Darryl glanced at Pearl. If he was not mistaken, she should be the secretary his uncle mentioned about.

“Sorry President, I didn't mean to be late. There was a traffic jam...” Pearl explained softly, afraid to look Darryl in the eye, and merely bowed.

“Pearl, what nonsense are you talking about!” Penelope stepped forward. Her beautiful appearance was slightly tinged with anger. “This is our company’s new security guard, why are you addressing him as president?”

“Security guard?” Pearl searched inside her handbag and took out a photo. She compared the photo with Darryl, and hurriedly replied Penelope. “Miss Peach, there is no mistake. This is our company’s new president, Mister Darby.”

“What!?” The crowd stood there with their mouths agape, and stared at Darryl in disbelief!

“Uh Miss, you... you have to be mistaken?” Giselle bit her lip tightly and looked at Pearl. “This guy is Darryl, he was my classmate in high school. Look at how uncouth he is, how could he be the president?”

How was this possible! Why would a president be wearing bargained goods and riding an electric bike? Moreover, during the very recent high school reunion, none of them cared to acknowledge Darryl!

“Mistaken?” Pearl took out her cellphone and showed it to Giselle. “Look closely, the patriarch of the Darby clan personally told me that the name of the new president is Darryl Darby! There is also a photo of the president shared in the conversation records, see for yourself!”

Woosh!

Giselle’s mind went blank in an instant! She could feel her legs weaken, she dared not look Darryl in the eye anymore.

Meanwhile, Penelope bit her lip tightly as well. As the deputy manager of Platinum Corporation, she was of a higher rank than many of the common employees. However, Platinum Corporation still belonged to the Darby clan. She could not believe that just moments ago she had threatened to fire the president…

“Mister Darryl…” Penelope’s face was pallor, she walked up to Darryl and whispered to him gently.

“I don’t think that’s the right address,” chuckled Darryl. “Giselle was my classmate, and you’re her aunt. I don’t think it’s fitting for you to call me mister.”

“Mister Darryl, I was wrong... I was wrong, I truly know that I did wrong…” said Penelope softly with her head lowered.

Darryl waved his hand and interrupted her words, he turned around and looked in the direction of the head of security. At that moment, the head of security was dumbfounded, his body staggered back, almost falling onto the ground.

“You’re fired,” Darryl merely said those words to him and entered the building.

A group of people followed Darryl with might, which prompted discussion among the employees at the ground floor level. Giselle and Penelope followed suit as well, but with a sense of humility. Although it was hard for them to walk on heels, they still trotted as fast as they could to follow close.

It has to be said, Platinum Corporation was extremely grand. Its interior was decorated to resemble a palace. News regarding the new president’s arrival spread across the entire company, employees along the way bowed and greeted Darryl.

The president’s office was on the 11th floor. Darryl sat in his chair when he arrived at his office.

‘How fancy,’ thought Darryl in admiration. Ever since he was banished from his clan three years ago, he never had the opportunity to visit such fancy places.

“President…”

Giselle and Penelope followed him into his office and stood obediently in front of his desk.

To be fair, although Penelope was Giselle’s aunt, she had gone to great lengths to take good care of her appearance. They looked like sisters standing side by side.

“Mister Darryl... I sincerely apologize…” Penelope bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, before she continued. “Mister Darryl, will Giselle still be able to sign her contract with our company? As long as you allow her the contract, I’ll do anything you ask.”

“Anything I ask?” Darryl laughed out loud. As he was about to speak, Pearl knocked on the door and walked in.

“Mister Darby, it’s William of the Lyndon clan, he’s here to talk business.”

William Lyndon? The mere mention of him made Darryl’s blood boil.

Darry chuckled, “Tell him to piss off.”

“Yes, sir.”

***

At the Lyndon clan’s villa. Grandmother Lyndon called upon an emergency meeting, hundreds of family members were gathered around.

“Granny, this Platinum Corporation is too ridiculous!” William was so angry that his face was bright red. “I went there to discuss a partnership and they told me to piss off, piss off! Clearly, Platinum Corporation looks down on us Lyndons.”

The Lyndons shook their heads one after another. There was nothing they could do, Platinum Corporation has the power to behave in that manner. They were angry but they could not complain.

