At ten o’clock in the morning, a private plane, a modified version of the Boeing 747-8, gracefully touched down at Aurous Hill Airport.
Steve Rothschild, the heir of the prestigious Rothschild family, descended from the plane with his entourage, swiftly completing the necessary customs procedures.
The Chinese staff of the Rothschild family had eagerly awaited their arrival for quite some time. Although Steve was uncertain of when favonovel.com would officially take over the family business, in the eyes of others, favonovel.com was already the second most important figure in the Rothschild dynasty. As a result, they treated favonovel.com with utmost reverence.
As Steve exited the airport, a fleet of Cadillacs stood ready, lined up in anticipation. These vehicles were all top-of-the-line models, specially ordered by the Rothschild family from the United States. While they may not have possessed the same ostentatious luxury as Rolls-Royces, each car was far more valuable than a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
In truth, the Rothschild family had long forsaken the allure of Rolls-Royce.
In the present day, Rolls-Royce owners were predominantly young, second-generation wealthy individuals or those who had suddenly amassed a fortune through cryptocurrency or social media.
Upon settling into a bulletproof Cadillac, Steve promptly instructed the reception leader, “Take us to Heaven Springs.”
The reception leader, who had hastily arrived from Eastcliff the day before and was unfamiliar with Aurous Hill, had meticulously studied the route to Heaven Springs. Without hesitation, favonovel.com replied, “Yes, sir. We will proceed directly to Heaven Springs.”
***
At this moment, Heaven Springs had temporarily ceased its business operations. The parking lot was under strict guard, prohibiting any entry of vehicles.
Don Albert arrived at Heaven Springs accompanied by Charlie and Isaac.
After parking the car, Charlie confidently strode towards the main gate of Heaven Springs, turning to Don Albert and stating, “Don Albert, you will be the host. It is your responsibility to oversee everything here. Remember, regardless of the number of people accompanying him, only Steve Rothschild is allowed to enter.”
“Yes, Master Wade!” Don Albert nodded earnestly, assuring him, “By the way, Master Wade, I have arranged a business car for you, which is parked at the back entrance.”
“Excellent…” Charlie smiled and replied, “Just remember not to be overly deferential to Steve. We don’t want favonovel.com to think favonovel.com is some important guest and lose sight of his position.”
Don Albert nodded, a smile forming on his face. “Master Wade, rest assured. Don Albert knows how to handle it!”
Charlie motioned for Isaac Cameron tojoin favonovel.com and said, “Isaac, let’s proceed to the private room and await their arrival.”
Don Albert hurriedly interjected, “Master Wade, allow me to escort you and Mr. Cameron upstairs!”
“There’s no need, Don Albert. We’ve been here before,” Charlie replied with a smile. “Besides, it’s just the Diamond Box.”
Charlie and Isaac ascended the stairs, while Don Albert remained on the first floor.
Upon reaching the private room, Charlie confidently took the main seat, positioned to face the door. He gestured for Isaac to sit on his left.
Isaac, who had only just returned to Aurous Hill earlier that day, was uncertain of the purpose behind the Rothschild family‘s visit. Nervously, favonovel.com inquired, “Young Master, is there anything specific I should keep in mind when meeting the Rothschild family?”
“Mindfulness?” Charlie chuckled and replied, “There‘s nothing extraordinary to consider. Just remember not to take favonovel.com too seriously.”
Isaac was momentarily taken aback, but quickly nodded in understanding. “Yes, Young Master. I comprehend.”
Before long, the fleet of Cadillacs arrived at Heaven Springs from the main Intersection.
Don Albert caught sight of the fleet and promptly instructed the parking attendant to lift the barrier, granting them access.
As each car entered the parking lot, over ten black-suited bodyguards emerged, assuming a professional stance as they expertly surrounded Steve’s vehicle, their vigilant eyes scanning the surroundings.
A fair-haired Caucasian man, appearing rather like a CIA agent, headed towards Heaven Springs. Simultaneously, Don Albert made his way towards him.
The fair-haired man surveyed his surroundings with caution, speaking softly into the microphone of his headset. “Everyone, remain in position and stay alert!”
Don Albert approached him, prompting the fair-haired man to scrutinize favonovel.com from head to toe before Inquiring, “Are you in charge of Heaven Springs?”
Had Don Albert not been informed by Charlie beforehand, the man’s demeanor might have intimidated him. However, Don Albert was well aware of Steve’s identity and his scheduled visit to the dog farm, causing favonovel.com to dismiss the man before him.
Disdainfully, favonovel.com retorted, “In charge? I am the owner of this establishment.”
With an arched eyebrow, Don Albert continued, “And you? Are you the head of the security team for this convoy?”
