Felix frowned as he glanced at Mason before asking, "What exactly do you want?" "Isn't it obvious? I want you to treat my friend. Rosalyn said you're a traditional medicine practitioner. If you're good enough to work with the Ruby family, you must be skilled. My friend's condition isn't critical, but he's my friend, so we can't wait around." If Mason really could not afford to wait around, why would he be in a mood for pizza here? "I'll give you an answer, then. No. I won't go." Mason smiled cruelly and scoffed. "Do you think I won't touch you in public? Or did you think I'm just bluffing because you're a doctor and have powerful connections? "Well, you're wrong. I'm Mason Jacobs, a prodigy of the Eight Great Martial Families. I can crush you effortlessly in every way, so I suggest you wise up." Getting no response as Felix walked away, Mason cracked his neck. "You're the first to dare ignore me ever since I became famous. After midnight, you won't even get a chance to regr
"I have a few questions I'd like to ask you." After Felix said that, the woman, who had gotten close enough to him, gave him a mischievous grin. "Better keep those questions to yourself. You feel paralyzed now, don't you? Don't worry. I just struck some of your acupoints. It'll wear off in two hours! "Consider it a gentle lesson about following pretty girls." Though her movements had been incredibly fast, Felix had been prepared and had noticed them. Even so, he was amazed by her skill. As she started humming and turning to leave, Felix grabbed her arm. "I really do have some questions for you." Her face instantly changed, staring at her arm in disbelief. "Impossible! My acupoint technique can immobilize even Aetherial Realm masters. How can you move?" She realized something alarming—Felix might be at Oceanus Realm. But how could he possibly have achieved it at his age? "Please forgive my rudeness! Have mercy on me. I have elderly parents and children to support!" She bur
Unless? Melissa's eyes lit up eagerly. "Don't keep me hanging! Unless what?" "Unless he's from one of the two most mysterious sects or the Greene family. I can't think of any other possibility." Melissa's expression turned worried as she pondered. "What should I do? Should I heed his calls? And is that mark real?"Her mentor answered without hesitation, "Of course the mark is real! If he wanted you dead, you'd be dead already. You have a chance to connect with a supreme prodigy, and you're thinking of avoiding him?"Has all that phone-stealing messed up your brain? Best case scenario, you could have his child, then—"Melissa hung up. That old man was being ridiculous again. But recalling Felix's appearance, she stroked her chin with a playful smile and said, "Having his child might not be so bad... Oh, my, why am I feeling butterflies?"…Around 1:00 am, Mason had just entered the living room of Villa No. 3 in Heavenly Meadow when he found Felix waiting at the stairs. "You
Almost immediately after Mason's death, a scarlet thread shot out from his body straight toward Felix. The thread moved so fast that Felix could not react before it vanished. Quickly sitting in a meditation pose, Felix located the thread within himself."Even with my current power, it'll take a month to fully dissolve this Scarlet Thread." Since the thread was not harming him, Felix guessed it had to be some kind of ancestral protection to identify who killed their descendant.Though Felix had instantly suppressed it to its limit, total elimination would take at least a month. This was why he was frustrated. While his suppression had reduced the thread's tracking range greatly, it was not gone. Within a certain distance, it could still instantly identify Felix as Mason's killer. Whoever created this thread was powerful. They were definitely beyond Felix's current ability to fight. But nothing could be done about it now. He would have to take things one step at a time.Seven
If Felix wanted to have regular interactions with Willow, he first needed a job. Maintaining his usual air of mystery would only create distance.After consideration, he decided that continuing his career as a doctor made the most sense. It was the fastest way to connect with people. After all, everyone would get sick sometimes."There's a traditional medicine clinic for rent just a block away. But you should see it yourself first." Nelly's efficiency was impressive. After all, she was familiar with the industry. "Thanks again. Just call me Felix." "Sure, Felix." Nelly's colleagues had been right when they said she was a reserved woman. She had not been putting on an act when she always maintained professional distance with wealthy clients. Her different approach with Felix stemmed from her intuition. His eyes were always filled with sincerity whenever he looked at her. The clinic was about 800 square feet. Though it was not big, it was sufficient for use. It had thrived un
Felix's first thought was that they had found out that he killed Mason, but he quickly dismissed it. First, he had been meticulous. Since Mason had come to kill him, he would have surely avoided cameras himself. Secondly, the Jacobs family would learn about his death first. There was no way they would ask the cops for help instead of taking revenge themselves. These two points made it unlikely. So, what was it? "Xena, don't joke around. How could I have murdered someone?" "That's not for you to decide. Did you think I'd call you if this wasn't official? Alistair's coming for you. I hope you'll cooperate, or I'll issue an arrest warrant." The call ended right there, and Felix was left bewildered. He could only go home and wait. An hour later, Alistair found his address. He sat in Felix's living room with two Wolfie troopers. The fact that they had not even given him a heads-up despite their relationship meant this was official business. "Mr. Zeller, I apologize, but we mus
