My Second Chance Vol.4

Chapter 151: Your Mother Was Gwen

The barbecue was ready. As Jared Ye lifted his hand, Faye Ye took the chopsticks and quickly plated meat in front of him and Marcus Hale.

"Not bad. Good nerves."

Jared picked up an unmarked porcelain bottle and, while pouring wine for Marcus, smiled. "I thought you would lose patience and ask why I dragged you out here."

Marcus grabbed a piece of meat, did not dip it in sauce, chewed, and said, "A little tough."

"Having something to eat is good enough. At my age, you are the first man I have ever cooked for like this."

"Then I have to ask. Mr. Ye is not swinging both ways, is he?"

Jared paused, then burst out laughing. "Relax. I am not picky about food, but your looks are not my type."

Marcus pouted. "First time in my life someone has found me unappealing, and I am oddly relieved. Very uncomfortable feeling."

Jared laughed harder and lifted his cup. "You are also the first to criticize my grilling. Since it is a first for both of us, it is worth a toast."

Marcus clinked glasses, breathed in the aroma, sipped, and his eyes lit up. He drained it, savored it, and said, "With tribute-grade Bamboo Mist reserve on the table, I would say your barbecue skills are decent after all."

Jared raised an eyebrow. "You have had this before?"

Marcus nodded without speaking.

He had, but only in a past life.

Jared gave him a deep look. "Since you refuse to ask why, I will ask first. How did you know there was something hidden inside that copper hairpin?"

In his previous life, Marcus was in prison at this time, so he never touched the transactions Jared had ordered the Harrington family to make regarding the pin.

A South Coast merchant had bought it cheaply. A year later a child at home playfully dismantled it and accidentally revealed the encoded note inside.

Even partly torn, it still sold for more than ten million dollars.

Hearing Jared's question, Marcus knew his earlier guess was right.

The hairpin belonged to the Ye Clan, and only Ye descendants knew its secret.

After a moment he said, "A senior told me about it."

Jared, seemingly unsurprised, asked, "What else did that senior tell you?"

Marcus lifted his eyelids. "What is it to you?"

"Oh, just curious," Jared said, chewing meat. "That senior would not mention a copper hairpin for no reason. There must be context.

As a descendant of the Ye Clan, I would naturally want to know how much that senior knows about my ancestors, and maybe hear anecdotes I do not even know."

The explanation was reasonable. Marcus had no choice but to shake his head. "Sorry. That is the senior's private affair. I have no right to disclose it."

"Even if that senior might be related to my family?"

Marcus's gaze sharpened. "What do you mean?"

Jared smiled again, then shifted topics.

"First, I owe you an apology for the trouble that has come to you recently.

Second, do not worry. I personally have no grudge against you and no ill intent. I only wanted to test your mettle.

Of course that behavior is odious, so tonight's barbecue is my apology and my sincerity. I hope you can forgive me."

He lifted his cup, drained it, and showed Marcus the empty glass as self-punishment.

Marcus smacked his lips. "Why emphasize yourself specifically?"

Jared's eyes sparkled. "Not bad. To ignore the stranger test for purity and catch the main point in my casual tone, among the young elites in this country today, you really stand out."

He turned to Faye Ye, focused on grilling. "Hua, now that I say he is better than any of my nephews, do you still disagree?"

Faye bowed her head. "I am sorry, young master. It was Hua's lack of insight."

"Hey!" Marcus tapped the grill with his chopsticks. "From your tone, you look down on me. Should you not apologize to me?"

Faye lifted her face, saw Jared smiling without intervening, hesitated, then bowed to Marcus again. "Sorry, Mr. Hale."

"That maid of yours is not bad. I am quite envious."

"You like her? Then I will give her to you."

Faye's hand trembled and a piece of meat fell back onto the grill.

Marcus shook his head. "Forget it. I do not like being disliked and rejected by women.

Besides, Hua is your maid. By my side she might become the lady of the house, and my family already has more than enough of those. Thanks, but no thanks."

Jared laughed heartily again.

"It is decided, kid. You are very likable. I really should have come to you sooner."

"Have you always known about me?" Marcus asked.

Jared nibbled a toothpick and said surprisingly, "What if I told you we are family. Would you believe me?"

Marcus's heart shook, but he kept his face calm and gently shook his head. "It is not belief. My father's surname is Hale, not Ye."

"What about your mother?"

"Even if my mother's surname was Ye, we still could not be from the same family."

"Why not?"

"Because I was by her side for fifteen years and never met any so-called family members, not until she passed away.

Her only family were me and my father."

Jared waved dismissively. "You can deny it emotionally, and you have reasons to, but you cannot deny biological blood, nor change it."

Marcus finally seemed to lose his temper and snapped his chopsticks with a crack. "What are you trying to say?"

Jared casually threw his chopsticks out of the pavilion, picked up meat to dip in sauce, and said, "I am asking if you want revenge."

"Revenge for what?"

"So Gwen never really told you anything."

Marcus's pupils contracted slightly. Though his expression barely changed, his heart was already in turmoil.

His mother was Gwen Ye, and the fact that Jared could naturally call out Gwen meant a misunderstanding was extremely unlikely.

My mother was really from the Ye family?

