From Loser to Mighty

13

Markus clapped his hands, producing a crisp sound in the sudden silence. He gestured to some nearby hotel staff. Everyone, including Alex who had run off but was now peeking from behind a pillar, was stunned.

"You there!" Markus commanded, his voice now firm again, but with a different tone, a kind of newfound excitement. "Prepare a special place for this important guest of mine!" He pointed at Dave. "In the front row, if necessary. Make sure he's well attended to. Every one of his needs must be met!"

The servants stammered, then hurried to obey. They had never seen Markus so enthusiastic, especially for someone of Dave's ordinary appearance.

Markus turned to Dave, his smile now warm, different from his cynical smirk earlier. "Please, come with me. You are my most important guest of honor tonight."

Everyone who had previously insulted Dave, and was now witnessing the scene, whispered among themselves. Who was this man? Why was Markus treating him like royalty? What was happening? Astonishment was clearly visible on everyone's faces.

Dave looked at Markus. He knew this was a golden opportunity to get closer to Markus's inner circle. But he also saw the look in Karina's eyes, which appeared confused and slightly distressed.

"Thank you, Mr. Young," Dave said. He then turned to Karina. "Karina, you're coming with me."

"Me?" Karina pointed to herself.

"Yes." Dave confirmed. "Come with me!"

Karina thought that since Marcus was treating Dave with more respect, there was no harm in accepting Dave's invitation.

"Alright, then."

Marcus looked at Karina, then back at Dave. His eyebrows raised slightly. There was a brief flash of jealousy in his eyes seeing the seemingly intimate closeness between Dave and Karina, but he suppressed it. He didn't dare to object. Refusing Dave's request would be tantamount to offending Dave's honor, and Markus wasn't willing to take that risk.

Marcus showed them their seats, Karina and Dave followed from behind.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was dazzling. A grand stage was set up on one side, and in the center, there was a podium. Guests sat at round tables adorned with fresh flowers and crystal lamps. The aroma of luxurious food and expensive drinks filled the air.

Not long after, an emcee took the stage. He announced the start of the evening's main event: "Distinguished guests, let's welcome with thunderous applause, our leader, the vision for the future of Young Enterprise, Mr. Wilson Young!"

A middle-aged man, dignified and charismatic, ascended the stage to resounding applause. Wilson Young, Markus's father, was a respected figure in the business world.

"Thank you for coming to this important family event," Wilson Young said. "As you know, tonight is a celebration to welcome our alliance as business partners, and perhaps I have a small surprise for all of you. Happy news for me."

The emcee continued, "Ladies and gentlemen, as has become a tradition in the Young family, as a token of friendship and to welcome new partnerships with Young Enterprise, we invite our esteemed colleagues and guests to present your finest antique gifts to Mr. Wilson Young. These gifts are not merely objects, but rather representations of your appreciation and your desire to collaborate with Young Enterprise."

One by one, the guests came forward to the stage. They were wealthy and influential businessmen, each carrying highly valuable antique gifts. They explained the history and historical value of the antiques they brought, aiming to please Wilson Young and secure opportunities for cooperation with Young Enterprise.

A jewelry magnate presented a 17th-century royal sapphire necklace. A real estate tycoon presented an ancient samurai sword from the Sengoku period. They explained how they acquired these items, their history, and their philosophical significance. Each gift was a masterpiece, and its explanation was spiced with subtle flattery towards the Young family.

Karina, sitting beside Dave and Markus, looked increasingly anxious. She had prepared her gift: an antique pocket watch crafted by a famous Swiss watchmaker in the late 19th century. The watch was indeed antique and held high artistic value, but after seeing the luxurious and historical gifts presented by other guests, Karina felt her watch was insignificant in comparison.

She watched anxiously as Alex walked onto the stage. Alex carried a large silk scroll painting.

"This is a painting from the Ming Dynasty, Nuan Yuan, renowned for its beauty and elegance!" Alex announced proudly. "I present this as the highest sign of respect to Mr. Wilson Young, and as a symbol of the eternal partnership between us and Young Enterprise!"

Wilson Young was truly delighted to receive the painting; it was an invaluable treasure. "Alex Winter, you certainly know how to make my heart happy!"

Alex was even happier because Wilson Young accepted his gift. The painting was indeed worth millions of dollars, but if Alex managed to get into Young Enterprise, he would surely secure contracts worth billions.

"For a noble person like yourself, that painting is nothing." Alex complimented.

Applause erupted. The painting looked incredibly valuable and impressive.

Karina looked down, clutching the pocket watch box tightly in her hand. Her gift felt so small and insignificant compared to the others. She had lost all confidence.

Dave turned to Karina. He saw the uneasiness on her face.

"What's wrong?" Dave asked softly.

Karina sighed. "My gift is nothing compared to the others. I've lost confidence. I'm afraid Grandma and the Young family will be disappointed."

Dave glanced at the unsightly urn in his hand. He knew this was the moment. This was a rare gift that no one would ever expect.

"Karina," Dave said. "Don't worry about your gift."

Karina looked at Dave in confusion.

Dave then pointed to the unsightly urn he was still holding. "Give them this."

Karina's eyes widened. She stared at the urn, then looked at Dave, then back at the urn. The urn was dull, shapeless, and looked like trash. The urn that had caused her and Dave to be heavily insulted earlier.

"What?!" Karina could only gape, disbelieving. "You're telling me... to give them this ugly urn?!"

"You must be crazy!" Karina whispered angrily. "This is a very important event, staking the future of Eager Group, and you're telling me to give such a repulsive item?!"

Dave grinned. "Don't judge a book by its cover. If you understood how valuable this urn is, you'd throw away all your family heirlooms."

"No!" Karina refused. "I'd rather give this watch than risk giving that shoddy urn of yours!"

Dave crossed his legs. "Well, then, you'll miss the chance to give the best gift to your future in-laws." He gave a cryptic smile.