“Enough,” Grandmother Lyndon said as she waved her hand. “I’ve heard that Platinum Corporation’s new president is just slightly over 20 years old. He is young and promising, which gives him the right to be reckless. Although they have a bad attitude, we Lyndons still have to continue to strike a deal with them, who among you is willing to go?”

What?!

They looked at each other in shock. The Lyndons still intend to discuss and negotiate a partnership? Platinum Corporation had already told William to piss off, and yet they are still requested to seek their cooperation? Who would be willing to do that!?

Grandmother Lyndon let out a long sigh. She knew that no one was shameless enough to go there again. However, if they could form a partnership with Platinum Corporation, the benefits brought to the Lyndon clan would be immense! They cannot give up!

William clenched his fists and sneered out of a sudden. He stood up and spoke, “Granny, how about we let Lily try?”

“William, you!” Lily bit her lip tightly, she knew that William was the type to cause trouble, but she did not expect him to be such a wicked person.

“What’s wrong?” William asked. “You’re a member of the Lyndon clan, and the company you’re in charge of lacks a funding of five million bucks right? Let’s ignore the fact that the company is running badly. You’re still not willing to put in this effort to help your clan?”

Finishing his words, William went to Grandmother Lyndon’s side. “Granny, I suggest Lily negotiate this partnership!”

Grandmother Lyndon nodded her head. William was her favorite in the clan, and upon hearing his words, she looked at Lily. “Lilybud, this matter is placed in your hands. Go to Platinum Corporation on time tomorrow and negotiate a partnership.”

“Granny, I…”

Lily wanted to speak, but Grandmother Lyndon merely waved her hand. “That’s enough, we will dismiss the meeting.”

At the sound of Grandmother Lyndon’s words, hundreds of them left one after another. Each of them rejoiced at the fact that they were not the one that was chosen.

Returning home, Lily felt uneasy in her heart. This was an impossible task. How was she supposed to negotiate this partnership tomorrow?

Lily felt terribly upset, she simply did not want to think about this matter anymore. She called her best friends Jade and Phoebe over to vent.

When Lily’s best friends arrived, sure enough, her mood turned ecstatic.

“Lily, where’s that piece of trash?” Jade asked as she sat on the sofa, gently sipping on a glass of wine.

Lily knew who Jade was referring to and laughed. “He left after making breakfast, he hasn’t been back yet.”

“Lily, you’re so patient.” Jade placed her wine glass down. “Even I could not bear how hopeless he looked. Your company is lacking in funds, if you had a capable husband, even if he couldn’t fork out five million, at least he could provide two to three million bucks. Meanwhile, Darryl can’t even provide 30,000 bucks.”

As Jade was talking, the sound of the door opening could be heard. Darryl came in holding a black sack, his whole body covered in dirt and grime.

Damn it, it started raining when Darryl was on the way back from his company. His scooter was broken earlier this morning when it was knocked by Giselle so he had to walk back drenched in the rain.

“Yo, speaking of the devil,” said Jade as she glanced at Darryl.

Darryl could not bother to acknowledge her, instead, he just placed the black sack on the sofa.

“Darryl, you still dare to show your face around here?” said Samantha as she came out of her bedroom, looking angry.

If it was not for Darryl’s conflict with William, why would William suggest Lily be the one to negotiate the deal?

Samantha glared at Darryl. “You’re behaving more and more improper. Putting aside your conflict with William during yesterday’s gathering, you still dare to show your face around here? Don’t you know that you’re leaving your footprints everywhere in the house by wearing your shoes inside? Another thing, that ugly bag of yours is so dirty, and you just place it on the sofa? Do you still want to live here or not? You’re welcomed to leave if you don’t want to!”

Darryl heaved a deep breath. Indeed he was the one that dirtied the house, but was he also not the one responsible for cleaning up the house all these years?

Darryl was not angry, for if he minded Samantha’s words he would have been driven mad way earlier.

Darryl put on an indifferent attitude and approached Lily, and spoke to her with a wide smile on his face. “Honey, your company is in dire need of five million bucks, right? I have here…”

“Woah.” Jade who sat at the side let out a laugh, interrupting Darryl’s words, and glared at him. “This guy is truly shameless beyond redemption. Nevermind the fact that you’re useless, yet you still want to remind people of their problems. Lily needs five million bucks, which is something a piece of trash like you can never help with, and yet you still brought it up.”

