After lunch, Jacob, Charlie’s father-in-law, was already dressed up neatly and urging Charlie, “Hey, hurry up and get ready, we’re going to drive in our new car and go to Antique Street. A shop there has imported a Tang Dynasty kiln vase and I want to check it out.”Charlie persuaded, “Dad, you’re starting with the antique thing again? We don’t have much money and it’s a lavish hobby to have right now.”Jacob didn’t have money-earning skills but he dreamed a lot about get-rich-quick schemes. He loved hanging out at Antique Street for the hope of getting a rare piece of antiquity at a low price but in the past few years, the experiences he gained were nothing but scams and deceit.He had stopped for a while but now, not only did he pick up the hobby again but he also started to get itchy hands again.Jacob was annoyed by Charlie’s goodwill remark. He snorted in disdain and said, “Stop your nonsense, just drive me there now.”Charlie was helpless but he could not disobey his father-
Raymond stomped his feet furiously. “He’s your father-in-law, isn’t he?”Charlie nodded. “Yes, he is my father-in-law, but he’s the one who broke it, not me. You go and look for whoever is responsible for the broken vase. ‘Find the real perpetrator, don’t involve their family’—have you heard of that saying before?”Raymond’s blood was boiling, but he pondered upon what Charlie had said and figured that he was right.If the news of him asking compensation from innocent people spread out, then Vintage Deluxe’s reputation would be tarnished.Hence, he urged his men standing at the side, “You, go and get the old man back here!”Charlie curled his lips into a silent smirk as he watched the guys chasing after the old man in a hurry.Actually, he could simply swipe his card and get it over with, but it would be too easy for his shameless father-in-law then, wouldn’t it?It would be better to let the old man suffer and learn his lesson rather than cleaning his a*s for him. Otherwise, he
Thrilled and overjoyed, Charlie quickly stuffed the Apocalyptic Book into his pocket, but the book instantly turned into powder and disappeared into thin air.Miraculously, every word in the book was clearly imprinted in Charlie’s brain.At this moment, Jacob, who ran away like a coward, was brutally apprehended by several big and strong men and was hurled back to the shop.Looking at his puffy and swelling cheeks, Charlie figured that he must have been beaten vigorously before he was carried back here.Charlie found Jacob’s piteous look very funny and amusing.How dare this old coot label him as a scapegoat after getting into trouble! It was outrageous! A little beating was necessary as a punishment for him to learn his lesson.Jacob was in a particularly dreaded and shaky position right now. Due to his desperate escape earlier, he was panting profusely like a dog, trying to catch his breath. His chubby and fragile body made it impossible for him to outrun those young people.
Charlie nodded. “What if I fix it?”Raymond snorted. “I’ll need to check with the appraisers. If they verify that you’ve fixed it and recovered most of the damage, I’ll let both of you go!”“Alright!” Charlie nodded. “It’s a deal!”He quickly turned back to the workstation and quietly started his work. He took the brush and sketched the outline of the vase on the Chinese rice paper.Then, he knocked the egg lightly to crack a small opening, dipped his index finger into the egg to get some egg white, wiped it on a fragment of the vase, and pressed it against the paper model. Then, he repeated the same process for the next fragment, and another, until the paper model was gradually covered with the vase’s pieces…Everyone watched silently while holding their breaths in for fear of interrupting his restoration process.Half an hour passed very quickly.When Charlie stood upright again, what appeared in front of everyone was a Tang Dynasty Yuhuchun vase that seemed to be rejuvenated
Raymond was dumbstruck!He never would have imagined, not even in his wildest dreams, that the vase would transform into a more precious treasure after being restored by a few eggs!He pointed to Charlie and said, “Miss, this is the man who fixed the vase…”As Jasmine glanced at Charlie, she couldn’t help but wonder how such a young man would know the long-forgotten cultural relic restoration technique!Despite her doubt, she managed a polite smile and asked, “Hi, I am Jasmine Moore. How should I address you? May I know from whom you have learned the relic restoration technique?”Jacob, who was still shivering at the side, was dumbfounded when he heard Jasmine Moore’s name!The Moore family!The Moore family was the most elite family in Aurous Hill! Their influence was not comparable to those of Eastcliff’s elite families, but in Aurous Hill, they were at the top of the pyramid where no one could ever reach!He didn’t expect that he would meet one of their family members here!
