It was already ten in the evening when Charlie finally arrived at Aurous Hill. After passing through customs and completing the entry procedures, Charlie went through the VIP walkway inside the airport. He would then take the private jet prepared by the Acker family and fly to Eastcliff. Because of his concern that Fleur's underlings would monitor his entry information since Keith was publicly conducting in-depth investment cooperation with the Oskian government in Eastcliff at the moment, Charlie decided to fly to Aurous Hill from the States. By entering the country through Aurous Hill and going to Eastcliff from there, he could bypass Eastcliff's international terminal and customs. There were hundreds and thousands of domestic flights coming in and taking off in Eastcliff every day, and these passengers would not be the target of the Qing Eliminating Society's surveillance. Charlie's only purpose for going to Eastcliff this time was to meet with Keith, update him on the situa
Christian then added, "Dad has been indulging in spending recently. The various collaborations he's been discussing have already totaled over a hundred billion dollars. They're all promising domestic industries with a very wide coverage. In a few days, Kaeden and I are heading to the south. We've invested in a lithium battery company and are planning to build a top-tier R&D base for power lithium batteries in the south, specifically for the high-density batteries needed for new energy vehicles." "Next, Kaeden plans to launch a new energy vehicle brand, leveraging the country's top-tier supply chain in the field of new energy to directly engage in vehicle manufacturing." Charlie asked curiously, "Grandpa doesn't seem to have been involved much in manufacturing before. Why jump straight into vehicle manufacturing this time? This industry has a long investment cycle, requires a lot of attention, and the profit margins aren't exactly promising." Christian smiled and explained, "New e
Charlie asked, "What are you going to tell Aunt Lulu?" Keith replied, "Zekeiah is famous in New York. It won't take long for the news of his disappearance to spread. When Lulu hears about it, she should be able to guess that he is dead. As for other details, it's better not to tell her. Everyone should keep it a secret, and no one should mention him again." He then took a deep breath and lamented, "Zekeiah posed a great threat to us when he was alive, and his death is the best outcome for us. Now that he's dead, this matter should be completely closed off, and no further consequences should be allowed to arise. Lulu should be able to understand this." Charlie nodded gently. As Keith had said, an unspoken approach to handling the matter was actually the best solution. Keith changed the subject and began, "I've discussed it with Christian and Kaeden. We will gradually withdraw from the U.S. market. Apart from the equity in other companies we've invested in there, we want to move
"The Rothschilds?!" Charlie's words made Keith, Christian, and Kaeden blurt out in utter bewilderment. Keith coughed and said, "The Rothschilds have always been arrogant and cocky. In their eyes, there is no company or family in the world that stands on equal footing with them. Even though our family is the second-largest in the U.S., so what? Harrison still acts arrogantly when he sees me, high and mighty, despising me." He continued, "I've known Harrison for so many years, and he's only ever been polite, even respectful, to me once—and that was after Zekeiah's death, when he called me to discuss things. With his unappreciative and high-handed attitude, after Zekeiah's issue was resolved, he wouldn't have felt he owed me any favor." "We don't have to go through Harrison." Charlie smiled and said, "I'll have Julien do it." "Julien?!" Kaeden asked involuntarily, "Do you mean Harrison's eldest son, Julien?" "Yes." Charlie nodded. "Him." Kaeden sneered, "Julien is even more
Julien cursed under his breath, "Damn you, Charlie! How dare you rub salt in my wound! How is Dad? Don't you know best?!" Despite his rage, he didn't dare to truly rant it out. Hence, he calmed himself down and answered respectfully, "Thank you for your concern. You asked Queen Helena to visit him, and he's completely cured now." "Good to know." Charlie asked with a smile, "Julien, do you hold any grudge against me because I cured your father?" Julien—like a cat that had its tail stepped on—quickly blurted out, "No! No. I'm very grateful. I don't hold a grudge against you." Charlie asked curiously, "By the way, now that your father has recovered, has he handed over the position of family head to you as agreed?" Feeling utterly frustrated, Julien grumbled in a muffled voice, "No, he didn't, but he did clarify my position as the first heir." At this point, he couldn't help but mutter in a low voice, "Mr. Wade... you really just rained on my parade!" Charlie no longer beat a
Charlie hummed lightly, and then, no longer joking, said seriously, "Since you've said that, I actually do have something I need your help with." "Please go ahead!" Julien immediately responded. "As long as it's within my ability, I'll give it my all! Please give me a chance to help relieve your worries." Charlie said, "My grandfather is planning to move all of his businesses in the U.S. that can be relocated back to Oskia, but those real estate properties and industries that cannot be moved out will need someone to take over for the time being. As you know, real estate requires proper management and operation to ensure its value steadily increases. The physical industries that can't be moved out need strict oversight to ensure they remain stable and grow. He and my uncles no longer have anyone capable of managing things independently in the U.S., so I hope you can help by taking over these businesses and managing them for us." "Oh, I see." Julien sighed in relief and quickly sai
