Listening to Elian's words, the atmosphere at the dinner table became a bit subdued.
Although everyone present was a student of Capital University, and their strength was already considered outstanding among their peers, becoming a Gym Leader was still extremely difficult.
According to statistics, only about 6% of all Gym Leaders in the region were students from Capital University.
Everyone present knew that, apart from Jacob and Julia, who were guaranteed to become Gym Leaders, it would undoubtedly be as difficult as climbing to the heavens for anyone else to become one.
"Let's not talk about this. Why are we talking about this topic when Jacob is treating us to dinner today?" Amira waved her hand, adopting the demeanor of an older sister. "If you ask me, freshmen should just play for a year and entertain themselves. In sophomore year, fall in love and experience heartbreak. In junior year, work hard and push yourself. In senior year, just relax and wait for graduation. Don't think about these heavy things. Life and death are fated—success depends on effort and luck."
"Hahaha."
Listening to Amira's words, everyone smiled, and Jacob's gaze also fell on Amira.
Of course, Jacob wasn't attracted by Amira's beauty, but suddenly felt that her words sounded familiar.
I have a friend named Kyle, who is very similar to you.
The more Jacob looked at Amira, the more he felt that she and Kyle had compatible personalities, so he turned his head and asked Julia beside him, "Is Amira in a relationship?"
"Why?" Julia asked guardedly.
"I have a friend who I feel is very well-matched with her." Seeing the suspicious look in Julia's eyes, Jacob quickly said, "It's Kyle—you know him. I think they're quite a good match."
Upon hearing Jacob say Kyle's name, Julia's face brightened with a smile again. "You want to set them up?"
"No, just give them each other's contact information and let them develop freely," Jacob said. "Matters of the heart cannot be forced. A forced relationship isn't genuine."
"Alright, I'll go back and tell my roommate and see what her attitude is."
"Okay."
The dinner party ended, and everyone left one after another.
Julia waited for Jacob and quietly asked, "Jacob, are you free this afternoon? I want to go shopping and watch a movie. I've already bought two movie tickets—will you come with me?"
"Uh..." Although Julia asked Jacob if he was free, it was clear from her having bought the tickets in advance that she had no intention of giving Jacob a chance to refuse.
Meeting Julia's expectant gaze, Jacob nodded helplessly in agreement. "Alright, I'll go shopping and watch a movie with you this afternoon. Oh, by the way, what movie are we watching? I don't watch horror films."
"Mm, it's not a horror film." Hearing Jacob agree, Julia's face broke into a bright smile, blooming like a flower.
Night fell.
After a busy day, Jacob had a simple dinner with Julia before rushing back to Purple Mountain Villa.
Going shopping and watching a movie with Julia in the afternoon had been very normal and uneventful for Jacob. He always maintained a certain distance and kept to his boundaries.
But even so, Julia's face had been filled with an innocent smile, so dazzling in the sunlight.
For her, going shopping and watching a movie with Jacob was the happiest thing she had done in the past month.
After dinner, Julia also returned to school.
In the afterglow of the sunset, Julia, wearing a small dress, seemed to be draped in a golden glow. She turned her head back three times with each step as she entered the school.
"Click."
Jacob opened the door and walked into Purple Mountain Villa. "Where's Sylvia?"
"In the basement," Lucia said, looking at Jacob.
"Okay, you read first." Jacob nodded, rubbed Lucia's head, then put on the Ditto Mask and walked toward the basement where Andrew was being held.
Jacob opened the iron door.
After more than half a month of not seeing him, Andrew had clearly lost a lot of weight.
At the same time, due to the long-term lack of sunlight, his complexion was pathologically pale, and his lips were white.
Sylvia was sitting on a chair with a computer in front of her.
"Gi... Giovanni." Half a month of captivity had turned Andrew into this ghostly state, his entire body trembling with fear.
Jacob frowned at Andrew, then whispered to Sylvia, "Later, have someone wash him up and change him into some decent clothes. At least he needs to look healthy."
"Okay." Sylvia nodded. "Champion Meyer has gathered all the ransom. He wants to discuss the transaction location and method with you."
"Didn't we agree last time? Didn't we agree to pay the ransom first, then release the person? Does he want to go back on his word?" Jacob frowned.
"He's not at ease," Sylvia said. "He wants us to livestream the entire process to ensure Andrew's safety, and he insists on a simultaneous exchange of money and person."
"And his attitude is very firm."
Jacob frowned and thought for a long time, then looked at Sylvia and asked, "Is his attitude so firm because he has everything ready?"
"Yes. Champion Meyer sent a video today, saying he's ready." Sylvia nodded. "S-rank Auspicious Armor, an S-rank Malicious Armor, a set of A-rank Mega Stone, and an King-level potential Duraludon. All these are ready. He only has one request—it must be a simultaneous exchange of money and goods. The transaction time or location can be set by us."
Jacob stood still, stroking his chin, lost in thought.
He frowned and glanced at Andrew beside him.
If this was truly the case, this transaction would certainly be fraught with danger.
"Sa... Lord Giovanni."
"I... I'll tell my dad to pay the money first, then release me... I'll tell him."
Hearing Andrew's panicked tone, Jacob was also taken aback.
Just a glance at Andrew had scared him so much, but Jacob still maintained a cold expression on his face, nodding to Sylvia, who was wearing a mask. "Let Andrew call Meyer."
"Alright."
The call was quickly connected, and Andrew immediately said, "Dad... you pay first... I..."
"Shut up, Andrew, you idiot! There's no room for discussion on this matter!" Meyer's angry roar came from the other end of the phone. "Giovanni, I've prepared the items. This is my bottom line—it must be a simultaneous exchange of money and person! At worst, I'll just pretend I don't have this son."
"Bang!"
The phone was hung up directly.
Meyer's firmness was somewhat beyond Jacob's expectation.
"Lord Sa... Giovanni, I'll call again. My dad... will definitely agree." Andrew nervously sweated, constantly saying to Jacob, "He loves me very much... He will definitely agree."
"Beep."
"Beep."
The phone rang for a long time, but no one answered.
"Call again... Call again. My dad must have been busy just now—he'll definitely answer." Andrew said nervously, while also looking at Jacob with fear.
Jacob also frowned deeply.
It was clear that Meyer was truly determined this time and insisted on a simultaneous exchange.
This would make the transaction extremely dangerous.
"Forget it, no need to call. Let's go." Jacob waved his hand and walked out of the basement with Sylvia beside him. "Andrew, you get some good rest first."
A glint flashed in Jacob's eyes, and the corner of his mouth curved slightly upward.
A simultaneous exchange of money and person, huh?