Frankly speaking, Elaine didn’t want to be a lickspittle to Charlie, but she was currently in a very awkward position.She no longer had the financial power of the family. She was almost penniless. Even the luxurious Thompson First villa was under Charlie’s name, which had nothing to do with her.More importantly, since she had lost more than 2 million in the mahjong scam that Hannah had set up, she knew that her status in the family had dropped significantly. Even Jacob, who had always been shouted at and bullied by her, had turned against her and even beat her up. Under such circumstances, she knew that she did not have the luxury to be arrogant and cocky like she used to be.Thus, Elaine knew that, for now, she could only behave with her tail between her legs, and tried to get on Charlie’s good side. She would be doomed if even Charlie turned against her one day and kicked her out of the house.Moreover, Charlie was even willing to help her ask about the expensive cosmetics. Of
Upon hearing this, Elaine was extremely grateful and said, “Oh, my dear son-in-law! You are the best son-in-law in the world! It’s truly a blessing for me to be able to get an awesome son-in-law like you…”Jacob, who was sitting at the side all along, sighed repeatedly. He knew that Charlie had a knack in some way. When he said he would get them, he would.However, it was quite hard for him to swallow when he thought of Elaine using cosmetics worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.At this moment, Charlie just happened to say to him, “By the way, dad, are you using the car today? I’m kind of in the middle of something today. If you don’t need your car, can you please lend it to me?”Charlie needed to go to the airport to see Quinn off and then rush to Aurous Stadium to watch Aurora’s match. It would be a little inconvenient without a car to commute around.Jacob hurriedly said, “Oh. In that case, you can drop me off at Senior University later. Lunch will be provided there so I won
As a man, Charlie understood the old man’s train of thought very well.Which man on earth would not want his woman to be happy?It was just that there were some people with limited capability, thus, unable to do it.Just like Charlie during those days, not only was he poor, but he also had no assets. There were times when Claire had her birthday or they had their wedding anniversary, Charlie wanted to give his wife a presentable gift. However, due to financial constraints, he could only wish for it.The first worthy gift given to his wife had been after Stephen had found him. At that time, he had bought his wife a jade necklace at Emerald Court.Despite Charlie’s desire to give his wife everything back in those days, with his ability back then, he could hardly even afford some decent makeup for her.Despite Jacob’s old age, his feelings for Matilda after twenty years were the same as first love. Thus, he naturally hoped to give her some presentable gifts.Based on this point, Charlie c
Seeing Charlie at this moment, the heart of the little girl within her burst instantly. She ran all the way to Charlie and held him tightly as she spoke softly, “Brother Charlie, I am going back to Eastcliff today. Are you reluctant to let me go?”Charlie laughed and said, “You should go home as you have to go back to participate in the rehearsal of the Spring Gala Festival. The whole nation is waiting to see your performance at the Spring Gala Festival.” Quinn was dissatisfied with his response and muttered, “You’re not answering me! What I asked was are you reluctant to let me go?”Charlie wanted to say that he was not reluctant, but he felt that if he said that, Quinn would show temper towards him. Still, he could not say that he was reluctant. This was because he actually wanted Quinn to go back quickly. Otherwise, she would continue to stay in Aurous Hill and bring trouble to him.If Claire found out what had happened between him and Quinn, she would be so angry.Thus, he said
While Issac was busy helping Charlie buy cosmetics, Charlie had arrived at Aurous Stadium.Today, the competition had reached the semi-final stage.In the previous round, Aurora’s performance in defeating Joanna had garnered attention on the internet, which had immediately raised the attention of this match to its peak. Thus, today’s semi-final match had attracted the attention of viewers from all over the country. Outside the Aurous Stadium, a majority of spectators had bought tickets at high prices to witness Aurora advancing into the final. Inside and outside the venue, Kobayashi Stomach Pills’ advertisement had been launched with great fanfare. Since they were the main sponsor, their advertisement elements were everywhere. Just using any camera to take a picture would reveal images of Kobayashi Stomach Pills’ advertisements.In fact, the broadcaster for this match also frequently displayed the Kobayashi Stomach Pills’ logo on the lower right corner of the television screen.
