The Charismatic Charlie Wade

Lydia might not be an expert on tea, but he sure understands the unique sentiment that Maria holds for the Mother of Pu’er.

In his view, the Mother of Pu’er stands as a sort of spiritual nourishment for Maria, a centuries-spanning emotional anchor. And so, he grasps why Maria’s heart longs to recapture the essence of the Mother of Pu’er’s flavor.

With conviction, he tells Maria, “Once Erlang Mountain transitions, you can make this place your nurturing ground. With your expertise, let’s see if we can nurture even finer tea strains.”

Maria, with a wry smile, voices her concerns, “Breeding’s a vexing endeavor. My grasp of technological techniques is limited, and as for artificial propagation, it’s a decade-long commitment at the very least.”

Lydia breathes a sigh of relief, replying, “No worries. Should you succeed, your achievement will be cherished by tea enthusiasts. And even if cultivation evades us, remember, the taste of the Mother of Pu’er has etched itself forever in your memory.”

Maria’s lips curve into a smile, “Young Master speaks the truth.”

As they talk, Lydia steers them back to Celestial Group’s production hub nestled at the foot of Erlang Mountain.

Though the factory has shuttered for the day, by the entrance stands a mild-mannered, bespectacled middle-aged man, his anxious demeanor betrays the waiting game. Standing alongside him is the security guard who previously had a tête-à-tête with Mandra.

The security guard gazes at the middle-aged man with skepticism and queries, “Director Garza, who’s got you waiting? Is the chairman headed here for an inspection?”

Addressed as Director Garza, the middle-aged man is Nicolas Garza, the man running this processing plant.

Taken aback by the security guard’s words, Nicolas motions dismissively, “I’m anticipating the arrival of two esteemed guests.”

Eric, of course, is a man of significance to Nicolas.

the latter, Nicolas shoulders the responsibility for the former. A few years past, in his quest

Celestial Group in its entirety. This deal means that not only can Eric divest himself, but all equity holders have a chance to

Eric have led to this point. Nicolas had hoped for Celestial Group to go public – a

and again. The years passed with Nicolas no longer viewing these three shares as a

he stay on?

long-term prospects of the shares dimmed, the steady income from his

staggering 700-million-dollar buyout offer. Waves of elation nearly swept him off his feet. Those three shares, pegged at 700 million, translated into a pre-tax valuation of 21 million. Once

his euphoria’s life was short-lived. Eric revealed that the tea experts dispatched by Banks Group were en route. Nicolas’s task? Treat these experts with reverence, sparing no effort to please

factory gates, prepared

Lydia pulls up in his car, Nicolas’s eyes capture the license plate, confirming the arrival of the two experts. His readiness to greet them

the security guard approaches, he halts Lydia’s car, chiding, “Young man, why the

nature. That the security guard is

security guard aside before addressing Mandra, “Greetings! Are you

and jests, “I might not

security guard inquires, “When did you two become

you must extend due courtesy to a VIP. They’re here to oversee

the security guard follows the factory manager’s lead, allowing the entrance to

Mandra, Nicolas introduces himself, “I’m Nicolas, the plant’s director. Matters large and small here fall under my domain. Whatever you need to investigate today,

a place

blurts, “No problem at all! Follow