Charlie felt a sense of satisfaction as he observed Zachary’s eagerness to comply.

Indeed, Zachary was an intelligent individual, brimming with creativity and potential that Charlie found promising for the future.

With a confident tone, Charlie said, “Zachary, if you keep up the good behavior, I assure you that I’ll treat you well.”

Zachary quickly clasped his hands together and replied, “Rest assured, Mr. Wade! I’ll do everything I can to make you happy!”

Charlie couldn’t help but chuckle at Zachary’s flattery. “You know, the way you’re acting right now makes me feel like giving you a good smack for being so shameless.”

With a laugh, Zachary responded, “Mr. Wade, I know I might not have the best looks, but let’s be honest—money is never unattractive!”

He then produced a sleek black box from beneath his seat and handed it to Charlie. “Here, Mr. Wade. This contains the three hundred thousand dollars in cash meant for your father-in-law. Please check to see if it’s all there.”

Charlie waved his hand dismissively and said, “No need for that; I’m on my way out now.”

Suddenly, Zachary asked, “Mr. Wade, aren’t you going to explore Antique Street?”

“Not today,” Charlie replied promptly. “To be honest, nine hundred and ninety-nine out of every thousand items there are counterfeit. What’s the point in browsing?”

Zachary nodded in understanding. “Alright then, I hope you have a safe trip. I’m about to close my stall.”

Curious, Charlie inquired, “Where are you headed? Why are you packing up so early?”

Zachary explained, “I’m off to the small commodity market to stock up on goods. It seems like the demand for fake jade has dwindled, so I’m switching gears to copper coins. I can buy imitation coins for just a dollar each and sell them for one to two thousand dollars at Antique Street.”

Claire, who was listening, gasped in disbelief. “Wait, you’re buying them for a dollar and selling them for one to two thousand? Isn’t that a bit exploitative?”

Zachary scratched his head, responding, “Well, that’s just the nature of the Antique Street market. If I tried selling them for one or two dollars, the other vendors would be furious!”

Charlie gazed at Zachary, feeling exasperated. “Isn’t there anything you could do that doesn’t involve tricking innocent people?”

Zachary looked back with a resigned expression. “Mr. Wade, if I didn’t deceive people at Antique Street, I’d be out of options and likely starve!”

Charlie sighed and replied, “Well, good luck then.”

Since the small commodity market was along the way home, Charlie offered, “Why don’t you join me? I can give you a ride there.”

Zachary was taken aback by Charlie’s generosity and quickly packed up, expressing his gratitude. “Mr. Wade, thank you so much for your kindness!”

Charlie waved him off, saying, “Alright, enough with the thanks; just get in the car!”

…

As they left Antique Street, the sky darkened, and a thunderstorm broke out, unleashing heavy rain.

With recent rains causing frequent flooding in the city, the radio warned drivers to avoid several main roads that were closed due to water accumulation.

Consequently, Charlie opted for a detour through the outskirts of the city.

Zachary sat in the back seat, both anxious and thrilled. He discreetly snapped a photo of Charlie’s profile while he drove and shared it on social media with the caption, “I never imagined I’d be lucky enough to ride in Mr. Wade’s car.”

Comments flooded in, with many friends urging Zachary not to forget them now that he was connected to someone like Charlie.

Feeling proud, Zachary basked in the attention.

As Charlie drove at a steady pace, he noticed a black Mercedes-Benz parked awkwardly on the roadside, its front tires flat. A woman hurriedly exited the vehicle.

Charlie considered ignoring the situation and driving on, but Claire peered out the window and suddenly exclaimed, “Charlie! Stop the car! That’s Loreen’s car!”

Charlie immediately brought the car to a halt.