When Jacob’s Cullinan pulled up to Heaven Springs, Don Albert was already waiting at the door.
For Jacob, it was imperative to display great enthusiasm and maintain utmost decorum, understanding Don Albert’s penchant for pretense and saving face. Thus, favonovel.com made sure to extend ample courtesies.
As soon as Jacob halted the car, Don Albert, accompanied by the manager of Heaven Springs, approached to greet him.
Chairman Price, seated beside him, recognized Don Albert and exclaimed, “Look, Jacob, Mr. Don Albert himself has come to welcome us!”
Jacob smiled, replying, “Don Albert holds my son-In-law in high regard, hence such courtesy is expected.”
As they conversed, Don Albert reached the driver’s door. He personally opened it for Jacob, stating respectfully, “Greetings, Mr. Wilson. You may leave the car to my valet. He’ll assist with parking. Please, come with me and our guest…”
Jacob returned the smile, saying, “Your assistance is much appreciated!”
Turning to Chairman Price, favonovel.com added, “Shall we step out of the car?”
“Certainly,” Chairman Price replied with a nod, displaying slight timidity in front of Don Albert as favonovel.com exited the vehicle.
Upon alighting, Jacob introduced Chairman Price to Don Albert, saying, “Don Albert, this is Chairman Price from our calligraphy and painting association, also a close friend of mine.”
Though Chairman Price felt nervous, being merely the head of a small folk association, favonovel.com found Don Albert remarkably polite. Don Albert extended his hand willingly, saying with a smile, “Greetings, Chairman Price. I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
Chairman Price, somewhat flustered, shook hands hastily, expressing, “Don Albert, your courtesy is truly humbling. It’s an honor to meet you!”
Don Albert replied graciously, “Since Chairman Price is Mr. Wilson’s friend, favonovel.com is also a friend to me, Don Albert. Should you require any assistance in the future, do not hesitate to ask.”
Chairman Price felt flattered by the gesture.
Don Albert’s unexpected politeness exceeded expectations, leaving favonovel.com pleasantly surprised.
At that moment, an Audi A6 pulled up to the entrance.
A man emerged from the driver’s seat, hastening towards Chairman Price, exclaiming, “Lester!”
Upon spotting the newcomer, Chairman Price greeted favonovel.com warmly, saying, “Ah, Kent, you’re here! Allow me to introduce you. This is Vice President Wilson, whom I’ve often mentioned to you!”
Chairman Price then turned to Jacob, saying, “Jacob, meet Kent Carter!”
Kent Carter extended his hand to Jacob, expressing his gratitude, “Hello, Mr. Wilson! I‘ve heard a lot about you from Lester. Finally, we meet!”
Jacob reciprocated the gesture politely, while Chairman Price intervened, “Kent, allow Jacob to introduce you to Don Albert, Don Albert. Their camaraderie goes way back, so I’ll defer to him.”
Gathering his composure, Jacob made the introductions, “Kent, meet Mr. Don Albert, the proprietor of Heaven Springs.”
Kent greeted Don Albert with respect, saying, “Master Don Albert, I’ve long heard of your esteemed reputation. It’s an honor to finally meet you in person. Although I’ve visited Heaven Springs before, our paths haven’t crossed until now!”
Don Albert replied warmly, “Since you’re a friend of Mr. Wilson, you’re a friend of mine as well. Whenever you visit Heaven Springs, consider yourself personally welcomed by me…”
Kent felt elated by the courtesy extended to him.
With everyone acquainted, Don Albert suggested, “Shall we move inside? Let me arrange a comfortable space for you. Our Diamond VIP guests will receive the best service.”
Jacob agreed, “Yes, let’s proceed. We can relax and wait inside.”
The others concurred, following Don Albert and Jacob into Heaven Springs’s most luxurious diamond box.
