In the days before the Oskian New Year, Charlie was still following Tanya as he toured between different cities, until she finished her Oskian tour.However, he already regretted taking the job after Eastcliff, but it was already too late—he couldn't just tell his wife that he was giving up halfway as Tanya's Feng Shui consultant.Nonetheless, after the twenty concerts, Curtis Autos had also gained widespread brand awareness in Oskia, as well as the rest of the world.Although Curtis Autos had yet to announce any car model at the moment, Charlie knew full well that when it came to starting a new business, one principle must always be followed: always get famous early.In recent history, before certain public figures launch their car brands, they first build hype by vowing to dedicate all honor of their lifetime into making their brand successful. It would immediately draw the public's attention, and to no one's surprise, their cars would sell like hot cakes.As Curtis Autos was na

Charlie finally arrived at Aurous Hill in the morning, though only Elaine was at home when he got back.Clarie herself was busy at work for days now, intent on fulfilling her contracts before she left.As for Jacob, he was hanging out at the Calligraphy and Painting Association every day, enjoying life.In comparison, Elaine had a lot of time on her hands, and was now completely focused on their Maldives trip, buying everything from snorkeling gear, swimsuits, and goggles.Seeing Charlie, she grinned in delight, "Oh, you're finally home, Charlie! We're heading off to the Maldives in two days, so don't take any jobs in the meantime!"Charlie smiled. "Don't worry—I won't be taking jobs until the new year.""Great!" Elaine was at once relieved. "I've told Claire to get her work done soon, and not to bring her laptop on our trip."Charlie smiled and nodded—it was clear Elaine was really enthusiastic about the trip. Still, it was a good thing for the family since it was a rare opport

Early in the morning before the Oskian New Year, Charlie, Claire, Elaine, and Jacob had all packed their bags, heading to the airport for their rare vacation. Jacob's suggestion was to drive the Cullinan to the airport and park it there. They'd just be gone for five days anyway, and they could just drive home with it when they return.In the man's own words, it afforded them the perk of not having to get a rental—with so much luggage, it would be troublesome.However, Charlie knew full well that his father-in-law had been driving everywhere in that Cullinan—even to pick up cigarettes at the convenience store.One way or another, he refused to let slip any opportunity to show everyone else that he owned a Rolls.Charlie didn't think much of it because that was how his father-in-law always was, and he didn't mind playing along.On the other hand, Claire really didn't like the idea of her father bringing out the Cullinan to show off even now, because the Rolls belonged to Kathleen

Jacob was never one to pass up any chance to show off—and would do it even if the timing was poor.In his mind, Mr. Larcelle just lost.After all, the man tried to frame his Rolls key for being a fake, so now he showed it off, proving that it was the real deal.Still, as Mr. Larcelle took the key, he fiddled with it a couple times, pressing some buttons and suddenly snickered.Throwing it back at Jacob, he snorted in disdain, "They really can make it look real these days. Where did you get that from? Amazon?"Jacob didn't expect Mr. Larcelle to throw it, and clawed the air to catch it frantically as if he would miss.When he did catch it, he promptly snapped at Mr. Larcelle, "Where are your manners, man? I'm showing you a Rolls key since you don't have one, but you're throwing it like a baseball?! Are you going to pay for it if you damage it?!"Mr. Larcelle snorted in disdain. "What, you think I can't afford to pay for bootleg crap?"That was when Elaine bellowed furiously, "Op

Jacob was himself sulking after being humiliated.But there was no helping it when Mr. Larcelle had already left, giving him no chance to salvage his dignity.He hence had no choice but to take the loss and head into the airport with Charlie and Claire.Elaine was sulking too, muttering, "Shit, I never had to suffer such an insult before! Not even back in the day, when we all just opened our windows and yelled at our neighbors… But that prick had to rub it in! It's killing me!"Claire knew her mother's temper and hence quickly reasoned, "That's enough, Mom. It's no big deal in the first place—don't obsess over it. Remember, we're all supposed to be having fun."Elaine groaned, "I overheard them saying they're going to the Maldives too… Are they going on the same flight?"Charlie shrugged. "It's not like there are direct flights from Aurous Hill to the Maldives every day. This is also the season for tropical vacations, and that means there'd be a flight on Tuesday, Thursday, and S