Claire wiped the sweat off her forehead and smiled as she said, “It might look like there are a lot of dishes, but it will not seem too much when we eat it. Moreover, since it’s your birthday dinner, it’s only natural for it to be a little grander. Besides, it was no hard work at all.”Jacob also smiled and said, “Charlie, why don’t the both of us have a drink together too?”Charlie nodded and said, “Of course I will have to drink with you. I’ll go to the storage room and get some liquor.”Elaine hurriedly said, “Charlie, bring a bottle of red wine here too. Claire and I can also drink a little with you.”“Okay,” Charlie agreed before he asked Claire, “Wife, can you drink?”Claire nodded as she smiled and said, “I’ll have to drink even if I cannot drink, but if the both of us are going to drink, we will not be able to drive to the concert later.”Charlie spoke up, “It’s fine. I have a way to metabolize all the alcohol within a short period of time.”Claire laughed helplessly and
Jacob instantly regretted his words as soon as he was done saying them.He had just been momentarily agitated, and that was the reason why he had blurted those words out. It was only after he had finished speaking when he realized that he had stirred up a hornet’s nest. Sure enough, as soon as Elaine heard this, she stretched out her hands as though she wanted to fight with him as she cursed, “Jacob, you b*stard! It’s fine if you don’t want to give me anything, but you are actually coming up with all those damn f*cking ideas when my good son-in-law is giving me something! Just wait and see if I will f*cking tear your face up into pieces!”Claire did not expect that the both of them would start fighting as they talked. So, she hurriedly stepped forward and stood in between them to block them as she said helplessly, “Oh! Dad! Mom! How long are the both of you going to keep this up?! Don’t forget that it is Charlie’s birthday today. It’s supposed to be a happy and joyous occasion, but
Charlie made a silent wish amidst the sound of Claire’s singing before he blew out the candles.After that, Claire spoke up, “Husband, close your eyes. I have a gift for you!”Charlie nodded, and he gently closed his eyes.Claire took out a gift box from behind her, and she held it up with both hands before placing it into Charlie’s hands as she smiled and said, “Okay! You can open your eyes now!”Charlie lowered his head, and he saw that there was actually a watch box placed in his hands.There was a simple line of English letters written on the box. Charlie recognized it at a glance, and it turned out to be Patek Philippe. Charlie looked at Claire in surprise and spoke up, “Wife, why did you buy such an expensive gift for me?”Claire said shyly, “It’s not expensive. Hurry up and open it to see if you like it!”Charlie nodded before he opened up the package. There was a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch lying serenely inside the box.At this time, Claire said softly from the sid
The family of four dined and wined to their heart’s content. Jacob was already a little drunk, and he had already started to speak with a lisp. It was obvious at first glance that he had drunk too much.Both Elaine and Claire could not hold their liquor very well, but after Elaine had heard that a bottle of wine costs more than a hundred thousand dollars, she ground her teeth and drank more than half a bottle of the wine. She drank until she was delirious, and she looked foolishly happy as she held onto the bottle of wine.Claire drank less, and although her cheeks were also a little flushed, she was still very sober. When she saw that everyone had already dined and wined to their hearts’ content and there was only an hour left to the concert, Claire then said to Charlie, “Husband, I’ll go upstairs and change my clothes. The both of us can just head to the concert directly in a short while!”Charlie nodded, and he smiled as he said, “Go ahead. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”At this
Charlie smiled awkwardly and said, “The both of them were just talking about the past, and as they talked about it, it seems as though their feelings have surfaced…”Claire nodded and said emotionally, “That’s good. I’ve not seen both of them embracing each other like that for many years now.”As she spoke, Claire hurriedly beckoned at Charlie and said in a low voice, “Then, we should hurry up and leave now! We should not disturb them anymore!”Charlie hummed slightly, and he quietly left the house together with Claire.***The couple went out and called for a taxi before they headed straight to the Aurous Hill Olympic Centre.When they were getting nearer and approaching the venue, the surrounding traffic was already so jammed that it was difficult to even move forward slightly.The couple did not want to trouble the driver too much, so they decided to get off the car earlier, and they walked toward the entrance of the venue.At this time, the surrounding area was already fill
Charlie recalled how Loreen had seen him and Quinn at Herrolls Bay. At that time, Charlie had even lied to Loreen and told her that Quinn’s family had always been helping him. Loreen obviously knew this, and so, the reason why she was asking him this question must be because she wanted to deliberately tease him.”So, Charlie casually replied, “Actually, I’ve never had any interest and feelings for any idols or celebrities. However, I’m just accompanying Claire to come and watch this concert because she likes it.”“Oh, so that’s how it is.” Loreen did not expose him, and she smiled as she asked Claire, “Oh, by the way, Claire, which section and which row are your seats located at? Let me see if we are seated close to each other.”Claire said awkwardly, “Oh! I would have forgotten about this if you did not ask about it. Charlie was the one who helped to get the tickets for us. So, I do not know exactly which row and which seats we have.”After saying that, Claire looked at Charlie, a
Claire laughed and said, “I cannot do these kinds of things to fool people. I’d better continue designing in a practical way instead.”Loreen, who was aside, could not help but feel more or less jealous when she saw the both of them whispering and laughing amongst themselves. So, she complained, “The both of you should also pay attention to the occasion even if you want to show your affection for one another. Don’t put on a public display of affection, okay?”Claire giggled and said, “Loreen, since we are all in the infield area, let’s go in together. We should not continue standing here.”Loreen nodded gently before following Charlie and Claire as they went inside the venue after the security check and ticket inspection.At this time, the interior of the venue was already crowded with people, and the surrounding stands were filled with Quinn’s fans. Most of them had glow sticks as well as LED light signs with Quinn’s name written on them. Tens of thousands of people were waving at
Charlie and Claire had just arrived at the first row and were about to head to the center when they suddenly saw that the four people who were sitting down before them were actually all their acquaintances.The person who was sitting closest to the entrance of the first row was Doris. When she saw that Charlie and Claire were here, she stood up and smiled as she said, “Master Wade, Chairman Wilson, the both of you are here too!”Claire was surprised and said, “Oh! Vice Chairman Young, are you also here to see Quinn Golding’s concert?”Doris laughed and said, “I’ve always been a huge fan of Quinn Golding, and I know how to sing every single one of her songs! How could I possibly not come now that she has finally decided to hold a concert in Aurous Hill?”Claire nodded repeatedly as she smiled and said, “I really would not have expected that you would actually have time to chase after celebrities when you are usually so busy with work.”Doris looked at Charlie before she said with p
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