Vera nodded, “According to the Book of Changes and the Eight Diagrams, for lives that haven't passed through catastrophe, it’s true that Reiki doesn't exist anymore, but after passing through catastrophe, Reiki will appear.”Charlie asked in confusion, “That sounds somewhat unrealistic…”Vera smiled and said, “I thought so too at first. I even thought I might have misunderstood the Book of Changes and the Eight Diagrams, but after World War II, I encountered modern technology with radio waves. Suddenly, it all made sense to me. Reiki might be like radio frequencies. Ordinary people can't perceive it with their bodies, but once they have the conditions to receive radio waves, they can continuously tap into the contents of those waves. Reiki might work similarly.”Charlie opened his eyes wide in shock and exclaimed, “So, does that mean the Degenerate Age of Dharma might not actually be the end?”Vera explained, “The Degenerate Age of Dharma is just a term coined by later generations.
Charlie hadn't done much research on the study of destiny.In the Apocalyptic Book, there was a wealth of miscellaneous knowledge, but it notably lacked explanations about destiny. He used to think that destiny might be like India's caste system, where a high destiny equated to a high caste, meaning a person of high caste only had a high social status, but they didn't inherently possess great strength. People of high caste could still get sick, age, and face various accidents just like anyone else. However, Vera's words suggested that destiny was far more complex than he had imagined.So, he asked Vera, “If my father had the fate of the dragon, would he not have been killed by Mr. Chardon?”Vera asserted confidently, “That’s right! The power of destiny lies in their absolute hierarchy. As long as a person with the fate of the dragon doesn't seek death, how could Mr. Chardon, who merely had the fate of the tiger, kill someone with the fate of the dragon? Young Master, you have the fa
Vera nodded and smiled, saying, “Young Master Wade promised earlier to grant you an opportunity, and he specially came today to fulfill that promise. Hurry up and express your gratitude!”Upon hearing this, the three men exchanged glances with one another excitedly and immediately knelt.When Charlie saw the three men, totaling almost three hundred years in age, kneeling before him, he couldn't bear it. He quickly tried to rise to help and stop them, but Vera suddenly reached out her fair and slender hand to stop Charlie and said earnestly, “Young Master Wade, there's no need for you to stand up. Their bowing to you is only right.”Charlie hurriedly said, “Gentlemen, you're all elderly. You shouldn't perform such a grand gesture. It's not appropriate…”Vera firmly said, “Young Master Wade, rest assured, there's nothing inappropriate about it. Their gesture is not only to thank you but also for their own sake!”She continued, “These three have been raised by me since they were youn
Charlie looked at the three elderly people with snowy hair in front of him, and he couldn't help but glance at Vera beside him, who seemed to be still youthful. He felt a bit confused for a moment.The three elderly men were indeed very old and even with limited interaction. It was evident that they were very experienced and wise.However, in front of Vera, these three seemed like children being scolded by their parents, obeying her every command without question. Although Vera herself looked like a child, her attitude toward the three elders remained stern, making him feel particularly awkward.Nevertheless, he quickly pushed aside this discomfort and politely said to the three, “Please stand up.”The three didn't stand up but raised their heads to look at Vera.Vera seemed indifferent to the elderly men kneeling before her, and she nodded casually before she then spoke up, “Since Young Master Wade has spoken, you may all rise.”Only then did the three men help each other up. Ch
Logan took the tea knife and quickly expressed his gratitude while intending to cut the pill in half directly. At this moment, Charlie spoke up, “Mr. Carrick, there's no need for you to do that.”Logan was slightly startled and instinctively looked at Charlie. Charlie then took out another Rejuvenating Pill and handed it to Logan, saying, “This one is for your wife. Could you please pass it to her on my behalf?”Not only was Logan stunned by this, but even Vera was also taken aback. She never expected Charlie to produce another invaluable Rejuvenating Pill to give to Logan's wife, whom he had never met before.Charlie had visited Scarlet Pinnacle Manor several times, and Logan's wife had always avoided him, never meeting him in person.This was also the first time Charlie had given a Rejuvenating Pill to a stranger. His reason for doing so was solely out of gratitude for Vera saving his life.To Charlie, these three elderly men were all orphans raised by Vera. Logan's wife, pres
Vera was deeply moved by Charlie's actions. After that, Charlie earnestly said to the three elderly men, “Gentlemen, after taking the Rejuvenating Pill this time, your lifespan will exceed one hundred years. To avoid arousing suspicion from the outside world, Mr. Carrick should consider investing in a medical research institution. This way, when people question why you don't age, there will be a reasonable explanation.”Logan replied without hesitation, “Mr. Wade, you can rest assured that I will definitely invest in several similar enterprises and institutions.”Charlie nodded and then said to Emmett, “Mr. Sandsor, as someone in a high position, sudden changes like this should be handled carefully so as not to arouse too much suspicion.”Emmett responded without hesitation, “Mr. Wade, I have already decided not to return to Eastcliff. In the future, I will stay by Miss's side with Mr. Raven to attend to her needs.”Mr. Raven also smiled and said, “I have always been by Miss's side
Charlie frowned, “Then who do you think is on the plane and where could they be going?”Vera replied, “I dare not speculate on that.”After that, Vera added, “Regardless of who is on board, as long as their final destination isn't Australia, they will surely apply for the next segment of their flight route before reaching Australia. Flying from Buenos Aires to Australia takes at least twelve hours, so the most important destination of this plane will probably become clear in about eight hours.”Charlie nodded slightly, “It seems we'll have to wait until tomorrow morning to find out.”Vera smiled gently, reassuring him, “Young Master, there's no need to worry too much. Based on what I know about Fleur, she won’t come to Aurous Hill again. This plane might be carrying other people to execute other missions elsewhere.”Charlie hummed in agreement, “Thinking too much now won't help. We'll know where the plane is headed in eight hours. If it's coming to Aurous Hill, I'll still have ove
After bidding farewell to Vera and returning home, Charlie's mind was preoccupied with only two things.The first thing was to seize time and refine the Thunderstrike Wood from the Mother of Puér Tea given to him by Vera into a Thunder Order.The other was to wait eight hours and see where the Boeing 777 from the Qing Eliminating Society was headed next. If it was heading to Aurous Hill, he needed to prepare accordingly as soon as possible.With eight hours to spare, Charlie immediately began refining the Thunder Order upon returning home. For Charlie, refining the Thunderous Order was already a familiar task.When he returned to his room and infused Reiki into the segment of Thunderstrike Wood, he thought everything would be as simple as it was before. However, he soon found that his Reiki, which used to be unstoppable, had difficulty advancing within the Thunderstrike Wood.Previously, refining the Thunderstrike Wood was like carving an ordinary piece of wood with a sharp knife.
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