A flash of annoyance crossed Alistair's eyes, but he still made the introduction. "Mr. Zeller, this is Mr. Conan Spade from headquarters, a joint investigator. Given the international implications of this case, they're taking it quite seriously." Conan scoffed at these words. "Mister? Really, Alistair? You're getting soft—since when do we address suspects as 'mister'?""How I address people is my business," Alistair shot back. "As long as the investigation is thorough, my manners aren't your concern." Ignoring the exchange, Conan dropped heavily into the chair across from Felix. "The voice recordings and videos from your phone have been authenticated—it's definitely you, Felix. No amount of denial will help unless you can provide an alibi, so you'd better come with us right now."He added with menace, "And if you resist, we're authorized to use lethal force!"Conan's hostility was crystal clear, but Felix chose not to dwell on it. He replied, "I actually do have an alibi, though
Conan whirled around to find another stunningly beautiful woman, and he widened his eyes. He could not help but think, "Damn! What kind of luck does Felix have to have such gorgeous seniors?""Of course! What, are you planning to interfere too?" he challenged, trying to maintain his authority.Felix stood up, surprised to see that Averill's mentioned senior was none other than Mira, who had gracefully entered the room carrying a distinctive purple umbrella—the kind of accessory that demanded attention whether you wanted to give it or not."Well, well, headquarters has really gone downhill if this is the caliber of agents they're producing these days," Mira remarked with a cold smile.Conan's face reddened with rage at the insult to headquarters, but his anger suddenly froze as he took a closer look at Mira's face. He stumbled backward several steps. "Y-You're..."Ignoring Conan, Mira pulled out her phone and dialed a number. "Listen here, Hugh. Just because you're retired doesn't
"If you're so worried, let's find comfort in bed. Just give in already, Felix." Even at this point, Averill had not given up her real reason for visiting and was still trying every trick in her book. Just then, the doorbell rang. Felix, already looking for an escape from Averill's advances, rushed to answer. Seeing it was his neighbor Queenie, he was beyond relieved. Talk about perfect timing!"Queenie, I'll get the door right away!" He turned to Averill. "It might be something urgent from my neighbor. Let's catch up another time." Averill rolled her eyes and vanished. She knew Felix well enough. She'd almost had him, but the moment was gone now that they had been interrupted. There was no point in staying. When Queenie entered, her face was flushed pink, like a ripe apple. "What's wrong?" Felix had already guessed, but it was not something easy to bring up. "I don't feel well. I think I have a fever. My whole body's burning up. I was going to the hospital, but I saw your li
If this hadn't involved Gerald's orders, even someone as playful as Averill would not joke about it. Felix had almost thought she was teasing. "What do you mean, 'fiancée'?"Averill seemed to anticipate his questions. "You lucky dog! Your engagement to Xena was arranged by Mr. Hoffman, Lady Nala through the Greenes, and this fiancée I just mentioned? It's arranged by your birth mother. Get it?" Felix exploded. "What the hell? Am I some kind of commodity? Everyone's just arranging marriages for me!"Gerald was family, so that was different. But what gave the Greenes and Cordelia the right to do this?"I don't know the details. But according to Mr. Hoffman, this fiancée of yours is seriously dangerous. He kept muttering about them sending someone. He doesn't know when they'll show up, but he wanted you to be prepared."Prepared for what? Felix refused to acknowledge any engagement except to Xena, especially after seeing how Nala would do anything for power. Thank goodness she and
Isabella gave an awkward laugh and put away her compact mirror. She had good principles, so she had never gotten involved with wealthy customers at the dealership. But people like Felix were truly rare. Soon after Felix arrived, he got straight to the point. "To be honest, Isabella, I need to buy something from Darren. I need your help."Having been warned by Nelly, Isabella thought for a moment before responding, "Felix, it's not that I don't want to help, but I've turned Darren down a few times already." Felix smiled. "You must have some feelings for him, right? Otherwise, you would have blocked his number by now." Isabella did not deny it. "Yes, I do. But marriage and life together need to be practical, you know? Darren's a good person and nice-looking, too, but he only has that one massage parlor. He can't even afford a decent house in Gray City, let alone anything else. "I'm not being materialistic, but there are basic living standards to consider." It was just as Felix
