Charlie clasped his fist together. “Thank you then, brother.”Very soon, a heavy-duty civil helicopter slowly landed on the top of the mountain.Before the helicopter had landed completely, Gary and Isaac had already jumped out from the left and right sides of the helicopter. They hurriedly stepped forward and asked, “Young Master, are you alright?”Charlie smiled as he said, “I am standing here perfectly fine. So, does it look like I’m not okay?”As he spoke, Charlie pointed at Hamed as he told the both of them, “Come. Let me introduce you to him. This is Commander Hamed, the highest leader of the opposition force. He has studied in Oskia before, and his Oskian dialect is excellent.”The two men had a slightly awe-inspired look on their faces as they hurriedly said in unison, “Greetings, Commander Hamed!”Hamed also greeted both of them politely.Charlie looked at the time before he said, “Brother, it is already getting late. I will also have to fly all the way back to Oskia. S
The slender and long Concorde took off from the Beirut International Airport in the capital of Lebanon.The plane soared into the sky and sailed toward Oskia at the fastest speed.Autumn sat by the window on the plane as she stared out of the window in a daze.Even now, she still felt as though everything that she had experienced in the past hour or so was just like a dream.However, she secretly glanced at Charlie, who was sitting not too far away from her and resting with his eyes closed, and she could clearly feel that all of this was not just a dream. It was reality!As she thought about how Charlie had come to Syria alone and had even saved her from the brink of death, Autumn not only felt extremely grateful, but she also felt very guilty and ashamed.She felt that even after studying economics and finance for so many years, she was still so naive that she could not even see right through human nature.At first, she truly felt very ashamed of herself for abandoning her peer
Charlie said in agreement, “If you were to ask me to make a pragmatic comment, I would also say that you guys dealt with this matter in a very stupid and foolish manner. Anyway, you were right, and you were not wrong, but your mistake was that all of you took the wrong stand. If you really wanted to reduce the wars in this world, you guys should not be doing anti-war propagandas in Syria, but you should be doing so at the entrance of the White House in Washington. That is because your motherland is responsible for at least fifty percent of the wars around the world in modern society today.”Autumn nodded slightly. After that, she hurriedly said, “Mr. Wade, in truth, I wanted to tell you that I am not the kind of banana person...”Charlie asked curiously, “What is a banana person?”Autumn hurriedly replied, “Banana people refer to Oskian people like us, who were born and raised in the United States. We have the appearance, physical traits, and genes of Asians, but we share the views
As Charlie and Autumn were rushing back directly to Aurous Hill, Hamed was also rushing back to the valley in northern Syria without making any stops at all. At this time, his subordinates were all discussing this matter amongst themselves. All of them could not understand why Hamed would suddenly want to send a hostage away.Moreover, in addition to the woman hostage, there was also another man that none of them had ever seen before. They did not know where he had come from and how he had subsequently come out together with Hamed.At any rate, this was a heavily guarded military garrison. So, how could someone, who was a stranger to everyone, suddenly appear inexplicably at this place?! This was the first time that something as weird or strange as this had ever happened here.So, after Hamed had left, everyone could not wait to find out what exactly had happened just now.Hamed’s deputy immediately headed to the cellar in person as he wanted to look for some people so that he co
This… wasn’t this just a pipe dream?!Although all of them did not have much education, they still possessed some basic common sense since they were carrying guns to go to war and battle every day. For someone in Hamed’s situation, not to mention Syria, which was lacking in doctors and medications, even if he were to go to the most powerful and most developed country in the world, it would simply be impossible for him to get completely healed.However, the reality was right in front of them. Their commander, who had been a cripple, was actually walking as fast and vigorously as a normal person comfortably could now!Hamed naturally took everyone’s reaction to heart.Although he was so excited that he felt like shouting and screaming out loud, for the sake of his image and in order to ensure that he would have better control over his team, he resisted and held back the excitement that he felt inside as he pretended to be extremely calm and composed as he strode forward and headed st
Hamed’s words made these seven so-called highly-educated elite feel extremely shocked. They felt as though their whole world was instantly collapsing at this moment.Their purpose in coming to film the documentary in Syria was completely different in comparison to Autumn. They did not actually have any good intentions or purpose, nor did they truly sympathize with the people who were suffering because of the war. They were all simply hoping that they would be able to give themselves an even more powerful resume so that they would have more opportunities for achieving greater things in the hypocritical upper-class society in the West. After landing a good job in the upper-class society in the future, when everyone was toasting and drinking together at any high-end cocktail parties or receptions, they would be able to laugh and bring up the fact that they had actually gone to Syria to film a documentary on the battlefield for the sake of raising awareness among people about anti-war.
If they would have known that Charlie had the ability to take them out, why would they have bothered to be so pretentious in front of him? If they had simply been respectful toward him just now, they might have had the opportunity to leave Syria, which was a place where they were bound to get into trouble.When Hamed saw that these people were on the verge of collapse, he was too lazy to watch them make a laughingstock out of themselves. So, he simply instructed the soldiers around him, “Make them wake up at half-past five in the morning, and they will start working at six in the morning after having their breakfast. After that, they can have a half an hour break at twelve in the afternoon and another half an hour break at six in the evening. Then, they will continue working until eleven o’clock at night. Do you understand me?” Several of his subordinates immediately nodded. “Understood, Commander!”When the seven people heard this, they felt as though they wanted to bang their hea
When the sky in Aurous Hill had just turned white, the Concorde that Charlie and Autumn were in finally landed at the Aurous Airport.After the plane had landed, Charlie, Autumn, and Isaac took the helicopter that Isaac had arranged for them and flew directly to Shangri-La.Not long after they started flying, Charlie asked for Autumn’s opinion, and he asked her if she would like to meet up with Yolden immediately. If she wanted to do so, he could call Yolden directly using the satellite phone on the plane so that he could inform Yolden of the news that Autumn had already been successfully rescued. After that, Charlie could ask Yolden to meet up with Autumn at the airport as soon as possible.However, after careful consideration, Autumn felt that the essence of her spirit and energy were very decadent. So, she wanted to rest and reorganize herself a little first. At the very least, she wanted to take a bath and change into a clean set of clothes before meeting her father.Therefore,
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
"Mr. Wilson, what you boys did was truly heinous!" Don Arnold growled. "I scolded Zachary myself when I found out, and I was the one who told him to post that statement!"Jacob was shocked. "But why, Don Arnold? Are you friends with Raymond Cole?""Never met the guy," Don Arnold replied.That left Jacob even more confused. "Then why are you taking his side?""I've been doing my best to clean up my image over the past couple of years," Don Albert replied coolly. "I rarely get involved in mob business or anything illicit, and everyone in Aurous Hill knows that Zachary is my right-hand man, yet he confessed to committing such a heinous crime behind my back. What is that if not sullying my reputation?"Jacob was left reeling as he didn't expect Don Albert to be so serious, but he quickly explained, "I'm sorry. I didn't expect it to affect you so terribly… It's all Zachary's fault! I wouldn't have been aware that Raymond had returned at all, but he just had to tell me and come up with