Cadfan was extremely excited, and he blurted out as he asked, “Master Xanthos, will you be able to kill a four-star martial artist?”“A four-star martial artist?” The other party asked in surprise, “Do you know of a four-star martial artist? As far as I know, there are no longer any four-star martial artists in the country anymore, right?”Cadfan gritted his teeth and said, “Yes. There is one that just came out this morning!”The other party laughed and spoke up, “It is not easy to kill a four-star martial artist. If you’d like me to try to do it, you will have to pay me double the amount.”Cadfan had already been feeling a lot of discomfort because of the extreme depression, jealousy, and anger that was pent up in his heart. When he heard these words, he replied without hesitation, “Master Xanthos, money is not an issue, but you have to finish off that top master in Aurous Hill first.”The other party hummed slightly before he said, “Don’t worry. I’ll kill him first before I come
Meanwhile, Sheldon had finally arrived in Syria after flying for a day and night.Unlike Charlie, who had the privilege of taking the Concorde, he could only fly all the way to the Middle East. After landing in Turkey, he had to cross the border of the country as he entered northern Syria using the overnight road vehicle.Deep down in his heart, Sheldon felt like dying as soon as he set foot on Syrian soil.Because he had entered the country illegally, the vehicle dragged him away to avoid the city, and Sheldon was immediately shocked because of this desolate country.There were deserts, hills, and decaying towns and villages in this country which was heavily damaged and in a disastrous state.The endless deserts and mountainous terrains immediately reminded him of an ancient poem, ‘The Solitary Smoke in the Desert’.After traveling hundreds of kilometers deep into the Syrian border, Sheldon had a realization deep down in his heart. He realized that if Charlie refused to agree to
When Hamed saw a few people with East Asian appearances, he immediately smiled as he spoke in his fluent Oskian dialect, “The few of you must be Brother Wade’s subordinates. Welcome! Welcome! Warmest welcome!”The several people looked at each other, and they could not help but exchange glances with one another.In their impression, this kind of slogan such as ‘Welcome! Welcome! Warmest welcome!’, should be shouted out by young cheerleaders whose faces were blushing red, red scarves tied around their necks, and also flower garlands in their hands.But they would never have expected that these words would come out from the mouth of a big and burly Middle Eastern warlord who had a thick beard. The man who was leading the group was Isaac’s confidant, and his name was Yanciel Zewell.When Yanciel saw that Hamed was being so polite and had the demeanor of a warlord, he smiled politely as he asked, “You must be Commander Hamed, right?”Hamed nodded and laughed as he said, “We’re all f
Hamed could not be bothered to pay any attention to Sheldon.He smiled as he said to Yanciel, “Sirs, I’ve made some good black tea. Please come in and have a few cups of tea!”People in the Middle East loved drinking black tea. They generally liked to cook a particularly large amount of tea leaves into a very rich tea soup before topping it up with a lot of white sugar, which then became a refreshment with extremely high sugar content.This point was very different as compared to the Oskians.When the several people saw that Hamed was being so hospitable, they felt that it would not be polite to turn his invitation down.So, Yanciel then said, “Commander Hamed, in that case, I’d like to trouble you to please arrange for your subordinates to take Mr. Sheldon to his place of residence first.”“Yes! No problem!” Hamed said as he patted his chest. “I’ve already asked my subordinates to prepare the courtyard after receiving Brother Wade’s instructions. The courtyard is right next to m
When he lowered his head to take a look, this was not a f*cking room, but this was actually a pit latrine with a roof!There was nothing in the room, only one deep pit that had already been dug in the middle of the room. There were two wooden boards there, and there was a hole that was exposed in the middle. That was the cesspit. In addition, there was no sewage device, and it was estimated that it would have to be manually removed before the cesspit was full…Sheldon was on the verge of collapse.‘Who the hell would be able to stand it if they had to shovel the pit latrine every once in a while in the future?’ ‘Most importantly, there is only one broken window in this dilapidated house, and the ventilation is not very good. If I were to take a dump here, how long would it take to get rid of the stench?!’Sheldon felt as though his future was already filled with darkness at this moment.He did not have any personal belongings here. He did not have a cell phone or computer, and t
Sheldon was completely dejected. Although he would really like to give Charlie an additional one hundred million US dollars in exchange for decent living conditions for himself, he did not have that much money at his disposal anymore.Lord Schulz had very tight control over the family’s financial power. Although Sheldon was the eldest son and possessed a lot of real estate as well as various assets, he actually did not have much money or funds at his disposal.The entire Schulz family’s capital expenditure was basically conducted through family credit. They were allowed to spend money, but the money spent had to be within the control of the family’s financial system.Cadfan was not stingy, but he had a strong desire to be in control. He would not necessarily be reluctant to do so, even if it was a few hundred million US dollars to buy a plane. However, he had to know about it in advance, and he would have to give his approval before the other party would be able to spend this sum
