Claire was dumbfounded, and she did not know how she should respond.Jacob, who was sitting in the co-driver seat, was so aggrieved that he burst into tears and choked up as he said, “Back then, your mother and I had no emotional connection nor affection for one another whatsoever. If I were to speak conscientiously, before I got drunk that night, I have never even exchanged more than a few words with your mother before. You should also be able to see clearly that your Aunt Hall is much better than your mom in all aspects. It is completely impossible for a normal man to give up your Aunt Hall and choose your mother instead. I was completely helpless, and I was forced into a dead-end back then!”As he spoke, Jacob looked out the window with a sad and aggrieved look on his face as he said depressedly, “In the beginning, your Aunt Hall and I had already planned our lives after graduation. We were going to go and further our studies in the United States together. You should also know tha
”I understand! I understand!” Jacob nodded excitedly as he said repeatedly, “I will never wear this watch at home in the future.”Although Charlie had been sitting at the side without saying anything all this while, he was also a little relieved when he heard this.It had really not been easy for his father-in-law all this while. In fact, the main reason why he had tolerated Elaine for so many years was mainly because of Claire.If it weren’t for his daughter, he would not have tolerated this for such a long time. So, it could be seen that his father-in-law was actually not useless. At the very least, his paternal love for Claire was indeed very great.Moreover, even when Claire was questioning him about this matter, Jacob had never once mentioned that the reason why he had suffered so many grievances for the past two decades was because of Claire. He was indeed worthy of the saying that stated that a father’s love was great and selfless.***When they arrived back at Thompson Fi
When Charlie came out of the villa community, he could not see Nanako anywhere anymore.He looked around a few times, but Nanako was nowhere to be found.Charlie could not help but feel a little puzzled and bewildered. He knew that his observations were not wrong. Although that girl had been wearing a mask over her face, he was certain that it was Nanako.Since she had come all the way to the villa at Thompson First, she must have come here to look for him. So, why did she suddenly disappear, then?As he thought about this, Charlie could not help but sigh. He really could not figure out what was going on in this Japanese girl’s mind.Meanwhile, Nanako was hiding in a milk tea shop as she looked at Charlie from a distance.When she saw the lost and despondent look on Charlie’s face, she felt a strange and peculiar feeling somewhere deep within her heart.She had indeed come here to look for Charlie tonight. The final match was about to happen, and she knew very well that it would
So, Nanako hurriedly told the boss, “Boss, please give me another cup of milk tea.”The boss replied, “Miss, we are about to close our shop now. Our employee has also gotten off work. I am so sorry but we cannot make another cup of milk tea for you now.”“Okay.” Nanako nodded helplessly.At this time, she saw Charlie walking toward the right side of the gate of the first-grade Thompson First villa community. So, she hurriedly held her cup of milk tea in her hand as she ran after him.Charlie thought that Nanako had already left. So, he planned to head toward the pharmacy to buy a box of liver supplement tablets for his father-in-law.When he arrived at the entrance of the pharmacy, he discovered a huge poster hanging at the entrance of the pharmacy. It was a poster of Quinn, who was beautiful and unparalleled, as she held the Apothecary Stomach Pill in her hand. There was also a slogan which Quinn had personally written herself: “New Oskian medication, new domestic product. I trus
In fact, Nanako did not know what she should say at this moment. Therefore, she suddenly thought of giving the milk tea to Charlie.Although Charlie felt a little surprised, he had not drunk even a sip of water ever since he had gone out to pick up his father-in-law, and he felt a little thirsty at this time.So, he subconsciously took the cup of milk tea in his hand before he smiled and said, “Thank you. I just so happen to feel a little thirsty too.”After saying that, Charlie lowered his head before he sipped on the straw and drank a big mouthful of the milk tea.At this time, Nanako came to a sudden realization, and she exclaimed in her heart, ‘Oops! I took a few small sips of the cup of milk tea just now… Although I only drank a few sips of the milk tea, I still drank it anyway! Wouldn’t that mean that I’ve kissed Charlie indirectly, then?’Charlie did not know that Nanako had already drunk the milk tea before him. As he continued drinking the milk tea, Charlie said, “Ito-san
“Our Oskian ancestors would always think of how we can better ourselves. Even if we fight, we will only fight with ourselves—we fight with our past and present selves!”“The reason why we fight with our past selves is so that we can surpass our present and past selves. We want to improve ourselves in the medical field so that we can live longer. We want to improve our farming techniques so that we can feed more people. We want to improve our combat and fighting skills so that we can make ourselves better and stronger.”Having said that, Charlie looked at Nanako before he asked her, “If you are no longer allowed to participate in any more competitions from now on, will you give up on upgrading yourself or even practicing combat and fighting in the future?”Nanako blurted out, “Of course not! Even if I can no longer participate in any more competitions, I will never give up on combat and fighting!”Charlie smiled before he said, “That’s it. You love combat and fighting for itself, an
Charlie did not know what kind of look he had given Nanako.After all, he did not have a mirror at that time to look at the expression on his own face.However, he could remember his mood at that time.At that time, he had really felt distressed when he saw her constantly getting attacked and hit by her opponent.So, what Nanako had seen at that time should have been the distressed look in his eyes?As he thought about this, Charlie also felt a little embarrassed. He sighed as he said seriously, “Don’t be so silly in the future. You can go all out in the match, but don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation just for the sake of your own obsession.”When Nanako heard Charlie showing her some concern, she felt very excited, like a dainty and delicate woman. She nodded before she said, “I understand, Mr. Wade!”Charlie looked at her, and he could still see the bruises and scars on the corners of her eyes. At this time, he could not help but caution, “During the next match between
Based on the feedback, the sales of the Kobayashi Stomach Pill had already increased seven or eight times, which was already far beyond his expectations.According to these results, Kobayashi Pharma would definitely rise to the next level soon!At this point, Jiro felt pleasantly refreshed, and he could not help but drink a few more sips of the strong alcohol.After taking a few more sips of the whiskey, he felt a hot and burning sensation in his stomach. Immediately afterward, he felt some pain in his stomach.The expression on Jiro’s face changed slightly, and he immediately reached out his hand to take out a sachet of his own Kobayashi Stomach Pill.In truth, Jiro had always had a hidden stomach problem.He had a natural disposition and liking for good liquor, and he loved to drink strong alcohol. So, this had already left a negative impact and damage on his stomach.Last year, his stomach issues had become even more serious, and the doctor had advised him to stop drinking.
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