When Charlie and Vera arrived at Entrell Airport, a private jet was just taking off, heading to Eastcliff.Many private jets and charter jets from provincial capitals flew to Eastcliff every day, so this plane didn't attract any special attention. The Wades’ Gulfstream jet had been waiting there for a while. After Charlie and Vera passed the security check and boarded the plane smoothly, the pilot immediately requested takeoff clearance from the control tower and headed directly for Aurous Hill.As the plane took off, Charlie was still twirling the agarwood bracelet around. After a period of silence during the ascent, Charlie suddenly asked Vera, “Vera, besides advising me to turn back, did the abbess you met today mention when I could return to Mount Tason?”Vera shook her head, saying, “The abbess only said that Mount Tason is too dangerous for you to venture into, but she didn't mention when you could go back. Perhaps, for safety's sake, you should never go there again.”Charl
Vera asked in surprise, “The Apocalyptic Book is so powerful yet there isn't a single mental cultivation method in it?”Charlie sighed and said, “That’s right. The Apocalyptic Book is more like a beginner's guidebook to the world of cultivation. It contains so much information, but a large part of it isn't directly related to cultivation. Instead, it's deeply connected to martial arts. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of complete martial arts mental cultivation methods listed, but there isn't a complete mental cultivation method in it…”Upon hearing this, Vera couldn't help but say, “It's like cramming all the knowledge from elementary school, middle school, and even some college-level content into one book. For elementary and middle school students, this book is unparalleled, but for college students, its usefulness isn't significant at all.”Charlie nodded and continued, “Exactly. The thing is, I only know about freshman year of college, and my perspective only extends to the en
To Charlie, activating his pineal gland was his top priority at the moment.Not to mention what fierce beasts lurked within Mount Tason, just dealing with Fleur alone made him feel inadequate. Now, even though Fleur had temporarily retreated, it didn't mean she wouldn't come back in the future.Moreover, she was his mortal enemy, and even if she never returned to Oskia in the future, he still had to seek revenge. Therefore, he had to quickly find opportunities and activate his pineal gland.So, he spoke to Vera, who was beside him, saying, “Once I settle all my affairs in Aurous Hill, I will take the opportunity to go out and explore more.”Vera asked, “Do you have a general direction in mind, Young Master?”Charlie shook his head, “Since it's about finding opportunities, it should be spontaneous. I will go wherever I feel like going.”After saying that, Charlie couldn't help but sigh as he said, “But the more random it is, the less I know where to begin. After all, I have family
Stephen said respectfully, “Young Master, I see that this is the satellite phone from the Wades' private jet. Are you on the plane?”Charlie replied, “Yes. I'm on my way to Eastcliff, and I will land in about two hours. Please arrange for a vehicle to pick me up at the airport.”Stephen hurriedly said, “Okay, Young Master. I'll arrange for the convoy and go to the airport to pick you up personally. I'll also inform Lord Wade and the others.”Charlie said, “There’s no need to make a fuss. You're the Wades’ butler, so it's too ostentatious for you to come pick me up in person. Just arrange for a car to be parked at the airport for my convenience. You may inform my grandfather about it, but there’s no need to notify others.”Stephen said without hesitation, “Okay, Young Master. I'll inform Lord Wade right away. Will you be staying at the old mansion tonight or will you be returning to the manor?”Charlie hummed and said, “I’ll stay at the old mansion. Prepare two guest rooms. I have
The fake abbess wasn't surprised by Stephen's words and said, “Mr. Thompson, Madam has already guessed what you're talking about, and that’s why she asked to meet you at Harmony Temple. Can you make it in time?”Stephen replied hurriedly, “Yes, I can. Young Master is used to keeping a low profile. Since he doesn’t want me to pick him up at the airport, I just need to wait for him at the old mansion. The old mansion is very close to Harmony Temple, so I will have plenty of time.”The fake abbess said, “That’s good. Let's meet at Harmony Temple in an hour.”Stephen said respectfully, “Understood!”The fake abbess then hung up the phone and reported to the woman, “Madam, Mr. Thompson said that Young Master will go to the old mansion tonight.”The beautiful middle-aged woman was slightly startled, and her beautiful eyes with fine signs of wrinkles at the corners were moist. She suppressed the tears and smiled with relief as she said, “Charlie has been away for so many years. It's time
At this moment, he was waiting in the main hall of the courtyard. When Ashley and the fake abbess came in together, he hurriedly greeted them at the door, respectfully saying, “Hello, Madam! Hello, Madam Sun!”Ashley nodded slightly, pointed to the chairs in the hall, and said to him, “Please have a seat, Stephen.”Stephen bowed and said, “Thank you, Madam.”Ashley waved her hand and sat in the main seat in the hall while the fake abbess, who was wearing a hat, stood beside her.Although the fake abbess was still wearing a hat, Stephen could still tell that she had shaved her head. He asked in shock, “Madam Sun, why… why did you…”The fake abbess smiled faintly, took off her hat, and said, “I played the role of an abbess on Mount Tason today.”Stephen asked anxiously, “Madam Sun, did you see Young Master?! Does he still remember you? Please don't make Young Master suspicious!”The fake abbess shook her head and said, “Don't worry, I didn't meet him directly.”“That's good!” Ste
