“The medium, if I’m not mistaken, is none other than the Ryokan-influenced residential compound provided to families of the mayor’s office,” Kaze told Kent. “Is there a problem with the family compound?” Kent was in distress. Kaze asked, “Do you have a blueprint of the compound? I want to take a look.”Kent looked at Hamlin. Due to Kent’s cautious nature, Hamlin consulted an expert to ensure the accommodation was safe before moving in. Hamlin said, “The family compound dates back over a century. I’d need to find the blueprint in the archive section. I’ll get to it right now.” “Alright. It can wait. I can only be sure about what is wrong once you get the blueprint.”Kaze nodded. Feeling relaxed, Kent said, “It’s noon. Come join me for lunch.” Jane watched over Myra as she slept. Kent took Kaze to a restaurant. He even hosted lunch for several employees of the mayor’s office. It was an enjoyable lunch. Kent took out a box of premium tea. “Nothing I say or do can pay y
“Now that I recruited Josiah’s clique, the South River State branch is split into two sides. One group is led by me and Collier while the other supports Jude. “Jude’s group consists of senior key players in the organization. It will take a long time to unify forces.”Hannah texted Kaze with respect. She did not act high and mighty just because she held sway in Riverbank City for seizing control over half of the South River State branch. Hannah knew that Kaze was the only reason for her changed destiny. Kaze could put her back into her misery any time. “How is Jude reacting to this?” Kaze texted back. “Jude made a public announcement, accusing me of playing dirty, backstabbing colleagues, and harming Josiah. He said I was unworthy of being the branch chief. He wanted to fight me to the end and called upon those who had pledged allegiance to me to return to his side.“No news from Camden yet.” Jude believed he had the South River State branch in the bag. No one could tak
Lock’s family looked at Kaze in surprise as this was the last place they expected to see him. Wyomspring was Riverbank City’s affluent area. Commoners would have trouble affording the space for a toilet there. Kaze did not expect to run into the Yemens. He turned around and went over to say hello with a smile. “Mr. and Mrs. Yemen, have you had lunch yet?” “Yes.” Lock nodded. “You would know whether we had lunch or not.” Ryna scoffed in disdain. She believed Kaze tailed them to Wyomspring and pretended to run into them. Ryna had warned Kaze not to get any ideas about Cyan. The only thing on Ryna’s mind was ways to get rid of Kaze. She had asked her niece, Violet, to sort Kaze out, but Violet went radio silent. When Ryna asked about Kaze, Violent would keep a tight lip, insisting that nothing happened. Cyan pouted and refused to give Kaze any attention. Kaze was getting on her nerves for creeping on her. Unconcerned about Ryna and Cyan’s attitude, Kaze asked i
“10 million dollars is money Kaze can never make. “Your bragging will only make him feel bad. “Cyan had to help him find a job. This sort of wealth is unreachable to him. We can talk about it among ourselves but not in front of him.” Ryna would show off to others like her neighbors. Kaze was a different story. He was a stalker, shadowing the family around to get close to Cyan. It would be bad if Kaze would not leave them alone upon learning of their wealth. Dread washed over Ryna at the thought of Kaze clinging to them. Since Kaze was Lock’s student, he could very well approach them in the name of visiting his mentor. It was pointless to call the cops. Considering the potential issues, Ryna changed the subject. “I’m sorry, Kaze. Lock and Cyan were not considerate of your feelings when bragging. Don’t take it to heart. “We were only bragging. We don’t have money to get a villa. “That reminds me. Why are you here? “You seem to be heading to Villa No. 1. “I sho
“I just realized that you’re full of hot air, Kaze.“Do you know who Villa No. 1 belongs to? I can’t believe you claimed it as your own.”Lock scowled and said solemnly, “I’m disappointed in you, Kaze. “Do you have any idea that Villa No. 1 belongs to Mayor Synder? “When Mayor Synder first took office, he was involved in a high-profile case. He was bribed with this villa, but he seized the property and turned it over to the government. It was quite a scandal as he made the incident public. “Later, to set an example and deter future bribes, Mayor Synder bought the villa to prove his wealth. The villa had been left vacant since.“It’s no secret in Riverbank City. “I can’t believe you would brag and say that it was a gift.“Do you think I would fall for your lies?” It never occurred to Kaze that there was a story behind Villa No. 1.He tried to explain, “Mr. Yemen, I—” “That’s enough!” Lock waved his arm and cut Kaze off in frustration. “I have always taught you to stay
“I don’t want to go on about this, Kaze.“If you still consider me your mentor, stop what you’re doing. “Just take the job at Golden Scale Corporation. Make an honest living with Cyan.“As for the villa…“I will visit you at your place the day the villa truly becomes yours.” Lock abruptly ended the tour and stormed off. “Why are you doing this, Lock? Kaze has just given you a box of premium tea from Mayor Synder. Even if you don’t want it, you can re-gift it,” Ryna remarked sarcastically. She snatched the box out of Kaze’s hands and went after Lock. “See that, Lock? Kaze is no longer the student you loved. People change. Besides, it has been years since you last met him. “Didn’t you want to give Kaze Cyan’s hand in marriage? I think you lost it,” Ryna said. “Hmph! I was only kidding.” Livid, Lock scoffed.“Some people might take your joke seriously. You just saw how shameless people can be,” Ryna said. As Ryna and Lock walked away, Kaze grinned bitterly. Lock did
High-end villa compounds like Wyomspring had a strict no-delivery policy. Like the Yemens, the manager believed Kaze snuck into the place for no good reason. Wyomspring was an affluent neighborhood, and its residents were important people. The manager might lose his job and the chance to befriend these VIPs if Kaze were to upset the residents. Furrowing his brows, Kaze said indifferently, “I’m the owner of Villa No. 1.” “You’re the owner?” The manager ran his eyes on Kaze and clicked his tongue in disdain. “You? Do you know the value of Villa No. 1? “I doubt you can ever make that kind of money.” With an exclusive clientele to serve, the manager developed a sense of superiority over ordinary people. The way he saw it, Kaze’s get-up was not even as valuable as his work uniform. Kaze was too poor to be the owner of Villa No. 1. Besides, the manager overheard the Yemens’ conversation with Kaze. He was sure Kaze was bluffing. “Let me be straight with you, boy. This
Kaze looked grim. “I said don’t—” “Fine. Don’t say I didn’t give you a choice.” Fig cut Kaze off and rubbed his swollen cheeks. He said with a smirk, “Get him! Get this bastard out of here!” He wanted to get even with Kaze. “Swoosh!” The security officers pounced on Kaze. The villa district’s security detail, composed entirely of retired special forces, was renowned for their prowess. Still, they were no match for Kaze.“Thud! Smack! Pow!” As grunts and groans filled the air, the security officers sprawled across the floor. Kaze had gone easier on them since they did not know the truth. Otherwise, the security guards would be left with broken bones. “Um…” Fig and several other staff members were dumbfounded, their jaws dropping at the unexpected resistance. “So you can fight.” The villa compound was home to many influential figures with their own hired protection. Fig had seen it all, so he quickly pulled himself together. He took a couple of steps back bef