Nanako could also feel that the energy available for her to draw upon in her Sea of Consciousness had suddenly surged. Her sensory abilities, which had already improved significantly after achieving enlightenment, instantly leaped to an even higher level. The Reiki within her body became exceptionally abundant. With just a slight movement of her divine sense, the Reiki immediately dispersed from within her, making the entire office feel as if it was under her bird's-eye view, completely under her control. Moreover, this sense of control continued to extend outward. In just a short moment, eight nearby rooms also fell within her perception range. Charlie could sense the Reiki Nanako was releasing. Observing her closely, he noticed that her body was already brimming with Reiki, suggesting that it was no longer possible for her to continue taking the elixir. After a while, Nanako retracted the Reiki she had been using for perception and looked up at Charlie, saying, "Previously I co
With this thought in mind, Charlie silently decided to spend more time at the villa in the future, where he could focus on studying cultivation. Perhaps he might discover a breakthrough path based on his current foundation. However, the thought of Holly's family living in the villa next door posed a dilemma. If he went there every day to practice in seclusion, he would inevitably have to pass by Holly's house. Out of courtesy, it would be impossible not to greet them. But once he started exchanging pleasantries, his efficiency would naturally decrease. Moreover, it would eventually cause a misunderstanding if Nanako were to go there every day as well. Thus, Charlie felt an eagerness to find a new place for cultivation. After some thought, the lakeside mansion that Kathleen had purchased under the alias Kylie when she was in Aurous Hill came to mind. The Quinton family's villa, located in the Sonfo Valley far from the city, was nestled among mountains and waters, boasting exce
Due to the time difference, Charlie did not immediately call Kathleen. However, he believed that this matter was a piece of cake for her, so he planned to call her in the evening to discuss it and then start working on the follow-up plans. So, Charlie said to Nanako, "I think there's no need for you to continue practicing martial arts. Instead, why not come with me to the villa this afternoon and help me out? Once we're done, we can both head back to Thompson First." Without hesitation, Nanako nodded and said, "I'm all yours." She then asked, "Should I inform Master Howton of my departure?" Charlie waved his hand and said, "He must still be teaching. Let's talk to him privately later." "Okay." After that, Charlie and Nanako went to his villa halfway up the mountain. Once they got to the basement of the villa, Nanako was taken aback by the sight of a simple fluid-filling machine with many unused bottles and caps nearby. She asked, "Why do you have pharmaceutical equipment
Just as Charlie and Nanako were about to get out of the car, a female driver exited her car in the parking space diagonally opposite. After locking her car, she carried her bag and walked toward the elevator hall. When Nanako saw the woman, she turned to Charlie and said, "Charlie, that is the neighbor I mentioned. That day, I overheard her talking to a friend on the phone, and that's how I found out that Master Jeevika was coming to Aurous Hill." Charlie nodded slightly and smiled, saying, "It seems we should thank her when we get the chance. With just one phone call, she inadvertently helped you attain enlightenment." "Yes!" Nanako fully agreed with Charlie's point, saying, "If it weren't for her, I might not have had the chance to attain enlightenment." She then asked, "Do you want to meet Master Jeevika? Maybe he can give you some inspiration." Charlie shook his head. "My situation is special, so it's better to avoid meeting strangers who have already attained enlightenme
Charlie shook his head and replied, "I live in another building." As he said that, he pressed the button for the first floor in the elevator. The woman nodded slightly and said with a smile, "I thought you two were a couple. You look so well-matched." "No, no..." Nanako, feeling embarrassed, quickly replied, "Uh... We're just friends." The woman nodded and stopped teasing her. The elevator soon reached the first floor. Charlie bid farewell to the two women, got off the elevator, and walked toward the villa area. At this moment, he could never have imagined that the woman who had been in the same elevator with him was actually an underling of his biological mother. The reason she had returned a step ahead of him was also part of a carefully planned arrangement. Ashley was worried that Charlie might overthink things, so she had deliberately arranged for the woman to appear in front of him, allowing him to confirm that the woman was just an ordinary person who knew nothing a
Charlie responded with a smile, "Don't bother. I've already eaten." Jacob quickly stood up, walked over, and asked, "Why were you away for so many days this time?" Charlie answered, "The workload was a bit heavy this time. I visited several houses and factories, mainly because the client has strong financial power." "Wow!" Elaine exclaimed, very pleased, "A client with such strength must have paid quite a bit, right?" "Exactly." Charlie nodded and casually said, "This client was very generous with the payment. They even gave me an extra one million as travel expenses before I left." "My goodness!" Elaine shrieked. "One million just for travel expenses? What kind of godsent client is this?!" Jacob couldn't help but sigh, "Now, this is what it means to be rich. Giving an extra one million, that's just like a tip, right? They're really throwing money around like it's nothing!" At this point, Elaine seemed to remember something and quickly said, "I saw in the news that the yo
