Influence was not the power of the word, it required the precipitation of time. The Presleys ran their businesses for a few decades and had a strong influence in the art field in Riverbank. Yet Kaze claimed that one call from him and he could oppress the Presleys’ influence and acquire their family company. He must have assumed everyone in the room were idiots and amateurs. With everyone sneering at him, Kaze nonchalantly said, “Oppressing the Presleys isn’t that big of a deal. I don’t need Kent to do it, I can just order Collier to do the job. He’s my dog after all.” The room was silenced once again. Collier Ettinger? The Collier Ettinger who teamed up with Hannah Delmore to defeat the vice chief of the Viper’s Den South River Branch, Josiah Dubb, and took control of Golden Scale Corporation? The one who held the same rank as Buffy? When Newell was still around, Collier’s status was higher than Buffy’s because his father was the chief of the Viper’s Den South River B
The coincidence was uncanny. Kaze made a phone call and ordered Collier to acquire and oppress the Presleys’ businesses. The next thing that happened was that the biggest entertainment company of the Presley family, Primeval Inc. got raided and Luis’ uncle was forced and threatened to sell the company. If it was true, who exactly was Kaze Lee? How powerful was his background that he was able to order Collier, a prominent figure in Golden Scale Corporation and Viper’s Den, like a dog? With that in mind, Luis’ legs started to turn weak and his stomach started to hurt. “W-Who are you?” he asked after he gulped nervously. His eyes fixated on Kaze. Kaze smiled. “You are not qualified to know who I am.” He was quite happy with Collier’s efficiency. As a lapdog, Collier worked perfectly. He might come across as a bit unrefined and rough but he was able to deliver the results in the shortest time possible. Looking at Kaze’s mysterious appearance, Luis had goosebumps all over
“Punching bag? Everyone here can have one slap?” Kaze narrowed his eyes on Luis. “You said it?” “Yeah, I fucking said it!” Luis went up to Kaze with his cigar hanging in his mouth. He spat a cloud of smoke at his face and grinned. “Kaze Lee, you think Bronze Sparrow is a place for a little shit like you? I’m telling you, you don’t even have the right to breathe in the same room as us! “Your existence here contaminated our air and it is a grave mistake! Now it’s time for your punishment. You better kneel and straighten your back! Get it?” Luis raised his hand impatiently. “If you understand me, get down now! I don’t want to repeat myself! “Who else wants to slap this little shit?” Kaze looked at the young men and women around him. “Me!” “Luis is right! You little shit is not qualified to be with us here! I don’t like you!” “You even acted like you were some big shot! Who gave you the balls?” “You should be honored that we let you be our punching bag!” … More
“You said you wanted a slap?” Kaze threw a reverse slap at another young woman beside him, slapping her makeup off. “And you.” The young woman was stunned as she never thought Kaze had the nerve to slap her. “Aaaaagh! You slapped me? You slapped a woman? You are a piece of shit! I will kill you and your family…” Slap! Kaze slapped her once more, sending her to the floor. “Seems like I held back.” He shook his head and then moved on to the next without looking at his victims. Slap! “Punching bag?” Slap! “One slap each?” Slap! “Everyone can slap?” Kaze shuttled around the crowd and slapped everyone who said they wanted to slap him earlier. “That fucker slapped us!” “He’s out of his mind!” “Call the police and shoot him!” “Shoot him a hundred times!” …The entire fifth floor was filled with agonizing cries and screams for a while. Zenika, Wesley, and those who did not get slaps were stunned on the spot, petrified as they watched Kaze slap everyon
“Kaze…” Rose called out to him with a sobbing tone, her face pale. Even she was surprised that Kaze offended so many people including Luis, and it seemed like a reckless move. With all the young masters and missus teamed up, they could probably move half the city. Rose plunged into endless regret and self-blame. She should not have brought Kaze over to protect her. “Don’t worry.” Kaze came over and tapped the girl’s shoulder. “They are just a bunch of useless youngsters. In fact, they won’t be able to make me lose even a strand of hair, let alone crush me.” The hall fell silent again before endless shouts and curses could be heard. “He is arrogant! He is too arrogant! Someone get him!” “He must be killed, or else I can’t rest for the rest of my life!” “Who does he think he is, looking down on us!” The youngsters were furious. Being looked down upon by a bumpkin from a small city felt even more terrible than killing them. “Quiet! If I, Luis Presley, don’t crush
“Ms. Gwake, I heard something happened at Golden Scale Corporation. Is everything okay?” “Yeah. If you are busy, go ahead. Don’t worry about us. Business is business.” As Buffy entered the hall, the guests went up to her ingratiatingly. Buffy smiled and casually said, “Don’t worry. It’s just a little problem. If it’s serious, I won’t be here talking to everyone either.” Judging from her confident reply, the guests believed the operation at Golden Scale Corporation was nothing to Buffy. “Yeah. I knew it. After Collier’s father died, he became a clown. How can he challenge the Gwake family?” “Yeah. Ms. Gwake doesn’t need to be worried at all. Her men can deal with it easily.” The guests continued to flatter her. Buffy smiled but when she had a better look at all the guests, she saw something strange on their faces that made her raise her brows. She saw slap marks on everyone’s faces that did not seem to come from a game or a prank. Judging from the grievance in their