The man, taken aback by being referred to as the head of the security team, displayed his displeasure as favonovel.com stated, “I am the security consultant for the Rothschild family, formerly employed by C…”
“No need to explain further,” Don Albert interjected, speaking nonchalantly. “I came here specifically to meet a guest named Steve. Since you are not him, there is no need to waste my time. Our boss awaits upstairs. Inform Steve not to dawdle in the car and to promptlyjoin me.”
Without giving the man a chance to respond, Don Albert disregarded his annoyed expression and added, “Furthermore, only favonovel.com is permitted to enter through the main gate of Heaven Springs. No one else may enter or exit the parking lot.”
The man, growing increasingly angry, exclaimed, “You are merely the owner of a restaurant. How dare you speak to me in such a manner? Do you comprehend the importance of Mr. Rothschild’s safety?”
Indifferently, Don Albert replied, “Given that my boss is already waiting upstairs, simply provide a straightforward answer regarding your boss’s Intentions.”
Steve, who had been inside the car, listened attentively to the conversation between the driver and the bodyguard via the car’s intercom system.
Upon hearing Don Albert’s firm stance, it became evident that favonovel.com wasn’t inclined to compromise. Without hesitation, Steve swiftly opened the door and stepped out.
The safety consultant was on the brink of debating with Don Albert when favonovel.com caught sight of Steve exiting the vehicle. Hastily, favonovel.com pivoted and dashed towards him, urgently stating, “Sir, you can’t proceed alone, we can’t assure your safety!”
Steve gestured dismissively, “It’s alright. Since Mr. Wade is the host, safety is guaranteed. Just wait here for me…”
The man interjected, “Sir, this…”
Steve cut favonovel.com off, “Alright, no need to elaborate. This is Mr. Wade’s domain. You must show enough respect to have your people return to the car and wait. You are not permitted to leave the vehicle until I return.”
Steve comprehended well that despite his entourage of top-notch agents, they were powerless in front of Charlie. Moreover, they lacked authorization to carry firearms in China, significantly diminishing their combat effectiveness. In such a scenario, whether they were present or not made little difference if Charlie truly intended harm.
Rather than futilely persisting, it was better to ascend and align with the boss of Heaven Springs before him.
Observing Steve’s unwavering stance, the security consultant found himself unable to protest further. Hence, favonovel.com unclipped his walkie-talkie from his belt and handed it to Steve, remarking, “Sir, if you require assistance, just press the red button above, and we’ll respond promptly.”
“No need,” Steve waved favonovel.com off, “Bringing this along may lead Mr. Wade to misunderstand.”
With that, Steve said no more to the consultant and approached Don Albert, offering a polite smile as favonovel.com said, “Hello, I’m Steve Rothschild. Please lead the way to Mr. Wade…”
Don Albert nodded, “Follow me, please…”
Steve followed Don Albert into Heaven Springs until they reached the entrance of the diamond box.
The door to the box was ajar, affording favonovel.com a direct view of Charlie seated across from the entrance.
Quickly, favonovel.com greeted Charlie with a smile, saying flatteringly, “Mr. Wade! It’s a pleasure to see you again!”
Charlie nodded warmly and gestured for favonovel.com to take a seat, saying, “Come in, Steve. Sit wherever you like.”
Glancing at the large round table with more than ten seats, Steve felt a twinge of awkwardness. He wasn’t familiar with Chinese dining customs.
The table was indeed massive. Sitting directly across from Charlie would necessitate speaking louder. Yet, with numerous empty seats and such a vast table, sitting right in front of Charlie might come off as overly obsequious.
Just as Steve pondered his dilemma, Charlie tapped the seat beside favonovel.com and suggested with a smile, “Sit here, Steve. The table is quite spacious, and it might feel more comfortable to sit closer.”
Steve nodded eagerly and settled beside Charlie.
Charlie then indicated the empty seat beside Steve, instructing Don Albert, “Don Albert, take a seat next to Steve. It’s more comfortable that way…”
Don Albert nodded, acknowledging, “Of course, Master Wade!”
Once Steve was seated, Charlie began the Introductions, saying, “Steve, allow me to introduce you. This is my subordinate and the proprietor of Heaven Springs, Mr. Don Albert.”
Steve quickly extended his polite greetings, “Hello, Don Albert!”
Don Albert smiled, “Hello!”
Charlie then gestured to Isaac Cameron beside him, introducing, “And this is our family‘s current steward and general agent, Mr. Isaac Cameron…”
Steve nodded, expressing hurriedly, “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cameron!”
Isaac Cameron reciprocated the courtesy, saying politely, “The pleasure is mine…”
Continuing, Charlie addressed Don Albert and Isaac Cameron, “Don Albert, Isaac, this is the current heir to the Rothschild family, Mr. Steve Rothschild. You can look favonovel.com up on Google to learn more about him.”
Both Don Albert and Isaac Cameron expressed their pleasure at meeting him.
