"Dragon Son-in-law" a.k.a. Millionaire Son-in-law, Charlie Wade Story. Translated by Junlee (aka Jungal2000)

Charlie Wade is a househusband son-in-law whom everyone looks down upon. However, unknown to them, his true identity is that of the young master from a top-tier family. Those who once belittled him will eventually kneel before him, trembling with fear and calling him "Master!" ...

The MC is Charlie Wade, and there's this girl Claire Wilson. They're in this savage clapback novel called "Ultimate Dragon Honcho", penned by this dude Ye Gongzi. Everyone knew Charlie Wade was the son-in-law of the Wilson family. Like, Grandpa Wilson legit pulled this broke boy outta nowhere and made him marry his grand daughter/princess, Claire. But bro's got no skills, no dough , and Claire had to deal with so much BS 'cause of him. He even had the nerve to ask for money during Grandma Wilson's big party, making Claire hella embarrassed . They kicked Charlie Wade out, but then plot twist! Some butler dude shows up. Turns out, Charlie Wade's actually from the uber-rich Wade clan. The butler's like, "Come home, fam." But since his parents were, like, done dirty by the Wade fam, he's like "Nah." But he did take his grandpa’s black card loaded with 10 billion. #MicDrop


Author: Charlie Wade
Category: Urban Fiction
Status: Ongoing
Last Updated: October 18, 2023

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

 

[Prosper]

Chapter 1161: "Charlie's Heavenly Skills: From Avalanche to Omelettes"

Isaac and the others, watching Charlie bathed in golden sunlight, were completely stunned and at a loss for words!

Charlie today completely overturned their previous impressions of him!

In their eyes, Charlie today was like a god.

They couldn't imagine how Charlie single-handedly easily annihilated the Eight Great Kings, not only remaining unharmed but also summoning thunder and causing an avalanche that buried the Eight Great Kings!

And in such a powerful avalanche, Charlie emerged without a scratch.

As Charlie approached, Lorden was the first who couldn't hold back and knelt in the snow, bowing his head to Charlie: "Master Wade, please accept my bow. From now on, I am willing to only bow to Master Wade in this life!"

Then, Orvel also knelt with a thud: "Master Wade, Orvel will honor you as the most respected in his life!"

Isaac, trembling, knelt on the ground, hands raised to the sky and prostrated: "Young Master! From today onwards, you are the only god in Isaac's heart!"

Charlie walked up to them, smiled faintly, and said, "From now on, I am still the same Charlie Wade, still that son-in-law Charlie. Whatever you think of me or how you treat me, keep it to yourselves and don't reveal today's events to anyone."

After hearing this, the three of them repeatedly kowtowed in agreement.

Charlie looked at Isaac and said seriously, "Isaac, especially you, you must not tell anyone from the Wade family about what happened just now!"

Isaac's expression became solemn, and he blurted out, "Young Master, rest assured, if the Wade family asks, I'll say these people died in the avalanche!"

Charlie nodded and said, "That's good."

Then he continued, "This seems to be the only road to the village, and now it's been blocked by the avalanche. Try to use the power of the Wade family to repair these roads quickly. Before they are fixed, send a helicopter to deliver necessary supplies to the villagers. Don't let my actions affect their normal lives."

Isaac immediately responded, "Young Master, rest assured, I'll make a call right now to arrange everything properly!"

Charlie hummed, checked the time, and said, "It's already almost seven o'clock. My wife must be worried not finding me. Hurry and take me back! I won't be able to cook breakfast for my wife this morning."

Everyone was astonished.

Was this the same Master Wade who just defeated the Eight Great Kings?

Was this the same Master Wade who summoned thunder and caused an avalanche?

Just now, he used such a domineering method to kill the Eight Great Kings, but now he was worried about not being able to cook for his wife.

Isaac was the first to react, quickly saying, "Young Master, I'll have the helicopter take us to the airport first, then we'll hurry back to Aurous Hill. If we're fast, we can get you home in a little over three hours!"

"Good," Charlie nodded, "Let's hurry."

......

Under the morning sun, a helicopter swiftly left Evergreen Mountain, heading towards the airport of Evergreen Mountain.

Meanwhile, the local media had already received reports about the avalanche.

As the media and locals followed up, the Wade family's disaster relief helicopter, loaded with a large amount of supplies, began flying towards the villages in Evergreen Mountain.

At this moment, in the Su Hang Weaver family residence.

Elder Weaver, lying on his sickbed, was still waiting for news about the Eight Great Kings.

He hadn't slept much last night, partly due to discomfort, but more so because he felt uneasy.

Before dawn, Donald had called the Eight Great Kings. Raleigh had told him that they were almost at their destination.





Chapter 1162: "When Super Warriors Play Hide and Seek: The Mysterious Vanishing Act"

The Weaver family thought that the upcoming time would be when the Eight Great Kings would be busy with their mission, so they dared not disturb them too much.

After about an hour had passed, Elder Weaver calculated that with the formidable strength of the Eight Great Kings, an hour should have been enough to eliminate the opposition and rescue the Weigard father and son.

So, he said to Donald, "Donald, call Mr. Raleigh and ask how things are going."

"Okay!" Donald immediately nodded, took out his phone, and called Raleigh.

The phone rang for a long time, but no one answered.

He reported to Elder Weaver, "Dad, no one's answering. Could they still be handling the matter?"

Elder Weaver nodded, "Possibly, let's wait a bit more patiently."

Ten minutes later, Elder Weaver urged, "Donald, try calling Mr. Raleigh again!"

Donald did as told.

But this time, too, there was no answer.

Elder Weaver frowned, "Something's not right. With their strength, how could it take this long? They're just dealing with second-rate bodyguards. To Mr. Raleigh and his team, that's nothing. I remember when I was battling enemies far and wide, Mr. Raleigh would follow me into the enemy's lair. He once took down over twenty people in the time it takes an incense stick to burn. His strength is unimaginable for ordinary people."

Donald tried to reassure him, "Dad, don't worry. Evergreen Mountain is remote and cold, and it's an isolated place. There might be some minor issues."

Elder Weaver nodded slightly, "Let's wait a bit longer then."

Another ten minutes passed, and Elder Weaver persisted, "Donald, keep calling!"

Donald followed the instruction, but there was still no change.

Elder Weaver was now visibly anxious, feeling that something was seriously wrong.

So, he kept urging Donald to call Raleigh repeatedly.

When Raleigh's phone remained unreachable, he asked Donald to try the other members of the Eight Great Kings.

But the calls to the others also went unanswered.

To be precise, the calls went through, but no one picked up.

After nearly an hour of failing to contact any of the Eight Great Kings, the Weaver family felt a chill down their spines.

How could all Eight Great Kings disappear at once? That seemed unrealistic!

Even if the Eight Great Kings encountered a formidable opponent, with their strength, it's impossible that none could escape.

Especially since, just a few hours earlier, among the sixteen people who went to Evergreen Mountain, one managed to escape.

Those were just ordinary, second-rate experts, better with guns than with fists and feet, not martial arts masters.

It didn't make sense that the Eight Great Kings, super warriors, couldn't escape.

Elder Weaver, anxious, began to breathe rapidly.

He gripped Donald's hand tightly, his face pale, and muttered in a low voice, "Something's wrong, something's really wrong this time."

Donald could only comfort him, "Dad, don't be so anxious. Let's wait a bit longer and stay calm."

Elder Weaver said earnestly, "Mr. Raleigh has been with me for so many years and has never encountered a situation like this. Something is definitely wrong this time. I even suspect they might have met with a disaster!"








Chapter 1163: "Charlie's Vanishing Act: Breakfast without the Magician"

As Charlie was already on the plane returning to Aurous Hill from Evergreen Mountain, the Weaver family was in a state of utter panic.

The Eight Great Kings had rushed to Evergreen Mountain overnight, solely to rescue a father and son, but unexpectedly, they lost contact immediately upon arrival.

Donald repeatedly dialed phone numbers until his mobile phone was almost out of battery, yet he couldn't reach anyone.

Just then, his phone suddenly rang with an incoming call.

The caller was the one who had fled Evergreen Mountain the night before.

He was still hiding in Evergreen Mountain City, originally planning to return with the Eight Great Kings after their triumphant rescue.

He never expected that instead of waiting for the Eight Great Kings, he would receive shocking bad news!

The local Evergreen Mountain TV station just broadcast an emergency news report: a massive avalanche had occurred at the foot of Evergreen Mountain. Triggered by the avalanche, tons of snow cascaded down, destroying the road leading into the mountains and burying two vehicles and eight people under the snow.

Rescue workers, using heavy-duty equipment, dug out eight bodies, unrecognizable after being battered by the snow.

Hearing this news, he immediately thought of the Eight Great Kings.

He knew that in the early hours of the morning, the Eight Great Kings had driven two off-road vehicles into the mountains.

That place, scarcely populated and not a tourist attraction, was home to poor locals who couldn't afford off-road vehicles, and it wasn't a place tourists liked to visit due to its remote location, so the roads were mostly empty.

Locals would usually travel by horse-drawn carriage, not by off-road vehicle.

He was almost certain that the eight people killed in the avalanche were the Eight Great Kings.

Immediately, he relayed this information to Donald.

Upon receiving this news, Donald was struck as if by lightning!

It took him a long time to recover from the shock. Then, looking at his father, who lay anxiously on the sickbed, he said tremblingly, "Dad, my man just told me there was an avalanche at the foot of Evergreen Mountain. The avalanche swept away two cars and eight people, all of whom are dead. It's very likely that they were the Eight Great Kings..."

Elder Weaver felt as if he had been hit by a heavy hammer, coughing several times before exclaiming, "Impossible, how could the Eight Great Kings die in an avalanche?! They are all top-notch experts!"

Donald sighed and asked, "Shall I send someone to identify the bodies, to confirm if it's them?"

After a moment's hesitation, Elder Weaver nodded and said, "If that's the case, go and check it out."

......

Claire woke up in the morning and found it strange not to see Charlie around.

She tried calling him, only to discover that his phone was unreachable, which she found even more peculiar.

In their more than three years of marriage, Charlie had never mysteriously disappeared like this.

Whenever she couldn't see him in the morning, he was either out buying groceries or making breakfast.

But now, he was suddenly uncontactable.









Chapter 1164: "Charlie's Vanishing Act: The Feng Shui Consultant's Mysterious Disappearance"

Claire anxiously waited until around 10 o'clock, but still couldn't get through to Charlie's phone, which made her start to worry.

She thought about how Charlie had recently been in close contact with many influential figures, consulting for them on Feng Shui and receiving substantial sums of money, even acquiring this luxurious Thomson Elite villa. The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt.

Before this, Claire had always feared that Charlie would one day face a sudden downfall, like those financial products that collapse unexpectedly, leading to a complete loss of credibility.

If he really lost his credibility, those influential figures would certainly not let him off easily.

Just as Claire was lost in these worried thoughts, Charlie finally called.

Immediately upon answering, Claire blurted out, “Hey, Charlie, where have you been?”

Charlie had just gotten off a plane and was about to take a helicopter. He explained to Claire, “Wife, I was consulting on Feng Shui for a friend this morning. Their house has a very unique Feng Shui, so I had to turn off my phone to avoid any interference with my assessment.”

“You went to do Feng Shui consultation again?” Claire was overwhelmed and said, “Charlie, didn’t we agree? Try not to do Feng Shui consultations for others.”

Charlie quickly responded, “Wife, this time it wasn’t for those influential figures. It was for a friend from the orphanage where I grew up. He’s been having bad luck recently, so he asked me to take a look. I didn’t take any money for it.”

Hearing this, Claire relaxed and asked, “When will you be home?”

Charlie replied, “I should be there in about 20 to 30 minutes.”

Claire said, “That’s good. I’ll wait for you at home.”

Isaac’s helicopter soon took off, carrying Charlie along with Orvel and Lorden towards the city.

As they neared the Thomson Elite villa, Charlie said to Lorden “Lorden, if I have time tomorrow, I’ll bring a lawyer to Weigard’s Pharmaceuticals. After we sign the contract, I’ll give you a good prescription for stomach medicine.”

Lorden exclaimed, “Master Wade, I’ve already vowed to follow only you in this life. Weigard’s Pharmaceuticals was reclaimed with your help. I am willing to give all its shares to you!”

Charlie waved his hand and said indifferently, “I’ve already said, I only want 80% of Weigard’s Pharmaceuticals. More than that I won’t accept, but less, and I won’t agree to give you the prescription. Keeping 20% for you is fair, so don’t talk to me about giving everything to me anymore.”

Lorden felt a chill and hastily bowed, saying, “I will heed Master Wade’s instructions!”

Charlie nodded and then turned to Orvel and Isaac, “You two go back, and remember not to tell anyone about this.”

“Understood, Master Wade!”

“Great!”

Satisfied, Charlie nodded. As they were about to reach the Thomson Elite villa, he said to Isaac, “Land on the golf course. I’ll walk from there.”

“Understood, Young Master!”

After rushing home, Claire couldn’t imagine that her husband had urgently departed from Aurous Hill in the early hours of the morning, traveled over 2000 kilometers to Evergreen Mountain, and at the foot of the mountain, eliminated eight blood-stained criminals.

Thanks to Charlie’s strong abilities and exceptional physical fitness, he showed no signs of fatigue despite the long and strenuous journey.

Just in time for lunch, Claire pulled him into their garden, happily picking many ingredients she wanted to eat for the midday meal.

At that moment, the gate opened, and Charlie’s mother-in-law, Elaine, sneaked in, walking with a cane!






Chapter 1165: "The Hat Trick: Elaine's Hilarious Plan to Taunt Noah"

Watching Elaine enter the courtyard with a crutch and carrying a huge over-the-shoulder bag, bulging with contents, Charlie couldn’t help but think that his mother-in-law must be up to no good again.

Claire asked in surprise, “Mom, where did you go so early in the morning? I haven’t seen you all day.”

Elaine laughed heartily, “I went to the wholesale market and bought some stuff!”

Claire scolded gently, “Mom, your leg hasn’t fully healed, and you’re wandering around with a crutch. Why?”

“It’s nothing, it's nothing,” Elaine waved her hand dismissively. “Although it’s a bit inconvenient with the crutch, I’ve gotten quite used to it. My leg doesn’t hurt, it’s just a bit tiring, but that’s all.”

Claire then asked, “Mom, what did you buy in that big bag? Aren’t you tired? Let me help you with it.”

“No, no, I’m not tired at all,” Elaine replied cheerfully. “It’s just hats, not very heavy.”

“Hats?” Claire was even more puzzled. “Mom, why did you buy so many hats? That bulging bag must have a dozen or so, right?”

Elaine, with a mischievous smile, opened the zipper of her bag.

Claire and Charlie peered inside, only to find it was filled with a vibrant green.

Elaine then pulled out several different hats, all of them unmistakably green.

Claire, dumbfounded, asked, “Mom... why did you buy so many green hats... Who would wear these...”

Elaine laughed, “I bought 20 different green hats, not for wearing, but to hang on the balcony!”

“You’ve seen the video from the hospital of your grandmother and her family. That damn Noah was actually cuckolded by Zoraida. How could I let such a funny incident pass by?”

“It just so happens that their house can see my bedroom balcony. I’m going to hang these hats on the balcony facing their side. I want Noah to see these twenty green hats every day, that’ll teach him!”

Claire, torn between laughter and tears, said, “Mom, why do you have to be so hard on Uncle? He’s already having a tough time.”

“Tough time, my foot!” Elaine retorted angrily. “You have no idea how arrogant he used to be, how badly he treated our family. Now that I’ve got something on him, I won’t miss any chance to mock him!”

Charlie shook his head helplessly.

Setting aside everything else, Elaine’s talent for tormenting people was indeed rare.

Noah was already in a bad state. If he had to see twenty green hats fluttering in the wind on the neighboring balcony every day, his mood must be incredibly miserable.

Such a method of torment was something only Elaine could come up with.

Claire felt it was inappropriate and tried to persuade Elaine, but Elaine wouldn’t listen and went straight into the villa with her crutch.

Once back in her room, the first thing Elaine did was to go out onto the balcony and hang up the twenty green hats, one after another, all facing the Xiao family’s villa.

Twenty green hats fluttering in the wind, it was indeed a uniquely sour and satisfying sight.

...

Ever since he left the hospital, Noah had been living separately from Zoraida.

The reason for the separation was that he no longer had any feelings for Zoraida.

He also felt deep down that Zoraida was too dirty.

If it weren’t for Donald’s request, he would have divorced Zoraida long ago, or at least kicked her out of the house.

But now that Donald had stood up for Zoraida, Noah naturally didn’t dare to go against his wishes.

But if he couldn’t get a divorce, he could still live separately, right?

So he sent Zoraida to a bedroom on the first floor.

Charlie the superhero

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

Chapter 1166: "Hats Off to Elaine: A Malicious Mockery Unveiled"

Zoraida couldn't help but be indifferent to the situation unfolding before her. She did harbor some anger towards Noah for his heartlessness, but underneath it all, she carried a heavy burden of guilt.

After all, she had committed the ultimate betrayal by cheating on him. She was currently carrying another man's child, and the thought of aborting it weighed on her. It was only natural for Noah to feel irritated upon seeing her.

At that moment, Noah had just woken up.

Ever since leaving the hospital, he had been experiencing some lingering side effects, mainly fatigue and an overwhelming sense of drowsiness.

Despite not having had enough rest, an intense itchiness in his groin kept disturbing him, jolting him awake as he scratched at it.

The itching was peculiar; it would start off mildly and then escalate to unbearable levels, especially when scratched vigorously.

As a person who always maintained good personal hygiene, he couldn't fathom what could be causing this discomfort.

Lost in his thoughts, he got out of bed.

Feeling lightheaded, he made his way to the balcony for some fresh air.

Living in a villa had its perks, such as privacy. The neighbors were far enough away, and with no tall buildings nearby, he didn't have to worry about being spotted in his underwear.

However, the itching persisted, even worsening as he stretched on the balcony.

Despite scratching vigorously, there was no relief in sight. Frustrated, he was about to head to the bathroom to investigate further when something on Charlie's balcony across from his caught his eye.

Upon closer inspection, his anger flared.

Though some distance away, he could unmistakably see about twenty different green hats fluttering in the breeze on Charlie's balcony.

Twenty green hats - what could this mean?!

(NOTE from the translator: In Chinese culture, "wearing a green hat" (戴绿帽子, dài lǜ màozi) is a symbolic expression for a man whose partner is cheating on him. It signifies infidelity and is used to mock or shame individuals in such situations, with green traditionally associated with unfaithfulness or jealousy.)

And they were all facing his house, an unmistakable taunt directed at him.

It was a brazen display, a clear mockery of him being cuckolded by Zoraida.

Enraged, Noah clenched his fists so tightly that his nails nearly pierced his skin.

He knew in an instant that this malicious act could only be the handiwork of Elaine.

He yearned to grab Elaine by the hair and repeatedly smack her ugly face.

With this thought firmly in his mind, he hurriedly got dressed and stormed out of the building.

Meanwhile, Madam Wilson was lounging in the yard, soaking up the sun in a luxurious master chair, savoring the opulence of life in the upscale Thomson Elite residential area.

Other than the bothersome neighbors, everything was perfect.

She briefly considered pilfering some vegetables from Charlie's garden again but quickly thought better of it. The Wade family had a reputation for deceit, and she was worried they might have tampered with the produce, possibly using pesticides.

She couldn't forget the last time they had substituted daffodils for chives, which had landed an entire family in the hospital - an unforgettable ordeal.

As she enjoyed her moment in the sun, she spotted her son, Noah, storming out. Concerned, she called out, "Noah, where are you off to?"

Noah, his expression dark, replied, "I'm going to confront that woman, Elaine!"






Chapter 1167: "Verbal Jousting: Elaine's Sharp Tongue vs. Noah's Rage"

Madam Wilson found herself a bit perplexed as she couldn't quite fathom why her son, Noah, was so determined to confront Elaine first thing after waking up. She hurriedly trailed behind him and inquired, "Noah, why do you want to speak with Elaine?"

Noah, his temper flaring, retorted, "That shameless woman, Elaine! She hung dozens of green hats on her villa's balcony. Isn't this a clear provocation directed at me?"

Madam Wilson's face shifted to one of shock as she exclaimed, "Really? Did something like that happen?"

Noah clenched his fists and replied with frustration, "You should come and see for yourself."

So, mother and son set out together.

As soon as they stepped outside, Madam Wilson caught sight of the twenty green hats swaying in the breeze on Elaine's balcony.

The sight left her seething with anger.

Unable to contain her fury, she burst out, "That despicable Elaine! She must have seen the video from our hospital and is deliberately trying to disgust us!"

Noah nodded, his teeth gritted in anger. "Yes, mother, I've had enough of her! It's unbearable!"

With their anger fueling them, mother and son reached Charlie's villa and Madam Wilson began pounding on the door, yelling, "Elaine, you wretch, open the door right now!"

Upon hearing the shouts, Elaine promptly appeared on the third-floor balcony and taunted, "Oh, the old hag has come to create a scene instead of looking after her pregnant daughter-in-law?"

The mention of Zoraida's pregnancy caught the mother and son off guard.

Their expressions soured instantly.

After all, it's a commonly held belief that family matters should remain private, and no one wants outsiders to bring up their family's vulnerabilities.

Noah was particularly incensed.

When Elaine mentioned Zoraida's pregnancy, he erupted in anger, "Elaine, you wicked woman, stop spreading falsehoods, or I swear I'll silence you!"

Elaine sneered, "Oh, big brother, I didn't expect you to be so capable, threatening to silence me?"

With a mocking tone, she added, "If you're truly capable, why don't you confront the man who betrayed you and impregnated your wife? What's the use of arguing with an old lady like me?"

Noah was left speechless, his face contorted in frustration.

While he may not have been a paragon of virtue, when it came to verbal sparring, he was no match for Elaine.

Capitalizing on her sharp tongue, Elaine effortlessly outmaneuvered him.

Seeing Noah at a loss for words, Elaine continued to mock, "Oh, dear big brother, I genuinely sympathize with you. There's nothing more pitiful for a man than being cheated on, and to think that you've been deceived so thoroughly, with your wife becoming pregnant, turning you into an expectant father. If I were you, I'd have divorced her a long time ago!"

Elaine's words struck a raw nerve with Noah.

He had long harbored a desire to expel Zoraida from their lives, never wanting to lay eyes on that deceitful woman again.






Chapter 1168: "Dancing in Defiance: Elaine's Balcony Performance"

Despite Zoraida's connection with Donald and the fear Weaver inspired in everyone, no one dared to provoke or go against his wishes. Thus, even though Zoraida had, in a sense, betrayed him through infidelity, Noah couldn't bring himself to divorce her.

It was a tragic circumstance for a man to be cuckolded and still find himself unable to end his marriage. It was like a personal tragedy, and regrettably, it had become his reality.

Now, with Elaine's blunt words, Noah felt an overwhelming sense of shame. It was as if he had been slapped in the face a thousand times over.

Madam Wilson was equally incensed. Throughout her life, she had taken pride in the impeccable reputation of the Wilson family, and she couldn't bear to witness it tarnished.

Initially, when Wendy had accompanied Joaquin Wilson, it had sparked some gossip. However, at that time, the old lady had been powerless to intervene, and society was no stranger to young women being involved with affluent men. Though people might have chuckled, it had passed without significant scandal.

But this time, the disgrace brought about by Zoraida was different. She had thoroughly shamed the Wilson family.

What was worse, a video of the incident had been shared online, turning the Wilson family into a laughingstock in Aurous Hill.

Regardless of the circumstances, the old lady couldn't tolerate Elaine, a woman devoid of shame, ridiculing her!

Enraged, Madam Wilson pointed her finger at Elaine and admonished, "Elaine, you had better remove those symbols of cuckoldry, or don't blame me for taking drastic measures!"

"Oh!" Elaine scoffed, "I purchased these symbols with my own money. In my own home, I can hang them wherever I please. Who do you think you are to give me orders? Do you still believe you're the old lady Wilson? Inside my residence, you hold no authority to dictate anything to me!"

Then, changing her tone, Elaine issued a warning, "You're not even allowed to enter my house! If you continue causing a scene out here, I'll call the police and have you arrested once more!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Wilson trembled with anger.

But both of them were furious and yet powerless.

They couldn't force their way inside.

Breaking in would be illegal, and summoning the police would likely result in their own detainment. It was a situation with no clear solution.

At this impasse, Elaine donned an oversized green hat (a symbol of cuckoldry), grinning, "Oh, dear big brother, look at how green and festive this hat is! Isn't it greener than the leeks you had the other day?"

As she spoke, Elaine playfully danced on the balcony, despite her still-healing leg, managing a few dance moves.

This further infuriated Noah!

In that moment, Noah was on the brink of losing control, wishing he could somehow obliterate Elaine on the balcony with a rocket launcher.

"Elaine, you wretched woman, are you playing this game with me? Do you understand the consequences of provoking me?"

Elaine replied with a cheerful tone, "Your wife was impregnated by another man, and he's doing just fine, isn't he? So what consequences could there possibly be for me from just a few words? Hahaha!"

Enraged, Noah made a threat, "Elaine! I swear, one day I'll deal with you!"

As Noah fumed, Elaine tossed the green hat into the air, and it floated down towards him. He stepped back, narrowly avoiding it as the hat landed on the ground.

Elaine clapped and laughed heartily, "See, big brother, the hat recognizes you! It was headed right for your head. If you hadn't dodged, it would have landed directly on you!"






Chapter 1169: "Balcony Battles Continued: Noah vs. Elaine, Round Two"

Noah was seething with rage, utterly beside himself.

He jumped up and down, hurling curses at Elaine, "Elaine, you wretched woman, do you have a death wish?"

In response to his outburst, Elaine burst into laughter, remarking, "Big brother, don't get so angry. I spent several hundred dollars on these green hats, all just for you."

She somehow produced a green Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toy and continued, "Look at this Ninja Turtle, big brother. Doesn't it bear a striking resemblance to you? It's not only green on the head, but it's also remarkably resilient, just like a perfect reflection of you, haha..."

Noah was on the brink of losing his mind, trembling with anger, his voice quivering as he muttered, "You despicable person, why don't you just go to hell? Your immorality is bound to lead you there."

Elaine chuckled and retorted, "Big brother, I'm generously gifting you all these hats, and you're cursing me to go to hell? Aren't you being ungrateful? But I, Elaine, am magnanimous and won't stoop to your level. You can have all these twenty-plus green hats, to wear a different one each day for the next twenty days."

At his wit's end, Noah gritted his teeth and said, "Just wait, Elaine. I'm calling the property management right now to report you!"

He promptly dialed the Thomson Elite villas' property management number, urgently stating, "I am the owner of unit A04. I need to report the owner of A05 for hanging indecent items on their balcony. Please address this matter immediately!"

In a short while, an electric vehicle from the property management arrived.

Four property management staff disembarked from the vehicle, inquiring, "Did you make the complaint call?"

Noah blurted out, "Yes, it was me. I'm lodging a complaint about the woman upstairs. Take a look at what she's hung on her balcony!"

Elaine coldly retorted, "How can you interfere with what I hang on my own balcony?"

After inspecting the situation, the property staff reluctantly explained, "Sir, a homeowner's balcony is considered their private space. In theory, we can't intervene in what they choose to display, unless it's illegal. Hanging hats doesn't fall under that category; it's within their rights."

"No consideration for my rights!" Noah seethed, whirling around in anger.

If these twenty green hats continued to hang there day and night, he was sure Elaine would drive him to the brink of madness.

The property management staff, bearing the brunt of his frustration, couldn't hide their displeasure but still responded courteously, "I apologize, sir, but this matter falls outside the scope of our property management."

With that, they re-entered their electric car and drove away.

Elaine erupted into even louder laughter from the balcony, taunting, "Hahaha, Noah, you've run out of options now. Let me tell you, these green hats will keep swaying in the breeze. And tomorrow, I'll buy another twenty to hang up, so every morning when you wake up, you'll be greeted by a multitude of green hats fluttering in the wind!"

"You... you... you..." Noah was so enraged that he was on the verge of bursting a blood vessel.

At that moment, Charlie and Claire arrived on the second-floor balcony and peered over, quickly grasping the situation. They exchanged helpless glances and sighed.

Claire couldn't help but express her dismay, "Charlie, do you think Mom is taking things too far?"

Charlie offered a faint smile and replied, "It's not so much about right or wrong. Haven't they treated us terribly before?"

"When they learned about our difficulties, they relentlessly mocked us."

"Remember how they ridiculed us at the Thomson Elite sales office?"

"And when you launched your studio, didn't they come to scorn us as well?"







Chapter 1170: "Karma Café: Serving Revenge with a Side of Abalone"

Claire nodded in agreement with her husband, Charlie, and commented, "Considering how they treated us in the past, maybe this is just karma catching up with them. It's a taste of their own medicine, after all."

Noah and Madam Wilson were utterly incensed by Elaine, but they found themselves powerless to counter her actions. Fuming, they turned away in frustration.

As he walked away, Noah muttered curses under his breath, "That damned Elaine, I swear if I ever get the chance, I'll make her pay!"

Madam Wilson, still seething with anger, declared, "Let's put Elaine aside for now. Tomorrow, take Zoraida, that vile woman, and get rid of the illegitimate child growing inside her. This is the greatest shame our Wilson family has endured in a century!"

Noah, filled with bitterness, clenched his teeth and vowed, "Don't worry, Mom, I'll accompany her tomorrow!"

Back at their home, Harold and Wendy had just awakened and were in the living room, eagerly anticipating a meal prepared by Zoraida.

Zoraida, having some money left from selling the coffee machine, aimed to ease the family tension today. She had purchased a generous quantity of fresh abalone, intending to create a lavish abalone feast for the family.

The abalone alone cost several thousand dollars, making it a significant expenditure for Zoraida.

Upon seeing the abalone she had procured, Madam Wilson's initial reaction was one of delight, looking forward to the sumptuous meal ahead.

However, she couldn't help but question Zoraida, "Where did you get the money for these abalones?"

Zoraida fabricated a story, saying, "A friend of mine owed me some money from a card game a while back and hadn't paid me back. Times have been tough, so I finally asked her to settle the debt."

Madam Wilson nodded, her tone frosty as she said, "Transfer the remaining funds to my WeChat account. From now on, I'll oversee all finances in this household, including Mr. Weaver's investment in our Wilson Group. Anyone concealing personal funds behind my back, I'm afraid you'll have to leave this house!"

Zoraida promptly replied with a smile, "Of course, Mom, I'll transfer all the remaining money to you. I won't keep a single cent for myself!"

Satisfied with her response, Madam Wilson turned to Noah and issued a stern warning, "Noah, you hid over ten million dollars in personal funds and refused to hand it over to me. In the end, that money went to waste. Therefore, from this point forward, if you dare to hide any personal funds again, don't blame me for taking drastic measures. Do you understand?"

Noah could only nod and reply respectfully, "I understand, Mom. Rest assured, I won't conceal any personal funds anymore!"

Content with his acknowledgment, Madam Wilson nodded. It appeared that this crisis had solidified her position as the family's authority figure.

Soon, Zoraida presented an array of abalone dishes, each featuring the delicacy in various preparations.

There were dishes like steamed abalone with vermicelli, braised abalone, abalone sashimi, and abalone soup. The quality ingredients made each dish truly delicious.

However, at the dining table, Zoraida herself refrained from partaking in any of the abalone dishes.

She opted for a plain bowl of Yangchun noodles with egg instead and avoided the seafood entirely.

Wendy, puzzled by her mother's behavior, asked, "Mom, why aren't you enjoying the abalone? You put in so much effort to prepare all these dishes, so why aren't you eating any?"

Unwilling to reveal her true reasons, Zoraida replied, "I've had an upset stomach these past few days, so I can't eat seafood."

