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.

supreme, the crafting and commerce of Pu’er tea. While Eric oversees the latter, Nicolas shoulders the

all equity holders have a chance to cash in on this transaction. That said, Eric already shared with Nicolas the impending buyout by Banks

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

public dashed his hopes time and again. The years passed with Nicolas no longer viewing these three shares as a tangible asset. In the end, their worth was confined to paper

he stay on? Eric’s generous

income from his wages and bonuses

of fortune swung wildly as Nicolas learned of Banks Group’s 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 the 20% personal income tax was deducted, his net gain would still surpass 16 million. It was like hitting the lottery fourfold. A windfall, making him rich

the tea experts dispatched by Banks Group were en route. Nicolas’s task? Treat these experts with reverence, sparing

hastened to the factory gates, prepared to provide exemplary service

license plate, confirming the arrival of the two experts. His readiness to greet

halts Lydia’s car, chiding, “Young man, why the return? Didn’t I emphasize that an

is taken aback by the conversation’s nature. That the security guard is familiar

guiding the security guard aside before addressing Mandra, “Greetings! Are you the experts from the

and jests, “I might not be, but this lady’s the

expression, the security guard inquires, “When did

courtesy to a VIP. They’re

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

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,

nods, advising, “Great. Arrange a place for us to

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