The Charismatic Charlie Wade

With a bright smile, Zachary exclaimed, “President Wilson, you truly have eyes and ears everywhere! There’s nothing in Aurous Hill City that can escape your notice!”

Jacob, feigning profundity, responded with false modesty, “Oh, Zachary, there’s no need for flattery. But it’s true, there’s hardly anything about Aurous Hill’s three-acre land that I can’t figure out.”

Zachary nodded respectfully and admitted, “President Wilson, let me be honest. After spending some time with Don Albert, I realized that it might not be the right path for me. So, I returned to my old job.”

Jacob nodded without hesitation and acknowledged, “You were born for the antique industry, Zachary. I must admit, you’ve been my lucky star in this business. The first big find I made was worth 500,000. Since you left, I haven’t come across any major discoveries.”

Then, Jacob added, “Oh, by the way, I’ve been collecting some small items recently. From my experience, I believe they’re all genuine. I’ll show them to you and if your offer is fair, I’ll let them go.”

As Zachary recalled the painful experience of spending half a million on a fake from Jacob, he couldn’t help but chuckle. He quickly replied, “Please don’t tempt me, President Wilson. I won’t be accepting anything for now.”

“No more?” Jacob frowned, pointing at the pile of items on his stall. “Where did you get all these? You can’t possibly be making them at home, can you?”

Zachary explained, “President Wilson, to be honest, I’ve changed my business direction. In the past, it didn’t matter if things were genuine or not, you could sell anything. But once you start dealing with authentic items, there’s always a risk of getting cheated. I’ve been cheated before, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on worthless junk, even on items worth just a few bucks. It’s not worth the money and I lost half a year’s income in an instant…”

Nervously glancing at Jacob, Zachary continued, “So, President Wilson, I’m changing my approach now. When I sell, I only deal in fakes. And when I acquire items, I only accept fakes…”

Jacob furrowed his brows, trying to make sense of Zachary’s words. He laughed and said, “Well, you can interpret it that way… Zachary, I’m not saying you shouldn’t pursue what you love, but professionalism is crucial in this field.”

Zachary nodded in agreement, replying, “Don’t I deserve to make some money first? Once I’ve earned enough, I can focus on improving my professional ethics.”

Jacob smirked and retorted, “As they say, you’ve got to get on the bus before you can buy a ticket…”

Shaking his head at the items on Zachary’s booth, Jacob remarked, “You’re deteriorating, my friend. I can spot each and every fake on your booth.”

courteously replied, “President Wilson, you indeed have a discerning eye. Good items

commented, “But this lightning-struck wood doesn’t seem fake. How much are you asking for it? If the price is right, I’ll take it

up five

Jacob asked,

laughed and corrected him,

he blurted out, “Fifty

Zachary

and cursed, “Zachary, are you out of your mind? It’s just a piece of crap and you

discomfort. “President Wilson, as I mentioned before, my current approach is all about deception and exaggeration.

“Well, you can’t rob

finishing his sentence, Jacob turned his back

helpless as his respected boss figure walked away and he pondered to himself, “Master Wade has tasked me with requesting a sum of five million for this remarkable piece of wood

…

on the outskirts of Eastcliff

is a symbol of the timeless beliefs and practices of Taoism and its

an abbot. Although both Buddhism and Taoism have an abbot figure, the roles and responsibilities of the abbot differ. While the Buddhist abbot holds the highest position of authority in the temple, overseeing its affairs, the Taoist abbot is mainly responsible for preaching scriptures.They were like the most senior professors

Gideon Alastair gazed up at the gate of Evercloud Temple for a moment before stepping

but only the front yard was accessible to believers

with the Serenity Shrine at the center,

were reserved for the internal areas of Evercloud Temple, where the abbot and his disciples resided and

and Morvel Bazin depicted in the painting, all of these individuals had a

paying respect to the three highest deities of the Taoist tradition,

select few. He seemed almost otherworldly, like a being from a mystical realm. Surprised by this divine temperament, the young priest respectfully inquired, “May I ask which Taoist temple