While going up in the elevator, Charlie was still thinking of the man he met at the elevator lobby earlier.He was sure that he did not know the man, but why did his eyes contain hostility as soon as he saw him?He originally thought that the man was a reclusive expert who saw something unusual about him. However, on second thought, he felt something was not right because the man did not have the aura of a strong person. From the point of view of his strength, he seemed like an ordinary person.Nevertheless, he did not think too much about it. After leaving the elevator, Nanako dragged him to the ward where Yahiko was.At this moment, Yahiko, who was lying on the hospital bed, was cursing at the top of his lungs. He said to Emi, “Sheldon Schulz is really hypocritical son of a b*tch! I will be on pins and needles if I spend one more second with him!”Emi nodded and said, “Indeed. Sheldon always gives people a very sinister feeling. Moreover, his so-called friendly smiles send c
Unfortunately, even with his great ability, it was impossible to turn back the clock.He could only hope for their next encounter.At the moment, he pledged from the bottom of his heart, Sheldon Schulz, if I have another chance to meet you face to face, I’ll definitely not let you off the hook!***When Charlie returned to the ward, Yahiko asked in astonishment, “Wade-san, do you know Sheldon Schulz? Or do you share some kind of connection with him? Why do you seem sensitive toward him?”Both Emi and Nanako also looked at Charlie curiously, expecting his answer.Seeing this, Charlie smiled and said in exasperation, “Have you forgotten? I inadvertently rescued his children, and he is so rich. Logically he should have at least given me 10 billion dollars as a reward, right? However, never did I imagine that guy would just turn around and run…”Yahiko was immediately dumbfounded.He did not find Charlie’s words skeptical at all, because, in his eyes, Charlie was nice overall excep
Charlie simply smiled at Nanako’s remark and did not say anything.After chatting with Hiroshi for a while, Nanako said apologetically, “Tanaka-san, Charlie-kun will be going back to Aurous Hill tonight. I have to accompany him to do some shopping, so we’ll leave now and I’ll visit you again tonight!”Hiroshi hurriedly said, “Miss, please go ahead with Wade-san to run your errands. You don’t have to particularly come and visit me. It’s too much trouble for you!”Nanako smiled and said, “No, it’s no trouble at all. We’ve known each other for so long, there’s no need to be so courteous.”Hiroshi nodded gratefully, then looked at Charlie and said seriously, “Wade-san, I’m sorry that I won’t be able to see you off as you will return to Oskia tonight. I wish you a safe journey!”Charlie smiled faintly. “Thank you, Tanaka. Let’s meet again sometime.”“Okay, Wade-san. See you!”After leaving Hiroshi’s ward, Nanako accompanied Charlie to Tokyo Ginza.It had been a few days since he cam
The moment the ring went through the knuckle and onto her ring finger, Nanako’s eyes were already flooded with tears. She hurriedly lowered her head, so that Charlie could not see her current look.She liked Charlie very much, but she did not want to give him too much emotional burden.This was because, deep inside her heart, she knew that Charlie came to Japan this time and visited her in Kyoto not because of how much he liked her. Instead, he sympathized with her and felt sorry for her.She could understand Charlie’s feeling — the kind of empathy among martial artists.What is empathy?It is the emotion of putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and being able to empathize with them.This is like when a racing driver witnesses another racer, who is gravely injured or even perishes on the race track, in a car crash; his empathy for the victim must be stronger than ordinary people.Similarly, if a soldier sees his comrades or the other soldiers being injured or rendered d
When Nanako returned from the restroom, there were no signs of tears on her face except her slightly reddish eyes.She deliberately splashed her face with cold water so it would look a bit more natural.After returning to the store, Nanako took the initiative to ask Charlie with a smile, “Charlie-kun, Is the ring adjusted already? Do you want me to try it again?”Charlie smiled and nodded. “Yes, please! Thank you!”Nanako answered gently, “It’s my pleasure.”With that, she extended her right hand again and said with a smile, “Come on! Try it on again!”Without further ado, Charlie picked the adjusted ring up and once again put it on the ring finger of her right hand.This time, the size of the ring had become very suitable so that it was neither loose nor tight. At a glance, it fit perfectly on her finger.Nanako couldn’t help but shift her right hand to different angles and directions to look at the inexpensive diamond ring carefully under the reflection of the light.Althoug
Charlie gladly agreed. Soon, the salesperson called another girl over. “Sayu, this VIP wants to see the bracelet. Please recommend something to him.”When the girl named Sayu learned that Charlie was a generous tycoon, she donned a broad smile and cheerily exclaimed, “Sir, please follow me.”Nanako hurriedly asked, “Charlie-kun, do you need me to try on the bracelet for you?”Charlie smiled. “I intend to buy one for my mother-in-law. She’s a bit on the chubbier side, so there is no need to trouble you.”Nanako replied with a smile, “Right, then you go ahead. I would like to see the ring, is that okay?”Charlie nodded. “Sure. I’ll be over there to look at the bracelets.”Nanako smiled sweetly. “Okay!”Only when Charlie went to the bracelet section did Nanako whisper to the salesperson responsible of the rings section, “Excuse me, the ring I tried on just now, is it still in stock?”The salesperson nodded gently and said, “Yes. We have three of these rings. Two were sold, and the
After leaving Tiffany’s, Nanako accompanied Charlie to shop at Ginza’s major stores.For the sake of it, and to be fair, Charlie bought a high-end Boss suit for Jacob, his father-in-law.Ever since Jacob’s appointment as the executive director for the Calligraphy and Painting Association, he spent most of his time there and had become its second-best person, earning himself an honorable reputation in the association.Moreover, the association he was in now had a lot of cultural collaboration with the Senior University that Matilda was at, so Jacob could suit up a little to make himself look more charismatic and dignified.Besides, Charlie also bought a few other smaller accessories and souvenirs.At 3.30 pm, there was still about two hours before Charlie’s flight to Osaka. Considering that the Tokyo Airport was quite a distance from the city, Charlie said, “Nanako, it’s almost time for me to go to the airport.”Without hesitation, Nanako replied, “Charlie-kun, I’ll see you off!”
When Nanako was deep in her thought, Charlie had already driven his car to the airport.After parking, he got out of the car with Nanako and bent down to put the car keys on top of the vehicle’s front tires.Nanako asked in surprise, “Charlie-kun, what are you doing?”Charlie answered with a smile, “I’m leaving the keys here for my friend. Otherwise, the key would have to follow me back to Oskia.”Nanako asked doubtfully, “Won’t it be lost? If someone finds out, won’t they be able to drive the car away?”Charlie laughed. “No one will notice it. Besides, there are so many cars here. Who would bend down to check each of these cars’ front tires anyway?”He then added, “I’ll inform the owner where I’ve put the key so that he can come and drive the car whenever it’s convenient for him.”Nanako smiled and nodded, “You’re so smart, Charlie-kun. I would’ve never thought of this idea in my life.”Charlie chuckled. “I just wanted to save some money. If I were to bring it back to Oskia an
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…