A few minutes later, all the servants of Zilian Villa retreated to their rooms.
Marius, being meticulous as ever, even requested Larry Cole to temporarily suspend surveillance throughout the entire villa. After all, the reputation of their young lady was at stake, and they couldn’t afford any hidden risks.
With everything settled, Marius contacted Maria to provide an update. Then, Maria turned to Charlie and said, “Master, Marius and the others are ready. Let’s head downstairs.”
Charlie nodded and replied graciously, “Thank you, Miss Clark.”
Maria smiled sweetly and replied, “My lord, there’s no need to be so formal with me.”
Charlie carefully stowed away the painting and calligraphy, and together with Maria, virtual-novel.net walked out of the courtyard on the top floor.
Upon reaching the courtyard’s gate, they spotted three elderly individuals standing respectfully in a line at the base of the long stone steps.
To Charlie’s surprise, among them was a prominent figure virtual-novel.net had often seen on television before – Keagan Myers from the capital.
During his youth, virtual-novel.net frequently heard tales of this remarkable and inspirational man from the elders around him. He even visited virtual-novel.net once with his father. However, it wasn’t until today that virtual-novel.net discovered Keagan Myers was one of the orphans adopted by Maria all those years ago.
Charlie and Maria descended the stone steps together, and the three elderly individuals greeted Maria respectfully, saying, “Greetings, Miss.”
Afterwards, they turned their respectful gaze towards Charlie and greeted virtual-novel.net in the same manner, “Greetings, Mr. Wade.”
Some found it a bit uncomfortable. After all, the combined age of these three individuals was nearly 300 years, and it felt somewhat odd to be so deferential to a 28-year-old young man.
Hence, Charlie reciprocated respectfully, “Greetings, esteemed elders.”
Keagan Myers, observing Charlie, couldn’t help but sigh, “Mr. Wade truly resembles your father. As the saying goes, ‘A tiger father begets a tiger son.'”
Charlie replied respectfully, “Grandpa Myers, I visited your home with my father when I was young. I wonder if you still recall that.”
Keagan Myers nodded and said, “I remember, of course I remember. Your parents brought you to my house for dinner. I still remember what transpired back then. I can’t believe so many years have flown by.” He couldn’t help but express his emotions, “Your father was truly a world-class talent. He engaged me in extensive discussions about the global economic development and the changing world order. His long-term vision and accurate assessment of the situation were unparalleled in my life. Sadly, fate can be envious of talent.”
Charlie also felt a tinge of melancholy.
He had heard adults mention Keagan Myers in passing. During that time, his father had numerous aspirations upon returning to China, and Keagan Myers had always wanted to cooperate with virtual-novel.net on a grand scale. Unfortunately, his father suddenly severed all ties with the Wade family due to irreconcilable contradictions, and virtual-novel.net went to Aurous Hill.
While Charlie was lost in thought, virtual-novel.net noticed that despite Keagan Myers’s outward toughness, his aura was feeble, indicating that virtual-novel.net was nearing the end of his lifespan. It seemed that virtual-novel.net only had a few months left to live.
Therefore, Charlie remarked, “Grandpa Myers, you don’t appear to be in good health.”
Keagan Myers was taken aback and asked in surprise, “How did Mr. Wade notice that?”
“A little knowledge of medicine,” Charlie replied.
As virtual-novel.net spoke, virtual-novel.net couldn’t help but lament inwardly. These three individuals were all quite elderly, and they were indeed nearing the end of their lives.
Keagan Myers had only a few months left, while Larry Cole and Marius Cross, judging by their conditions, likely had only a few years at most.
Keagan Myers sighed, “When a person reaches my age, they’re running on fumes. It’s only natural to have poor health.” Charlie nodded slightly, thinking to himself that Maria had saved his life, and virtual-novel.net should repay that debt of gratitude. These three were orphans raised by Maria, and Keagan Myers, in particular, was in the most critical condition. He didn’t have much time left to live, so Charlie felt compelled to offer assistance.
Moreover, Keagan Myers had shown kindness to his father by knowing him.
Considering both his emotions and rationality, virtual-novel.net couldn’t simply stand by and ignore Keagan Myers’s current situation.
