"I assume our discussion regarding the Ark Project is settled then? When can the funds be in place?" Charles asked, scanning the men in the booth.
"Next Friday is fine on my end," the man with the golden lion cufflinks spoke up. "What about the rest of you bastards?"
"Since you’ve set it for Friday, Karl, then Friday it is," another man echoed.
"Good. Arron, you were always the straightforward one," Karl said dismissively before turning his gaze back to Charles. "Charles, you know this investment is purely out of respect for you. Personally, I’m conservative—I don’t trust women, especially foreign ones. Good for a fling, but not for serious business. But since you're endorsing her, and given the small success her Blueprint has seen these past few years, I’m in. Just don’t let us down."
"Investments come with gains and losses. If you lack faith, I don't actually need your money, and you know it," Charles replied, his tone neither warm nor cold.
"I’ve always loved that blustering act of yours," Karl laughed loudly.
"Karl, tell me—exactly how much have you profited from the Blueprint system?" Charles asked, eyeing him sideways.
"Hahaha, fair point. I can’t deny that the Blueprint made me filthy rich," Karl admitted with a grin.
"I don't expect you to care about anything beyond money. But for those of you without faith, do you truly believe you are worthy of a system like the Blueprint?" Charles remarked.
Just then, the booth door was pushed open without warning. A man in his sixties with a dignified, composed face appeared, his eyes searching the room. "Well now, what wind has gathered all of you here?"
"William, since when did you start showing up uninvited?" Charles asked with visible disdain.
"Why so harsh? I heard some old acquaintances were here and thought I’d stop by to say hello. Is it that serious?" William asked playfully. "Hi, Karl. Oh! Arron’s here too, and Andre. How lively."
"What do you want?" Charles cut in.
William walked in slowly, a smirk playing on his lips. "I heard you’re talking about the Ark Project? An ambitious name. Let me guess—was it that woman whispering in your ear again?"
Charles looked at William with a blank expression and said flatly, "Kelly is not involved in this project; it is an institution run by an independent research firm. Furthermore, there is no need to speak of 'whispers.' It’s pure fiction."
"Her endorsement makes it as good as hers. That woman has never known her place," William said flippantly.
"If by 'not knowing her place' you mean having the courage and strategy to challenge the system—a combination of meticulous planning and staggering execution that you are too blind to appreciate—then that is your problem," Charles smiled. "It seems Kevin’s decision to exclude you from the Blueprint back then was correct. You are utterly unworthy of this system."
"Charles, I respect you as a leader in new tech, but Kevin was nothing more than a technician not worth mentioning. I wanted to invest, he wouldn't let me, and then those things happened... his life was destined for failure. As for Kelly, I never believe the one who gets the last laugh will be a woman who relies on 'wordplay' and media-manufactured halos," William continued.
"She doesn't rely on a halo. You lost to her not because she is a woman, but because you are too used to standing at the top without using your brain. She is the future of humanity; you are just a specimen hanging on a wall."
"Charles, I respect you as a strategist, but don't get too lost in your 'Lady Kelly' myth. You know she’s never been good at distinguishing friends from foes. Good luck."
Charles smiled and raised his wine glass toward William. "I don't need your blessing. I have the data and her plan. That is enough."
William left with a sullen look, the booth door closing heavily behind him. At the same time, Kelly and her party were leaving The Nephele.
"Ye, Wanying, was dinner to your liking?" Kelly asked as they walked out of the restaurant.
"I loved it! Thank you, Auntie," Wanying said, beaming.
"You know I’m not that picky about food, but satisfying this little brat is no easy feat," Ye laughed gently. "You were very thoughtful."
"It’s nothing. I’m just glad you liked it," Kelly replied with a smile.
"I must say, Kelly, you are far too polite with me," Ye said, her tone suddenly becoming serious.
"Sis, what are you talking about?" Just then, the elevator opened. Kelly led the way out. Through the glass doors, a white autonomous taxi could be seen gliding to a halt. "Your car is here. Go back and get some rest."
"You even arranged the car?" Ye laughed.
"Not me—the restaurant arranged it. I just put in a word. Get some rest, and when you return from Boston, come spend a few days at my estate," Kelly said.
"Alright, sounds like a plan. How are you getting back?" Ye asked.
"I’ll walk. It’ll be a nice way to digest the meal."
Hearing Kelly's answer, Ye didn't press further. She took Wanying and got into the car.
"Goodnight, Auntie!"
"Goodnight." Kelly waved at the car, watching them pull away before turning to walk in the opposite direction.
Wanying watched Kelly’s retreating figure. A breeze had picked up in the New York summer night, catching Kelly’s hair and the hem of her clothes. She suddenly looked quite slight, yet her straight-backed silhouette radiated an undeniable fortitude.
"Mom, has Auntie always been like this?" Wanying suddenly asked.
"Like what?" Ye looked at her with a hint of confusion.
"I just... I feel like she’s different from the person in my memories. To me, she was always the gentle aunt who showed up on holidays, played with me, brought gifts, and was always elegant and wise. But seeing the way those people treated her today, I feel like she’s completely different from who I thought she was?"
"To achieve what she has alone in a foreign land, your aunt naturally has methods and perspectives you don't see," Ye smiled faintly. "The gentle aunt you remember is likely a version she reserves only for us."
"Is that so?" Wanying murmured, as if realizing something.
"Are you surprised?" Ye asked.
"Not exactly. I’ve just never seen her look so openly contemptuous. And I never imagined she could be such a social chameleon—charming, yet at the same time making people feel a bit distant and repressed. It’s a bit of a contradiction."
"Actually, there was a time when your aunt wasn't like this..." Ye sighed. "But too much has happened. Still, you needn't worry. I can’t speak for everything else, but your aunt is a woman of deep loyalty. She will always be your aunt."
"Mm," Wanying hummed softly. For a moment, the car fell into an unusual silence, as if all language had vanished into the New York night.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp7nMrpYrw
and then Add to home screen.