"Actually, to say I bear you no grudges is somewhat presumptuous," Jared spoke again. "The reason you never met family is that they are all dead.

Your grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, all of them died at the hands of my father."

He lifted his cup, sipped with a solemn expression, and stared into Marcus's eyes.

"Marcus Hale, I am your mother's cousin, which makes me your uncle.

And the Ye family that exists now should rightfully be your family."

Last life, from prison release to death, Marcus lived only fifteen and a half years. In that short span he faced more deception, intrigue, and life-threatening crises than most people see in several lifetimes.

His current personality and wisdom were thanks to those years.

One vital lesson: before figuring out the other party's background and intentions, even if the sky fell, never reveal your true thoughts.

So although every word Jared said made him want to leap up in astonishment, his eyes showed only hidden anger, as if he had already heard rumors.

"Mr. Ye, I will say it one last time. My surname is Hale, and I have nothing whatsoever to do with your Ye Family."

Jared was stunned, then shook his head with a laugh. "You are quite the actor, kid. Even I could not tell.

I am sure your mother mentioned our families' grudges, but she must also have advised you not to seek revenge, right?

Gwen is still so soft-hearted and kind."

He grabbed his cup and guzzled liquor, hatred in his eyes mixed with reminiscence and sighs.

Marcus looked at him intently. "Whether my mom mentioned it does not matter. As my enemy, what is the meaning of this barbecue?"

"I want to help you take revenge!" Jared dropped another bombshell.

Marcus showed perfectly timed surprise and shock, then sneered. "Fine. Then you can go ahead and commit suicide now."

Jared stared. "Why should I?"

"Are you not my enemy?"

"Bullshit. Your family's incident happened thirty years ago. I was only five at the time."

Marcus's expression remained unchanged. "You might disavow it by age, and you have reason to, but you cannot deny or change blood on a physiological level."

Hearing his own words thrown back, Jared laughed and opened his arms wide. "Then let that girl behind you do the killing. I promise Hua will not move."

"No need," Marcus shook his head. "Anyway, you will not live long. No need to dirty my daughter's hands."

Jared frowned slightly. "Make it clear. How come I will not live long?"

Marcus picked up grilled asparagus and bit off a piece, crunching away. "I have heard you are not picky about women. If you fancy them, no matter status or marriage, you make a move."

Jared nodded. "A woman is a woman, nothing more. Status is just a label. It might add thrill, but it is not important.

You have also been getting along fiercely with the married woman Lily Chen recently, have you not? Too bad she was foolish enough to divorce and stay by your side. Sentiment will trap you eventually. You will have headaches."

Marcus could not be bothered to explain his relationship with Lily and countered, "What about you?

As the Playboy Leader known for not keeping any woman more than two weeks, why maintain a long-term affair with a subordinate's wife?"

Jared froze, looking at him as if he had seen a ghost. Even Faye turned around, eyes full of dangerous intent.

Marcus heard a scroll cover open behind him and said, "Li, it is alright. I told you, Hua would not dare kill me."

"Mr. Hale," Faye spoke heavily, "being too confident can be deadly."

"Anyway, I definitely will not die tonight," Marcus smiled with asparagus in his mouth, "unless you no longer love this guy in front of me."

Faye shook violently and her chopsticks dropped onto the grill with a clang.

Jared sighed, voice laced with helplessness. "Kid, do your eyes have to be so sharp?

Hua is just a silly girl. I do not have the heart to ruin her. I have been pretending to be dumb for over half a year, and with one sentence from you, all that effort was wasted."

"Young Master, you... you..."

Faye's pretty face turned bright red, eyes filled with embarrassment, discomfort, sadness, and distress.

Clearly, though Jared did not want to hurt her with good intentions, those intentions still meant he did not love her.

"You are not convinced when I call you a silly girl, are you?"

Jared pinched the bridge of his nose. "My nephew here is nothing but a little fox. He knows the only threat to him in this pavilion is you, so he deliberately busted the paper window between us.

Now look. Your heart is in chaos. Do you still have a hundred percent confidence to beat the chick behind him?"

Faye abruptly opened her eyes wide. The look she gave Marcus was devoid of disdain, replaced with strong caution and fear.

"Even if I die, I will never let you, Young Master, get hurt!" she said through gritted teeth.

"Right. With talk like that, we, master and servant, are definitely losing."

Jared shook his head, then smiled at Marcus. "Kid, you are really something.

Seeing you cannot dominate verbally, you immediately seize the chance to perform, disturbing Hua's state of mind and eliminating the biggest threat.

This way, regardless of tonight's outcome, at least you ensure personal safety and stand on invincible ground.

I said you stand out among the younger generation for quick thinking. Now I must add insight and wisdom."

Marcus curled his lips, noncommittal, but thought, I have lived seventeen years longer than you. If I let you have initiative, what face would I have left?

"Continue," Jared sipped his drink. "Go on. What does that woman have to do with me nearly dying?"

"You first tell me why that woman is special. Did you fall in love with her?" Marcus asked.

A look of reminiscence and attachment appeared on Jared's face, then faded. "She is indeed very special, but I cannot tell you why.

As for love, well, to say something cheesy: my love has long been dead."