In just a few seconds, Julien, on the other end of the line, had cursed Charlie under his breath with all the vulgar words he knew. "Fuck you, Charlie! He's so mean! Does he really think that I'm a greenhorn?!" "'Give me a chance, I'm useless'?! Why are you so arrogant?! Do you see me as your lap dog?!" "So what if you bet on Dad?! Do you think I'll be freaked out?!" At this point, he suddenly felt his heart skipping a beat and muttered, "Damn... Yeah, I really am freaked out! Dad may preside over my funeral! What has my life even been worth, then?!" At this moment, deep inside, Julien felt a sense of despair like never before. With his identity and background, he had not been emotionally rich since the moment he was born. Unlike the vast majority of people, in his more than fifty years of life, he had almost never experienced hardship, suffering, sorrow, or despair. As the saying went, 'A full man doesn't know the hunger of the starving'. It was like the lords in med
In his utter despair, Julien could only say respectfully like a submissive servant, "Please rest assured, I will make the most of this opportunity. I will do everything I can to maintain the businesses your grandfather has left in the U.S., and I guarantee the return will not fall short of your expectations." Upon hearing his pledge, Charlie's tone softened slightly, and he replied indifferently, "Then, I'll be watching your performance." With that, Charlie ended the call. After listening to Charlie's conversation with Julien, Keith, Christian, and Kaeden were left somewhat stunned, unable to fully comprehend what had just transpired. Keith eventually came to his senses a while later and said, "Charlie, I don't mind losing those assets. If it doesn't work out, we can sell them at a discount. It's a one-time solution. Julien is arrogant and overbearing. If you piss him off, he might cause you trouble one day." "Don't worry, he won't." Charlie shook his head. "Julien has no lev
Later, after Charlie told Jeremiah over the phone about the joint venture with the Ackers to establish Curtis Autos, the old man was awash with tears, especially after Charlie told him that it was Keith who suggested it. After all, Curtis was his favorite son whose death he could never really get over. Moreover, he once believed that only his family mourned Curtis while the Ackers never did, and he held a grudge over his son's passing. As such, he was surprised that Keith held such great respect toward his late son and didn't hesitate to say yes when Charlie invited him to Aurous Hill to sign an agreement with the Ackers.Still, Charlie wasn't in a hurry to arrange for a specific time, and he was going to let the Ackers sort out the human resources of Godot Autos over a few days. It still wouldn't be too late by then.Moreover, he was keen to allow the buzz to have time to grow so that the automotive industry would be astounded by the joint project between the Ackers and the Wade
Christian was the first to exclaim in approval, "Yes! Curtis Autos sounds wonderful! It has my vote!""Seconded!" Kaiden nodded, pumping the air with his right fist. "I've looked up to Curtis the most, and I absolutely agree with naming the company after him!"Jaxson was nodding too. "Me too!""Yes!" Lulu chirped.Yolden couldn't help agreeing as well. "Curtis Autos is definitely a good name!"Merlin raised his hand gingerly as well. "Quit it with your flattery already," Keith chuckled, and he turned toward Charlie solemnly. "In the end, Curtis is Charlie's father, and the final decision goes to him!"Charlie's eyes were welling up with tears—his parents had been gone for almost three decades, yet he had never thought of dedicating anything to their memory.As such, Keith's suggestion to use Curtis's name for the car company left him thrilled. After all, wouldn't his father's soul be honored if Curtis Autos rocked the country, maybe even the world?With that in mind, he nodd
Charlie also had to agree that this was an opportunity to formally reconcile the Wades and the Ackers.While he couldn't reveal himself just yet, the Wades and the Ackers had been in-laws for years. Even if they had had a dispute for the longest time, restoring good relations made sense now that the Ackers had come to Oskia, and it wouldn't arouse any suspicion.That was why Charlie agreed to it without hesitation, even making a mental note to invite his paternal grandfather, Jeremiah, to Aurous Hill.The old geezers could meet up and clear the air while deciding on the partnership.Yolden was prepared to resign as a professor as well so that he could help the Ackers and Charlie fully develop their automotive company.With a general direction planned, he asked everyone, "Since we're creating a new brand, has anyone come up with a name?"No one was feeling inspired at that moment, but that was when Lulu, who had been silent throughout, said, "Since Charlie and our family are worki