When Charlie and Vera arrived at the Wades' old mansion from Eastcliff International Airport, Stephen was already waiting there with Jeremiah. Stephen was the one who had brought Jeremiah here. After leaving Harmony Temple, Stephen went to the Wades' family manor to bring Jeremiah back to the old mansion.Jeremiah had always wanted to find more opportunities to bond with his grandson, Charlie, and deepen their relationship. However, even though Charlie had become the head of the Wades, he rarely came to Eastcliff. As a grandfather, Jeremiah hardly saw Charlie a few times throughout the year.When he heard that Charlie was coming to Eastcliff this time, Jeremiah naturally felt very happy. He arranged for the chefs to prepare a banquet to welcome Charlie home even before Charlie arrived at the old mansion.When Charlie arrived at the old mansion, Jeremiah even went to the courtyard with Stephen to greet him. As soon as he saw Charlie getting out of the car, he became somewhat excite
Stephen, who had been silent the whole time, stepped forward and said respectfully, “Young Master, Lord Wade has already prepared a banquet to welcome you. Please go in with Miss Lavor and have something to eat first!”Jeremiah also came to his senses and hurriedly said, “That’s right, Charlie! You rarely come to Eastcliff. When I heard that you were suddenly coming tonight, I quickly had some food and drinks prepared. You can accompany me for a few drinks later, Charlie.”Charlie nodded lightly and said, “Okay, let's go in and eat while we chat.”Charlie felt both familiar and strange now that he had returned to the old mansion where he had spent several years of his childhood. Although the mansion remained the same as it was before with no major changes, when Charlie lived here in the past, the mansion was always bustling with activity and voices.Back then, Charlie's father, Curtis, was highly regarded in the Wades. Although Jeremiah had not formally passed on the position as th
Zachary nodded repeatedly. "Mr. Montague? Very well!""Yes!" Jacob grinned smugly. "Longer last names are simply better—it just sounds so authoritative."With that agreed upon, both men alighted, where the master was waiting nearby.Seeing them get off, he hurried over to them, smiling, "Please, follow me."Zachary looked around and huffed, "Honestly, Mr. Cardensky, isn't this way too far from the highway? The road is narrow and terrible, and I have to park my car all the way out here. Just coming here is taxing."Mr. Cardensky smiled in turn. "My friend, that's exactly why we picked this place. Do you remember seeing a couple of cars parked by the road, occupying half of it?""We arranged for them to be there. Anyone coming by car would have to slow down that way, buying time for us to see who they truly are. If it's cops, our watchers would quietly text us while we clean the house and bail."Zachary exclaimed in realization, "You boys really run a tight ship!""For sure," Mr.
After working in Antique Street for years, Zachary's connections and influence were naturally special. And yet, though he was acquainted with some of the more impressive individuals, he was not that close with them either.For example, the forgery masters who worked specifically to deceive experts only accepted jobs from major clients, usually antique traders high in social status and wealth.In contrast, they wouldn't ever be interested in frivolous people like Zachary. Even if he could reach them, they might not look at him twice.If one would describe them as the cartel boss, then Zachary would be a low-level enforcer, managing night joints or goofing off.But now, Zachary had turned over a new leaf—he worked under Don Albert, so one of those masters was pleasantly surprised when he called one of them, inviting him to his own workshop for a visit and further discussion.As such, Zachary picked up Jacob and went over to the master's hideout where the latter worked on his count
Zachary was naturally shrewd enough to read Jacob's intention.In reality, he wasn't offering to pay just because he wanted the profit. He merely wanted to get in Jacob's good graces. After all, wouldn't Jacob be even more grateful that he wasn't just helping his revenge but also helping him make money?As such, he didn't hesitate to tell Jacob, "Well, chief—since you'll be paying, I will make sure that you will get every cent of profit that you deserve."Jacob was grinning ear-to-ear, but he said, "Oh, you don't have to! If we really are making a profit, there's no way I would let your good work go unrewarded!"Spreading his arms, he continued generously, "How about this? I will pay the full cost while you get twenty percent of the net profit!"Zachary laughed. "Now, that can wait, chief. We need to pay as soon as we decide on the item we want, and there's no time for buyer's regret. But if Raymond doesn't take the bait, all that money will go down the drain, and whether we can s
