Nevertheless, Mr. Quinton was completely different. This was because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, seeing as he came from a famous second-generation rich family. He had not experienced any shortage of money ever since he was born.Zachary did not want to offend Mr. Quinton, but he did not want to break the rules for antique trade either, and so, he continued looking at Charlie, hoping that the latter would change his mind.Charlie knew that Zachary was pleading with him, but he simply ignored his plea and replied coolly, “No.”Zachary was left utterly helpless and could only sit on the ground and grunt in case Mr. Quinton kicked him again.“Look at how useless you are!”Mr. Quinton yelled as he scowled at Zachary. After that, he glanced at Charlie before saying arrogantly, “You bought this pebble for three hundred dollars? I will pay you thirty thousand dollars if you give it to me!”The people who had crowded around them exhaled loudly as soon as they heard Mr. Q
When everyone saw the arrogant expression on Mr. Quinton’s face, the surrounding crowd held their breaths because they were certain that Charlie would lose in this confrontation.However, Charlie had a calm expression on his face, and he smiled as he replied, “I think that this is not your first time participating in an antique trade. Do you have any idea what is the most important thing in the antique trade industry?”Mr. Quinton looked at Charlie with a cold expression on his face as he replied, “What?”Charlie laughed before answering, “Of course it is the rule governing antique trading!”After that, Charlie raised his voice slightly before he continued speaking. “In antique trades, it is always a first come first served basis. I came first, and I was the first person to buy this pebble. Therefore, this pebble belongs to me already. Even if you kneel before me and beg me to give it up to you, I will not give it to you, otherwise, I will be allowing you to break the rules today.
”Okay, sure,” Charlie agreed immediately with an extremely relaxed attitude. “I can only say that you are really amazing because you actually believe that that artificial stone is a jade.”Mr. Quinton was getting increasingly annoyed, and his face flushed red after getting criticized by Charlie. He turned around and looked at the massive crowd of people around them.“Mr. Zeke, Mr. Lionel, I want both of you to help me appraise this bracelet and tell me whether it is a genuine product or not.”The two people who had been called out by him suddenly felt very awkward as they exchanged glances with one another.This was because identifying the authenticity of an antique was usually very offensive toward the other party, regardless of whether it was genuine or not.“Mr. Quinton, we also have limited knowledge in appraising antiques. We would not be able to tell the difference.”Mr. Quinton immediately got angry and quickly said, “Don’t give me all these nonsensical excuses! I want bot
When Charlie saw how arrogant Mr. Quinton was, he sneered as he shook his head in disdain. “You can’t even tell the difference between a gourd and a jade plug? Haven’t you heard of the nine orifices or the jade plugs that were used on corpses?”“What do you mean by jade plugs and corpses?” Mr. Quinton asked with a confused expression on his face.Charlie sighed. “A child cannot be taught!” After that, he shook his head before saying, “You don’t even know this? Have you heard of the ‘Nine Aperture Jade’?”“What ‘Nine Aperture Jade’?” Mr. Quinton asked as he stared at Charlie with a blank expression on his face.Even though Mr. Quinton really enjoyed purchasing antiques, he had never spent any time studying any of his antiques at all. He would always buy whatever anyone said was good before going out to brag about his antique pieces.“Idiot!” Charlie sneered before he continued speaking. “The ‘Nine Aperture Jade’ consists of nine jade plugs that were used by people to plug the nine
Charlie replied coldly before he turned around to leave.When Mr. Quinton saw that the other party was about to leave, he thought that Charlie wanted to escape. Therefore, he yelled immediately, “Stop him! Who gave him the courage to do this? There must be someone backing this kid up!”“I can’t afford to offend you?! Hahaha! There is no one in the whole of Aurous Hill whom I cannot afford to offend!”“Tie him up and break his legs! I want to know who actually has the audacity to provoke the Quinton family!”In fact, Mr. Quinton believed that Charlie was someone that his business rival had purposely sent to provoke him. Otherwise, how else would he know about the car accident that he was in at the start of the year?The bodyguards acted immediately, and they rushed toward Charlie without any hesitation at all.Two other bodyguards walked toward Jacob and reached out their hands before they grabbed him fiercely.Jacob was frightened out of his wits as he had not expected them to g
The crowd believed Charlie and all of them really wanted to go home to check out the sports channel immediately.The expression on Mr. Quinton’s face was hideous right then, and after keeping silent for a short while, he finally regained his senses.This was embarrassing!The bodyguards he had hired and paid so much money for were all professional fighters that he had specifically recruited to protect him. Who would have expected…Who would have expected a young boy who came from nowhere to actually defeat all of these professional fighters, just by watching a television program?Mr. Quinton was not a professional fighter, and so, he did not know that Charlie was actually very skillful. However, his bodyguards were not stupid.They knew that he was an expert as soon as he laid hands on them.Even though Charlie was very humble, his moves were very deadly even when he did not use any strength at all.He was not someone they could easily defeat.Hence, the bodyguards did not ste
