Charlie laughed. “No matter how much money you have, you can never be richer than I am.”Mr. Yamamoto quickly replied, “I have close to a hundred million dollars in my savings. If you let me go, I’ll give it all to you. If we were to convert it to Oskian dollars, then it should be at least five to six hundred million dollars!”Nanako, who was at his side, quickly responded, “Mister, if this isn’t enough, I’m willing to give you a fairly decent amount as well. Why don’t I give you one hundred million dollars as well? Can you please…”Charlie looked at Mr. Yamamoto and then turned to Nanako. He then pointed towards Jiro who was scared stiff. “Why don’t the two of you ask him shortly how much money I have?”Kobayashi Jiro’s legs trembled as he stuttered. “Mr. Wade, I don’t know…how much money you possess…”“You don’t know?” Charlie laughed. “Then why don’t you tell them how much money the Kobayashi family paid us?”Jiro quickly replied, “That…Yamamoto-san, Miss Ito, just from our Ko
Yamamoto’s heart was pounding in fear as he asked. “Don’t tell me…Don’t tell me you’re not the one who’s doing the carving?!”Charlie replied, “What? You want me to carve words onto you? Are you even qualified for that?”After finishing his sentence, Charlie laughed playfully before continuing. “I asked for a favor from a friend of mine. He has never attended any school. His level is only at elementary school level but I’m pretty sure he can still manage to spell the words ‘sick man of Asia.’ Till then, I’ll make sure that he carves the words as big as possible. It’s guaranteed to meet your expectation!”Yamamoto was worried and nervous. What else could he say? At this moment, the committee members came running towards them. They turned to Nanako and Aurora and said, “Participants, the tournament is about to begin. Could you two please make your way to the stage to prepare? Please make sure to be punctual. Participants who don’t show up on stage in another ten minutes will automatic
Thinking about the possibilities, his face lit up with hope and with begging eyes, he looked at Jiro. “Kobayashi-san…Please, could you please help this old man out…”Jiro’s face was filled with embarrassment.If Nanako were to ask him to perform other tasks, he would do his best to complete it for her so as to win her affection.But now, she’s asking him to do something behind Charlie’s back and sneak Mr. Yamamoto back to Japan!This…this would be too dangerous a task that might even cost him his life!They had no idea how scary Charlie can be. They also don’t know all the cruel and heartless way Charlie dealt with these kinds of businesses. Jiro, on the other hand, was perfectly clear on what would happen if one were to cross Charlie.Previously, his own older brother was tricked and manipulated by Charlie in Aurous Hill!During that time, Jiro’s private jet was already waiting at the Aurous Hill airport. All they needed to do was to make sure that the older brother was able to
When they saw the video of the stand-up comedy between Cain and Marcus, Nanako and Kazuki turned as white as a sheet.Nanako finally understood what Jiro meant when he said that he could not afford to provoke Charlie.Most people could not afford to provoke this kind of malefic person. Most importantly, they were all on his territory.At this time, Nanako burst into tears before she blurted out, “Why don’t I call my father and ask him to find a way then?”Jiro kindly persuaded her, “Miss Nanako, even if you call Mr. Ito, he won’t be able to do anything about it. Even if Mr. Ito were to set off immediately, the flight from Tokyo to Aurous Hill will take at least two to three hours. Charlie’s people will be here in half an hour at most. There’s nothing that he’d be able to do at all…”Although the Ito family was very powerful in Japan, their influence in Aurous Hill was very minimal.Not to mention Nanako, but even if her father Yahiko were to come here, it was highly likely that h
Therefore, her roundhouse kick was extremely fast and powerful!Joanna did not take Aurora’s roundhouse kick seriously at all. This was because she knew Aurora’s strength very well and she knew that Aurora would not pose too much of a threat to herself. So, she subconsciously stretched out her hands to block it!At the same time, she had also prepared a tactical plan deep in her heart.After blocking Aurora’s leg with both her hands, she would immediately stretch out her right foot to step on Aurora’s right knee. As long as she succeeded in giving Aurora a fatal blow, then she would be able to use her left leg to give another vicious blow and put Aurora down immediately!However, Joanna would never have dreamed that Aurora’s roundhouse kick would be wrapped in such terrifying power that Joanna had never witnessed before!Joanna felt a huge force hitting her palms and arms in an instant and immediately after that, Joanna flew directly out of the ring with a loud bang!The audience
As she was getting distracted by all of her thoughts, Nanako was forced to back down by her opponent.At this time, she no longer had the previous pursuit that she had for this match.This was because she suddenly realized that she had been practicing combat and fighting for so many years, but she would never be able to fight back against a real master if he were to deal a single blow to her. It was a devastating blow to her own self-confidence.In fact, anyone who encountered this kind of situation would suffer a huge blow.It was not only her self-confidence that was defeated, but her long standing beliefs were also crushed.For a long time, Nanako felt that she was at most twenty years away from the pinnacle of combat and fighting.Twenty years later, she would definitely be able to grow into and become the world’s top combat and fighting master. She might probably even become a combat and fighting master just like her master, Kazuki.However, Charlie had made her realize t
