Charlie nodded and said, “Okay, but the staircase is quite steep, so be careful when you go down.”Jasmine shyly stretched out her tender hand to Charlie and said softly, “Master Wade, can you hold my hand, please? I’m afraid that I will fall…”Frankly, she wasn’t afraid of falling. Instead, she wanted to take this opportunity to get closer to Charlie.Charlie took a glimpse at the stone staircase. It was indeed quite long and steep as it extended to the riverbank. Jasmine was a girl, and she was wearing a tight-fitting dress that limited her movements. It would be awful if she slipped and fell, so he took her delicate hand and led her carefully down the stone steps.At this moment, there were only the two of them at the riverbank. Occasionally, a few ships with lights on it passed by the river, the sound of the rumbling diesel engines was very loud and noisy, but it didn’t create any noise pollution in the empty riverbank.Charlie let go of Jasmine’s hand when they arrived on the
As Charlie recalled how he had met Jasmine, he also felt that it was quite a wonderfully bizarre experience.That time, if he hadn’t gone to Vintage Deluxe with his father-in-law, he would not have had the chance to obtain the .Without the book, at most, he would have just been Mr. Wade instead of Master Wade.In comparison, he still preferred the title of Master Wade of which he had traded his strength and ability. As for Mr. Wade, it was nothing but an address to his last name. Behind the title of Mr. Wade, it didn’t carry a tinge of his own ability, but the family instead.Therefore, he felt that it had all happened for a reason, and it was destined to go this way.He was destined to know Jasmine, and he was also destined to obtain the .He turned to Jasmine and said earnestly, “Frankly, when a person meets another person, it is a fateful meeting. Perhaps, many things are already destined to happen without us knowing it.”Jasmine blushed t
When he held her hand, it made her feel genuinely happy and joyful.Due to the steep stone steps, Charlie voluntarily raised his hand and said, “I’d better hold your hand as we go up.”Jasmine’s heart was overflowing with the timidness and excitement of a young girl in puppy love. She stretched out her hand gleefully and let him hold her.She followed his back like a shy lamb and walked up, step by step.When they entered the car, Jasmine’s pretty face was still blushing a timid pink, her heart beating faster than usual because of her nervousness and shyness.She frantically started her car and said, “Master Wade, I’ll take you home now.”Charlie nodded, and Jasmine drove the car back to the main road.The car crossed the bridge and arrived at the entrance of the Thompson First villa area.When the car came to a complete stop, Charlie uttered, “Thank you for the ride.”Jasmine quickly said, “Oh, you’re too welcome, Master Wade.”Charlie reminded her, “Drive safely on the way
Jasmine’s kiss had come totally unexpected that Charlie was utterly shocked. It had never crossed Charlie’s mind that she would kiss him.Honestly speaking, despite the fact that he was the young master of the Wade family and the Master Wade that everyone in Aurous Hill respected, he didn’t have much experience with women.Before this, the most intimate contact he had with a woman was his wife, Claire, and it was just a light peck on the lips.In contrast, Jasmine’s kiss was much more realistic and he could actually feel and appreciate the tenderness that the kiss brought him.Charlie was a little panicked that he didn’t know what to do or how to react.Perhaps because the posture she attempted was so tiring since she had to turn around and straddle the center console to kiss him that she couldn’t hold on any longer, she sat back in the driver seat. Her face turned into such a shade of red so bright that blood might drip from her face anytime soon.In fact, even her ears that wer
After saying it, Jasmine turned her face to lock her earnest gaze at Charlie, shedding tears as she said emotionally, “Master Wade, if you can accept me, I’ll give you everything—myself, the Moore family, all of it. From then on, the Moore family will be the Wade family and you’ll be the sole patriarch of the family. I don’t want anything else in my life, I only want to be your lover and be by your side for the rest of our lives. If you like to travel, I’ll give up the entire Moore family and accompany you everywhere you want to go. If you like children, I’ll bear your child and give birth to as many children as you like. As long as you are happy, I’m willing to do anything…”Charlie was inevitably touched by her remarks.No matter how one looked at it, Jasmine was one exceptionally stunning beauty in a million.Not only was her appearance outstanding, but her personality was also very pleasing. Moreover, she had received a very exclusive and professional aristocratic upbringing sin
Charlie felt quite helpless and forlorn when it came to Jasmine.He didn’t expect that she would be so attentive to him, but at the same time, he was surprised to find her so stubborn.He didn’t intend to stir her feelings but things still happened when he had least expected them to.He was partially responsible for the deep affection she had for him, but he knew clearly that it was impossible to resolve this matter overnight, so he could only say, “I think it’s best if we give each other some time, let’s talk about this later.”Jasmine glanced at him anxiously and asked in a soft voice, “Will you ignore me from now on? Will you keep your distance from me and alienate me?”Charlie smiled and said, “Why would I? There’s no way I will avoid and ignore you simply because you confessed your feelings to me. I’m not that kind of person.”Jasmine heaved a sigh of relief and said, “Actually, I’ve already prepared myself mentally for the fact that it may take a long time to realize this d