“Jade, stop it already,” whispered Lily softly after hearing Jade scolding Darryl.

Yesterday at the annual gathering William showed off his suit, yet it was Darryl who stood up and helped Lily relieve the embarrassment.

“Lily, you’re too soft-hearted. If it was me, I would have divorced him already,” said Jade coldly. "After being married to him for so long, yet you both haven’t consummated your marriage. I don’t know how you can handle facing this piece of trash every day,”

“Jade,” called out Darryl as he stared deeply at her. He could not hold it in anymore and made a step forward.

It had to be said that Jade was gorgeous, she was wearing a short tight skirt, exposing her fair legs.

“My wife’s company needs five million, why would you assume that I couldn’t help?” said Darryl with a smile. “I remember you said that if I can fork out five million, you’ll call me daddy?”

“Yes, I did say that.” Jade slowly stood up. “Show me then, if you can’t, you’ll call me your mommy then?”

“Excuse me,” Darryl sat down casually on a chair. He held up his dirty sack upside down and poured out the contents onto the table.

It was at this moment, the whole house was as silent as the grave!

Wads of red-colored cash notes poured out like a waterfall, the sofa could not even contain them all and many scattered on the floor.

(TN: Original RAW mentioned he poured out the contents onto the table, but then mentioned sofa.)

“This…this is…”

Jade stared in amazement, she was so astonished that she could not say a single word.

“All this cash… Is it really five million?!” Samantha walked over too, her initial anger now somewhat simmered.

Lily’s best friends Jade and Phoebe felt their legs weakened. Five million bucks in cash notes in front of their eyes, that kind of visual impact was indescribable.

“Call me daddy then, I’m listening,” said Darryl as he stroked his hair.

Jade eventually recovered from the shock.

She looked at Darryl and sneered, “Darryl, don’t think I’m not aware that Lily only gives you two hundred bucks a day. This amount here, I’m sure it’s not clean, right?”

Her words made Lily’s body tremble, she walked over quickly and grabbed Darryl’s arm, and brought him to the bedroom.

After closing the door, Lily whispered to him, “Darryl, where did that money come from, is it from dirty sources?”

“It’s clean, don’t worry and use it, I borrowed it from a friend,” explained Darryl after taking a deep breath.

Darryl was now the President of Platinum Corporation, but he did not want to reveal his identity too early because Lily would only think he was lucky.

“Friend? Where do you even find a friend?” said Lily as she anxiously stomped her foot. “After being married for so long, why do I not know that you still have friends?”

Darryl felt a pain in his chest. Indeed, after being banished from his clan, all his friends avoided him like the plague.

Maybe it was because his pride was hurt, Darryl turned around and walked to the door wanting to leave. “A classmate from back then got rich after starting a business of his own so he lent me the money. Just use it first,” said Darryl.

A few steps out of the room, he could hear Lily softly say, “I’ll return you this money as soon as I can.”

Both her best friends Jade and Phoebe had left.

“She didn't even call me daddy, can’t afford to play this game it seems?” Darryl mumbled to himself as he sat on the sofa and played with his phone.

These few days, Donghai City did not seem to be at peace.

Everyone knew that the largest entertainment company in Donghai City changed its new boss, and countless advertising agencies were seeking a partnership with them.

However, this new boss was very odd, even partners that had worked together with the company previously were rejected.

All these companies did not wish to give up easily. Given that Platinum Corporation was not partnering with anyone at the moment, they could dominate this big piece of cake themselves if they were to successfully secure a partnership!

Those who came to seek partnership were Donghai City’s first-class families. It was not expected that the second class Lyndon clan also wished to seek a partnership.

It was rumored that William from the Lyndon clan was sent previously but got escorted out by Platinum Corporation, yet they did not give up and sent Lily, how shameless.

Just when everyone was waiting to laugh at Lily, a piece of surprising news was announced! Platinum Corporation agreed to partner with the Lyndon clan!