Marcus raised an eyebrow slightly, took the skewer from Faye's downcast hand, and turned meat about to burn on the grill while saying, "Disappointment a hundred times does not compare to despair once.

Miss Hua, I advise you to find a place to cry now. Keeping too much in your heart can also kill a person.

Do not worry. As I said, I will not let my girl's hands be stained with your young master's blood."

Faye stayed silent, took a deep breath, stood, bent toward him and said, "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Hale. Wherever the Young Master is, that is where I will be. It is my duty.

And please, do not waste your time on me anymore."

Marcus chuckled, put two slices of meat on Jared's plate, and swept the rest onto his own.

"I have figured it out. Your playboy reputation is fluff from outsiders. With such a cute girl beside you and still not loving her, there is no explanation except being a scumbag."

Jared's head filled with black lines. "Hey. I am, after all, someone who calls Gwen sister. Can you show me a little respect, kid?"

Marcus rolled his eyes, sprinkled dipping sauce into his dish, then handed the skewer to Leo Marsh behind him.

"There is no danger here anymore. You can eat in peace."

Jared suddenly widened his eyes. "Damn. You little rascal, do not tell me you purposely provoked Hua just so your girl could eat in peace."

---

Chapter 152: The Koi Codename

Marcus's lips curved slightly as he leisurely arranged slices of raw meat on the grill.

"When I first met Hua, I knew she was itching to kill me.

That killing intent was so straightforward that even Leo drew her sword on the spot.

It puzzled me.

From what I heard, you are not the sort to be a sore loser.

Rumors can be false, so I took a chance. As I deliberately moved toward Hua, I claimed she would not kill me.

Then that sharp aura about her began to fade until it became plain scorn.

This was proven in the few words we exchanged afterward. Aside from wanting to kill me, she simply held me in contempt.

Next, I expressed unwillingness to see you, and after her threats failed, she promptly let go of pride and bowed respectfully to me.

That indicates her loyalty to you surpasses her own dignity and feelings.

Following on, I asked her name and she answered. I asked what you call her, she hesitated, but still responded.

However, she did not realize that as she uttered the name Hua, vulgar and cute but unsuited to her temperament, her eyes softened as if brimming with water.

It was just a moment, yet it perfectly matched Hua.

Especially after I deliberately called her Hua, killing intent emerged again.

From this, she only shows her gentle side in your presence, and the name Hua is reserved exclusively for you.

She loves you deeply, and it is not the love a servant holds for a master."

After his long speech, Marcus turned to see Leo had finished eating. He took the chopsticks back and began flipping meat on the grill.

As for used chopsticks, he believed Jared, as a qualified playboy, would not mind a beauty's saliva.

Indeed, Jared just raised his eyebrows and said nothing.

"Mr. Hale," Faye spoke with a slight tremble from where she stood, "I apologize for my earlier rudeness. Could you please stop talking about me?"

"Oh, sorry. I did not mean to upset you. I was just answering your young master's queries," Marcus replied with a gentle smile, then continued to Jared, "After arriving at the pavilion, regardless of how true or false your words were, I sensed no intent to kill.

Which means, at least for tonight, you had no plans to finish me off.

And as long as you do not wish to kill me, Hua poses absolutely no threat.

Therefore, to keep Leo from going hungry, I had no choice but to make this clear, let her shed guard and tension, and relax.

From this perspective, I did exploit Miss Hua's grief, so I am sorry, but my girl's hunger is more important than your feelings."

Faye's expression turned angry and she glared at Marcus with such force it seemed she might press his face into the grill.

But this time neither Marcus nor Leo cared.

The girl silently watched his back. Though her expression remained cold, there was a twinkle in her eyes.

"I am convinced. Thoroughly convinced."

Jared clapped and laughed heartily. "Being able to deduce your own safety from details and hints is impressive, but that is as far as it goes.

There are too many outstanding people in this world, each filled with conspiracies and schemes. It is nauseating just to think about it.

What is most exceptional about you is that upon first meeting Faye Ye, you discerned her true desires from words and actions and used that knowledge to shower your own daughter with love.

No wonder Lily Chen, who fluttered like a loose flower for over a decade, devoted herself to you within two months.

When I was your age, I had not developed such insight.

In time, the title of Playboy Leader is yours to claim."

Marcus shook his head, expression indifferent. "I am not like you. To me, Leo is not a woman. She is family.

I only love my wife, and I will not, nor could I ever become a playboy."

Jared curled his lip. "Then do you know that between men and women not related by blood, all friendships, kinships, even illicit relationships, are bullshit.

Given enough time, it all boils down to one thing: love.

That is exactly why I never maintain an intimate relationship with any woman for more than two weeks."

Marcus instinctively wanted to scoff, but recalling absurdities of his past fifteen and a half years, Jared might be right.

Any woman who spent significant time with him, regardless of initial intent, would end up tainted.

Quinn Vance was the most direct proof.

Shaking his head, he said, "That is why you are about to die."

Jared's expression became stern. "Do you mean that woman is going to kill me?"

"No. You will die at the hands of her husband, and it will be a miserable death."

Jared's eyes gradually widened in shock, but soon he snorted and burst into laughter.