Zachary chuckled and continued, "Well, I went to Antique Street and asked around. Turns out our mutual friend only brought a few hundred thousand grand with him. If he messes up and loses all his money, won't it be over for him?""He won't just be broke either—he'd be humiliated and forced to fuck off from Antique Street. You'd get even then!"Jacob was at once excited.Just yesterday, Claire and Charlie were warning him that assault meant doing time.As the vice president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association and the next presidential-hopeful, he would lose his place if he was charged with assault or being an accessory to a case.However, Zachary's plan was much better. Jacob wouldn't have to take responsibility, and the damage on Raymond would be even worse!In comparison, slapping Raymond meant nothing. Watching him go broke and get humiliated would really ease his heart!With that in mind, he promptly pressed Zachary, "Are you sure that prick will mess up?""I can't a
Jacob Wilson was in his office at the Calligraphy and Painting Association, planning his itinerary in Dubai.Still, he was immediately thrilled when Zachary told him that there was progress, and he quickly said, "Come see me at the Calligraphy and Painting Association. We'll talk in my office!""Alright!" Zachary agreed to it happily. "Just wait, Mr. Wilson. I'll be right there!"Jacob then quickly told him, "By the way, remember to address me as the vice president when you're here. Got it?"Zachary was naturally sharp enough to understand why, especially around other members of the Calligraphy and Painting Association.Smiling, he said, "Don't worry, chief. You can always be at ease when I'm on the job!"Once he hung up, he drove to the Calligraphy and Painting Association at top speed.There were just a dozen people around the dozens of work cubicles although Zachary was curious about the personal effects or office tools in the cubicles.After asking around, a staff member le
Then, Mick continued, "I won't lie—Moore Group's bean counters have been eager to get rid of Vintage Deluxe for a while now. It's only Miss Moore's insistence that keeps them at bay, even occasionally coming to check on how business is going. That means she holds sentiment for this place, but if she knows that Raymond is back and doing well, she might hire him again!"Zachary could laugh right then. After all, Mick was terrible at gathering information—he could worry about anyone taking his palace, but not Raymond. The man was fired because he had insulted Master Wade's father in-law, and Miss Moore was endlessly respectful—even obedient to Master Wade. There was no chance that she would hire Raymond back after what he had done, and Mick was just being paranoid.However, Zachary did not tell Mick that.As Mick was begging him to intervene and thus owing him big time, he would also be helping Jacob Wilson get even.Two birds with one stone, so why not?With that in mind, Zachar
Zachary then said, "By the way, I have some friends who have a lot of stock. How much capital do you have, Mr. Cole? I'll check if they have stuff that suits you, and you can partner with them."When Zachary asked how much capital, he was basically asking Raymond how much he would invest in his own business and how much he could spend on taking new stock as he was buying.As such, Raymond replied modestly, "I've been chasing my tail for a while, so I didn't earn more than a few hundred thousand. I definitely would have no issue taking items with rebates, but I'm afraid I can't afford premiums.""Alright!" Zachary nodded, having discerned the scale of Zachary's capital."I'll check on what's available and see if we can get a few personal deals."Raymond nodded. "Thank you, Zachary!"Zachary smiled, shaking his head. "Mr. Crane, please buy another fruit basket for Mr. Cole—I'll pay you later."Mick quickly said, "Oh, you don't have to, Mr. Evans! It's my pleasure, no worries!"Zach
With the last stroke, Raymond got on a ladder to reach the old signboard, pasting the banner over the old shop sign.Then, he added a notice by the entrance: We buy all antiques and measure all treasures.As soon as the makeshift sign and notice were up, Mick was the first to arrive with a fruit basket to celebrate the occasion.The instant they met, he greeted Raymond warmly, "Ah, Mr. Cole! You sure are efficient—you just came back yesterday evening, and you're already setting up shop today at noon!"Raymond smiled, "Doing a small business by myself is naturally much quicker."Mick shook his head disapprovingly as he put the fruit basket by the door, "Now, now. Don't be a stranger, Mr. Cole—almost everyone in Antique Street is a friend, but you didn't tell the gang when you opened the shop! It'd hype things up when everyone comes bringing you gifts!"Raymond quickly shook his head. "Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't know if this humble trade will last. It's better to keep m
To not lose three months' worth of rent on top of that, Donald called over the owner at top speed while getting some of the friends in the antique trade to appraise what merchandise he had left.Taking losses had always been the hardest pill to swallow, but once the decision was made, there really was nothing that couldn't be given up.The owner was plenty pleased as well since that meant someone was picking up on his rental. He promptly had Donald sign the agreement transferring the last three months for the rental to Raymond while signing a new rental contract with Raymond.Raymond didn't have to pay up immediately either—he just had to start paying rent to the owner once Donald's three-month rent was up.Once the agreement was signed, every stall owner as well as owners of businesses resembling the Pearl House swarmed the premises.After all, they loved to take stock from people in the same line of business. Once a business owner decided to close shop, they wouldn't be bothered