Chapter 6020

Hank and the others were losing their patience at that moment. Charlie had total control over their money, reputation, and skills in that area. One wrong move could result in losing everything. What else could they do in such a situation? Since continuing down their current path was not an option, they figured at the very least they could find some enjoyment and seek to channel their pent-up energy into starting a business, potentially leading to greater success. This was certainly better than being rendered useless for life, facing the fallout from being exposed and incurring Steve's wrath. Accordingly, they all agreed without hesitation. Hank turned to Charlie and asked, "Mr. Wade, if we gather the funds within the next couple of days, could you assist us in resolving this issue?" Charlie waved his hand dismissively. "As per our agreement, you need to prepare the funds first. After I identify the right individual to oversee this assassination fund, you can transfer the money. Regarding your prior actions on his island, I won’t disclose them for now. I won’t hold you accountable for your role in encouraging an assassination on Tawanna. After payment is made, I will assist you in regaining your abilities." Steve, curious, inquired, "Mr. Wade, who would you consider most suitable to manage this fund? This is sensitive work that ordinary people can't handle." He glanced at Charlie and exchanged a knowing wink with Matt Finkelstein, who sat nearby. Charlie quickly realized that Steve was suggesting Matt Finkelstein take charge of this operation. Matt Finkelstein was currently in a vulnerable position, and someone like him could be easily spared. As the saying goes, adversity makes one stronger. Charlie pointed at Matt Finkelstein, who was now under Steve's thumb, and commanded, "Mr. Finkelstein, from this moment on, you will serve as the general manager of this assassination fund. You are responsible for overseeing the entire operation, managing the inflow and outflow of funds, issuing secret expenses, and providing regular reports to Steve." Matt Finkelstein trembled in fear and stammered, "Mr. Wade…Mr. Wade, I… I have limited capabilities. I’m afraid I can’t manage such a large-scale fund!" Taking on such a responsibility was the last thing Matt Finkelstein wanted. Once this fund was established, it would be run using money from local tycoons in cryptocurrencies, which was quite secure for them and generally kept under wraps. However, he would have to oversee all operations, including any assassinations and the confidential disbursements, effectively putting all the blame on him. Even if he could manage to dispense rewards through the underground network, keeping such substantial assassination funds under wraps—worth tens of billions—would be nearly impossible. If Charlie asked him to orchestrate the assassination of the wealthiest person in the world, wouldn’t he then have to face their furious retribution? He had narrowly escaped a murder attempt thanks to Steve's protection. Taking on such a task under Charlie would likely leave him unable to protect himself. Charlie recognized Matt's fears and chuckled, "Among all the people here today, I only see you claiming limited abilities, and I completely understand why." "Why do you say that, Mr. Wade? I... I truly lack the capability!" Matt Finkelstein protested, clearly distressed. Charlie replied coldly, "You managed an enormous private island, overseeing numerous guests while keeping everything running smoothly. You concealed all kinds of unsavory activities exceptionally well. Coordinating hundreds of guests from various walks of life to feel at home on your island demonstrates exceptional management skills! There’s no reason you can’t manage an assassination fund as well."

"I..." Matt Finkelstein didn’t expect this line of questioning from Charlie. If management skills were the measure, he had done well. His private island had run without incident for years. The issues that arose were primarily due to a colleague who mishandled matters. That individual had recorded too many videos while attempting to exploit others, inadvertently causing a scandal that the world learned of. Later, that individual was silenced in prison, but many guests grew concerned. To protect themselves, they sought to eliminate any compromising evidence, which ultimately implicated themselves and their islands. If it weren’t for that foolish colleague, he would probably still be entertaining guests every night on his private island, rather than facing Charlie now. However, despite recognizing his ability to manage such an endeavor, Matt Finkelstein was resolute in his desire to avoid taking on this responsibility. For now, he wished to serve as an obedient follower to Steve. When Steve needed him to act, he would comply, and when he didn’t, he would behave like a loyal dog. Taking on Charlie’s job would likely bring turmoil into his future. Noticing that Matt Finkelstein was too intimidated to speak, Charlie scoffed, "Mr. Finkelstein, try to be more open. Why were you brave enough to spend a billion dollars on Tawanna’s life, but now you’re so timid?" Matt Finkelstein responded nervously, "Mr. Wade...I... I..." Steve interjected dismissively, "Matt, what are you so afraid of? Don’t forget, you’re in China now! What is there to fear here? If you have the right mindset, you can live comfortably for the rest of your life without returning to the United States." "Wait, does that mean I can never go back?" Matt Finkelstein asked, alarmed. Steve replied, "If you've offended too many people, returning will only increase your risk. It’s better to live comfortably here. As long as you listen to Mr. Wade, even if the wealthy in the U.S. want to harm you, they won’t have the means to do so." He added, "Furthermore, what’s waiting for you back in the U.S.? Even if you decline this position, plenty of people would want to get rid of you upon your return. There’s an old saying in China: ‘Don’t worry about a lot of debts, just work hard in Aurous Hill.’ If you manage to evade exposure, you can also reshape your reputation. I wonder how many will be grateful to you." Matt Finkelstein sighed heavily and said in resignation, "Alright, I will listen to Mr. Wade and Mr. Rothschild, and I will try to maintain a good reputation after my death..." Charlie nodded in approval and told everyone, "Go back and prepare your cryptocurrencies. Once the framework for Mr. Finkelstein’s fund is set up, I’ll provide an address for the cryptocurrency transfer. Once the funds are secure, I will notify you to meet here so I can assist you in regaining what you've lost." Someone nervously asked Charlie, "Mr. Wade, do we still have to cover the costs for our meals next time?" Charlie responded matter-of-factly, "Of course we do! The dining standards here are quite high; how could I expect to eat for free?" Everyone looked disheartened. To do this again, they would need to spend ten million dollars on food each time. Was this really what they had come to?