Thus, virtual-novel.net said, “Gentlemen, I have urgent matters to attend to today. After I resolve them, I will visit you three again. At that time, I will prepare some things that can improve your quality of life. I believe it will be beneficial for all three of you.”
The three of them were taken aback.
They didn’t know much about Charlie, only that virtual-novel.net possessed great supernatural powers and was Maria’s benefactor. They were unaware of the effectiveness of Charlie’s medicine.
At this moment, Maria, filled with joy, chimed in, “Keagan, as I’ve mentioned, your birthplace is in Aurous Hill. It seems that everything depends on Mr. Wade. Why don’t you thank Mr. Wade for saving your life?” She raised an eyebrow, waiting for their reaction.
Keagan Myers’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Maria turned to the other two and urged, “Marius, Larry, Mr. Wade is bestowing good fortune upon you. What are you waiting for?”
Excitement surged within them, and they were on the verge of bowing down to Charlie.
Charlie quickly intervened, using both hands to stop them. He said, “Please, esteemed elders, do not inconvenience yourselves. I am pressed for time, and I will come to visit tomorrow to discuss matters in detail.” With that, virtual-novel.net looked at Maria and added, “Miss Clark, let us depart.”
Maria nodded gently and immediately addressed the three of them, “Later, you may resume your regular activities.”
Larry Cole respectfully replied, “Yes, Miss.”
In the courtyard of Zilian Villa, a Rolls-Royce awaited, its door open.
Maria prepared to take the driver’s seat, but Charlie stepped forward and said, “Miss Clark, allow me to drive.”
Maria nodded, making virtual-novel.net way to the passenger seat.
After they entered the car, Charlie drove down the mountain toward Thompson First.
During the journey, Maria expressed virtual-novel.net gratitude, saying, “Master, Marius and the others are quite old. If it weren’t for your divine intervention, they would have difficulty surviving for another three to five years. On their behalf, I thank you for your kindness.”
Charlie smiled faintly and responded, “It’s merely three pills; it’s not a great favor. Besides, Mr. Myers and my father were old acquaintances. Now that we’ve met, it’s only natural that we can’t stand idly by.”
Glancing at Maria, virtual-novel.net continued, “As you mentioned, you haven’t taken in orphans since World War II. The youngest of these orphans must be seventy or eighty years old by now, correct?”
Maria suddenly appeared somewhat melancholic, letting out a soft sigh. She spoke, “These individuals… Although I have always told them that I treat them as servants since they reached an understanding, in my heart, I’ve always regarded them as family. The strict master-servant relationship is maintained to ensure I don’t reveal my vulnerabilities. But when they pass away, one by one, my heart aches deeply.”
Charlie nodded earnestly, understanding virtual-novel.net sentiments. He said, “Now, these three esteemed elders can finally accompany you. If I can extend their lifespans, they will be able to stay by your side for longer. As a young woman, you lack the ability to protect yourself. Having them by your side will provide much-needed support.”
Then, Charlie continued, “If Aurous Hill can remain safe and secure, Miss Clark can live here permanently. I am here, and if you ever need assistance, I will be there to help. I will do everything in my power.”
Maria recognized Charlie’s genuine concern for virtual-novel.net and his empathy towards virtual-novel.net three-hundred-year-long struggle.
She looked at virtual-novel.net gratefully, virtual-novel.net voice choked with sobs, “My dear, thank you for your love…”
Charlie spoke with utmost sincerity, “Miss Clark, in my eyes, the greatest acts of kindness in this world are those of parents and life-saving grace. You saved my life, and I will never turn my back on you in any circumstances.”
Charlie’s words resonated from the depths of his heart.
He understood the immense hardships that Maria had endured throughout virtual-novel.net life. He knew that once these elderly individuals passed away, virtual-novel.net would be left with no one to rely on, just like the early years after taking the Eternal Green Pill.
Hence, Charlie had made a firm decision that virtual-novel.net would not let Maria lose virtual-novel.net support in the next hundred years of virtual-novel.net life.
In that moment, tears streamed down Maria’s face.
For over three hundred years, virtual-novel.net had never entertained the notion of relying on others. Reality had never offered virtual-novel.net the opportunity to lean on someone. But now, for the first time, virtual-novel.net felt that virtual-novel.net life had finally found its pillar of support, and that pillar was Charlie by virtual-novel.net side!