”Too weak!”Charlie became furious and moved aside in an instant as he tried to avoid her kick. After that, he lifted his leg and kicked Aurora straight on her ass, causing her to fall to the ground.Adam’s jaw almost dropped to the ground as he stared at the scene before him. He muttered to himself, “This… how could this be possible?!”Aurora was feeling even more embarrassed. Ever since she had started fighting, she had never felt more humiliated than this. Moreover, the spot that Charlie had kicked her on was way too embarrassing!Filled with anger as she stood up, Aurora prepared to rush toward Charlie and attack him immediately. She had already decided that this b*stard would definitely pay the price for his actions today!“Aurora, stop what you are doing! Do not be rude to Mr. Wade.”Just then, a middle-aged man suddenly ran up to her and grabbed hold of Aurora’s hand.Aurora, still utterly embarrassed, yelled, “Dad! Get out of my way! I’m going to kill him!”‘How dare he
Graham was startled by Charlie’s words.His whole family would be ruined?Did he really have to pay such a huge price?Graham turned pale before he sighed and said, “I have never done any bad deeds in my life. I’ve tried to do good deeds and help the people in need every day. So, how did I end up in this state?”Charlie smiled before he asked, “Was this the reason why you wanted to buy that piece of topaz previously?”Graham nodded. In fact, he had already tried all sorts of different methods, but none of it seemed to work until he met Charlie.Previously, he thought that Charlie only knew how to appraise antiques, and so, he had not paid much attention to him.However, today, Charlie had actually pointed out the reason for their misfortunes without any hesitation. Now, Graham knew that Charlie was not an ordinary person at all. In fact, Charlie might be their only hope, and the fate of the Quinton family was in his hands.Graham quickly clasped his hands together as he pleaded
Jacob wasn't really concerned with the invitation. He wouldn't be going anyway, and he wouldn't tell Elaine about it.Right now, he had a question.After hanging up on Walker, he asked curiously, "A designated driver would be just a few dozen bucks at most. Why get Walker?"Mr. Bay sighed meaningfully. "Jacob, my boy—it's not just my job description you must handle when you succeed me. You must understand the unspoken rules of the workplace as well as interpersonal relationships."Raising his right index finger, he chuckled, "Earning the loyalty of subordinates is a science. But it has to be a carrot and stick—never just the carrot, while offering them chances to be of service.""Take Walker, for example. As his boss, buying him lunch is 5 points. Ask for a favor, but it's 50 points instead!""As a leader, you should also make sure to give requests that are reasonable. That way, they will consider you to be their ally, or soon enough.""People are strange that way—psychology sim
Jacob certainly agreed with Mr. Bay. When going to a dinner where alcohol would be involved, having a designated driver would be most convenient.Still, Jacob had another plan in mind.Since he had a Cullinan and this was the perfect chance to show off, it would kill him not to drive."Actually, we should go on our own," Jacob told Mr. Bay right then. "We will take my car and get a designated driver to take us home. We can hang out in the backseat to chat—I mean, you'd be in a bad mood if you get a bad driver, bringing a car that stinks of tobacco. You know how bad it can get."Mr. Bay nodded cheerfully. "Alright! I'm counting on you!""Oh, it's only right!"Coming to an agreement, they hurried outside, with Jacob driving and Mr. Bay riding shotgun.They were having a pleasant conversation when Jacob suddenly got a call from Walker, who was his sub at Senior University.Answering with the in-car Bluetooth system, he said, "Hey, Walker. What's up?""Mr. Wilson! I'm done with cl
As such, Albert did not hesitate to say right then, "Don't worry, Mr. Wilson—since they are your friends, I will offer the half-price rebate as you've suggested! When the guests take their seats, I'll personally deliver a couple of nice bottles over as a token of my sincerity!"Oskia truly sets the bar when it comes to being humanistic.There were times when one must show due respect, but not too much either in case it changed the status quo.It was just like a couple eating out with a third-wheel.Even if the third-wheel was better off and happily took the check as the girl watched, there would inevitably be competitiveness. The generosity might even lead to the girl getting attracted to the third-wheel.As such, since Jacob was actually secondary in importance at the event, Albert would have to make sure not to rain on the host's parade while showing his respects to Jacob. Otherwise, the host may hold a grudge against Jacob even if everything was free of charge.And when it cam