Noah, still reeling from his confrontation with Elaine, glared at her and coldly remarked, "You want to enjoy seafood? You don't deserve it! What's the point of having seafood? It's just nourishing that illegitimate child growing inside you, isn't it?"

 

[Bladeheart Ronin]

Chapter 1161: "Charlie's Heavenly Skills: From Avalanche to Omelettes"

Isaac and the others, watching Charlie bathed in golden sunlight, were completely stunned and at a loss for words!

Charlie today completely overturned their previous impressions of him!

In their eyes, Charlie today was like a god.

They couldn't imagine how Charlie single-handedly easily annihilated the Eight Great Kings, not only remaining unharmed but also summoning thunder and causing an avalanche that buried the Eight Great Kings!

And in such a powerful avalanche, Charlie emerged without a scratch.

As Charlie approached, Lorden was the first who couldn't hold back and knelt in the snow, bowing his head to Charlie: "Master Wade, please accept my bow. From now on, I am willing to only bow to Master Wade in this life!"

Then, Orvel also knelt with a thud: "Master Wade, Orvel will honor you as the most respected in his life!"

Isaac, trembling, knelt on the ground, hands raised to the sky and prostrated: "Young Master! From today onwards, you are the only god in Isaac's heart!"

Charlie walked up to them, smiled faintly, and said, "From now on, I am still the same Charlie Wade, still that son-in-law Charlie. Whatever you think of me or how you treat me, keep it to yourselves and don't reveal today's events to anyone."

After hearing this, the three of them repeatedly kowtowed in agreement.

Charlie looked at Isaac and said seriously, "Isaac, especially you, you must not tell anyone from the Wade family about what happened just now!"

Isaac's expression became solemn, and he blurted out, "Young Master, rest assured, if the Wade family asks, I'll say these people died in the avalanche!"

Charlie nodded and said, "That's good."

Then he continued, "This seems to be the only road to the village, and now it's been blocked by the avalanche. Try to use the power of the Wade family to repair these roads quickly. Before they are fixed, send a helicopter to deliver necessary supplies to the villagers. Don't let my actions affect their normal lives."

Isaac immediately responded, "Young Master, rest assured, I'll make a call right now to arrange everything properly!"

Charlie hummed, checked the time, and said, "It's already almost seven o'clock. My wife must be worried not finding me. Hurry and take me back! I won't be able to cook breakfast for my wife this morning."

Everyone was astonished.

Was this the same Master Wade who just defeated the Eight Great Kings?

Was this the same Master Wade who summoned thunder and caused an avalanche?

Just now, he used such a domineering method to kill the Eight Great Kings, but now he was worried about not being able to cook for his wife.

Isaac was the first to react, quickly saying, "Young Master, I'll have the helicopter take us to the airport first, then we'll hurry back to Aurous Hill. If we're fast, we can get you home in a little over three hours!"

"Good," Charlie nodded, "Let's hurry."

......

Under the morning sun, a helicopter swiftly left Evergreen Mountain, heading towards the airport of Evergreen Mountain.

Meanwhile, the local media had already received reports about the avalanche.

As the media and locals followed up, the Wade family's disaster relief helicopter, loaded with a large amount of supplies, began flying towards the villages in Evergreen Mountain.

At this moment, in the Su Hang Weaver family residence.

Elder Weaver, lying on his sickbed, was still waiting for news about the Eight Great Kings.

He hadn't slept much last night, partly due to discomfort, but more so because he felt uneasy.

Before dawn, Donald had called the Eight Great Kings. Raleigh had told him that they were almost at their destination.





Chapter 1162: "When Super Warriors Play Hide and Seek: The Mysterious Vanishing Act"

The Weaver family thought that the upcoming time would be when the Eight Great Kings would be busy with their mission, so they dared not disturb them too much.

After about an hour had passed, Elder Weaver calculated that with the formidable strength of the Eight Great Kings, an hour should have been enough to eliminate the opposition and rescue the Weigard father and son.

So, he said to Donald, "Donald, call Mr. Raleigh and ask how things are going."

"Okay!" Donald immediately nodded, took out his phone, and called Raleigh.

The phone rang for a long time, but no one answered.

He reported to Elder Weaver, "Dad, no one's answering. Could they still be handling the matter?"

Elder Weaver nodded, "Possibly, let's wait a bit more patiently."

Ten minutes later, Elder Weaver urged, "Donald, try calling Mr. Raleigh again!"

Donald did as told.

But this time, too, there was no answer.

Elder Weaver frowned, "Something's not right. With their strength, how could it take this long? They're just dealing with second-rate bodyguards. To Mr. Raleigh and his team, that's nothing. I remember when I was battling enemies far and wide, Mr. Raleigh would follow me into the enemy's lair. He once took down over twenty people in the time it takes an incense stick to burn. His strength is unimaginable for ordinary people."

Donald tried to reassure him, "Dad, don't worry. Evergreen Mountain is remote and cold, and it's an isolated place. There might be some minor issues."

Elder Weaver nodded slightly, "Let's wait a bit longer then."

Another ten minutes passed, and Elder Weaver persisted, "Donald, keep calling!"

Donald followed the instruction, but there was still no change.

Elder Weaver was now visibly anxious, feeling that something was seriously wrong.

So, he kept urging Donald to call Raleigh repeatedly.

When Raleigh's phone remained unreachable, he asked Donald to try the other members of the Eight Great Kings.

But the calls to the others also went unanswered.

To be precise, the calls went through, but no one picked up.

After nearly an hour of failing to contact any of the Eight Great Kings, the Weaver family felt a chill down their spines.

How could all Eight Great Kings disappear at once? That seemed unrealistic!

Even if the Eight Great Kings encountered a formidable opponent, with their strength, it's impossible that none could escape.

Especially since, just a few hours earlier, among the sixteen people who went to Evergreen Mountain, one managed to escape.

Those were just ordinary, second-rate experts, better with guns than with fists and feet, not martial arts masters.

It didn't make sense that the Eight Great Kings, super warriors, couldn't escape.

Elder Weaver, anxious, began to breathe rapidly.

He gripped Donald's hand tightly, his face pale, and muttered in a low voice, "Something's wrong, something's really wrong this time."

Donald could only comfort him, "Dad, don't be so anxious. Let's wait a bit longer and stay calm."

Elder Weaver said earnestly, "Mr. Raleigh has been with me for so many years and has never encountered a situation like this. Something is definitely wrong this time. I even suspect they might have met with a disaster!"








Chapter 1163: "Charlie's Vanishing Act: Breakfast without the Magician"

As Charlie was already on the plane returning to Aurous Hill from Evergreen Mountain, the Weaver family was in a state of utter panic.

The Eight Great Kings had rushed to Evergreen Mountain overnight, solely to rescue a father and son, but unexpectedly, they lost contact immediately upon arrival.

Donald repeatedly dialed phone numbers until his mobile phone was almost out of battery, yet he couldn't reach anyone.

Just then, his phone suddenly rang with an incoming call.

The caller was the one who had fled Evergreen Mountain the night before.

He was still hiding in Evergreen Mountain City, originally planning to return with the Eight Great Kings after their triumphant rescue.

He never expected that instead of waiting for the Eight Great Kings, he would receive shocking bad news!

The local Evergreen Mountain TV station just broadcast an emergency news report: a massive avalanche had occurred at the foot of Evergreen Mountain. Triggered by the avalanche, tons of snow cascaded down, destroying the road leading into the mountains and burying two vehicles and eight people under the snow.

Rescue workers, using heavy-duty equipment, dug out eight bodies, unrecognizable after being battered by the snow.

Hearing this news, he immediately thought of the Eight Great Kings.

He knew that in the early hours of the morning, the Eight Great Kings had driven two off-road vehicles into the mountains.

That place, scarcely populated and not a tourist attraction, was home to poor locals who couldn't afford off-road vehicles, and it wasn't a place tourists liked to visit due to its remote location, so the roads were mostly empty.

Locals would usually travel by horse-drawn carriage, not by off-road vehicle.

He was almost certain that the eight people killed in the avalanche were the Eight Great Kings.

Immediately, he relayed this information to Donald.

Upon receiving this news, Donald was struck as if by lightning!

It took him a long time to recover from the shock. Then, looking at his father, who lay anxiously on the sickbed, he said tremblingly, "Dad, my man just told me there was an avalanche at the foot of Evergreen Mountain. The avalanche swept away two cars and eight people, all of whom are dead. It's very likely that they were the Eight Great Kings..."

Elder Weaver felt as if he had been hit by a heavy hammer, coughing several times before exclaiming, "Impossible, how could the Eight Great Kings die in an avalanche?! They are all top-notch experts!"

Donald sighed and asked, "Shall I send someone to identify the bodies, to confirm if it's them?"

After a moment's hesitation, Elder Weaver nodded and said, "If that's the case, go and check it out."

......

Claire woke up in the morning and found it strange not to see Charlie around.

She tried calling him, only to discover that his phone was unreachable, which she found even more peculiar.

In their more than three years of marriage, Charlie had never mysteriously disappeared like this.

Whenever she couldn't see him in the morning, he was either out buying groceries or making breakfast.

But now, he was suddenly uncontactable.









Chapter 1164: "Charlie's Vanishing Act: The Feng Shui Consultant's Mysterious Disappearance"

Claire anxiously waited until around 10 o'clock, but still couldn't get through to Charlie's phone, which made her start to worry.

She thought about how Charlie had recently been in close contact with many influential figures, consulting for them on Feng Shui and receiving substantial sums of money, even acquiring this luxurious Thomson Elite villa. The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt.

Before this, Claire had always feared that Charlie would one day face a sudden downfall, like those financial products that collapse unexpectedly, leading to a complete loss of credibility.

If he really lost his credibility, those influential figures would certainly not let him off easily.

Just as Claire was lost in these worried thoughts, Charlie finally called.

Immediately upon answering, Claire blurted out, “Hey, Charlie, where have you been?”

Charlie had just gotten off a plane and was about to take a helicopter. He explained to Claire, “Wife, I was consulting on Feng Shui for a friend this morning. Their house has a very unique Feng Shui, so I had to turn off my phone to avoid any interference with my assessment.”

“You went to do Feng Shui consultation again?” Claire was overwhelmed and said, “Charlie, didn’t we agree? Try not to do Feng Shui consultations for others.”

Charlie quickly responded, “Wife, this time it wasn’t for those influential figures. It was for a friend from the orphanage where I grew up. He’s been having bad luck recently, so he asked me to take a look. I didn’t take any money for it.”

Hearing this, Claire relaxed and asked, “When will you be home?”

Charlie replied, “I should be there in about 20 to 30 minutes.”

Claire said, “That’s good. I’ll wait for you at home.”

Isaac’s helicopter soon took off, carrying Charlie along with Orvel and Lorden towards the city.

As they neared the Thomson Elite villa, Charlie said to Lorden “Lorden, if I have time tomorrow, I’ll bring a lawyer to Weigard’s Pharmaceuticals. After we sign the contract, I’ll give you a good prescription for stomach medicine.”

Lorden exclaimed, “Master Wade, I’ve already vowed to follow only you in this life. Weigard’s Pharmaceuticals was reclaimed with your help. I am willing to give all its shares to you!”

Charlie waved his hand and said indifferently, “I’ve already said, I only want 80% of Weigard’s Pharmaceuticals. More than that I won’t accept, but less, and I won’t agree to give you the prescription. Keeping 20% for you is fair, so don’t talk to me about giving everything to me anymore.”

Lorden felt a chill and hastily bowed, saying, “I will heed Master Wade’s instructions!”

Charlie nodded and then turned to Orvel and Isaac, “You two go back, and remember not to tell anyone about this.”

“Understood, Master Wade!”

“Great!”

Satisfied, Charlie nodded. As they were about to reach the Thomson Elite villa, he said to Isaac, “Land on the golf course. I’ll walk from there.”

“Understood, Young Master!”

After rushing home, Claire couldn’t imagine that her husband had urgently departed from Aurous Hill in the early hours of the morning, traveled over 2000 kilometers to Evergreen Mountain, and at the foot of the mountain, eliminated eight blood-stained criminals.

Thanks to Charlie’s strong abilities and exceptional physical fitness, he showed no signs of fatigue despite the long and strenuous journey.

Just in time for lunch, Claire pulled him into their garden, happily picking many ingredients she wanted to eat for the midday meal.

At that moment, the gate opened, and Charlie’s mother-in-law, Elaine, sneaked in, walking with a cane!






Chapter 1165: "The Hat Trick: Elaine's Hilarious Plan to Taunt Noah"

Watching Elaine enter the courtyard with a crutch and carrying a huge over-the-shoulder bag, bulging with contents, Charlie couldn’t help but think that his mother-in-law must be up to no good again.

Claire asked in surprise, “Mom, where did you go so early in the morning? I haven’t seen you all day.”

Elaine laughed heartily, “I went to the wholesale market and bought some stuff!”

Claire scolded gently, “Mom, your leg hasn’t fully healed, and you’re wandering around with a crutch. Why?”

“It’s nothing, it's nothing,” Elaine waved her hand dismissively. “Although it’s a bit inconvenient with the crutch, I’ve gotten quite used to it. My leg doesn’t hurt, it’s just a bit tiring, but that’s all.”

Claire then asked, “Mom, what did you buy in that big bag? Aren’t you tired? Let me help you with it.”

“No, no, I’m not tired at all,” Elaine replied cheerfully. “It’s just hats, not very heavy.”

“Hats?” Claire was even more puzzled. “Mom, why did you buy so many hats? That bulging bag must have a dozen or so, right?”

Elaine, with a mischievous smile, opened the zipper of her bag.

Claire and Charlie peered inside, only to find it was filled with a vibrant green.

Elaine then pulled out several different hats, all of them unmistakably green.

Claire, dumbfounded, asked, “Mom... why did you buy so many green hats... Who would wear these...”

Elaine laughed, “I bought 20 different green hats, not for wearing, but to hang on the balcony!”

“You’ve seen the video from the hospital of your grandmother and her family. That damn Noah was actually cuckolded by Zoraida. How could I let such a funny incident pass by?”

“It just so happens that their house can see my bedroom balcony. I’m going to hang these hats on the balcony facing their side. I want Noah to see these twenty green hats every day, that’ll teach him!”

Claire, torn between laughter and tears, said, “Mom, why do you have to be so hard on Uncle? He’s already having a tough time.”

“Tough time, my foot!” Elaine retorted angrily. “You have no idea how arrogant he used to be, how badly he treated our family. Now that I’ve got something on him, I won’t miss any chance to mock him!”

Charlie shook his head helplessly.

Setting aside everything else, Elaine’s talent for tormenting people was indeed rare.

Noah was already in a bad state. If he had to see twenty green hats fluttering in the wind on the neighboring balcony every day, his mood must be incredibly miserable.

Such a method of torment was something only Elaine could come up with.

Claire felt it was inappropriate and tried to persuade Elaine, but Elaine wouldn’t listen and went straight into the villa with her crutch.

Once back in her room, the first thing Elaine did was to go out onto the balcony and hang up the twenty green hats, one after another, all facing the Xiao family’s villa.

Twenty green hats fluttering in the wind, it was indeed a uniquely sour and satisfying sight.

...

Ever since he left the hospital, Noah had been living separately from Zoraida.

The reason for the separation was that he no longer had any feelings for Zoraida.

He also felt deep down that Zoraida was too dirty.

If it weren’t for Donald’s request, he would have divorced Zoraida long ago, or at least kicked her out of the house.

But now that Donald had stood up for Zoraida, Noah naturally didn’t dare to go against his wishes.

But if he couldn’t get a divorce, he could still live separately, right?

So he sent Zoraida to a bedroom on the first floor.

Thanks IGM Junlee.

 

[Alonzo03]

I feel like this scenes should quickly pass, and take us back to Donald or anywhere else, Elaine and the Wilson's scenes are usually boring not fun. I naturally don't like women that are too sharp tongued, mischievous and troublesome

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

I feel like this scenes should quickly pass, and take us back to Donald or anywhere else, Elaine and the Wilson's scenes are usually boring not fun. I naturally don't like women that are too sharp tongued, mischievous and troublesome

Same here.... Just wasted chapters on less interesting family drama. I hope the direction goes more to Charlie's affairs than Wilson's affairs.

 

[Yomex70]

I'm really happy Elaine is receiving that treatment. Next time she won't messed up again

Honestly,am so happy as karma is being served Elaine Cold

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

Chapter 1171: "The Uncomfortable Price of Abalone and Alcohol"

As Noah hurled insults at Zoraida, she found herself overwhelmed with embarrassment and anger. Deep down, she longed for a peaceful family life, hoping that someday, Noah would accept her more willingly.

Regrettably, Noah's disdain for Zoraida ran deep, even though he had a soft spot for abalone. With a mouthful of abalone, he coldly remarked, "A woman like you, who doesn't respect decorum, should stick to the role of a servant in this house!"

Zoraida felt powerless, so she quietly continued eating her noodles without uttering a word.

At that moment, Zoraida had no idea that she had unknowingly transmitted a sexually transmitted disease to her husband. If she had known, she would never have prepared this extravagant abalone feast for him.

Aware of Noah's fondness for abalone, she had intended to please him, but it had backfired, resulting in a harsh reprimand.

Noah channeled his sadness and anger into his meal, devouring more than ten large abalones single-handedly. Feeling dejected, he even emptied a bottle of liquor.

The previous homeowner had left a treasure trove of fine wines in the cellar, including red wine, white wine, and champagne. When the Weaver family acquired the house, they inherited this stash of fine beverages.

Noah fetched a bottle of Maotai from the cellar and consumed more than half a kilogram of it with Harold.

After indulging in food and drink to his heart's content, Noah retired to his bedroom, planning to take a nap.

However, as he lay down, an unsettling feeling washed over him.

What could be wrong?

The discomfort was concentrated in a particularly sensitive area – unbearable itchiness.

Seafood itself is inherently stimulating, and alcohol amplifies the effects. The combination proved to be too much for him.

Once the itching began, it was relentless, and he scratched with desperation, even to the point of drawing blood, but the torment persisted.

Unable to endure it any longer, he hastily left his bed, frantically searching for Madam Wilson.

Upon finding her, he implored, "Mom, can you lend me some money? I need to get to the hospital urgently."

Madam Wilson frowned, questioning, "What's wrong? Why do you need to visit the hospital? Do you realize it costs money?"

Madam Wilson had become increasingly prudent with money due to past hardships.

In agony, Noah replied, "I... I'm feeling extremely uncomfortable and need immediate medical attention."

Madam Wilson pressed for details, saying, "Explain precisely what's happening."

Feeling utterly embarrassed, Noah muttered, "It's... it's hard to discuss, Mom. Please, just give me some money for the hospital."

Madam Wilson was taken aback, "Have you contracted an ailment in that area?"

Noah hadn't anticipated his mother's immediate insight and replied sheepishly, "I'm not certain yet, but I want to go to the hospital for a check-up."

Madam Wilson's expression turned serious as she exclaimed, "Did you engage in any intimate activities with that Zoraida a few days ago?"

After a moment of hesitation, Noah nodded reluctantly, "Yes, at the Weaver's residence, I did have an encounter with her that day..."






Chapter 1172: "The Cold Case of the Eight Great Kings: Avalanche or Foul Play?"

Noah's voice grew quieter as he spoke, but the old lady still caught his drift.

Upon hearing this, the old lady became extremely anxious and said, "Oh dear! Zoraida was in the black coal mine, who knows who she was with. I suspect she not only got pregnant with someone else's child but might have contracted various diseases too! Let's go! I'll go with you to the hospital for a thorough checkup!"

Noah also pondered the possibility that he might have been infected by Zoraida, and he grew even more frustrated.

But regardless of his irritation, his top priority was to get to the hospital quickly to check for any illnesses.

So he quickly added, "Mom, I can't let you accompany me for something like this. Just give me the money, and I'll go on my own."

However, Madam Wilson was adamant and said, "No, if I don't go, I won't be at peace. Don't argue with me; we're going together, right now!"

With that, the old lady promptly got up and prepared to leave.

Noah reluctantly agreed and left home with his mother.

...

As Noah and Madam Wilson headed towards the hospital,

In the last surviving member of the Weaver family at Evergreen Mountain, an opportunity finally arose to infiltrate the local hospital's morgue.

He generously bribed the morgue's gatekeeper, who reluctantly granted him access.

He specifically requested to view the eight individuals who had perished in the Evergreen Mountain avalanche. The gatekeeper cautioned him, "You can see them, but be prepared. The condition of these eight bodies is extremely gruesome."

The Weaver family's agent nodded, and the gatekeeper proceeded to open the eight body cabinets.

When the body bags were unzipped, the Weaver family's agent was utterly stunned!

Despite the gruesome state of the Eight Great Kings' bodies, he could unmistakably identify them.

He swiftly took out his phone, captured images of the Eight Great Kings' remains, and forwarded them to Donald.

At that very moment, Donald was anxiously awaiting news in Suhang.

Although the Weaver family had mentally accepted the fact that the Eight Great Kings had perished, a glimmer of hope lingered.

Yet, with the arrival of these photos, all hope was shattered.

The Eight Great Kings were undeniably gone.

And they had met their end in an avalanche.

This reality was difficult to bear.

Sending eight elite experts, only for them to perish in an avalanche before encountering any foes—wasn't it utterly preposterous?

Elder Weaver was deeply affected by the news.

He had spent numerous years alongside the Eight Great Kings and had co-founded their venture. His connection to them ran deep. Now, with their sudden demise, he couldn't come to terms with it.

Xander, after scrutinizing the photos, not only felt shocked but also sensed something amiss.

He voiced his suspicions, "Dad, Grandpa, do you find the injuries on the Eight Great Kings strange? If they were trapped in a vehicle during an avalanche, their injuries should mostly result from crushing. However, upon closer inspection, it seems like they were subjected to physical harm!"

Zooming in on Master Raleigh's right arm in one of the photos, he added, "Look at Master Raleigh's right arm; it's severely injured. This doesn't appear to be solely from crushing!"

"And Iron Fist Lee, the King of Hell, his right arm displays similar injuries to Master Raleigh's, but the other individuals' right arms don't exhibit such damage. If they were all trapped in a car during an avalanche, their injuries should be more uniform, right?"

Elder Weaver and all the members of the Weaver family were left utterly stunned by this revelation.

With a trembling voice, Elder Weaver inquired, "Xander, are you suggesting that someone might have intentionally caused the demise of the Eight Great Kings?"






Chapter 1173 "Pillars of Prosperity Crumble: Weaver Family's Shifting Fate"

The Weaver family couldn't easily accept the news that the Eight Great Kings had met their demise at the hands of an unknown assailant. It hinted at a formidable, hidden adversary they hadn't anticipated.

However, identifying this enigmatic foe remained a baffling puzzle. Throughout the Weaver family's hierarchy, skepticism loomed regarding Charlie and his associates possessing the kind of power required to eliminate their trusted protectors.

Donald even speculated that the Eight Great Kings might have inadvertently crossed paths with a reclusive master from Evergreen Mountain during their visit, leading to the unfortunate outcome. The elderly head of the Weaver family found this theory plausible as well.

The news was a heavy blow, not only because the Eight Great Kings had been dear friends, but also because they were essential to the Weaver family's prosperity. With their sudden absence, it threatened to set off a significant upheaval among the prominent families in South Laverton region.

As anticipated, word of the Weaver family's decision to send the Eight Great Kings to Evergreen Mountain and their subsequent demise swiftly spread throughout South Laverton region. The influential heads of various families, each wielding their own power and influence, watched the Weaver family's misfortune from a distance, somewhat reveling in their predicament.

The Weaver family's rise in South Laverton region rested on two main pillars. Firstly, their old master had been a fearless and strategic entrepreneur in his youth, causing ripples in South Laverton region's business landscape and elevating the Weaver family to its present stature. Secondly, the Eight Great Kings themselves.

These eight formidable individuals had been the right-hand men of the Weaver family's old master, serving as a strategic deterrent against external threats. Each of them was a formidable force in their own right. Relying on the Eight Great Kings, the Weaver family had built an imposing reputation in South Laverton region, discouraging anyone from harboring ill intentions.

Without a doubt, had it not been for the Weaver family's considerable wealth and influence, others would have coveted their position long ago, eager to dismantle the Weaver family's dominance.

Now, with the Eight Great Kings lost in Evergreen Mountain, all the families in South Laverton region began to entertain such thoughts. Weaver's old master was bedridden, and the Eight Great Kings were no more. Who wouldn't be tempted to claim their piece of the pie?

In an instant, South Laverton region was in turmoil, and the balance of power in Suzhou-Hangzhou was shifting dramatically, thrusting the Weaver family into the center of a brewing storm.

...

On a different note, Noah and Madam Wilson arrived at Aurous Hill People's Hospital.

Upon arrival, they registered at the Men's Health department.

Noah couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. He was already in his forties or fifties, yet here he was, accompanied by his mother for a doctor's visit. It was truly a situation that made him blush.

However, Madam Wilson had always been a strong-willed woman. If she wanted information, she'd demand it, even if it meant making a scene.

Mother and son waited outside the examination room. As Noah endured the unbearable itching and discomfort, more than twenty minutes passed before his name was called.

So, Noah rose from his seat and said to Madam Wilson, "Mom, wait for me outside. I'll handle this on my own."

Madam Wilson promptly retorted, "No way, I'm coming in too!"

Noah's embarrassment was palpable as he responded, "Do people usually bring their mothers to a doctor's appointment for something like this?"

Undeterred, Madam Wilson clenched her teeth and declared, "Are you planning to hide this from me?"






Chapter 1174 "Noah's Awkward Checkup: Itchy Pants and Uncomfortable Truths"

Noah hurriedly addressed his mother, "Mom, I can't keep anything from you. It's just that when I go in, the doctor needs to examine me, and it's kind of embarrassing to do it in front of you. But don't worry, I'll share all the examination results with you, okay?"

Madam Wilson nodded firmly, saying, "You better show me all the examination results. I won't let you off the hook if you dare to hide anything from me!"

While reassuring his mother, Noah endured the discomfort and stepped into the examination room.

Inside the room, an older doctor was sitting at the computer when he entered. The doctor inquired, "What's bothering you today?"

Noah replied promptly, "Doctor, I've been experiencing an unbearable itch in that area, and I don't know what's causing it, so I thought you could take a look."

The doctor had seen similar cases before, so he nodded and instructed, "Please remove your pants."

Although Noah felt self-conscious, he complied and took off his pants.

After a brief examination, the doctor remarked, "Your condition appears quite serious. Have you visited certain places?"

Noah was deeply embarrassed. He hadn't visited any such establishments; he had simply been intimate with his wife as usual.

Yet, the doctor's words seemed to suggest that his wife, Zoraida, was comparable to women at such places.

However, all he could say to the doctor was, "Doctor, I haven't been to any of those places."

The doctor remained skeptical, as most men with a sexually transmitted disease would deny visiting such establishments.

So, the doctor calmly advised, "We're all human, and I understand that people make choices. At your age, occasional visits to such places are not uncommon. However, I have some advice for you."

Noah asked anxiously, "Please, Doctor, go ahead."

The doctor continued, "Firstly, when you do visit such places, always practice safe sex. Don't let a moment of pleasure lead to neglecting protection. Sometimes, condoms not only protect women but also men."

Noah nodded and replied, "I understand, thank you, Doctor. Is there anything else?"

The doctor added, "Furthermore, I recommend choosing larger, more reputable, and upscale establishments. While street-side options may be cheaper, they often carry a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases and germs. You might even risk contracting HIV. Considering your age, is it worth jeopardizing your health to save a little money?"

Noah was taken aback...

Did the doctor view Zoraida as no different from those women on the streets?

The doctor gave him a meaningful look and commented, "Look at your current situation. To save a bit of money, you've now contracted multiple illnesses, and the treatment alone will likely cost you thousands. Is it really worth the trouble?"

Noah was shocked and asked, "Doctor, what illnesses do I have? Can you determine something just from that quick examination?"

The doctor responded, "Based on my experience, you likely have both gonorrhea and syphilis, as the red spots on your body are quite distinctive. I've been in this profession for many years, and I rarely make mistakes."

Hearing about these two diseases, Noah felt his world collapsing, and he almost fainted.

He never imagined that Zoraida could have so many diseases!

The doctor continued, "I also suspect you have a severe inflammation in that area. If left untreated, it could pose risks to your prostate and reproductive system. As a precaution, I'll order some tests for you to complete as soon as possible. Once we have the results, we can determine the appropriate treatment for your specific condition."

With a sigh, the doctor added, "What concerns me the most, though, is HIV. Nowadays, the incubation period for HIV is quite long, and it's nearly impossible to detect with the naked eye. If you have contracted HIV, it would be a lifelong challenge."

Noah was on the verge of breaking down!

Since Zoraida's return, they had been intimate only once, and now he had contracted so many diseases.

If it weren't for Donald supporting her, he would return and confront her!




Chapter 1175 "Noah's Health Scare: When Mom's Concerns Take Priority"

Exiting the hospital room clutching a bunch of medical test request forms, Noah found himself approached by an elderly lady in a hurry. She asked, "What did the doctor say? How are you doing? Is it something serious?"

At first, Noah hesitated to share the news, but he realized she would want to see the examination reports eventually. So, reluctantly, he explained with a somber expression, "The doctor informed me that it's highly likely I've contracted gonorrhea, syphilis, and some inflammation. They can't rule out the possibility of HIV..."

Upon hearing this, the elderly lady's face turned fearful, and she instinctively took a few steps back.

Concerned, Noah moved closer to offer support.

Unexpectedly, the elderly lady waved her hands frantically and anxiously said, "Stay away from me, don't come near! HIV is deadly, and I haven't lived a full life yet..."

Noah's expression darkened as he realized his mother was afraid of contracting the disease from him.

His own mother was certainly practical!

With a sigh, he said, "Mom, in that case, please wait here for me. I'll go for the tests myself."

Madam Wilson quickly replied, "I'm feeling a bit tired, dear. I'll head home first. When the test results are ready, make sure to take photos and send them to my WeChat."

In truth, Madam Wilson wasn't tired; she was genuinely frightened. At her age, the thought of death terrified her the most. Anything related to death or anything that might shorten her life, she avoided at all costs.

Hearing that her eldest son might have HIV, her immediate concern wasn't for his well-being but for her own safety.

Noah understood his mother's nature. With a resigned sigh, he requested, "Alright, you can head back, but please transfer some money to me. I'll need it for the tests, and in case the doctor prescribes any medication, I'll need funds for that too."

As Madam Wilson walked away without looking back, she assured, "I'll transfer ten thousand dollars to you on WeChat right away. If it's not enough, just let me know."

And with that, she had already departed from the urology department.

Noah felt deeply frustrated. His mother's selfishness knew no bounds, regardless of the circumstances. She never ceased to "surprise" him.

But his immediate concern was confirming the extent of his illnesses.

Gonorrhea and syphilis were troublesome but manageable. As long as HIV was ruled out, he believed he could handle everything else.

If he did have HIV, he feared his life would be over, and he'd need to return home and settle things with Hongyan...

The entire afternoon was spent at the hospital, undergoing various tests. The final diagnosis closely matched the doctor's initial assessment.

Firstly, gonorrhea and syphilis were confirmed.

Secondly, he had a severe case of urethritis.

In addition, there were some ulcers and pus.

Fortunately, HIV was ruled out.

The doctor promptly devised a treatment plan, commencing with a 14-day first-stage treatment cycle.

 

[Bladeheart Ronin]

Chapter 1171: "The Uncomfortable Price of Abalone and Alcohol"

As Noah hurled insults at Zoraida, she found herself overwhelmed with embarrassment and anger. Deep down, she longed for a peaceful family life, hoping that someday, Noah would accept her more willingly.

