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
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…
Charlie was driving Jacob to Thompson First when the latter received the text from Matilda.Seeing that they were reaching the front gates, Jacob promptly snapped at Charlie, "Charlie, stop the car now!"Charlie did so and asked in curiosity, "What's wrong?""Matilda just texted me," Jacob replied, showing the chat log between him and Matilda.Charlie was just glancing at it nonchalantly when he saw that Matilda's contact name was 'AAA July Florist'."Wait, why is that Aunt Matilda's contact name?" He exclaimed in surprise."I changed it."Jacob explained gingerly while reading through the text Matilda sent. "Her profile picture is an iris, so I changed her contact name to a florist since I'm mostly worried Elaine would peek into my phone.""Anyway, she's asking if I'm attending her wedding with Yolden. They would send us an invitation if I accept, extended to our whole family… what do you think I should say?"Charlie asked in return. "You're planning to skip it, aren't you? T
Then, Matilda suggested, "How about this—I'll ask him before deciding." "I'll pass on inviting the rest of my former classmates too. They're too vain and love comparing, so I'd rather not have anything to do with that. Also, there are our Korean friends who have it together, and they were telling us to invite them if we were going to get married. We have to keep our promise, right?""Yeah—then, it's basically decided. Aside from Charlie, we shall invite our colleagues and Korean friends while we wait for an answer from Jacob."Yolden nodded and said, "Now, I'll talk about the honeymoon—cut me short if you have a different opinion."Matilda nodded, resting her chin on her hands and smiling. "Shoot. I'm all ears."Feeling a little embarrassed by Matilda's glowing stare, Yolden took a sip of his ice water before continuing, "My idea is to head to the States for our honeymoon after the wedding…"He trailed off, staring at Matilda and waiting for a response.However, she was merely
"Oh, Jacob…?"Matilda chuckled awkwardly. "Just today, he offered to buy me dinner, but I said I didn't have the time, and I also told him about our wedding… So, we should invite him since he's aware of it.""Jacob offered to buy you dinner?" Yolden exclaimed in surprise. "Did he say why?""Nope," Matilda shrugged, smiling. "Probably just dinner between old classmates."However, she was actually smart enough to guess Jacob's intention even though Jacob was inviting her somewhere near campus. That was why she had also mentioned she was marrying Yolden while turning down Jacob, all so that he would give up on her.After she had managed to get over their past fling completely, she didn't want to give Jacob false hopes before she walked down the aisle.In the same regard, she didn't want to worry Yolden, and therefore, had deliberately discouraged Jacob.Be that as it may, Yolden was smart too.He knew about Matilda and Jacob's past and that her son, Paul's full name was Paul Jam