Chapter 391: Chapter 113: The Result is Conclusive

“Well, what should I say?” After Adrian finished speaking, there was a long silence before Claude’s voice came through, “You went to Japan and then said their animation was worth investing in, you went to New York and then said we should watch out for Soros… Oh, dear Ed, why don’t you travel to even more places, maybe you’ll encounter even more opportunities.”

Although it sounded as if he was complaining, the relaxed tone still gave away his thoughts.

“Come on, Crow, I don’t believe you haven’t caught wind of this.” Adrian laughed, leaning back in his chair and propping his legs on the desk, “This is a good opportunity, and unlike the last two times, we don’t have any scruples, if handled well, our profits won’t be much less than what we got in ’92.”

“It’s not easy, Ed, after all, we are not like them, and our situation now is different from ’92, some things are not so easy to do.” Claude’s tone became serious.

“Yes, I know, and I know what you want to say next, but remember my plan? All these require funding, I don’t mind compromising, but at least until we lay a solid foundation for our Empire, we can’t let go.” Adrian said with an equally serious tone, “I’ve said this many times, haven’t I?”

“Of course, but…” Claude suddenly fell silent again, and after a long while, he sighed, “Alright, but I still need more data and intelligence.”

“No problem, I’ll wait for your good news.” Adrian then hung up the phone and stretched lazily with a long exhale.

What he had just mentioned was naturally next year’s financial crisis in Southeast Asia, unlike the United Kingdom and Mexico. The United Kingdom is an ally of the same stock as the United States, and Mexico is the United States’ backyard, meddling in these places is bound to lead to government sanctions, even in a money-centric country like the United States. That’s why Soros has been under investigation and surveillance by the FBI since attacking the British Pounds, and if he hadn’t shaken these guys off at the time, he probably wouldn’t have been able to deal with the Mexican Peso.

But Southeast Asia was different, they were already a flock of sheep ready for shearing, and there would be no sympathy or pity for them, just like with Japan. Adrian couldn’t pass up such a grand wool-shearing opportunity, and more so, these would help him build his Empire more smoothly. Of course, he had to avoid the RMB and the Ruble, not to get carried away with a string of victories like Soros did, and almost lose himself in the process.

With a knock on the door, Charlize walked in again, placing a stack of documents in front of him, “I’ve made some adjustments to the b-a file and the b-b materials, you can take a look, and please raise any issues as soon as possible; also, about your concept and outline, the editorial department has written up to Act Three waiting for your comments…”

“Very good, I’ll give them my input as soon as possible,” Adrian said while browsing through the materials in front of him and, as before, wrapped his secretary assistant in his arms to indulge in some sibling-like affection.

“Also, you asked me to remind you after the award ceremony that you should move the office over to the headquarters – where is your hand going?”

“Is there a problem?” Adrian asked with a hint of surprise, raising his eyebrow; he knew that apart from the last part, Charlize had long accepted any level of flirtation in the office.

“Although I keep reminding you, Ed, that this is sexual harassment, you never take it to heart,” the female secretary looked down at him with an unamused expression.

“Uh… are you saying…” Adrian tapped his forehead with a finger, then looked at her earnestly, “If I don’t stop, you’ll sue me?”

Hearing these almost rascal-like words, Charlize rolled her eyes, picked up the next file, and gave him another look, just as Adrian was sitting up straight thinking of continuing the verbal flirtation.

“Whoa, whoa, don’t tell me you’ve hit a nerve, are you planning to force your way?” Adrian’s face momentarily showed a flicker of shock before he quickly realized something and continued with a playful grin.

Charlize let out a few light hums, finally turned her head, and after staring at him for a long while, she ground her lips and said, “Clearly, I have to completely tidy up your desk all over again.”

“Indeed” Adrian looked at the items that were swept onto the floor in the heat of passion, “Since that’s the case, I don’t know when the next time will be, and there’s nothing important right now, so how about we go another round.”

“Wait… wait a minute!” Charlize, who reacted with just a little teasing, quickly grabbed his arm in annoyance, “You’re about to go pick someone up at the airport!”