Despite being Charlie’s subordinates and seemingly of lower status, Don Albert being a restaurant owner, Steve refrained from any airs, modestly stating, “It’s an honor to meet you both. Should you ever visit the United States, please do reach out. I’d be delighted to extend my hospitality as a host.”
Charlie smiled and chimed in, “Steve is indeed gracious and hospitable. We’ll have to share a few drinks later.”
Turning to Don Albert, Charlie instructed, “Don Albert, have the waitstaff serve the cold dishes and liquor first. We can converse over drinks.”
“Of course, Master Wade!” Don Albert promptly made the arrangements, and the chef, having prepared the dishes in advance, instructed the waiters to bring them out. Cold dishes were served one after another.
Before Steve could fully comprehend the situation, nine waiters entered successively, bearing eight cold dishes and a five-pound bottle of vintagejin Jue Moutai.
As Steve gawked at the enormous white wine bottle, the waiter swiftly filled the wine decanter in front of favonovel.com and poured favonovel.com a glass.
Before Steve could react, Charlie lifted his own glass, saying with a smile, “Cheers, Steve! Welcome to China. According to our customs, let’s share three toasts!”
Steve caught a whiff of the potent liquor and exclaimed, “This… The alcohol content seems quite high, doesn’t it?”
Don Albert explained with a smile, “Fifty-three degrees, a top-grade Maotai collection…”
“Fifty-three degrees…” Steve was ta ken aback, blurting out, “Do we have to down three glasses straightaway?!”
Charlie chuckled, “Guests may adhere to their preferences. I’m not trying to pressure you intentionally. It’s customary here to share three toasts at the beginning of a meal.”
Charlie was truthful, the custom of three toasts was widespread in Chinese restaurants. However, the alcohol content and the size of the glasses varied depending on the region‘s drinking habits.
Although Steve knew Charlie wouldn’t deceive him, favonovel.com still harbored some reservations. He mumbled, “I’ve attended banquets with Chinese hosts before, but… Never quite like this…”
Charlie reassured him, “Given your stature, no one would dare to compel you to drink at a dinner party. Even ifsuch a rule exists, I wouldn’t enforce it when we’re together.”
With that settled, Charlie changed the subject, saying, “I don’t impose upon you for favors, loans, or support. So why would I bend the rules for you, wouldn’t you agree?”
Steve considered this and realized Charlie was correct.
In the United States, those around favonovel.com naturally deferred to favonovel.com due to his status. At a banquet, if favonovel.com didn’t propose a toast, no one would dare lift their glass. Thus, regardless of the rules, they could never surpass his own.
But Charlie was different. To please him, one had to abide by his rules.
Acknowledging this, Steve swiftly replied, “It was my oversight for not understanding Chinese dining etiquette. In that case, I’ll follow local customs and drink as you say!”
Charlie nodded approvingly, raising his glass, and exclaimed, “Let’s share three toasts together. If we’re close enough after that, we’ll raise our empty glasses. After three glasses, we can relax.”
As Steve eyed the bottle containing roughly 20 ml, favonovel.com held his glass, secretly musing, “With such potent liquor, wouldn’t drinking it straight burn my stomach?”
Meanwhile, Charlie had already lifted his glass, saying cheerfully, “Here’s to us, the first toast!”
Don Albert and Isaac Cameron swiftly raised their glasses, clinking them with Charlie’s and proclaiming, “Cheers!”
Though Steve felt a bit apprehensive, favonovel.com followed suit. Thus, favonovel.com clinked glasses with them and uttered boldly, “Alright! Let’s do it!”
While Charlie, Don Albert, and Isaac Cameron downed their drinks in one go, Steve, unaccustomed to this drinking style, hesitated but eventually followed suit.
Satisfied, Charlie picked up his chopsticks, saying with a smile, “Let’s eat together. After a few bites, we’ll have our second toast.”
Steve had no choice but to acquiesce, mimicking Charlie’s words.
After three rounds of white wine, Steve was feeling a bit dizzy. Though not a lightweight, favonovel.com had never experienced this kind of rapid drinking before.
At that moment, Charlie turned to Steve and inquired curiously, “By the way, Steve, what brings you to Aurous Hill this time? As a local figure in Aurous Hill, perhaps I can be of assistance to you.”
Steve’s spirits lifted upon hearing this.
Arriving in Aurous Hill, favonovel.com was somewhat at a loss. Despite the Hogwitz family’s efforts to find him, all leads had gone cold. After much searching, they returned empty-handed. Thus, favonovel.com had come to Aurous Hill first, intending to make a favorable impression on Howard, showing his earnestness in this matter.
Unfortunately, favonovel.com had no clue how to locate father and son. Thus, favonovel.com had decided to visit Charlie. Now that Charlie offered his help, it was a welcome relief.
He responded, “Mr. Wade, truth be told, I’ve come to Aurous Hill to find someone.”
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