This meant he needed to amass one or two hundred billion dollars over the next decade or so to have a chance at living another 20 years.
But he didn’t dare tell his wife any of this, because, theoretically, the group’s income was joint marital property. If he used it to pursue longevity for himself without considering her survival, she’d make his life hell if she found out.
To keep her in the dark, he even had the group’s finance team falsify revenue and profit data to deceive her.
He had also never told his wife about his cancer diagnosis. At his level of wealth, he was wary of everyone around him. He feared that if she knew he was terminally ill, she’d immediately start preparing to take over the estate and corporate control.
While it’s normal for one spouse to prepare when the other faces issues, Bernard Elno, a master of human nature, knew that once his wife thought he was dying and began planning for his demise, her feelings for him would fade.
If he died within her expectations without disrupting her plans, they might maintain normal marital affection until the end. But if he outlived her expectations, turning her preparations into a perpetual contingency, he wasn’t sure if she’d grow resentful.
The greatest fear is a shift in mindset.
The same situation, before a mindset shift, might be pain and torment, but after, it could become hope and anticipation.
To prevent this, he never mentioned a word about his cancer or the Rejuvenation Pill, his journey from hell to paradise.
This was the unique burden of the ultra-wealthy.
His wife was still complaining, “Bernard, why have you become so stingy lately? Honestly, we’re both getting on in years, why care so much about money and material things? Even without any accidents, we’ve got maybe 10 or 20 years left. The most important thing is to live happily for the rest of our lives!”
Bernard Elno thought to himself, “For you, life might only have 10 or 20 years left, but for me, as long as I have enough money and the Rejuvenation Pill auctions continue, I could live another 40 years!”
But he didn’t dare say this aloud, so he smiled reassuringly, “This island is huge, our family only needs two villas, there’s no need to clear out the whole place. Sometimes we need a bit of the hustle and bustle of life. With Tawana Swift coming, it’ll be lively, which is a good thing, keeps us young by mingling with the younger crowd, right?”
His wife looked at him, astonished, “You change your tune fast. One minute you’re moaning about Tawana Swift coming, now it’s a good thing?”
Bernard Elno gave an awkward chuckle, “Well, everything has two sides. Look at it one way, it’s a bit grim, look at it another, and it’s all clear.”
Changing the subject, he said, “By the way, darling, since Tawana is a global superstar and well-loved by the guests on Baima Island, how about we throw a party tomorrow? We’ll invite Tawana and all the island’s guests to join in, have a lively time, and soak up some youthful energy. What do you think?”
His wife shook her head with a helpless smile, “I was the one trying to convince you, and now you’re convincing me? Fine, I’ve no objections if you want to make it lively.”
Bernard Elno seized the moment, “It’s settled then. After Tawana arrives tomorrow, I’ll discuss it with her. If she agrees, we’ll get the party going tomorrow night!”