“Pick up at the airport?” Adrian stopped his movements, puzzled.

“Yes, I put the stuff in…” Charlize looked around but couldn’t find what she was looking for. Seeing Adrian thinking she was deliberately stalling as a pretext to prepare a punishment for her, she had no choice but to say gloomily, “It’s that woman you hooked up with in Japan, on the flight this afternoon, arriving in about an hour and a half.”

“Is that so? Why didn’t I know about it before?” Adrian still somewhat disbelieved.

“The call came in yesterday, and you were busy preparing for the awards ceremony all day yesterday, so of course, I didn’t tell you.” Charlize propped up half her body and glared at him.

“That’s how it is.” Adrian’s smile turned mischievous. No wonder Charlize was so proactive today and finally let him have his way, Nicely done, Nakama Yukie.

Seeing Adrian’s expression, Charlize turned her head away and let out a light snort.

“Alright, alright, then let’s go to the airport now.” Adrian laughed heartily, kissed her cheek one more time, and finally ended the long-awaited activity.

After tidying up properly and organizing the office together, he immediately left with Charlize. They didn’t wait long at the airport before picking up Nakama Yukie, her flight right on schedule, no delay.

Nakama Yukie, still delicate after a few days apart, looked a bit tired due to jet lag. Her petite frame contrasted greatly with Adrian, prompting Charlize to glance back and forth between them.

“Hello, Miss Charlize, I’m Nakama Yukie, please take good care of me.” On the way back, after Adrian introduced Charlize to Yukie, she immediately gave a deep bow, even while sitting in the car, despite her English not being particularly good.

Her humility, coupled with her earlier delicate and endearing contrast with Adrian, invariably gave Charlize a good impression.

“This is my home, you’ll stay here, pick any room you like,” Adrian said as he showed her around the villa, “I’ve already contacted the school, and we’ll get the green card sorted out as quickly as possible. I believe you must have put in a lot of effort to convince your family.”

“Yes, my father and mother are very worried, but my brother and sister supported my coming here.” Yukie didn’t hide the fact, showing the same respect as she did in Japan.

“Don’t worry, I’m here, I’ll protect you,” Adrian said, smiling and giving her a gentle hug, “You can come to me or Charli if you have any problems.”

“Ah, Mr. Adrian…”

“Call me Ed.”

“Um… Ed…” Yukie called out timidly, her cheeks wearing a hesitant expression.

“What’s wrong?” Adrian stopped and looked at her with an inquiring gaze.

“I think… I think…” She bit her lip and finally mustered up the courage, “Although my English isn’t great, basic communication should still be possible, so… maybe I could find a simple job while studying?”

Watching the girl’s cautious yet determined eyes, Adrian quickly understood her thoughts and nodded approvingly in silence.

“If you insist, of course you can, but the problem is, it’s not easy to find ordinary jobs here, and you still have to study. Moreover, as my woman, some jobs wouldn’t be appropriate for you.” Adrian looked thoughtful, and seeing Yukie becoming somewhat anxious, he suddenly came to a realization and continued, “Right, how about this, I have a housekeeper, but she’s getting on in years and finds it a bit hard to manage such a big house. If you’re willing, perhaps you could assist her? Of course, I’ll give you a formal contract.”

“I think… that should be fine.” Yukie considered for a while before finally nodding.

A problem was thus resolved, and it was a solution that killed two birds with one stone.

“Just like when you won me over, you always have this move,” Charlize said after knowing the situation.

“Is there a problem? Should I just not intervene at all?” Adrian spread his hands innocently, “Do you remember what I said at the beginning?”

Charlize pursed her lips and said no more. Adrian once stated that he brought Nakama Yukie to the United States out of pity; he merely gave her a few extra glances when visiting various agencies and offices, and they sent her over to him.

“No one will believe that, Ed, neither me nor them,” Charlize had said back then, for everyone knew what sort of person Adrian was. And wouldn’t the other party resist? But based on the initial impression Yukie gave her today, along with some books she had read recently on the Japanese character, it might indeed be possible.