This news shocked the whole of Donghai City! Are they out of their minds? Partnering with a second class family?!

Lily was pleasantly surprised, she had yet to meet Platinum Corporation’s president, but the president’s secretary told her that she could come in to sign a contract the next day.

Oriental Pearl Hotel, Donghai City.

This was the most renowned hotel in Donghai City, the average spending here per person starts from a thousand bucks! Grandmother Lyndon was exceptionally happy today. She had booked the entire hotel to celebrate Lily’s success and had instructed everyone in the Lyndon clan to attend! Not only that, but she had also invited many guests. Being able to sign a contract with Platinum Corporation was extremely great news which you would want everybody to know!

In the hotel, Lily became the crowd's center of attention as she sat at the first table.

Darryl followed beside Lily, their seats were not yet warmed when they heard a reprimand from behind them.

“Get up, is this somewhere you belong? Give your seat to Miss Yvonne immediately!”

This sentence came from William, but now there was a young and beautiful woman standing beside him.

Upon seeing this woman, Samantha stood up without hesitation and said, “Quickly give your seat, you piece of trash!”

Samantha knew that this woman should not be messed with, for she was Grandmother Lyndon’s guest, Yvonne Yung, the young mistress of the Young clan.

The Youngs had been in the antique business for generations, it was rumored that all of their collections in total could be sold for at least two billion bucks!

Yvonne was invited by Grandmother Lyndon. She had noticed Lily from first sight, noting that she had on a pair of extremely beautiful high heels. Was that not The Worship of Crystal?

Everyone knew that Yvonne loved The Worship of Crystal but she did not own one. It was not that she could not afford it, but The Worship of Crystal was globally limited to only 99 pairs! This pair of heels was not something one could get just because they have the money, they need to have the right connections to have access to the heels.

“Move aside, are you blind? Can’t you see Miss Yvonne here?” William shouted angrily as Darryl did not react to him.

Darryl seemed like he did not hear a word as he continued to munch on some nuts.

“Are you deaf? Can’t you hear what William said?” Samantha said in fury.

It would not be worth the loss if Yvonne was offended because of Darryl. Although he had lent five million bucks to them, Darryl was still a piece of trash in Samantha’s heart. It was just pure luck that he was acquainted with a rich classmate.

"How about…you give your seat for now…" Lily said as she looked at Darryl.

"Okay," Darryl replied happily at Lily’s request. He got up and walked toward the table behind.

William chuckled and pulled the seat backward and said, “Miss Young, please be seated. That guy is just our clan’s live-in son-in-law, living for free with us yet acting like he matters. He is just an idiot, don’t be bothered by him.”

“Alright,” Yvonne softly answered. She sat down and gazed at The Worship of Crystal.

It was beautiful. Perhaps any woman who wore it would have their elegance elevated a few levels.

“Miss Lily, I’d like to ask…” Yvonne could not help herself. “I’d like to ask, where did you purchase this pair of heels?”

Lily smiled with her heart overjoyed. Everyone knew that Yvonne was a renowned beauty in Donghai City, but now her eyes were full of envy for her. Of course, Lily would be overjoyed.

“A friend gifted it to me,” Lily replied softly.

“Do... Do you mind troubling your friend to help me purchase a pair too? Don’t worry, I’m willing to pay double the price for your friend’s help!” Yvonne said.

Yvonne’s voice was not loud, but people seated nearby could not help but turn around to have a look.

The Worship of Crystal was priced at 30 million bucks! You could tell that the Young clan was very wealthy from her offering to pay double the price.

Both Yvonne and Lily were amazing beauties, and having them sitting next to each other was real eye candy. Yvonne was wearing a short skirt, showing off her pair of fair and slender long legs which attracted many men. They both have their unique qualities, winning the stares of many.

“My daughter, what else could you be thinking? Quickly call this friend of yours,” Samantha urged as she thought how great of a chance this would be in making a connection with the Young clan’s young mistress.

Lily bit her lips and nodded her head. She took out her cellphone and called Ashton Adagio.

It only took three seconds for Ashton to answer the call.

Lily pushed the loudspeaker button.

Samantha, who stood beside, started smiling upon seeing Lily’s cellphone screen. “My dear daughter, so Ashton was the one that got you The Worship of Crystal. He’s a good man, be sure to appreciate him, my dear.”

