Chapter 5688

"What's the great news?" Lily raised her eyebrows, unable to contain her curiosity. "What kind of news is so significant?" Sister Turk's face lit up with happiness. "Aren't you curious about what the Young Master has been up to? Did the Rothschild family strike a deal with us? I spoke with Miss Clark, and she mentioned that the Young Master secured a secret agreement with Howard, the patriarch of the Rothschild family. Master Wade exchanged a pill for a portion of their cash and a complete set of AI models." "A complete set?" Lily's eyes widened. "Is it the most advanced AI model currently backed by the Rothschild family?" "Yes!" Sister Turk nodded emphatically. Lily leaned in eagerly. "This model is the latest craze in Internet technology. Its future market value is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions, and it's been elevated to a strategic level by the United States. From software to hardware, external sales are banned. How did Charlie manage that?" Sister Turk replied, "Miss Clark didn't divulge many details to me, but I suspect there are some restrictions." Lily nodded thoughtfully. "It seems Nvidia has recently delayed shipments to other companies for no apparent reason. They must be redirecting products to the Rothschild family, only they wield such influence." He paused before adding, "Since this is all covert, the AI model promised to Charlie by the Rothschild family likely won't be publicized. Essentially, Charlie will acquire an identical set, but it won't be used commercially or announced publicly. That's why the Rothschilds agreed." Sister Turk smiled. "Madam, if the Young Master truly obtains a complete AI model set, he'll be well-equipped to face future challenges. We can take more initiative in our endeavors." Lily grinned knowingly. "With the capabilities of AI and Jack, the Chinese detective, assisting Charlie, he's sure to achieve remarkable results. Perhaps it'll even pose unprecedented challenges to Morgana." Having said that, Lily rose from his seat. "Sister Turk, prepare yourself. It's time to leave Aurous Hill." Lily's initial purpose in Aurous Hill was to meet Nanako and aid her enlightenment. After Nanako attained enlightenment, she remained in Aurous Hill, diligently monitoring Charlie's activities in the United States. Following the Four Treasures of the Study's public announcement of her return to her homeland's embrace, she desired to relay a message to Charlie, advising against practicing the "The Nine Hidden Soul Paths" from the "Preface to the Apocalyptic Book." With her objectives accomplished, lingering in Aurous Hill only heightened her risk of exposure. Moreover, Aurous Hill harbored not only Charlie but also Maria, a shrewd and astute individual. Lily harbored concerns that their keen observations might lead to her discovery, prompting her to hasten his departure. ... As Lily left Aurous Hill, Charlie found himself seated at his grandmother's dinner table, feeling somewhat awkward. Grandma bombarded him with questions, while his uncle remained enthusiastic. However, his aunt, Tece, stayed rather quiet. Charlie entered the dinner table with a tinge of apprehension, fearing his aunt might inquire about Eddie. As the meal progressed and she remained silent, his discomfort deepened. Despite his grandmother and uncle posing numerous questions, the topic of Eddie remained conspicuously absent. It appeared they had silently agreed to avoid broaching the subject. After lunch, Charlie bid farewell to his grandmother and left. As he departed, his grandmother rose and offered, "Charlie, let me see you off." At that moment, Tece, who had been quiet, rose from her seat and addressed her mother, "Mom, please, you stay and rest while I accompany Charlie outside." Charlie understood his aunt likely desired a private conversation. "Yes, grandma, no need to trouble yourself." Seeing her son-in-law and grandson leave, Grandma nodded. "Alright, let your aunt accompany you." Outside the villa, Tece broached the question weighing on her mind. "Charlie, tell me the truth, is Eddie dead?" Charlie, unfazed, nodded solemnly. "Yes, aunt. Eddie is dead." Tece pressed further, "How did he die?" "He perished in a fire, leaving no trace. It's as if he vanished into thin air," Charlie explained. Tece nodded thoughtfully. She had been aware of Charlie's trip to New York, and shortly thereafter, Eddie vanished, prompting several Evans family managers to contact her in search of him. Upon learning of Eddie's disappearance, she had speculated on his fate, leaning towards the grim possibility of his demise. However, lacking definitive information, she had remained in a state of uncertainty. Now, with Charlie's confirmation, a wave of mixed emotions washed over her. Despite the sorrow and uncertainty, a sense of relief permeated her being.