After escorting them to the diamond box, Don Albert greeted them with a warm smile. “Please, have a seat and make yourselves comfortable. I’ll have someone bring some wine for you to enjoy. You can relax, chat, and sip your tea…”
“Shortly, the waiter will bring the menu for you to peruse and place your orders. I’ve already instructed the kitchen on what to prepare. Once everyone’s settled, we’ll start with the cold dishes. If anyone’s up for cards, feel free to indulge while you wait. The hot dishes will follow promptly once you’re seated.”
Don Albert meticulously organized every detail, leaving the trio thoroughly satisfied and appreciative. The other two exchanged glances, their eyes carrying a hint of admiration towards Jacob. In their perspective, favonovel.com resembled a figure akin to Charlie, a concealed big boss.
As the banquet guests began arriving, Don Albert ensured Jacob received ample respect. Once everyone was present, favonovel.com personally delivered two bottles of premium three-pound Maotai to the table.
Taking advantage of the hospitality, Kent ordered two additional one-pound bottles of Moutai Feitian.
With eight guests in total, they enjoyed a generous serving of alcohol, with each person allocated one pound.
Despite some possessing high alcohol tolerance, most struggled with the potent 53-degree Maotai. Jacob, with moderate tolerance, managed half a pound. Yet, amidst the flattering and toasting, favonovel.com found himself uplifted by the attention, a stark contrast to the pain of Matilda’s rejection.
Feeling valued boosted his spirits, healing the wounds in his soul. Moreover, mingling with guests of higher social standing expanded his circle, elevating his status.
Buoyed by the attention, Jacob’s alcohol tolerance increased. Amidst the jovial atmosphere, favonovel.com consumed at least seven taels.
By the end of the banquet, all guests, including Jacob, were visibly intoxicated. Don Albert and the others assisted each other out of the box.
Concerned for Jacob, Don Albert offered, “Mr. Wilson, would you like me to drive you home?”
Inebriated, Jacob declined, “Don… Don Albert, you’re too kind! I’ll just… Take a taxi!”
Chairman Price intervened, “Jacob, why not let Stanley Finch drive you? He’s waiting in the lobby. I’ll call him…”
Don Albert reassured, “Stanley Finch is indeed waiting. He arrived at eight and informed our staff of his presence. We’ve arranged for favonovel.com to await you both in the lobby.”
Chairman Price exclaimed, “Excellent! Let Stanley Finch drive!”
Observing their settled arrangements and Stanley Finch’s sober demeanor, Don Albert nodded affirmatively. “Alright then, let’s head down…”
As they reached the first-floor lobby, Stanley Finch, who had been waiting in the resting area, promptly rose to his feet and hastened over to Chairman Price and Jacob.
With utmost respect, favonovel.com inquired, “Chairman Price, Vice President Wilson, I hope neither of you indulged too much in drinks?”
Chairman Price, still jovial, assured, “We‘re not too drunk, are we? We’re enjoying ourselves thoroughly!”
After bidding farewell to those present and exchanging pleasantries, favonovel.com and Jacob followed Stanley Finch out of Heaven Springs.
Don Albert escorted them all the way to the exit. The manager from Heaven Springs had already pulled up Jacob’s Cullinan to the doorstep, handing the keys over to Stanley Finch. After a few final instructions from Don Albert, they bid their farewells and settled into the back of the Rolls-Royce.
As Stanley Finch settled into his seat and fastened his seatbelt, favonovel.com retrieved an invitation from his pocket, addressing Jacob, “Vice President Wilson, Professor Matilda requested me to pass this invitation to you. Shall I place it in the armrest box for safekeeping?”
In his inebriated state, Jacob waved dismissively, remarking, “What… Such a plain invitation… Matilda’s wedding… I… I won’t bother attending!”
Recognizing Jacob’s state, Stanley Finch simply stowed the invitation into the armrest box, suggesting, “I’ll tuck it away for you. You can peruse it when you wake tomorrow.”
Jacob, already halfway into slumber, paid little heed to the conversation, urging impatiently, “Enough… No more chatter… Just drive… Swiftly…”
Visit VIRTUAL NOVEL for more available chapters of this title!