“Alright, let’s not talk about this,” Charlize shifted the topic, “Although you’ve solved one problem, you’ve created a new one. Have you considered Mrs. Galen’s feelings?”

“Oh?” Adrian raised his eyebrows.

“According to you, Mrs. Galen has been serving in your house for nearly ten years; she has managed the place very well. If she knew you hired a new person, even as an assistant, even if she’s your…” Charlize gestured but didn’t say the next phrase, “In any case, she’s likely not going to be pleased.”

“That is indeed a problem,” Adrian nodded, then stroked his chin, and seconds later, he snapped his fingers, “I’ve got it. I can buy a bigger house, hire more servants, and have her manage everything!”

“…”

Adrian wasn’t joking. The current villa was indeed large, with two floors and nearly a hundred rooms, as well as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and a large green space; but the internal space wasn’t exceptionally big. That’s why Mrs. Galen could manage it alone. However, as Adrian’s company grew, he would sooner or later sell the villa and buy a bigger one, and then he would need more staff–so hiring an additional servant in advance was quite normal.

Just as Charlize had anticipated, Mrs. Galen wasn’t pleased to learn that Adrian planned to hire a new servant. Even though she did not express her discontent openly, it was apparent. However, also as Adrian had predicted, after he explained the situation, Mrs. Galen accepted it, particularly when she found out the new servant was a Japanese girl who had just arrived from Japan. Mrs. Galen, who was well-acquainted with Adrian’s ways, knew what he was up to.

“I only want to say, please be very careful, Mr. Adrian,” Mrs. Galen sighed in resignation.

In any case, Nakama Yukie moved into Adrian’s home, and her story was far from beginning.

After the Oscar ceremony, despite the noisy clamor in the media, Adrian returned to his leisurely lifestyle. Apart from dealing with necessary work and overseeing the preparation of his film, he spent most of his energy on women. For example, he went on outings with Julia and her 5-year-old niece, Emma Roberts. At his instigation, the little one was corresponding with another Emma who, though not as smart and precocious, was quite adorable.

Gwyneth had already been well-trained by him, and women with more interest in benefits than emotions were easier to submit. Women who valued emotions slightly more than benefits were a bit troublesome, but not unconquerable; Blanchett was now completely lost in it and perhaps even more stable than Gwyneth.

Compared to them, the greater reward was that the little fruit Adrian had been cultivating had finally borne fruit.

Sarah sat on the long bench in the changing room of the studio, appearing very calm, yet her expressions continually changed, shifting between anger, scorn, and melancholy.

“Ha, I thought you had gone somewhere, but here you are,” the dressing room door opened, and Jennifer Love Hewitt, still in costume, exclaimed in surprise upon seeing Sarah.

“What’s up?” Sarah turned around, her previous expressions gone, replaced by an impassive calm.

“Nothing much, I just think you should interact more with everyone. That way, you could make more friends,” Love said while approaching the wardrobe to change, her tone carrying a subtle sense of superiority that one could detect upon closer listening, “Like just now, Mr. Rayleigh invited everyone to his party this weekend, and it’s a pity you weren’t there, or he wouldn’t have forgotten you.”

“Is that so?” Sarah frowned, a cold glint flashed in her eyes but quickly returned to calmness.

“Of course, you are the leading actress in ‘School Ties’, oh Sarah, it would be awful if you end up with only me as your friend,” Love turned around and spoke with a sincere tone. God knew that just two seconds before, a mocking smile had crossed her lips–her acting skills were indeed not bad.

“Is that so?” Sarah repeated her previous words, then stood up, walked to the door, and locked it.

“What’s wrong?” Love felt uneasy with Sarah’s action and her response, which was completely different from usual.

“Isn’t this what you wanted, Jane?” Sarah finally showed a smile, but it was a sneer.

“Um… I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.” Love finally realized something was amiss, and her “sincere” expression receded significantly.

“What I mean,” Sarah approached, staring at her. Though they were of similar height, she gave Love a sense of being looked down upon, “isn’t having no friends, being isolated, being excluded, exactly what you wanted to see? You little bitch!” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it at with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)