Regrettably, Noah's disdain for Zoraida ran deep, even though he had a soft spot for abalone. With a mouthful of abalone, he coldly remarked, "A woman like you, who doesn't respect decorum, should stick to the role of a servant in this house!"

Zoraida felt powerless, so she quietly continued eating her noodles without uttering a word.

At that moment, Zoraida had no idea that she had unknowingly transmitted a sexually transmitted disease to her husband. If she had known, she would never have prepared this extravagant abalone feast for him.

Aware of Noah's fondness for abalone, she had intended to please him, but it had backfired, resulting in a harsh reprimand.

Noah channeled his sadness and anger into his meal, devouring more than ten large abalones single-handedly. Feeling dejected, he even emptied a bottle of liquor.

The previous homeowner had left a treasure trove of fine wines in the cellar, including red wine, white wine, and champagne. When the Weaver family acquired the house, they inherited this stash of fine beverages.

Noah fetched a bottle of Maotai from the cellar and consumed more than half a kilogram of it with Harold.

After indulging in food and drink to his heart's content, Noah retired to his bedroom, planning to take a nap.

However, as he lay down, an unsettling feeling washed over him.

What could be wrong?

The discomfort was concentrated in a particularly sensitive area – unbearable itchiness.

Seafood itself is inherently stimulating, and alcohol amplifies the effects. The combination proved to be too much for him.

Once the itching began, it was relentless, and he scratched with desperation, even to the point of drawing blood, but the torment persisted.

Unable to endure it any longer, he hastily left his bed, frantically searching for Madam Wilson.

Upon finding her, he implored, "Mom, can you lend me some money? I need to get to the hospital urgently."

Madam Wilson frowned, questioning, "What's wrong? Why do you need to visit the hospital? Do you realize it costs money?"

Madam Wilson had become increasingly prudent with money due to past hardships.

In agony, Noah replied, "I... I'm feeling extremely uncomfortable and need immediate medical attention."

Madam Wilson pressed for details, saying, "Explain precisely what's happening."

Feeling utterly embarrassed, Noah muttered, "It's... it's hard to discuss, Mom. Please, just give me some money for the hospital."

Madam Wilson was taken aback, "Have you contracted an ailment in that area?"

Noah hadn't anticipated his mother's immediate insight and replied sheepishly, "I'm not certain yet, but I want to go to the hospital for a check-up."

Madam Wilson's expression turned serious as she exclaimed, "Did you engage in any intimate activities with that Zoraida a few days ago?"

After a moment of hesitation, Noah nodded reluctantly, "Yes, at the Weaver's residence, I did have an encounter with her that day..."






Chapter 1172: "The Cold Case of the Eight Great Kings: Avalanche or Foul Play?"

Noah's voice grew quieter as he spoke, but the old lady still caught his drift.

Upon hearing this, the old lady became extremely anxious and said, "Oh dear! Zoraida was in the black coal mine, who knows who she was with. I suspect she not only got pregnant with someone else's child but might have contracted various diseases too! Let's go! I'll go with you to the hospital for a thorough checkup!"

Noah also pondered the possibility that he might have been infected by Zoraida, and he grew even more frustrated.

But regardless of his irritation, his top priority was to get to the hospital quickly to check for any illnesses.

So he quickly added, "Mom, I can't let you accompany me for something like this. Just give me the money, and I'll go on my own."

However, Madam Wilson was adamant and said, "No, if I don't go, I won't be at peace. Don't argue with me; we're going together, right now!"

With that, the old lady promptly got up and prepared to leave.

Noah reluctantly agreed and left home with his mother.

...

As Noah and Madam Wilson headed towards the hospital,

In the last surviving member of the Weaver family at Evergreen Mountain, an opportunity finally arose to infiltrate the local hospital's morgue.

He generously bribed the morgue's gatekeeper, who reluctantly granted him access.

He specifically requested to view the eight individuals who had perished in the Evergreen Mountain avalanche. The gatekeeper cautioned him, "You can see them, but be prepared. The condition of these eight bodies is extremely gruesome."

The Weaver family's agent nodded, and the gatekeeper proceeded to open the eight body cabinets.

When the body bags were unzipped, the Weaver family's agent was utterly stunned!

Despite the gruesome state of the Eight Great Kings' bodies, he could unmistakably identify them.

He swiftly took out his phone, captured images of the Eight Great Kings' remains, and forwarded them to Donald.

At that very moment, Donald was anxiously awaiting news in Suhang.

Although the Weaver family had mentally accepted the fact that the Eight Great Kings had perished, a glimmer of hope lingered.

Yet, with the arrival of these photos, all hope was shattered.

The Eight Great Kings were undeniably gone.

And they had met their end in an avalanche.

This reality was difficult to bear.

Sending eight elite experts, only for them to perish in an avalanche before encountering any foes—wasn't it utterly preposterous?

Elder Weaver was deeply affected by the news.

He had spent numerous years alongside the Eight Great Kings and had co-founded their venture. His connection to them ran deep. Now, with their sudden demise, he couldn't come to terms with it.

Xander, after scrutinizing the photos, not only felt shocked but also sensed something amiss.

He voiced his suspicions, "Dad, Grandpa, do you find the injuries on the Eight Great Kings strange? If they were trapped in a vehicle during an avalanche, their injuries should mostly result from crushing. However, upon closer inspection, it seems like they were subjected to physical harm!"

Zooming in on Master Raleigh's right arm in one of the photos, he added, "Look at Master Raleigh's right arm; it's severely injured. This doesn't appear to be solely from crushing!"

"And Iron Fist Lee, the King of Hell, his right arm displays similar injuries to Master Raleigh's, but the other individuals' right arms don't exhibit such damage. If they were all trapped in a car during an avalanche, their injuries should be more uniform, right?"

Elder Weaver and all the members of the Weaver family were left utterly stunned by this revelation.

With a trembling voice, Elder Weaver inquired, "Xander, are you suggesting that someone might have intentionally caused the demise of the Eight Great Kings?"






Chapter 1173 "Pillars of Prosperity Crumble: Weaver Family's Shifting Fate"

The Weaver family couldn't easily accept the news that the Eight Great Kings had met their demise at the hands of an unknown assailant. It hinted at a formidable, hidden adversary they hadn't anticipated.

However, identifying this enigmatic foe remained a baffling puzzle. Throughout the Weaver family's hierarchy, skepticism loomed regarding Charlie and his associates possessing the kind of power required to eliminate their trusted protectors.

Donald even speculated that the Eight Great Kings might have inadvertently crossed paths with a reclusive master from Evergreen Mountain during their visit, leading to the unfortunate outcome. The elderly head of the Weaver family found this theory plausible as well.

The news was a heavy blow, not only because the Eight Great Kings had been dear friends, but also because they were essential to the Weaver family's prosperity. With their sudden absence, it threatened to set off a significant upheaval among the prominent families in South Laverton region.

As anticipated, word of the Weaver family's decision to send the Eight Great Kings to Evergreen Mountain and their subsequent demise swiftly spread throughout South Laverton region. The influential heads of various families, each wielding their own power and influence, watched the Weaver family's misfortune from a distance, somewhat reveling in their predicament.

The Weaver family's rise in South Laverton region rested on two main pillars. Firstly, their old master had been a fearless and strategic entrepreneur in his youth, causing ripples in South Laverton region's business landscape and elevating the Weaver family to its present stature. Secondly, the Eight Great Kings themselves.

These eight formidable individuals had been the right-hand men of the Weaver family's old master, serving as a strategic deterrent against external threats. Each of them was a formidable force in their own right. Relying on the Eight Great Kings, the Weaver family had built an imposing reputation in South Laverton region, discouraging anyone from harboring ill intentions.

Without a doubt, had it not been for the Weaver family's considerable wealth and influence, others would have coveted their position long ago, eager to dismantle the Weaver family's dominance.

Now, with the Eight Great Kings lost in Evergreen Mountain, all the families in South Laverton region began to entertain such thoughts. Weaver's old master was bedridden, and the Eight Great Kings were no more. Who wouldn't be tempted to claim their piece of the pie?

In an instant, South Laverton region was in turmoil, and the balance of power in Suzhou-Hangzhou was shifting dramatically, thrusting the Weaver family into the center of a brewing storm.

...

On a different note, Noah and Madam Wilson arrived at Aurous Hill People's Hospital.

Upon arrival, they registered at the Men's Health department.

Noah couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. He was already in his forties or fifties, yet here he was, accompanied by his mother for a doctor's visit. It was truly a situation that made him blush.

However, Madam Wilson had always been a strong-willed woman. If she wanted information, she'd demand it, even if it meant making a scene.

Mother and son waited outside the examination room. As Noah endured the unbearable itching and discomfort, more than twenty minutes passed before his name was called.

So, Noah rose from his seat and said to Madam Wilson, "Mom, wait for me outside. I'll handle this on my own."

Madam Wilson promptly retorted, "No way, I'm coming in too!"

Noah's embarrassment was palpable as he responded, "Do people usually bring their mothers to a doctor's appointment for something like this?"

Undeterred, Madam Wilson clenched her teeth and declared, "Are you planning to hide this from me?"






Chapter 1174 "Noah's Awkward Checkup: Itchy Pants and Uncomfortable Truths"

Noah hurriedly addressed his mother, "Mom, I can't keep anything from you. It's just that when I go in, the doctor needs to examine me, and it's kind of embarrassing to do it in front of you. But don't worry, I'll share all the examination results with you, okay?"

Madam Wilson nodded firmly, saying, "You better show me all the examination results. I won't let you off the hook if you dare to hide anything from me!"

While reassuring his mother, Noah endured the discomfort and stepped into the examination room.

Inside the room, an older doctor was sitting at the computer when he entered. The doctor inquired, "What's bothering you today?"

Noah replied promptly, "Doctor, I've been experiencing an unbearable itch in that area, and I don't know what's causing it, so I thought you could take a look."

The doctor had seen similar cases before, so he nodded and instructed, "Please remove your pants."

Although Noah felt self-conscious, he complied and took off his pants.

After a brief examination, the doctor remarked, "Your condition appears quite serious. Have you visited certain places?"

Noah was deeply embarrassed. He hadn't visited any such establishments; he had simply been intimate with his wife as usual.

Yet, the doctor's words seemed to suggest that his wife, Zoraida, was comparable to women at such places.

However, all he could say to the doctor was, "Doctor, I haven't been to any of those places."

The doctor remained skeptical, as most men with a sexually transmitted disease would deny visiting such establishments.

So, the doctor calmly advised, "We're all human, and I understand that people make choices. At your age, occasional visits to such places are not uncommon. However, I have some advice for you."

Noah asked anxiously, "Please, Doctor, go ahead."

The doctor continued, "Firstly, when you do visit such places, always practice safe sex. Don't let a moment of pleasure lead to neglecting protection. Sometimes, condoms not only protect women but also men."

Noah nodded and replied, "I understand, thank you, Doctor. Is there anything else?"

The doctor added, "Furthermore, I recommend choosing larger, more reputable, and upscale establishments. While street-side options may be cheaper, they often carry a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases and germs. You might even risk contracting HIV. Considering your age, is it worth jeopardizing your health to save a little money?"

Noah was taken aback...

Did the doctor view Zoraida as no different from those women on the streets?

The doctor gave him a meaningful look and commented, "Look at your current situation. To save a bit of money, you've now contracted multiple illnesses, and the treatment alone will likely cost you thousands. Is it really worth the trouble?"

Noah was shocked and asked, "Doctor, what illnesses do I have? Can you determine something just from that quick examination?"

The doctor responded, "Based on my experience, you likely have both gonorrhea and syphilis, as the red spots on your body are quite distinctive. I've been in this profession for many years, and I rarely make mistakes."

Hearing about these two diseases, Noah felt his world collapsing, and he almost fainted.

He never imagined that Zoraida could have so many diseases!

The doctor continued, "I also suspect you have a severe inflammation in that area. If left untreated, it could pose risks to your prostate and reproductive system. As a precaution, I'll order some tests for you to complete as soon as possible. Once we have the results, we can determine the appropriate treatment for your specific condition."

With a sigh, the doctor added, "What concerns me the most, though, is HIV. Nowadays, the incubation period for HIV is quite long, and it's nearly impossible to detect with the naked eye. If you have contracted HIV, it would be a lifelong challenge."

Noah was on the verge of breaking down!

Since Zoraida's return, they had been intimate only once, and now he had contracted so many diseases.

If it weren't for Donald supporting her, he would return and confront her!




Chapter 1175 "Noah's Health Scare: When Mom's Concerns Take Priority"

Exiting the hospital room clutching a bunch of medical test request forms, Noah found himself approached by an elderly lady in a hurry. She asked, "What did the doctor say? How are you doing? Is it something serious?"

At first, Noah hesitated to share the news, but he realized she would want to see the examination reports eventually. So, reluctantly, he explained with a somber expression, "The doctor informed me that it's highly likely I've contracted gonorrhea, syphilis, and some inflammation. They can't rule out the possibility of HIV..."

Upon hearing this, the elderly lady's face turned fearful, and she instinctively took a few steps back.

Concerned, Noah moved closer to offer support.

Unexpectedly, the elderly lady waved her hands frantically and anxiously said, "Stay away from me, don't come near! HIV is deadly, and I haven't lived a full life yet..."

Noah's expression darkened as he realized his mother was afraid of contracting the disease from him.

His own mother was certainly practical!

With a sigh, he said, "Mom, in that case, please wait here for me. I'll go for the tests myself."

Madam Wilson quickly replied, "I'm feeling a bit tired, dear. I'll head home first. When the test results are ready, make sure to take photos and send them to my WeChat."

In truth, Madam Wilson wasn't tired; she was genuinely frightened. At her age, the thought of death terrified her the most. Anything related to death or anything that might shorten her life, she avoided at all costs.

Hearing that her eldest son might have HIV, her immediate concern wasn't for his well-being but for her own safety.

Noah understood his mother's nature. With a resigned sigh, he requested, "Alright, you can head back, but please transfer some money to me. I'll need it for the tests, and in case the doctor prescribes any medication, I'll need funds for that too."

As Madam Wilson walked away without looking back, she assured, "I'll transfer ten thousand dollars to you on WeChat right away. If it's not enough, just let me know."

And with that, she had already departed from the urology department.

Noah felt deeply frustrated. His mother's selfishness knew no bounds, regardless of the circumstances. She never ceased to "surprise" him.

But his immediate concern was confirming the extent of his illnesses.

Gonorrhea and syphilis were troublesome but manageable. As long as HIV was ruled out, he believed he could handle everything else.

If he did have HIV, he feared his life would be over, and he'd need to return home and settle things with Hongyan...

The entire afternoon was spent at the hospital, undergoing various tests. The final diagnosis closely matched the doctor's initial assessment.

Firstly, gonorrhea and syphilis were confirmed.

Secondly, he had a severe case of urethritis.

In addition, there were some ulcers and pus.

Fortunately, HIV was ruled out.

The doctor promptly devised a treatment plan, commencing with a 14-day first-stage treatment cycle.

That's like adding salt to the wound inflicted by Zoraida. I feel for you, uncle Noah!!.

 

[Prosper]

Chapter 1166: "Hats Off to Elaine: A Malicious Mockery Unveiled"

Zoraida couldn't help but be indifferent to the situation unfolding before her. She did harbor some anger towards Noah for his heartlessness, but underneath it all, she carried a heavy burden of guilt.

After all, she had committed the ultimate betrayal by cheating on him. She was currently carrying another man's child, and the thought of aborting it weighed on her. It was only natural for Noah to feel irritated upon seeing her.

At that moment, Noah had just woken up.

Ever since leaving the hospital, he had been experiencing some lingering side effects, mainly fatigue and an overwhelming sense of drowsiness.

Despite not having had enough rest, an intense itchiness in his groin kept disturbing him, jolting him awake as he scratched at it.

The itching was peculiar; it would start off mildly and then escalate to unbearable levels, especially when scratched vigorously.

As a person who always maintained good personal hygiene, he couldn't fathom what could be causing this discomfort.

Lost in his thoughts, he got out of bed.

Feeling lightheaded, he made his way to the balcony for some fresh air.

Living in a villa had its perks, such as privacy. The neighbors were far enough away, and with no tall buildings nearby, he didn't have to worry about being spotted in his underwear.

However, the itching persisted, even worsening as he stretched on the balcony.

Despite scratching vigorously, there was no relief in sight. Frustrated, he was about to head to the bathroom to investigate further when something on Charlie's balcony across from his caught his eye.

Upon closer inspection, his anger flared.

Though some distance away, he could unmistakably see about twenty different green hats fluttering in the breeze on Charlie's balcony.

Twenty green hats - what could this mean?!

(NOTE from the translator: In Chinese culture, "wearing a green hat" (戴绿帽子, dài lǜ màozi) is a symbolic expression for a man whose partner is cheating on him. It signifies infidelity and is used to mock or shame individuals in such situations, with green traditionally associated with unfaithfulness or jealousy.)

And they were all facing his house, an unmistakable taunt directed at him.

It was a brazen display, a clear mockery of him being cuckolded by Zoraida.

Enraged, Noah clenched his fists so tightly that his nails nearly pierced his skin.

He knew in an instant that this malicious act could only be the handiwork of Elaine.

He yearned to grab Elaine by the hair and repeatedly smack her ugly face.

With this thought firmly in his mind, he hurriedly got dressed and stormed out of the building.

Meanwhile, Madam Wilson was lounging in the yard, soaking up the sun in a luxurious master chair, savoring the opulence of life in the upscale Thomson Elite residential area.

Other than the bothersome neighbors, everything was perfect.

She briefly considered pilfering some vegetables from Charlie's garden again but quickly thought better of it. The Wade family had a reputation for deceit, and she was worried they might have tampered with the produce, possibly using pesticides.

She couldn't forget the last time they had substituted daffodils for chives, which had landed an entire family in the hospital - an unforgettable ordeal.

As she enjoyed her moment in the sun, she spotted her son, Noah, storming out. Concerned, she called out, "Noah, where are you off to?"

Noah, his expression dark, replied, "I'm going to confront that woman, Elaine!"






Chapter 1167: "Verbal Jousting: Elaine's Sharp Tongue vs. Noah's Rage"

Madam Wilson found herself a bit perplexed as she couldn't quite fathom why her son, Noah, was so determined to confront Elaine first thing after waking up. She hurriedly trailed behind him and inquired, "Noah, why do you want to speak with Elaine?"

Noah, his temper flaring, retorted, "That shameless woman, Elaine! She hung dozens of green hats on her villa's balcony. Isn't this a clear provocation directed at me?"

Madam Wilson's face shifted to one of shock as she exclaimed, "Really? Did something like that happen?"

Noah clenched his fists and replied with frustration, "You should come and see for yourself."

So, mother and son set out together.

As soon as they stepped outside, Madam Wilson caught sight of the twenty green hats swaying in the breeze on Elaine's balcony.

The sight left her seething with anger.

Unable to contain her fury, she burst out, "That despicable Elaine! She must have seen the video from our hospital and is deliberately trying to disgust us!"

Noah nodded, his teeth gritted in anger. "Yes, mother, I've had enough of her! It's unbearable!"

With their anger fueling them, mother and son reached Charlie's villa and Madam Wilson began pounding on the door, yelling, "Elaine, you wretch, open the door right now!"

Upon hearing the shouts, Elaine promptly appeared on the third-floor balcony and taunted, "Oh, the old hag has come to create a scene instead of looking after her pregnant daughter-in-law?"

The mention of Zoraida's pregnancy caught the mother and son off guard.

Their expressions soured instantly.

After all, it's a commonly held belief that family matters should remain private, and no one wants outsiders to bring up their family's vulnerabilities.

Noah was particularly incensed.

When Elaine mentioned Zoraida's pregnancy, he erupted in anger, "Elaine, you wicked woman, stop spreading falsehoods, or I swear I'll silence you!"

Elaine sneered, "Oh, big brother, I didn't expect you to be so capable, threatening to silence me?"

With a mocking tone, she added, "If you're truly capable, why don't you confront the man who betrayed you and impregnated your wife? What's the use of arguing with an old lady like me?"

Noah was left speechless, his face contorted in frustration.

While he may not have been a paragon of virtue, when it came to verbal sparring, he was no match for Elaine.

Capitalizing on her sharp tongue, Elaine effortlessly outmaneuvered him.

Seeing Noah at a loss for words, Elaine continued to mock, "Oh, dear big brother, I genuinely sympathize with you. There's nothing more pitiful for a man than being cheated on, and to think that you've been deceived so thoroughly, with your wife becoming pregnant, turning you into an expectant father. If I were you, I'd have divorced her a long time ago!"

Elaine's words struck a raw nerve with Noah.

He had long harbored a desire to expel Zoraida from their lives, never wanting to lay eyes on that deceitful woman again.






Chapter 1168: "Dancing in Defiance: Elaine's Balcony Performance"

Despite Zoraida's connection with Donald and the fear Weaver inspired in everyone, no one dared to provoke or go against his wishes. Thus, even though Zoraida had, in a sense, betrayed him through infidelity, Noah couldn't bring himself to divorce her.

It was a tragic circumstance for a man to be cuckolded and still find himself unable to end his marriage. It was like a personal tragedy, and regrettably, it had become his reality.

Now, with Elaine's blunt words, Noah felt an overwhelming sense of shame. It was as if he had been slapped in the face a thousand times over.

Madam Wilson was equally incensed. Throughout her life, she had taken pride in the impeccable reputation of the Wilson family, and she couldn't bear to witness it tarnished.

Initially, when Wendy had accompanied Joaquin Wilson, it had sparked some gossip. However, at that time, the old lady had been powerless to intervene, and society was no stranger to young women being involved with affluent men. Though people might have chuckled, it had passed without significant scandal.

But this time, the disgrace brought about by Zoraida was different. She had thoroughly shamed the Wilson family.

What was worse, a video of the incident had been shared online, turning the Wilson family into a laughingstock in Aurous Hill.

Regardless of the circumstances, the old lady couldn't tolerate Elaine, a woman devoid of shame, ridiculing her!

Enraged, Madam Wilson pointed her finger at Elaine and admonished, "Elaine, you had better remove those symbols of cuckoldry, or don't blame me for taking drastic measures!"

"Oh!" Elaine scoffed, "I purchased these symbols with my own money. In my own home, I can hang them wherever I please. Who do you think you are to give me orders? Do you still believe you're the old lady Wilson? Inside my residence, you hold no authority to dictate anything to me!"

Then, changing her tone, Elaine issued a warning, "You're not even allowed to enter my house! If you continue causing a scene out here, I'll call the police and have you arrested once more!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Wilson trembled with anger.

But both of them were furious and yet powerless.

They couldn't force their way inside.

Breaking in would be illegal, and summoning the police would likely result in their own detainment. It was a situation with no clear solution.

At this impasse, Elaine donned an oversized green hat (a symbol of cuckoldry), grinning, "Oh, dear big brother, look at how green and festive this hat is! Isn't it greener than the leeks you had the other day?"

As she spoke, Elaine playfully danced on the balcony, despite her still-healing leg, managing a few dance moves.

This further infuriated Noah!

In that moment, Noah was on the brink of losing control, wishing he could somehow obliterate Elaine on the balcony with a rocket launcher.

"Elaine, you wretched woman, are you playing this game with me? Do you understand the consequences of provoking me?"

Elaine replied with a cheerful tone, "Your wife was impregnated by another man, and he's doing just fine, isn't he? So what consequences could there possibly be for me from just a few words? Hahaha!"

Enraged, Noah made a threat, "Elaine! I swear, one day I'll deal with you!"

As Noah fumed, Elaine tossed the green hat into the air, and it floated down towards him. He stepped back, narrowly avoiding it as the hat landed on the ground.

Elaine clapped and laughed heartily, "See, big brother, the hat recognizes you! It was headed right for your head. If you hadn't dodged, it would have landed directly on you!"






Chapter 1169: "Balcony Battles Continued: Noah vs. Elaine, Round Two"

Noah was seething with rage, utterly beside himself.

He jumped up and down, hurling curses at Elaine, "Elaine, you wretched woman, do you have a death wish?"

In response to his outburst, Elaine burst into laughter, remarking, "Big brother, don't get so angry. I spent several hundred dollars on these green hats, all just for you."

She somehow produced a green Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toy and continued, "Look at this Ninja Turtle, big brother. Doesn't it bear a striking resemblance to you? It's not only green on the head, but it's also remarkably resilient, just like a perfect reflection of you, haha..."

Noah was on the brink of losing his mind, trembling with anger, his voice quivering as he muttered, "You despicable person, why don't you just go to hell? Your immorality is bound to lead you there."

Elaine chuckled and retorted, "Big brother, I'm generously gifting you all these hats, and you're cursing me to go to hell? Aren't you being ungrateful? But I, Elaine, am magnanimous and won't stoop to your level. You can have all these twenty-plus green hats, to wear a different one each day for the next twenty days."

At his wit's end, Noah gritted his teeth and said, "Just wait, Elaine. I'm calling the property management right now to report you!"

He promptly dialed the Thomson Elite villas' property management number, urgently stating, "I am the owner of unit A04. I need to report the owner of A05 for hanging indecent items on their balcony. Please address this matter immediately!"

In a short while, an electric vehicle from the property management arrived.

Four property management staff disembarked from the vehicle, inquiring, "Did you make the complaint call?"

Noah blurted out, "Yes, it was me. I'm lodging a complaint about the woman upstairs. Take a look at what she's hung on her balcony!"

Elaine coldly retorted, "How can you interfere with what I hang on my own balcony?"

After inspecting the situation, the property staff reluctantly explained, "Sir, a homeowner's balcony is considered their private space. In theory, we can't intervene in what they choose to display, unless it's illegal. Hanging hats doesn't fall under that category; it's within their rights."

"No consideration for my rights!" Noah seethed, whirling around in anger.

If these twenty green hats continued to hang there day and night, he was sure Elaine would drive him to the brink of madness.

The property management staff, bearing the brunt of his frustration, couldn't hide their displeasure but still responded courteously, "I apologize, sir, but this matter falls outside the scope of our property management."

With that, they re-entered their electric car and drove away.

Elaine erupted into even louder laughter from the balcony, taunting, "Hahaha, Noah, you've run out of options now. Let me tell you, these green hats will keep swaying in the breeze. And tomorrow, I'll buy another twenty to hang up, so every morning when you wake up, you'll be greeted by a multitude of green hats fluttering in the wind!"

"You... you... you..." Noah was so enraged that he was on the verge of bursting a blood vessel.

At that moment, Charlie and Claire arrived on the second-floor balcony and peered over, quickly grasping the situation. They exchanged helpless glances and sighed.

Claire couldn't help but express her dismay, "Charlie, do you think Mom is taking things too far?"

Charlie offered a faint smile and replied, "It's not so much about right or wrong. Haven't they treated us terribly before?"

"When they learned about our difficulties, they relentlessly mocked us."

"Remember how they ridiculed us at the Thomson Elite sales office?"

"And when you launched your studio, didn't they come to scorn us as well?"







Chapter 1170: "Karma Café: Serving Revenge with a Side of Abalone"

Claire nodded in agreement with her husband, Charlie, and commented, "Considering how they treated us in the past, maybe this is just karma catching up with them. It's a taste of their own medicine, after all."

Noah and Madam Wilson were utterly incensed by Elaine, but they found themselves powerless to counter her actions. Fuming, they turned away in frustration.

As he walked away, Noah muttered curses under his breath, "That damned Elaine, I swear if I ever get the chance, I'll make her pay!"

Madam Wilson, still seething with anger, declared, "Let's put Elaine aside for now. Tomorrow, take Zoraida, that vile woman, and get rid of the illegitimate child growing inside her. This is the greatest shame our Wilson family has endured in a century!"

Noah, filled with bitterness, clenched his teeth and vowed, "Don't worry, Mom, I'll accompany her tomorrow!"

Back at their home, Harold and Wendy had just awakened and were in the living room, eagerly anticipating a meal prepared by Zoraida.

Zoraida, having some money left from selling the coffee machine, aimed to ease the family tension today. She had purchased a generous quantity of fresh abalone, intending to create a lavish abalone feast for the family.

The abalone alone cost several thousand dollars, making it a significant expenditure for Zoraida.

Upon seeing the abalone she had procured, Madam Wilson's initial reaction was one of delight, looking forward to the sumptuous meal ahead.

However, she couldn't help but question Zoraida, "Where did you get the money for these abalones?"

Zoraida fabricated a story, saying, "A friend of mine owed me some money from a card game a while back and hadn't paid me back. Times have been tough, so I finally asked her to settle the debt."

Madam Wilson nodded, her tone frosty as she said, "Transfer the remaining funds to my WeChat account. From now on, I'll oversee all finances in this household, including Mr. Weaver's investment in our Wilson Group. Anyone concealing personal funds behind my back, I'm afraid you'll have to leave this house!"

Zoraida promptly replied with a smile, "Of course, Mom, I'll transfer all the remaining money to you. I won't keep a single cent for myself!"

Satisfied with her response, Madam Wilson turned to Noah and issued a stern warning, "Noah, you hid over ten million dollars in personal funds and refused to hand it over to me. In the end, that money went to waste. Therefore, from this point forward, if you dare to hide any personal funds again, don't blame me for taking drastic measures. Do you understand?"

Noah could only nod and reply respectfully, "I understand, Mom. Rest assured, I won't conceal any personal funds anymore!"

Content with his acknowledgment, Madam Wilson nodded. It appeared that this crisis had solidified her position as the family's authority figure.

Soon, Zoraida presented an array of abalone dishes, each featuring the delicacy in various preparations.

There were dishes like steamed abalone with vermicelli, braised abalone, abalone sashimi, and abalone soup. The quality ingredients made each dish truly delicious.

However, at the dining table, Zoraida herself refrained from partaking in any of the abalone dishes.

She opted for a plain bowl of Yangchun noodles with egg instead and avoided the seafood entirely.

Wendy, puzzled by her mother's behavior, asked, "Mom, why aren't you enjoying the abalone? You put in so much effort to prepare all these dishes, so why aren't you eating any?"

Unwilling to reveal her true reasons, Zoraida replied, "I've had an upset stomach these past few days, so I can't eat seafood."

Noah, still reeling from his confrontation with Elaine, glared at her and coldly remarked, "You want to enjoy seafood? You don't deserve it! What's the point of having seafood? It's just nourishing that illegitimate child growing inside you, isn't it?"

This Elaine will never change. The Wilson family too deserve everything they are going through.

 

[Bladeheart Ronin]

Zoraida has never ending punishment.

Suits her...

 

[rakak2000]

Assume If Elaine is in our life, where we will be heading

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

Chapter 1176: "Noah's Nightmare: The Unbearable Itch and the Abalone Affair"

Starting today, for the next two weeks, Noah faced a daily routine of visiting the hospital for intravenous treatment. Each day, he had to endure the administration of five to six bottles of medicine.

With an urgent tone, Noah asked the doctor, "Doctor, can the medication you're giving me today at least alleviate this unbearable itching? I'm not hiding it; I'm itching like crazy, and it's driving me mad. I can't figure out what's causing it, and the more I scratch, the worse it gets."

The doctor reassured him, saying, "This condition tends to be intensely itchy by nature. It's already ulcerated, filled with pus, and inflamed, especially in a sensitive area, making the itching unbearable. But don't worry; once we administer today's medication, it should provide some relief."

The doctor added, "From now on, you must strictly avoid seafood, spicy food, alcohol, and smoking. Otherwise, it could significantly worsen your condition."

Hearing this, Noah anxiously admitted, "Doctor, I had over a dozen or maybe twenty abalones for lunch today, and I also had half a jin of Maotai liquor. Is that going to be a problem?"

With a stern expression, the doctor replied, "Are you trying to harm yourself? These are all triggers for your condition. You shouldn't have consumed seafood, let alone alcohol. Do you understand the seriousness of this?"