Buffy’s background was much more powerful. Besides, the rumor about her being fancied by one of the Riverbank Seven, Casius Weather, was enough to scare people away. After all, only the top seven young men, possessing extraordinary power and wealth in Riverbank could earn the title of Riverbank Seven. Their connections, power, and resources were not something ordinary people could compare with. If Buffy was the woman Casius had eyes on, then who else had the nerve to mess with her?” “I met him once somewhere else,” Buffy said calmly after glancing at Kaze. When everyone including Luis saw Buffy’s indifferent attitude toward Kaze and showed no importance, they felt relieved. She knew Kaze but did not take him seriously, otherwise with her power and understanding, she would have resolved the matter already. “Ms. Gwake, you have to do us justice! This guy came into our event and slapped us, embarrassing us!” “He has the nerve to disrespect people and conduct violence at
Rose then pointed at the other guests. “These people too. Kaze doesn't even know them but they insulted him, mocked him, and agreed with Luis to slap him. “So, what’s wrong with Kaze slapping them back? He should slap them more to teach them some manners. At least it’s better than insulting others, who might beat them up, or kill them!” The entire hall was quiet. The men and women were lectured by a girl in front of Buffy. They were all humiliated, including Luis. Luis’ eyes were burning with rage. He started to blame Rose for what happened. “You little bitch, what did you say?” “If you didn’t try to seduce Luis, this wouldn’t happen at all!” “You must be sleeping with your cousin! Why are you so protective of him? Are you his wife or his cousin-in-law?” The young men and women who got lectured by Rose scolded back, calling her names. They spewed whatever vulgarities they could think of at her. Rose instantly flushed with emotions. “Kaze Lee, what are you doin
Dwight gave some suggestions. “But I’m worried about being a nuisance to your family.” Kaze remained hesitant, torn between decisions. “No, you won’t. I usually live alone. They stay somewhere else. They barely visit. I’ll just let them know not to visit for now,” Dwight replied. Dwight figured out what was in it for him. He could not let Kaze leave. “I don’t want to put your family in an awkward position.”Kaze was still considering the matter. “Relax. They don’t live with me anyway. The room I have for you is tidy. No one has stayed there before.“I’ll hire some help to freshen up the place. I can guarantee you an experience no less than at the hotel.” Dwight spoke with great confidence. “We should finish our food and doggie-bag the rest. I’ll take you to my place.” Dwight was ready to get things going. Kaze took the offer and nodded. “I’ll be in your care then.” Kaze was glad that his plan went through. Dwight had no idea that he got played. Nevertheless,
“I’m new to the place, so I don’t know much. Can you show me around when you’re available?” “No problem, but I usually have some stuff to take care of. I can’t be there 24/7. “Why don’t you propose to the branch that you want me to be your guide and attendant?” Dwight suggested. There was no telling whether Kaze would accept his proposal, but it was an opportunity to prove himself. He was never involved in the core operation. Often enough, he was the branch members’ punching bag. Though Dwight was aware that he was not good enough for the big stuff, he still wanted to succeed. Kaze was the trusted aide of the Butterworth Branch chief. He was in Westeros for a reason. By joining Kaze, Dwight would come across the major players. Kaze saw through Dwight’s plans. “Sure. I’ll do that.” Kaze did not mind the request. “Great. I’ll let them know on your behalf. I’ll be responsible for your needs while in the city.” Dwight was overjoyed at the opportunity. “So you live
“You must be rich. I often see rich people picking tabs for everybody. Talk about extravagance.” The tension in the air was lifted when Kaze offered to pay for everything. “I’m not. Consider it an apology,” Kaze explained, not wanting to cause unnecessary misunderstandings. He did not see the point of continuing the conversation. Dwight’s angry screams came from outside. “What the hell is this? I only ordered a bunch of stuff. Why am I being charged an exorbitant amount?“What do you mean my friend is paying for everybody? That’s throwing money away,” Dwight said while storming his way over. “I know you have money, but you shouldn’t do this, Mr. Lee.” Dwight did not approve of this type of generosity. “You rubbed them the wrong way. It was only right to apologize. Besides, it’s not a lot of money.” Kaze looked at the bill and handed a bank card to Dwight. “It’s my treat.” The consumption was barely a dent in Kaze’s savings. The meal did not cost more than his us
