The Charismatic Charlie Wade

Jacob’s cheeks blazed with embarrassment at her words.

He hesitated, then shot back, “Who ever said I was about to ask for money from my son-in-law? Did I even hint at such a thing? There’s a world of difference between finding a suitable son-in-law.”

Elaine gave him a withering look. “Save me your lecture,” she retorted. She didn’t bother arguing further with him. Instead, she turned to Jagoan, resolute in her stance. “Listen up, dear son-in-law. No matter what nonsense he’s spouting, you mustn’t give him a single cent!”

Abruptly, Jacob’s temper flared. He straightened up and spat, “Elaine, why must you persist in this? It’s always about money for you, isn’t it?”

Elaine playfully shook her head, mischief dancing in her eyes. “What’s the matter? Since you’re not asking your dear son-in-law for money, I’m simply advising him not to offer you any. What’s so bothersome about that?”

“You… You…” Jacob hadn’t expected Elaine’s defense to be so vigorous, quashing his own arguments. He’d said his piece, so why did she have the audacity to approach Jagoan for money?

Jacob, defeated by his own hesitation and lacking a counter, fumed, “I… I never meant to request money from my good son-in-law… I just wanted to remind him to be cautious out there!”

Elaine feigned nonchalance, took a deep breath, and placed her hands soothingly on her chest, as if greatly relieved. “Oh, Jacob, you nearly gave me a heart attack. I thought you had the nerve to ask your dear son-in-law for money! He works hard for his earnings. You’re a capable man, so you shouldn’t be spending other people’s money.”

Jacob snapped, “Elaine, what’s gotten into you? I’ve already told you, I have no intention of seeking money. Why are you endlessly fixated on money?”

Watching Jacob’s frustration while he remained reluctant to express his true thoughts, Jagoan couldn’t help but think that the ancient adage might hold some truth, this poor man must indeed be despised.

disposition and a penchant for secrecy, perpetually lived in the shadow

first returned to China, it was clear to everyone that Jacob had a desire to reunite with her. Matilda herself had been contemplating the same. They were like star-crossed lovers. If only

Matilda to lose patience. And to make matters worse, Mr. Riley, a man far above Jacob’s league, suddenly entered the picture, stealing away the love of his

he inquired, “Dad, do you need money? If so, just

Jacob, only to be extinguished by Elaine’s mockery and the whole money debacle.

at a loss for

figure in the arts community, vice president of the Painting and Calligraphy Association. To be blunt, he’s quite the big shot with a stellar reputation. If you were to give him money now, it might just wound

of his mind, he recognized

prolonged silence, Jagoan, exasperated, let the matter rest. He echoed Jacob’s words, “Dad, I appreciate your concern. I’ll be careful. Nothing else to worry about. I need to finish packing

a donkey downhill, but he always slipped down like a donkey from higher ground. Elaine’s few words blocked his escape,

change. He didn’t offer any further openings. Having spoken his piece, he turned and

within him. Gazing

inwardly. When would his father-in-law, Jacob, muster the courage to break free from his inner turmoil and live as he

packed, Jagoan left home under the cover of night, bound for the

Jacob, cigarette perched in his mouth,

a smile, “Good son-in-law,

Dad. I am

his hands, ready to speak, when Elaine suddenly descended the stairs, feigning a limp and exclaimed, “Oh, my dear son-in-law,