He had been ordered by Nanako to come to Aurous Hill in advance in order to purchase a mansion in Aurous Hill for Nanako first.However, he had visited a lot of villa districts and looked at a lot of villas for sale over the past few days, and alas, the villas were still far from what Nanako wanted. For Nanako, she liked the houses of ancient Japanese aristocrats. Although Japan had a small area and was crowded, the houses of ancient Japanese aristocrats were surprisingly large and comparable to the general scale of the royal residence in Eastcliff. However, that kind of house was rare in modern Oskia and there were also some protected royal residences in Eastcliff, which was really difficult to find in Aurous Hill.Moreover, even if such a large house could be found, most of these houses were in disrepair, and some of the super-large villas had adopted a pompous European style. The rich might like this kind of resplendent decoration, but Nanako felt that this kind of decoration
When Hiroshi heard this, he quickly asked, “How long do I need to wait if she still can’t make up her mind for a while?”The salesgirl explained, “Under normal circumstances, there is a right of first refusal within twenty-four hours after the payment of the initial booking fee. If the final payment has not been made after twenty-four hours, it will then be considered a waiver.”“Twenty-four hours?” Hiroshi was a little depressed as he said, “Twenty-four hours is too long... I have to buy it today.”“Well...” The salesgirl was also somewhat embarrassed for a while before she spoke up, “Sir, that is not the only unit left for our apartment. We still have eight units in that building that have not been sold. The apartment unit is the same type, but they are just located on different floors. You will be able to see the river view as long as you’re on the sixth floor and above, so there’s really no big difference.”“If you like high-rise buildings, we also have a good unit on the secon
She was about to go and call the concierge department when Hiroshi saw Marianne. He took the initiative to greet her and said, “Hello, Miss, may I ask if you’re interested to purchase the unit on the top floor?”Marianne looked at the other party in surprise and some vigilance, and she frowned as she asked, “What’s the matter? Is there something wrong?”Hiroshi quickly explained, “Miss, it’s like this. I also fancy the unit, and I actually want to buy it quite urgently. If you’re willing to let me have this unit, I’m willing to pay you a transfer fee of a million dollars!”Not only Marianne but even Madam Marilyn and the sales executive at the side were dumbfounded as soon as Hiroshi said this. The three of them had simply gone in to sign the booking fee agreement and pay the booking fee, and it had only taken them a few minutes, less than ten minutes in total.Unexpectedly, another person had appeared at this moment, wanting to buy the same unit.The other party’s purchase inte
The sales executive as well as a number of salespeople were completely dumbfounded.It was not that they had not seen people fighting for properties before. When the villas had first been opened for sale, there were indeed some customers who had started to fight for the properties right on the spot.The fighting would often develop into frustration and violent fights.They had never encountered someone like Hiroshi, who was willing to give the other party one million dollars as soon as he spoke up.They also did not expect Marianne to refuse his offer directlyFrom their point of view, this was one million dollars without any cost involved. Anyone would have to think about it if they could earn one million dollars for nothing, right?She had come to view a property and then spent ten minutes paying the booking fee to be able to earn a million dollars directly. This kind of thing was simply akin to having something fall into one’s lap directly. However, not to mention one millio
Marianne was still completely unmoved. She turned to look at Hiroshi and said seriously, “Sir, the reason why I didn’t get angry at you is because I think that you’re quite sincere and are a gentleman, but if you continue pestering me in this manner, I probably will not be able to communicate with you with this friendly attitude anymore.”Hiroshi instantly understood.The young woman in front of him must be a young lady who was not short of money whatsoever and did not take money to heart at all. It was estimated that her net worth and assets were not much worse compared to his own young lady.What was the point of offering a premium of ten million dollars when facing such a woman other than being able to make an offer? Even if it was thirty million or fifty million dollars, it was impossible for her to take him seriously, and he would only end up looking foolish if he continued holding on.He could only sigh in desperation and say apologetically, “I’m sorry, Miss. I was too reck
