Twenty minutes later, Charlie and Claire picked Elaine, who had been absent for many days, at the airport. When Elaine saw Claire and Charlie, she was extraordinarily excited and said cheerfully, “Claire! Charlie! I’ve missed you guys during this period of time!”Claire smiled and said, “I thought that you would have been feeling very comfortable at home by yourself.”Elaine smiled and said, “I was really comfortable, but it’s really lonely to be alone all the time.”As she spoke, she had a vexed expression on her face as she said, “I forgot to exchange some US dollars when I came to the United States this time. I also forgot to bring my bank card with me. Do you have enough money?”Claire did not think much about it, and she smiled as she said, “Mom, you came to the United States to find us, so how can we still let you spend your own money here? You should just stay here in a down-to-earth manner.”Charlie also interjected, “That’s right, Mom. We certainly will not let you spen
Elaine said earnestly, “It’s the right way for you to earn more money when you’re young. If you don’t work hard when you’re young, it will be too late if you want to work hard when you’re old! Don’t be like your father-in-law who has lived a lifetime of confusion!”Claire suddenly did not know how to refute Elaine’s words. At this time, Charlie suddenly received a phone call from Porter.So, he pressed the answer button immediately and said, “Hello, Mr. Waldron.”Porter, who was on the other end of the line, immediately said, “Hello, may I ask if this is Master Charlie Wade? I was introduced by Chairman Cameron, and I would like to ask you to do a Feng Shui reading for my house.”Charlie hurriedly said, “Oh, so you’re Chairman Cameron’s friend! Nice to meet you! May I ask what’s going on in your house?” Porter said, “My house is on Steerlain Island in Hong Kong. It’s a villa with an area of more than eight thousand square meters. Recently, my family members are always getting i
Charlie called Porter after Claire had agreed for him to go to Hong Kong.As soon as the call was connected, Porter, who was on the other end of the line, asked, “Master Wade, have you discussed this matter with your wife? Will you be able to come over to help me?”Charlie said, “My wife and I have already discussed this matter. You’re lucky that my mother-in-law has happened to just arrive in the United States. So, she can help me take care of my wife. Otherwise, I really would not be able to go over to help you.”Porter hurriedly said, “That’s great! Master Wade, what time would be suitable for you? I will arrange for a business jet from the United States to send you here!”Charlie excused himself and said, “There is no need for you to send a business jet here. I can just buy a flight ticket.”Porter said, “It will take you at least twenty hours or more if you come here on a connecting flight. Moreover, you might not be able to buy the earliest ticket. It would be faster for you
“Okay!” Claire nodded heavily and then said, “Hurry up and go in. Aren’t you taking off at eight o’clock? There’s only half an hour left.” “Okay.” Charlie got out of the car, and after Claire had sat back in the car, he waved at her and said, “Honey, I’ll go first. Drive carefully on your way back.”Claire nodded obediently and said softly, “Tell me in advance when you’re done, and I’ll come and pick you up at the airport when you come back.”“Okay!”Charlie watched Claire drive away before he turned around and walked into the airport.After a simple security check, he boarded the business jet arranged by Porter.The plane took off on time at eight o’clock and flew toward Hong Kong at great speed. Fourteen hours later, it was already ten o’clock in the morning in Hong Kong.The business jet that Charlie was on was still more than an hour away from Hong Kong. So, Charlie called Autumn and told her that he was going to reach Hong Kong soon. He asked her to notify Shawn to mee
Autumn did not expect that Shawn would want Charlie to stay at his house. However, Autumn did not know what Charlie’s purpose was in visiting Shawn. So, she did not dare to agree on Charlie’s behalf without his authorization, and she said, “Mr. Long, you should wait until you meet him in person and talk to him about this personally. See what he wants, then.”“Okay!” Shawn smiled and said, “Miss Hart, please rest assured that I will definitely let him feel the enthusiasm and warmth of Hong Kong!”Autumn said, “Okay. My assistant’s name is Charlie Wade. Make sure you write his name on a sign and hold up the sign at the entrance of the airport. He will go to you when he sees it.”“No problem!” Shawn said immediately without hesitation, “I’ll get ready to leave now, then!”After that, he hung up the phone and said to Jenna, “Get the maids to clean up the largest guest room on the second floor. We need to entertain a distinguished guest first!” Jenna asked in surprise, “Shawn, what
Jenna muttered, “Your daughter does not even listen to you, so why would she listen to me when I’m just her stepmother? You’d better call her yourself if you want to call her to come over...”Shawn was a little dissatisfied with Jenna’s attitude, but after hesitating for a moment, he waved his hand and said helplessly, “Forget it. I’ll talk to her when I’m on the way later! Go and make all the arrangements for everything else!” “Okay!” Jenna did not dare to refuse, and she nodded in a hurry. Meanwhile, Charlie received a phone call from Autumn and learned that Shawn actually wanted to invite him to stay at his house. He was surprised, and he could not help but think that it was ridiculous. So, he called Porter, and as soon as the call was connected, Charlie asked him, “Porter, where are you now?”Porter said respectfully, “Mr. Wade, I’m preparing to go to the airport to pick you up now.”Charlie informed him, “Porter, you don’t need to pick me up at the airport today. I plan t