"Although I have no idea how you understand me so well, I still say you are too young.

Intelligence cannot replace experience. Grasping the human heart is not as simple as reading intelligence reports.

That woman's husband is a devoted retainer cultivated by my family from youth, meant to be a human shield for me. He is arguably the least likely person in the world to betray me.

Even if I ordered him to take his own life, he would not hesitate. How could he possibly kill..."

He stopped because Marcus looked at him coldly, eyes filled with undisguised contempt and pity, igniting inexplicable rage.

"You brat, say it again. Whether you admit it or not, I am your uncle.

If you have something to say, spit it out. Disrespect me again and believe it or not, I will have Hua beat you up."

Marcus pinched roast meat into his mouth and spoke indifferently, "Rumors say you are extremely clever, talent not inferior to your elder brother's, even more suited to inherit Family Head.

Now it seems, if rumors are true, there really is not much to fear about the Ye Family. With someone of your caliber eligible to become Family Head, it is akin to a clan of fools."

Jared slammed his palm onto the table, about to speak, but heard Marcus continue, "The person least likely to betray you is standing right behind you.

Devoted retainers are not machines. They are human, with desires and selfishness. Loyalty is inertia instilled from youth. Very firm, but not without possibility of change.

For example, if ideals and hopes they longed for their entire life are snatched away, that inertia might help them suppress anger and remain loyal.

But if those ideals and hopes continue appearing before them every day, constantly reminding them the most beautiful and pure thing in their hearts no longer belongs to them, even at risk of being defiled at any moment, Jared, tell me, how loyal should this person be to you not to go mad?"

Jared fell silent, staring blankly at the roast pan, lost in thought.

In his previous life, Marcus, who had become a playboy, greatly admired this senior and gathered much information about him, including the cause of his death.

For some reason Jared never gave up on that woman, and after enduring three years in silence, her husband, a death warrior, finally exploded.

First he smashed Jared's third leg into mash with his fists, then shattered every bone in Jared's handsome face.

Next he peeled off his wife's face and placed it over Jared's, and laid the naked couple at the front steps of the Ye Family main gate.

In the end he charged through the main gate, killed several guards, and died at the hands of the Ye Family's consecrated overseer.

His methods were brutal, his hatred sky-high.

Had he not killed his own wife, Marcus would never have reminded Jared of the cause of death, at least not so bluntly, so soon.

His situation was pitiable, but his crime unforgivable.

If Jared struck first upon return, it would be nothing less than he deserved.

Of course Jared was not innocent, but the woman went to her death smiling, clearly deeply in love with him.

From this perspective both were guilty, but their crimes did not merit death.

After a long while Jared took a deep breath and instructed Faye in a deep voice, "Write it down. After we return, immediately transfer Grant Cheng away. Just send him abroad."

Faye bowed her head. "Yes. Hua has noted it."

Marcus's mouth curved into a smile as he lifted his cup to drink.

It really was the best possible outcome, and he was quite pleased.

Jared looked at him intently as if a flower had bloomed on his face, gaze filled with scrutiny, doubt, admiration, and defeat.

"Damn. I originally thought at our first meeting today, I as an elder could give you a good lesson, and even if I could not subdue you instantly, at least I would let you understand I have eaten more salt than you have eaten rice.

Who knew you would be such a monster, with eyes that are not blind and an even sharper mind.

I cannot imagine how Gwen managed to raise you in that environment. Can it be my investigation was wrong, and your father also came from a noble family?"

Marcus's gaze darkened and he shook his head. "My father was a boiler worker, and my mother was an elementary school teacher. They were ordinary citizens leading peaceful, happy lives.

Jared, what you think is your business, but this is the last time you associate them with anything dirty."

Jared scratched his head. "Not all big households are dirty."

"Is your family not dirty?"

Jared had no response and could only curse inwardly.

"Additionally," Marcus continued, "do not talk as if you have been secretly paying attention to me all along. If I had not come to the South Coast using the name Night Wolf to handle affairs, you would not even have known I existed."

"Speaking of which," Jared casually picked up meat, "what is your relationship with Night Wolf?"

"What if I told you I have never seen him in my life? Would you believe that?"

"I believe," Jared nodded without hesitation. "If Gwen could tell you about the Ye Family, she definitely would not omit Blair Irons."

Marcus's pupils contracted slightly.

Blair Irons was his teacher in his previous life, Bryce Thornton's father, the real name of Night Wolf.

He was eager to ask about his mother and Blair Irons, but unfortunately he could not.

That would immediately expose that he actually knew nothing, and initiative would change hands instantly.

After thinking it over he said, "Since you know I have been working under the name of Night Wolf, I presume you are also a member of the Infinite Society."

Jared did not hide anything and directly said, "A30, codename Koi."

Marcus just spit out the sip of wine he was drinking.

"What is wrong?" Jared asked, slanting his eyes. "Is the codename not cute?"

"The codename is cute. You are not cute."

"Does not matter. As long as women find it cute, that is enough."

Marcus was speechless.

No matter how you look at it, the most basic condition of being a playboy is making good use of every trait that might interest women. The bigger the contrast, the better.

Jared was perfectly qualified.

But there were only thirty Class A members in Infinite Society, each possessing immense power and destructive capabilities.

