Early the next morning, Charlie prepared to attend the auction.Jacob could not sleep well the previous night because he was so worried about the matter related to the Quinton family. Therefore, he continued nagging at Charlie in the living room.At this time, Charlie asked Jacob, “Dad, I heard about the special treasure that will be up for auction at the Treasure Pavilion today. Am I right?”“Yes,” Jacob replied immediately. “I’ve heard that it’s a valuable treasure that is unparalleled in this world.”After he was done speaking, Jacob suddenly thought of something. After that, he quickly pulled Charlie aside before he said, “My dear son-in-law, please don’t get any ideas about this treasure. The starting price for this treasure is ten million dollars! We should just take a look at the treasure from afar.”Charlie knew that his father-in-law was simply worried that he would be using the Quinton family’s money for his own purposes. Therefore, he smiled before he replied, “Dad, don
Shortly after, they finally arrived at the exhibition center.The exhibition center was a building with a circular dome. The outer circle was filled with shops selling all sorts of different goods from flowers to birds and the auction house was located at the center.The exhibition center was built last year and it looked absolutely magnificent.Charlie followed Jasmine into the glass elevator as they headed to the sixth floor.As soon as the elevator door opened, an artistic exhibition hall with various antique calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls suddenly appeared in front of them. This was the auction house.The auction table was placed right in front atop a red carpet. There were numerous sofas below the stage and the tables were filled with wines and fresh fruits for the enjoyment of the guests.As compared to the last auction, it seemed as though Treasure Pavilion had put in a lot of effort to the auction this time. It had probably cost them more than one million dol
At this time, Jasmine felt a little awkward as she said, “Mr. Wade, please don’t take it to heart. Mr. Yaleman has a rather short fuse.”Charlie shook his head indifferently before he said, “Let’s head inside now.”The guests entered the venue one after the other. The host was none other than Finn Baxendale, the owner of Treasure Pavilion. He went on stage and gave a routine speech to start the auction section.After that, the auction officially began!Due to the sudden cancellation of the last auction, there were twice as many guests present at the auction today.The first item that was placed on stage, courtesy of two ladies, was an antique copper incense burner covered in white mist and a fragrant smell.At this time, the auctioneer introduced the first item. “This is a Reverse Incense Burner, which is one of the treasures used by the king in the past. No one was allowed to use it without authorization from the king himself. Moreover, the production method for this incense bur
Adam had led a very miserable life for the past few days.After getting into trouble a few days ago, he had been severely beaten up by his second uncle. Moreover, his uncle also banned him from leaving the house,However, due to his extreme love for antiques, it was impossible for him to miss out on this auction.Therefore, he tried his best to escape the house before he participated in the auction today. However, he did not expect to see Charlie here today.He had always been very disdainful and doubtful of Charlie’s skills. In his opinion, his second uncle had been completely deceived by this young man.However, he did not dare to provoke Charlie face to face. When he saw Charlie making a bid for the pearl necklace, he made a bid immediately because he wanted to challenge Charlie.At this time, Charlie glanced at Adam before he turned around and faced the auctioneer again. After that, he continued his bid. “Seven hundred thousand dollars!”Adam followed in his footsteps. “Eigh
The naturally formed jade contained a certain amount of spiritual energy. Charlie felt that this was the perfect item for Graham to expel the evil spirit from his home. Therefore, he raised his hand immediately.“Nine hundred thousand dollars!”As soon as his voice fell, the familiar voice sounded again.“One million dollars!”Charlie turned around and he met Adam’s provocative eyes immediately.Charlie did not say anything but he continued raising his hand.“One million one hundred thousand dollars!”“One million two hundred thousand dollars!”After bidding several times, the price of the jade had already doubled and under Adam’s deliberate bidding, the price of the jade soared to two million dollars!Everyone in the auction hall knew that Adam had deliberately raised the price of the jade because he wanted to provoke Charlie.Therefore, everyone was waiting to watch another good show as they watched Charlie raise his hand again.At this time, Charlie slowly raised his hand
Everyone was watching Adam at this time. He hesitated for a moment before he finally decided that reason defeated impulse.He said in a furious manner, “I give up!”“Ha!”“Lousy!”“What a shame!”“Such an embarrassment!”Everyone continued scolding and making fun of Adam as they laughed at him. Adam was left embarrassed and he did not know where else to hide his face.He regretted his actions. He regretted coming out today. Otherwise, he would not have been so embarrassed.Adam was very angry as he felt very embarrassed at this time. After a short while, Adam turned around and he was even angrier when he saw Charlie laughing at him.At this time, he could not stop himself from rushing over to Charlie immediately.“The one with the last name Wade! Are you doing this on purpose?”Charlie picked up the glass of wine from the table before he took a sip and said, “No one forced you to bid against me. You wanted to bid against me, so why are you mad at me now?”Jasmine also spoke