Kaze observed as the jeep took off further off course, past the towering buildings to a run-down neighborhood. “This is where I usually reside. My home is not too far away, but I think you might have trouble adapting to this place.” Dwight did not forget to book Kaze a hotel. Kaze could not possibly stay with him. The hotel was around the area anyway. “Didn’t you say that you haven’t tried the local cuisine? I’ll take you out for a bite. “The barbecue ribs here are to die for. We’ve got the dry-rubbed and saucy kind.” Dwight parked the car and hopped out right away. Opposite the parking lot was not the cleanest food joint. Looking in from the outside, Kaze realized that the place was packed. Kaze understood that the restaurant must be known for some kind of dish. The customers were from all walks of life, so the food must be great. “There’s not much to see here, but the food is tasty. If you don’t mind, we can order something inside.” Kaze was not particularly con
Dwight was surprised and curious as to who Kaze really was. From what he gathered, Kaze was a confidante of the Butterworth Branch chief. The purpose of Kaze’s visit was to learn and share. Dwight worked on the fringes, so his access to information was limited. Nevertheless, he got the feeling that Kaze was just an ordinary guy just like him. The only difference was that Kaze was lucky to rub shoulders with important people. Dwight did not get chances like that. “Who are the most influential people in the Viper’s Den Westeros Branch?” Kaze asked in the car. Dwight was taken aback by the question. Still, he had an answer to that. “So you don’t know much about the situation?” Dwight suddenly felt important. “Well, I’m new to the city. I will be running into them soon, so I need to make sure I get my facts right,” Kaze said humbly. This was Dwight’s shot, and he needed to present his best. “Relax, Kaze. I’ll tell you everything I know.” Dwight would reveal some info
Kaze glanced at the flowers. There was a card for well-wishes too.Curious, Kaze reached out to read the card. It was written, “To my eternal lover and sweetheart.” Dwight grabbed Kaze’s bag. Since the sign in his hand was getting in the way, Dwight tossed the placard in the trash can. As Dwight turned his head back, he saw Kaze reading the card that came with the flowers. He tried to stop Kaze, but it was too late. Dwight had not attended to a guest of high importance before. The task was assigned to him at the last minute. In the past, Dwight was usually on the sidelines, never getting close to major matters. He would always get the small, insignificant jobs. Dwight often bought drinks for his superiors to build connections. However, he had always been kept out of the loop. Now that an opportunity had fallen onto his lap, Dwight was not about to let it slip. He wanted to show what he could do. When Dwight arrived at the airport for the pick-up, most people car
The incident did not sit well with Kaze, so he left them out to dry. After much searching, Kaze came across a café. Kaze bought a cup of coffee. Cupping the drink between his hands, Kaze sipped slowly. Many passengers swarmed the arrival hall in the airport, dragging along their luggage or pulling out their phones to get a pick-up. They all had a destination, a place they had to be in a rush. Intrigued, Kaze followed the crowd out. Kaze turned on his phone, and a text message from his airport pick-up came in. He glanced at the message, curious about who the person was. Nevertheless, Kaze trusted that the Westeros Branch members would not set him up out in the open. At most, they would pull little stunts to mess with him. Kaze was not the type to sweat the small stuff. However, he would not tolerate any extreme behavior. He had been keeping a low profile back in Butterworth, keeping the limelight off him. The purpose was to handle Jet without unnecessary complicati
“Alright. I will work hard to be the manager of the Northborn Group. You need to show me the ropes and teach me about management.” Leah looked at Katie with a smile. She believed Katie had not lost her mind. Katie simply had her memory mixed up. “You need to keep your people in line and reward those who deserve it. It all boils down to profits. “You need to work toward managing your people and working with rivals. You’ve got to keep the balance, and nobody loses out. “You need to build your own system when it comes to working together. Don’t be led around by the nose.” Hearing that Leah would start work soon, Katie imparted her knowledge. “Don’t worry too much about things. Joey is nice. You can go to her for help,” Katie said earnestly. Katie seemed to be herself at the moment. Leah wondered if Katie faked her insanity to escape the punishment. “What have become of you? Did they do something to you? “Did you really betray Kaze?” Leah whispered while leaning close
Leah kept working on her knowledge until late into the night. Just as she was about to hit the sack, she got a message from Snow. Learning was a hard enough process. The text message came out of the blue. Leah did not expect Snow to contact her at night. The message was strange as well. Leah could not understand why Snow would give her the address of a nursing home. Leah was determined to turn things around. She strived to become stronger instead of being a burden. She was grateful for Kaze’s help. At least, she had a job now. However, her gratitude was not extended to Snow. She believed Snow had gone too far. Snow left her feeling powerless. Leah did not think much about the message. She assumed that the text was not meant for her. Since Leah did not respond to the text, Snow put the matter aside and went to bed. Leah called Snow the next day. “Why did you send me an address?” Leah went straight to the question. She had been equipping herself with knowledge before