Nanako immediately said, “Jasmine, you’re being too modest. Out of the three of you, you are the most feminine one. If we were to really choose the most outstanding beauty in the country, I think that you are the only one!”Jasmine could not help but laugh and say, “Oh, Nanako! You did not learn anything else after being in Oskia for these few days, but you’ve really learned the art of flattery and perfunctory social talk!”Nanako winked mischievously as she grinned and said, “An accomplished disciple owes all of her accomplishment to her great teacher! Jasmine, I have to make some progress since I’ve been following you around every day to learn your skills!”Charlie laughed and said, “You guys should stop bragging and flattering one another. If all of you are not serious during the press conference later, outsiders will definitely think that Ito-Schulz Ocean Shipping Group is particularly unreliable.” Nanako smiled and said, “Charlie-kun, with Autumn, who is a CEO with such super
When Charlie had sent Sheldon to Syria, Charlie had not known that Hamed would get into such a big mess.A leader of a small opposition force with only two thousand to three thousand men would actually be surrounded by a group of ten thousand elite soldiers from Ten Thousand Armies. This should also be totally unprecedented in Syria.Charlie also did not expect that he would be secretly sneaking into Syria for the second time after such a short period of time since he had first snuck into Syria. He had infiltrated Syria the last time to bring Autumn back, but this time, it was actually because of Sheldon instead. When Isaac heard that Charlie was going to Syria again, he was suddenly a little nervous as he said, “Young Master, the situation in Syria is not very stable lately. Why are you going there again now?”Charlie shrugged and sighed slightly as he said, “I want to bring Sheldon Schulz back before the Tomb Sweeping Festival so as to not cause any delay to him going up to Mo
Isaac hurriedly said, “Okay, Young Master, I understand.”***When Jeremiah heard that Charlie was going to Syria again, his first thought was to discourage Charlie and stop him from going there as much as he possibly could.After all, the situation in Syria was very unstable at this time, and it was about time for the Wade family’s ancestor worship ceremony. So, Jeremiah did not want Charlie to be risking his life again at this time. However, after thinking about it, Jeremiah felt that it would be very difficult for him to persuade Charlie. Instead of trying to discourage Charlie when he would still be insisting on going over there, Jeremiah decided that it would be better for him to be more straightforward and easygoing in order to leave a good impression on Charlie. So, Jeremiah did not say anything else. Instead, he asked the crew to make the preparations to get ready to take off at night to set out for Aurous Hill. After that, they would be able to bring Charlie to Lebano
The reason for taking a look at Feng Shui did not arouse his family’s suspicion.Although Claire did not want Charlie to continue running around to take a look at other people’s Feng Shui, she knew that she would not be able to force Charlie. So, she did not say anything else.Charlie simply packed two pieces of clothing with him, and he was ready to set out early in the morning before dawn. Unexpectedly, Claire also secretly set an early alarm clock, and she quickly got out of bed and insisted on sending Charlie to the airport. When Charlie saw her firm and determined attitude, he did not turn her down. After that, they agreed on a plan to go to the airport together. Charlie would drive to the airport, and Claire would then drive the car back directly after they had arrived at the airport. Charlie’s reason was that this way, they would not have to waste time to park the car at the parking building, and he would be able to temporarily stop at the departure gate directly and leave i
Charlie laughed and said, “It might take an ordinary plane ten hours, but five hours is enough for the Concorde.”“F*ck…” Hamed exclaimed, “You even have a Concorde. I am truly filled with extreme admiration for you now…”Charlie said indifferently, “It’s not mine. I borrowed it.”Hamed blurted out, “You’re also very capable to be able to see such an awesome plane!”Charlie declined to comment as he smiled and said, “You should set an alarm clock to wake up in five hours. Hurry up and get some rest. I’ll see you in five hours.”“Okay!” Hamed said with extreme excitement, “See you in five hours!”Very soon, the Concorde flew up into the sky at over ten thousand meters against the backdrop of the rising clouds as it flew toward the west at great speed. ***More than four hours later, the Concorde landed smoothly at Beirut Airport in Lebanon.The person waiting to greet Charlie at the Beirut Airport was still Gary, the same man who was under Jeremiah’s command the last time. A
When the sky in East Syria had just turned white, Charlie carried a parachute bag on his back as he jumped down from an altitude of several thousand meters for the second time. At this moment, Hamed was already waiting on time, and he had also brought Sheldon, who was not fully awake yet, with him as they waited at the top of the mountain. Sheldon was already suffering from a nervous breakdown because of the movements during the war over the past two days. He could not eat or sleep well every day, and when he could finally fall asleep for a short while after much difficulty, Hamed had then personally dragged him out of the tunnel.Sheldon was very confused, and he was still in a daze when Hamed dragged him out. He thought that Hamed was going to shoot him. Hamed did not give him any reasons at all even after Sheldon had questioned him several times. This made Sheldon feel extremely apprehensive and nervous. When Sheldon saw that the top of the mountain was completely barren wit