Even though Jared was ranked last, he was not to be underestimated.

"Let us get back to the point. What exactly is the purpose of you looking for me?"

"Of course to see how capable you are, and if you are qualified for revenge. You do not believe me?"

Marcus shook his head. "According to what you said, my enemies are your closest kin, so why would you help me?"

"Because I think my father and brother should not continue to live in this world anymore, but as you said, they are my closest kin, so I cannot do it myself."

As he spoke Jared's tone was still casual, even shrugging as if the ones he talked about killing were not family but two ants.

"Why?"

Jared showed conflict, scratched his head, and said with difficulty, "Can we answer this question next time?

I am quite happy to see you today and do not want to ruin the good mood."

"Alright then." Marcus wiped his mouth and made a move to stand. "We will talk next time then. Thanks for the hospitality."

"Damn you."

Jared cursed, grabbed the wine bottle, took a big gulp, and with alcohol on his breath said, "My elder brother is twenty years older than me. My mother was already in her forties when she had me, so it was a difficult birth..."

He paused, took another drink, and continued, "I have never been favored by my father since childhood. No one cared when kids from my father's mistresses bullied me. Only my big aunt, your grandmother, and your mother were good to me.

In my heart, my big aunt is my real mother, and Gwen is my real sister.

However, this happiness only lasted two years in my memory.

Because I cannot remember anything before age three, and when I was five they were all gone.

You do not know. Back then the Ye Family was not just first-tier. What the hell were the Li Family, Jensen Family, and Yao Family? They were all bullshit.

I have seen with my own eyes how their Family Heads bowed and scraped before my uncle, tucking their tails, wagging them for real.

At that point Jared's eyes suddenly bloodshot and the white porcelain wine bottle in his hand creaked.

"But the Ye Family produced a traitor, an inside betrayer.

Just for the position of Family Head, they colluded with the other three families and framed my uncle and his family with charges of scheming and coveting the Golden Vault.

Then in one night, more than forty people from my uncle's family, including servants, devotees, and guards, all vanished without a trace.

Everyone told me they had emigrated overseas, but I never believed it, not from the start.

Because the day after that night, I could still smell the stench of blood in my uncle's empty house, a stench I can still smell now."

Crack.

With Jared's repressed roar, the wine bottle was crushed in his grasp.

---

Chapter 153: Old Photographs

"Young Master!"

Faye exclaimed, immediately taking an emergency kit from a bag and carefully cleaning and treating blood and wounds on Jared's hands.

Jared remained still, letting her attend to him, blood-red eyes staring straight ahead as if the person he most wanted to kill stood right behind Marcus.

"Hello? Chun, are you still at the clubhouse? Alright, I am in the garden rockery pavilion right now. Send someone with a bottle of good wine. Oh, and chopsticks too, at least four sets."

After hanging up, Marcus put away his cellphone while Jared's expression had become extremely strange.

"You little rascal, I am here suffering and dramatic, and even if you do not regard me as your uncle, you should at least have normal human compassion, yet you are still thinking about drinking? What the hell is that about?"

"Because we have not finished eating, but you wasted the wine."

Marcus spoke as if it were natural, as if the tragedy Jared had just described was meaningless chatter, certainly not comparable to a bottle of good wine.

Jared, who had made such a big name by his thirties, was not only good at wooing women. After a narrowed-eye look, he understood and asked, "Do you suspect I want to use you as a pawn?"

"It is not what I believe. It is the fact."

"They are your own family."

"I do not know them, never met them, and never once received any favor from them."

A vein throbbed on Jared's forehead and he violently pulled his hand back, reaching into his neckline.

His hand wound was being sewn up, so the sudden tug immediately widened the cut again.

Blood sprayed, staining his neck and chest red, blooming like sudden plum blossoms, a shocking sight.

Then he pulled out a palm-sized badge from inside his collar and threw it at Marcus.

Marcus caught it, only to realize it was not a badge but a flat photo box of red copper, emitting dim glow under the light from old patina.

There was a clasp on the side. He gently pried it open and saw two photographs.

Both were black and white and slightly yellowed. One was obviously a family portrait.

A middle-aged couple sat in front holding a child each, with two young couples and a young girl standing behind them. The young girl also held the hand of a boy about four or five.

The other photo featured just the girl and the little boy from the family portrait.

The girl looked about seventeen or eighteen, with braided pigtails, bright eyes, white teeth, and a radiant smile exuding vitality.

The little boy wore a grumpy expression, disliking how tightly the girl held him, but you could tell he was actually very happy.

Marcus could no longer suppress his emotions. His fingers gently caressed the girl's face in the photo, his nose tingling, eyes welling with tears.

He had never seen his mother looking so young before.

He had asked about it before, and his mother said they were too poor when she was young to afford photographs.

At the time he had only felt regret, but now he understood how painful it must have been for her to answer.

A once happy family, a young lady of wealth and nobility, all gone in one night, forced to live in anonymity.

"I never considered the current Ye family as my family." Jared's voice sounded slightly tremulous. "These in the photo are my real family."

Marcus exhaled and looked up. "Is this for me?"

"Wishful thinking."