Noah, looking mournful, said, "I had no idea. If I had known about this illness, I wouldn't have dared to eat or drink any of that."

The doctor sighed and said, "I'm sorry, but we can't proceed with treatment today. You should return home."

Noah became anxious and pleaded, "Doctor, why can't we start treatment today? I'm itching uncontrollably, and it's unbearable. Can't you provide any relief today?"

Shaking his head, the doctor explained, "Treating your condition requires a substantial dose of antibiotics, but you've been drinking. We can't administer antibiotics while alcohol is in your system; it can have life-threatening consequences due to a disulfiram-like reaction. Do you want to endure another day of itching, or do you want to address it today?"

Tears welled up in Noah's eyes. His agony felt like a death sentence.

He implored, "Doctor, please, can you give me something to ease the itching? I can't take it any longer..."

The doctor sighed once more and conceded, "Alright, I'll prescribe a soothing solution for you to use at home. It should provide some relief from the itching."

He emphasized, "Remember, never scratch the affected area because it's already damaged. Scratching could worsen it, and the pus and blood contain bacteria that could lead to infection, making your condition worse. If the ulceration spreads, you might develop sepsis, which could be life-threatening."

Noah wiped away a tear and said, "This is a true nightmare... Everything was fine, and now I'm faced with this..."

The doctor empathized and said, "Ultimately, it comes down to personal hygiene, and you must be extra cautious in that regard. Avoid situations where you might encounter risks."

Noah nodded, refraining from explaining how he contracted the illness.

The doctor inquired, "By the way, you should be married at your age, right?"

Noah confirmed this.

The doctor advised, "In that case, bring your spouse for a check-up. This condition is highly contagious, and if you have it, you could easily transmit it to your partner."

Noah's anguish deepened, and anger welled up inside him.

Did I infect her?

No, it was her who infected me with all of this!

That woman, she'll pay when I get back!







Chapter 1177: "The Crab Dinner's Bitter Aftertaste"

Noah endured an itching sensation as he hurried back home. Zoraida, his partner, was in the midst of preparing dinner upon his return.

Around noon, Zoraida had noticed that Noah had a deep appreciation for the abalone she had cooked earlier. Determined to please him, she made a trip to the market in the afternoon, while Noah was out with his elderly mother.

On this occasion, she purchased a large Emperor Crab, knowing it was his absolute favorite due to its size and delicious meat. However, these crabs didn't come cheap, and the one she bought exceeded two thousand dollars.

Money was already tight for Zoraida, as she had given most of it to her elderly mother. However, she devised a plan. She discreetly took a high-end imported food processor from the kitchen and retrieved two bottles of Maotai liquor from the underground wine cellar, which she sold for twenty thousand dollars.

With this surplus money, Zoraida had her own agenda in mind. She decided not to disclose it to her elderly mother and intended to use it for a hospital visit tomorrow, planning an abortion and treatment for her own venereal disease.

Upon the return of the elderly mother, there was no opportunity to settle accounts with Zoraida. She had purchased a significant amount of disinfectant and immediately began sterilizing every nook and cranny, including the hallway, bathroom, and terrace.

Even after receiving Noah's test results, confirming that he didn't have AIDS, the elderly mother continued to clean and disinfect, her anxiety urging her to ensure absolute sanitation.

In the midst of this, Noah entered the house with a somber expression.

Upon stepping inside, he was greeted by the pungent aroma of crab.

Confused, he couldn't help but think, "This woman deceived me earlier today, and now she wants to serve me seafood and white wine in the evening!"

His grievances over her potentially infecting him with a disease were still unresolved.

With these thoughts racing through his mind, Noah swiftly advanced and delivered a harsh slap across Zoraida's face, causing her to tumble to the ground.

Before Zoraida could react, Noah straddled her, his anger propelling him to deliver a barrage of slaps. His hand landed mercilessly, each blow raining down upon her.

Zoraida cried out in pain, and the entire villa resonated with her agonizing cries, resembling a grim scene.

Harold and Wendy emerged from their respective rooms, rushing to intervene as they witnessed their parents embroiled in yet another altercation.

Harold couldn't contain his confusion. "Dad, what's happening? Weren't you already separated from Mom? Why are you fighting again?"

Echoing her brother, Wendy added, "Dad, Mr. Weaver specifically told you two not to fight. What if he holds you responsible for this?"

Unperturbed, Noah, still landing blows, vented his frustration, "Donald can go to hell! Even if I were the ruler of the world, I wouldn't stop hitting her today!"

He continued, seething with anger, "You deceitful, unfaithful woman! You infected me with a disease and then deliberately cooked seafood for me. What's your motive? Are you trying to harm me? I haven't even addressed your infidelity, and now you dare to jeopardize my health!"

These words momentarily stunned Zoraida, tears welling up in her eyes as she said, "Darling, I genuinely had no idea that you were unwell. Even if you beat me to the brink of death, I wouldn't have prepared seafood for you if I had known."

Noah, still administering slaps, clenched his teeth and rebuked, "Stop with the act! Were you not aware of your own condition? Did you not have any inkling? You've already transmitted it to me!"

Harold and Wendy were on the verge of despair.

From the sounds of it, their mother had passed on some sort of sexually transmitted disease to their father.

The source of this disease was no mystery to them.

The disease, much like the child growing inside their mother's womb, unquestionably had the same origin.







Chapter 1178: "Family Tragedy Unfolds: A Violent Outburst"

Harold, that audacious man, could feel the heat rushing to his cheeks, a flush of embarrassment overcoming him.

"What on earth is happening here?" he wondered silently.

Wendy, too, stood perplexed, torn between empathy for her parents and bewilderment about what to do.

Undoubtedly, it was a family tragedy unfolding.

Noah clutched Zoraida's head, relentlessly delivering blows for more than ten minutes until she finally lost consciousness. He stopped, gasping for breath.

Zoraida lay unconscious, while Madam Wilson completed her room disinfection task and descended to reprimand Noah, "How could you be so merciless in your beating?"

Noah defended himself, "Mom, this woman has brought me so much trouble. Can't I teach her a lesson?"

Madam Wilson lamented, "You could have disciplined her, but did you have to be so cruel? What if President Weaver finds out? What if he thinks our family is dispensable? Are you jeopardizing our entire family's future and prospects?"

At that moment, Harold had a revelation and exclaimed, "Dad, grandma's right! What if the Weavers find out? We could lose everything – our villa, our investments in the Wilson Group. We might end up homeless!"

Noah's expression shifted between anger and frustration. He said, "Alright, call for an ambulance now. Let's take her to the hospital. She still needs to undergo an abortion, and this can be part of the deal."

Zoraida was rushed to the hospital overnight and received the necessary medical care to save her.

When Donald was informed of this incident by his assistant, he was incensed.

This family was the most despicable, repugnant, foolish, and infuriating one he had ever encountered.

The actions of these five family members were continually pushing the boundaries of decency!

Donald even sadly recognized that he had already exhausted all strategies in dealing with Charlie. Whether it was the devious Wilson family members or the formidable Eight Great Kings, it appeared that none posed a threat to Charlie.

The Eight Great Kings were even less formidable than the Wilson family.

At least the Wilson family members were still alive, whereas the Eight Great Kings had all perished during a single expedition.

Presently, the Weaver family faced internal and external crises, in addition to their tarnished reputation. Their stock value, once exceeding 200 billion, had plummeted to less than 100 billion.

In terms of power, the current Weaver family couldn't even rival the Walker family anymore. They were no longer the foremost family in South Laverton region.

If the situation persisted, the Weaver family might fall from the ranks of first-tier families, descending into an insurmountable abyss.

Xander, feeling disheartened, couldn't help but ask his father, Donald, "Dad, do you think there's any chance left for me and Sarah Walker?"






Chapter 1179: "Navigating Troubled Waters: The Weaver Family's Struggles"

When Donald heard his son's question, his heart brimmed with complex emotions.

Not too long ago, he had harbored hopes that his son could capture Sarah's affections, a prospect that would have been an honor for the Walker family.

However, deep within, he now held doubts that Sarah could ever be drawn to his son.

The Weaver family had not only dwindled significantly in size but, more significantly, their reputation had been thoroughly tarnished.

Furthermore, with the mysterious deaths of the Eight Great Kings at Evergreen Mountain, how could the Weaver family even be mentioned in the same breath as the Walker family?

Thus, he held no hope that he could secure Sarah as his son's future wife.

It was unfortunate that his son appeared oblivious to this reality.

When the Weaver family thrived, dissenters were aplenty, let alone in their current predicament.

Upon deeper reflection, he noticed that not only was his son oblivious but also lacked control and comprehension of their current situation.

It seemed the old man's words had some truth; the Weaver family was indeed declining with each passing generation.

Now that the Weaver family rested on his shoulders, it had diminished by more than half. If it were passed on to his son in the future, it might become a third-rate family.

Thus, he advised Xander, "Now isn't the right moment to meddle in matters of love between our children. We must find a way to navigate the Weaver family through these trying times. Once the Weaver family regains its footing, we can revisit the idea of forming an alliance with the Walker family."

Xander nodded, sighing, "Joining forces with the Walker family would greatly improve our circumstances."

Donald sighed again, thinking his son was too idealistic.

When you're in the spotlight, people tend to distance themselves, especially when you're in trouble.

However, he refrained from voicing this to his son as their family was already in dire straits, and he didn't want to further crush his confidence and motivation.

In fact, this was where Donald fell short in comparison to the old man.

Or rather, this was the crux of why each Weaver family generation grew weaker than the last.

When the old man ventured into the world, he faced everything alone, carrying all burdens on his shoulders.

Yet, once he achieved success, he started feeling remorse for his son, thinking many unnecessary hardships were not worth enduring. Naturally, he didn't want his son to undergo such struggles when he had already built a strong foundation. There was no reason for his son to suffer.

However, the crucial point was that the prior generation of entrepreneurs succeeded precisely because they excelled at enduring hardships.

Individuals like Donald's father persevered through the most arduous circumstances, surviving in the wilderness, and seizing opportunities amidst adversity. It was through such experiences that they truly honed their skills.

Unfortunately, by the time it reached Donald's generation, they had little understanding of what it meant to endure hardships.

...

After Charlie returned, he resumed his tranquil life as before.

Nonetheless, he had always aspired to make a name for himself in the pharmaceutical industry. So, he got in touch with Merit's son, Paul, and asked him to accompany him on a visit to Wei Pharmaceutical.

Wei Pharmaceutical was a renowned traditional Chinese medicine company in South Laverton region and had previously developed numerous top-selling traditional Chinese medicines nationwide.

However, in recent years, traditional Chinese medicines across the country had been on the decline, with Han Chinese medicines, as represented by Japan and South Korea, gradually gaining dominance.

Whether it was traditional Chinese medicine or Han Chinese medicine, their roots stemmed from the ancient Chinese medical texts passed down by their forebears.

Charlie possessed a wealth of potent medicinal formulas. Should he choose to share them, it could potentially create a sensation. Nevertheless, he had no intentions of making a grand spectacle. His plan involved offering some classic remedies for common ailments to Wei Pharmaceutical, enabling them to produce several best-selling medicines.







Chapter 1180: "A Billion-Dollar Prescription: Paul's Astonishing Discovery"

However, before handing over the prescription to Lorden, they needed to make changes to the shares.

These prescriptions held immense value. Just one of them had the potential to generate wealth equal to several, maybe even a dozen, fortunes from Wei Pharmaceutical.

When Paul received the call and was asked for assistance, he didn't inquire about the specifics but readily agreed.

They scheduled a meeting for the following morning at Thomson Elite.

Jacob felt anxious when he learned he would be meeting Paul.

Ever since Elaine's return, he had been wanting to see Merit, but he didn't dare to reach out. He feared that if Elaine discovered Merit was back in the country, she might cause trouble. Elaine was known for her cunning ways.

So when he found out that Charlie was meeting with Paul, he asked him privately, "Good son-in-law, are you bringing Aunt Merit with you this time?"

Charlie smiled helplessly and replied, "Dad, of course not. If you want to see Aunt Merit, you should plan a meeting on your own."

Jacob awkwardly responded, "I can't do that!"

Charlie sighed and said, "Well, there's not much I can do about it..."

Jacob pleaded, "Good son-in-law, could you somehow arrange a meeting between me and Aunt Merit?"

Charlie said, "I could, but I'm afraid Claire would be upset if she found out."

Jacob rushed to say, "Just don't tell her, please?"

Charlie replied seriously, "Even if we don't tell her right away, she'll eventually find out. And when she does, she'll be quite upset if she learns we arranged this behind her back."

As they were talking, Charlie's phone rang; it was a call from Paul.

Eager to escape his chatty father-in-law, he quickly said, "Dad, I have to go now. Paul is here to pick me up."

Without waiting for his father to respond, Charlie hurriedly left the house.

Outside the main entrance of Thomson Elite, Paul was already waiting in his Rolls-Royce.

Seeing Charlie emerge, he waved and respectfully said, "Master Wade I'm here!"

Charlie nodded, walked over, and got into the car.

Today, Paul was dressed impeccably in a formal suit with a tie. It was evident that the suit was of high quality, possibly from a renowned brand or custom-made.

Paul inquired, "Master Wade what kind of collaboration do we have with Wei Pharmaceutical today?"

Charlie replied, "Wei Pharmaceutical intends to transfer 80% of its shares to me. I want you to act as my legal advisor and help me navigate all the contracts and legal formalities."

Paul was taken aback by this revelation. He was familiar with Wei Pharmaceutical—a substantial company with a market value in the billions. Was Charlie planning to acquire 80% of the company's shares without any financial commitment?

So he asked Charlie, "Master Wade what's the acquisition price for this 80% stake?"

Charlie responded calmly, "I won't be spending a single cent to acquire this 80% share. Instead, I'll be providing them with my prescriptions."

"What? You're not paying anything, just providing prescriptions?" Paul found it hard to believe. After all, Wei Pharmaceutical was worth billions, and for Charlie to secure 80% of the shares without any payment, solely relying on prescriptions, it seemed unbelievable. What kind of prescriptions could possess such remarkable value?

"Yes," Charlie nodded and added, "Trust me, my prescriptions are worth even more than their entire pharmaceutical factory."

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

Chapter 1181: "The Hidden Message: Decrypting Paul's Chinese Name"

Paul looked at Charlie in amazement. While it was hard to believe, he had no reason to doubt Charlie's words. He quickly started the car and headed to Wei Pharmaceuticals.

Wei Pharmaceuticals had its production base located in the southeast of Aurous Hill. Besides manufacturing all their medicines here, their management team also operated from this location.

Within Wei Pharmaceuticals' production base, there were not only manufacturing facilities and warehouses but also office buildings and dormitories.

Upon arriving at Wei Pharmaceuticals' office building, Paul found Lorden waiting for them.

Charlie's actions in Evergreen Mountain had left a profound impression on Lorden. He regarded Charlie with a deep sense of reverence and felt an overwhelming desire to do anything for him.

With great respect, Lorden greeted Charlie and Paul and led them into his office.

Lorden had already prepared a draft of the contract. He handed it to Charlie and said, "Master Wade I've drafted the contract for the share transfer. Please have your lawyer review it for any concerns."

He opened a copy of the contract and explained, "The primary terms of this contract stipulate that, on behalf of the Wei Group, I will unconditionally transfer 80% of the shares to you."

Charlie didn't anticipate Lorden's straightforwardness. He nodded and replied, "Let Paul and your lawyer handle the contract details."

Lorden quickly responded, "I will bring the lawyer in right away."

He made a phone call, and several lawyers from the pharmaceutical company entered the room.

Paul conducted himself professionally and immediately began discussing the contract details with them.

The contract was swiftly finalized, and both Charlie and Lorden signed it.

With the signing of the contract, Charlie became the largest shareholder of Wei Pharmaceuticals, holding 80% of the company's shares.

Charlie was taken aback by one detail. He had hired Paul as his lawyer, and Paul's name was listed in the lawyer section of the equity transfer contract. However, what surprised him was Paul's Chinese name, which was used in the contract.

Even more intriguing was Paul's Chinese name: Han Mukun !

This revelation caught Charlie off guard!

Paul's Chinese name included his mother Merit's surname - Han, which was not unexpected. However, what truly surprised Charlie was the given name - Mukun?

Kun was unmistakably a reference to Jacob's Chinese name - Jacob.

As for Mu, in classical Chinese, it often conveyed sentiments of affection, admiration, longing, and respect when combined with other characters. The combination of Kun and Mu in Paul's name seemed to suggest phrases like "Merit longs for Jacob," "Merit admires Changkun deeply," or perhaps "Merit deeply loves Changkun."

Contemplating this name, Charlie couldn't help but feel that it reflected Merit's profound affection and cultural sophistication. Had she been an ordinary person, she might have chosen a Chinese name for Paul like Han Sikun, Han Niankun, or Han Aikun.






Chapter 1182: "Mystical Labs: Charlie's New Venture Begins"

She chose to use a name that was understated, profound, and even ancient – Han Mukun!

In this moment, even Charlie couldn't help but be impressed by Merit's choice of a Chinese name, which held deep meaning.

However, he kept these thoughts to himself and didn't share them with Paul. Nevertheless, he believed that Paul, being an intelligent person, might also grasp the profound significance behind his Chinese name.

On the other hand, Lorden, after signing the documents, respectfully inquired, "Master Wade should Wei Pharmaceuticals change its name now?"

He felt that it was inappropriate for Wei Pharmaceuticals to continue using that name since Charlie had become the major shareholder.

Charlie also sensed that it was somewhat awkward for his controlling company to retain the name Wei Pharmaceuticals. After a moment of thought, he suggested, "Let's change the name to Mystical Labs."

Charlie believed that the mastery of the classical medical techniques left by his ancestors was all thanks to the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture. Renaming the company Mystical Labs would serve as a mark of respect to this ancient scripture.

Lorden didn't understand the significance of the word "Mystical," but since Master Wade had proposed it, he had no objections. He immediately responded, "Master Wade I'll submit the name change request today and register the Mystical Labs trademark."

Charlie nodded and continued, "You mentioned earlier that you were facing tough competition from Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals with their gastric medicine, correct?"

"Yes," Lorden sighed, "Kobayashi Gastric Powder has been performing exceptionally well in Asia, and we're under a lot of pressure."

Charlie then told Lorden, "Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals is not a significant challenge. I'll provide you with a prescription for treating stomach ailments. Once you produce it and introduce it to the market, you can call it Mystical Gastric Powder. Do you have pen and paper? I'll write down the prescription for you, and you can work on producing it as soon as possible."

Lorden was overjoyed by Charlie's offer and never expected that he would personally provide a prescription. He quickly retrieved a pen and paper, handing them to Charlie with respect.

After some consideration, Charlie selected a formula from the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture called "Stomach-Heating Pill."

He chose this formula because its ingredients were relatively easy to procure. Although it was a basic formula for stomach problems in the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture, it was highly effective for ordinary individuals.

As long as Lorden could produce this gastric medicine and compete with Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals' gastric powder in the market, success was well within reach.

Charlie wrote down the prescription along with the proportions and handed it to Lorden.

Upon receiving the notebook, Lorden examined the formula written on it with amazement.

While Lorden had some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and had explored ancient prescriptions, he found Charlie's prescription mysterious. Many of the medicinal ingredients seemed unrelated to treating stomach ailments.

The prescription had originated from the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture, a divine book filled with extraordinary prescriptions. It was perplexing for ordinary individuals to comprehend. However, Lorden dared not doubt Charlie's abilities, even if he couldn't fully grasp the prescription.

Lorden carefully stored the prescription, planning to return and arrange for production to see how effective the medicine would be.

After finalizing the contract with Paul, they departed from Wei Pharmaceuticals, now renamed Mystical Labs.

Paul held deep respect for Charlie. He found Charlie to be truly enigmatic.

With just a simple prescription, others were willing to give him control of an entire conglomerate. Who else in the world possessed such extraordinary abilities?

It was no wonder that prominent figures in Aurous Hill referred to him as Master Wade.

Furthermore, whenever people mentioned Master Wade they often attached a four-word evaluation: "True Dragon Among Men!"




Chapter 1183: "Sarah's Birthday Surprise: A Thoughtful Gesture"

As they drove back, Charlie asked Paul, "So, what has Aunt Merit been up to recently?"

Paul replied, "My mom has been quite busy lately. She's been going to the Senior University often. An old friend of hers invited her to become a guest lecturer there, specializing in teaching law to senior citizens."

"Oh?" Charlie was intrigued. "So Aunt Merit is now a lecturer?"

Paul chuckled and clarified, "Not exactly a lecturer. Senior University isn't a traditional university; it's more of an interest-based program for senior citizens. Even though my mom teaches there, she's also a student herself, learning calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting with others. She keeps herself quite occupied."

Curious, Paul inquired further, "What about Uncle Jacob? My mom mentions him often, but she seems hesitant to talk about it."

Charlie thought that Paul was a trusted friend and decided to share the information, saying, "When you and Aunt Merit initially returned, my mother-in-law went missing for a while, but she's back now."

He continued, "My mother-in-law has a strong personality, and my father-in-law is afraid of her. She found out that Aunt Merit had returned, and if she knew, she would go cause trouble for Aunt Merit. So, my father-in-law decided not to look for Aunt Merit."

Paul nodded understandingly and commented, "It's not easy to intervene in the affairs of the older generation."

Just then, Charlie's phone rang, and it was Sarah Walker, whom he hadn't heard from in a while.

He answered the call with a smile and asked, "Miss Walker, what have you been busy with lately?"

Sarah replied, also with a smile, "I've been keeping busy, but certainly not as busy as Master Wade."

She then inquired curiously, "Master Wade do you happen to have some free time the day after tomorrow evening?"

Charlie considered for a moment and responded, "I believe I have no prior engagements. Why do you ask?"

Sarah chuckled and said, "It's nothing special. I just wanted to invite you over for dinner at my place. Grandfather has been mentioning you quite often."

Charlie smiled and agreed, "Alright, then I'll come over the day after tomorrow evening."

Sarah was delighted and said, "That's wonderful, Master Wade. Can we meet at 7 p.m. the day after tomorrow?"

"Of course."

"Great! See you then!"

"Alright, see you then."

After ending the call with Sarah, Paul, who was nearby, asked with a knowing smile, "Master Wade was that Miss Walker on the phone?"

Charlie knew that Paul was acquainted with Sarah, so he didn't conceal it and nodded, saying, "Yes, it was."

Paul smiled and said with a hint of playfulness, "I suspect that Miss Walker called you about her birthday party, didn't she?"

"Birthday party?" Charlie was taken aback. "She didn't mention anything about her birthday when we talked on the phone; she simply invited me over for dinner the day after tomorrow."

Paul slyly responded, "I have a feeling that Miss Walker didn't want you to go through the trouble of preparing a gift for her, so she just mentioned dinner. However, when she spoke to me, she was quite direct about it being her birthday celebration."

Charlie couldn't help but be a bit surprised. Typically, when inviting someone to an event, especially a birthday celebration, it was customary to mention the occasion. Could it be that she genuinely didn't want him to spend money on her?

After some thought, Charlie realized it was entirely possible.

Sarah had always felt indebted to him because he had previously helped her break the Dragon Trapping Formation without accepting any payment. When he secretly gave her a medicinal pill while refining medicine for her grandfather and Simon Thorpe, it was a gesture of goodwill. The Resurrection Pill he provided to Walker's grandfather had made him appear decades younger, which had greatly endeared Sarah to him. As a result, her status within the Walker family had continued to rise.






Chapter 1184: "Heir Today, Walker Tomorrow: Charlie's Masterstroke"

Sarah had always held herself in high regard precisely because of these principles. It was highly likely that she kept her birthday a secret to avoid owing anyone any favors.

Charlie found this situation rather amusing. He thought, "Sarah, you've always been cautious about owing favors, but this time, I'm going to give you a tremendous one."

He decided that instead of buying her a traditional birthday gift, he would prepare a Resurrection Pill for her.

The Resurrection Pill was renowned in Aurous Hill's upper society for its incredible effects. When Mr. Walker publicly consumed the Resurrection Pill at a banquet, everyone witnessed its remarkable results. Charlie had even heard rumors of people willing to spend billions, or even tens of billions, to acquire a single Resurrection Pill.

However, Charlie had never contemplated selling the medicine. Money held little value to him, as he possessed more than enough wealth. Flooding the market with the Resurrection Pill for profit would diminish its perceived worth.

Instead, he wanted the Resurrection Pill to remain an elusive and priceless treasure, something that only a select few might ever attain. This would cultivate a sense of admiration and longing among those who desired it.

The reasons behind Charlie's decision to give Sarah a Resurrection Pill were straightforward.

Firstly, he genuinely considered Sarah a close friend. Given that it was her birthday and they shared a strong friendship, he wished to offer a gift that showcased his sincerity.

Secondly, Sarah hailed from the Walker family, a household accustomed to seeing countless valuable items. Therefore, her gift had to be something unobtainable, even with her substantial wealth.

Furthermore, Charlie didn't intend for Sarah to use the Resurrection Pill herself. At 25 years old, she had no need for such a potent elixir.

Instead, his true intention was for her to use the Resurrection Pill strategically to gain more love, attention, and resources from her father, Mr. Walker.

When Charlie had previously gifted Mr. Walker a Resurrection Pill, it had resulted in a dramatic display of gratitude. Mr. Walker had knelt and kowtowed before the entire Walker family and Aurous Hill's upper society. His desire for another Resurrection Pill far exceeded any other desires he might have had.

However, Mr. Walker would undoubtedly understand Charlie's intentions. He wouldn't dare to hope for a second Resurrection Pill.

By giving this gift to Sarah, Charlie believed that a discerning man like Mr. Walker would grasp the underlying message. Mr. Walker might pay even more attention to Sarah, possibly considering her as the rightful heir to the entire Walker family.

Charlie had observed Sarah's ambitious and driven nature. Her years of tireless dedication to the family hinted at her strong character.

Due to the untimely deaths of her parents, she was somewhat isolated within the Walker family, making it challenging for her to ascend to the role of family heir.

In such a situation, why not extend a helping hand?





Chapter 1185: "Golden Years and Golden Opportunities: Jacob's Scheme"

After Paul dropped Charlie off at Thomson Elite, he headed back home.

When Charlie returned to the villa alone, his father-in-law, Jacob, approached him eagerly, asking, "Good son-in-law, did you happen to meet Aunt Merit when you were out with Paul today?"

Charlie replied with a hint of helplessness, "Dad, I went out with Paul for some business. I didn't have a chance to meet Aunt Merit."

Jacob let out a sigh, feeling quite frustrated. He missed Merit dearly, but with Elaine at home, he couldn't take any risks to see her.

He was growing increasingly anxious by the day.

He then inquired, "Did you at least ask Paul about Aunt Merit's well-being? Is she doing alright these days?"

Charlie smiled and reassured him, "Aunt Merit seems to be doing quite well recently. According to Paul, she's been teaching at the senior citizens' university every day. Not only is she teaching, but she's also engaging in activities like calligraphy and painting with others. It appears that she's leading a fulfilling life."

Upon hearing this, Jacob became even more anxious. He exclaimed, "Oh dear, why would she go to a senior citizens' university?"

Charlie was taken aback and asked, "What's wrong with attending a senior citizens' university? Isn't it a place for seniors to pursue lifelong learning and enjoy their golden years?"

Jacob explained with a tinge of frustration, "You might not be aware, but these senior citizens' universities often have a fair share of elderly men who are widowers. These old fellows don't enroll to study; they go there in search of new companions or partners."

He continued, his worry evident, "Given Aunt Merit's beauty, won't those older men relentlessly pursue her once she's there?"

Charlie couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Do you really think you can prevent others from pursuing her?"

Jacob sighed deeply and said, "You're right. The situation is quite vexing."

Then, an idea seemed to strike him, and he exclaimed, "I have a plan! Perhaps I should also enroll in the senior citizens' university. That way, I can meet Aunt Merit, right?"

Charlie raised an eyebrow and questioned, "Aren't you concerned about Mom finding out?"

Jacob replied, "No problem at all. You know what kind of woman your mom is, don't you? She's very conscious of her image. Look at her now – she's limping, using a cane, missing two front teeth, and can't even get them fixed yet. She's avoiding crowded places like the plague. Occasionally, when she goes out to buy something, she has to wear sunglasses and a mask, fearing that someone might recognize her. She wouldn't dare to set foot in a senior citizens' university."

"Fair point," Charlie conceded without pressing the matter further.

In reality, he didn't particularly care about the relationship between his father-in-law and Merit. If his father-in-law got too close to Merit, it would inevitably hurt and upset his wife, Claire. Moreover, if his mother-in-law, Elaine, found out, it would lead to further complications and turmoil within their household. Thus, he had no choice but to tolerate his father-in-law's actions.

Two days later, Charlie had informed his family in advance that he would be attending a friend's birthday party that evening.

In the afternoon, he went out to purchase a mahogany gift box and placed a Rejuvenation Pill inside it. Afterward, he had the gift box meticulously wrapped at the store.

Since it was a birthday gift for someone else, it needed to have an air of formality.

Paul had also received an invitation, so he came to pick up Charlie, and they headed to the Walker family's villa together.

Sarah's birthday celebration was not adorned with extravagant decorations or grand festivities. Instead, the decorations had a modern and warm touch.

As Paul drove the car into the villa's courtyard, Charlie couldn't help but appreciate the understated elegance of the decorations, which didn't immediately scream "birthday party."

Tonight, Sarah Walker was dressed in a custom-made white evening gown.

The strapless dress showcased her elegance and allure, accentuating her radiant beauty. Her collarbone was particularly alluring, prominently defined and exquisitely shaped, a feature that even women might envy.

Several luxurious cars were already parked in the courtyard, indicating the presence of several guests.

Sarah had been welcoming the guests inside, but upon hearing that Charlie had arrived, she hurriedly stepped out to greet him.

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

Assume If Elaine is in our life, where we will be heading

No life at all....

 

[Bladeheart Ronin]

Chapter 1181: "The Hidden Message: Decrypting Paul's Chinese Name"

Paul looked at Charlie in amazement. While it was hard to believe, he had no reason to doubt Charlie's words. He quickly started the car and headed to Wei Pharmaceuticals.

Wei Pharmaceuticals had its production base located in the southeast of Aurous Hill. Besides manufacturing all their medicines here, their management team also operated from this location.

Within Wei Pharmaceuticals' production base, there were not only manufacturing facilities and warehouses but also office buildings and dormitories.

Upon arriving at Wei Pharmaceuticals' office building, Paul found Lorden waiting for them.

Charlie's actions in Evergreen Mountain had left a profound impression on Lorden. He regarded Charlie with a deep sense of reverence and felt an overwhelming desire to do anything for him.

With great respect, Lorden greeted Charlie and Paul and led them into his office.

Lorden had already prepared a draft of the contract. He handed it to Charlie and said, "Master Wade I've drafted the contract for the share transfer. Please have your lawyer review it for any concerns."

He opened a copy of the contract and explained, "The primary terms of this contract stipulate that, on behalf of the Wei Group, I will unconditionally transfer 80% of the shares to you."

Charlie didn't anticipate Lorden's straightforwardness. He nodded and replied, "Let Paul and your lawyer handle the contract details."

Lorden quickly responded, "I will bring the lawyer in right away."

He made a phone call, and several lawyers from the pharmaceutical company entered the room.

Paul conducted himself professionally and immediately began discussing the contract details with them.

The contract was swiftly finalized, and both Charlie and Lorden signed it.

With the signing of the contract, Charlie became the largest shareholder of Wei Pharmaceuticals, holding 80% of the company's shares.

Charlie was taken aback by one detail. He had hired Paul as his lawyer, and Paul's name was listed in the lawyer section of the equity transfer contract. However, what surprised him was Paul's Chinese name, which was used in the contract.

