Chapter 352: Lost on Appearance
How did Christopher Sterling get his hands on this?
’Those university students actually refused to work with Ethan and sold the technology to Christopher Sterling instead?!’
’Could Christopher Sterling’s charisma really be that powerful?’
’Still, compared to Ethan—an old man already over fifty—Christopher Sterling is definitely charming enough.’
’Young people these days aren’t just in it for the money. Sometimes, you can’t figure out what it is they truly want.’
’If you don’t figure out what makes them tick, it doesn’t matter how much money you offer.’
"Are you gentlemen still on the fence?" Christopher Sterling had someone put the item away as he looked at the men before him.
"Well..."
"With this technology, our R&D for computer chips and motherboards will be at least five years ahead of the industry! Five years means limitless business opportunities."
What Christopher Sterling said was absolutely true.
"It would be an honor to work with you, President Sterling. Today’s venue isn’t quite right for this discussion. Why don’t you come to my office first thing tomorrow morning, and we can go over the details."
"Good." Christopher Sterling nodded.
"I’ve always been interested in working with you, President Sterling."
Christopher Sterling noted their reactions and gave a slight nod.
...
Evan Fairchild had just showered. His hair was still damp as he leaned against the sofa, phone in hand.
Suddenly, his phone buzzed. It was a video call invitation.
’It’s so late. For my older brother to be video calling, it must be something important.’
On the video call, Ethan was still in a full suit, looking as if he was still at work.
"Brother," Evan Fairchild said coolly.
"What do you know about Christopher Sterling?"
"He’s no pushover," Evan Fairchild replied evenly.
Ethan had clearly lost out, and he was seething. "From what I can tell, he’s not someone to be trifled with."
"Did you have a run-in with him?"
"Not a direct conflict, no. It was over the Sheffield Family business."
"I heard he’s getting involved in the Sheffield Family’s affairs now."
"It’s more than just ’getting involved.’ Before I met him, I thought he was just some pretty boy sponging off the Sheffield Family. But after seeing him in person, I suddenly feel like he’s made them even more formidable, like giving a tiger wings."
"You have nothing to do with the Sheffield Family. Why are you getting worked up over this?"
"I—!" Ethan was left speechless.
"So what really happened?"
"The Sheffield Family is backing a high-tech product developed by a team of university students. We offered them the same deal—in fact, my terms were even better—but those kids still chose to work with Christopher Sterling. I just don’t get it."
"What do you young people even think about these days? Why does none of you play by the rules? Am I really getting that old?"
"And you aren’t?"
Ethan: "..."
’He shouldn’t have made this call just to get pissed off.’
"Fine, I’m old. But you’re not getting any younger either. If you can’t find a wife on your own, come home and have your sister-in-law set you up. There are plenty of good girls in her circle."
"Save the ’good girls’ for your son."
With that, Evan Fairchild ended the call.
’Christopher Sterling really is no simple man. My brother has been a player in the business world for years and has never suffered a loss this big.’
’Even Evan hadn’t expected it. This time, Ethan had well and truly lost out on looks.’
’Those university students were in the prime of their youth, full of energy and passion. More importantly, they were genuinely talented and capable. For them, money wasn’t the main driver.’