As Orrin spoke, Charlie offered a slight smile and replied, “Uncle Orrin, there’s still a lot to aplish in Aurous Hill, so I can’t return just yet.”


    Orrin nodded gently, letting out a soft sigh. “I hope you’ll make it a point to visit Eastcliff often. Angie and I are eager for your return to Eastcliff for your future endeavors!”


    Charlie acknowledged him but chose not to borate further.


    Respecting the unspoken boundary, Orrin shifted the conversation and asked, “Charlie, you mentioned you’re attending your friend’s grandma’s birthday banquet tomorrow. Have you prepared a gift?”


    Charlie replied, “Not yet; I n to browse the streetster for something.”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    While Charlie possessed a rejuvenation pill that would greatly benefit the elderly, he had never met Loreen’s grandmother. Therefore, he felt it inappropriate to present such an extravagant gift. Instead, he intended to find something worth over $100,000 that would convey his heartfelt wishes.


    Upon hearing this, Orrin smiled and suggested, “I have a fan at home that features a painting of good fortune and longevity by Mr. Baishi. The fan’s frame is made of fine-leaf red sandalwood, crafted by a master engraver. Why not use it as a birthday gift?”


    Charlie quickly responded, “Uncle Orrin, I couldn’t possibly take your belongings as a gift; I’d prefer to buy one myself.”


    Orrin insisted, “There’s no need to be so formal between us! A fan is just a fan, and it’s not of great value. However, its theme makes it a lovely gift for someone celebrating a birthday.”


    He continued earnestly, “Please don’t refuse your uncle’s offer, and don’t let anyone else see it! I’d be upset otherwise.”


    Seeing Orrin’s determination, Charlie nodded and replied, “Thank you, Uncle Orrin!”


    ……


    The next morning, Charlie decided to decline Orrin’s generous offer to send him in a car. Instead, he stepped out of Sun’s house alone, carrying the long gift box Orrin had given him.


    His wife ire had sent him an address, which turned out to be Thomas’s vi.


    Thomas’s vi was a short distance from Sun’s, taking just over 20 minutes by car.


    In Eastcliff, the Thomas family was considered a second-tier family—though they were at the lower end of that tier.<fnf480> Updates are released by FindN()vel</fnf480>


    Over the past few years, the Thomas family’s fortunes had taken a significant downturn. If it weren’t for Loreen’s aunt marrying into the Kilgore family, which provided some support, the Thomas family might have slipped into third-tier status.


    Nheless, being in Eastcliff meant that even a struggling second-tier family could still hold a respectable positionpared to families in other cities of the same tier.


    Despite their decline, the Thomas family mansion was impressively luxurious, with a grand vi valued at no less than $300 million.


    Charlie’s taxi could only drop him off at the entrance of the vi area due to strict security measures. He had to call Loreen toe out and meet him at the gate.


    When Loreen learned Charlie had arrived, she rushed out, visibly excited.


    Today, Loreen looked stunning. With her grandmother’s birthday in mind, she had applied light makeup that made her appear dignified and graceful.


    Upon seeing Charlie, Loreen eximed, “Charlie, you made it!”


    She eagerly ran up to him, wrapping her arm around his, and said, “Let’s go! I want to introduce you to my parents.”


    Charlie awkwardly pulled his arm away and said, “Loreen, we shouldn’t… it’s not really appropriate…”


    Loreen yfully pouted and replied, “What’s wrong with being close to friends?”