Sheldon really wanted to kill Hamed at this time. However, Sheldon also knew very well in his heart that it would be extremely difficult for someone with his level of ability to be able to kill Hamed. Not to mention the fact that he was now Hamed’s prisoner, even if he was still the eldest master of the Schulz family, it would be of little significance. Even if he were to bring all of the Schulz family’s guards out, they would not be able to fight against Hamed’s reinforced firepower. He was simply no match for Hamed. So, Sheldon would probably never have the opportunity to ever take revenge for this kick, two slaps, and also the beret. Sheldon felt as though his life was extremely bleak when he thought about this.However, he did not dare to continue provoking Hamed, and he simply closed his mouth completely as he stood aside silently without making any noise at all. At this moment, Hamed suddenly saw a black large umbrella blossoming over his head. Upon closer inspection, Ha
Charlie looked at Sheldon, and he discovered that the guy’s mouth was bulging and his whole face seemed to be completely deformed. So, he was a little startled, and he could not help but ask Hamed, “Brother, what’s the matter with him?”Hamed glanced at Sheldon before he smiled and said, “Sigh. This guy was just chattering incessantly, and he was so annoying. So, I decided to gag him first.” As he spoke, Hamed then squeezed Sheldon’s cheeks hard again before he forcibly pulled the beret out of Sheldon’s mouth. Sheldon desperately rubbed both of his cheeks out of pain. Hamed then shook the beret that was all crumpled up in his hand before slapping it on his legs a few times. Hamed put the beret on his head directly after unfolding it, and he even adjusted the position from side to side. After that, he placed his hand over Charlie’s shoulder as he said enthusiastically, “Come, Brother Wade! Let’s go to my office for a cup of coffee. The both of us should have a good chat!”Charli
Horrified, Jacob promptly grasped the steering wheel and brought the Cullinan back under control while not hesitating to snap, "Are you crazy?! We're on the highway—that could have killed the both of us!"However, Elaine ignored him and seized the moment to open the armrest box, pulling out the large white envelope.As she opened it, she muttered, "So, it really was a wedding invitation… You really are a terrible friend, Jacob Wilson, hiding a wedding invitation like this! What's the point? Just look at that nervous face of yours—would I suspect you of having an affair with the bride-to-be?"She flipped open the card and was experienced enough to check the names first while disregarding the usual preamble. She wouldn't care about the venue or the time either, focusing solely on the professor who had somehow made Jacob very nervous.That was how Elaine found the names in less than a second: Yolden Hart and Matilda Hall.Matilda?!The name could well be knives stabbing Elaine in th
Jacob's brain blanked out, leaving only a dull hum as soon as Walker mentioned 'Professor Hall'.Already feeling nervous in the first place, he quickly said, "Okay, okay—I got it. Anyway, I'm hanging up if there's nothing else!"With that, he promptly pressed the button to hang up.Nonetheless, Elaine was soon asking in curiosity, "Who's Professor Hall?"If Jacob had any semblance of composure, he would have said 'a colleague at Senior University' as if it was perfectly natural, and the matter would have been forgotten.But the reality was that he didn't—in fact, he was the champion when it came to dropping the ball as a casual question from Elaine left him sweating all over his brow.Even as he slid nervous glances at her face, he stammered uncontrollably, "N-Nobody…"Elaine promptly noticed his strange reaction and frowned. "I'm talking about Professor Hall. What do you mean, nobody? Who are they? And what's this about an invitation? Inviting you for what?"Seeing that he was
Jacob had really had too much to drink and couldn't remember the later parts of what had happened last night—even how he had gotten home was a blur.Naturally, he also forgot that Walker had brought Matilda's wedding invitation, and therefore didn't hesitate to answer the in-car answer button.Over the phone, Walker was positively fawning as he asked, "Mr. Wilson? It's Walker. Why didn't you come in today? Had too much to drink last night?""Uh-huh," Jacob grunted, lethargic. "I did—my head still hurts now… Anyway, what's up? Trouble at the association?""No, of course not," Walker quickly said. "I was just worried you're still hungover, so I called to ask. If you need a driver or anything, you just need to ask!"Then, before Jacob could answer, he continued, "By the way, my wife is somewhat knowledgable in Oskian medicine, and she has recipes for brews that cure hangovers and nourish the liver. I'm sure you'll need the latter since you're always drinking at social events, so I as