After all, Charlie’s appearance had subverted their perceptions of one another as master and apprentice. It had deeply impacted their enthusiasm. Nevertheless, Kazuki still hoped that Nanako could perform well. Even if she could not win the championship, based on her ability, she should have no problems getting the runner-up spot. However, if she could not perform well, she might not even be able to be the runner-up. Luckily, through the video, he found nothing unusual about Nanako as compared to her usual self.Nanako herself was not the type of player to be easily excited. Thus, before her big match, she was normally very calm, like how she was resting at the moment.Seeing that the time was almost up, Hiroshi spoke, “Miss, there’s still five minutes before you enter the venue.”Nanako opened her eyes, lightly nodded her head, and replied, “I know.”Hiroshi continued, “Miss, I am on a video call with Yamamoto-san, do you have anything to ask him?” As he spoke, he quickly switch
Nanako felt very mournful in her heart.After knowing that she had a limited outlook, all she wanted was to jump out of it. Unfortunately, Charlie would not give her this opportunity. Seeing her loss of expression, Kazuki hurriedly comforted her and spoke, “Nanako, now is not the time to think about this. You should win this game first. After that, we can consider the rest!”Nanako nodded heavily. Swiftly, she told Kazuki, “Master, I will enter the arena.”“Go on!” Kazuki encouraged her as he said, “You must give your best in this match no matter whether Charlie accepts you as his apprentice or not. You must let him see your ability! Therefore, in this match, try all you can to win as beautifully as possible!”“As beautifully as possible?”“Correct!” Kazuki affirmed. He continued, “Nanako, after Aurora defeated Joanna the last time, she became famous on the internet. I hope you will go to all lengths when you fight to unleash a killer move to defeat your opponent!”Nanako exclaimed, “
At that moment, the four players approached the two arenas respectively. One arena was on the left, and the other, on the right. Each arena was surrounded by spectators. Today, there were no empty seats. Before the match began, there were endless sounds of applause, whistling, and cheering.Charlie stood under the arena behind Aurora. This was also the spot for the Sanda coaches in the competition. The opponent’s coach looked at him nervously at that moment. He also looked at Aurora, who was in the area, from time to time. He had his towel ready in his hand. Once his apprentice could not support herself onstage, he would throw his towel in at the quickest time possible to admit defeat.In the arena, Aurora looked at her opponent, Victoria, with a callous expression.Before Charlie had helped Aurora to improve her body physique, she was indeed no match for Victoria. After all, this Australian girl was tall, and her body function was much better than Aurora.But now, Aurora was very c
With those words, Jacob didn't wait any further as he turned and left Antique Street, intent on seeking legal counsel.Raymond watched him leave before returning to Treasure Measure.He wasn't going to leave, but he had said so because he didn't want to waste much time with Jacob.Still, to avoid any trouble, he turned the sign outside to 'closed' before locking the door from the inside.That was when a man suddenly arrived, asking through the glass door, "Can I still take a look inside, sir?"Raymond was ready to refuse without even turning around when he realized that it was Charlie.He turned around and saw him standing outside just as expected.Smiling, he hurried over to open the door for him. "It's been a while, Mr. Wade!"Charlie was aware that Raymond was sticking to his identity of 'Raymond Cole' who had not been in touch since Raymond had been fired from Vintage Deluxe.Charlie chuckled in turn. "It has indeed. And you're a business owner yourself now, too.""It's j
Jacob zipped toward Raymond, his attitude immediately subservient, "I'm sure you've seen what Zachary Evans posted on his Twitter page, and to be honest, it's so terrible that my position in the Calligraphy and Painting Association has been affected too. I mean, you've made a lot of money, right?"Hell, even if you donated ten million, you'd still have another ten million and 970 thousand in net profits. So, all I'd like to ask is for you to post something to disclaim Zachary's post.Jacob's words left Raymond in thought.For Jacob, just being suspected of fraud would definitely be terrible. In fact, his position in the Calligraphy and Painting Association would definitely be threatened—if not dismissed altogether—if he wasn't cleared of suspicion.Since Jacob was Charlie Wade's father-in-law, Raymond had reason not to drive Jacob over the brink.But that also begged another question—it must be under Charlie's intention for Zachary to post his confession, and that meant Charlie in
Raymond couldn't help chuckling just as Jacob finished—he had honestly never heard of anyone who demanded a refund after donating to charity, but he was certainly seeing one now.Still, the receptionist was clearly experienced and slowly explained, "Sir, it's a legal clause of the country that all donations for philanthropy purposes can not be refunded under most circumstances—""It truly was a mistake," Jacob quickly said, cutting the receptionist off. "I was going to donate thirty thousand but pressed an extra zero by mistake. Please discuss this with your management—you just have to refund 27 thousand, see?""Sorry, sir," the receptionist apologized. "But it's a strict rule that we ourselves do not get to access the funds that have been donated into our accounts. Every donation will be screened extensively, and if you consider that there was a major oversight on your part, you may seek legal counsel to appeal for a refund. If the courts back your appeal, our organization will the
