Charlie nodded. When he saw that there was still no sign of Marianne among the people standing outside the car, he subconsciously felt a little disappointed. However, he did not ask Shawn about it again and spoke up, “Mr. Long, it’s getting late. Let’s get in the car and go.”Shawn looked at the time and hurriedly said, “Mr. Wade, I don’t know what’s going on with Marianne. I cannot reach her on her cell phone. Wait for a moment, and I will try calling her again.” After saying that, Shawn took out his cell phone and was about to call Marianne again when he heard Marianne’s voice sounding from not far away. “Dad!” Charlie subconsciously turned his head. The moment he saw Marianne, the uncontrollable disappointment in his heart instantly disappeared.Charlie would definitely feel some regret if he did not get to see Marianne again before leaving Hong Kong today.Shawn also had a happy expression on his face. He reached out his hand, beckoned to Marianne, and could not help but c
Marianne said shyly, “Miss Fox, I can go in any car...”Kathleen smiled and said, “Since any car will do for you, just take this one, then. I’ll go in the same car as Master Yant!”Having said that, Kathleen turned around, waved her hand behind her, and got into the Rolls-Royce at the back of the convoy. When Charlie saw this, he held the car door open with one hand and said to Marianne, “Miss Marianne, please get in the car.”Marianne nodded slightly, greeted her father, Shawn, bent down, and got into the car.Charlie also got into the car. When he saw that Marianne was still out of breath at this time, he guessed that she must be very tired from running all the way and said, “Why didn’t you give me a call to update me since your friend’s plane was delayed? Why did you have to run and be in such a hurry?”Marianne shook her head and said, “How could I possibly let so many people wait for me together? She was not delayed for too long, so I was able to catch up and make it on tim
After ten minutes of driving, the convoy arrived at the hangar where Kathleen’s plane was parked.Charlie had originally thought that Kathleen’s plane would be a luxurious business jet like a Gulfstream G650. However, he never expected it to be a huge Boeing 747 that was currently parked in the hangar.This plane was a symbol of wealth and power, just like the United States President’s Air Force One. The crew had completed all the pre-takeoff checks and inspections, and more than ten people, including the captain and the chief steward, were waiting as they stood together at the bottom of the plane’s spiral staircase. The convoy stopped one after the other, and everyone got out of the cars. Charlie glanced at Marianne, who was next to him. When he saw that she was pursing her lips without speaking, he spoke up and said, “Miss Marianne, let’s get out of the car.” Marianne raised her head and looked at Charlie with a shy look in her eyes as she said softly, “Mr. Wade, I wonder whe
By this point, Marianne was already almost out of sight, but Charlie found that she was still standing in the same place even though everyone else had gotten on the plane.Charlie turned back and looked for a long time before turning his head back. Somehow, he always had a feeling of empathy for Marianne. He knew that this beautiful girl who was envied by countless people in Hong Kong had actually lost all color in her life ever since the day her father had cheated on her mother. Since then, in addition to facing her mother’s tears and grief every day, she had also had to accept the reality that her mother was seriously ill and her health was deteriorating.After her mother’s death, although her father had given her a lot of material compensation, this compensation was basically a drop in the bucket compared to the blow caused by her mother’s death.Therefore, Charlie knew that Marianne had not been happy all these years and was even living in nostalgia for her mother. This
Charlie did not expect Kathleen to be willing to use Patek Phillipe and Rolex, which were two well-known watch companies, in exchange for a Healing Pill from him. Still, when Charlie thought about it carefully, her grandfather, Jordan, was a top wealthy man, and using twenty billion US dollars in exchange for three to five years of life was still a very good deal.After all, the Rejuvenating Pill could be sold for more than three hundred billion US dollars. One would also be able to sell the Healing Pill for one-tenth the price of the Rejuvenating Pill.In truth, Charlie knew very well that although Kathleen was saying these words jokingly, this was, in fact, what she really wanted.However, if she spoke in such a joking tone, she would leave enough mediation room for herself, and she would be able to either go forward or retreat.If he expressed that he would not be willing to sell the Healing Pill, she would definitely say that she was just joking so that she could brush off th
With that being said, Kathleen paused slightly and continued, “I originally did not intend to use this plane, but when my grandfather heard that I was coming to Hong Kong to see you, he transferred the plane over to New York directly.”Charlie nodded lightly and smiled as he asked, “How is Lord Fox doing lately?” “Not bad.” Kathleen said truthfully, “There have been no serious health problems with his body during this short period of time, and he is also in a good mood. He is definitely in much better shape compared to before. Lately, he has also been talking about how he is eager to go and learn Tai Chi with others, saying that he wants to strengthen his body and try to live for an extra two more years.”Charlie smiled and said, “It seems that Lord Fox is in good shape.”“Yes.” Kathleen nodded and said, “He is indeed in much better shape compared to before, and this is all thanks to your help, Mr. Wade.” Having said that, Kathleen said again, “Oh! By the way, my grandfather is