Jacob put a hand on his chest. "Don't worry—everything is going to be fine when my son-in-law takes the stage."As soon as he finished speaking, an unknown number called his phone.He answered, hearing a familiar voice he couldn't quite place, "Good afternoon. Am I speaking to Mr. Jacob Wilson?""Yes. May I ask who I am speaking to?""Albert Rhodes, owner of Heaven Springs at your service. Would you happen to remember me?"Hearing that, Jacob turned on the speaker excitedly as he continued, "Oh, yes, Don Albert! Of course I remember!"Mr. Bay's eyes lit up when he heard Albert announce himself, and he mouthed, "Is that really Don Albert?!"Jacob nodded repeatedly, his vanity burgeoning.Mr. Bay was naturally thrilled too, and he leaned closer to listen just as Albert spoke humbly, "If it's alright with you, Mr. Wilson, please don't address me as Don Albert. It's just a title some brats came up with—you are Master Wade's father-in-law, which means you have seniority over me. So,
Mr. Bay was overjoyed, seeing how quickly Jacob agreed to it. "Thanks, Jacob! I owe you!" He exclaimed, but soon added, "It's past four now, and that bunch like to fraternize in the room before they eat. Could you get the room soon? I think they'll be arriving soon."Then, he moved closer to add quietly, "If you can get a Diamond Room like before, I will bring you along. I'm not going to lie, these are officials with decision-making authority. Being friends with them might propel us to new heights!"Jacob already knew that Mr. Bay was sucking up to his friend, otherwise, he wouldn't be so concerned when the dinner was organized by said friend. Understanding that the friend must be important too, Jacob was at once buoyed.After all, he had presumed that becoming vice president was the most he could achieve.Now, if he could attend that dinner with Mr. Bay and establish a good relationship with those bigwigs, he would have his turn when Mr. Bay got promoted too.With that in min
Reservations in Heaven Springs had always been unpredictable, and most rooms weren't open to the general public—even if said rooms were vacant for the night.It was not as if Albert Rhodes didn't want to make money when he built Heaven Springs. He simply didn't do it solely for profit, but only mostly for social events and posturing.Back when he was a humbler member of society, he realized that many bigwigs and even his fellows cared for pride a lot. Be it food, liquor, or even simply everyday consumption, they always strove for the best and the most expensive.That was why polite society valued their privacy and established their respective social circles, which was why Heaven Springs ensured that everything was first-rate: atmosphere, service, food, and clientele.Just like how bigwigs wouldn't dine at the same table as their goons, said goons wouldn't eat at the fancy places those bigwigs frequented even if they had money, as it may appear as if they were overstepping.That wa
As such, intent on keeping up his pretense, Jacob answered the phone, "Looking for me, Matilda?""Uh-huh," Matilda replied, and asked, "You didn't show up at Senior University, and your sub is saying you probably won't be coming for a while? Is that true?""Oh—right, that," Jacob quickly said. "Well, it's true—the gist of it is that the Association is getting busy with a project. As the vice president, I probably shouldn't be staying at Senior University all the time, right?""Heck, Mr. Bay called me last minute, telling me how busy we're going to be and that I was needed. That's why I had to go back, but I will head over to campus again when I have the time."Matilda knew right then that those were all excuses.However, she did not expose Jacob, instead asking, "Well, when are you free? So that I can send you my wedding invitation?""Oh, the invitation?" Jacob quickly chuckled. "You really didn't have to come to me—just pass it to Walker, my sub lecturer. He can pass it to me wh
The next afternoon, there was a sudden change of lecturers for the calligraphy class.Despite being the vice president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association, Jacob never showed up, instead getting a substitute instructor to replace him.Matilda had come with the invitation Yolden had written for Jacob, but seeing that Jacob wasn't at the lecture hall, she waited until the class was over to ask the sub, "Excuse me, can I ask why Mr. Wilson wasn't teaching this class?""He's busy at the association," the sub replied. "So, I'm taking over his class."Curious, Matilda pressed, "Then, would you happen to know when he will be coming?""Probably not for a while," the sub replied. "He delegated other classes to me as well, telling me that I could just stick to the PowerPoint slides."Then, he asked, "Do you have business with Mr. Wilson?"Matilda nodded. "Yes, but I can call him myself. Thank you."Leaving the lecture hall, Matilda called Jacob, who was goofing off in his office
On the other end, Matilda was left staring at Jacob's reply in confusion.She had presumed that Jacob would understand when she mentioned inviting his whole family that he should be coming up with an excuse to skip attending her wedding.That was the most ideal solution.As such, she was shocked that instead of playing along, Jacob's reply was short and blunt.[No problem. The four of us will be there!]Perplexed, Matilda was left wondering what Jacob meant. Was he really going to attend her wedding with Elaine?The thought left Matilda frowning as she absolutely didn't want to see Elaine—especially not at her own wedding.Yolden was writing an invitation when he saw the somber look on her face, and he couldn't help asking, "Is there a problem?""Jacob replied," Matilda admitted. "And he's saying that he will bring his whole family.""Really?" Yolden was confused too, as he was hardly as eccentric as Jacob. "But he's afraid of his wife and shouldn't be telling her at all…