Even more intriguing was Paul's Chinese name: Han Mukun !

This revelation caught Charlie off guard!

Paul's Chinese name included his mother Merit's surname - Han, which was not unexpected. However, what truly surprised Charlie was the given name - Mukun?

Kun was unmistakably a reference to Jacob's Chinese name - Jacob.

As for Mu, in classical Chinese, it often conveyed sentiments of affection, admiration, longing, and respect when combined with other characters. The combination of Kun and Mu in Paul's name seemed to suggest phrases like "Merit longs for Jacob," "Merit admires Changkun deeply," or perhaps "Merit deeply loves Changkun."

Contemplating this name, Charlie couldn't help but feel that it reflected Merit's profound affection and cultural sophistication. Had she been an ordinary person, she might have chosen a Chinese name for Paul like Han Sikun, Han Niankun, or Han Aikun.






Chapter 1182: "Mystical Labs: Charlie's New Venture Begins"

She chose to use a name that was understated, profound, and even ancient – Han Mukun!

In this moment, even Charlie couldn't help but be impressed by Merit's choice of a Chinese name, which held deep meaning.

However, he kept these thoughts to himself and didn't share them with Paul. Nevertheless, he believed that Paul, being an intelligent person, might also grasp the profound significance behind his Chinese name.

On the other hand, Lorden, after signing the documents, respectfully inquired, "Master Wade should Wei Pharmaceuticals change its name now?"

He felt that it was inappropriate for Wei Pharmaceuticals to continue using that name since Charlie had become the major shareholder.

Charlie also sensed that it was somewhat awkward for his controlling company to retain the name Wei Pharmaceuticals. After a moment of thought, he suggested, "Let's change the name to Mystical Labs."

Charlie believed that the mastery of the classical medical techniques left by his ancestors was all thanks to the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture. Renaming the company Mystical Labs would serve as a mark of respect to this ancient scripture.

Lorden didn't understand the significance of the word "Mystical," but since Master Wade had proposed it, he had no objections. He immediately responded, "Master Wade I'll submit the name change request today and register the Mystical Labs trademark."

Charlie nodded and continued, "You mentioned earlier that you were facing tough competition from Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals with their gastric medicine, correct?"

"Yes," Lorden sighed, "Kobayashi Gastric Powder has been performing exceptionally well in Asia, and we're under a lot of pressure."

Charlie then told Lorden, "Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals is not a significant challenge. I'll provide you with a prescription for treating stomach ailments. Once you produce it and introduce it to the market, you can call it Mystical Gastric Powder. Do you have pen and paper? I'll write down the prescription for you, and you can work on producing it as soon as possible."

Lorden was overjoyed by Charlie's offer and never expected that he would personally provide a prescription. He quickly retrieved a pen and paper, handing them to Charlie with respect.

After some consideration, Charlie selected a formula from the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture called "Stomach-Heating Pill."

He chose this formula because its ingredients were relatively easy to procure. Although it was a basic formula for stomach problems in the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture, it was highly effective for ordinary individuals.

As long as Lorden could produce this gastric medicine and compete with Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals' gastric powder in the market, success was well within reach.

Charlie wrote down the prescription along with the proportions and handed it to Lorden.

Upon receiving the notebook, Lorden examined the formula written on it with amazement.

While Lorden had some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and had explored ancient prescriptions, he found Charlie's prescription mysterious. Many of the medicinal ingredients seemed unrelated to treating stomach ailments.

The prescription had originated from the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture, a divine book filled with extraordinary prescriptions. It was perplexing for ordinary individuals to comprehend. However, Lorden dared not doubt Charlie's abilities, even if he couldn't fully grasp the prescription.

Lorden carefully stored the prescription, planning to return and arrange for production to see how effective the medicine would be.

After finalizing the contract with Paul, they departed from Wei Pharmaceuticals, now renamed Mystical Labs.

Paul held deep respect for Charlie. He found Charlie to be truly enigmatic.

With just a simple prescription, others were willing to give him control of an entire conglomerate. Who else in the world possessed such extraordinary abilities?

It was no wonder that prominent figures in Aurous Hill referred to him as Master Wade.

Furthermore, whenever people mentioned Master Wade they often attached a four-word evaluation: "True Dragon Among Men!"




Chapter 1183: "Sarah's Birthday Surprise: A Thoughtful Gesture"

As they drove back, Charlie asked Paul, "So, what has Aunt Merit been up to recently?"

Paul replied, "My mom has been quite busy lately. She's been going to the Senior University often. An old friend of hers invited her to become a guest lecturer there, specializing in teaching law to senior citizens."

"Oh?" Charlie was intrigued. "So Aunt Merit is now a lecturer?"

Paul chuckled and clarified, "Not exactly a lecturer. Senior University isn't a traditional university; it's more of an interest-based program for senior citizens. Even though my mom teaches there, she's also a student herself, learning calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting with others. She keeps herself quite occupied."

Curious, Paul inquired further, "What about Uncle Jacob? My mom mentions him often, but she seems hesitant to talk about it."

Charlie thought that Paul was a trusted friend and decided to share the information, saying, "When you and Aunt Merit initially returned, my mother-in-law went missing for a while, but she's back now."

He continued, "My mother-in-law has a strong personality, and my father-in-law is afraid of her. She found out that Aunt Merit had returned, and if she knew, she would go cause trouble for Aunt Merit. So, my father-in-law decided not to look for Aunt Merit."

Paul nodded understandingly and commented, "It's not easy to intervene in the affairs of the older generation."

Just then, Charlie's phone rang, and it was Sarah Walker, whom he hadn't heard from in a while.

He answered the call with a smile and asked, "Miss Walker, what have you been busy with lately?"

Sarah replied, also with a smile, "I've been keeping busy, but certainly not as busy as Master Wade."

She then inquired curiously, "Master Wade do you happen to have some free time the day after tomorrow evening?"

Charlie considered for a moment and responded, "I believe I have no prior engagements. Why do you ask?"

Sarah chuckled and said, "It's nothing special. I just wanted to invite you over for dinner at my place. Grandfather has been mentioning you quite often."

Charlie smiled and agreed, "Alright, then I'll come over the day after tomorrow evening."

Sarah was delighted and said, "That's wonderful, Master Wade. Can we meet at 7 p.m. the day after tomorrow?"

"Of course."

"Great! See you then!"

"Alright, see you then."

After ending the call with Sarah, Paul, who was nearby, asked with a knowing smile, "Master Wade was that Miss Walker on the phone?"

Charlie knew that Paul was acquainted with Sarah, so he didn't conceal it and nodded, saying, "Yes, it was."

Paul smiled and said with a hint of playfulness, "I suspect that Miss Walker called you about her birthday party, didn't she?"

"Birthday party?" Charlie was taken aback. "She didn't mention anything about her birthday when we talked on the phone; she simply invited me over for dinner the day after tomorrow."

Paul slyly responded, "I have a feeling that Miss Walker didn't want you to go through the trouble of preparing a gift for her, so she just mentioned dinner. However, when she spoke to me, she was quite direct about it being her birthday celebration."

Charlie couldn't help but be a bit surprised. Typically, when inviting someone to an event, especially a birthday celebration, it was customary to mention the occasion. Could it be that she genuinely didn't want him to spend money on her?

After some thought, Charlie realized it was entirely possible.

Sarah had always felt indebted to him because he had previously helped her break the Dragon Trapping Formation without accepting any payment. When he secretly gave her a medicinal pill while refining medicine for her grandfather and Simon Thorpe, it was a gesture of goodwill. The Resurrection Pill he provided to Walker's grandfather had made him appear decades younger, which had greatly endeared Sarah to him. As a result, her status within the Walker family had continued to rise.






Chapter 1184: "Heir Today, Walker Tomorrow: Charlie's Masterstroke"

Sarah had always held herself in high regard precisely because of these principles. It was highly likely that she kept her birthday a secret to avoid owing anyone any favors.

Charlie found this situation rather amusing. He thought, "Sarah, you've always been cautious about owing favors, but this time, I'm going to give you a tremendous one."

He decided that instead of buying her a traditional birthday gift, he would prepare a Resurrection Pill for her.

The Resurrection Pill was renowned in Aurous Hill's upper society for its incredible effects. When Mr. Walker publicly consumed the Resurrection Pill at a banquet, everyone witnessed its remarkable results. Charlie had even heard rumors of people willing to spend billions, or even tens of billions, to acquire a single Resurrection Pill.

However, Charlie had never contemplated selling the medicine. Money held little value to him, as he possessed more than enough wealth. Flooding the market with the Resurrection Pill for profit would diminish its perceived worth.

Instead, he wanted the Resurrection Pill to remain an elusive and priceless treasure, something that only a select few might ever attain. This would cultivate a sense of admiration and longing among those who desired it.

The reasons behind Charlie's decision to give Sarah a Resurrection Pill were straightforward.

Firstly, he genuinely considered Sarah a close friend. Given that it was her birthday and they shared a strong friendship, he wished to offer a gift that showcased his sincerity.

Secondly, Sarah hailed from the Walker family, a household accustomed to seeing countless valuable items. Therefore, her gift had to be something unobtainable, even with her substantial wealth.

Furthermore, Charlie didn't intend for Sarah to use the Resurrection Pill herself. At 25 years old, she had no need for such a potent elixir.

Instead, his true intention was for her to use the Resurrection Pill strategically to gain more love, attention, and resources from her father, Mr. Walker.

When Charlie had previously gifted Mr. Walker a Resurrection Pill, it had resulted in a dramatic display of gratitude. Mr. Walker had knelt and kowtowed before the entire Walker family and Aurous Hill's upper society. His desire for another Resurrection Pill far exceeded any other desires he might have had.

However, Mr. Walker would undoubtedly understand Charlie's intentions. He wouldn't dare to hope for a second Resurrection Pill.

By giving this gift to Sarah, Charlie believed that a discerning man like Mr. Walker would grasp the underlying message. Mr. Walker might pay even more attention to Sarah, possibly considering her as the rightful heir to the entire Walker family.

Charlie had observed Sarah's ambitious and driven nature. Her years of tireless dedication to the family hinted at her strong character.

Due to the untimely deaths of her parents, she was somewhat isolated within the Walker family, making it challenging for her to ascend to the role of family heir.

In such a situation, why not extend a helping hand?





Chapter 1185: "Golden Years and Golden Opportunities: Jacob's Scheme"

After Paul dropped Charlie off at Thomson Elite, he headed back home.

When Charlie returned to the villa alone, his father-in-law, Jacob, approached him eagerly, asking, "Good son-in-law, did you happen to meet Aunt Merit when you were out with Paul today?"

Charlie replied with a hint of helplessness, "Dad, I went out with Paul for some business. I didn't have a chance to meet Aunt Merit."

Jacob let out a sigh, feeling quite frustrated. He missed Merit dearly, but with Elaine at home, he couldn't take any risks to see her.

He was growing increasingly anxious by the day.

He then inquired, "Did you at least ask Paul about Aunt Merit's well-being? Is she doing alright these days?"

Charlie smiled and reassured him, "Aunt Merit seems to be doing quite well recently. According to Paul, she's been teaching at the senior citizens' university every day. Not only is she teaching, but she's also engaging in activities like calligraphy and painting with others. It appears that she's leading a fulfilling life."

Upon hearing this, Jacob became even more anxious. He exclaimed, "Oh dear, why would she go to a senior citizens' university?"

Charlie was taken aback and asked, "What's wrong with attending a senior citizens' university? Isn't it a place for seniors to pursue lifelong learning and enjoy their golden years?"

Jacob explained with a tinge of frustration, "You might not be aware, but these senior citizens' universities often have a fair share of elderly men who are widowers. These old fellows don't enroll to study; they go there in search of new companions or partners."

He continued, his worry evident, "Given Aunt Merit's beauty, won't those older men relentlessly pursue her once she's there?"

Charlie couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Do you really think you can prevent others from pursuing her?"

Jacob sighed deeply and said, "You're right. The situation is quite vexing."

Then, an idea seemed to strike him, and he exclaimed, "I have a plan! Perhaps I should also enroll in the senior citizens' university. That way, I can meet Aunt Merit, right?"

Charlie raised an eyebrow and questioned, "Aren't you concerned about Mom finding out?"

Jacob replied, "No problem at all. You know what kind of woman your mom is, don't you? She's very conscious of her image. Look at her now – she's limping, using a cane, missing two front teeth, and can't even get them fixed yet. She's avoiding crowded places like the plague. Occasionally, when she goes out to buy something, she has to wear sunglasses and a mask, fearing that someone might recognize her. She wouldn't dare to set foot in a senior citizens' university."

"Fair point," Charlie conceded without pressing the matter further.

In reality, he didn't particularly care about the relationship between his father-in-law and Merit. If his father-in-law got too close to Merit, it would inevitably hurt and upset his wife, Claire. Moreover, if his mother-in-law, Elaine, found out, it would lead to further complications and turmoil within their household. Thus, he had no choice but to tolerate his father-in-law's actions.

Two days later, Charlie had informed his family in advance that he would be attending a friend's birthday party that evening.

In the afternoon, he went out to purchase a mahogany gift box and placed a Rejuvenation Pill inside it. Afterward, he had the gift box meticulously wrapped at the store.

Since it was a birthday gift for someone else, it needed to have an air of formality.

Paul had also received an invitation, so he came to pick up Charlie, and they headed to the Walker family's villa together.

Sarah's birthday celebration was not adorned with extravagant decorations or grand festivities. Instead, the decorations had a modern and warm touch.

As Paul drove the car into the villa's courtyard, Charlie couldn't help but appreciate the understated elegance of the decorations, which didn't immediately scream "birthday party."

Tonight, Sarah Walker was dressed in a custom-made white evening gown.

The strapless dress showcased her elegance and allure, accentuating her radiant beauty. Her collarbone was particularly alluring, prominently defined and exquisitely shaped, a feature that even women might envy.

Several luxurious cars were already parked in the courtyard, indicating the presence of several guests.

Sarah had been welcoming the guests inside, but upon hearing that Charlie had arrived, she hurriedly stepped out to greet him.

Thanks IGM Junlee.

 

[Prodigy]

Chapter 1166: "Hats Off to Elaine: A Malicious Mockery Unveiled"

Zoraida couldn't help but be indifferent to the situation unfolding before her. She did harbor some anger towards Noah for his heartlessness, but underneath it all, she carried a heavy burden of guilt.

After all, she had committed the ultimate betrayal by cheating on him. She was currently carrying another man's child, and the thought of aborting it weighed on her. It was only natural for Noah to feel irritated upon seeing her.

At that moment, Noah had just woken up.

Ever since leaving the hospital, he had been experiencing some lingering side effects, mainly fatigue and an overwhelming sense of drowsiness.

Despite not having had enough rest, an intense itchiness in his groin kept disturbing him, jolting him awake as he scratched at it.

The itching was peculiar; it would start off mildly and then escalate to unbearable levels, especially when scratched vigorously.

As a person who always maintained good personal hygiene, he couldn't fathom what could be causing this discomfort.

Lost in his thoughts, he got out of bed.

Feeling lightheaded, he made his way to the balcony for some fresh air.

Living in a villa had its perks, such as privacy. The neighbors were far enough away, and with no tall buildings nearby, he didn't have to worry about being spotted in his underwear.

However, the itching persisted, even worsening as he stretched on the balcony.

Despite scratching vigorously, there was no relief in sight. Frustrated, he was about to head to the bathroom to investigate further when something on Charlie's balcony across from his caught his eye.

Upon closer inspection, his anger flared.

Though some distance away, he could unmistakably see about twenty different green hats fluttering in the breeze on Charlie's balcony.

Twenty green hats - what could this mean?!

(NOTE from the translator: In Chinese culture, "wearing a green hat" (戴绿帽子, dài lǜ màozi) is a symbolic expression for a man whose partner is cheating on him. It signifies infidelity and is used to mock or shame individuals in such situations, with green traditionally associated with unfaithfulness or jealousy.)

And they were all facing his house, an unmistakable taunt directed at him.

It was a brazen display, a clear mockery of him being cuckolded by Zoraida.

Enraged, Noah clenched his fists so tightly that his nails nearly pierced his skin.

He knew in an instant that this malicious act could only be the handiwork of Elaine.

He yearned to grab Elaine by the hair and repeatedly smack her ugly face.

With this thought firmly in his mind, he hurriedly got dressed and stormed out of the building.

Meanwhile, Madam Wilson was lounging in the yard, soaking up the sun in a luxurious master chair, savoring the opulence of life in the upscale Thomson Elite residential area.

Other than the bothersome neighbors, everything was perfect.

She briefly considered pilfering some vegetables from Charlie's garden again but quickly thought better of it. The Wade family had a reputation for deceit, and she was worried they might have tampered with the produce, possibly using pesticides.

She couldn't forget the last time they had substituted daffodils for chives, which had landed an entire family in the hospital - an unforgettable ordeal.

As she enjoyed her moment in the sun, she spotted her son, Noah, storming out. Concerned, she called out, "Noah, where are you off to?"

Noah, his expression dark, replied, "I'm going to confront that woman, Elaine!"






Chapter 1167: "Verbal Jousting: Elaine's Sharp Tongue vs. Noah's Rage"

Madam Wilson found herself a bit perplexed as she couldn't quite fathom why her son, Noah, was so determined to confront Elaine first thing after waking up. She hurriedly trailed behind him and inquired, "Noah, why do you want to speak with Elaine?"

Noah, his temper flaring, retorted, "That shameless woman, Elaine! She hung dozens of green hats on her villa's balcony. Isn't this a clear provocation directed at me?"

Madam Wilson's face shifted to one of shock as she exclaimed, "Really? Did something like that happen?"

Noah clenched his fists and replied with frustration, "You should come and see for yourself."

So, mother and son set out together.

As soon as they stepped outside, Madam Wilson caught sight of the twenty green hats swaying in the breeze on Elaine's balcony.

The sight left her seething with anger.

Unable to contain her fury, she burst out, "That despicable Elaine! She must have seen the video from our hospital and is deliberately trying to disgust us!"

Noah nodded, his teeth gritted in anger. "Yes, mother, I've had enough of her! It's unbearable!"

With their anger fueling them, mother and son reached Charlie's villa and Madam Wilson began pounding on the door, yelling, "Elaine, you wretch, open the door right now!"

Upon hearing the shouts, Elaine promptly appeared on the third-floor balcony and taunted, "Oh, the old hag has come to create a scene instead of looking after her pregnant daughter-in-law?"

The mention of Zoraida's pregnancy caught the mother and son off guard.

Their expressions soured instantly.

After all, it's a commonly held belief that family matters should remain private, and no one wants outsiders to bring up their family's vulnerabilities.

Noah was particularly incensed.

When Elaine mentioned Zoraida's pregnancy, he erupted in anger, "Elaine, you wicked woman, stop spreading falsehoods, or I swear I'll silence you!"

Elaine sneered, "Oh, big brother, I didn't expect you to be so capable, threatening to silence me?"

With a mocking tone, she added, "If you're truly capable, why don't you confront the man who betrayed you and impregnated your wife? What's the use of arguing with an old lady like me?"

Noah was left speechless, his face contorted in frustration.

While he may not have been a paragon of virtue, when it came to verbal sparring, he was no match for Elaine.

Capitalizing on her sharp tongue, Elaine effortlessly outmaneuvered him.

Seeing Noah at a loss for words, Elaine continued to mock, "Oh, dear big brother, I genuinely sympathize with you. There's nothing more pitiful for a man than being cheated on, and to think that you've been deceived so thoroughly, with your wife becoming pregnant, turning you into an expectant father. If I were you, I'd have divorced her a long time ago!"

Elaine's words struck a raw nerve with Noah.

He had long harbored a desire to expel Zoraida from their lives, never wanting to lay eyes on that deceitful woman again.






Chapter 1168: "Dancing in Defiance: Elaine's Balcony Performance"

Despite Zoraida's connection with Donald and the fear Weaver inspired in everyone, no one dared to provoke or go against his wishes. Thus, even though Zoraida had, in a sense, betrayed him through infidelity, Noah couldn't bring himself to divorce her.

It was a tragic circumstance for a man to be cuckolded and still find himself unable to end his marriage. It was like a personal tragedy, and regrettably, it had become his reality.

Now, with Elaine's blunt words, Noah felt an overwhelming sense of shame. It was as if he had been slapped in the face a thousand times over.

Madam Wilson was equally incensed. Throughout her life, she had taken pride in the impeccable reputation of the Wilson family, and she couldn't bear to witness it tarnished.

Initially, when Wendy had accompanied Joaquin Wilson, it had sparked some gossip. However, at that time, the old lady had been powerless to intervene, and society was no stranger to young women being involved with affluent men. Though people might have chuckled, it had passed without significant scandal.

But this time, the disgrace brought about by Zoraida was different. She had thoroughly shamed the Wilson family.

What was worse, a video of the incident had been shared online, turning the Wilson family into a laughingstock in Aurous Hill.

Regardless of the circumstances, the old lady couldn't tolerate Elaine, a woman devoid of shame, ridiculing her!

Enraged, Madam Wilson pointed her finger at Elaine and admonished, "Elaine, you had better remove those symbols of cuckoldry, or don't blame me for taking drastic measures!"

"Oh!" Elaine scoffed, "I purchased these symbols with my own money. In my own home, I can hang them wherever I please. Who do you think you are to give me orders? Do you still believe you're the old lady Wilson? Inside my residence, you hold no authority to dictate anything to me!"

Then, changing her tone, Elaine issued a warning, "You're not even allowed to enter my house! If you continue causing a scene out here, I'll call the police and have you arrested once more!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Wilson trembled with anger.

But both of them were furious and yet powerless.

They couldn't force their way inside.

Breaking in would be illegal, and summoning the police would likely result in their own detainment. It was a situation with no clear solution.

At this impasse, Elaine donned an oversized green hat (a symbol of cuckoldry), grinning, "Oh, dear big brother, look at how green and festive this hat is! Isn't it greener than the leeks you had the other day?"

As she spoke, Elaine playfully danced on the balcony, despite her still-healing leg, managing a few dance moves.

This further infuriated Noah!

In that moment, Noah was on the brink of losing control, wishing he could somehow obliterate Elaine on the balcony with a rocket launcher.

"Elaine, you wretched woman, are you playing this game with me? Do you understand the consequences of provoking me?"

Elaine replied with a cheerful tone, "Your wife was impregnated by another man, and he's doing just fine, isn't he? So what consequences could there possibly be for me from just a few words? Hahaha!"

Enraged, Noah made a threat, "Elaine! I swear, one day I'll deal with you!"

As Noah fumed, Elaine tossed the green hat into the air, and it floated down towards him. He stepped back, narrowly avoiding it as the hat landed on the ground.

Elaine clapped and laughed heartily, "See, big brother, the hat recognizes you! It was headed right for your head. If you hadn't dodged, it would have landed directly on you!"






Chapter 1169: "Balcony Battles Continued: Noah vs. Elaine, Round Two"

Noah was seething with rage, utterly beside himself.

He jumped up and down, hurling curses at Elaine, "Elaine, you wretched woman, do you have a death wish?"

In response to his outburst, Elaine burst into laughter, remarking, "Big brother, don't get so angry. I spent several hundred dollars on these green hats, all just for you."

She somehow produced a green Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toy and continued, "Look at this Ninja Turtle, big brother. Doesn't it bear a striking resemblance to you? It's not only green on the head, but it's also remarkably resilient, just like a perfect reflection of you, haha..."

Noah was on the brink of losing his mind, trembling with anger, his voice quivering as he muttered, "You despicable person, why don't you just go to hell? Your immorality is bound to lead you there."

Elaine chuckled and retorted, "Big brother, I'm generously gifting you all these hats, and you're cursing me to go to hell? Aren't you being ungrateful? But I, Elaine, am magnanimous and won't stoop to your level. You can have all these twenty-plus green hats, to wear a different one each day for the next twenty days."

At his wit's end, Noah gritted his teeth and said, "Just wait, Elaine. I'm calling the property management right now to report you!"

He promptly dialed the Thomson Elite villas' property management number, urgently stating, "I am the owner of unit A04. I need to report the owner of A05 for hanging indecent items on their balcony. Please address this matter immediately!"

In a short while, an electric vehicle from the property management arrived.

Four property management staff disembarked from the vehicle, inquiring, "Did you make the complaint call?"

Noah blurted out, "Yes, it was me. I'm lodging a complaint about the woman upstairs. Take a look at what she's hung on her balcony!"

Elaine coldly retorted, "How can you interfere with what I hang on my own balcony?"

After inspecting the situation, the property staff reluctantly explained, "Sir, a homeowner's balcony is considered their private space. In theory, we can't intervene in what they choose to display, unless it's illegal. Hanging hats doesn't fall under that category; it's within their rights."

"No consideration for my rights!" Noah seethed, whirling around in anger.

If these twenty green hats continued to hang there day and night, he was sure Elaine would drive him to the brink of madness.

The property management staff, bearing the brunt of his frustration, couldn't hide their displeasure but still responded courteously, "I apologize, sir, but this matter falls outside the scope of our property management."

With that, they re-entered their electric car and drove away.

Elaine erupted into even louder laughter from the balcony, taunting, "Hahaha, Noah, you've run out of options now. Let me tell you, these green hats will keep swaying in the breeze. And tomorrow, I'll buy another twenty to hang up, so every morning when you wake up, you'll be greeted by a multitude of green hats fluttering in the wind!"

"You... you... you..." Noah was so enraged that he was on the verge of bursting a blood vessel.

At that moment, Charlie and Claire arrived on the second-floor balcony and peered over, quickly grasping the situation. They exchanged helpless glances and sighed.

Claire couldn't help but express her dismay, "Charlie, do you think Mom is taking things too far?"

Charlie offered a faint smile and replied, "It's not so much about right or wrong. Haven't they treated us terribly before?"

"When they learned about our difficulties, they relentlessly mocked us."

"Remember how they ridiculed us at the Thomson Elite sales office?"

"And when you launched your studio, didn't they come to scorn us as well?"







Chapter 1170: "Karma Café: Serving Revenge with a Side of Abalone"

Claire nodded in agreement with her husband, Charlie, and commented, "Considering how they treated us in the past, maybe this is just karma catching up with them. It's a taste of their own medicine, after all."

Noah and Madam Wilson were utterly incensed by Elaine, but they found themselves powerless to counter her actions. Fuming, they turned away in frustration.

As he walked away, Noah muttered curses under his breath, "That damned Elaine, I swear if I ever get the chance, I'll make her pay!"

Madam Wilson, still seething with anger, declared, "Let's put Elaine aside for now. Tomorrow, take Zoraida, that vile woman, and get rid of the illegitimate child growing inside her. This is the greatest shame our Wilson family has endured in a century!"

Noah, filled with bitterness, clenched his teeth and vowed, "Don't worry, Mom, I'll accompany her tomorrow!"

Back at their home, Harold and Wendy had just awakened and were in the living room, eagerly anticipating a meal prepared by Zoraida.

Zoraida, having some money left from selling the coffee machine, aimed to ease the family tension today. She had purchased a generous quantity of fresh abalone, intending to create a lavish abalone feast for the family.

The abalone alone cost several thousand dollars, making it a significant expenditure for Zoraida.

Upon seeing the abalone she had procured, Madam Wilson's initial reaction was one of delight, looking forward to the sumptuous meal ahead.

However, she couldn't help but question Zoraida, "Where did you get the money for these abalones?"

Zoraida fabricated a story, saying, "A friend of mine owed me some money from a card game a while back and hadn't paid me back. Times have been tough, so I finally asked her to settle the debt."

Madam Wilson nodded, her tone frosty as she said, "Transfer the remaining funds to my WeChat account. From now on, I'll oversee all finances in this household, including Mr. Weaver's investment in our Wilson Group. Anyone concealing personal funds behind my back, I'm afraid you'll have to leave this house!"

Zoraida promptly replied with a smile, "Of course, Mom, I'll transfer all the remaining money to you. I won't keep a single cent for myself!"

Satisfied with her response, Madam Wilson turned to Noah and issued a stern warning, "Noah, you hid over ten million dollars in personal funds and refused to hand it over to me. In the end, that money went to waste. Therefore, from this point forward, if you dare to hide any personal funds again, don't blame me for taking drastic measures. Do you understand?"

Noah could only nod and reply respectfully, "I understand, Mom. Rest assured, I won't conceal any personal funds anymore!"

Content with his acknowledgment, Madam Wilson nodded. It appeared that this crisis had solidified her position as the family's authority figure.

Soon, Zoraida presented an array of abalone dishes, each featuring the delicacy in various preparations.

There were dishes like steamed abalone with vermicelli, braised abalone, abalone sashimi, and abalone soup. The quality ingredients made each dish truly delicious.

However, at the dining table, Zoraida herself refrained from partaking in any of the abalone dishes.

She opted for a plain bowl of Yangchun noodles with egg instead and avoided the seafood entirely.

Wendy, puzzled by her mother's behavior, asked, "Mom, why aren't you enjoying the abalone? You put in so much effort to prepare all these dishes, so why aren't you eating any?"

Unwilling to reveal her true reasons, Zoraida replied, "I've had an upset stomach these past few days, so I can't eat seafood."

Noah, still reeling from his confrontation with Elaine, glared at her and coldly remarked, "You want to enjoy seafood? You don't deserve it! What's the point of having seafood? It's just nourishing that illegitimate child growing inside you, isn't it?"

I love the title given to this episode "Karma cafe".
It's karma indeed ,,

 

[Prodigy]

Chapter 1176: "Noah's Nightmare: The Unbearable Itch and the Abalone Affair"

Starting today, for the next two weeks, Noah faced a daily routine of visiting the hospital for intravenous treatment. Each day, he had to endure the administration of five to six bottles of medicine.

With an urgent tone, Noah asked the doctor, "Doctor, can the medication you're giving me today at least alleviate this unbearable itching? I'm not hiding it; I'm itching like crazy, and it's driving me mad. I can't figure out what's causing it, and the more I scratch, the worse it gets."

The doctor reassured him, saying, "This condition tends to be intensely itchy by nature. It's already ulcerated, filled with pus, and inflamed, especially in a sensitive area, making the itching unbearable. But don't worry; once we administer today's medication, it should provide some relief."

The doctor added, "From now on, you must strictly avoid seafood, spicy food, alcohol, and smoking. Otherwise, it could significantly worsen your condition."

Hearing this, Noah anxiously admitted, "Doctor, I had over a dozen or maybe twenty abalones for lunch today, and I also had half a jin of Maotai liquor. Is that going to be a problem?"

With a stern expression, the doctor replied, "Are you trying to harm yourself? These are all triggers for your condition. You shouldn't have consumed seafood, let alone alcohol. Do you understand the seriousness of this?"

Noah, looking mournful, said, "I had no idea. If I had known about this illness, I wouldn't have dared to eat or drink any of that."

The doctor sighed and said, "I'm sorry, but we can't proceed with treatment today. You should return home."

Noah became anxious and pleaded, "Doctor, why can't we start treatment today? I'm itching uncontrollably, and it's unbearable. Can't you provide any relief today?"

Shaking his head, the doctor explained, "Treating your condition requires a substantial dose of antibiotics, but you've been drinking. We can't administer antibiotics while alcohol is in your system; it can have life-threatening consequences due to a disulfiram-like reaction. Do you want to endure another day of itching, or do you want to address it today?"

Tears welled up in Noah's eyes. His agony felt like a death sentence.

He implored, "Doctor, please, can you give me something to ease the itching? I can't take it any longer..."

The doctor sighed once more and conceded, "Alright, I'll prescribe a soothing solution for you to use at home. It should provide some relief from the itching."