He did not know how he should persuade the eldest young lady.This was because he could understand the eldest young lady’s mood at this time.The power and strength of the young man with the last name Wade was really very terrifying. Even Kazuki, who was Japan’s national treasure level master, could not even endure a single punch from this man. If he were the eldest young lady, he would also feel very afraid at this time and he would have already lost all of his fighting spirit.Not to mention this small championship at the moment, even the Olympic Games seemed to be very bleak now.The so-called combat and fighting skills, had also become a joke.He had already served Nanako for so many years and he could not help but feel distressed for her at this time. So, he quickly said, “Miss, if you’ve already lost faith in this competition, let’s head back to Japan then!”Nanako hurriedly asked, “Tanaka-san, where is my master? How is he now?”Hiroshi stammered and said, “A few fierce a
Nanako was at a complete loss for words as she was faced with Charlie’s question.After being speechless for a moment, she suddenly blushed out of embarrassment.This was because Charlie was right, regardless of whether it was based on emotions or reasoning. In the final analysis, her master was indeed the one who had been asking for trouble in this whole matter. Charlie was not at fault.Nanako, who felt very ashamed of herself, could only bow respectfully in front of Charlie as she said, “Mr. Wade, I was too impulsive. Please understand. At the same time, I hope that you will not hold it against me.”Charlie nodded slightly.He also understood Nanako’s feelings to a certain extent.After all, everyone could be objective and fair when it was not about themselves. However, when it came to something that was obviously related to them and concerned their own interests, then it would be very difficult for them to be absolutely objective at that point.It was just like when someone
Vera kept her plan to investigate the identity of the abbess deep in her mind and told Charlie nothing.Instead, she smiled as she said, "It seems that it's both yours and Ms. Ito's good fortune that she has attained enlightenment. You've never had anyone who could attain enlightenment and master Reiki at the same time, so Ms. Ito will definitely be a great help to you in the future."Charlie chuckled and said calmly, "I'm not hoping for her to help. I'm simply happy for her with her enlightenment and excited to have another comrade in my solo ventures into the dark forests."Vera nodded in understanding, and she murmured emotionally, "I've lived for so long, and it's only when I opened my heart to you that I felt that sensation you described."There was a flicker of wistfulness in her eyes.She really did not expect to attain enlightenment before meeting Charlie.Years ago, she thought that she would eventually avenge her father.Now, she no longer hoped to murder Fleur Griffi
Vera was inwardly disappointed to hear that Claire was returning.That meant there were fewer chances of Charlie visiting the Scarlet Pinnacle Manor, as were her chances of seeing him again.Still, she didn't let it show, instead asking casually, "How are things at Champs Elys? Are the warriors improving at a rate to your satisfaction?""Well, most of everyone's improvement is within expectations…" Charlie explained, just as he remembered a certain someone. "By the way, there's something I haven't told you yet. Are you perhaps acquainted with the name Ito Nanako?""Yes," Vera smiled. "The Japanese lady who was with you. What about her?""She attained enlightenment days ago.""Enlightenment?" Vera did a double take and soon pressed, "Enlightenment in what sense? Essential Qi or Reiki?"After all, the former was the path to enlightenment in martial arts, while the latter meant enlightenment in cultivation.But despite the distinction between both domains, enlightenment was a comm
While Charlie had long since gotten used to Elaine and Jacob's bizarre marriage, being near the heart of the storm still took a toll on his senses—to the point that he felt physically sick.Leaving right away was therefore his best solution.Once he left, however, he realized he didn't have anywhere to go. Champs Elys was quite far, and it would take a lot of time.As he started to feel bored stiff, he remembered Vera for some reason and called her.Once Vera answered, she quickly asked in curiosity, "To what do I owe the pleasure? Lunch, perhaps?"Charlie chuckled. "Since you've put it that way… I haven't eaten either, so lunch it is!"Vera giggled. "Come over to my place, then. It's cold outside, and I was just lighting up a hot pot. I'll have Madam Marilyn prepare an additional portion.""Okay!" Charlie agreed to it without hesitation. "I can return her car too. Just wait, I'll be right there!"Once he hung up, he got on the Rolls Roycs he had borrowed from Scarlet Pinnacl