After getting off the car, Charlie stood in place as he watched Jasmine drive away, then remained standing for more than ten seconds before turning around and walking through the Thompson First gate.When he returned to his own house, Claire had already finished her night shower and was lying on the bed reading a book.She smiled at the sight of Charlie and asked, “How was your friend’s birthday party?”Charlie felt a little awkward and replied in an uneasy tone, “Oh, the party, it was nice…”Claire didn’t know that it was actually Jasmine’s birthday because Charlie didn’t tell her about it as he didn’t want Claire to overthink the whole thing.Claire, on the other hand, didn’t notice any difference in Charlie. Instead, she put the book down, looked at Charlie, and said in a rather timid voice, “Dear, can I ask you a favor, please?”Charlie uttered, “You don’t have to be so formal with me, dear. I’ll do anything for you, go ahead, spill it.”Claire said, “My high school friend i
Meanwhile, Jasmine had returned to the Moore family mansion. On the way back, she blushed shyly and her heart was thumping vigorously when she recalled the bold kiss she gave Charlie.Frankly speaking, Jasmine was not the kind of woman who would take the initiative in a relationship.She had countless suitors since she was young, but she had never liked any of these suitors.In fact, she hadn’t even liked anyone before she met Charlie.Even she herself did not expect that she would spiral out of control after falling in love with Charlie.As the young lady of the number one family in Aurous Hill, if the news about the kiss were to spread, she would soon become the laughing stock of the entire city.After all, in public’s opinion, they shunned the unreserved idea of a girl throwing herself at a man.Moreover, it was her first kiss that she had kept for twenty-six years and she gave it to Charlie.However, Jasmine had no regrets at all. At the same time, she decided firmly th
"Five hundred grand?"Mick chuckled. "Well, the sculpture looks Renaissance, and the craftsmanship as well as the material are all ideal. It would sell for up to two million in an auction, while established antique traders like us could offer up to a million. So, why the lowball?"Bill sighed. "I won't lie—it belonged to my old man, who just croaked this afternoon. But you see, he left a will stating that every antique in the house would be given to my brother… Since he's playing favorites, I thought I had to get something for myself.""That's why I quietly sneaked this baby out without anyone else knowing and am trying to sell it quickly to change my own circumstances. You don't have to tell me how many millions it's worth—I'm not that greedy. Give me five hundred grand, and it's yours."Mick shrugged as he shot back, "If it's as you say and your old man intended for your brother to have it, the fact that you sneaked it out here makes this theft. Do you think I'd buy stolen proper
It was half past six, and the skies were darkening when a figure hurried into Antique Street, heading straight toward the center—to Vintage Deluxe.Mick Crane, the manager, was holding the fort with some of his employees, and there were some guests window shopping there as well. As Mick asked the employees to assist the guests, he waited anxiously for Billy—Zachary's henchman.Nonetheless, a certain figure rushed inside within minutes, asking eagerly as he entered, "Is the manager in? Do you still buy antiques?""Yes, and yes!" Mick exclaimed as he approached Billy enthusiastically, asking, "May I ask what you're planning to sell?"Billy looked around before sneakily holding up a parcel wrapped in red cloth, carefully lifting a corner to reveal an edge so that Mick could see.Then, he promptly lowered the cloth again, whispering, "This is the good stuff. I'm just not sure if you have the money to buy it."Mick grinned. "What are you saying? If it's something Vintage Deluxe coul
Jacob chuckled. "Can't tell you right now. But I will once it's done.""Well, have you decided when we're going to Dubai?" Elaine quickly pressed.Jacob said, "I'd have to wait until tonight to see if this deal works, but we're leaving first thing tomorrow. I'll get the tickets first, and we will be staying at the Burj Al-Arab that I told you about. People are always saying how amazing it is on the internet every day, seeing how luxurious the seven-star hotel is, but I'll be the judge of that."Elaine was overjoyed to hear that. "That's amazing! And I was just thinking we can't go sooner! Go about your business, then. I'll pack our luggage right away."Jacob chuckled smugly. "Don't pack so much, though. Just stick to the necessities, since we can get the rest over there!""Alright!" Elaine exclaimed, beside herself in excitement. "Alright, you hurry up and get your thing done over there. I'll start packing now!"After hanging up, Elaine called Charlie, who was in Champs Elys Reso