She was worried that Cadfan would still refuse to let her mother off in the future. So, that was the reason why she had decided to make an even bigger impact out of this matter.This way, the attention of the people in this whole country would certainly be drawn to this matter.No one would dare to risk universal condemnation when the focus and attention of the whole country were entirely on this matter.So, the bigger she made this matter out to be, the more passive her grandfather, Cadfan’s movement would be in the future. That way, Sophie and her mother would also be much safer.Therefore, Sophie looked for her maternal grandfather, Jefferson, and asked him for his help to contact the media. She was prepared to hold a press conference in the evening to explain everything that had happened to her and her mother in the tunnel.The media, the police, and all the people in the country had been waiting for the news of Sophie and Helen’s whereabouts. Sophie believed that as long as t
Jaime had recently been busy with the concert matters at the venue. So, he had already run out early in the morning to supervise the work. Although he had seen the news that his younger sister was going to hold a press conference, he did not bother to ask her what exactly she was planning to do.So, he said to Cadfan, “Grandpa, I happen to be a little busy with some matters today, so I haven’t had time to talk to Sophie. Why don’t you wait for me for a while? I’ll call her and ask her about it, then.”Cadfan blurted out, “Don’t call her. There are many details that you’ll not be able to detect over the phone. You should hurry up and make a trip back home so that you can talk to Sophie face to face. It’d be best if you can bypass your mother and grandfather and question Sophie about it in private. Ask her clearly what she is planning to do exactly so that I can also make some early preparations, then.”Cadfan was truly afraid that Sophie would aim all of the spearheads directly at hi
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
At this point, Don Albert could very well be Jacob's personal messiah.Even if he did threaten Zachary with calling Charlie persistently, he actually wouldn't dare call Charlie.After all, how would he start explaining that he was involved in a crime? And telling Charlie was basically telling his daughter—what would they think of him after this? Would he ever be able to hold his head high in the family again?As such, his only option now was to ask Don Albert and see if he would help.What he didn't know was that Don Albert was with Charlie, who had already anticipated Jacob's move.When Jacob realized he couldn't stop Zachary, Jacob would find someone who could, and Don Albert was the best man for the job!To no surprise, Don Albert's phone soon started ringing with a call from Jacob.Don Albert didn't answer right away, however, instead turning toward Charlie as he asked gingerly, "So, shall I stick to your script, Master Wade?"Seeing Charlie nod, he pressed on, "Should I
As soon as Jacob sent the voice message, Mr. Bay called.Jacob quickly answered, asking nervously, "How are things over there, Mr. Bay?""How, you ask…?" Mr. Bay sighed in exasperation. "The entire Calligraphy and Painting Association was demanding your dismissal as soon as Zachary Evans posted his statement, thinking that you have no business being the administrative vice president let alone have a place in the association."Even those officials came asking me questions, and you know how they are—gossipers, every last one of them, always finding out about the juicy stuff instantly even if it's really no big deal. The only excuse I have to stop them is that we don't have the facts, but this issue still needs to be taken care of."So, be straight with me. Were you a part of this? If you don't, do you have any definitive evidence that can refute Zachary's claims?""I… Uh…" Jacob stammered, unable to answer.He certainly wanted to say no, but he had no evidence to back himself up.
Jacob bellowed furiously, "Raymond Cole made over 19 million dollars! From my bronze sculpture! Yet you're telling me to refund that 300 thousand too?! You're just fucking with me, aren't you?!""Well, if you don't like it, just do what you like, then," Zachary replied calmly and quickly hung up before Jacob could answer.Jacob was left twitching and shaking endlessly, and there was no telling if it was from rage or fear.Beside him, Elaine quickly asked, "What did Zachary say, dear? Can he get that bronze sculpture back?"Caught by surprise at her question, Jacob flinched, and his phone slipped out of his grasp.As it seemed to hover in the air, he tried to catch it twice but failed, but Elaine managed to grab it.It was then that she noticed that he was sweating all over his face, and she promptly asked, "What's wrong, dear?"Coming to his senses, Jacob's eyes went wide with rage. "Zachary is trying to kill me! He leaked the whole thing to his Twitter page—it's like he's pulli