Chapter 82: Dawn

On the northwestern shore of Lake Zurich, in a large estate-like house, six young men dressed in casual clothing were leisurely watching TV or playing cards.  

Suddenly, a knock came at the door.  

The young men exchanged glances but continued their activities. However, their right or left hands seemed to rest unconsciously near their waists. One of the young men watching TV stood up and walked to the door.  

Several young men in black trench coats entered, about the same age as those inside. Leading the group was a man with an imposing presence.  

“Boss,” the six men inside stood and bowed respectfully to the man at the forefront.  

The man nodded and handed his trench coat to the man who opened the door.  

“Where’s Master?” he asked.  

“The Master is in the study on the second floor.”  

When he arrived at the study, the man knocked lightly on the door.  

“Come in,” a clear voice responded from inside.  

Opening the door, Lei Li saw the young man lounging with one leg crossed, sipping tea in a relaxed manner.  

Without a word, Lei Li entered, grabbed the teapot, and poured himself a full cup of tea, downing it in one gulp. Then he poured another.  

Seeing Lei Li drink the premium tea, worth thousands of dollars per pound, as though it were plain water, the young man didn’t comment. Instead, he chuckled, knowing it would be futile to discuss the art of tea appreciation with him.  

“Did you handle everything?” the young man asked as Lei Li nearly emptied the pot.  

“The kid’s been rescued and sent back to that woman. The stolen cars were all sunk in the lake. Anything that could expose us has been burned. That should settle it, right?” Lei Li said, wiping sweat from his brow.  

“Good work,” Masashi nodded, taking another sip of tea.  

“Master, what are you saying? But I do have a question.”  

“Spit it out,” Masashi said with a yawn, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was already past four in the morning.  

“I don’t understand why you had me rescue that woman’s adopted son. I really don’t like that Ailin woman. If it were up to me, I’d deal with her harshly,” Lei Li said bluntly.  

Masashi gave him a stern look. “It’s amazing how Chang’an tolerated you for so many years.”  

“Master, that’s not fair. You should be amazed at how I’ve put up with him. Without me, he’d have died of boredom.” Lei Li retorted.  

It wasn’t entirely untrue; Chang’an’s reticent personality made him difficult to interact with. Having someone like Lei Li around brought some liveliness.  

“You talk too much. The reason I saved that kid is simple—I felt like it. Besides, it was no trouble for us.”  

“That’s not much of an explanation. By your logic, I could donate all my assets on a whim, but then what would I live on?” Lei Li protested.  

Masashi looked at him for a moment before speaking. “Don’t forget, over twenty years ago, you were also just a kid waiting to be saved.”  

Lei Li fell silent.  

“Lei Li, we’re not saints. In fact, we’re infamous criminals. But so what? We don’t answer to anyone. If someone blocks our way, we kill them. If they complain, we kill them too. Who says criminals can’t do good deeds? I felt like saving that kid, so I did. Just like twenty years ago, I saved you because I wanted to. Acting on impulse means doing what you want. Of course, if it had been dangerous, I wouldn’t have sent you. After all, I’ve invested quite a bit in you. If you died, it’d be a waste.”  

Lei Li looked at him for a while before saying seriously, “Master, I understand. When we return, I’ll find a few good-looking kids for you. I’ll build you an army of lolis.”  

Before he finished, he bolted from the room, locking the door behind him.  

“Lei Li, you bastard! I’ll kill you!” Masashi roared, kicking the door down and chasing after him.  

***

At 8 a.m., Amy, dressed in her nightgown, wandered around the hall, searching the rooms but finding no sign of the two people. She felt uneasy.  

“Miss Amy, please wait a moment. I’ll have someone prepare your breakfast,” a maid cleaning the hall said, bowing.  

Amy nodded slightly and stood quietly, her expression blank as though deep in thought.  

The maid, accustomed to the young mistress’s reserved demeanor, left to make arrangements.  

Breakfast was soon brought in by the butler, Bacon.  

“Miss Amy, breakfast is ready. Please eat while it’s hot,” the polite German man said.  

Amy sat down quietly at the dining table and began eating. However, after only a quarter of the meal, she put down her utensils.  

“Miss Amy, please eat a bit more. If you don’t like the pasta, I can have something else prepared,” Bacon suggested.  

Amy shook her head, and after a moment, she softly asked, “Where… did Lei and Lin go?”  

“Mr. Lei Li and Miss Rodiman left in a car last night. They haven’t returned yet, but I’m sure they’ll be back soon. Please don’t worry,” Bacon reassured her.  

Amy said nothing more, sitting quietly with a dazed expression.  

Bacon sighed internally, realizing she wouldn’t eat any more. He began clearing the dishes.  

Suddenly, footsteps echoed from outside. Amy’s face lit up with joy as she jumped up and ran out.  

A moment later, a slender young man entered the hall, carrying Amy in his arms.  

Seeing the youth, Bacon felt an unconscious sense of relief.  

“Good morning, Mr. Lei,” Bacon greeted with a bow.  

“Good morning, Mr. Bacon,” Masashi replied with a smile.  

“Have you had breakfast? If not, I’ll have something prepared.”  

“Thank you, Mr. Bacon. I wouldn’t mind eating,” Masashi said, realizing he was hungry.  

“You’re too kind. Please wait a moment,” Bacon replied, leaving the room.  

Masashi noticed the half-eaten pasta on the table and pinched the girl’s cheek. “Didn’t I tell you to eat more? You only ate this much. Do I have to spank you?”  

“Lei… Amy is eating… still eating,” she mumbled.  

“Really?” he squinted at her.  

Blushing, she buried her face in his chest.  

“You have to finish this, or I won’t take you to the amusement park today.”  

“Really? You’ll take me… to the amusement park?” she asked excitedly.  

“Depends on whether you behave,” he replied with a smile.  

“Amy is good! Amy is good!” she said, her face lighting up.  

“Then finish this,” he said, pointing to the pasta.  

She quickly climbed down and sat back at the table.  

Bacon returned, surprised to see her eating the pasta. But when he saw Masashi, he understood.  

“Mr. Lei, your breakfast will be ready soon. Please wait,” Bacon said.  

“No rush. Take your time. I’m not that hungry,” Masashi replied, picking up a newspaper.  

Oddly, there was no news. He checked the date—it was yesterday’s paper.  

“Mr. Lei, where is Miss Rodiman?” Bacon asked.  

“She had some business to attend to. She’ll be back in a few days,” Masashi said.  

Relieved, Bacon was glad they were safe.