Charlie shook his head. "It's alright, Dad. You can go ahead if you're busy—I can pick up Claire on my own.""No way!" Elaine promptly snapped. "It's been so long since she came back. We are all going to the airport!"Jacob sighed in exasperation. "Well, I'm sticking to my schedule—first the Calligraphy and Painting Association, then I'll be back an hour before to pick you guys up before going together to the airport."Elaine was left fuming. "Is there no getting through to you? You really have to go to that stupid association, don't you? Okay, fine. If you must go, I will be going with you!""You're their honored vice president who will be promoted to president soon, no? As Mrs. Vice President and the future Mrs. President, is there an issue if I went for a look?"Jacob shuddered at the thought of Elaine going to the Calligraphy and Painting Association as he absolutely didn't want her to humiliate him with her antics. People would talk, asking how a proper gentleman like him c
Jacob yawned, stretching his arms and smacking his cheeks, before finally retorting in contempt, "For Pete's sake, woman—don't make dissing me a habit. Or does it please you so much?"Elaine pursed her lips. "You call that dissing? It's all facts—do you think I don't know you? Tell me, what qualifications do you have? Your knowledge about calligraphy is skin-deep, and even the frauds working on Antique Street could beat you.""Only you would have the audacity to take the role of vice president at the Calligraphy and Painting Association—heaven's above, how blind is the president to appoint you as his second fiddle? Still, you'll be packing your things as soon as he realizes the truth.""Oh, Elaine, poor Elaine…" Jacob grinned smugly at her right then. "I'm afraid things won't go the way you want. Mr. Bay's been chasing a promotion lately, and once he gets it, I will take his place as president. That means I'll be the top dog instead of second fiddle!""Bullshit!" Elaine snapped in
Jacob slept in the next day while Elaine got out of bed past ten as well.However, in the case of the latter, she wasn't drunk and was simply watching livestreams and video clips on her phone—a hobby she had picked up recently.As for Charlie, he had initially planned to visit the Champs Elys hot spring villa and train Nanako in her Reiki control. However, since Claire would be arriving in the afternoon, he stayed home, planning to leave for the airport when it was time.Elaine appeared groggy as she emerged from the elevator, rubbing her eyes while holding her phone in the other hand.Seeing Charlie cleaning the living room, she asked in curiosity, "Not going out today, Charlie? Aren't you usually going out to meet clients?"Then, she became concerned in an instant, "Wait, don't tell me—the Feng Shui business is falling off? Are we going to be affected altogether?"Charlie laughed. "You're just getting paranoid now. Things are going fine—I'm just giving myself a day's leave.""
"Anyway, we have an issue," Helena continued. "Two days ago, Nvidia launched the B100 processor, their latest product, just two hours ago—a next-generation chip that will outperform our H100 considerably. I've instructed Harrison to pull some strings and preorder a batch from Nvidia before the B100 hits the market, at least ensuring that we can get our hands on 20,000 in the first quarter when the B100 circulates."Charlie asked, "What are Harrison's thoughts on the matter?" "Of course that old fox is going to be reluctant," Helena snorted. "But with the B100's processing strength outclassing the H100's, many AI institutions and multimedia giants are waiting with their wallets wide open. He's complaining that after pulling strings to get his hands on so many H100s, he is too embarrassed to do it again for the B100.""Bullshit," Charlie chuckled. "He's just not keen on us raising our prices after that previous agreement.""Exactly," Helena laughed as well. "He's about the shrewdest
By the time Jacob was sent home, he was almost passed out drunk.As Charlie took him off Walker's hands, Jacob's eyelids were but narrow slits.With his rough facial features, his flushed cheeks, and that strange smile of his, he looked just like those sleazy middle-aged men often seen in animated cartoons.Still, seeing that Charlie had come out of the house to get him, he chuckled drunkenly, "D-Dear boy… Your dad… was so amazing!"Charlie shook his head in exasperation. "You're drunk, Dad—get some rest already. Otherwise, you might wake Mom up and get an earful for this.""Earful?" Jacob's eyes widened ferociously as he snorted, "S-She'd never dare!"Charlie chuckled as he said quietly, "Come on, keep it down—Elaine is plenty daring. And in your state, you stand no chance if she starts to beat you."Despite being drunk a second ago, Jacob suddenly shuddered from the shiver running down his spine, and he promptly corrected himself, "A gentleman… never lays a hand on a woman! T-
Naturally, neither Mr. Bay nor Hal argued with this, thus following Albert and Jacob to the Diamond Room—the grandest room of Heaven Springs.After Albert led the trio there and smiled, "Gentlemen, if you would please take your seats, my people will be delivering Big Red Robe tea and our menu to your table shortly. I've spoken to the kitchen as well, and they will be preparing appetizers first. Please feel free to enjoy a game of poker until everyone arrives, and the main courses will be delivered right away."His arrangement was utterly detailed, and the trio were awash with gratitude.Hal and Mr. Bay especially were looking upon Jacob worshipfully, as if he was an unassuming bigwig on Charlie's level.Soon, as the invited guests arrived, Albert personally brought two bottles of 3-liter Moutai that cost an arm and leg to the Diamond Room.For politeness's sake, Hal ordered two more bottles of one-liter Moutai, meaning that it was one liter for the eight persons in attendance.Th