"Charlie, you've long suspected Eddie's ties to the Warriors Den, haven't you?" she asked. "That's correct," Charlie affirmed, speaking truthfully. "I had suspected earlier that he might have ties to the Warriors Den. He was a ‘scholar’ in the Warriors Den, adept at deception, but direct evidence was lacking. However, during my recent trip to New York, I inadvertently uncovered his clandestine collaboration with a member of the Warriors Den to acquire Four Treasures of the Study. It prompted me to seize the opportunity to eliminate both of them." He turned to Tece with a tone of apology. "Auntie, the situation arose suddenly, and I didn't have the chance to seek your guidance. Please forgive me." Tece sighed softly, expressing gratitude to Charlie for eliminating a threat to the Evans family. "Charlie, as your aunt, I thank you for ridding us of potential harm. Your quick actions saved the Evans family from disaster. Without you, both your brother-in-law and I might have made irreparable mistakes, becoming the worst sinners of the Evans family..." Charlie felt a wave of relief wash over him as he witnessed his aunt's sincere appreciation. Though he didn't know her well, he acknowledged that her sense of justice would prevent her from blaming him. However, if she possessed a more romanticized view, she might have harbored resentment toward him for her husband's demise. Thankfully, the Evans family had endured its share of challenges, possessing a resilience beyond that of ordinary families. Thus, he reassured her, "Auntie, the 'scholars' of the Warriors Den are more cunning than we initially thought. Those who appeared around you and my uncle in the past likely deceived you with their charm. Even I would find it difficult to see through and guard against them." Tece nodded in understanding, finding solace in Charlie's words. Aware that she needed time to process everything, Charlie gently advised, "Auntie, don't burden yourself with thoughts for the next couple of days. Take some time to rest. Once the situation with the Warriors Den is resolved, we'll be in a better position to take action. You and your uncle should prepare to play an active role when the time comes." With a determined nod, Tece replied, "Alright, Charlie, I understand!" After bidding farewell to his aunt, Charlie headed to the Elys-Champ Hot Springs Villa to assess the progress of the martial arts training. As his car departed the villa, Charlie received a call from Steve Rothschild. As night settled in the United States, Steve busied himself packing his luggage, preparing for an early morning flight. Eager to demonstrate his goodwill to Charlie, he dialed Charlie's number. "Steve, why are you calling me so late?" Charlie's voice echoed through the phone, carrying a hint of amusement. Respectfully, Steve replied, "Mr. Wade, I considered the time difference. It's afternoon in China, so I didn't want to disturb you." Charlie hummed in acknowledgment. "Is there something you need from me?" Steve's voice softened with sincerity. "Yes, Mr. Wade. My father has assigned me a task in China. I'll be departing in three or four hours. Since you're likely in China as well, I thought it'd be convenient to visit you in person..." "Haven't we already agreed on our cooperation?" Charlie interrupted with a smile. "Just carry out your duties. There's no need for a visit." Steve hastily interjected, "Mr. Wade, my loyalty is unparalleled. To me, you're like a guiding light. If I were to come to China and not see you, I'd regret it deeply..." Understanding Steve's desire for a meeting, Charlie assessed the situation, pondering the potential benefits. Although not particularly eager to meet Steve, he recognized the importance of maintaining dominance over the second-in-command of the Rothschild family. By granting Steve an audience, he could subtly reinforce his influence. Moreover, neglecting the meeting might diminish Steve's sense of hope, rendering him less useful in the future. "Since you've traveled so far, I feel obliged to extend my hospitality," Charlie conceded. "Let me know your destination in China and a suitable time, and I'll make arrangements." Steve's excitement was palpable. "Mr. Wade, I'll be heading to Aurous Hill for business. It's imperative I make it my first stop to appease my father. Please provide me with an address, and I'll come to see you as soon as I land." Charlie's curiosity piqued. "You're coming to Aurous Hill?" "Yes," Steve confirmed. "It's my father's directive. If I were to skip Aurous Hill, it would displease him. But fret not, just give me an address, and I'll be there once I touch down!" A smile tugged at Charlie's lips. "What a coincidence. I'm currently in Aurous Hill. I'll arrange to meet you upon your arrival."