Hiroshi followed the salesgirl and took a car to Building 1 after paying one million dollars for the booking fee.Marianne had already preceded him and gone to the apartment unit on the top floor with Madam Marilyn.Madam Marilyn, who was still feeling ashamed of her own overconfidence just now, followed Marianne and could not help but speak up, saying, “Miss Marianne, fortunately, you have foresight. You didn’t heed my advice just now and paid the booking fee in advance. Otherwise, that person just now would have bought this apartment unit...”Marianne smiled slightly and said, “Madam Marilyn, don’t say that. I don’t have any foresight. I’m just relatively cautious. Perhaps there are ninety-nine out of a hundred times where my cautiousness ends up being useless, but in my opinion, it’s worth it if my cautiousness comes in handy even once.”Madam Marilyn nodded slightly. She actually felt extremely amazed even though she had a calm expression.Having been a housekeeper for so long
Madam Marilyn noticed that Marianne did not even look around the apartment after entering but simply stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window to look at the river view, so she could not help but remind her, “Miss Marianne, do you want to take a look at the layout of the house so I can help you if you’re not satisfied with anything or if there’s anything you would like to adjust.”“Oh, okay...” Marianne came back to her senses and looked around the whole apartment with Madam Marilyn. This apartment unit was not too big. It was more than two hundred square meters with four bedrooms, one of which had been renovated into a study room. In addition, there was also a reception hall on the side of the Yaak River. The developer had already added sports equipment to the apartment unit, which could be considered a relatively decent fitness area, and one could also see the view of the river from the sofa in the living room because of the floor-to-ceiling windows on the front wall. F
That night, after Marianne had settled the newly purchased household necessities, she returned to Scarlet Pinnacle Manor with Madam Marilyn. Both Logan and his wife were also very happy when they learned that Marianne had been hired. He asked the servants to organize an elaborate celebration feast at home as a celebration for Marianne.To Logan’s surprise, Vera, who never liked such festivities, also joined in happily. At the dinner table, Logan said to Marianne, “Marianne, if you have nothing to do when you come to Aurous Hill to work in the future, you can come and live at Scarlet Pinnacle Manor and ask Marilyn to arrange a big room for you!”Marianne hurriedly said, “Lord Carrick, Madam Marilyn accompanied me to buy a house in Aurous Hill in the afternoon, and the university will also provide me with an apartment in the future.”Logan said in surprise, “You already bought a house? It’s safer for you to live here, and it’d be more convenient for you to live here with Marilyn
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
Jacob slept in the next day while Elaine got out of bed past ten as well.However, in the case of the latter, she wasn't drunk and was simply watching livestreams and video clips on her phone—a hobby she had picked up recently.As for Charlie, he had initially planned to visit the Champs Elys hot spring villa and train Nanako in her Reiki control. However, since Claire would be arriving in the afternoon, he stayed home, planning to leave for the airport when it was time.Elaine appeared groggy as she emerged from the elevator, rubbing her eyes while holding her phone in the other hand.Seeing Charlie cleaning the living room, she asked in curiosity, "Not going out today, Charlie? Aren't you usually going out to meet clients?"Then, she became concerned in an instant, "Wait, don't tell me—the Feng Shui business is falling off? Are we going to be affected altogether?"Charlie laughed. "You're just getting paranoid now. Things are going fine—I'm just giving myself a day's leave.""