An hour later, the plane that Charlie was on landed at Hong Kong International Airport. Meanwhile, at the exit of the airport. The famous Hong Kong tycoon, Shawn, was personally holding a sign with the words ‘Charlie Wade’ written on it. He was really looking forward to Charlie’s arrival as he stood at the airport exit with his wife, Jenna.Jenna was wearing thick sunglasses and a mask, and she had a somewhat unhappy expression on her face.She did not know much about business, but she felt that as Hong Kong’s famous Mrs. Long, it was embarrassing for her to be picking someone up at the airport in person.Shawn did not care about that. He knew very well that a businessman must absolutely never have any trouble with money. If he only had to sacrifice a little of his reputation so that this collaboration could go smoothly, wouldn’t this be a great deal, then?At this time, Charlie was carrying a backpack as he walked out of the exit.He looked around and soon saw the fat man
Although Charlie was speaking vaguely, he was actually pointing these two people out.Even though Charlie did not say anything about Jenna’s specific deeds, the couple coincidentally thought of Jenna’s elopement with Janus. For so many years, this incident had been Jenna’s weakness in front of Shawn, and this was also the source of Shawn’s deepest pain. Charlie was implicitly pointing to this fact, which in turn made these two people feel extremely uncomfortable.The reason why Charlie had said this was also completely intentional.He simply wanted to see how much patience Shawn would have in front of him. He was merely provoking Shawn a little bit for now. If Shawn could endure it, there would be bigger provocations waiting for him later.It would be great if Shawn could lose his temper in front of him now.After all, Charlie had flown all the way here from the United States this time to specifically teach him how to behave.Moreover, what Charlie was best at was using som
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
Jacob turned his phone's loudspeaker on before switching panels to Twitter.He was already shocked to find dozens of people directly messaging him, and he was naturally curious why so many of them were looking for him while he was on his trip to Dubai.However, he had no time to find out as he promptly tapped on his social feed, and it took much swiping to reach Zachary's apology post.He tapped on it, scanning through it just before he went dizzy, the world spinning around him while a dull hum rang in his ears.Never would he have expected Zachary to spill the beans, leaking every detail including Jacob's name and contact information. What was that if not mutual destruction?!Absolutely furious, he bellowed at Zachary again, "What the fuck is this?! Are you trying to kill me, posting this shit?!""I'm sorry, Mr. Wilson, but I've come to understand how grave of a mistake I've made," Zachary calmly replied. "I've actually visited Treasure Measure earlier to apologize to Mr. Cole
Within hours, Jacob and Elaine's flight had landed at Dubai International Airport, and the first thing he did was turn off his phone's flight mode.Then, staring at the upper right corner, he waited for the phone to find a network signal.He had connected to international data roaming, and within a few dozen seconds, he was connected to the internet.Once he did, a ton of notifications popped up on his phone, but he didn't care to check any of them and instead opened his contacts and called Zachary.Zachary was in his office, ready to do his usual rounds inspecting Don Albert's premises.While he had indeed completely lost his reputation at Aurous Hill's Antique Street after pinning that post on top of his social page and was given plenty of weird looks by people around him, he didn't care because he knew how to prioritize.Right now, the most important thing that he had to do was put all his body and spirit into his work and not get distracted by anything else.Only then could
The man who had called out to him shrugged. "Zachary posted it on his account. Check it out yourself!"Mick promptly tapped out of his message editor, refreshed his social feed, and immediately saw Zachary's apology post.Once he tapped on it and read it, he almost had a stroke and was cursing before he knew it, "Fuck technology! It's like a self-exploding truck! Fuck you, Zachary Evans, blowing yourself up before I could end you! What a bitch!" Naturally, the post also made Jacob infamous.The Calligraphy and Painting Association more or less had a stake in the antique trade, and the members were shocked that Jacob was involved in such a scandal.Within minutes, word reached Mr. Bay, leaving him pacing around in his office anxiously.Mr. Bay was eager to suck up to Jacob too, which was why he had intended to let Jacob inherit his position as president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association after he was promoted.But while he thought it was as good as done, he didn't expec