Charlie nodded. “Understood.”The old man let out a deep sigh. Rubbing his face, he grumbled, “If I knew that you had such skill, I wouldn’t have rushed to you! Now, I’m not just tired to the bone, I was even slapped multiple times! Damn, how unlucky!”He then continued, “Is my face still red?”Charlie replied, “A little.”The old man grumbled once more. “Tell your mother that I ran into a pole if she ever asks.”Upon reaching home, Charlie immediately rushed to the supermarket to get some groceries and make dinner for the family.He then called his wife, Claire Wilson, in case she was craving for something. However, it turned out that she had to plan an upcoming project with Doris Young that night and so, she had invited Claire to have dinner at Emgrand Group.Upon hearing those words, Doris had tested him at the same time as well by saying, “Sir, the project is in progress, so your wife might be quite busy from now. I hope you don’t mind.”Charlie was an understanding person,
Upon arriving at Silverwing Hospital, Douglas could be seen lying on one of the beds in the ward, covered in wounds and bruises. There was a cast on his right leg as well, and he looked miserable. Charlie couldn’t help but sympathize. This fully grown man had been cheated on, had his heart broken, and was now covered in wounds. At the sight of Charlie’s arrival, Douglas’s swollen eyes began to tear up, tears flowing down his cheeks like a river stream.“Charlie…” Douglas broke down crying.Charlie approached him slowly and said softly, “It’s okay, she’s just a b*tch, she’s not worth it.” Douglas continued, “I pursued her for three years, basically throwing my dignity into the dumpster for her! I feel like a lowly dog trying to latch on to everything I could, but now, I realize that I’ve never had anything in the first place…” Douglas seemed to be choking on his tears. “That b*tch didn’t just break up with me, she wanted me to lose absolutely everything! I’ve spent every penny I
Lily scowled. “Stop this bloody nonsense. The restaurant has nothing to do with you. Don’t go hoping that I’ll pay you even one penny! That painting belongs to the restaurant, if you don’t hand it to us now, I’ll have to call the cops and report you for theft!”Jerome, who was standing next to Lily, scoffed as well. “Listen up, kid. I’d advise you to cooperate with us. My connections within Aurous Hill are not something you would like to challenge now, is it? If you don’t hand over the painting, I will just have to pay a visit to the public security bureau and they’d lock you up immediately! With what it’s worth, you will be sentenced to at least ten years of jail-time!”Douglas’s tears poured down like rain, and he questioned Lily, “I’ve been nothing but good to you for the past few years, I gave you everything I had! It’s fine if you don’t really love me, but why do you have to do this to me!?”Lily let out a cold chuckle. “Love you? Who are you to expect such a thing? Listen up d
The Calligraphy and Painting Association was certainly efficient—soon after the meeting was dismissed, the news that the administrative vice-president had resigned was posted on their official page and social media.The notice was simple and never mentioned what Jacob had done, only that the administrative vice-president had asked to resign for personal reasons. The request had since been voted upon, and all members had agreed to it.And that was how a simple and short message kicked Jacob out of the Calligraphy and Painting Association entirely.In the city, other associations closely connected with the Calligraphy and Painting Association were the various cultural societies and circles of antique enthusiasts and the Senior University. In fact, most fans of the public page of the Calligraphy and Painting Association were from the Senior City, and every lecturer, student, and even guest lecturer were subscribed.As a matter of fact, that was entirely Jacob's doing. After his lect
There weren't that many members in the Calligraphy and Painting Association—just a handful over twenty.Hence, at Mr. Bay's request, everyone showed up at the conference at 1 pm.He chose the afternoon as there were a handful who were away on outreach, including Walker, who was subbing for Jacob's lectures.Once the entire Calligraphy and Painting Association save for Jacob was informed of the mandatory meeting, every member was there on the hour, seated primly and in attention in the huge conference room.Mr. Bay didn't waste his breath on the preamble either—as soon as he saw that everyone had arrived, he announced, "Everyone, I've gathered you here today because our administrative vice-president, Jacob Wilson, has been alleged to be involved in a certain malicious scheme."Last night, Mr. Wilson submitted his resignation to me, and after a discussion with my vice-presidents, we've all decided to hold a vote. It will be open to every member in the association as we will be decid
Having sent his resignation letter, Jacob had no idea that it would be the catalyst for his dismissal.He didn't sleep well at the rundown motel either and had dark circles under his eyes as he rushed to the airport early the next morning.Clearing the checkpoint and boarding his flight, everything went smoothly until his flight to Dubai lifted off at 10 am.-Meanwhile, the other vice-presidents of the Calligraphy and Painting Association had arrived at Mr. Bay's office.They all had the same goal—pressure Mr. Bay and get Jacob kicked out of the association no matter what it took.Naturally, they knew that Mr. Bay most definitely would have to help Jacob since Jacob was close with Don Albert. If Mr. Bay insisted on protecting Jacob, they shouldn't insist, or Jacob would hear about it, and the man would bear a grudge.Even so, as the vice-presidents entered Mr. Bay's office and closed the door behind them, one of them couldn't help asking, "So, Mr. Bay—how do you intend to deal
