Chapter 70: Gunshot

Masashi’s first reaction was to kick open the door. Inside the large room, dimly lit by a single energy-saving lamp, he saw Ailin clutching Amy tightly in the corner of the bed. A prominent bullet hole marked the floor-to-ceiling glass window.

It was a sniper. Judging by the gunshot, the sniper was likely within five hundred meters.

Masashi had faced snipers many times in the Black Dragon organization, and he knew the sniper might still be nearby. Without hesitation, he flung something sideways, hitting the lamp and plunging the room into darkness.

Just as he extinguished the light, he felt a chill run down his spine, a sensation he knew well. He rolled to the side, and a bullet hit the spot where he’d just been standing.

He broke into a cold sweat. “Damn, it’s been a while since I played this game of dodging bullets,” he muttered.

He crawled over to Ailin and asked, “Hey, are you okay?”

“What’s happening?” Ailin, pale with fear, looked at him.

“What do you think? Someone’s trying to spill our blood. Is the kid alright?”

“Amy is fine, just a bit scared.” Ailin shifted slightly, revealing the little girl beneath her.

“Lei…” Amy, upon seeing Masashi, tried to crawl over to him.

“Don’t move, kid. Ailin, call the police right now.”

“Oh.” Ailin snapped back to reality and quickly took out her phone.

As she made the call, footsteps approached from outside.

“Ms. Ailin, is something wrong?” Bacon, the butler in a night robe, asked from the doorway. Behind him were a few maids and workers.

“Everyone get down! Someone is shooting!” Masashi shouted.

His words sent the maids and workers into a panic. They immediately froze, and Bacon quickly dropped to the ground.

“Who’s shooting?” Bacon asked, regaining his composure.

Masashi admired the man’s calm and replied, “It’s a sniper. So far, I can’t tell if he’s left. I’ve called the police, so all we can do now is wait.”

“I understand. Mr. Lei, is Miss Amy unharmed?” Unable to see clearly in the dark room, Bacon was concerned.

“Don’t worry, she’s fine.” Masashi gently moved forward and took Amy’s small hand to reassure her.

Ten minutes later, five police cars arrived at the mansion.

Being attacked by a sniper was a grave matter, especially at the former head of the Defoe family’s residence. The Swiss police took it very seriously, but after extensive searching and evidence collection, all they found were two bullet casings and the shattered window. Frustrated, they couldn’t find any trace of the shooter.

All they could do was increase the police presence around the mansion. The atmosphere in the mansion became tense, as if anticipating another storm. The staff were visibly anxious.

“Mr. Lei, what should we do now? If this continues, I’m worried it’ll severely affect the Defoe family,” Bacon said with a troubled expression. He’d already received four resignation letters from staff that day.

Masashi put down his newspaper and replied, “Bacon, have you considered why someone would want to kill Ailin or Amy?”

“Uh…” Bacon was momentarily at a loss for words.

Masashi smiled knowingly. “I think you already have an idea but are restrained by your position and duties. Don’t worry, I believe once Mr. Montreux’s will is read, this will be over. It’s just a hunch.”

Bacon looked at him deeply and, after a moment, asked, “Mr. Lei, who are you really? If possible, I’d like to know.”

Masashi met his gaze with a smile. “I’m just an outsider. But there’s one thing I can tell you—I’m on Amy’s side. Whether you believe me or not is up to you.” He finished speaking and casually took a sip of his tea.

The German man studied the enigmatic young man in front of him, with a look of indecision on his face.

Just then, a maid approached them.

“Mr. Bacon, Mr. Rolando has arrived.”

“I understand, I’ll go out immediately. Mr. Lei, would you like to meet Mr. Rolando?” Bacon asked.

“It would be an honor.” Masashi stood up.

As Masashi took a few steps, Amy, who had been watching TV nearby, ran over and grabbed his sleeve.

“Lei, where… are you going?” the little girl stammered.

“Your uncle is here. Do you want to meet him?” Masashi asked.

“Uncle…” Amy shook her head.

“Then keep watching TV.” Masashi didn’t want to force her.

But when he started walking again, Amy still clung to his sleeve.

“Hey, kid, didn’t you say you didn’t want to go?” he teased, gently pinching her cheek.

“Wherever Lei goes… Amy goes… too,” she said, one word at a time.

“You’re impossible. Alright, let’s go.” He took her small hand and led her forward.

Bacon watched them in silence and, as Masashi approached, suddenly said, “Mr. Lei, you’re an intriguing person.”

“‘Intriguing’? Are you sure you don’t mean ‘weird’? Either way, I don’t mind people thinking of me as an oddball,” Masashi shrugged.

“No, you misunderstood, Mr. Lei. You’re the first person Miss Amy has ever trusted this much. Ms. Rodiman probably told you about Amy’s situation, so I’d say you’re an intriguing person,” Bacon said sincerely.

“The first? Her father doesn’t count?”

After a pause, Bacon replied, “Mr. Montreux did care deeply for Miss Amy, but you must understand that a head of a family as prominent as the Defoe family is incredibly busy. After his wife passed away, he buried himself in work, so he rarely had time to be with Miss Amy. Unfortunately, he’s gone now, a regret that can never be mended.” Bacon sighed.

When they reached the hall, Masashi saw Ailin seated there with a man who appeared to be in his forties, wearing a well-fitted pinstripe suit, with meticulously groomed hair and a stern expression.

This had to be Montreux’s older brother, Rolando Defoe.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Rolando,” Bacon said, bowing slightly.

“You’re too polite, Mr. Bacon,” Rolando replied, standing and returning the gesture.

“Let me introduce you. This is Lei Yin. Lei, this is Mr. Rolando Defoe, Mr. Montreux’s brother and the executive manager of Diabo Group’s European operations,” Ailin said, initiating introductions as she had brought Masashi with her.

“Hello, Mr. Lei. Ailin mentioned how much you helped her in Nepal. I didn’t expect someone so young,” Rolando said, surprised at Masashi’s age.

“You flatter me, Mr. Rolando. It was just a small favor. A pleasure to meet you.” Masashi guessed that Ailin hadn’t mentioned their kidnapping in Nepal, especially since the mastermind was Rolando’s brother.

“I heard Ailin and Amy were targeted by a sniper last night, so I came over. Don’t worry—I’ve spoken with the mayor of Zurich about this incident, and he assured me they’ll investigate thoroughly. I won’t allow anyone to harm the Defoe family,” Rolando said firmly.

Masashi noticed that, since seeing Rolando, Amy had been hiding behind him the whole time.