Jared snatched the photo box back, wiped blood off on his clothes, put it back around his neck and stuffed it into his collar, then patted it.

Fortunately Faye was prepared and let go in time, preventing the wound from tearing open again.

"These two photos are all I have left. As for you, remember to give me photos of Gwen from the past thirty years, the ones without your dad in them."

Marcus raised his eyebrows with a strange expression.

Jared immediately noticed, snatched up a barbecue skewer, and tapped him on the forehead, laughing and scolding, "You little scamp, do not let your mind wander. I just do not think there is a man in this world worthy of Gwen, including Blair Irons.

If it were not for Gwen's family, your dad would not have gotten a taste of swan meat in his next lifetime."

Marcus pursed his lips and did not argue, just asked, "Are you very familiar with Blair Irons?"

Jared's face showed undisguised disgust. "His grandfather was a retainer for the Ye Family, and he grew up in the Ye household. He is an irritating guy.

That night his grandfather and parents died, and I thought he had too, until I saw him again on the gambling ship.

The old bastard told me he was the only one who escaped, which had me crying bitterly until I found you a month ago.

Hmph. If I see him again, I am going to give him a good thrashing."

"You cannot beat him," Marcus said calmly.

Jared, taken aback, glared at him. "You little brat, I am your uncle. Which way is your damned elbow bending?"

"He is my teacher, and I owe all my skills to him, whereas you showed up intending to take over my assets. I believe the way my elbow bends is perfectly fine."

Jared was speechless and with a wry smile glanced at Faye.

Faye was bandaging his hand. Seeing the situation, she said to Leo Marsh, "The documents in that bag there are for your husband. Could you fetch them, please?"

Leo waited for Marcus's nod before going over and taking out a folder from the bag.

Marcus took it, opened it, and was stunned at first glance. As he continued, his expression became more animated.

These documents were stock transfer agreements for Oceanwide Investment, with total shares amounting to seventy-one percent, which, excluding market portion, was practically acquiring all of Oceanwide.

"Let me repeat, I just wanted to test your mettle to see if you are worthy of knowing the past," Jared said grumpily. "These were meant for you all along.

Even if you lost to Cole Harrington and company shares were taken over, including the forty percent of Oceanwide Lily Chen would transfer to Ray Harrington, it would all end up in your hands eventually. Consider it an uncle's welcoming gift.

Of course, in that case I would not invite you for barbecue, and I might not even show up, just keeping covert watch at most."

Marcus believed his words since two agreements already bore Ray Harrington's signature, one for fourteen percent he already owned and another for forty percent he had yet to possess.

Most crucially, the buyer section in all agreements was still blank. All he had to do was write his name and Oceanwide would be his.

With Jared vouching, he believed those shareholders selling would not dare renege.

At that moment Lily Chen walked into the pavilion, followed by several club servers carrying trays.

"Sir, here is the wine you asked for."

Placing a bottle beside Marcus, she said, "I also took the liberty of having the kitchen prepare a few dishes you have ordered at my restaurant in the past.

Have a taste, and if they are not to your liking, I can ask them to change."

Lily had not met Jared before, but with discernment typical of a miss from an influential family, she could tell from his blood-stained yet dignified presence that he was no ordinary individual, so she spoke softly and submissively.

"Just set them down," Marcus said with a smile. "Also, to introduce, the person sitting across from me is surnamed Ye, Jared Ye."

He paused and with a slight sigh continued, "He is also my uncle."

Almost simultaneously, both Jared and Lily's eyes widened in surprise.

Marcus, though he had not cultivated into an old demon in his previous life, had accumulated expertise from over a decade of life's sharp dangers.

Putting aside Jared's true intentions, just the gash in the palm and blood that had flowed were enough for him to call out unreservedly, Uncle.

But Jared could not have anticipated this, and he could not even afford to think about it. His eyes, which had not quite cleared of redness, turned even redder instantly, as if he would start crying if not for the many people present.

Lily was even more unexpected, but she was clever. After swiftly covering her mouth to stop the exclamation about to escape, she fell to her knees with a thud, touching her head to the ground.

"Lily has seen Uncle... Mr. Ye."

With her nerve to still be so rash despite marrying a big shot, could it be possible she got the title wrong?

She did it on purpose.

So Marcus, with a head full of black lines, opened his mouth and cursed, "Are you sick? He is only four or five years older than you. Get up quickly."

Lily stood up with her head down, whole body exuding grievance but also submissiveness.

"Hey. You little brat, what do you mean by that?" Jared would not have it. "Even if your woman is older than me, she is still a junior.

Is it not only right for her to kowtow when we first meet?"

As he spoke he pulled out a small cloth bag, pinched out an emerald-green bead the size of a quail egg, with such water and quality it was clearly worth millions.

"Lily, come. Although you are not my official niece-in-law, I cannot let you kowtow for nothing.

This little thing is what I use to pamper ladies on regular days. Take it as a stopgap for now. When you formally offer tea later, Uncle will give you a proper gift."

Although Lily was bold, she was not foolish. The earlier kneeling could be called impulsive, but now accepting the reward without permission would be asking for trouble.

So she did not move, only timidly glancing at Marcus.

