Ever since Claire Wilson left, Charlie wade’s sense of belonging to Aurous Hill had faded considerably.
It was not that he had lost his feelings for the city, but rather that the city no longer had that invisible rope tying him down, making him reluctant to leave.
Now, he was like a single man with freedom over his time and finances. Once he decided on a destination, he could set off immediately. In Aurous Hill, he truly had no ties.
His friends in Aurous Hill were all doing very well these days. In this city, they might have once been business rivals, but because he had spent the past few years mediating among them, they had long since become good friends. In life, they looked after each other, and in business, they supported one another.
It was amusing that when everyone used to compete fiercely, they earned less than they did now with mutual yielding.
Although each of them was an elite in the business world, their vision was often constrained by territorial instincts, viewing anyone outside their circle as an opponent. This led to serious internal friction among them. Once that friction was eliminated through cooperation, the situation naturally improved greatly.
This was somewhat similar to the European Union. Without the EU, Europe had been reduced to ruins twice in world wars. Germany and France, that pair of historical enemies, had been at each other’s throats since the 17th century, right up to the end of World War II, and neither had become a global superpower. Later, when they saw the light, abandoned old grudges, and banded together for warmth, the outlook suddenly brightened.
Besides his friends, Charlie wade’s maternal grandparents’ family no longer needed much of his concern. After all, his grandfather’s family were now major businessmen returning from overseas to build the motherland. China placed great importance on them, and as long as Wu Fiona was not tired of living and intent on mutual destruction, she would absolutely not dare to act against them again.
Moreover, he had the Champs-Elysees Hot Springs and a large reserve of martial arts talents. These people in Aurous Hill could also ensure the safety of his relatives and friends.
This was one of the multiple reasons Charlie wade could leave with peace of mind.
Returning to Champs-Elysees, he did not immediately go to his hillside villa. Instead, he visited the villa where Grace Lowes and Song Rife were in seclusion.
This pair of unfortunate sisters had become inseparable good friends after spending time together. Seeing Charlie wade’s sudden visit, both were overjoyed and warmly invited him into the living room.
After sitting down in the living room, Charlie wade asked the two: “Miss Grace, Miss Song, how have you both been lately?”
Grace Lowes smiled and said: “Thanks to Mr Wade’s concern, these days Rife and I have been getting along very pleasantly.”
Song Rife had lost her former coldness and arrogance. Smiling, she said: “Sister Grace has been especially good to me, like a real elder sister. We have even discussed it. If we are lucky enough to survive, we will live and cultivate together. If we cannot make it, we ask Mr Wade to choose a scenic spot in Aurous Hill and bury us side by side.”
Charlie wade was slightly surprised but smiled and said: “It is still too early to talk about death now.”
Grace Lowes smiled easily and said: “Mr Wade, time flies like a white steed across a crack. One year will pass quickly.”
Charlie wade nodded and said to the two: “Ladies, I came today to discuss something with you both.”
Grace Lowes immediately said seriously: “Please go ahead, Mr Wade.”
Song Rife beside her also straightened her posture, eyes fixed on Charlie wade without blinking, waiting for what he would say next.
Charlie wade said earnestly: “These days, I have deeply felt the frustration of my cultivation being stuck and not advancing. So, I plan to go into seclusion in Northern Europe for a while, to see if I can find an opportunity to open the Mudra Palace and also to look for a way to detoxify you both. I hope you two can come with me.”
The young Song Rife exclaimed excitedly without any hesitation: “Thank you, Mr Wade, for the guidance. Rife is willing to go with you!”
A flicker of worry and disappointment crossed Grace Lowes’s brows, but she quickly adjusted her mindset and smiled: “Rugge is also willing to go.”
Charlie wade nodded with relief and said: “In that case, please prepare yourselves. We will set off tomorrow.”
The two agreed immediately. Seeing that it was getting late, Charlie wade did not want to impose further, so he stood up to take his leave.
Song Rife and Grace Lowes saw Charlie wade to the door together. After watching him leave, Song Rife said softly to Grace Lowes: “Sister Grace, why is Mr Wade suddenly going to Northern Europe for seclusion? Is not his wife in Aurous Hill?”
“This…” Grace Lowes shook her head and murmured: “I am not very clear either.”
Song Rife smiled and said: “Mr Wade is going into seclusion yet still thinks to take us along. It seems he truly trusts us both “
