As the golden sunlight bloomed on the eastern skyline in the early morning, the plane Charlie was on landed at Aurous Airport facing the rising sun. At that moment, Charlie had no idea that Julien, who was far away in the United States, was eagerly planning a trip to Oskia to meet him. Charlie instantly called Vera as soon as the plane landed. When the call was answered, Vera's gentle and delicate voice echoed into his ear. "Mr. Wade! Why did you call me so early?" Charlie said with a smile, "Good morning, Miss Lavor. I've just landed in Aurous Hill. I'm not sure if it's a convenient time for you, but if it is, I can go to Scarlet Pinnacle Manor to meet you." Vera responded with a bright, cheerful laugh, saying, "I've prepared some drinks and snacks and was just about to boil some water for tea. If you don't mind, would you like to join me for a bite?" "Give me half an hour," Charlie replied with a chuckle. In the hangar, Albert was standing beside a car and waiting patie
A query popped up in Charlie's mind once again as he spoke. Previously, he believed Stephen was loyal to his father. However, Stephen's sudden disappearance along with the likelihood that the photo album had been left behind by him suggested that Stephen might serve a different master. Judging by Stephen's character, consistent actions, and the clues in the photo album that led to Raymond, Charlie presumed that Stephen and the one he served were unlikely his enemies. In fact, they might even be allies. However, he couldn't understand. If they were indeed allies, why stay hidden in the shadows? Wouldn't it be better to meet face-to-face, have an open and honest conversation, and join forces against their common enemy? The traffic was smooth as they were traveling early in the morning. Their car sped off on the road and arrived at the gate of Scarlet Pinnacle Manor half an hour later. Seeing the grand plaque of the manor, Charlie collected his thoughts and said to Albert, "
"Sure, Mr. Wade!" Albert respectfully said, "I'll get everything done today." Charlie nodded slightly, saw him off, and then went into Scarlet Pinnacle Manor with Logan, Decan, and Sarah. When they reached the stone stairs leading to the top-floor courtyard, Charlie said, "Go ahead and get busy. I'll go alone." Logan asked, "May I know if you will stay for lunch? I can have the chef prepare it in advance." Thinking about meeting his grandmother after meeting Vera and going back to Thompson First afterward, Charlie declined his offer. "Thanks, but no thanks. I have something to do at noon, so I'll take my leave by then." Logan nodded and watched as Charlie walked toward the courtyard. Outside the courtyard gate, just as Charlie was about to knock, Vera's sweet and melodious voice resonated, "Just come right in, Mr. Wade. I didn't lock the door." Charlie's heart skipped a beat, like a tranquil lake rippled by a gentle spring breeze. He pushed open the gate to see Vera dress
Vera wasn't truly surprised by Charlie's remarks. She processed Charlie's explanation within seconds and softly responded, "This logic aligns with the hypothesis I considered before although I couldn't confirm it. Now, everything makes sense. The Dragon Fate is extraordinarily rare, and not all individuals with the Dragon Fate can pass it on to their descendants. Furthermore, for someone to willingly separate their own Dragon Fate and give it to their child is even rarer. From this perspective, looking across the entire world, it seems that aside from you, it would be nearly impossible to find a second person with the Ascended Dragon Fate." Charlie asked curiously, "Are you saying that the child of someone with the Dragon Fate might not inherit it?" "Of course." Vera nodded and explained, "Think about it. The Dragon Fate is inherently exceptional. Its configuration ensures that regardless of circumstances, such individuals can excel and acquire abundant resources. In the polygamo
Vera was surprised to hear Charlie say that he was scared, and she asked worriedly, "I wonder if you can tell me what you're scared of?" Charlie was silent for a long time as he sorted out his thoughts. Then, he cleared his throat and began, "I have already told you the story of how I obtained the Apocalyptic Book, as well as the life experiences that followed. Since we opened our hearts to each other, many events have been things we've shared and experienced together, so you know them well. Moreover, during my recent trip to America, I confirmed our earlier speculation—the Apocalyptic Book was not something I stumbled upon by chance. Instead, it was all part of a series of plans my father made after transferring his destiny to me." At this point, he continued, "Look at how these clues are all intricately connected. First, over thirty years ago, my father accidentally came across the Preface of the Apocalyptic Book. This text not only allowed him to gain enlightenment but also to u
Vera bit her lip, her expression filled with shame as she muttered, "Actually, that day, I didn't tell you all the details..." Charlie was not surprised and simply asked, "Can you speak about it now?" Vera nodded and began, "Since things have come to this point, I will not hide anything anymore." She then seriously explained, "That day, the fake nun knew everything about me, and she also knew about you and Fleur. She knew I had lived for over three hundred years, and she knew Fleur had lived nearly four hundred years, and that the Qing Eliminating Society was very powerful. But at that time, she said the real danger ahead was actually another person. She said that compared to 'that person', Fleur was just a three-hundred-year-old small-time clown." "That person?" Charlie exclaimed, "Who is that person?!" Vera shook her head. "She didn't say it directly because she hinted that if she revealed too much, it might affect your judgment. If you thought she was just trying to make t
Vera's reasoning instantly made Charlie see things more clearly. He spoke, somewhat excited and nervous, "What you've said is absolutely right! If this is a scheme set in motion over three hundred years ago, the one who set it up would definitely ensure that every step stays under control. If all of this is truly Master Marcius's doing, then the Apocalyptic Book must contain a way for both me and my father to possess the Dragon Fate!" He then looked at the photocopy of the Preface of the Apocalyptic Book again and said, "If it's convenient, why don't we study this book together?" Without hesitation, Vera nodded, stood up, and said, "Please help me move the table back to the hall. Let's go inside and discuss it." Charlie immediately moved the table and went into the main hall of the top-floor courtyard with Vera, which was also the living room. There was a long desk in the main hall which had been specially prepared by Vera when she painted the landscape scroll. It remained he
Vera then added, "The Flood Dragon Fate is the closest fate to the Dragon Fate and the only one capable of transforming into a Dragon Fate. This means that when your mother was pregnant with you, before your fate was established, your father had already split his Dragon Fate into two Flood Dragon Fates and given one of them to you." "Afterward, your father underwent the transformation alongside you, and both of you became Dragon Fates together." "This is how your father ensured that you possessed the Dragon Fate." Charlie's eyes reddened as he murmured, "Raymond told me that Fate Extraction is excruciatingly painful. He said it was the most agonizing thing he had ever witnessed. Although this 'splitting one dragon into two flood dragons' is not a complete extraction, it still involves dividing one's fate in half. That must also be incredibly painful... Dad... He endured such extraordinary pain for me not just once, but twice..." Vera nodded gently and, pursing her lips in agony
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