Jacob and Elaine happened to be in the living room, so Charlie waved his phone at them and said, "Mom, Dad, it's Claire. I'll answer it here." The two stopped bickering instantly, and Charlie pressed the answer button. After the call was connected, Claire's beautiful face appeared on the phone screen. Seeing the background, Claire said in surprise, "Honey! You're home!" Charlie nodded. "I just got back today. Let me show you Mom and Dad." As he said that, he turned his phone around and pointed the front camera at Jacob and Elaine. Jacob asked worriedly, "Darling, when will you come back? I miss you!" Elaine interjected hastily, "Don't listen to your dad's nonsense. I miss you too, but it's a great opportunity that you're finally working with the Fox family in America. You must focus on your career. If you want, I can go over to take care of you!" "Mom, this is why I'm calling Charlie," Claire said with a smile. "I just finished the morning meeting with Miss Fox and the
Noticing Elaine's disappointment, Charlie quickly spoke up, "Honey, when are you coming back? Have you set a time?" Claire replied, "I plan to first finalize the project's documents and progress here as well as resolve any outstanding issues. If there's nothing else, I'll go back. If I can't finish today, it will probably be the day after tomorrow at the latest." "Have you checked the flights?" Charlie asked. "Are there any suitable flights for the day after tomorrow?" Claire replied, "Miss Fox suggested arranging her family's private jet to send me back, but I feel bad about it. A flight on a private jet costs over a million, and I can't let them spend that money." Elaine quickly interrupted, "Then just take a regular flight back and let her give you the money for the private jet. Convert it into a million!" Charlie hurriedly said, "They have plenty of planes. Even when they're not in use, they have to be maintained. The actual cost of flying one more trip isn't that high. B
Jacob's brain blanked out, leaving only a dull hum as soon as Walker mentioned 'Professor Hall'.Already feeling nervous in the first place, he quickly said, "Okay, okay—I got it. Anyway, I'm hanging up if there's nothing else!"With that, he promptly pressed the button to hang up.Nonetheless, Elaine was soon asking in curiosity, "Who's Professor Hall?"If Jacob had any semblance of composure, he would have said 'a colleague at Senior University' as if it was perfectly natural, and the matter would have been forgotten.But the reality was that he didn't—in fact, he was the champion when it came to dropping the ball as a casual question from Elaine left him sweating all over his brow.Even as he slid nervous glances at her face, he stammered uncontrollably, "N-Nobody…"Elaine promptly noticed his strange reaction and frowned. "I'm talking about Professor Hall. What do you mean, nobody? Who are they? And what's this about an invitation? Inviting you for what?"Seeing that he was
Jacob had really had too much to drink and couldn't remember the later parts of what had happened last night—even how he had gotten home was a blur.Naturally, he also forgot that Walker had brought Matilda's wedding invitation, and therefore didn't hesitate to answer the in-car answer button.Over the phone, Walker was positively fawning as he asked, "Mr. Wilson? It's Walker. Why didn't you come in today? Had too much to drink last night?""Uh-huh," Jacob grunted, lethargic. "I did—my head still hurts now… Anyway, what's up? Trouble at the association?""No, of course not," Walker quickly said. "I was just worried you're still hungover, so I called to ask. If you need a driver or anything, you just need to ask!"Then, before Jacob could answer, he continued, "By the way, my wife is somewhat knowledgable in Oskian medicine, and she has recipes for brews that cure hangovers and nourish the liver. I'm sure you'll need the latter since you're always drinking at social events, so I as
Fortunately, Elaine and Jacob's bickering never escalated.Even though Elaine was winning, Jacob found it tolerable.After Jacob finished his lunch and cleaned up, he never looked up as he said, "Charlie sent a text, saying Claire's flight would touch down earlier at three. We will leave at two."Elaine grumbled. "Why leave so early? She's coming back from abroad, and there'd be checkpoints she has to clear—she'd be lucky if she could leave by half past three. I'm sleeping a few winks now, and we'll leave at half past two."As she left the dining room, she didn't even look back as she said, "Clean up for me too."Jacob had a million complaints but said nothing as he kept his head down, throwing Elaine's lunchbox in the trash can as well.With Elaine gone, he sat on the couch as her hangover slowly cleared while his mood soured with the lack of alcohol.In the end, the pleasure of being fawned over at the Diamond Room was but temporary—the pain of his beloved leaving with someone
