Vera couldn't help but ask him angrily, “Shouldn't you call me 'darling' as well?”Charlie coughed twice and asked her, “There's no one else here. Do you really want me to call you that?”Vera felt aggrieved and said, “We agreed on this earlier…”Charlie immediately said seriously, “Alright, I'll keep my promise.”After adjusting himself, he said, “Darling, we'll reach the airport in half an hour.”Vera smiled sweetly and said, “Got it. Thank you, darling!”Vera, who was satisfied, couldn't help but notice Charlie's left hand on the steering wheel, and she curiously asked, “Darling, didn't you wear the ring I gave you when you came out?”Charlie casually replied, “Why would I wear it? The ring recognizes your father as its owner, not me. If we encounter danger together, it will still teleport me to you. If we really meet Fleur, wouldn't that be like a bug getting stuck, unable to escape her grasp? It would be like giving her the ring for nothing. So, it's better not to wear it.”
A trendy and stylish couple dressed in high-end fashion walked hand in hand through the VIP passage to complete their boarding process. They then held hands and boarded the airport's business car reserved for VIPs.To outsiders, these two must be lovers who were rich heirs. Not only were they dressed in high-end brands, but they also seemed to have spent hundreds of thousands on private charters for their trips.However, this was just the best disguise for Charlie and Vera.With Charlie's current appearance, no one would doubt he was just twenty years old. Even if he bumped into acquaintances, they wouldn't recognize him.As the two boarded the plane, the crew guided them to the spacious cabin. Vera completely ignored the first two independent first-class seats and held Charlie's hand as she walked toward the back and said coquettishly, “Darling, I want to sit with you.”There were side-by-side double seats at the back with no armrest in between, just like a standard double sofa s
Vera felt both shy and anxious, “I've never been in love, but I've seen enough romance dramas at least! Aren’t playful banters like this common in romance dramas?”“Yes, yes…” Charlie nodded with a smile. By this time, the plane had slowly taxied away from the gate, so Charlie brought the conversation back to the point as he whispered, “We'll be landing in Londel in a little over two hours. Can you still recall the exact location of your father's tomb?”Vera put away her smile and replied, “My father's tomb is northeast of Ensel Bay. I've seen maps and satellite photos. That place is now called Stoneridge.”Charlie nodded, took out his cell phone to check the map, and said, “Stoneridge is a bit closer to Londel. It's about an hour and a half drive from the airport.”“Mm-hmm…” Vera nodded slightly and said, “My father's tomb is on a mountain in the northeast part of Stoneridge. It's been hundreds of years, so I wonder what it looks like now.”Charlie asked her, “Was there a tombsto
Charlie nodded gently, “Okay, thank you for your hard work.”-When Fleur's plane landed in Melbourne, the plane carrying Charlie and Vera had already taken off from Aurous Airport, heading for the distant Londel over a thousand kilometers away.As the plane took off and flew westward, Vera completely lost her previous liveliness and playfulness. She leaned on Charlie's shoulder for a while, then her eyes seemed to lose focus as she stared out the window.Charlie could sense that something was wrong with her, and he understood her current state very well. After all, in this world, no one was more suited to feel homesick than Vera right now.She was a young girl who had been away from home for over three hundred years, and she was finally on her way back home. Anyone in her shoes would feel a mixture of emotions.After more than two hours, the plane landed at Londel Airport. When Vera got off the plane, her legs felt a bit weak involuntarily.As she clung to Charlie, he could cle
Whenever Sanguine was mentioned, Vera would clench her teeth in hatred. When she mentioned that none of her four uncles and their descendants survived, Vera burst into tears. Charlie didn't expect Vera's grandfather's family to be so tragic, and he couldn't help but sigh as he said, “In those days, lives were as insignificant as grass and leaves. Countless families that had lasted for hundreds or even thousands of years were cut off in that era.”Vera clenched her fists and gritted her teeth, saying, “It's all because of the traitor, Sanguine!”With these words, she showed a fierce attitude that she rarely showed, saying word by word, “The Lavors has been loyal for generations! My ancestors have dedicated themselves to the country, and my father even joined the military, fighting against the Qing Dynasty for half his life, never forgetting to support Oskia. However, Sanguine not only let the Qing army into the pass, overturning our country, but he also killed the king for his own s
“Later on, I also thought, instead of constantly running, it might be better to just leave the ring to Fleur so that she would stop pursuing me and let me live out the rest of my life peacefully. Upon second thoughts, Fleur was the one who murdered my father. If I compromised and begged for mercy from her, what's the difference between me and Sanguine, who let the Qing dynasty in? We would both be traitors, then.”After saying this, Vera said, “After understanding all this, I decided that no matter how difficult it is, I must survive. No matter how hard it is, I cannot compromise and give in to Fleur. As long as I can survive, I will definitely outlive Fleur. At that time, I will have the last laugh.”Charlie said firmly, “Don't worry, you will definitely outlive her.”Vera nodded earnestly and said, “I'm sure you will outlive me, Young Master. After I die, please bother to bury my ashes next to my parents. My life will be complete then.”Charlie said seriously, “Don't worry, if I
When Vera returned to Stoneridge after more than three hundred years, it no longer looked the same as it did before. While Ensel Bay was still there, centuries of development had changed its appearance significantly compared to three hundred years ago.Standing on the bustling streets of Stoneridge, Vera couldn't match the memories in her mind with the current scene. Fortunately, the changes in the mountains weren't significant. Despite some peaks being partially mined, the overall landscape remained relatively unchanged.After Vera identified it, she determined that her father's grave was located northeast of the current Stoneridge town, behind the first partially mined peak and the mountain resembling a tortoise shell.Charlie and Vera left the car in town and then changed into a pair of couples’ sneakers prepared by Vera in advance. They then began hiking toward the mountains.As they set off, Charlie silently activated his mental cultivation method, reducing his Reiki to the mi
Charlie smiled and said, “Don't worry, I'm not a reckless person. I know my limits.”Vera heaved a sigh of relief, “That's good…”After the two of them hiked over the first mountain, they climbed up the mountain that resembled a turtle's back. As this was the second mountain on the hiking route, there were just as many people here as on the first mountain.Vera introduced to Charlie, “This mountain resembles the back of a turtle. It's called Mount Turtle Back. It’s a rare geomantic treasure that’s in the area. When my grandfather was a local chieftain, he spent a lot of effort selecting this mountain as our family's ancestral tomb.”Charlie asked curiously, “Is this entire mountain your grandfather's family’s ancestral tomb?”Vera nodded and said, “That’s right. The Feng Shui here is excellent, resembling a dragon coiling around the mountain. It's considered very auspicious. Choosing to place the ancestral tomb here can bless future generations with prosperity, wealth, and fortune
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