Hence, Mr. Bay sent a reply in under five minutes after Jacob sent his resignation letter.As Jacob tapped on it, he immediately saw Mr. Bay's reply: Mr. Wilson's resignation is a huge loss to the association. However, we should also respect his individual situation and opinion. As such, to discuss our direction forward, all vice-presidents are required to attend a meeting at 10am tomorrow to discuss this matter.Jacob was still perplexed as to why Mr. Bay would reply to his mail and even summon the other vice-presidents for a meeting, and when he had a closer look, he saw that Mr. Bay had forwarded his mail to everyone else.Seeing that, Jacob thought to himself that Mr. Bay could just stick to a discussion involving just Mr. Bay and the vice-presidents instead of the entire association.As such, he sent a voice message on WhatsApp: "Mr. Bay, did you make a mistake and forward my mail to everyone else?"Mr. Bay soon replied, "Everyone already knows about your situation, so there'
Mr. Bay was left pursing his lips awkwardly. "T-That's way too despicable, don't you think? I'm the one who asked him to write a resignation and give up his place as vice-president while I handle the other vice-presidents and resolve the entire matter internally. Everyone can take a step back from escalation, and it's a solution that could please everyone."If I take that resignation at face value, won't it be like a bank goading a client into taking a scam loan? Won't he hate me to the bone if he finds out I screwed him over?""What are you worried about?" Mrs. Bay shot back in annoyance. "Are you that scared of Jacob Wilson turning against you? Hell, my own sister hates me to the bone—but what did you think I told her? That I'm never lending her the money no matter how much she hates me!"What do you think would have happened if I were worried about her feelings and loaned her the money she asked for? She wouldn't have to use a single cent to get herself a new house! She would say
"Don Albert… is giving up on Jacob Wilson?!"Mr. Bay exclaimed in shock. "B-But he was so respectful toward Jacob just the other day when we had dinner at the Heaven Springs… He gave us the best private room and even offered his best wine, filling our glasses personally…"Mrs. Bay waved him off. "You've been stuck with the retirees of the Calligraphy and Painting Association for so long that you've lost your nose for danger! Just think about it—married couples who were just sharing a bed one night could pull a knife on their partner the very next day. And these are men with priorities we're talking about."Also, you should take into account that Zachary Evans is Don Albert's right-hand man, and Jacob somehow dragged him into a fraud scheme. So, do you think Don Albert would be happy with that?"And according to Zachary's public statement, all the money they got went straight into Jacob's pocket—and what does that mean? It means Zachary is an accessory to a crime—at worst, an accomp
"That would be me," Don Albert replied and asked in return, "And who are you? What's your business with me?"Mr. Bay quickly said, "Good evening, Don Albert. I'm Mr. Bay from the Calligraphy and Painting Association—we've met before.""Oh, Mr. Bay…" Don Albert did indeed recall who he was. "So, why have you called me?""I hope you don't mind—I had to ask a few friends to get your number…"Don Albert smiled as he already had a hunch that Mr. Bay was calling about Jacob. "I see. Just be straight with me now.""Okay, so here's the thing…" Mr. Bay promptly said, "Jacob and Zachary Evans really stirred some waves with what they did, and it's talked about a lot amongst the circles of antique enthusiasts in Aurous Hill… But I wonder if you've heard?"Don Albert sighed. "Yes, I've heard. Go on."Mr. Bay obliged. "Well, to be honest, it wasn't just a big deal amongst the circles of antique enthusiasts in Aurous Hill. Even the Calligraphy and Painting Association was affected. As you know
Having heard all of that, Julien promptly picked up his cup and chugged his drink, and he felt distinctly different as soon as the liquor touched his lips.While one would usually feel warm after drinking alcohol, like a thrilling burning sensation, this medicinal liquor was nourishing instead, almost as if every single one of Julien's sweat pores were revitalized.After all, it was the enhanced version of the Healing Pill, whose effect was more than double the prototype. That was why just a fifth was enough for Julien to feel two years younger.With the miraculous pill, he felt less tired, and sitting on the stool didn't hurt his rump or his hip.Even his sight was much sharper, his presbyopia clearing considerably.In short, his entire body had never felt this good!Even as he glanced at Raymond across the table, he could see that the other man's cheeks were flushed, and many of his wrinkles had smoothed over!It went without saying that Julien was envious as Raymond drank twi
Julien had made up his mind—Charlie had already dragged him into this anyway, and he certainly wouldn't stay as a slave who bemoaned his fate every day.He had boarded Charlie's ship, and the ship had sailed—he just had to come up with a plan so that he could stay on it without any problem.After all, the chances for him to become the next Rothschild head or how long he would get to live were banked entirely on Charlie's decision.If Charlie didn't want him as head, he just had to ask Helena to be his broker and sell some pills to old Harrison, and Julien would be forced to stay as the heir apparent to their empire until he expired.And since the decision was made, he must first show some sincerity by investing into Aurous Hill—it was the ideal way to bring in both capital and human resources.With Julien having indicated his position, Charlie smiled. "Aurous Hill is a land of wealth and prosperity. As a local, I keenly await your investment, Mr. Rothschild."Julien was worried f