Seeing that Bernard was showing such a positive attitude on the task, Charlie smiled in satisfaction. "I'll need you to put dirt in Blackwater's eyes. Since the French president sent for you, I'm sure it'll make headlines in Europe. "During the meeting, make sure to mention Blackwater as many times as you can, and ideally ask the French president to issue a formal protest against their activities to the US government, while also demanding a full audit."Bernard promptly nodded. "Don't worry, Mr. Wade! I'll do my best to keep interest high in the Randheli incident. I even plan to visit the US and pressure Blackwater."Charlie asked, "How are you going to do that?"Bernard smiled fawningly. "I was thinking of visiting the UN HQ in New York, and donating a couple of million to the UN counter-terrorism department. I'll then ask them to use the money to strengthen and promote counter-terrorism awareness to rub it in Blackwater's face."Charlie nodded approvingly. "Good idea. Going str

Bernard suddenly felt like the male lead in Brewster's Millions, where he must spend 30 million USD in a limited amount of time or miss out on 300 million in inheritance.Right now, Bernard wasn't worried about losing—but losing not enough money or too slowly.Ideally, he'd like Charlie to ask him to spend all 50 billion USD at once, or it would make him anxious if it took too long.Seeing how anxious he was, Charlie said, "Patience. You have a chance to double your merit points in the US—seize it and spend 200 million, and you'd get 400 million in merit points."Bernard quickly nodded. "How do I do that, Mr. Wade?"Charlie replied, "Like I said, go to UN HQ and donate 200 million to the UN counter-terrorism department. Remember—said money only applies to operations outside US soil and their territories, and the US government is not allowed access to that money, be it for domestic or Middle Eastern operations.""A-Areyou telling me to slight the US government?" Bernard exclaimed

The UN is basically the royal family in a constitutional monarchy—sounds impressive and appears to hold the highest authority, but the actual political power exists in the hands of the constitution.As for the UN, they would be called in when there was a crisis. But it was just for show, like how member nations such as the US didn't respect them at all. On the other hand, the UN would also disrespect member nations that respected them too much, since those were usually third-world nations. Sure, they looked like they were offering tribute, but in reality they just wanted you to make donations to fund their second villa and two more weddings.That was why they were absolutely thrilled to hear that one of the richest men in the world was coming over to make a donation.Hence, Bernard decided that he would meet the French president tomorrow and meet the French press in two days. He would be making very clear his stance on the matter, before flying on his private jet to the US and f

There were around forty Oskian guests on Randheli, and the families would be sitting together as per Oskian tradition.However, the restaurant wasn't arranged for Oskian tradition or festivities where eight to ten were seated on a single round table, taking food from the same platter. The kitchen also designed a full-course menu akin to Kaiseki cuisine, listing the entire menu on a sheet, with every guest receiving one full course.There were sixteen dishes per Oskian tradition: four cold dishes, four main courses, four stewed dishes, two soups, and two snacks.Oskian spirits were also available, and the benefit was obvious. While every guest was served, they each would be delivered their own portions without having to share tableware or cause wastes—most importantly, there was no need to fill every table.Under such circumstances, couples hanging out would have eaten their fill after just a few dishes. There would hence be waste if all sixteen dishes were served, while guests ha

Despite the waning interest, the Oskian New Year's Eve celebrations had always been meticulously organized.Events before the midnight bell ring were scheduled to the microsecond, and anyone who intentionally extended or shortened their allocated time would be blacklisted, never allowed on that stage again.Therefore, program schedules would usually be finalized weeks ahead, with multiple rehearsals.So what mysterious event was the production team planning that they were willing to wait so long to confirm? It was definitely risky, a far cry from the usual prudent approach of the organizers.Even as everyone wondered, the emcee continued, "We've recently seen an old song topping trending searches—if you don't know, it's Assassin! Famously sung by our very own Quinn Golding, it was recently performed as a duet with international sensation Tanya Sweet!"Now, those who follow Ms. Golding would also be aware that she will be retiring after her farewell tour later this year. Following