Neither Charlie nor the Ackers expected Yolden's insight to cover all corners.In fact, it felt like the man had a blueprint ready and was only waiting for the time to put it to use.That was why everyone was immensely approving of Yolden and wanted no other man for the job of CEO.Kaeden smiled, "Well, since everyone has agreed, let's put this to rest as soon as possible—this will be a joint investment between our family and the Wades, and Professor Hart will take the post of CEO. Let's all do our best to make this a good one!"Yolden also made up his mind, deciding that he didn't want to let slip a chance to realize his ambitions. "I'll resign from the university after my honeymoon trip. It probably shouldn't be long, and I can get involved in early preparations via teleconference."Charlie nodded. "Then, we can have Uncle Kaeden stay on schedule while I'll ask the Wades to send a representative over to sign a memorandum for the investment."Keith smiled and nodded. "You should
Charlie hadn't been born and raised in Aurous Hill, but he still started living here at the age of eight and was more attached to this place than Eastcliff.If he was going to take part in this automotive investment with the Ackers, he naturally found Aurous Hill the ideal location.Not only would it create a huge number of jobs for Aurous Hill, but it would also rake in much economic flow for the region.Yolden also nodded at his suggestion. "If the first plant is meant to cover the demand of the entire local market, there's no reason for a coastal plant. Aurous Hill stands at an intersection between the north and the south, so transportation is convenient. It's also killing two birds with one stone, as Mr. Wade is fond of the city."Charlie couldn't help but agree. "I won't lie—Aurous Hill has been good to me, and I hope to give back. Nothing's better than succeeding in that respect."Yolden spread his hands, "Heavy industries are certainly ideal to contribute to Aurous Hill's e
Yolden had actually been researching new energy for a while—in fact, it was when Tesla's first car models were produced.He was passionate about the subject and had his own opinions as well as ambitions, but he was busy teaching, so he couldn't realize any of it.But was this not a golden opportunity tailor-made for him?Seeing that Yolden was clearly interested, Charlie turned toward Kaeden, "Actually, the professor is getting married soon. There's no way we'd split up newlyweds so soon after the wedding, right? So, is it possible to set up base in Aurous Hill instead?""Not a problem!" Kaeden replied without hesitation. "Our family is planning to return to Oskia anyway, and everyone knows about Ashley and Curtis. So, why don't we invest in this enterprise alongside the Wades and have the base set up in Aurous Hill? And then bring Godot under as a subsidiary?"Turning to Yolden, he continued, "By the way, Godot's plant is already in the province—barely 100 miles from Aurous Hill,
Pausing, Yolden continued, "Moreover, the greatest advantage of AI is that it is self-conscious and has the processing power to analyze astronomical proportions of data. As car sales grow, every car owner's driving data will add precious new data to our data vault, and it will be processed by AI for even greater space of imagination."For example, kst's say I experienced a bumpiness along a certain road, and when the sensors pick up on that anomaly, the data will be uploaded to the servers along with images of the road condition in real time. The processing AI module would determine in no time at all that there was damage and label said location on the map, and then forward the data to other vehicles close to that location, sending notifications when they are close enough and providing the appropriate advice for countermeasures."Naturally, the AI can even be refined further so that it immediately warns us to slow down while uploading the data to the servers and informing any cars cl
Yolden's mind short-circuited at those words. "The most advanced AI module?!"He had been working on Wall Street for years, having invested in substantial startup tech companies as well as assisting plenty of Nasdaq tech enterprises with their IPO. That was why he especially had a sharp six sense for cutting-edge technology.It had been a while since he had gotten up the saddle, and AI had just become the trend recently, but he still paid close attention. He was well aware what applications were possible for AI modules, but he was shocked that Charlie already possessed what all the online giants were coveting!Thrilled, he quickly asked Charlie, "Can the Rothschilds resolve all the hardware and software issues? High-processing power display cards are a dime a dozen these days, and local enterprises are all planning to sell them one by one. The demand is just that high!"Charlie chuckled. "Don't worry—the Rothschilds will handle both issues for me, even the data centers. We bought i
Keith, who had been silent throughout, waved him off as he said solemnly, "Please don't sell yourself short, Professor Hart. I'm sure you can do well in this position, but it's still a matter of will."If your heart is truly set on educating future generations, then I'm sure you'd reject our offer no matter what we say."However, if you felt the slightest interest, even anticipation, for such a major project, then you really should consider our offer."We've already invested in Godot Autos for 3 billion USD and over 10 billion if we're counting in Ricebolt. But we still have 30 billion more in capital available—and that means it's 40 billion USD at play."I doubt any other global car maker can afford that much, let alone a new car maker. So, I dare say that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"Keith's words spoke to Yolden's very soul—a startup capital of forty billion US dollars was certainly unprecedented for electric-powered vehicles. Even Ricebolt had barely garnered ove