The crowd started bidding and very soon, the price of the clam increased to twelve million dollars.Many people stopped bidding as soon as the price exceeded their limit. However, the people who knew the value of the clam continued bidding for it.At this time, Jack suddenly stood up before he said, “I bid fifteen million dollars for it!”After that, he turned around before he bowed and said, “Dear friends, the reason why I am here at the auction today is because of this clam. Therefore, I hope everyone will give up on bidding for this item so I can bring it home with me today. I will give everyone here today a peace talisman as a token of my gratitude.”Most of the guests who were present today were bosses and businessmen who knew of Jack’s reputation. No one dared to offend him.If he was unhappy, he could probably do something that would cost the other party his entire fortune or family!Besides that, he would also be giving out a peace talisman worth two hundred thousand doll
Jack was going crazy!He was well-known in his own city and all over the country. Everyone here today respected him with all their hearts but this young kid was actually so arrogant towards him. He had even tried to trample all over him several times already. This was really annoying!What was even worse was that he actually dared to scold him!He must have a death wish!The people present at the auction were also shocked at this time.Who was this young man? Who gave him the courage to challenge and scold Jack? Was he already tired of living? Jack was a Feng Shui master who had more than ten thousand ways to kill him without involving any blood at all!However, even though Jack was very furious, he remained calm and composed as he wanted to get the clam at a lower price. Therefore, he still maintained his demeanor before he smiled and said, “My friend, I know that we’ve both had a misunderstanding before the auction earlier but this is a little too much. If you are bidding again
Jacob wasn't really concerned with the invitation. He wouldn't be going anyway, and he wouldn't tell Elaine about it.Right now, he had a question.After hanging up on Walker, he asked curiously, "A designated driver would be just a few dozen bucks at most. Why get Walker?"Mr. Bay sighed meaningfully. "Jacob, my boy—it's not just my job description you must handle when you succeed me. You must understand the unspoken rules of the workplace as well as interpersonal relationships."Raising his right index finger, he chuckled, "Earning the loyalty of subordinates is a science. But it has to be a carrot and stick—never just the carrot, while offering them chances to be of service.""Take Walker, for example. As his boss, buying him lunch is 5 points. Ask for a favor, but it's 50 points instead!""As a leader, you should also make sure to give requests that are reasonable. That way, they will consider you to be their ally, or soon enough.""People are strange that way—psychology sim
Jacob certainly agreed with Mr. Bay. When going to a dinner where alcohol would be involved, having a designated driver would be most convenient.Still, Jacob had another plan in mind.Since he had a Cullinan and this was the perfect chance to show off, it would kill him not to drive."Actually, we should go on our own," Jacob told Mr. Bay right then. "We will take my car and get a designated driver to take us home. We can hang out in the backseat to chat—I mean, you'd be in a bad mood if you get a bad driver, bringing a car that stinks of tobacco. You know how bad it can get."Mr. Bay nodded cheerfully. "Alright! I'm counting on you!""Oh, it's only right!"Coming to an agreement, they hurried outside, with Jacob driving and Mr. Bay riding shotgun.They were having a pleasant conversation when Jacob suddenly got a call from Walker, who was his sub at Senior University.Answering with the in-car Bluetooth system, he said, "Hey, Walker. What's up?""Mr. Wilson! I'm done with cl
As such, Albert did not hesitate to say right then, "Don't worry, Mr. Wilson—since they are your friends, I will offer the half-price rebate as you've suggested! When the guests take their seats, I'll personally deliver a couple of nice bottles over as a token of my sincerity!"Oskia truly sets the bar when it comes to being humanistic.There were times when one must show due respect, but not too much either in case it changed the status quo.It was just like a couple eating out with a third-wheel.Even if the third-wheel was better off and happily took the check as the girl watched, there would inevitably be competitiveness. The generosity might even lead to the girl getting attracted to the third-wheel.As such, since Jacob was actually secondary in importance at the event, Albert would have to make sure not to rain on the host's parade while showing his respects to Jacob. Otherwise, the host may hold a grudge against Jacob even if everything was free of charge.And when it cam
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…