When Charlie heard that Charlie had a new client, he did not think much of it.There were a total of two business lines under Claire’s company. One of them was renovation design, and the other one was renovation undertaking.Amongst these two, renovation design was Claire’s main business because she was good at designing.As for renovation undertaking, the role that Claire played was more of that of a supervisor, and she had to outsource the specific work to a renovation company to get it done.Now that the renovation design work for Emgrand Group had already been long completed and since the renovation undertaking had already been carried out in an orderly manner and was already gradually getting on track, a part of Claire and her staffs’ time were free, so they had begun looking for other projects.After breakfast, the couple left the house together in the car. Charlie drove Claire to the old town.After driving for some distance, Charlie then said to Claire, “Wife, why don’t y
Helen nodded and pointed at Sophie, who was next to her, as she said to Claire, “Miss Wilson, let me introduce you to my daughter, Sophie.”As she spoke, she also said to Sophie, “Sophie, this is Claire Wilson, the boss of the design studio that I told you about.”Sophie nodded slightly and said politely, “Hello, Miss Wilson!”Claire hurriedly said, “You don’t have to call me Miss Wilson. You can just call me Claire.”As she spoke, Claire saw that Helen had already introduced her daughter to her. So, Claire naturally had to introduce her husband to them out of courtesy. So, she hurriedly turned her body sideways and said to Charlie, who was still in the car, “Husband, you should also come out and greet Aunt Dunn and Miss Schulz.”In fact, Charlie, who was sitting inside the car, had already seen Helen and Sophie through the car’s rearview mirror.Just as he was thinking about quickly driving away, he would not have expected that his wife, Claire, would actually ask him to go down
Sophie’s words suddenly made Claire feel even more embarrassed.She stroked the hair between her temples before she hesitated as she said ambiguously, “This… Well, I don’t know if it’s considered an arranged marriage…”Sophie could not help but say, “The both of you did not know or understand each other before you got married. So, there is naturally no emotional foundation between the both of you. At the same time, the both of you only got married at your grandfather’s request. Isn’t that a typical arranged marriage? This is just like Marie Antoinette’s marriage to Louis XVI in ancient history. The both of them did not have any feelings for each other, and they only got married at Louis XVI’s mother’s request.”With that said, Sophie suddenly thought of something as she asked offhandedly, “It seems as though Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette never had any romantic feelings between them throughout their whole lives. Could it be the same case for the both of you?!”Claire felt even more
However, the discovery just now had given Sophie a little more confidence deep in her heart.This was because the biggest obstacle did not seem to be as difficult to overcome as she had initially imagined. This instantly gave Sophie the feeling as though she could see the light at the end of the tunnel.Therefore, Sophie walked out of the house and went into the courtyard while her mother was busy chatting with Claire about the plan. After that, she took out her cell phone before she sent a text message to Charlie on WhatsApp: [Benefactor, I really would not have expected you and your wife to be in an arranged marriage!]Meanwhile, Charlie had just left the old town, and he was driving toward the airport.Charlie was still thinking about the circumstances of his meeting with Helen and Sophie when he was on the way there. He could not help but sigh as he thought to himself, ‘It seems as though Aurous Hill is indeed very small. If everything were to continue developing this way, th
While Charlie was heading to the airport, Jaime had also learned of Quinn’s private jet’s departure time from his own channels.It just so happened that his spy at the venue had also told him that Quinn would only be arriving at the venue for the rehearsal after one o’clock in the afternoon.The timing of the plane take-off and the timing of her rehearsal happened to coincide perfectly, giving him full confidence in regards to Quinn’s itinerary.He felt that since Quinn would only land after twelve o’clock and close to one o’clock in the afternoon, he did not need to rush to the airport so early.So, he instructed his subordinates that he would be departing on time, at half-past eleven, to leave for the airport to pick Quinn up. However, what he did not know was that Quinn was already on a plane to Aurous Hill.Charlie arrived at the airport at half-past nine in the morning. Isaac had already arrived by the time he reached.Charlie drove his car inside the airport under Isaac’s
Charlie then took the initiative to pull the passenger car door open as he spoke up, “Let’s go. I’ll take you to Shangri-La.”“Okay!” Quinn hurriedly got into the car with the bouquet of flowers in her hand.Charlie then signaled at Isaac, who also got into his car and drove ahead of them to lead the way as they left the airport.On the way, Charlie asked Quinn, “Nana, what time will Uncle Golding and Aunt Golding be coming here tomorrow?”Quinn said, “They should also be coming here at about this time, or perhaps a little later.”As she spoke, Quinn said again, “By the way, Brother Charlie, if you have nothing else to do in the morning tomorrow, we can come and pick them up from the airport together!”Charlie nodded and said, “Okay. You can confirm the time with Uncle Golding and Aunt Golding later. At that time, we can come and pick them up from the airport together.”Quinn immediately took out her cell phone and said, “There is no need to wait until later. I can send my fathe
When Quinn heard that her parents were about to go for a meeting, she hurriedly said, “Dad, Mom, you guys should not be in such a hurry to hang up.! I’ve not shown you the bouquet of flowers that Brother Charlie has given me!”After she had said that, Quinn hurriedly switched the camera view as she pointed the camera at the bouquet of flowers on her lap.Rachel, who was on the other end of the video, smiled and said, “Oh! It is such a big bouquet of roses. Charlie is indeed thoughtful! I’ve already been together with your father for so many years, but it seems as though your father has never really given me any flowers before.”Yule said awkwardly, “We are already an old married couple. So, why would we still pay any attention to all these things?”Rachel gave him a look before she said, “So, this is the difference between you and Charlie. Why don’t you just take a look at how romantic Charlie is? He prepared a bouquet of roses even though he is simply picking Quinn up from her fli
As she spoke, Quinn asked him again, “By the way, Brother Charlie, you’ll be going back to Eastcliff during the Tomb Sweeping Festival to participate in the ancestor worship ceremony, right?”Charlie nodded. “That’s right. Why?”“No reason.” Quinn said, “The Tomb Sweeping Festival is in April, right? That means I’ll be able to see you in Eastcliff again soon.”Charlie smiled slightly. “Yes. I’ll definitely come and visit you, Uncle Golding, and Aunt Golding at your house then.”Quinn said, “Your timing is perfect because I’ll be going to the United States in the middle of April.”“Going to the United States?” Charlie asked curiously, “Why are you suddenly going to the United States?”“It’s not sudden.” Quinn said, “Since I’m going to quit the entertainment industry after my concert tour this time, I’ve decided to hold a few more concerts. It can also be considered as my way of giving my fans an explanation. I also have a lot of fans in Europe, the United States, Japan, and Korea.
With those words, Jacob didn't wait any further as he turned and left Antique Street, intent on seeking legal counsel.Raymond watched him leave before returning to Treasure Measure.He wasn't going to leave, but he had said so because he didn't want to waste much time with Jacob.Still, to avoid any trouble, he turned the sign outside to 'closed' before locking the door from the inside.That was when a man suddenly arrived, asking through the glass door, "Can I still take a look inside, sir?"Raymond was ready to refuse without even turning around when he realized that it was Charlie.He turned around and saw him standing outside just as expected.Smiling, he hurried over to open the door for him. "It's been a while, Mr. Wade!"Charlie was aware that Raymond was sticking to his identity of 'Raymond Cole' who had not been in touch since Raymond had been fired from Vintage Deluxe.Charlie chuckled in turn. "It has indeed. And you're a business owner yourself now, too.""It's j
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