Vera kept her plan to investigate the identity of the abbess deep in her mind and told Charlie nothing.Instead, she smiled as she said, "It seems that it's both yours and Ms. Ito's good fortune that she has attained enlightenment. You've never had anyone who could attain enlightenment and master Reiki at the same time, so Ms. Ito will definitely be a great help to you in the future."Charlie chuckled and said calmly, "I'm not hoping for her to help. I'm simply happy for her with her enlightenment and excited to have another comrade in my solo ventures into the dark forests."Vera nodded in understanding, and she murmured emotionally, "I've lived for so long, and it's only when I opened my heart to you that I felt that sensation you described."There was a flicker of wistfulness in her eyes.She really did not expect to attain enlightenment before meeting Charlie.Years ago, she thought that she would eventually avenge her father.Now, she no longer hoped to murder Fleur Griffi
Vera was inwardly disappointed to hear that Claire was returning.That meant there were fewer chances of Charlie visiting the Scarlet Pinnacle Manor, as were her chances of seeing him again.Still, she didn't let it show, instead asking casually, "How are things at Champs Elys? Are the warriors improving at a rate to your satisfaction?""Well, most of everyone's improvement is within expectations…" Charlie explained, just as he remembered a certain someone. "By the way, there's something I haven't told you yet. Are you perhaps acquainted with the name Ito Nanako?""Yes," Vera smiled. "The Japanese lady who was with you. What about her?""She attained enlightenment days ago.""Enlightenment?" Vera did a double take and soon pressed, "Enlightenment in what sense? Essential Qi or Reiki?"After all, the former was the path to enlightenment in martial arts, while the latter meant enlightenment in cultivation.But despite the distinction between both domains, enlightenment was a comm
While Charlie had long since gotten used to Elaine and Jacob's bizarre marriage, being near the heart of the storm still took a toll on his senses—to the point that he felt physically sick.Leaving right away was therefore his best solution.Once he left, however, he realized he didn't have anywhere to go. Champs Elys was quite far, and it would take a lot of time.As he started to feel bored stiff, he remembered Vera for some reason and called her.Once Vera answered, she quickly asked in curiosity, "To what do I owe the pleasure? Lunch, perhaps?"Charlie chuckled. "Since you've put it that way… I haven't eaten either, so lunch it is!"Vera giggled. "Come over to my place, then. It's cold outside, and I was just lighting up a hot pot. I'll have Madam Marilyn prepare an additional portion.""Okay!" Charlie agreed to it without hesitation. "I can return her car too. Just wait, I'll be right there!"Once he hung up, he got on the Rolls Roycs he had borrowed from Scarlet Pinnacl
Charlie shook his head. "It's alright, Dad. You can go ahead if you're busy—I can pick up Claire on my own.""No way!" Elaine promptly snapped. "It's been so long since she came back. We are all going to the airport!"Jacob sighed in exasperation. "Well, I'm sticking to my schedule—first the Calligraphy and Painting Association, then I'll be back an hour before to pick you guys up before going together to the airport."Elaine was left fuming. "Is there no getting through to you? You really have to go to that stupid association, don't you? Okay, fine. If you must go, I will be going with you!""You're their honored vice president who will be promoted to president soon, no? As Mrs. Vice President and the future Mrs. President, is there an issue if I went for a look?"Jacob shuddered at the thought of Elaine going to the Calligraphy and Painting Association as he absolutely didn't want her to humiliate him with her antics. People would talk, asking how a proper gentleman like him c
Jacob yawned, stretching his arms and smacking his cheeks, before finally retorting in contempt, "For Pete's sake, woman—don't make dissing me a habit. Or does it please you so much?"Elaine pursed her lips. "You call that dissing? It's all facts—do you think I don't know you? Tell me, what qualifications do you have? Your knowledge about calligraphy is skin-deep, and even the frauds working on Antique Street could beat you.""Only you would have the audacity to take the role of vice president at the Calligraphy and Painting Association—heaven's above, how blind is the president to appoint you as his second fiddle? Still, you'll be packing your things as soon as he realizes the truth.""Oh, Elaine, poor Elaine…" Jacob grinned smugly at her right then. "I'm afraid things won't go the way you want. Mr. Bay's been chasing a promotion lately, and once he gets it, I will take his place as president. That means I'll be the top dog instead of second fiddle!""Bullshit!" Elaine snapped in
Jacob slept in the next day while Elaine got out of bed past ten as well.However, in the case of the latter, she wasn't drunk and was simply watching livestreams and video clips on her phone—a hobby she had picked up recently.As for Charlie, he had initially planned to visit the Champs Elys hot spring villa and train Nanako in her Reiki control. However, since Claire would be arriving in the afternoon, he stayed home, planning to leave for the airport when it was time.Elaine appeared groggy as she emerged from the elevator, rubbing her eyes while holding her phone in the other hand.Seeing Charlie cleaning the living room, she asked in curiosity, "Not going out today, Charlie? Aren't you usually going out to meet clients?"Then, she became concerned in an instant, "Wait, don't tell me—the Feng Shui business is falling off? Are we going to be affected altogether?"Charlie laughed. "You're just getting paranoid now. Things are going fine—I'm just giving myself a day's leave.""