As Zachary agreed to do a favor for Vintage Deluxe's Mick Crane in passing, he and Jacob agreed to meet up at 7pm at the car park by Antique Street.He first took Jacob back to the Calligraphy and Painting Association and called Billy, one of his boys whom he thought was smarter than the rest, giving him the gist of the plan and telling him to familiarize himself with the script.Then, he took the sculpture back to Heaven Springs and met up with Billy in office, telling Billy what to do in finer detail and making sure he committed everything to memory.Zachary's strength as a judge of character certainly proved itself—Billy had never done anything like this before, but he took to the plan like fish to water. He committed the script to memory soon enough, and he was flawless.Once he made sure that Billy was fine, Zachary called Mick.As soon as Mick answered, he immediately asked, "Hello, Mr. Evans. How is that thing we talked about going?"Zachary chuckled. All the arrangements
Zachary continued, "Why do you think casinos are always making a profit? It's exactly because no matter how unassuming a guest is the first time, they would be allowed to win a couple of hands, making a little profit.""And suddenly, they would think that they are the chosen one, destined to win against all odds and always come out triumphant! Once such radical, blind confidence hits them, every last bit of his money would be lost to the casino!""At that point, you can get anything from them—their house, their wife, their children… hell, they'd be willing to die if you'd just let them gamble again!"Turning toward Jacob with a grin, Zachary then asked, "So, with all the points I made and that sculpture you're holding… Do you still think Raymond wouldn't fall for it?"Jacob laughed out loud. "Oh, talk about a plan within a plan! No one would ever see it coming! Raymond Cole is so screwed!"Zachary smiled and nodded. "That's why there's no reason to rush—I'll arrange a man to get r
As soon as they drove out of the village, Jacob asked Zachary eagerly, "So, when do you think we should make our move? I can't wait!"Zachary didn't hesitate, "Let's do it today. It's better than waiting! I'll get someone reliable to bring this to Treasure Measure and get him interested. I'm sure that since he has just returned to Antique Street, he'll need a hot deal to generate hype and make himself known. That's why I'm sure he'll take this sculpture."Jacob nodded repeatedly as he chuckled. "I think so too. Today is definitely best since I'll be going to Dubai soon and probably leaving once I'm done with this. Once you get this settled by the end of today, I'll get tickets for the flight tomorrow!"Zachary grinned. "Don't worry, chief. We will definitely get it settled today…"He trailed off for a moment before continuing, "Still, you should be a little patient. We should do this in the evening—at the second just before Raymond Cole closes shop.""But why?" Jacob asked in curi
Jacob was naturally gleeful that he could get the late medieval bronze sculpture along with its base. Right after he wired the agreed upon ninety-eight grand to Mr. Cardensky, he was already imagining how Raymond would buy it from him for several hundred grand.On the other hand, once Mr. Cardensky received the transfer, he saw the name on the account: Jacob Wilson.He was left perplexed—wasn't that man's last name Montague? Who was this Jacob Wilson?Still, he didn't worry about it too much since most antique hustlers preferred to work with anonymity and therefore, using a different name was perfectly normal.He then carefully wrapped up the bronze sculpture before passing it Jacob, asking politely, "Would you happen to have any other requests, Mr. Montague? I have plenty of other items here if you'd permit me to give an introduction."Jacob shook his head, "Just this sculpture will do. I'm not fully confident in your work either since this is our first deal, so I'm just trying i
Jacob asked, "Then, what would this sculpture be worth if it was genuine?"Mr. Cardensky thought about it. "Well, there are standards when it comes to Renaissance relics, but with something this exquisite, it'd definitely be auctionable for one or two million—and that's the conservative estimate.""How much would you sell it to me for?" Jacob then asked."Thirty percent of the market price," Mr. Cardensky quickly replied. "As I've said, the conservative estimate for this one is around one to two million, so we will set the price with the median estimate value at 1.5 million. And thirty percent means 450 grand."Jacob shook his head right away. "No, no, no… that's too expensive. What if I end up unable to sell it, on top of that?"In his mind, while he could barely accept that pricing, he still needed Raymond to be able to afford it if he wanted to swindle Raymond for twice the money.Mr. Cardensky quickly chuckled, "Oh, Mr. Montague—now you're being too serious. In this business,
"Okay!"Mr. Cardensky smiled and pointed at a nearby farmyard. "There's our workshop—the good stuff is all in there. Allow me to take you there!"The farmyard seemed uninteresting at first glance, but Mr. Cardensky soon led them to the stables and brushed off the straws covering the floor, revealing a plank laid flat on the ground.Mr. Cardensky then lifted it, revealing a passage below—they had dug a cellar into the ground beneath, with the stables as an entry point.As Jacob followed Mr. Cardensky down the cellar, he exclaimed in awe, "Your operation is definitely big, digging such a huge cellar!"Mr. Cardensky smiled humbly. "Anyone working in the business would have sustained their losses before. In the end, we're all folk of humble origins, starting out with raiding tombs or excavating artifacts. Just digging a cellar is really nothing."As they conversed, they cleared the stairs and arrived at the main hall.It was certainly a hall as it was around a hundred square meters,