He emphasized, "Remember, never scratch the affected area because it's already damaged. Scratching could worsen it, and the pus and blood contain bacteria that could lead to infection, making your condition worse. If the ulceration spreads, you might develop sepsis, which could be life-threatening."

Noah wiped away a tear and said, "This is a true nightmare... Everything was fine, and now I'm faced with this..."

The doctor empathized and said, "Ultimately, it comes down to personal hygiene, and you must be extra cautious in that regard. Avoid situations where you might encounter risks."

Noah nodded, refraining from explaining how he contracted the illness.

The doctor inquired, "By the way, you should be married at your age, right?"

Noah confirmed this.

The doctor advised, "In that case, bring your spouse for a check-up. This condition is highly contagious, and if you have it, you could easily transmit it to your partner."

Noah's anguish deepened, and anger welled up inside him.

Did I infect her?

No, it was her who infected me with all of this!

That woman, she'll pay when I get back!







Chapter 1177: "The Crab Dinner's Bitter Aftertaste"

Noah endured an itching sensation as he hurried back home. Zoraida, his partner, was in the midst of preparing dinner upon his return.

Around noon, Zoraida had noticed that Noah had a deep appreciation for the abalone she had cooked earlier. Determined to please him, she made a trip to the market in the afternoon, while Noah was out with his elderly mother.

On this occasion, she purchased a large Emperor Crab, knowing it was his absolute favorite due to its size and delicious meat. However, these crabs didn't come cheap, and the one she bought exceeded two thousand dollars.

Money was already tight for Zoraida, as she had given most of it to her elderly mother. However, she devised a plan. She discreetly took a high-end imported food processor from the kitchen and retrieved two bottles of Maotai liquor from the underground wine cellar, which she sold for twenty thousand dollars.

With this surplus money, Zoraida had her own agenda in mind. She decided not to disclose it to her elderly mother and intended to use it for a hospital visit tomorrow, planning an abortion and treatment for her own venereal disease.

Upon the return of the elderly mother, there was no opportunity to settle accounts with Zoraida. She had purchased a significant amount of disinfectant and immediately began sterilizing every nook and cranny, including the hallway, bathroom, and terrace.

Even after receiving Noah's test results, confirming that he didn't have AIDS, the elderly mother continued to clean and disinfect, her anxiety urging her to ensure absolute sanitation.

In the midst of this, Noah entered the house with a somber expression.

Upon stepping inside, he was greeted by the pungent aroma of crab.

Confused, he couldn't help but think, "This woman deceived me earlier today, and now she wants to serve me seafood and white wine in the evening!"

His grievances over her potentially infecting him with a disease were still unresolved.

With these thoughts racing through his mind, Noah swiftly advanced and delivered a harsh slap across Zoraida's face, causing her to tumble to the ground.

Before Zoraida could react, Noah straddled her, his anger propelling him to deliver a barrage of slaps. His hand landed mercilessly, each blow raining down upon her.

Zoraida cried out in pain, and the entire villa resonated with her agonizing cries, resembling a grim scene.

Harold and Wendy emerged from their respective rooms, rushing to intervene as they witnessed their parents embroiled in yet another altercation.

Harold couldn't contain his confusion. "Dad, what's happening? Weren't you already separated from Mom? Why are you fighting again?"

Echoing her brother, Wendy added, "Dad, Mr. Weaver specifically told you two not to fight. What if he holds you responsible for this?"

Unperturbed, Noah, still landing blows, vented his frustration, "Donald can go to hell! Even if I were the ruler of the world, I wouldn't stop hitting her today!"

He continued, seething with anger, "You deceitful, unfaithful woman! You infected me with a disease and then deliberately cooked seafood for me. What's your motive? Are you trying to harm me? I haven't even addressed your infidelity, and now you dare to jeopardize my health!"

These words momentarily stunned Zoraida, tears welling up in her eyes as she said, "Darling, I genuinely had no idea that you were unwell. Even if you beat me to the brink of death, I wouldn't have prepared seafood for you if I had known."

Noah, still administering slaps, clenched his teeth and rebuked, "Stop with the act! Were you not aware of your own condition? Did you not have any inkling? You've already transmitted it to me!"

Harold and Wendy were on the verge of despair.

From the sounds of it, their mother had passed on some sort of sexually transmitted disease to their father.

The source of this disease was no mystery to them.

The disease, much like the child growing inside their mother's womb, unquestionably had the same origin.







Chapter 1178: "Family Tragedy Unfolds: A Violent Outburst"

Harold, that audacious man, could feel the heat rushing to his cheeks, a flush of embarrassment overcoming him.

"What on earth is happening here?" he wondered silently.

Wendy, too, stood perplexed, torn between empathy for her parents and bewilderment about what to do.

Undoubtedly, it was a family tragedy unfolding.

Noah clutched Zoraida's head, relentlessly delivering blows for more than ten minutes until she finally lost consciousness. He stopped, gasping for breath.

Zoraida lay unconscious, while Madam Wilson completed her room disinfection task and descended to reprimand Noah, "How could you be so merciless in your beating?"

Noah defended himself, "Mom, this woman has brought me so much trouble. Can't I teach her a lesson?"

Madam Wilson lamented, "You could have disciplined her, but did you have to be so cruel? What if President Weaver finds out? What if he thinks our family is dispensable? Are you jeopardizing our entire family's future and prospects?"

At that moment, Harold had a revelation and exclaimed, "Dad, grandma's right! What if the Weavers find out? We could lose everything – our villa, our investments in the Wilson Group. We might end up homeless!"

Noah's expression shifted between anger and frustration. He said, "Alright, call for an ambulance now. Let's take her to the hospital. She still needs to undergo an abortion, and this can be part of the deal."

Zoraida was rushed to the hospital overnight and received the necessary medical care to save her.

When Donald was informed of this incident by his assistant, he was incensed.

This family was the most despicable, repugnant, foolish, and infuriating one he had ever encountered.

The actions of these five family members were continually pushing the boundaries of decency!

Donald even sadly recognized that he had already exhausted all strategies in dealing with Charlie. Whether it was the devious Wilson family members or the formidable Eight Great Kings, it appeared that none posed a threat to Charlie.

The Eight Great Kings were even less formidable than the Wilson family.

At least the Wilson family members were still alive, whereas the Eight Great Kings had all perished during a single expedition.

Presently, the Weaver family faced internal and external crises, in addition to their tarnished reputation. Their stock value, once exceeding 200 billion, had plummeted to less than 100 billion.

In terms of power, the current Weaver family couldn't even rival the Walker family anymore. They were no longer the foremost family in South Laverton region.

If the situation persisted, the Weaver family might fall from the ranks of first-tier families, descending into an insurmountable abyss.

Xander, feeling disheartened, couldn't help but ask his father, Donald, "Dad, do you think there's any chance left for me and Sarah Walker?"






Chapter 1179: "Navigating Troubled Waters: The Weaver Family's Struggles"

When Donald heard his son's question, his heart brimmed with complex emotions.

Not too long ago, he had harbored hopes that his son could capture Sarah's affections, a prospect that would have been an honor for the Walker family.

However, deep within, he now held doubts that Sarah could ever be drawn to his son.

The Weaver family had not only dwindled significantly in size but, more significantly, their reputation had been thoroughly tarnished.

Furthermore, with the mysterious deaths of the Eight Great Kings at Evergreen Mountain, how could the Weaver family even be mentioned in the same breath as the Walker family?

Thus, he held no hope that he could secure Sarah as his son's future wife.

It was unfortunate that his son appeared oblivious to this reality.

When the Weaver family thrived, dissenters were aplenty, let alone in their current predicament.

Upon deeper reflection, he noticed that not only was his son oblivious but also lacked control and comprehension of their current situation.

It seemed the old man's words had some truth; the Weaver family was indeed declining with each passing generation.

Now that the Weaver family rested on his shoulders, it had diminished by more than half. If it were passed on to his son in the future, it might become a third-rate family.

Thus, he advised Xander, "Now isn't the right moment to meddle in matters of love between our children. We must find a way to navigate the Weaver family through these trying times. Once the Weaver family regains its footing, we can revisit the idea of forming an alliance with the Walker family."

Xander nodded, sighing, "Joining forces with the Walker family would greatly improve our circumstances."

Donald sighed again, thinking his son was too idealistic.

When you're in the spotlight, people tend to distance themselves, especially when you're in trouble.

However, he refrained from voicing this to his son as their family was already in dire straits, and he didn't want to further crush his confidence and motivation.

In fact, this was where Donald fell short in comparison to the old man.

Or rather, this was the crux of why each Weaver family generation grew weaker than the last.

When the old man ventured into the world, he faced everything alone, carrying all burdens on his shoulders.

Yet, once he achieved success, he started feeling remorse for his son, thinking many unnecessary hardships were not worth enduring. Naturally, he didn't want his son to undergo such struggles when he had already built a strong foundation. There was no reason for his son to suffer.

However, the crucial point was that the prior generation of entrepreneurs succeeded precisely because they excelled at enduring hardships.

Individuals like Donald's father persevered through the most arduous circumstances, surviving in the wilderness, and seizing opportunities amidst adversity. It was through such experiences that they truly honed their skills.

Unfortunately, by the time it reached Donald's generation, they had little understanding of what it meant to endure hardships.

...

After Charlie returned, he resumed his tranquil life as before.

Nonetheless, he had always aspired to make a name for himself in the pharmaceutical industry. So, he got in touch with Merit's son, Paul, and asked him to accompany him on a visit to Wei Pharmaceutical.

Wei Pharmaceutical was a renowned traditional Chinese medicine company in South Laverton region and had previously developed numerous top-selling traditional Chinese medicines nationwide.

However, in recent years, traditional Chinese medicines across the country had been on the decline, with Han Chinese medicines, as represented by Japan and South Korea, gradually gaining dominance.

Whether it was traditional Chinese medicine or Han Chinese medicine, their roots stemmed from the ancient Chinese medical texts passed down by their forebears.

Charlie possessed a wealth of potent medicinal formulas. Should he choose to share them, it could potentially create a sensation. Nevertheless, he had no intentions of making a grand spectacle. His plan involved offering some classic remedies for common ailments to Wei Pharmaceutical, enabling them to produce several best-selling medicines.







Chapter 1180: "A Billion-Dollar Prescription: Paul's Astonishing Discovery"

However, before handing over the prescription to Lorden, they needed to make changes to the shares.

These prescriptions held immense value. Just one of them had the potential to generate wealth equal to several, maybe even a dozen, fortunes from Wei Pharmaceutical.

When Paul received the call and was asked for assistance, he didn't inquire about the specifics but readily agreed.

They scheduled a meeting for the following morning at Thomson Elite.

Jacob felt anxious when he learned he would be meeting Paul.

Ever since Elaine's return, he had been wanting to see Merit, but he didn't dare to reach out. He feared that if Elaine discovered Merit was back in the country, she might cause trouble. Elaine was known for her cunning ways.

So when he found out that Charlie was meeting with Paul, he asked him privately, "Good son-in-law, are you bringing Aunt Merit with you this time?"

Charlie smiled helplessly and replied, "Dad, of course not. If you want to see Aunt Merit, you should plan a meeting on your own."

Jacob awkwardly responded, "I can't do that!"

Charlie sighed and said, "Well, there's not much I can do about it..."

Jacob pleaded, "Good son-in-law, could you somehow arrange a meeting between me and Aunt Merit?"

Charlie said, "I could, but I'm afraid Claire would be upset if she found out."

Jacob rushed to say, "Just don't tell her, please?"

Charlie replied seriously, "Even if we don't tell her right away, she'll eventually find out. And when she does, she'll be quite upset if she learns we arranged this behind her back."

As they were talking, Charlie's phone rang; it was a call from Paul.

Eager to escape his chatty father-in-law, he quickly said, "Dad, I have to go now. Paul is here to pick me up."

Without waiting for his father to respond, Charlie hurriedly left the house.

Outside the main entrance of Thomson Elite, Paul was already waiting in his Rolls-Royce.

Seeing Charlie emerge, he waved and respectfully said, "Master Wade I'm here!"

Charlie nodded, walked over, and got into the car.

Today, Paul was dressed impeccably in a formal suit with a tie. It was evident that the suit was of high quality, possibly from a renowned brand or custom-made.

Paul inquired, "Master Wade what kind of collaboration do we have with Wei Pharmaceutical today?"

Charlie replied, "Wei Pharmaceutical intends to transfer 80% of its shares to me. I want you to act as my legal advisor and help me navigate all the contracts and legal formalities."

Paul was taken aback by this revelation. He was familiar with Wei Pharmaceutical—a substantial company with a market value in the billions. Was Charlie planning to acquire 80% of the company's shares without any financial commitment?

So he asked Charlie, "Master Wade what's the acquisition price for this 80% stake?"

Charlie responded calmly, "I won't be spending a single cent to acquire this 80% share. Instead, I'll be providing them with my prescriptions."

"What? You're not paying anything, just providing prescriptions?" Paul found it hard to believe. After all, Wei Pharmaceutical was worth billions, and for Charlie to secure 80% of the shares without any payment, solely relying on prescriptions, it seemed unbelievable. What kind of prescriptions could possess such remarkable value?

"Yes," Charlie nodded and added, "Trust me, my prescriptions are worth even more than their entire pharmaceutical factory."

That's the wonders of the nine mystical scriptures that has everything in the world

 

[Prodigy]

Chapter 1181: "The Hidden Message: Decrypting Paul's Chinese Name"

Paul looked at Charlie in amazement. While it was hard to believe, he had no reason to doubt Charlie's words. He quickly started the car and headed to Wei Pharmaceuticals.

Wei Pharmaceuticals had its production base located in the southeast of Aurous Hill. Besides manufacturing all their medicines here, their management team also operated from this location.

Within Wei Pharmaceuticals' production base, there were not only manufacturing facilities and warehouses but also office buildings and dormitories.

Upon arriving at Wei Pharmaceuticals' office building, Paul found Lorden waiting for them.

Charlie's actions in Evergreen Mountain had left a profound impression on Lorden. He regarded Charlie with a deep sense of reverence and felt an overwhelming desire to do anything for him.

With great respect, Lorden greeted Charlie and Paul and led them into his office.

Lorden had already prepared a draft of the contract. He handed it to Charlie and said, "Master Wade I've drafted the contract for the share transfer. Please have your lawyer review it for any concerns."

He opened a copy of the contract and explained, "The primary terms of this contract stipulate that, on behalf of the Wei Group, I will unconditionally transfer 80% of the shares to you."

Charlie didn't anticipate Lorden's straightforwardness. He nodded and replied, "Let Paul and your lawyer handle the contract details."

Lorden quickly responded, "I will bring the lawyer in right away."

He made a phone call, and several lawyers from the pharmaceutical company entered the room.

Paul conducted himself professionally and immediately began discussing the contract details with them.

The contract was swiftly finalized, and both Charlie and Lorden signed it.

With the signing of the contract, Charlie became the largest shareholder of Wei Pharmaceuticals, holding 80% of the company's shares.

Charlie was taken aback by one detail. He had hired Paul as his lawyer, and Paul's name was listed in the lawyer section of the equity transfer contract. However, what surprised him was Paul's Chinese name, which was used in the contract.

Even more intriguing was Paul's Chinese name: Han Mukun !

This revelation caught Charlie off guard!

Paul's Chinese name included his mother Merit's surname - Han, which was not unexpected. However, what truly surprised Charlie was the given name - Mukun?

Kun was unmistakably a reference to Jacob's Chinese name - Jacob.

As for Mu, in classical Chinese, it often conveyed sentiments of affection, admiration, longing, and respect when combined with other characters. The combination of Kun and Mu in Paul's name seemed to suggest phrases like "Merit longs for Jacob," "Merit admires Changkun deeply," or perhaps "Merit deeply loves Changkun."

Contemplating this name, Charlie couldn't help but feel that it reflected Merit's profound affection and cultural sophistication. Had she been an ordinary person, she might have chosen a Chinese name for Paul like Han Sikun, Han Niankun, or Han Aikun.






Chapter 1182: "Mystical Labs: Charlie's New Venture Begins"

She chose to use a name that was understated, profound, and even ancient – Han Mukun!

In this moment, even Charlie couldn't help but be impressed by Merit's choice of a Chinese name, which held deep meaning.

However, he kept these thoughts to himself and didn't share them with Paul. Nevertheless, he believed that Paul, being an intelligent person, might also grasp the profound significance behind his Chinese name.

On the other hand, Lorden, after signing the documents, respectfully inquired, "Master Wade should Wei Pharmaceuticals change its name now?"

He felt that it was inappropriate for Wei Pharmaceuticals to continue using that name since Charlie had become the major shareholder.

Charlie also sensed that it was somewhat awkward for his controlling company to retain the name Wei Pharmaceuticals. After a moment of thought, he suggested, "Let's change the name to Mystical Labs."

Charlie believed that the mastery of the classical medical techniques left by his ancestors was all thanks to the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture. Renaming the company Mystical Labs would serve as a mark of respect to this ancient scripture.

Lorden didn't understand the significance of the word "Mystical," but since Master Wade had proposed it, he had no objections. He immediately responded, "Master Wade I'll submit the name change request today and register the Mystical Labs trademark."

Charlie nodded and continued, "You mentioned earlier that you were facing tough competition from Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals with their gastric medicine, correct?"

"Yes," Lorden sighed, "Kobayashi Gastric Powder has been performing exceptionally well in Asia, and we're under a lot of pressure."

Charlie then told Lorden, "Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals is not a significant challenge. I'll provide you with a prescription for treating stomach ailments. Once you produce it and introduce it to the market, you can call it Mystical Gastric Powder. Do you have pen and paper? I'll write down the prescription for you, and you can work on producing it as soon as possible."

Lorden was overjoyed by Charlie's offer and never expected that he would personally provide a prescription. He quickly retrieved a pen and paper, handing them to Charlie with respect.

After some consideration, Charlie selected a formula from the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture called "Stomach-Heating Pill."

He chose this formula because its ingredients were relatively easy to procure. Although it was a basic formula for stomach problems in the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture, it was highly effective for ordinary individuals.

As long as Lorden could produce this gastric medicine and compete with Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals' gastric powder in the market, success was well within reach.

Charlie wrote down the prescription along with the proportions and handed it to Lorden.

Upon receiving the notebook, Lorden examined the formula written on it with amazement.

While Lorden had some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and had explored ancient prescriptions, he found Charlie's prescription mysterious. Many of the medicinal ingredients seemed unrelated to treating stomach ailments.

The prescription had originated from the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture, a divine book filled with extraordinary prescriptions. It was perplexing for ordinary individuals to comprehend. However, Lorden dared not doubt Charlie's abilities, even if he couldn't fully grasp the prescription.

Lorden carefully stored the prescription, planning to return and arrange for production to see how effective the medicine would be.

After finalizing the contract with Paul, they departed from Wei Pharmaceuticals, now renamed Mystical Labs.

Paul held deep respect for Charlie. He found Charlie to be truly enigmatic.

With just a simple prescription, others were willing to give him control of an entire conglomerate. Who else in the world possessed such extraordinary abilities?

It was no wonder that prominent figures in Aurous Hill referred to him as Master Wade.

Furthermore, whenever people mentioned Master Wade they often attached a four-word evaluation: "True Dragon Among Men!"




Chapter 1183: "Sarah's Birthday Surprise: A Thoughtful Gesture"

As they drove back, Charlie asked Paul, "So, what has Aunt Merit been up to recently?"

Paul replied, "My mom has been quite busy lately. She's been going to the Senior University often. An old friend of hers invited her to become a guest lecturer there, specializing in teaching law to senior citizens."

"Oh?" Charlie was intrigued. "So Aunt Merit is now a lecturer?"

Paul chuckled and clarified, "Not exactly a lecturer. Senior University isn't a traditional university; it's more of an interest-based program for senior citizens. Even though my mom teaches there, she's also a student herself, learning calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting with others. She keeps herself quite occupied."

Curious, Paul inquired further, "What about Uncle Jacob? My mom mentions him often, but she seems hesitant to talk about it."

Charlie thought that Paul was a trusted friend and decided to share the information, saying, "When you and Aunt Merit initially returned, my mother-in-law went missing for a while, but she's back now."

He continued, "My mother-in-law has a strong personality, and my father-in-law is afraid of her. She found out that Aunt Merit had returned, and if she knew, she would go cause trouble for Aunt Merit. So, my father-in-law decided not to look for Aunt Merit."

Paul nodded understandingly and commented, "It's not easy to intervene in the affairs of the older generation."

Just then, Charlie's phone rang, and it was Sarah Walker, whom he hadn't heard from in a while.

He answered the call with a smile and asked, "Miss Walker, what have you been busy with lately?"

Sarah replied, also with a smile, "I've been keeping busy, but certainly not as busy as Master Wade."

She then inquired curiously, "Master Wade do you happen to have some free time the day after tomorrow evening?"

Charlie considered for a moment and responded, "I believe I have no prior engagements. Why do you ask?"

Sarah chuckled and said, "It's nothing special. I just wanted to invite you over for dinner at my place. Grandfather has been mentioning you quite often."

Charlie smiled and agreed, "Alright, then I'll come over the day after tomorrow evening."

Sarah was delighted and said, "That's wonderful, Master Wade. Can we meet at 7 p.m. the day after tomorrow?"

"Of course."

"Great! See you then!"

"Alright, see you then."

After ending the call with Sarah, Paul, who was nearby, asked with a knowing smile, "Master Wade was that Miss Walker on the phone?"

Charlie knew that Paul was acquainted with Sarah, so he didn't conceal it and nodded, saying, "Yes, it was."

Paul smiled and said with a hint of playfulness, "I suspect that Miss Walker called you about her birthday party, didn't she?"

"Birthday party?" Charlie was taken aback. "She didn't mention anything about her birthday when we talked on the phone; she simply invited me over for dinner the day after tomorrow."

Paul slyly responded, "I have a feeling that Miss Walker didn't want you to go through the trouble of preparing a gift for her, so she just mentioned dinner. However, when she spoke to me, she was quite direct about it being her birthday celebration."

Charlie couldn't help but be a bit surprised. Typically, when inviting someone to an event, especially a birthday celebration, it was customary to mention the occasion. Could it be that she genuinely didn't want him to spend money on her?

After some thought, Charlie realized it was entirely possible.

Sarah had always felt indebted to him because he had previously helped her break the Dragon Trapping Formation without accepting any payment. When he secretly gave her a medicinal pill while refining medicine for her grandfather and Simon Thorpe, it was a gesture of goodwill. The Resurrection Pill he provided to Walker's grandfather had made him appear decades younger, which had greatly endeared Sarah to him. As a result, her status within the Walker family had continued to rise.






Chapter 1184: "Heir Today, Walker Tomorrow: Charlie's Masterstroke"

Sarah had always held herself in high regard precisely because of these principles. It was highly likely that she kept her birthday a secret to avoid owing anyone any favors.

Charlie found this situation rather amusing. He thought, "Sarah, you've always been cautious about owing favors, but this time, I'm going to give you a tremendous one."

He decided that instead of buying her a traditional birthday gift, he would prepare a Resurrection Pill for her.

The Resurrection Pill was renowned in Aurous Hill's upper society for its incredible effects. When Mr. Walker publicly consumed the Resurrection Pill at a banquet, everyone witnessed its remarkable results. Charlie had even heard rumors of people willing to spend billions, or even tens of billions, to acquire a single Resurrection Pill.

However, Charlie had never contemplated selling the medicine. Money held little value to him, as he possessed more than enough wealth. Flooding the market with the Resurrection Pill for profit would diminish its perceived worth.

Instead, he wanted the Resurrection Pill to remain an elusive and priceless treasure, something that only a select few might ever attain. This would cultivate a sense of admiration and longing among those who desired it.

The reasons behind Charlie's decision to give Sarah a Resurrection Pill were straightforward.

Firstly, he genuinely considered Sarah a close friend. Given that it was her birthday and they shared a strong friendship, he wished to offer a gift that showcased his sincerity.

Secondly, Sarah hailed from the Walker family, a household accustomed to seeing countless valuable items. Therefore, her gift had to be something unobtainable, even with her substantial wealth.

Furthermore, Charlie didn't intend for Sarah to use the Resurrection Pill herself. At 25 years old, she had no need for such a potent elixir.

Instead, his true intention was for her to use the Resurrection Pill strategically to gain more love, attention, and resources from her father, Mr. Walker.

When Charlie had previously gifted Mr. Walker a Resurrection Pill, it had resulted in a dramatic display of gratitude. Mr. Walker had knelt and kowtowed before the entire Walker family and Aurous Hill's upper society. His desire for another Resurrection Pill far exceeded any other desires he might have had.

However, Mr. Walker would undoubtedly understand Charlie's intentions. He wouldn't dare to hope for a second Resurrection Pill.

By giving this gift to Sarah, Charlie believed that a discerning man like Mr. Walker would grasp the underlying message. Mr. Walker might pay even more attention to Sarah, possibly considering her as the rightful heir to the entire Walker family.

Charlie had observed Sarah's ambitious and driven nature. Her years of tireless dedication to the family hinted at her strong character.

Due to the untimely deaths of her parents, she was somewhat isolated within the Walker family, making it challenging for her to ascend to the role of family heir.

In such a situation, why not extend a helping hand?





Chapter 1185: "Golden Years and Golden Opportunities: Jacob's Scheme"

After Paul dropped Charlie off at Thomson Elite, he headed back home.

When Charlie returned to the villa alone, his father-in-law, Jacob, approached him eagerly, asking, "Good son-in-law, did you happen to meet Aunt Merit when you were out with Paul today?"

Charlie replied with a hint of helplessness, "Dad, I went out with Paul for some business. I didn't have a chance to meet Aunt Merit."

Jacob let out a sigh, feeling quite frustrated. He missed Merit dearly, but with Elaine at home, he couldn't take any risks to see her.

He was growing increasingly anxious by the day.

He then inquired, "Did you at least ask Paul about Aunt Merit's well-being? Is she doing alright these days?"

Charlie smiled and reassured him, "Aunt Merit seems to be doing quite well recently. According to Paul, she's been teaching at the senior citizens' university every day. Not only is she teaching, but she's also engaging in activities like calligraphy and painting with others. It appears that she's leading a fulfilling life."

Upon hearing this, Jacob became even more anxious. He exclaimed, "Oh dear, why would she go to a senior citizens' university?"

Charlie was taken aback and asked, "What's wrong with attending a senior citizens' university? Isn't it a place for seniors to pursue lifelong learning and enjoy their golden years?"

Jacob explained with a tinge of frustration, "You might not be aware, but these senior citizens' universities often have a fair share of elderly men who are widowers. These old fellows don't enroll to study; they go there in search of new companions or partners."

He continued, his worry evident, "Given Aunt Merit's beauty, won't those older men relentlessly pursue her once she's there?"

Charlie couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Do you really think you can prevent others from pursuing her?"

Jacob sighed deeply and said, "You're right. The situation is quite vexing."

Then, an idea seemed to strike him, and he exclaimed, "I have a plan! Perhaps I should also enroll in the senior citizens' university. That way, I can meet Aunt Merit, right?"

Charlie raised an eyebrow and questioned, "Aren't you concerned about Mom finding out?"

Jacob replied, "No problem at all. You know what kind of woman your mom is, don't you? She's very conscious of her image. Look at her now – she's limping, using a cane, missing two front teeth, and can't even get them fixed yet. She's avoiding crowded places like the plague. Occasionally, when she goes out to buy something, she has to wear sunglasses and a mask, fearing that someone might recognize her. She wouldn't dare to set foot in a senior citizens' university."

"Fair point," Charlie conceded without pressing the matter further.

In reality, he didn't particularly care about the relationship between his father-in-law and Merit. If his father-in-law got too close to Merit, it would inevitably hurt and upset his wife, Claire. Moreover, if his mother-in-law, Elaine, found out, it would lead to further complications and turmoil within their household. Thus, he had no choice but to tolerate his father-in-law's actions.

Two days later, Charlie had informed his family in advance that he would be attending a friend's birthday party that evening.

In the afternoon, he went out to purchase a mahogany gift box and placed a Rejuvenation Pill inside it. Afterward, he had the gift box meticulously wrapped at the store.

Since it was a birthday gift for someone else, it needed to have an air of formality.

Paul had also received an invitation, so he came to pick up Charlie, and they headed to the Walker family's villa together.

Sarah's birthday celebration was not adorned with extravagant decorations or grand festivities. Instead, the decorations had a modern and warm touch.

As Paul drove the car into the villa's courtyard, Charlie couldn't help but appreciate the understated elegance of the decorations, which didn't immediately scream "birthday party."

Tonight, Sarah Walker was dressed in a custom-made white evening gown.

The strapless dress showcased her elegance and allure, accentuating her radiant beauty. Her collarbone was particularly alluring, prominently defined and exquisitely shaped, a feature that even women might envy.

Several luxurious cars were already parked in the courtyard, indicating the presence of several guests.

Sarah had been welcoming the guests inside, but upon hearing that Charlie had arrived, she hurriedly stepped out to greet him.

This Sarah Walker is one of a kind,always captivating at everything especially her beauty and character,she is one in a million
Wishing she could be betrothed to Charlie,she might spice things up for us





I also admire Merit's sense of longing or affection for Jacob,their love life is quite intriguing,wish they are together and live a fulfilled life of happiness and joy

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

This Sarah Walker is one of a kind,always captivating at everything especially her beauty and character,she is one in a million
Wishing she could be betrothed to Charlie,she might spice things up for us





I also admire Merit's sense of longing or affection for Jacob,their love life is quite intriguing,wish they are together and live a fulfilled life of happiness and joy

I like sarah...

 

[Prodigy]

I like sarah...

Same goes to me

 

[Alonzo03]

Sarah fans, shall we form a round table and devise a plan to overthrow claire. But I think Clare compliments Charlie's personality, I think there are times Charlie could have breached his moral values but Claire kept him in check.

 

[Prosper]

Chapter 1176: "Noah's Nightmare: The Unbearable Itch and the Abalone Affair"

Starting today, for the next two weeks, Noah faced a daily routine of visiting the hospital for intravenous treatment. Each day, he had to endure the administration of five to six bottles of medicine.

With an urgent tone, Noah asked the doctor, "Doctor, can the medication you're giving me today at least alleviate this unbearable itching? I'm not hiding it; I'm itching like crazy, and it's driving me mad. I can't figure out what's causing it, and the more I scratch, the worse it gets."

The doctor reassured him, saying, "This condition tends to be intensely itchy by nature. It's already ulcerated, filled with pus, and inflamed, especially in a sensitive area, making the itching unbearable. But don't worry; once we administer today's medication, it should provide some relief."

The doctor added, "From now on, you must strictly avoid seafood, spicy food, alcohol, and smoking. Otherwise, it could significantly worsen your condition."

Hearing this, Noah anxiously admitted, "Doctor, I had over a dozen or maybe twenty abalones for lunch today, and I also had half a jin of Maotai liquor. Is that going to be a problem?"

With a stern expression, the doctor replied, "Are you trying to harm yourself? These are all triggers for your condition. You shouldn't have consumed seafood, let alone alcohol. Do you understand the seriousness of this?"

Noah, looking mournful, said, "I had no idea. If I had known about this illness, I wouldn't have dared to eat or drink any of that."

The doctor sighed and said, "I'm sorry, but we can't proceed with treatment today. You should return home."

Noah became anxious and pleaded, "Doctor, why can't we start treatment today? I'm itching uncontrollably, and it's unbearable. Can't you provide any relief today?"

Shaking his head, the doctor explained, "Treating your condition requires a substantial dose of antibiotics, but you've been drinking. We can't administer antibiotics while alcohol is in your system; it can have life-threatening consequences due to a disulfiram-like reaction. Do you want to endure another day of itching, or do you want to address it today?"

Tears welled up in Noah's eyes. His agony felt like a death sentence.