Marcus was still shocked by revelations of his heritage and truly had no energy for her small tricks. He snatched the jade bead and smacked it into her hand, saying irritably, "Just be grateful."

Lily immediately beamed and bowed to Jared. "Thank you, Mr. Ye."

Jared laughed heartily, winking at Marcus. "Quite worthy of being my nephew, even stealing someone's wife, he found someone so sensibly charming. Can you still claim you are not a playboy now?"

Marcus could not be bothered to respond. He opened the bottle and poured a glass for both himself and Jared, then tossed the folder back in front of him.

"To be honest, calling you Uncle is just because of the photo of you being held by my mother. It does not mean anything, nor represent anything."

After taking a sip he put meat in his mouth and said expressionlessly, "Similarly, letting Lily take your bead is only because the kowtow she gave was worth it."

Jared was stunned, then shook his head with a bitter smile. "I am willing to give you tens of billions just like that, and you are still doubting whether I would scam you.

You little rabbit, I do not know whether to scold you for being stubborn or praise you for being cautious."

"Eating someone's food softens the tongue. Accepting someone's gift shortens the hand."

Marcus's expression remained neutral. "Calling you Uncle is one thing. Avenging you is another."

Jared frowned. "They made your mother suffer so much. Can you really remain indifferent?"

Marcus was silent a moment, then said, "In my memory, my mother was the gentlest person in the world.

She liked peace, she liked to smile, and although I was naughty and made mistakes, she never glared at me but would tell me gently where I went wrong and what I should do in similar situations.

I have never seen her cry, not even once. The time she and my dad had the fiercest argument, her eyes just reddened, and in the end my dad still slept on the couch."

Speaking of this he raised his face and looked directly into Jared's eyes. "I am not an inexperienced commoner. I am very clear about what young ladies from prestigious families and daughters of wealthy families are like.

But my mother never showed even the slightest trace of such behavior."

"If everything you have said is true, then it means she has let go of her past hatred and identity, content to be an ordinary teacher, the wife of a boiler worker, and the mother of mischievous children."

"Why should I, who grew up under her careful protection, risk my life for a bunch of people I have never even met?"

"Bullshit. She told you about the Ye Family. How can you call that letting go?"

"Did I say that?"

"Of course. Just now you..."

Jared froze, then slowly widened his eyes as if looking at a beauty who had suddenly sprouted nine tails.

From the start of their meeting until now, he had thought he was in control, that Marcus calling him uncle was proof.

But now, looking back carefully, he could not help breaking out in a cold sweat.

From complaining the roast meat was overdone, to asking if he swung both ways, discerning Bamboo Mist reserve, talking ambiguously about his elders, near-death experience, emphasizing the Hale surname, Faye's secret crush, affection for the female guard, Night Wolf, Infinite Society, even Lily Chen and the title uncle, everything was part of the strategy.

Every important piece of information he had shared had been guided by Marcus.

Gaze, expressions, language, roast meat, wine, chopsticks. This kid had made use of everything and everyone around him, leading one to fall into the hole unknowingly while feeling self-satisfied that everything was under control.

Is this even human?

Absolute monster.

At that moment all pride and superiority from Jared's status as a noble scion dissipated, and even his vast experience from wandering the world began to crumble.

After a long while he exhaled and asked, "How much did you know in advance?"

Marcus's lips curled slightly. "Apart from the copper hairpin and Blair Irons, I knew nothing."

Jared's shoulders slumped instantly, gaze at Marcus filled with immense defeat but also relief.

"You little punk. No wonder you had no respect for me at all. Probably laughing at me for being an idiot in your mind, huh?"

Marcus did not speak, which was as good as admission.

"Damn it."

After cursing, Jared laughed again. "Since Gwen did not tell you anything, your excellence must be the work of Blair Irons.

Not bad. That old bastard still has loyalty. I will not beat him up next time I see him."

Marcus remained silent.

Though all his skills were taught by his teacher, his current personality and wisdom came from his wife's death and the dangers that followed.

"But on the other hand," Jared took a sip and continued, "you tricked me all this time, so why come clean now?

Could it be you have heard enough and do not want to know more?"

"Do you have anything else you are hiding from me?" Marcus countered.

"If I said no, would you believe me?" Jared countered in return.

"For now, yes."

"Why?"

Marcus did not answer, simply raised his glass and drank it all, then stood up and said, "Thank you for the barbecue and the drink. If you ever feel like having some again, you can come to me."

---

Chapter 154: The Most Useless Reborn Man

As Marcus's silhouette disappeared into the darkness beneath the rockery where light could not reach, Jared heaved a long sigh.

"Spent all day hunting geese only to have a wretched little bird peck out my eyes today, and I did not even lose my temper."

"Hua, quickly say something nice to boost your young master's confidence."

Faye pursed her thin lips and said, "In my heart, the young master will always be the most excellent, the most powerful man in this world."

In your heart? What good is that.

Jared gave a wry smile, shook his head, took a sip from his cup, and said with relief, "However, Marcus Hale's mental acuity is beyond my imagination, and that is always a good thing.

Next, we just need to unleash his matching ambition."

Faye hesitated, then spoke, "Young master, just like you and Marcus said before, even if you dislike the Ye Family, you cannot change the blood that flows in your veins.

