Chapter 442
Chapter 442
With a wry smile, Randy shook his head.
"Young people are clueless when it comes to socializing."
"He's just lucky, that's all. If he wants to make it in Riverland, he can't afford to disrespect Yuriel. No matter how many investors he ropes in."
Liam scoffed.
Gareth quickly intervened as Carlisle and Yuriel were engaged in a staredown.
"Mr. Gust, Mr. Zahn is still a student. He's the future of our nation. We can't let a night of drinking derail his studies. How about I drink this one for him?"
Yuriel's gaze remained unyielding as he waited for an opportunity to step down. Sheldon chuckled.
"Mr. Gust, come on. You're a senior here. Why get worked up over a young man?"
Since the governor himself spoke up, Yuriel relented. He forced a smile.
"Starting a business isn't a walk in the park. Many fail before they even get off the ground. You still have a lot to learn."
The threat in his tone was unmistakable. He then downed his drink in one go.
"Cross me today, and I'll make sure your company faces a hard time later," Yuriel thought.Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.
Gareth simply narrowed his eyes at Yuriel's threat before finishing his own drink. He now understood why Carlisle hadn't backed down.
Yuriel's words were distasteful as they showed that he had no regard for Gareth or Carlisle. After finishing his drink, Yuriel apologized to Carlisle before heading to Shein's table to have a toast with the governor and high-ranking officials.
"Dad, are you going to toast as well?" Zachary whispered.
Shein responded with a resigned smile.
"Of course. They're the hosts, after all. Plus, the governor and Alan are here. It's only natural that we greet them."
"Carlisle won't drink!" Zachary grumbled.
Shein smiled and walked over to Gareth. As Zachary had predicted, Carlisle politely declined the alcohol, opting for water instead.
Shein didn't show any displeasure. He offered his congratulations before downing his drink.
Other businessmen followed suit one by one. With Yuriel and Shein setting the example, they didn't expect Carlisle to drink.
At around 1:30 pm, Carlisle had to return to school for class. After explaining his reasons to the governor and his men, he grabbed his coat and left unsteadily.
Gareth had Max drive Carlisle back to campus. Once at his dorm, Carlisle changed into casual clothes and headed to his classroom.
Phoebe, who was dozing off at the classroom door, suddenly perked up at a call from Liam. "Mr. Ziegler..."
"Ms. Locke... Could you let Mr. Zahn know that I'm interested in investing?"
"Really?"
Phoebe raised her voice out of excitement, attracting curious glances from her classmates. Lowering her voice, she asked, "Are you serious, Mr. Ziegler?"
"Absolutely," Liam replied.
Despite his doubts about Carlisle's game company, he saw value in the connections Carlisle could offer. Building a relationship with Carlisle could open doors with Gareth and other local officials.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Phoebe hung up and beamed at Christine.
"Christine, Mr. Ziegler agreed to the partnership!"
"Did Carlisle apologize to him?"
Christine looked up from her book.
Phoebe glanced at Carlisle and rolled her eyes. He looked slightly tipsy.
"I'm guessing he did. He probably set up another meeting to smooth things over. Otherwise, why would Mr. Ziegler change his mind?"
"It's so typical of him. He's always too proud to admit it. We've known each other for so long. Does he really think we'd laugh at him for it?"