The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Chapter 1434
Dr. Funke paused, a smile creeping onto his face as he set down his water glass on the tabletop. “Alaric, if I were solely looking
for a businessman to partner with, you wouldn’t stand a chance of having dinner with me.”
“I get it, Dr. Funke. You’re after a businessman with a bit of flair,” Alaric replied, his furrowed brows relaxing into a light, teasing
grin. He reached for the pitcher beside him. and topped up Dr. Funke’s glass with a little more water.
Assured that Dr. Funke bore no ill will, Alaric relaxed. Before long, the server brought over their dishes, and Alaric swapped out
Dr. Funke’s glass for a clean one, uncorked a bottle. of wine and poured him a drink.
“Dr. Funke, in light of our serendipitous meeting, we simply must toast to it today,” he insisted.
Dr. Funke seemed like an ordinary-looking man in his fifties, speaking with humor and wit, yet there was a sincerity to him. He
quickly put up his hand to stop Alaric from pouring the wine for him. “I can’t drink, I still have to drive later.”
“I’ll call a cab to take you home later. It’s not every day we hit it off like this. We can’t do without a drink,” Alaric said, resolutely
pouring Dr. Funke a glass nonetheless.
Then, he poured one for himself.
Dr. Funke chuckled. “It seems Mr. Falconer is quite the charmer. You must have quite a following of ladies.”
Alaric hesitated, then asked with curiosity, “How can you tell I’m a ladies’ man?”
Dr. Funke just smiled.
“Have some food, please.” Alaric said, using the serving utensils to dish out food for Dr. Funke.
“See, that’s your answer,” Dr. Funke gestured at Alaric’s actions.
Anyone like Alaric, who took care of others, showing it in every little detail and even serving food naturally, carried a magnetic
field of likability. They would attract women easily, and once a woman is drawn in, resistance is often futile.
Such men are good men if faithful; if fickle, they are scoundrels. Every scoundrel has a charm that easily captures a woman’s
heart.

Alaric was momentarily taken aback, then laughed, “Dr. Funke, you do have a great sense of humor.” Naturally handsome, his
smile was captivating.
Even a man of fifty like Dr. Funke couldn’t help but be dazzled.
Dr. Funke took a bite of his food, a smile playing on his lips, “Mr. Falconer, did you bring the contract with you today?”
“Right here,” Alaric replied, pulling the contract from his briefcase and sliding it across the table to Dr. Funke. He had come alone
to negotiate with Dr. Funke, even leaving his assistant behind, so naturally, he carried the contract himself.
Dr. Funke took the contract, looked it over carefully, and signed his name at the bottom without hesitation.
Alaric was puzzled by his decisiveness, and asked, “Don’t you want to ask about the specifics? Aren’t you worried there might be
a catch?”
Dr. Funke closed the contract and said, “It’s all there in black and white. You’ll distribute my book on acupuncture techniques to
hospitals, schools, and bookstores, maximizing its impact and educating more people about acupuncture. Plus, there’s a bonus
for me. What’s not to understand?”
Dr. Funke was straightforward, and Alaric laughed, “Dr. Funke, by turning your exclusive techniques into a book for all to share,
you’re ensuring the legacy of acupuncture thrives through the generations. You’re the true hero here.”
He lifted his glass to Dr. Funke, “This one’s to your spirit of preserving and passing on the culture of acupuncture.”