Charlie was holding a Healing Pill in his palm at this time.The Healing Pill was about one centimeter in diameter, and he did not bother to put it in a wooden box because it was not as precious as the Rejuvenating Pill. Instead, he simply sealed it with wax paper specially used to seal food. When Kathleen heard that Charlie was going to give her a gift and was acting like a child as he deliberately clenched one of his fists with his palm down as if it was a mysterious gift, she thought that Charlie was joking with her. So, she smiled and said, “What kind of small gift did you prepare for me, Mr. Wade? Could it be a small bug? Let me state in advance that I’m not afraid of bugs.”During childhood, little boys had always loved to tease little girls. The most common one was for them to grab a bug in the palm of their hand and pretend to have a gift for the girl so that they would reach out and pick it up.Kathleen also felt playful at this time. As she spoke, she also reached out he
When Charlie saw that she was crying, he hurriedly said, “Look, how did I make you cry by giving you a small gift?!”He then handed a piece of tissue over to her and said, “Wipe your tears away quickly. Otherwise, when the flight attendant comes over and sees this, she will think that I am bullying you when no one else is around.” Kathleen could not help but laugh out loud. As she laughed, she accepted the piece of tissue and wiped away her tears as she teased, “What are you afraid of? I would not blame you even if you truly did bully me...”Having said that, she realized that her joke seemed inappropriate. So, she hurriedly changed the subject. She remembered the joke she had made to Charlie just now, and she immediately said very firmly, “Thank you for this great gift, Mr. Wade. I will buy you the two companies, Patek Phillipe and Rolex within a week and give them to you in return...”Charlie quickly waved his hand and said, “No, don’t!”He pointed at the Patek Phillipe watch t
Jacob certainly agreed with Mr. Bay. When going to a dinner where alcohol would be involved, having a designated driver would be most convenient.Still, Jacob had another plan in mind.Since he had a Cullinan and this was the perfect chance to show off, it would kill him not to drive."Actually, we should go on our own," Jacob told Mr. Bay right then. "We will take my car and get a designated driver to take us home. We can hang out in the backseat to chat—I mean, you'd be in a bad mood if you get a bad driver, bringing a car that stinks of tobacco. You know how bad it can get."Mr. Bay nodded cheerfully. "Alright! I'm counting on you!""Oh, it's only right!"Coming to an agreement, they hurried outside, with Jacob driving and Mr. Bay riding shotgun.They were having a pleasant conversation when Jacob suddenly got a call from Walker, who was his sub at Senior University.Answering with the in-car Bluetooth system, he said, "Hey, Walker. What's up?""Mr. Wilson! I'm done with cl
As such, Albert did not hesitate to say right then, "Don't worry, Mr. Wilson—since they are your friends, I will offer the half-price rebate as you've suggested! When the guests take their seats, I'll personally deliver a couple of nice bottles over as a token of my sincerity!"Oskia truly sets the bar when it comes to being humanistic.There were times when one must show due respect, but not too much either in case it changed the status quo.It was just like a couple eating out with a third-wheel.Even if the third-wheel was better off and happily took the check as the girl watched, there would inevitably be competitiveness. The generosity might even lead to the girl getting attracted to the third-wheel.As such, since Jacob was actually secondary in importance at the event, Albert would have to make sure not to rain on the host's parade while showing his respects to Jacob. Otherwise, the host may hold a grudge against Jacob even if everything was free of charge.And when it cam
Jacob put a hand on his chest. "Don't worry—everything is going to be fine when my son-in-law takes the stage."As soon as he finished speaking, an unknown number called his phone.He answered, hearing a familiar voice he couldn't quite place, "Good afternoon. Am I speaking to Mr. Jacob Wilson?""Yes. May I ask who I am speaking to?""Albert Rhodes, owner of Heaven Springs at your service. Would you happen to remember me?"Hearing that, Jacob turned on the speaker excitedly as he continued, "Oh, yes, Don Albert! Of course I remember!"Mr. Bay's eyes lit up when he heard Albert announce himself, and he mouthed, "Is that really Don Albert?!"Jacob nodded repeatedly, his vanity burgeoning.Mr. Bay was naturally thrilled too, and he leaned closer to listen just as Albert spoke humbly, "If it's alright with you, Mr. Wilson, please don't address me as Don Albert. It's just a title some brats came up with—you are Master Wade's father-in-law, which means you have seniority over me. So,