"Anyway, we have an issue," Helena continued. "Two days ago, Nvidia launched the B100 processor, their latest product, just two hours ago—a next-generation chip that will outperform our H100 considerably. I've instructed Harrison to pull some strings and preorder a batch from Nvidia before the B100 hits the market, at least ensuring that we can get our hands on 20,000 in the first quarter when the B100 circulates."Charlie asked, "What are Harrison's thoughts on the matter?" "Of course that old fox is going to be reluctant," Helena snorted. "But with the B100's processing strength outclassing the H100's, many AI institutions and multimedia giants are waiting with their wallets wide open. He's complaining that after pulling strings to get his hands on so many H100s, he is too embarrassed to do it again for the B100.""Bullshit," Charlie chuckled. "He's just not keen on us raising our prices after that previous agreement.""Exactly," Helena laughed as well. "He's about the shrewdest
By the time Jacob was sent home, he was almost passed out drunk.As Charlie took him off Walker's hands, Jacob's eyelids were but narrow slits.With his rough facial features, his flushed cheeks, and that strange smile of his, he looked just like those sleazy middle-aged men often seen in animated cartoons.Still, seeing that Charlie had come out of the house to get him, he chuckled drunkenly, "D-Dear boy… Your dad… was so amazing!"Charlie shook his head in exasperation. "You're drunk, Dad—get some rest already. Otherwise, you might wake Mom up and get an earful for this.""Earful?" Jacob's eyes widened ferociously as he snorted, "S-She'd never dare!"Charlie chuckled as he said quietly, "Come on, keep it down—Elaine is plenty daring. And in your state, you stand no chance if she starts to beat you."Despite being drunk a second ago, Jacob suddenly shuddered from the shiver running down his spine, and he promptly corrected himself, "A gentleman… never lays a hand on a woman! T-
Naturally, neither Mr. Bay nor Hal argued with this, thus following Albert and Jacob to the Diamond Room—the grandest room of Heaven Springs.After Albert led the trio there and smiled, "Gentlemen, if you would please take your seats, my people will be delivering Big Red Robe tea and our menu to your table shortly. I've spoken to the kitchen as well, and they will be preparing appetizers first. Please feel free to enjoy a game of poker until everyone arrives, and the main courses will be delivered right away."His arrangement was utterly detailed, and the trio were awash with gratitude.Hal and Mr. Bay especially were looking upon Jacob worshipfully, as if he was an unassuming bigwig on Charlie's level.Soon, as the invited guests arrived, Albert personally brought two bottles of 3-liter Moutai that cost an arm and leg to the Diamond Room.For politeness's sake, Hal ordered two more bottles of one-liter Moutai, meaning that it was one liter for the eight persons in attendance.Th
Don Albert was waiting at the front doors of Heaven Springs when Jacob's Cullinan arrived.He was absolutely enthusiastic in welcoming the man, even stroking his ego as much as possible as he knew Jacob and his vanity—which made that a must.Hence, as soon as Jacob stopped the Cullinan, Don Albert and the manager of Heaven Springs were immediately on hand to receive him.Mr. Bay was riding shotgun but recognized Albert right away, exclaiming, "Shit, he's coming personally to receive you too?"Jacob chuckled. "Well, he and my son-in-law have a lot of respect for each other, so I guess that respect is extended to us as well."As they spoke, Albert had reached the Cullinan and opened the door for Albert, nodding at him respectfully, "Greetings, Mr. Wilson. You can leave the keys with Mr. Carson while I escort you and your friend upstairs.""Thank you very much." Jacob grinned and turned to Mr. Bay. "Come on. Let's go.""Yes, yes, of course!" Mr. Bay smiled and nodded, a little nerv
Mr. Bay's friend promptly asked, "Was it the manager, Mr. Carson?""Nope," Mr. Bay chuckled. "Guess again.""Oh, come on!" Mr. Bay's friend whined. "You're still telling me to guess now? Just so you know, those bigwigs were so pleased when I told them we'd have the Golden Room and said they'd be bringing their cards. I'd be laughed at if I didn't give them the details right now!"Mr. Bay laughed. "Alright, alright, I'll quit being mysterious—it's Jacob Wilson, my vice president. He contacted Don Albert of Heaven Springs personally, and the man promised you the Diamond Room and the finest wines of his cellar!""Holy shit!" Mr. Bay's friend gasped. "Mr. Wilson did? For real?! And the Diamond Room on top of that?!""Indeed," Mr. Bay nodded. "And you know me. Would I kid when it comes to such matters?"Mr. Bay's friend breathed a long sigh as if he had just cheated death. "Heavens… Thank you so much, my friend! You've really saved my skin there! You have no idea how much persuasion t
Jacob wasn't really concerned with the invitation. He wouldn't be going anyway, and he wouldn't tell Elaine about it.Right now, he had a question.After hanging up on Walker, he asked curiously, "A designated driver would be just a few dozen bucks at most. Why get Walker?"Mr. Bay sighed meaningfully. "Jacob, my boy—it's not just my job description you must handle when you succeed me. You must understand the unspoken rules of the workplace as well as interpersonal relationships."Raising his right index finger, he chuckled, "Earning the loyalty of subordinates is a science. But it has to be a carrot and stick—never just the carrot, while offering them chances to be of service.""Take Walker, for example. As his boss, buying him lunch is 5 points. Ask for a favor, but it's 50 points instead!""As a leader, you should also make sure to give requests that are reasonable. That way, they will consider you to be their ally, or soon enough.""People are strange that way—psychology sim