He implored, "Doctor, please, can you give me something to ease the itching? I can't take it any longer..."

The doctor sighed once more and conceded, "Alright, I'll prescribe a soothing solution for you to use at home. It should provide some relief from the itching."

He emphasized, "Remember, never scratch the affected area because it's already damaged. Scratching could worsen it, and the pus and blood contain bacteria that could lead to infection, making your condition worse. If the ulceration spreads, you might develop sepsis, which could be life-threatening."

Noah wiped away a tear and said, "This is a true nightmare... Everything was fine, and now I'm faced with this..."

The doctor empathized and said, "Ultimately, it comes down to personal hygiene, and you must be extra cautious in that regard. Avoid situations where you might encounter risks."

Noah nodded, refraining from explaining how he contracted the illness.

The doctor inquired, "By the way, you should be married at your age, right?"

Noah confirmed this.

The doctor advised, "In that case, bring your spouse for a check-up. This condition is highly contagious, and if you have it, you could easily transmit it to your partner."

Noah's anguish deepened, and anger welled up inside him.

Did I infect her?

No, it was her who infected me with all of this!

That woman, she'll pay when I get back!







Chapter 1177: "The Crab Dinner's Bitter Aftertaste"

Noah endured an itching sensation as he hurried back home. Zoraida, his partner, was in the midst of preparing dinner upon his return.

Around noon, Zoraida had noticed that Noah had a deep appreciation for the abalone she had cooked earlier. Determined to please him, she made a trip to the market in the afternoon, while Noah was out with his elderly mother.

On this occasion, she purchased a large Emperor Crab, knowing it was his absolute favorite due to its size and delicious meat. However, these crabs didn't come cheap, and the one she bought exceeded two thousand dollars.

Money was already tight for Zoraida, as she had given most of it to her elderly mother. However, she devised a plan. She discreetly took a high-end imported food processor from the kitchen and retrieved two bottles of Maotai liquor from the underground wine cellar, which she sold for twenty thousand dollars.

With this surplus money, Zoraida had her own agenda in mind. She decided not to disclose it to her elderly mother and intended to use it for a hospital visit tomorrow, planning an abortion and treatment for her own venereal disease.

Upon the return of the elderly mother, there was no opportunity to settle accounts with Zoraida. She had purchased a significant amount of disinfectant and immediately began sterilizing every nook and cranny, including the hallway, bathroom, and terrace.

Even after receiving Noah's test results, confirming that he didn't have AIDS, the elderly mother continued to clean and disinfect, her anxiety urging her to ensure absolute sanitation.

In the midst of this, Noah entered the house with a somber expression.

Upon stepping inside, he was greeted by the pungent aroma of crab.

Confused, he couldn't help but think, "This woman deceived me earlier today, and now she wants to serve me seafood and white wine in the evening!"

His grievances over her potentially infecting him with a disease were still unresolved.

With these thoughts racing through his mind, Noah swiftly advanced and delivered a harsh slap across Zoraida's face, causing her to tumble to the ground.

Before Zoraida could react, Noah straddled her, his anger propelling him to deliver a barrage of slaps. His hand landed mercilessly, each blow raining down upon her.

Zoraida cried out in pain, and the entire villa resonated with her agonizing cries, resembling a grim scene.

Harold and Wendy emerged from their respective rooms, rushing to intervene as they witnessed their parents embroiled in yet another altercation.

Harold couldn't contain his confusion. "Dad, what's happening? Weren't you already separated from Mom? Why are you fighting again?"

Echoing her brother, Wendy added, "Dad, Mr. Weaver specifically told you two not to fight. What if he holds you responsible for this?"

Unperturbed, Noah, still landing blows, vented his frustration, "Donald can go to hell! Even if I were the ruler of the world, I wouldn't stop hitting her today!"

He continued, seething with anger, "You deceitful, unfaithful woman! You infected me with a disease and then deliberately cooked seafood for me. What's your motive? Are you trying to harm me? I haven't even addressed your infidelity, and now you dare to jeopardize my health!"

These words momentarily stunned Zoraida, tears welling up in her eyes as she said, "Darling, I genuinely had no idea that you were unwell. Even if you beat me to the brink of death, I wouldn't have prepared seafood for you if I had known."

Noah, still administering slaps, clenched his teeth and rebuked, "Stop with the act! Were you not aware of your own condition? Did you not have any inkling? You've already transmitted it to me!"

Harold and Wendy were on the verge of despair.

From the sounds of it, their mother had passed on some sort of sexually transmitted disease to their father.

The source of this disease was no mystery to them.

The disease, much like the child growing inside their mother's womb, unquestionably had the same origin.







Chapter 1178: "Family Tragedy Unfolds: A Violent Outburst"

Harold, that audacious man, could feel the heat rushing to his cheeks, a flush of embarrassment overcoming him.

"What on earth is happening here?" he wondered silently.

Wendy, too, stood perplexed, torn between empathy for her parents and bewilderment about what to do.

Undoubtedly, it was a family tragedy unfolding.

Noah clutched Zoraida's head, relentlessly delivering blows for more than ten minutes until she finally lost consciousness. He stopped, gasping for breath.

Zoraida lay unconscious, while Madam Wilson completed her room disinfection task and descended to reprimand Noah, "How could you be so merciless in your beating?"

Noah defended himself, "Mom, this woman has brought me so much trouble. Can't I teach her a lesson?"

Madam Wilson lamented, "You could have disciplined her, but did you have to be so cruel? What if President Weaver finds out? What if he thinks our family is dispensable? Are you jeopardizing our entire family's future and prospects?"

At that moment, Harold had a revelation and exclaimed, "Dad, grandma's right! What if the Weavers find out? We could lose everything – our villa, our investments in the Wilson Group. We might end up homeless!"

Noah's expression shifted between anger and frustration. He said, "Alright, call for an ambulance now. Let's take her to the hospital. She still needs to undergo an abortion, and this can be part of the deal."

Zoraida was rushed to the hospital overnight and received the necessary medical care to save her.

When Donald was informed of this incident by his assistant, he was incensed.

This family was the most despicable, repugnant, foolish, and infuriating one he had ever encountered.

The actions of these five family members were continually pushing the boundaries of decency!

Donald even sadly recognized that he had already exhausted all strategies in dealing with Charlie. Whether it was the devious Wilson family members or the formidable Eight Great Kings, it appeared that none posed a threat to Charlie.

The Eight Great Kings were even less formidable than the Wilson family.

At least the Wilson family members were still alive, whereas the Eight Great Kings had all perished during a single expedition.

Presently, the Weaver family faced internal and external crises, in addition to their tarnished reputation. Their stock value, once exceeding 200 billion, had plummeted to less than 100 billion.

In terms of power, the current Weaver family couldn't even rival the Walker family anymore. They were no longer the foremost family in South Laverton region.

If the situation persisted, the Weaver family might fall from the ranks of first-tier families, descending into an insurmountable abyss.

Xander, feeling disheartened, couldn't help but ask his father, Donald, "Dad, do you think there's any chance left for me and Sarah Walker?"






Chapter 1179: "Navigating Troubled Waters: The Weaver Family's Struggles"

When Donald heard his son's question, his heart brimmed with complex emotions.

Not too long ago, he had harbored hopes that his son could capture Sarah's affections, a prospect that would have been an honor for the Walker family.

However, deep within, he now held doubts that Sarah could ever be drawn to his son.

The Weaver family had not only dwindled significantly in size but, more significantly, their reputation had been thoroughly tarnished.

Furthermore, with the mysterious deaths of the Eight Great Kings at Evergreen Mountain, how could the Weaver family even be mentioned in the same breath as the Walker family?

Thus, he held no hope that he could secure Sarah as his son's future wife.

It was unfortunate that his son appeared oblivious to this reality.

When the Weaver family thrived, dissenters were aplenty, let alone in their current predicament.

Upon deeper reflection, he noticed that not only was his son oblivious but also lacked control and comprehension of their current situation.

It seemed the old man's words had some truth; the Weaver family was indeed declining with each passing generation.

Now that the Weaver family rested on his shoulders, it had diminished by more than half. If it were passed on to his son in the future, it might become a third-rate family.

Thus, he advised Xander, "Now isn't the right moment to meddle in matters of love between our children. We must find a way to navigate the Weaver family through these trying times. Once the Weaver family regains its footing, we can revisit the idea of forming an alliance with the Walker family."

Xander nodded, sighing, "Joining forces with the Walker family would greatly improve our circumstances."

Donald sighed again, thinking his son was too idealistic.

When you're in the spotlight, people tend to distance themselves, especially when you're in trouble.

However, he refrained from voicing this to his son as their family was already in dire straits, and he didn't want to further crush his confidence and motivation.

In fact, this was where Donald fell short in comparison to the old man.

Or rather, this was the crux of why each Weaver family generation grew weaker than the last.

When the old man ventured into the world, he faced everything alone, carrying all burdens on his shoulders.

Yet, once he achieved success, he started feeling remorse for his son, thinking many unnecessary hardships were not worth enduring. Naturally, he didn't want his son to undergo such struggles when he had already built a strong foundation. There was no reason for his son to suffer.

However, the crucial point was that the prior generation of entrepreneurs succeeded precisely because they excelled at enduring hardships.

Individuals like Donald's father persevered through the most arduous circumstances, surviving in the wilderness, and seizing opportunities amidst adversity. It was through such experiences that they truly honed their skills.

Unfortunately, by the time it reached Donald's generation, they had little understanding of what it meant to endure hardships.

...

After Charlie returned, he resumed his tranquil life as before.

Nonetheless, he had always aspired to make a name for himself in the pharmaceutical industry. So, he got in touch with Merit's son, Paul, and asked him to accompany him on a visit to Wei Pharmaceutical.

Wei Pharmaceutical was a renowned traditional Chinese medicine company in South Laverton region and had previously developed numerous top-selling traditional Chinese medicines nationwide.

However, in recent years, traditional Chinese medicines across the country had been on the decline, with Han Chinese medicines, as represented by Japan and South Korea, gradually gaining dominance.

Whether it was traditional Chinese medicine or Han Chinese medicine, their roots stemmed from the ancient Chinese medical texts passed down by their forebears.

Charlie possessed a wealth of potent medicinal formulas. Should he choose to share them, it could potentially create a sensation. Nevertheless, he had no intentions of making a grand spectacle. His plan involved offering some classic remedies for common ailments to Wei Pharmaceutical, enabling them to produce several best-selling medicines.







Chapter 1180: "A Billion-Dollar Prescription: Paul's Astonishing Discovery"

However, before handing over the prescription to Lorden, they needed to make changes to the shares.

These prescriptions held immense value. Just one of them had the potential to generate wealth equal to several, maybe even a dozen, fortunes from Wei Pharmaceutical.

When Paul received the call and was asked for assistance, he didn't inquire about the specifics but readily agreed.

They scheduled a meeting for the following morning at Thomson Elite.

Jacob felt anxious when he learned he would be meeting Paul.

Ever since Elaine's return, he had been wanting to see Merit, but he didn't dare to reach out. He feared that if Elaine discovered Merit was back in the country, she might cause trouble. Elaine was known for her cunning ways.

So when he found out that Charlie was meeting with Paul, he asked him privately, "Good son-in-law, are you bringing Aunt Merit with you this time?"

Charlie smiled helplessly and replied, "Dad, of course not. If you want to see Aunt Merit, you should plan a meeting on your own."

Jacob awkwardly responded, "I can't do that!"

Charlie sighed and said, "Well, there's not much I can do about it..."

Jacob pleaded, "Good son-in-law, could you somehow arrange a meeting between me and Aunt Merit?"

Charlie said, "I could, but I'm afraid Claire would be upset if she found out."

Jacob rushed to say, "Just don't tell her, please?"

Charlie replied seriously, "Even if we don't tell her right away, she'll eventually find out. And when she does, she'll be quite upset if she learns we arranged this behind her back."

As they were talking, Charlie's phone rang; it was a call from Paul.

Eager to escape his chatty father-in-law, he quickly said, "Dad, I have to go now. Paul is here to pick me up."

Without waiting for his father to respond, Charlie hurriedly left the house.

Outside the main entrance of Thomson Elite, Paul was already waiting in his Rolls-Royce.

Seeing Charlie emerge, he waved and respectfully said, "Master Wade I'm here!"

Charlie nodded, walked over, and got into the car.

Today, Paul was dressed impeccably in a formal suit with a tie. It was evident that the suit was of high quality, possibly from a renowned brand or custom-made.

Paul inquired, "Master Wade what kind of collaboration do we have with Wei Pharmaceutical today?"

Charlie replied, "Wei Pharmaceutical intends to transfer 80% of its shares to me. I want you to act as my legal advisor and help me navigate all the contracts and legal formalities."

Paul was taken aback by this revelation. He was familiar with Wei Pharmaceutical—a substantial company with a market value in the billions. Was Charlie planning to acquire 80% of the company's shares without any financial commitment?

So he asked Charlie, "Master Wade what's the acquisition price for this 80% stake?"

Charlie responded calmly, "I won't be spending a single cent to acquire this 80% share. Instead, I'll be providing them with my prescriptions."

"What? You're not paying anything, just providing prescriptions?" Paul found it hard to believe. After all, Wei Pharmaceutical was worth billions, and for Charlie to secure 80% of the shares without any payment, solely relying on prescriptions, it seemed unbelievable. What kind of prescriptions could possess such remarkable value?

"Yes," Charlie nodded and added, "Trust me, my prescriptions are worth even more than their entire pharmaceutical factory."

Charlie, you are brutal.

 

[Alonzo03]

Why I like Sarah's personality it's quite normal for an offspring of a top tier family. Every other women would readily say yes to Charlie's opinions and actions but Claire would say no even those things about him are true as long as she is yet to know his new profound personality she will say no and that is a true wife

 

[CasaNovack]

Valid opinions about Claire keeping Charlie's morality in check. I've got to say though... They are both SO indecisive

Because of Claire's "filial piety", which is just a disguised term for being a pushover and Charlie's unwillingness to upset his wife, which is the same, they allowed 2 armed time bombs inside their home. Moreover by not finishing the Weaver family they allowed another 5 living nuclear bombs of insane stupidity to live next door.

I mean... At some point this has to bite Charlie in the ass right? He may be a god among men, but it's impossible to win an argument with an idiot. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

1. Have Paul introduce Jacob to a good divorce lawyer.
2. Prove that Elaine is literally insane and vindictive. How?
2 a. Install cameras and record Elaine interacting with her family.
2 b. Give it to the divorce lawyer.
3. Get court to agree to a divorce with a "single party consent" or smth.
4. Get Jacob divorced and happy with aunt Merit
5. Crush the Weaver family swiftly and permanently this time.
6. Wilsons are kicked out of Thompson Elite IMMEDIATELY I guarantee.

Problems solved.
I get it, from a storytelling perspective Charlie needs to have problems, but here's the thing. Can't he have a peaceful home life while dealing with issues like Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals, Weaver family, Wade inheritage, building his business, navigating among all the women throwing themselves at him?

There are plenty of problems to tackle without the Wilson family in the picture, especially considering the fact that Claire is treated like an afterthought in the story so far...
The more I read the Lucas Gray story on this website, the more I appreciate the "no unnecesary bullshit" approach it has, and the more it pains me to see a story with a great potential be treated like this.

 

[Prosper]

Chapter 1181: "The Hidden Message: Decrypting Paul's Chinese Name"

Paul looked at Charlie in amazement. While it was hard to believe, he had no reason to doubt Charlie's words. He quickly started the car and headed to Wei Pharmaceuticals.

Wei Pharmaceuticals had its production base located in the southeast of Aurous Hill. Besides manufacturing all their medicines here, their management team also operated from this location.

Within Wei Pharmaceuticals' production base, there were not only manufacturing facilities and warehouses but also office buildings and dormitories.

Upon arriving at Wei Pharmaceuticals' office building, Paul found Lorden waiting for them.

Charlie's actions in Evergreen Mountain had left a profound impression on Lorden. He regarded Charlie with a deep sense of reverence and felt an overwhelming desire to do anything for him.

With great respect, Lorden greeted Charlie and Paul and led them into his office.

Lorden had already prepared a draft of the contract. He handed it to Charlie and said, "Master Wade I've drafted the contract for the share transfer. Please have your lawyer review it for any concerns."

He opened a copy of the contract and explained, "The primary terms of this contract stipulate that, on behalf of the Wei Group, I will unconditionally transfer 80% of the shares to you."

Charlie didn't anticipate Lorden's straightforwardness. He nodded and replied, "Let Paul and your lawyer handle the contract details."

Lorden quickly responded, "I will bring the lawyer in right away."

He made a phone call, and several lawyers from the pharmaceutical company entered the room.

Paul conducted himself professionally and immediately began discussing the contract details with them.

The contract was swiftly finalized, and both Charlie and Lorden signed it.

With the signing of the contract, Charlie became the largest shareholder of Wei Pharmaceuticals, holding 80% of the company's shares.

Charlie was taken aback by one detail. He had hired Paul as his lawyer, and Paul's name was listed in the lawyer section of the equity transfer contract. However, what surprised him was Paul's Chinese name, which was used in the contract.

Even more intriguing was Paul's Chinese name: Han Mukun !

This revelation caught Charlie off guard!

Paul's Chinese name included his mother Merit's surname - Han, which was not unexpected. However, what truly surprised Charlie was the given name - Mukun?

Kun was unmistakably a reference to Jacob's Chinese name - Jacob.

As for Mu, in classical Chinese, it often conveyed sentiments of affection, admiration, longing, and respect when combined with other characters. The combination of Kun and Mu in Paul's name seemed to suggest phrases like "Merit longs for Jacob," "Merit admires Changkun deeply," or perhaps "Merit deeply loves Changkun."

Contemplating this name, Charlie couldn't help but feel that it reflected Merit's profound affection and cultural sophistication. Had she been an ordinary person, she might have chosen a Chinese name for Paul like Han Sikun, Han Niankun, or Han Aikun.






Chapter 1182: "Mystical Labs: Charlie's New Venture Begins"

She chose to use a name that was understated, profound, and even ancient – Han Mukun!

In this moment, even Charlie couldn't help but be impressed by Merit's choice of a Chinese name, which held deep meaning.

However, he kept these thoughts to himself and didn't share them with Paul. Nevertheless, he believed that Paul, being an intelligent person, might also grasp the profound significance behind his Chinese name.

On the other hand, Lorden, after signing the documents, respectfully inquired, "Master Wade should Wei Pharmaceuticals change its name now?"

He felt that it was inappropriate for Wei Pharmaceuticals to continue using that name since Charlie had become the major shareholder.

Charlie also sensed that it was somewhat awkward for his controlling company to retain the name Wei Pharmaceuticals. After a moment of thought, he suggested, "Let's change the name to Mystical Labs."

Charlie believed that the mastery of the classical medical techniques left by his ancestors was all thanks to the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture. Renaming the company Mystical Labs would serve as a mark of respect to this ancient scripture.

Lorden didn't understand the significance of the word "Mystical," but since Master Wade had proposed it, he had no objections. He immediately responded, "Master Wade I'll submit the name change request today and register the Mystical Labs trademark."

Charlie nodded and continued, "You mentioned earlier that you were facing tough competition from Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals with their gastric medicine, correct?"

"Yes," Lorden sighed, "Kobayashi Gastric Powder has been performing exceptionally well in Asia, and we're under a lot of pressure."

Charlie then told Lorden, "Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals is not a significant challenge. I'll provide you with a prescription for treating stomach ailments. Once you produce it and introduce it to the market, you can call it Mystical Gastric Powder. Do you have pen and paper? I'll write down the prescription for you, and you can work on producing it as soon as possible."

Lorden was overjoyed by Charlie's offer and never expected that he would personally provide a prescription. He quickly retrieved a pen and paper, handing them to Charlie with respect.

After some consideration, Charlie selected a formula from the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture called "Stomach-Heating Pill."

He chose this formula because its ingredients were relatively easy to procure. Although it was a basic formula for stomach problems in the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture, it was highly effective for ordinary individuals.

As long as Lorden could produce this gastric medicine and compete with Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals' gastric powder in the market, success was well within reach.

Charlie wrote down the prescription along with the proportions and handed it to Lorden.

Upon receiving the notebook, Lorden examined the formula written on it with amazement.

While Lorden had some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and had explored ancient prescriptions, he found Charlie's prescription mysterious. Many of the medicinal ingredients seemed unrelated to treating stomach ailments.

The prescription had originated from the Nine Mystical Heavens Scripture, a divine book filled with extraordinary prescriptions. It was perplexing for ordinary individuals to comprehend. However, Lorden dared not doubt Charlie's abilities, even if he couldn't fully grasp the prescription.

Lorden carefully stored the prescription, planning to return and arrange for production to see how effective the medicine would be.

After finalizing the contract with Paul, they departed from Wei Pharmaceuticals, now renamed Mystical Labs.

Paul held deep respect for Charlie. He found Charlie to be truly enigmatic.

With just a simple prescription, others were willing to give him control of an entire conglomerate. Who else in the world possessed such extraordinary abilities?

It was no wonder that prominent figures in Aurous Hill referred to him as Master Wade.

Furthermore, whenever people mentioned Master Wade they often attached a four-word evaluation: "True Dragon Among Men!"




Chapter 1183: "Sarah's Birthday Surprise: A Thoughtful Gesture"

As they drove back, Charlie asked Paul, "So, what has Aunt Merit been up to recently?"

Paul replied, "My mom has been quite busy lately. She's been going to the Senior University often. An old friend of hers invited her to become a guest lecturer there, specializing in teaching law to senior citizens."

"Oh?" Charlie was intrigued. "So Aunt Merit is now a lecturer?"

Paul chuckled and clarified, "Not exactly a lecturer. Senior University isn't a traditional university; it's more of an interest-based program for senior citizens. Even though my mom teaches there, she's also a student herself, learning calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting with others. She keeps herself quite occupied."

Curious, Paul inquired further, "What about Uncle Jacob? My mom mentions him often, but she seems hesitant to talk about it."

Charlie thought that Paul was a trusted friend and decided to share the information, saying, "When you and Aunt Merit initially returned, my mother-in-law went missing for a while, but she's back now."

He continued, "My mother-in-law has a strong personality, and my father-in-law is afraid of her. She found out that Aunt Merit had returned, and if she knew, she would go cause trouble for Aunt Merit. So, my father-in-law decided not to look for Aunt Merit."

Paul nodded understandingly and commented, "It's not easy to intervene in the affairs of the older generation."

Just then, Charlie's phone rang, and it was Sarah Walker, whom he hadn't heard from in a while.

He answered the call with a smile and asked, "Miss Walker, what have you been busy with lately?"

Sarah replied, also with a smile, "I've been keeping busy, but certainly not as busy as Master Wade."

She then inquired curiously, "Master Wade do you happen to have some free time the day after tomorrow evening?"

Charlie considered for a moment and responded, "I believe I have no prior engagements. Why do you ask?"

Sarah chuckled and said, "It's nothing special. I just wanted to invite you over for dinner at my place. Grandfather has been mentioning you quite often."

Charlie smiled and agreed, "Alright, then I'll come over the day after tomorrow evening."

Sarah was delighted and said, "That's wonderful, Master Wade. Can we meet at 7 p.m. the day after tomorrow?"

"Of course."

"Great! See you then!"

"Alright, see you then."

After ending the call with Sarah, Paul, who was nearby, asked with a knowing smile, "Master Wade was that Miss Walker on the phone?"

Charlie knew that Paul was acquainted with Sarah, so he didn't conceal it and nodded, saying, "Yes, it was."

Paul smiled and said with a hint of playfulness, "I suspect that Miss Walker called you about her birthday party, didn't she?"

"Birthday party?" Charlie was taken aback. "She didn't mention anything about her birthday when we talked on the phone; she simply invited me over for dinner the day after tomorrow."

Paul slyly responded, "I have a feeling that Miss Walker didn't want you to go through the trouble of preparing a gift for her, so she just mentioned dinner. However, when she spoke to me, she was quite direct about it being her birthday celebration."

Charlie couldn't help but be a bit surprised. Typically, when inviting someone to an event, especially a birthday celebration, it was customary to mention the occasion. Could it be that she genuinely didn't want him to spend money on her?

After some thought, Charlie realized it was entirely possible.

Sarah had always felt indebted to him because he had previously helped her break the Dragon Trapping Formation without accepting any payment. When he secretly gave her a medicinal pill while refining medicine for her grandfather and Simon Thorpe, it was a gesture of goodwill. The Resurrection Pill he provided to Walker's grandfather had made him appear decades younger, which had greatly endeared Sarah to him. As a result, her status within the Walker family had continued to rise.






Chapter 1184: "Heir Today, Walker Tomorrow: Charlie's Masterstroke"

Sarah had always held herself in high regard precisely because of these principles. It was highly likely that she kept her birthday a secret to avoid owing anyone any favors.

Charlie found this situation rather amusing. He thought, "Sarah, you've always been cautious about owing favors, but this time, I'm going to give you a tremendous one."

He decided that instead of buying her a traditional birthday gift, he would prepare a Resurrection Pill for her.

The Resurrection Pill was renowned in Aurous Hill's upper society for its incredible effects. When Mr. Walker publicly consumed the Resurrection Pill at a banquet, everyone witnessed its remarkable results. Charlie had even heard rumors of people willing to spend billions, or even tens of billions, to acquire a single Resurrection Pill.

However, Charlie had never contemplated selling the medicine. Money held little value to him, as he possessed more than enough wealth. Flooding the market with the Resurrection Pill for profit would diminish its perceived worth.

Instead, he wanted the Resurrection Pill to remain an elusive and priceless treasure, something that only a select few might ever attain. This would cultivate a sense of admiration and longing among those who desired it.

The reasons behind Charlie's decision to give Sarah a Resurrection Pill were straightforward.

Firstly, he genuinely considered Sarah a close friend. Given that it was her birthday and they shared a strong friendship, he wished to offer a gift that showcased his sincerity.

Secondly, Sarah hailed from the Walker family, a household accustomed to seeing countless valuable items. Therefore, her gift had to be something unobtainable, even with her substantial wealth.

Furthermore, Charlie didn't intend for Sarah to use the Resurrection Pill herself. At 25 years old, she had no need for such a potent elixir.

Instead, his true intention was for her to use the Resurrection Pill strategically to gain more love, attention, and resources from her father, Mr. Walker.

When Charlie had previously gifted Mr. Walker a Resurrection Pill, it had resulted in a dramatic display of gratitude. Mr. Walker had knelt and kowtowed before the entire Walker family and Aurous Hill's upper society. His desire for another Resurrection Pill far exceeded any other desires he might have had.

However, Mr. Walker would undoubtedly understand Charlie's intentions. He wouldn't dare to hope for a second Resurrection Pill.

By giving this gift to Sarah, Charlie believed that a discerning man like Mr. Walker would grasp the underlying message. Mr. Walker might pay even more attention to Sarah, possibly considering her as the rightful heir to the entire Walker family.

Charlie had observed Sarah's ambitious and driven nature. Her years of tireless dedication to the family hinted at her strong character.

Due to the untimely deaths of her parents, she was somewhat isolated within the Walker family, making it challenging for her to ascend to the role of family heir.

In such a situation, why not extend a helping hand?





Chapter 1185: "Golden Years and Golden Opportunities: Jacob's Scheme"

After Paul dropped Charlie off at Thomson Elite, he headed back home.

When Charlie returned to the villa alone, his father-in-law, Jacob, approached him eagerly, asking, "Good son-in-law, did you happen to meet Aunt Merit when you were out with Paul today?"

Charlie replied with a hint of helplessness, "Dad, I went out with Paul for some business. I didn't have a chance to meet Aunt Merit."

Jacob let out a sigh, feeling quite frustrated. He missed Merit dearly, but with Elaine at home, he couldn't take any risks to see her.

He was growing increasingly anxious by the day.

He then inquired, "Did you at least ask Paul about Aunt Merit's well-being? Is she doing alright these days?"

Charlie smiled and reassured him, "Aunt Merit seems to be doing quite well recently. According to Paul, she's been teaching at the senior citizens' university every day. Not only is she teaching, but she's also engaging in activities like calligraphy and painting with others. It appears that she's leading a fulfilling life."

Upon hearing this, Jacob became even more anxious. He exclaimed, "Oh dear, why would she go to a senior citizens' university?"

Charlie was taken aback and asked, "What's wrong with attending a senior citizens' university? Isn't it a place for seniors to pursue lifelong learning and enjoy their golden years?"

Jacob explained with a tinge of frustration, "You might not be aware, but these senior citizens' universities often have a fair share of elderly men who are widowers. These old fellows don't enroll to study; they go there in search of new companions or partners."

He continued, his worry evident, "Given Aunt Merit's beauty, won't those older men relentlessly pursue her once she's there?"

Charlie couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Do you really think you can prevent others from pursuing her?"

Jacob sighed deeply and said, "You're right. The situation is quite vexing."

Then, an idea seemed to strike him, and he exclaimed, "I have a plan! Perhaps I should also enroll in the senior citizens' university. That way, I can meet Aunt Merit, right?"

Charlie raised an eyebrow and questioned, "Aren't you concerned about Mom finding out?"

Jacob replied, "No problem at all. You know what kind of woman your mom is, don't you? She's very conscious of her image. Look at her now – she's limping, using a cane, missing two front teeth, and can't even get them fixed yet. She's avoiding crowded places like the plague. Occasionally, when she goes out to buy something, she has to wear sunglasses and a mask, fearing that someone might recognize her. She wouldn't dare to set foot in a senior citizens' university."

"Fair point," Charlie conceded without pressing the matter further.

In reality, he didn't particularly care about the relationship between his father-in-law and Merit. If his father-in-law got too close to Merit, it would inevitably hurt and upset his wife, Claire. Moreover, if his mother-in-law, Elaine, found out, it would lead to further complications and turmoil within their household. Thus, he had no choice but to tolerate his father-in-law's actions.

Two days later, Charlie had informed his family in advance that he would be attending a friend's birthday party that evening.

In the afternoon, he went out to purchase a mahogany gift box and placed a Rejuvenation Pill inside it. Afterward, he had the gift box meticulously wrapped at the store.

Since it was a birthday gift for someone else, it needed to have an air of formality.

Paul had also received an invitation, so he came to pick up Charlie, and they headed to the Walker family's villa together.

Sarah's birthday celebration was not adorned with extravagant decorations or grand festivities. Instead, the decorations had a modern and warm touch.

As Paul drove the car into the villa's courtyard, Charlie couldn't help but appreciate the understated elegance of the decorations, which didn't immediately scream "birthday party."

Tonight, Sarah Walker was dressed in a custom-made white evening gown.

The strapless dress showcased her elegance and allure, accentuating her radiant beauty. Her collarbone was particularly alluring, prominently defined and exquisitely shaped, a feature that even women might envy.

Several luxurious cars were already parked in the courtyard, indicating the presence of several guests.

Sarah had been welcoming the guests inside, but upon hearing that Charlie had arrived, she hurriedly stepped out to greet him.

Charlie should just add Sarah to his wife

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

Chapter 1186: "A Star-Studded Celebration: Notable Guests"

As Charlie laid eyes on her, he couldn't help but be awestruck.

He had always felt that Sarah's beauty and figure were on par with his own wife, Claire.

Even the innate elegance that had been cultivated in Sarah since her childhood surpassed that of his wife.

After all, she was the eldest daughter of the local aristocratic elite, growing up amidst opulence, and receiving meticulous aristocratic etiquette training that set her apart from ordinary girls.

When Sarah spotted Charlie, she approached him with excitement, a hint of shyness in her demeanor. "Master Wade, you've come."

Charlie offered a gentle smile and remarked, "Miss Sarah, why didn't you mention that today is your birthday?"