Mr. Bay was overjoyed, seeing how quickly Jacob agreed to it. "Thanks, Jacob! I owe you!" He exclaimed, but soon added, "It's past four now, and that bunch like to fraternize in the room before they eat. Could you get the room soon? I think they'll be arriving soon."Then, he moved closer to add quietly, "If you can get a Diamond Room like before, I will bring you along. I'm not going to lie, these are officials with decision-making authority. Being friends with them might propel us to new heights!"Jacob already knew that Mr. Bay was sucking up to his friend, otherwise, he wouldn't be so concerned when the dinner was organized by said friend. Understanding that the friend must be important too, Jacob was at once buoyed.After all, he had presumed that becoming vice president was the most he could achieve.Now, if he could attend that dinner with Mr. Bay and establish a good relationship with those bigwigs, he would have his turn when Mr. Bay got promoted too.With that in min
Reservations in Heaven Springs had always been unpredictable, and most rooms weren't open to the general public—even if said rooms were vacant for the night.It was not as if Albert Rhodes didn't want to make money when he built Heaven Springs. He simply didn't do it solely for profit, but only mostly for social events and posturing.Back when he was a humbler member of society, he realized that many bigwigs and even his fellows cared for pride a lot. Be it food, liquor, or even simply everyday consumption, they always strove for the best and the most expensive.That was why polite society valued their privacy and established their respective social circles, which was why Heaven Springs ensured that everything was first-rate: atmosphere, service, food, and clientele.Just like how bigwigs wouldn't dine at the same table as their goons, said goons wouldn't eat at the fancy places those bigwigs frequented even if they had money, as it may appear as if they were overstepping.That wa
As such, intent on keeping up his pretense, Jacob answered the phone, "Looking for me, Matilda?""Uh-huh," Matilda replied, and asked, "You didn't show up at Senior University, and your sub is saying you probably won't be coming for a while? Is that true?""Oh—right, that," Jacob quickly said. "Well, it's true—the gist of it is that the Association is getting busy with a project. As the vice president, I probably shouldn't be staying at Senior University all the time, right?""Heck, Mr. Bay called me last minute, telling me how busy we're going to be and that I was needed. That's why I had to go back, but I will head over to campus again when I have the time."Matilda knew right then that those were all excuses.However, she did not expose Jacob, instead asking, "Well, when are you free? So that I can send you my wedding invitation?""Oh, the invitation?" Jacob quickly chuckled. "You really didn't have to come to me—just pass it to Walker, my sub lecturer. He can pass it to me wh
The next afternoon, there was a sudden change of lecturers for the calligraphy class.Despite being the vice president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association, Jacob never showed up, instead getting a substitute instructor to replace him.Matilda had come with the invitation Yolden had written for Jacob, but seeing that Jacob wasn't at the lecture hall, she waited until the class was over to ask the sub, "Excuse me, can I ask why Mr. Wilson wasn't teaching this class?""He's busy at the association," the sub replied. "So, I'm taking over his class."Curious, Matilda pressed, "Then, would you happen to know when he will be coming?""Probably not for a while," the sub replied. "He delegated other classes to me as well, telling me that I could just stick to the PowerPoint slides."Then, he asked, "Do you have business with Mr. Wilson?"Matilda nodded. "Yes, but I can call him myself. Thank you."Leaving the lecture hall, Matilda called Jacob, who was goofing off in his office
On the other end, Matilda was left staring at Jacob's reply in confusion.She had presumed that Jacob would understand when she mentioned inviting his whole family that he should be coming up with an excuse to skip attending her wedding.That was the most ideal solution.As such, she was shocked that instead of playing along, Jacob's reply was short and blunt.[No problem. The four of us will be there!]Perplexed, Matilda was left wondering what Jacob meant. Was he really going to attend her wedding with Elaine?The thought left Matilda frowning as she absolutely didn't want to see Elaine—especially not at her own wedding.Yolden was writing an invitation when he saw the somber look on her face, and he couldn't help asking, "Is there a problem?""Jacob replied," Matilda admitted. "And he's saying that he will bring his whole family.""Really?" Yolden was confused too, as he was hardly as eccentric as Jacob. "But he's afraid of his wife and shouldn't be telling her at all…
Charlie was driving Jacob to Thompson First when the latter received the text from Matilda.Seeing that they were reaching the front gates, Jacob promptly snapped at Charlie, "Charlie, stop the car now!"Charlie did so and asked in curiosity, "What's wrong?""Matilda just texted me," Jacob replied, showing the chat log between him and Matilda.Charlie was just glancing at it nonchalantly when he saw that Matilda's contact name was 'AAA July Florist'."Wait, why is that Aunt Matilda's contact name?" He exclaimed in surprise."I changed it."Jacob explained gingerly while reading through the text Matilda sent. "Her profile picture is an iris, so I changed her contact name to a florist since I'm mostly worried Elaine would peek into my phone.""Anyway, she's asking if I'm attending her wedding with Yolden. They would send us an invitation if I accept, extended to our whole family… what do you think I should say?"Charlie asked in return. "You're planning to skip it, aren't you? T