Nonetheless, Jacob darted into Treasure Measure and plucked off his mask, asking nervously, "Excuse me, Mr. Cole? It's me… Jacob Wilson…"Raymond looked up, pausing for a moment before acting as if he was actually curious, "Mr. Wilson! What brings you here? Don't tell me—you want that bronze sculpture back too?""No, no, no…" Jacob quickly shook his head. "I would never… I returned all the way from Dubai to apologize!""Apologize?" Raymond smiled faintly, and he did not play dumb this time as he asked bluntly, "Did you come back because of Zachary Evan's post?"Knowing he couldn't deny it any longer, Jacob nodded, "Yeah…"Raymond nodded and said calmly, "That's unnecessary. I was the one who benefited in the end."Jacob wasn't quite keeping up—thinking that Raymond was just trying to be nice by telling him he didn't have to apologize, he quickly pulled out his phone.Tapping on it and bringing up his transaction records, he handed it to Raymond reverently, "Mr. Cole, I understan
The cabbie chuckled. "You're a local yet you're heading to Antique Street right away as soon as you land instead of going home? And you're still saying you're not trying to pick up a killer bargain deal?"Come on, man—it's not just you, I want that too. We cabbies work ourselves to death only for ten thousand per month at best while our friend over there made twenty million in one night. I could keep driving cabs for the rest of my life and still not make that much money."Jacob knew that the cabbie must be talking about Raymond and became even more miserable then, grumbling unhappily, "I'm going to Antique Street for business—I'm not trying to pick up some missed bargain.""No? Then you didn't hear what happened yesterday?"The cabbie was immediately curious, and without waiting for Jacob's answer, he exclaimed happily, "Look, man—it was so ridiculous not even Hollywood would put it in their script. There were these fools who were trying to sell an antique trader a replica, but th
It was nighttime in Dubai as Jacob dragged his weary body from the hotel back to the airport.As he was flying economy this time, he was left sitting at the hard bench near the boarding terminal, waiting for it to open.While he waited, his heart was torn as he tapped into the website of the Aurous Hill Charity Fund, found their donation account, and wired the entire 300 thousand he had made over to them.He had picked the Aurous Hill Charity Fund because the circles of antique collectors in Aurous Hill were all discussing how Raymond had donated half of the 20 million he had made to that same charity fund.After Raymond skyrocketed to prominence in Antique Street and became a star, it could not be denied that people admired his profound ability.However, there were also people who envied his skill in turning the tables just as there were those who were jealous he had made twenty million in a single night.Still, Raymond moved fast—soon after word spread that he had made twenty m
Elaine quickly asked, "Well, what if you can't get it done?"Jacob was apprehensive even as he sighed. "If they really pressed the issue, guess I can't even stay at the Calligraphy and Painting Association now… We will see. If things get bad, I'll just resign. I won't ask for much right now, just as long as I don't have to go to jail."Elaine nodded. "Then you should try to reason things out with Raymond Cole or ask for Charlie's help if push comes to shove. Being humiliated is still better than prison.""Okay!"-It was nighttime at Aurous Hill by the time Elaine and Jacob arrived at their hotel.Charlie and Claire had just had dinner, and Claire pulled out her phone, saying, "I just checked my flight app, and it says my parents should have landed two hours ago. They are probably at the hotel, so I'll check in on them with a video call."She had yet to open her WhatsApp when Elaine called her on a video call.Jacob was planning to check in with Claire and Charlie to put their
Hearing what Jacob had said, Elaine became anxious and pressed him as he hung up, "What's going on? You're leaving? But we just got here! My shoes have just caught Dubai dirt, so why are we leaving so soon—"However, Jacob was wiping the sweat off his brow as he mumbled quietly, "Well, at this point, I have to leave or I won't be vice president anymore."Elaine immediately fumed. "We've been married for half our lives, and this is supposed to be our honeymoon, yet we're just leaving? I've posted about this on social media too—there are plenty of people who're waiting for more posts on our trip!"And don't forget—we spent a lot on our flight tickets and our hotels! The hotel bookings can't be refunded either!"Jacob scowled dolefully. "Well, what can we do? Why don't you stay? I'll go home and get this sorted out first….""Well, how long would that take?" Elaine asked."How should I know?" Jacob sighed, uneasy and annoyed. "Don Albert is saying I have to go back and donate the 300
"But I spent 98 thousand on that bronze sculpture!" Jacob exclaimed in agitation before he knew it. "I made 300 thousand from it, and that means my profit was 200 thousand at best, but I'm supposed to return that to him as well?! That means I'd have lost my own capital too!""I can't help you if you can't bear to part with that money, Mr. Wilson," Don Albert said quietly. "In that case, you'll just have to handle it yourself.""Wait, wait, wait!" Jacob immediately became antsy and cried out right then, "Please, Don Albert! I'll return the money! I'll return it, alright?! The entirety of my profits—202 thousand, okay? At least let me keep the money I spent, okay?""By that reasoning, Mr. Wilson, when a phone scammer is told by the cops to return the money they've made from defrauding, should he be allowed to keep the money he spent on telco charges? ""Oh, I…" Jacob was left stumped and could not come up with an answer.Don Albert then pressed on, "Mr. Wilson, I've offered a prom