Samantha purposely said it loudly, not forgetting to glance at Darryl. Compared to Ashton, Darryl was worthless. Ashton mentioned before that if Lily were to marry him, he would be willing to pay a dowry of 20 million bucks!

On the other end of the phone, Ashton was sitting by the sidewalk. Not long ago, he had received a phone call, informing him that the Darby clan had revoked all his fundings!

Ashton had a meltdown upon hearing the news. Without the Darby clan’s support, he would be next to nothing! He was subsequently informed that he had offended someone he should not have.

Until now, Ashton still could not figure out who he had offended!

“Ashton, I want to ask you if you can get me another pair of Worship of Crystal?” Lily asked over the phone.

Although Ashton had a meltdown, he forced a smile seeing that it was Lily who called. “Lily, you’re referring to the replica, right?”

“Replica?”

Lily and Yvonne exchanged looks with each other. They could not mistake an imitation for the real thing.

“Yeah, didn’t I give you a pair of replicas that cost 300,000?” Ashton continued, “But wasn’t that pair thrown by your worthless husband? That pair is still at my house right now, if you want it, I can get it for you.”

Upon hearing those words, Lily’s beautiful face was full of confusion!

The Worship of Crystal that she was currently wearing, was it not gifted by Ashton? Other than him, who else would give her a 30-million gift?!

Lily ended the call and recalled the day Darryl sent her to work, he had mentioned that he was going to buy her The Worship of Crystal…

On that thought, Lily could not help to look at Darryl.

Darryl held a pair of chopsticks in his hand, while the others had not even started eating, he was about to finish his second bowl of rice. Everybody at the table with him looked at him with spite and sat as far away from him as they could.

Lily sighed. What was she thinking, how could Darryl be the one who gifted her the heels? It was absolutely impossible.

After half a minute, Darryl finally placed his chopsticks down. He wiped his mouth while looking at Yvonne.

Yvonne was an interesting woman. Darryl noticed she wore a white bracelet on her wrist. It was obvious to everyone that this bracelet was not cheap, but how many would know that this bracelet was an antique?

The Darby clan had a vast collection of antiques. Darryl was around six to seven years old when he could already differentiate antiques.

When the world’s number one appraiser, Master Stellan Smith visited the clan as a guest, he had even learned how to appraise from him for two months.

The bracelet that Yvonne had on seemed delicate and exquisite, and should be a Tang Dynasty era handicraft. It would fetch up to 20 million worth in value in today’s market.

“Everyone quiet down.”

At that moment, Grandmother Lyndon walked onto the stage, looking extremely cheerful.

“Quick, Lilybud, tell us how you negotiated with Platinum Corporation,” Grandmother Lyndon asked impatiently as she sat down.

Lily stood up awkwardly, and after some deep thought finally spoke. “I… When I reached Platinum Corporation, I didn’t say a thing, nor did I even meet the president, and I was notified that I can sign the contract.”

“Wow!”

Lily’s words triggered a furor among the crowd!

“So Lily didn’t even do anything and got the contract?”

“Yeah, and here I thought she would be capable to do so, turns out it was just good luck.”

Hearing those discussions, William stood up and stepped forward. “Granny, I got escorted out of Platinum Corporation, but today Lily got in. They must have felt that we are sincere, thus deciding to partner with us! Even if it wasn’t Lily who went there today, anyone else would’ve been successful too!”

It was obvious that William wanted a part of the credit.

Grandmother Lyndon had always favored William, so it was no surprise when she nodded and agreed, “Lilybud, the credit for this assignment isn’t yours alone, William played a part in this as well.”

William was happy upon hearing what Grandmother Lyndon said, and gave a 90-degree bow to her. “Granny, as a son of the Lyndon clan, I’m willing to sacrifice! I’ve heard rumors that there’s a new celebrity under Platinum Corporation who goes by the name of Giselle Lindt. She’s a beautiful woman, and I assume that Platinum Corporation would want to style her. If this task was granted to our clan, we would surely earn a lot of money! Tomorrow I’m willing to represent the Lyndons to negotiate this deal!”

“Great!”

