Cole showed the table he wrote to the two of them.

From Galaxy Entertainment, Ethan Cole planned to buy more than ninety dramas.

Based on the performance, shooting era, the price ranged from one hundred thousand to five hundred thousand per drama.

If this was a few years later, it would indeed be considered a bargain.

In total, it was twelve million dollars.

Julia Monroe and Vivian Chase exchanged glances.

This price was quite attractive in their eyes.

The two of their shares combined were over fifty percent, enough to make all the decisions of the company.

Considering that they needed to cooperate with Ethan Cole in the future, they agreed.

Julia Monroe called the company’s legal team.

After reviewing the contract and finding no issues, both parties signed and stamped it.

Then they also signed a contract with Olivia Turner.

Olivia Turner was more straightforward.

After listening to Ethan Cole, she signed without saying a word.

Moreover, she reduced the price by ten percent based on Ethan Cole’s original quote.

She understood gratitude.

In total, they secured broadcasting rights for one hundred sixty-five dramas from both companies.

The total expenditure was 19 million dollars.

Instantly, Ethan Cole only had a little over 80 million dollars left in his hands.

The dramas he now held would bring him a tremendous return in not too long. Around 2005, several video websites such as SomeBean, SomeCool, SomePlay, StormSomeSound, CoolSix, 56.com, PPS, Six Rooms… hundreds of large and small video websites came online.

You can say they gathered a multitude of talents.

But it won’t be long before they become a battlefield, fighting each other viciously.

In order to compete for users, each major video website will spend a large amount of money to buy all sorts of copyrights.

Originally neglected internet broadcast rights would suddenly fetch an exorbitant price.

By then, Ethan Cole only needed to lie back and collect money.

At least, the TV drama internet broadcast rights in his hand now could be sold at more than ten times the price.

Ethan Cole was in high spirits.

Then he placed both hands on Grace Bennett’s neck.

The girl instantly let out a scream and shrank her neck.

In the middle of winter, being suddenly attacked, naturally Grace Bennett couldn’t take it.

Watching her resentful gaze, Ethan Cole chuckled, “It’s winter and I’m wearing a lot, you can’t bite me, and you can’t pinch the meat around my waist.”

Grace Bennett still had a killer move.

She reached into her pocket to grab her phone, but found it was missing. “Looking for this?”

Like a magician, Ethan Cole dangled Grace Bennett’s phone in front of her.

“I knew you wanted to summon Lord Karen Cole, sorry, this time I interrupted your spell.”

However, Ethan Cole had underestimated Grace Bennett.

She looked at him with watery eyes and spoke in a soft and sweet tone, “Brother- can I bite your arm, please?”

Critical hit!

A very critical hit!

Ethan Cole exclaimed his heart couldn’t take it.

Who could reject a cute girl’s coquettish request like that?

Without a second word, Ethan Cole rolled up his sleeves, “Come on, don’t be shy.” Grace Bennett chuckled.

She didn’t