Darren frowned. "Didn't you hear what I said? Why are you still making offers?" Three years ago, Darren would have jumped at any offer and been terrified that they would change their mind. He would have sold it for even a few hundred thousand dollars, let alone millions of dollars. But back then, no one was interested. He hadn't known the value of the Nightshade Discipline or even that martial artists existed. Now that he knew, he wouldn't sell even if people were making offers. He often marveled at life's ironies. "When I say a building, I mean any building in Gray City. Name it." Any building? Darren almost laughed. Who was this guy trying to impress? "What if I said Summit Tower?" Summit Tower was a prime office building in downtown Gray City. Construction alone had cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and its value had skyrocketed since. Buying it outright would cost over a billion dollars, and that was assuming the owner would even sell. The rental income alone prov
"Why are you so fired up this early in the morning?" Felix asked.Melissa was still fuming. "Boss, haven't you seen what happened to the shop next door? It turned into a floral wreath boutique overnight!" A floral wreath boutique? Felix hadn't noticed earlier. He only remembered there being a beauty salon next door that was not doing well and was looking to sell. How did it become a floral wreath boutique? "Here's to good business! Looking forward to being neighbors." Billy walked in with a grin, which sent Melissa storming to the back room with one last comment, "That stupid fatso is the one who opened the boutique!" No wonder Melissa was so angry. No business would want a funeral flower shop next door. "Billy, what's your deal here?"Billy grinned and said, "Nothing. I quit my job at Sixview Peak and need to make a living somehow. Since this is all I know, I figured I'd scrape by with a funeral shop. You know better than anyone how effective my merchandise is against spir
In the private room, Clement was incredibly nervous. He never imagined Felix's contact from Concord Bank would be Dorian Yardley, the prestigious branch manager himself. "Dr. Zeller, I wasn't trying to keep secrets from you." After sitting down, Dorian smiled. He would have been in hot water if he had messed up this encounter. "It's fine. Status isn't important to me since you're all my patients." Dorian's smile widened. "No wonder your medical skills are so extraordinary at such a young age, Dr. Zeller! Few people could maintain such principles these days." Felix waved it off and turned to Clement. "Let me introduce my friend, Clement Parson. He's the one I mentioned earlier who's facing some troubles. I'd appreciate it if you could help, Dorian." Clement rushed over to shake hands as Dorian spoke, "That's a small matter. Dr. Zeller saved my life, after all. I'd look like an ungrateful person if I couldn't help with something this simple." By this point, Clement was too ha
Before Douglas could respond, Vernon jumped in, saying, "Oh, Clement, look at the company you're keeping! If this gets back to Mr. Yardley, you won't be able to survive anywhere in Gray City. You know the consequences." Clement was dumbfounded. He even started to wonder if Felix was just dropping names. After all, Dorian's status was on a completely different level.Douglas went even further by turning to Clement and saying, "Either you slap him twice, or you're blacklisted at Concord Bank after tonight. Your choice."He had been looking for an excuse to put this arrogant brat in his place. How dare someone try to get a loan while bypassing him, the lending director? Felix had just handed him the perfect opportunity. "Whew! Dr. Zeller, I'm so sorry that I'm late!" Just as Clement was about to throw them both out, heavy breathing came from the doorway. A man appeared, bent over and red-faced, clearly having run quite a distance. Before Felix could speak, Douglas and Vernon tur
In the other private room, Felix had already arrived and was sitting with Clement. "Don't worry. Someone has hit the back of his car. That's what's holding him up." Felix was telling the truth. When he had come up in the elevator, Dorian had called to apologize. He even sent a WhatsApp video of the accident scene as he was worried Felix might be angry. That was how driving was. No matter how good he could be behind the wheel, he could not control other drivers. Given Felix's status at the bank, Dorian would not dare stand him up even if his life depended on it. "No problem at all. Guests can be late, and it's perfectly normal. I really can't thank you enough for all this trouble, Felix." Clement was socially smart enough to show the right attitude when asking for help. If he could not even tolerate someone being late, what was the point of further discussion? "How big is your company's funding gap? How much are you looking to borrow?" Hearing this, Clement thought Felix was w
"Clement?" a middle-aged man with a huge belly stepped out and called out when he spotted Clement."Oh, Vernon. Are you having dinner here, too?" Clement forced a smile and kept his tone polite, though he actually could not stand the sight of the man. Vernon Parker had been one of his company's veterans. After he took over when his father passed, he quickly discovered Vernon's shady dealings behind the scenes. If left unchecked, those schemes would have eventually bankrupted the company. So, Clement had fired him without hesitation. Life had a twisted sense of humor, though. Vernon's nephew had struck it rich, which meant Vernon was now doing quite well himself. He would use his new power to undermine Clement's company whenever possible. As Vernon walked over, his smile dripped with contempt. "Drop the act. We both know where we stand." Clement maintained his composure. "Whatever happened, you were still one of our first employees. It's only right that I show you proper respec