Grandmother Lyndon nodded her head in praise. “Granny did not love you for naught.”

Lily and Samantha exchanged looks and felt uncomfortable. This gathering was meant to celebrate Lily’s success, but the limelight had been snatched by William instead. Now that the Lyndons have established a partnership with Platinum Corporation, William’s negotiation tomorrow would no doubt be a success. By then, the credit would be all his.

Even though Lily felt unhappy with the outcome, she remained silent, after all, Wiliam was Granny’s favorite.

“Haha, make sure you guys are eating well, today’s feast will be my treat!” William laughed heartily.

“Waiter, come, bring the wine!” William exclaimed.

A moment later, two waiters in qipao dresses brought the menu over.

“Greetings sir, this is our wine list, what would you like us to serve you?”

William waved his hand, he was full of energy and excitement during such a joyous occasion. “There’s no need for the list! Bring a bottle of your most expensive wine to every table! Remember, only the most expensive!”

After a brief moment, a line of waiters brought the wine over. William lifted his wine glass with a huge smile. “Today we will drink until we drop, cheers to all of you!”

William’s standing in the clan was at its highest at the moment, almost everybody would want to be on his good side, and they toasted with their respective glasses.

They were served rounds and rounds of food and wine. William noticed that it was getting late and drunkenly waved his hand to call out to the waiter.

“Bring me the bill. I’ll be paying by card!”

William was seated beside Yvonne. He took out his bank card in a way that he thought to be unrestrained, purposefully making it louder than needed. He eyed Yvonne as he spoke. Was there anyone that did not want to impress a beauty?

The crowd was in awe upon seeing William’s bank card.

It was an Amethyst Bank platinum card!

Those that own an Amethyst Bank card, would be required to have a net worth of at least one million. To own a gold card, they would need to have five million in their account; for a platinum cardholder, he would be required to have no less than 10 million bucks!

William’s total net worth was roughly 30 million. As a business person, however, net worth did not equate to their bank balance, for most of their wealth would be used as investment, and hardly held onto as cash.

William had saved up this 10 million in cash for many years. He had only received the platinum card yesterday, naturally, he would like to show it off a bit.

Sure enough, even Yvonne Young herself could not help but to take an extra look upon the card’s appearance.

The Young clan’s antiques were worth over two billion in total, but that was Yvonne’s father’s money after all. Although Yvonne was said to be rich and beautiful, her bank balance was not even enough to reach 10 million bucks. If she wanted to buy The Worship of Crystal, she would still have to ask her father to sell two antiques for cash.

William’s face was full of amazement as he saw Yvonne taking a couple of looks at him, his heart was full of excitement.

William looked at the waiter and said, “Today I’ll be paying for every table, except for this one!”

After finishing his words, William pointed at Darryl’s table. Those sitting at that table had a low standing in the Lyndon clan and he was not afraid to offend them.

“Darryl, do you know why I’m not footing the bill for you?” William said as he stood up and looked at Darryl. “It’s because you didn’t offer Miss Yvonne your seat! You’re too accustomed to your bullsh*t! How dare you sit at the front looking so worthless? You made Miss Yvonne unhappy, and I have to punish you on her behalf.”

Finishing his words, he looked back at Yvonne. “Miss Yvonne, don’t you worry, I’ll teach him a lesson on your behalf! Every table should cost at least 10,000 bucks, Darryl would surely not be able to afford it.”

Yvonne did not say a word and merely smiled lightly.

The waiter took William’s card away, and William continued speaking to Yvonne. “Miss Yvonne, don’t worry, you like The Worship of Crystal, right? I have lots of friends, I’ll have them make inquiries and purchase the heels for you!”

Indeed William has many friends, but they were all a pack of rogues. The thought of them being able to get their hands on a pair of The Worship of Crystal was a foolish dream.

“Thank you,” said Yvonne as she gave a polite smile and gently nodded her head.

At that moment, two waiters hastily walked up to William and bowed.

“We’re sorry sir, it would seem that your card has insufficient funds.”

William flew into a rage. “You’ve gotta be f*cking kidding me? I have 11 million in my card and you’re telling me that I have insufficient funds?”

“We’re sorry sir, the total bill is 38.26 million.”