Sarah apologized, saying, "Master Wade, please don't be upset. I didn't inform you because I was afraid you'd go through the trouble of getting me a gift and spending money on me."

Charlie chuckled, "It's no trouble at all. Aren't we friends? I would have certainly prepared a gift for your birthday. Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would still have brought something for you."

With that, Charlie retrieved a small box containing the Resurrection Pill from his pocket.

However, the gift was meticulously wrapped, concealing its contents.

Sarah's delight was palpable as she received the gift that Charlie had prepared for her. She had always held a deep affection for Charlie, and this marked her first birthday gift from her beloved, filling her with excitement. She accepted the gift and expressed her gratitude, saying, "Master Wade, thank you so much for thoughtfully preparing a gift for me."

Charlie offered a faint smile, "No need to be so polite."

Sarah felt like she had just tasted the sweetest honey as she listened to Charlie's words.

In that moment, Paul, who had been nearby, approached and presented a gift box to her with a warm smile. "Miss Walker, happy birthday."

With a smile, Sarah looked at Paul and inquired, "You must have told Master Wade that today is my birthday, didn't you?"

"Indeed," Paul smiled and confirmed, "When you called, I happened to be with him, wrapping up some business."

"Is that so?" Sarah was surprised as she asked, "Do you and Master Wade still have business dealings?"

Paul replied with a smile, "I am now Master Wade's lawyer and legal advisor."

Charlie chimed in, "And he's the kind of lawyer who doesn't charge a penny."

Intriguingly, Sarah inquired, "Master Wade, why do you need a legal advisor now? Are you facing any trouble?"

"No," Charlie replied with a smile, "I've recently acquired a company, so I've enlisted Paul to assist with some legal matters."

"Understood!" Sarah nodded and suggested with a smile, "Master Wade, let's head inside quickly. There are quite a few familiar faces in there."

"Of course!"

Charlie followed Sarah into the Walker family villa, where the spacious hall had been transformed into a festive banquet hall.

Inside, guests were not only being welcomed but also entertained by a jazz band.

At a glance, Charlie recognized several familiar faces.

The first person he noticed was Sarah's cousin, Ryan.

However, Charlie had a rather unfavorable impression of Ryan, so he decided not to approach him.

Among the guests from outside, he spotted Isaac Craven, George White, Orvel Heller, Simon, and his granddaughter Abby, Alan Ward and his daughter, Dianne.

Even Sea City's wealthiest man, Samuel Turner, was present.

And not to forget, Doris York, the head of the Emgrand Group, had graced the occasion.

It appeared that Sarah had extended invitations to all these individuals, who were her close friends and acquaintances.







Chapter 1187: "Charlie Wade: The Deity of Aurous Hill"

Right now, amidst the guests gathered here exclusively for Sarah's birthday celebration, the person they are all secretly anticipating is none other than Charlie Wade.

Everyone is well aware of the recent clash between the Weaver father and son, who arrived in Aurous Hill, and Charlie.

At Elder Walker's birthday bash, Charlie even went to the extent of publicly severing one of Xander's hands. Isaac then stepped in, breaking their legs and compelling this father-son duo to flee back to Suzhou and Hangzhou in a pitiable state.

Since that incident, it's become evident to everyone that Charlie, Master Wade, is utterly fearless, showing no regard even for the most influential family in South Laverton.

Back then, many were concerned that Charlie might ultimately succumb to the financial might of the Weaver family.

However, much to everyone's surprise, the Weaver family swiftly tumbled from its perch as the number one clan in South Laverton.

Moreover, the Weaver family faced numerous setbacks during this period.

Firstly, their reputation took a significant hit due to their association with the Beggar Gang.

Secondly, they dispatched experts one after the other to Evergreen Mountain, all of whom met with failure.

In their final confrontation, even the Weaver family's ultimate trump card, the Eight Great Kings, met their demise.

Presently, the Weaver family can hardly be compared to a top-tier family, and they lag far behind the Walker family.

While there isn't concrete evidence linking Charlie to all of these events, everyone secretly attributes these incidents to him.

In their eyes, only Master Wade possesses the capabilities to orchestrate such occurrences.

Isaac, in particular, witnessed firsthand how Charlie single-handedly defeated the Eight Great Kings at the base of Evergreen Mountain.

Thus, at this moment, Charlie is regarded as a deity, someone who stands above all.

The first person to approach Charlie is Isaac.

He strides towards Charlie with purpose, almost as if he wishes to kneel before him.

Because that day at Evergreen Mountain left an indelible mark on Isaac, shattering his worldview.

Yet he maintains his composure and respectfully greets Charlie, addressing him as "Master Wade."

For those unaware of his connection to the Wade family, it might seem as though Isaac is seeking Charlie's advice on feng shui or some other matter.

Following him is Doris, dressed in a tantalizing silver gown.

In Charlie's memory, Doris has always embodied the image of a professional and reserved career woman.

However, today, she has undergone a striking transformation, exuding an aura of seductive allure. To those unacquainted with her, seeing her now might lead them to believe she is a bewitching goddess.

Doris is aware of Charlie's identity as a young master from the Wade family but knows little about his role as Master Wade.

After all, she has no ties to prominent families in Aurous Hill and is disconnected from the world of metaphysics. For Doris, what Charlie has accomplished as Master Wade is virtually a different realm.

She would have preferred to address him as "Young Master," but given the numerous onlookers, she respectfully calls him "Mr. Wade."

Charlie nods slightly, a warm smile gracing his lips, as he comments, "Miss Doris, you look absolutely stunning today. I never imagined that the Vice Chairman of the Emgrand Group could exude such captivating charm."

Doris blushes and modestly responds, "Mr. Wade, you're too kind."

With a friendly grin, she adds, "Mr. Wade, may I inquire when you might have the time to pay a visit to the Emgrand Group?"

Charlie, feeling a tad sheepish about his recent neglect of his responsibilities as the Chairman of the Emgrand Group, pauses for a moment before replying.







Chapter 1188: "The Unforgettable Two Pills: Dianne's Deepest Affection"

Normally, he scarcely ever made visits to the Emgrand Group, preferring to keep his distance from its operations, entrusting everything to Doris.

Doris's earlier comment might have been a subtle hint that she wanted him to become more involved with the Emgrand Group.

With this in mind, a warm smile spread across his face as he turned to Doris and remarked, "For someone as charming as General Manager Doris York, I suppose I should grace the Emgrand Group with my presence more frequently and stir up some commotion!"

Upon hearing this, a rosy blush painted Doris's already stunning features.

Just then, Simon arrived, accompanied by Abby.

Abby gazed at Charlie with eyes full of affection, yet a hint of pouting crossed her girlish heart. Lately, she felt that Master Wade had been somewhat less attentive to her and her grandfather. His absence from the medical hall had left her yearning for his presence.

Simon, however, bore no such intricate feelings. He was filled with gratitude towards Master Wade for the Resurrection Pill, which had rejuvenated him, and he cherished this newfound youth every day.

Approaching with respect, Simon bowed and said sincerely, "Master Wade, it's been a while since our paths crossed. How have you been lately?"

Charlie responded with a gentle smile, "Doctor Thorpe, you're too kind. I've been quite well. And you?"

Simon expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks to your blessings, Master Wade, I feel fantastic every single day. It's all thanks to the opportunity you provided."

Charlie smiled modestly and replied, "As you mentioned, it was your opportunity, so there's no need for such formalities."

Dianne, engrossed in savoring desserts, suddenly caught sight of Charlie. Her heart raced with excitement, her face flushed even before she approached him.

Dianne was known for her fiery and bold personality. When she had first confronted Charlie, she had dared to challenge him, refusing to admit defeat even after he had kicked her.

But now, Dianne saw Charlie as the man of her dreams, thinking of him every night before falling asleep. She often dreamed of him, sometimes indulging in rather intimate fantasies.

She couldn't help herself; her affection for Charlie ran deep.

Her admiration for him grew immensely after Charlie saved the Ward family.

Later, when Charlie began crafting divine medicine, Dianne, acting on her father Alan's behalf, beseeched Charlie for a dose of the medicine.

She believed that even a single pill from Charlie would be a tremendous blessing. To her astonishment, Charlie said, "For a beauty like you, I'll give you two."

From that moment, Dianne fell head over heels for Charlie.

What deepened her affection was how Charlie had stood up for her in the face of injustice. When her best friend had been driven to the brink of suicide by Quintin Weaver, she had been unaware of Quintin’s true background.

Yet, for her sake, Charlie had dared to offend the second young master of the Weaver family, the most influential clan in South Laverton.

The way Charlie handled the situation with the Weaver family's second young master had been deeply satisfying to her.

From that point on, Charlie had become a godlike figure in Dianne’s heart.

A god she adored with all her heart.

Now, as she laid eyes on the man of her dreams, Dianne's emotions were clearly on display.

She tugged her father along, hurrying toward Charlie, her face flushed with shyness.

Glancing deeply at Charlie, she quickly averted her gaze and spoke softly with a tender voice, "Master Wade, I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival. You're finally here…"







Chapter 1189: "Beneath Confidence Lies Shyness: Dianne's Crush"

As Charlie glanced at Dianne, her cheeks flushed with shyness.

Dianne was no ordinary girl, having a strong background in martial arts and exuding a vibrant, confident aura. Yet, beneath it all, the excitement of a young girl meeting her crush had made her unexpectedly adorable.

Charlie offered a gentle smile and inquired, "Dianne, you're here too. How have things been going for you lately?"

Blushing even deeper, Dianne replied, "Well, lately, I've been doing just fine. Thank you for asking, Master Wade."

Charlie nodded with kindness and turned to the others, saying, "It's been quite some time since we all gathered like this. Today also marks Miss Walker's birthday, so let's plan on enjoying a few extra drinks later."

The group enthusiastically agreed, chiming in with, "Absolutely! We'll definitely raise a toast tonight!"

Sarah, at this moment, excused herself, saying, "Master Wade, please excuse me for a moment. I need to welcome a few more guests."

Charlie nodded, reassuring her, "Of course, go ahead. Take your time."

With that, Sarah bid farewell and headed off, leaving Charlie to join the rest of the party in the banquet hall.

With all eyes on Charlie, Dianne struggled to find a way into the conversation, feeling somewhat anxious.

Observing Dianne's hesitation to speak amid the lively chatter, Charlie smiled and asked her, "Dianne, is there something you'd like to discuss with me privately?"

Upon hearing this, Dianne eagerly nodded and expressed, "Master Wade, there are some matters I'd like to discuss privately with you, if you have a moment."

Her eyes glistened with anticipation and a hint of longing as she looked up at Charlie.

Charlie held a positive view of Dianne for several reasons.

Firstly, she was independent and lacked the spoiled tendencies often seen in children from affluent families.

Secondly, as a young woman from a prestigious background, she displayed a rare determination by undergoing martial arts training, despite her privileged status.

Thus, Charlie suggested, "How about we take a stroll outside, Dianne?"

Overjoyed, Dianne nodded eagerly.

Alan, observing this scene, couldn't help but break into a wide smile. He had high hopes for a potential relationship between Charlie and his daughter. In his eyes, even if it were Dianne, being romantically involved with Charlie would be a blessing for the Ward family, especially for his beloved daughter.

Abby, on the other hand, watched as Dianne left with Charlie, her heart filled with jealousy and envy. She, too, wished to get closer to Charlie but lacked a suitable opportunity. Moreover, she didn't possess the courage to approach Master Wade directly in front of such a large gathering.

In the courtyard of the Walker family's villa, Charlie and Dianne halted, and Charlie turned to her with a faint smile, asking, "So, what's on your mind this time, little lady? Is it another school-related issue or something else bothering you?"

With a bashful smile, Dianne hesitated before confessing, "Master Wade, this time, it's actually…"






Chapter 1190: "A Precious Gift: Dianne's Cherished Spirit Medicine"

Dianne found herself blushing, her heart brimming with shyness, leaving her at a loss for words.

Charlie flashed a warm smile and quipped, "Is this still the spirited Dianne I remember? The one who fearlessly stood up to me in the antique street? How has this version of Dianne suddenly lost her voice?"

Dianne's embarrassment deepened at his teasing words. She stammered nervously, "Master Wade, back then, I didn't realize how formidable you were, so I made a mistake. Please don't tease me."

Recalling the day when Charlie had playfully kicked her, she felt a mix of embarrassment and a strange delight, akin to a young girl's fluttering heart.

Summoning her courage, she finally addressed Charlie, "Master Wade, I actually wanted to extend an invitation to you for this year's international university kickboxing competition in Aurous Hill."

Charlie raised an inquisitive eyebrow, asking, "International university kickboxing competition?"

A memory clicked in Charlie's mind. Lorden had mentioned that Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals was sponsoring this competition as part of their promotion for Kobayashi Gastric Powder.

Knowing that Dianne had a background in martial arts, Charlie's curiosity got the better of him as he inquired, "Are you participating in the competition, Dianne?"

Blushing even more, Dianne nodded and admitted, "Master Wade, I'll be representing Chinese university students."

Charlie's eyes lit up, and he pressed on, "Impressive! Do you think you can clinch victory?"

In a shy yet determined tone, Dianne replied, "I dare not think about winning. The Japanese seed player this time is exceptionally strong and a top contender. Her skills far surpass mine."

Adding with a touch of humility, she continued, "But I won't give up. My goal is to secure a spot among the top three."

Charlie's grin widened as he encouraged her, "Dreams are meant to be audacious. I have faith in you. I believe you can seize the championship. After all, many Japanese kickboxing techniques draw inspiration from the essence of Chinese martial arts. When the time comes, you must bring honor to our nation, show the Japanese fighters a thing or two, and conquer the championship on our home turf!"

Filled with joy, Dianne eagerly asked, "Master Wade, do you really think I can claim first place?"

Charlie nodded earnestly, "Without a doubt, I have great confidence in you."

With a radiant smile, Dianne exclaimed, "Master Wade, can I count on you to come watch my matches?"

Charlie readily agreed, "Of course, I will be there to support you."

"Fantastic!" Dianne couldn't contain her excitement.

In that moment, she felt an urge to hug Charlie and act affectionate, much like she used to with her father at home. However, she quickly restrained herself, mindful of Charlie's marital status.

Charlie redirected the conversation, asking, "By the way, Dianne, when I was crafting the spirit medicine, I gave your family two pills. Did your father keep one for you?"

With a warm blush, Dianne responded, "Yes!" She retrieved a small box from her inner coat pocket and revealed the pill Charlie had gifted her.

She confessed, "Master Wade, my father handed me the pill that very night, and I've cherished it ever since."

Charlie nodded and offered some guidance, "This pill can significantly boost your physical prowess. If you ever feel overwhelmed or uncertain during the competition, don't hesitate to use it."

Dianne hesitated before voicing her concern, "But how can I use it? This is a gift from you, Master Wade, so it feels like a precious treasure."

Charlie chuckled reassuringly, "Medicine is meant to aid people. Don't fret too much about it."

Grateful, Dianne nodded and affirmed, "Alright, Master Wade, I understand."

 

[Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000')]

Chapter 1191: "Charlie Wade's Masterful Insights: A South Laverton Power Play"

After promising Dianne that he'd attend her competition, Charlie escorted her back to the bustling banquet venue. The atmosphere had grown livelier as more guests had joined the celebration.

When word reached Elder Walker that Charlie had arrived, he rushed out to welcome him, but Charlie had already left with Dianne.

Upon Charlie's return, Elder Walker greeted him with joy, exclaiming, "Ah, Master Wade, it's been quite some time!"

Charlie smiled warmly at Elder Walker and replied, "Elder Walker, you're looking as energetic as ever. I hope you've been keeping well?"

Elder Walker expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks to you, Master Wade, I've found renewed vigor."

He then inquired about Charlie's well-being, asking, "Master Wade, how have things been for you lately?"

Charlie nodded and responded, "I've been doing well. Everything's been fairly consistent."

Elder Walker alluded to past troubles, mentioning, "Master Wade, it seems there was some unpleasantness with the Weaver family before. Since the birthday banquet, have they caused you any more problems?"

Charlie chuckled and retorted, "Even if they did stir up trouble, what can they achieve? They're nothing more than a bunch of comical troublemakers."

Elder Walker nodded in admiration. He was well aware of Charlie's extraordinary abilities, and despite the Weaver family's prominence in South Laverton, they posed little threat to Master Wade.

Just then, Ryan approached and whispered to her grandfather, "Grandfather, Young Master from the Hansen family in Eastcliff has arrived."

Elder Walker looked surprised and asked, "Young Master Shelby is really here?"

"Indeed," Ryan confirmed. "Young Master Shelby's car has just entered the villa area. He should be arriving shortly."

Elder Walker nodded and said, "Fetch Sarah. Let's go out together to welcome him."

Turning to Charlie, he apologized, "Master Wade, please forgive my momentary absence. We have another distinguished guest from Eastcliff. I need to go greet him."

Charlie graciously accepted and nodded.

Meanwhile, Isaac, who stood nearby, wore a look of surprise. He whispered to Charlie, "Young Master, the Hansen family in Eastcliff is a top-tier clan, ranking around sixth or seventh in terms of strength. Though they may not match the Wade family's power, their combined assets still amount to five to six trillion. Ordinarily, they wouldn't pay much attention to the Walker family. I wonder why Young Master Shelby has come."

Charlie smiled calmly and replied, "While I don't have specific information on the Hansen family, they may have realized that further growth in Eastcliff, a city teeming with talent, is challenging. If local expansion proves elusive, what might they consider?"

Isaac pondered for a moment before suggesting, "If they can't expand locally, they might seek opportunities in nearby regions."

He inquired, "Young Master, are you suggesting that the Hansen family might be eyeing development in Aurous Hill?"

Charlie grinned and explained, "Aurous Hill is just a stepping stone. The Hansen family likely recognizes the chance to expand southward."

"Given that the Weaver family has relinquished its position as South Laverton's top family, the key now is to determine the new leader. Despite some weakening, the Walker family remains a contender."

"If I were advising the Hansen family, I'd seek a local ally in South Laverton with decent strength, helping them ascend to the top while securing their loyalty to my family—creating an external force."

"In this way, my family would effectively extend its influence into South Laverton, establishing a firm foothold."

Isaac nodded in understanding and remarked, "Young Master, I see your point. It appears the Hansen family has set its sights on the Walker family, possibly considering a partnership."

Charlie nodded, concluding, "The Hansen family's presence at Miss Walker's birthday banquet suggests deeper intentions, perhaps even contemplating a marriage alliance with the Walker family."






Chapter 1192: "Hansen's Horse Race: Betting on Sarah's Heart"

Isaac furrowed his brow, expressing his concern, "Young Master, in the event the Hansen family proposes a matrimonial union, there's no guarantee they'll choose to favor the Walker family."

Charlie responded with a playful smile, "Well, it all hinges on the status of this young Hansen sent over by their family. If he turns out to be the eldest son or the primary heir of the Hansen clan, then our chances might indeed be slim. However, if he's just one among the many descendants and not necessarily the standout, offering him to wed Sarah might not be a loss for the Hansen family, don't you think?"

Isaac took a moment to contemplate before responding, "Your perspective does hold merit. It appears that the Hansen family has a substantial number of young heirs in this generation, possibly around six or seven male descendants."

Charlie further elaborated, "This situation resembles the tale of Tian Ji's horse racing. Even if the other side possesses overall strength, it doesn't guarantee that every horse in their stable is superior to our best one. It's entirely plausible that their weaker horses may not match up to our top contender."

(Note from translator: The tale of Tian Ji's horse racing is a famous story from ancient Chinese history. It exemplifies strategic thinking as General Tian Ji, despite appearing at a disadvantage, used clever tactics to secure victory in a horse race against his opponent, Pang Juan. This story underscores the importance of strategy and seizing opportunities.)

Isaac nodded in agreement and admitted, "Young Master, your insights are truly remarkable. I've gained valuable wisdom from you!"

Charlie waved his hand modestly and said with a warm grin, "You've been deeply rooted in Aurous Hill for many years, and I believe you can grasp these principles easily. Even if they don't immediately click, a bit of reflection will certainly help."

Meanwhile, at a short distance, Paul observed Charlie with a glass of wine in his hand, deeply impressed. It was astonishing to witness the level of respect Charlie commanded from the elite members of Aurous Hill's high society. Even the representative of the Wade family in Aurous Hill displayed great reverence towards him, a testament to Charlie's substantial influence in the city.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the banquet hall, exclaiming, "The Third Young Master of the Hansen family from Eastcliff has arrived!"

This announcement stirred a buzz of excitement throughout the entire gathering. The Hansen family in Eastcliff held a position within the top 10 in terms of power, with assets exceeding 500 billion, boasting a rich family heritage and formidable strength.

Considering their financial stature, the Hansen family's wealth was at least five times greater than that of the Walker family. The fact that the Third Young Master of the Hansen family had journeyed to Aurous Hill to attend Sarah's birthday celebration raised intriguing speculation.

Some guests even voiced their thoughts, speculating, "Could it be that the Hansen family is considering a matrimonial alliance with the Walker family?"

Others chimed in, "It's highly probable. Miss Walker possesses unparalleled beauty, grace, and capability. In the eyes of major families in Eastcliff, she undoubtedly qualifies as an exceptional daughter-in-law!"

Isaac turned to Charlie and revealed, "Young Master, the Third Young Master of the Hansen family holds a significant position within their clan."

Charlie's curiosity was piqued as he inquired, "What leads you to say that?"

Isaac elucidated, "In the previous generation of the Hansen family, there were four male heirs, each of them having at least two offspring. Furthermore, every one of them has sons. This Third Young Master is the sole son of the second elder of the Hansen family. Despite being the third in terms of age, his influence and standing rank second."

Charlie acknowledged with a nod and a wry grin, "Seems like the Hansen family wants to pit their mid-level contender against the Walker family's top pick."

Isaac offered a faint smile and shared his insight, "I'm not convinced that Miss Walker would necessarily be interested in him."

Intrigued, Charlie probed, "What makes you say that?"

Isaac responded with earnestness, "Young Master, you must have observed that Miss Walker has consistently shown a special fondness for you. It's evident she harbors deep affection towards you. When compared to you, even if we tally all the young masters from the Hansen family, they wouldn't come close to matching your stature."

Charlie gestured for caution and stated, "Going forward, refrain from making such comments casually. Miss Sarah remains unmarried, and I, as you know, am already wed. If such remarks were to circulate, it could tarnish her reputation."

Isaac nodded in understanding, his expression reflecting respect. "Certainly, Young Master. You can trust me completely. My words are only meant for you, and I won't divulge them to anyone else."






Chapter 1193 - "Hungry Gazes and Power Plays at the Banquet"

In no time, a well-dressed young man, surrounded by the Walker family, made his entrance. Ryan and his father, Benjamin, were close at his side, showing their utmost respect.

The Elder Walker and Sarah trailed behind, though Sarah's demeanor seemed chilly.

Charlie cast a quick glance at the young man, who appeared to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old and carried an air of arrogance.

Standing nearby, Isaac made a casual observation, "I bet Young Master Shelby from the Hansen family feels like a dragon in a small pond. Little did he know that a true dragon like you would be residing here in Aurous Hill."

Charlie smiled faintly but didn't confirm or deny it.

In truth, Charlie was indifferent to people's haughty behavior in his presence. As long as they didn't provoke him, he had no interest in engaging.

The crowd murmured with astonishment; no one expected Young Master Shelby from the Hansen family to make an appearance.

Among them were some less influential families eager to establish a connection with the Hansen family. Their hungry gazes fixed on Young Master Shelby.

Accompanied by the Walker family, Young Master Shelby entered the banquet hall. Elder Walker took the lead in introducing him to Charlie with great respect, "Young Master, this is the esteemed master of Aurous Hill, Mr. Charlie Wade. He saved my life and, like you, is a young genius—a rare talent."

Young Master Shelby looked Charlie over and found him unremarkable in appearance, dressed like an ordinary person.

Young Master Shelby was about to sneer but then noticed Isaac out of the corner of his eye. He recognized Isaac Craven as he was connected with the Wade family, which far surpassed the Hansen family in power. Even the Hansen family sought to gain favor with the Wade family, so seeing Isaac here surprised him.

He turned his gaze back to Charlie and wondered if this young man surnamed Wade had any connection to the Wade family.

With polite curiosity, Young Master Shelby addressed Charlie, "Ah, so you are Young Master Wade. I've heard of you for a while. I had plans to visit the Wade family but never had the chance. Meeting you here is unexpected."

Charlie responded calmly with a smile, "You seem to have mistaken me for someone else. I'm not part of the Wade family; we simply share the same surname, Wade."

Young Master Shelby quickly looked at Isaac, his gaze now tinged with disdain as he inquired, "Mr. Craven, are you associated with the Wade family? Isn't this gentleman a Wade family member?"

Isaac chuckled and replied, "As Mr. Wade just mentioned, he's not connected to the Wade family. It's just a coincidence that they share the same last name."

Young Master Shelby nodded, and his gaze towards Charlie now carried a hint of contempt.









Chapter 1194: "Lavish Gifts and the Art of Declining Politely"

The individual dared to compare himself to me? What a ludicrous notion!

With that thought firmly entrenched in his mind, he couldn't be bothered with Charlie any longer. He turned his attention to Isaac, extending a friendly fist bump and addressing him with a warm smile, "Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Craven! I hadn't anticipated our paths crossing here today. My original plan was to pay a visit to Shangri-La tomorrow."

Isaac responded casually, "Young Master, your presence is most welcome. May I inquire about the purpose of your visit to Aurous Hill?"

The Young Master from the prestigious Hansen family, glancing briefly at Sarah, couldn't help but smile as he replied, "My dear sister and Miss Sarah were former classmates during their time abroad. I initially journeyed to Aurous Hill to discuss potential business collaborations with Elder Walker. Originally, I had intended to arrive in a couple of days, but upon learning that today marks Miss Sarah's birthday, I decided to make an early appearance."

With that statement, he produced a meticulously crafted gift box from his pocket. Upon opening it, a dazzling string of ruby necklaces was revealed. Turning his attention to Sarah, he offered, "Miss Sarah, this necklace was handpicked by yours truly, featuring a natural ruby sourced from the heart of Africa."

Every gaze was drawn to the box, revealing an exquisite necklace adorned with a sparkling red ruby that was nearly the size of an egg.

An audible gasp escaped the lips of onlookers involuntarily.

Each person present possessed enough knowledge to recognize the immense value of such a ruby.

The Hansen family's Young Master, noting the awe-inspired reactions, couldn't help but wear a proud grin as he continued, "As you may well know, rubies are among the most valuable gemstones in the world. On the international market, even a one-carat ruby can command tens of thousands of dollars. This one, as pure and sizable as it is, boasting a weight of 26 carats, was carefully cut and mounted by Tiffany's top chief jewelry master. The price tag on this piece alone exceeds a staggering 20 million dollars. I sincerely hope Miss Sarah finds it to her liking."

Many were consumed by envy, their eyes nearly bulging from their sockets.

Receiving a 20-million-dollar gift for one's birthday was nothing short of surreal.

However, Sarah appeared disinterested in the necklace and calmly declined, stating, "Young Master, this necklace is far too valuable. I cannot accept it."

The Hansen family's Young Master, his expression briefly darkening, queried, "Miss Walker, why do you feel the need to be so formal? This visit isn't just to celebrate your birthday; it also involves discussions of deeper cooperation between our respective families. If we begin with such formalities, how can we ever progress with our partnership?"

Ryan, who stood nearby, interjected, "Sarah, think about it. Young Master has bestowed upon you such a magnificent gift; it would be impolite to refuse. Quickly accept it!"

Ryan's father, Benjamin, nodded in agreement, chiming in, "Sarah, consider the rarity of someone presenting such a lavish gift on your birthday. Only Young Master would demonstrate such remarkable generosity."

But Sarah remained resolute, replying, "I acknowledge the immense generosity of Young Master's gift, and I am genuinely grateful. However, I cannot accept such an extravagant present. Please understand that it's a matter of personal principles, not a reflection of any discontent with Young Master or the necklace itself. I implore you, Young Master, not to misinterpret my intentions."

At this juncture, Elder Walker stepped in as a mediator, addressing Young Master, "Young Master, your gift is undeniably extravagant, and Sarah feels somewhat embarrassed about accepting it. We hope you can understand."

A furrow appeared on the Hansen family's Young Master's brow as he asked with a hint of tension, "Elder Walker, Miss Walker, do you perceive my Hansen family or me in a derogatory light?"







Chapter 1195: "The Priceless Gift of Life: Charlie Wade's Legacy"

In an unexpected turn of events, the third young master of the Hansen family broke the silence, causing Elder Walker to feel a subtle unease creeping in.

Aware of the vast difference in power between the Walker and Hansen families in Eastcliff, Elder Walker had been handling their interactions with utmost care and politeness. However, his courtesy was purely a facade, and he had no genuine desire to establish a connection with the Hansen family.

Having witnessed and endured a lifetime's worth of experiences, Elder Walker easily discerned the true purpose behind the visit of the Hansen family's third young master today.

Irrespective of the Hansen family's intentions to collaborate with the Walker family, it was unmistakable that the third young master had his sights set on his granddaughter, Sarah.

In days gone by, if the Hansen family had genuinely sought to unite with the Walker family, Elder Walker would have been ecstatic. But now, his interest waned.

In Elder Walker's discerning eyes, the ideal future husband for his granddaughter was the unpretentious and talented Charlie, famously known as Master Wade.

If Charlie could become his granddaughter's spouse, Elder Walker wouldn't trade it for anything, not even the title of the world's wealthiest man.

What made this prospect even more precious was that Sarah harbored deep affection for Master Wade.

Without Master Wade's Resurrection Pill Elder Walker might have already departed this world. How could he now possess such a hale and hearty physique?

In Elder Walker's estimation, there was no one on this earth who could rival Charlie because Charlie offered something priceless – the gift of life.

Observing this, Benjamin promptly stepped forward, worried that his father might have inadvertently offended the Hansen family's young master. He expressed, "Young Master Shelby, we sincerely appreciate this generous gift. I am certain that Sarah will cherish it greatly. However, she tends to be reserved and not very talkative. Hence, as her uncle, I will graciously accept this gift on her behalf and convey her gratitude to you, Young Master Shelby."

Sarah yearned to speak up but received a subtle signal from her grandfather, Elder Walker.

Elder Walker whispered reassuringly to her, "Sarah, let us not be discourteous. We shall accept the gift for now, and later, in private, we can arrange to return it discreetly."

With some reluctance, Sarah nodded in agreement.

Subsequently, the third young master of the Hansen family, accompanied by Benjamin and Ryan, proceeded to take their designated seats within the banquet hall.

The third young master of the Hansen family projected an air of aloofness and remained indifferent to most attendees, save for Isaac, to whom he extended a cordial greeting, "Mr. Craven, would you honor us by sharing this table?"

Isaac instinctively glanced in the direction of Charlie, recalling that Charlie preferred to keep his identity concealed, and public association with him would be unwise.

Just as Isaac was about to politely decline the Hansen family's young master's invitation, Elder Walker intervened, addressing Charlie, "Master Wade, why don't you join us?"

The banquet hall consisted of six tables, with one designated as the head table for the most esteemed guests.

As the name implied, the head table was where the host entertained the most distinguished visitors. Elder Walker, accompanied by Benjamin, Ryan, and Sarah, occupied the ten-seat head table.

The remaining four seats at this table were allotted based on the prominence of all the attendees present. Benjamin and Ryan naturally invited the third young master of the Hansen family to sit beside them. Elder Walker extended the invitation to Charlie, inviting him to share the same table.

The four remaining seats were allocated to Isaac, Doris, Samuel, and Alan.

While George White held significant power, he ranked slightly below Alan and thus couldn't secure a place at the head table.

Abby and Dianne, although eager to sit alongside their father and Charlie, found themselves seated at a separate table.