The Charismatic Charlie Wade

“You… What did you just say?!” Maria’s words hit Geena like a bolt of lightning.

It wasn’t an exaggeration; he genuinely felt a numbing sensation, from his scalp down to his toes.

According to Maria, she had witnessed the Pu’er mother tree surviving a catastrophe three hundred years ago at the edge of Heaven Lake. Did that mean she was over three centuries old now?!

Geena found it hard to believe what he was hearing, a whirlwind of doubt swirling in his heart. Even if someone truly achieved longevity, it was usually a gradual process.

People might begin their pursuit in their twenties or thirties, but it often took until their fifties, sixties, or even later to attain enlightenment.

As one delved deeper into the path, their lifespan would extend, but even the oldest monks, reaching over a hundred years, appeared no more than sixty, resembling the Marshal of the Warriors Den.

If Maria were truly over three hundred years old, she should appear at least sixty or seventy, perhaps even seventy or eighty. How could she always maintain the appearance of seventeen or eighteen?

The implications were staggering, and Geena struggled to accept Maria’s words.

Observing Geena’s disbelief, Maria asked nervously, “My lord, do you think Nujia is playing a joke on you?”

Geena instinctively nodded, then shook his head and replied, “I’m just a little shocked…”

As he spoke, curiosity took hold, and he asked, “Why did you suddenly address me as ‘my lord’ and call yourself ‘Nujia’?”

Lin Wan’er laughed and explained, “In the past, it was customary for unmarried girls to address adult men as ‘my lord,’ and as for ‘Nujia’… in every family, unmarried girls referred to themselves as ‘Nujia,’ which means a servant or slave even, while married women called themselves ‘concubine.’ Although those terms are no longer commonly used, I hadn’t shared this information with you earlier, young master. Since we’re being open and honest today, it’s appropriate to use these titles.”

and honest” struck Albert, reminding him of Maria’s recent state of

quickly said to Albert, “Please, wait a moment. I will bring something

bed and descended the stairs, returning with a

of the bed and carefully unfurled the scroll, revealing

gaze on the painting, captivated by the majestic landscape unfolding before

of the mountains, the Heaven Lake glistening like a mirror within the valley—the scenery on the canvas was so vivid and

find such profound artistic inspiration in a landscape painting. Every stroke seemed perfect and flawless,

on display

tall, flourishing tree next to Heaven Lake in the painting, using her slender hand, and said to Albert, “My lord, this is the Pucha mother tree, the tea tree I mentioned. This is how

she directed his attention to the silhouette of a person beneath the tree and continued, “This represents my family. In the past, we would sit beneath

couldn’t help but ask Maria,

this scroll a few days ago, specifically for

hadn’t expected Maria to possess such remarkable painting skills. Just a while ago, his father-in-law had mentioned an upcoming painting exhibition organized by the Painting and Calligraphy Association, but they couldn’t find any outstanding works. Landscape painters from all over the country

with a ring, intertwining her fingers with his. She looked at him expectantly and said, “I dare you to take me there, to witness it with your own eyes. Let

if understanding Maria’s words, the ring, which had remained motionless, suddenly emitted a reiki

invisible gate, and a rush of cool wind greeted his face. The

of the southern province. The crystal-clear blue sky, the vibrant greenery, and the billowing white clouds were within arm’s reach. Countless varieties of flowers adorned the

scene, appreciating the image of Maria, sitting at a small square table beneath the Pucha mother tree, dressed in a sky-blue gown with narrow sleeves and a horse-face skirt. Nearby, tea farmers

recognized each of them, responding to their

bringing them to her nose for a sniff. Then, she would select another piece, placing

farmer