Fortunately, Elaine and Jacob's bickering never escalated.Even though Elaine was winning, Jacob found it tolerable.After Jacob finished his lunch and cleaned up, he never looked up as he said, "Charlie sent a text, saying Claire's flight would touch down earlier at three. We will leave at two."Elaine grumbled. "Why leave so early? She's coming back from abroad, and there'd be checkpoints she has to clear—she'd be lucky if she could leave by half past three. I'm sleeping a few winks now, and we'll leave at half past two."As she left the dining room, she didn't even look back as she said, "Clean up for me too."Jacob had a million complaints but said nothing as he kept his head down, throwing Elaine's lunchbox in the trash can as well.With Elaine gone, he sat on the couch as her hangover slowly cleared while his mood soured with the lack of alcohol.In the end, the pleasure of being fawned over at the Diamond Room was but temporary—the pain of his beloved leaving with someone
Vera kept her plan to investigate the identity of the abbess deep in her mind and told Charlie nothing.Instead, she smiled as she said, "It seems that it's both yours and Ms. Ito's good fortune that she has attained enlightenment. You've never had anyone who could attain enlightenment and master Reiki at the same time, so Ms. Ito will definitely be a great help to you in the future."Charlie chuckled and said calmly, "I'm not hoping for her to help. I'm simply happy for her with her enlightenment and excited to have another comrade in my solo ventures into the dark forests."Vera nodded in understanding, and she murmured emotionally, "I've lived for so long, and it's only when I opened my heart to you that I felt that sensation you described."There was a flicker of wistfulness in her eyes.She really did not expect to attain enlightenment before meeting Charlie.Years ago, she thought that she would eventually avenge her father.Now, she no longer hoped to murder Fleur Griffi
Vera was inwardly disappointed to hear that Claire was returning.That meant there were fewer chances of Charlie visiting the Scarlet Pinnacle Manor, as were her chances of seeing him again.Still, she didn't let it show, instead asking casually, "How are things at Champs Elys? Are the warriors improving at a rate to your satisfaction?""Well, most of everyone's improvement is within expectations…" Charlie explained, just as he remembered a certain someone. "By the way, there's something I haven't told you yet. Are you perhaps acquainted with the name Ito Nanako?""Yes," Vera smiled. "The Japanese lady who was with you. What about her?""She attained enlightenment days ago.""Enlightenment?" Vera did a double take and soon pressed, "Enlightenment in what sense? Essential Qi or Reiki?"After all, the former was the path to enlightenment in martial arts, while the latter meant enlightenment in cultivation.But despite the distinction between both domains, enlightenment was a comm
While Charlie had long since gotten used to Elaine and Jacob's bizarre marriage, being near the heart of the storm still took a toll on his senses—to the point that he felt physically sick.Leaving right away was therefore his best solution.Once he left, however, he realized he didn't have anywhere to go. Champs Elys was quite far, and it would take a lot of time.As he started to feel bored stiff, he remembered Vera for some reason and called her.Once Vera answered, she quickly asked in curiosity, "To what do I owe the pleasure? Lunch, perhaps?"Charlie chuckled. "Since you've put it that way… I haven't eaten either, so lunch it is!"Vera giggled. "Come over to my place, then. It's cold outside, and I was just lighting up a hot pot. I'll have Madam Marilyn prepare an additional portion.""Okay!" Charlie agreed to it without hesitation. "I can return her car too. Just wait, I'll be right there!"Once he hung up, he got on the Rolls Roycs he had borrowed from Scarlet Pinnacl
Charlie shook his head. "It's alright, Dad. You can go ahead if you're busy—I can pick up Claire on my own.""No way!" Elaine promptly snapped. "It's been so long since she came back. We are all going to the airport!"Jacob sighed in exasperation. "Well, I'm sticking to my schedule—first the Calligraphy and Painting Association, then I'll be back an hour before to pick you guys up before going together to the airport."Elaine was left fuming. "Is there no getting through to you? You really have to go to that stupid association, don't you? Okay, fine. If you must go, I will be going with you!""You're their honored vice president who will be promoted to president soon, no? As Mrs. Vice President and the future Mrs. President, is there an issue if I went for a look?"Jacob shuddered at the thought of Elaine going to the Calligraphy and Painting Association as he absolutely didn't want her to humiliate him with her antics. People would talk, asking how a proper gentleman like him c
Jacob yawned, stretching his arms and smacking his cheeks, before finally retorting in contempt, "For Pete's sake, woman—don't make dissing me a habit. Or does it please you so much?"Elaine pursed her lips. "You call that dissing? It's all facts—do you think I don't know you? Tell me, what qualifications do you have? Your knowledge about calligraphy is skin-deep, and even the frauds working on Antique Street could beat you.""Only you would have the audacity to take the role of vice president at the Calligraphy and Painting Association—heaven's above, how blind is the president to appoint you as his second fiddle? Still, you'll be packing your things as soon as he realizes the truth.""Oh, Elaine, poor Elaine…" Jacob grinned smugly at her right then. "I'm afraid things won't go the way you want. Mr. Bay's been chasing a promotion lately, and once he gets it, I will take his place as president. That means I'll be the top dog instead of second fiddle!""Bullshit!" Elaine snapped in