After all, the old master is your biological father..."

"Shut your mouth."

Jared's stern shout immediately brought Faye to her knees.

"Whose person are you?"

"In life and in death, Hua is the young master's person," Faye asserted firmly.

Jared extended his foot to lift her chin, gave her a long cold stare, then stood to leave.

"Not anymore."

Faye's face turned pale with shock. "Young master..."

"Sign your name on the share transfer agreement for Oceanwide. I want you to become a shareholder in Marcus's company.

Of course, you can also go back home and tell everything you have seen and heard tonight to your old master."

Jared's steps did not stop, his cold voice piercing Faye's heart like needles.

In the business car leaving the guild hall, Marcus lay back with eyes closed, replaying every word Jared had said over and over in his mind.

During his student days reading martial arts novels, there was a common trope he never understood.

Someone who had lived with their mother their whole life suddenly learned their never-before-seen father was killed by someone. Instantly they erupted with soaring hatred, pledged themselves to vengeance, unwavering until death.

How was that possible?

Humans are emotional creatures. Whether love or hate, both stem from emotions. Two strangers who have never met cannot suddenly develop feelings based solely on kinship.

Thus for Marcus, the past recounted by Jared was merely a tragic tale.

Angry? Yes, angry.

But that was due to empathy, not kinship. Naturally he could not harbor deep-seated hatred like Jared's.

Furthermore, his mother indeed never mentioned a word about the Ye Family.

Unless everything was misunderstanding or lie, there was no doubt his mother did not want him to bear the hatred of the previous generation.

However, could his mother really let go of such deep-seated hatred and have no regrets even in death?

As her son, should he do something?

Marcus had no answers.

It seems I really need to hurry back home and then see my teacher.

Just as he thought this, coolness brushed his temple and a pair of soft, boneless hands began pressing upon his head.

There was no need to ask. Only Leo Marsh and Lily Chen were with him, and Leo would never do such a thing.

"How much did you understand?" he asked.

Lily thought a moment, then said, "Not much. I only know your mother was from the Ye Family, was hurt by someone unknown and had to leave her home to become an ordinary teacher.

Jared Ye came to persuade you to take revenge for your mother, but you did not agree."

Marcus smiled. "That means you pretty much know everything. Be careful or I may just have to silence you for good."

"I do not even know who your enemy is. I would have no target even if I wanted to snitch, so what is there for you to silence?"

"So, do you want to know?"

"No."

"Afraid I might really silence you?"

"No."

Lily bent down, face close to his, and said, "Although I do not know you that well, sir, from the way you treat people around you, it is clear you are someone who values relationships very deeply.

Lily is old and not exactly clean, so chances of becoming your woman are already slim. I am too busy being careful and serving you well. Where would I dare get involved with secrets that endanger your safety?

If something goes wrong somewhere else, even if you do nothing, just being a suspect would kill people with sadness."

"You might as well die of sadness now," Marcus rolled his eyes, "because you will never become my woman."

Lily was not sad at all. Instead she chuckled and wrapped her arms around his neck, asking, "Then is there a chance for Hannah Kane? What about Elena Shaw and Quinn Vance?"

"Look at you, getting the hang of the situation around me so quickly."

"My dear big boss, do not forget I am the CEO of your company, often having video conferences with headquarters."

Lily pouted and said, "The first time we had a call, Miss Vance looked at me like she wanted to devour me, and Miss Shaw's words were full of threats. Do they think I am a fool?

A business tycoon's daughter, a lady from a non-prominent family, wielding power only because of your favor. If it were not for fear of making you angry, no one would give them the time of day."

Marcus could not help but laugh and cry. "What do you mean wielding power because I favor them? Is the sentence I have a wife just wind by your ear?"

"No matter what they are relying on, in the end their confidence comes from you, that is for sure."

Shaking his head, Marcus freed himself from her arms and sat up, speaking very seriously, "Lily, although the Chen Family is somewhat declined, it is still one of the top families on the South Coast.

As a scion of such a family, would it not be nice to just be friends with me? Why degrade yourself to this level, competing for a fantasy that will never come true?"

"Because you are the first man I have ever fallen in love with in my life."

When she said this Lily's expression was not just serious but could even be described as devout, leaving Marcus unsure how to respond.

Annoyed, he scratched his head and said, "But I have a wife, and our child will be born soon."

"What does that have to do with me?" Lily asked as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Let me tell you, I would never divorce, nor would I do anything to hurt my wife."

Seeing his resolute response, the light in Lily's eyes finally dimmed, but soon lit up again as she stared straight into his eyes, tone like a proclamation.

"I do not want to give up, nor will I give up. Even if I can never have your love, at least I can love you with all my heart."

Marcus was left speechless.

Honestly Lily's words moved him. If he were only in his teens or twenties, he might have been shaken.

But as a man nearing fifty, he obviously knew the difference between being touched and having feelings.

Unfortunately that was of no use.

Thinking about the women around him, and then about the revelation of identity he learned that night, Marcus could not help lying back filled with gloom.

What good is knowing trends for the next twenty years? Or remembering all major events that will happen?

What is unknown will remain unknown.

God damn it, if there were ever an award for the Most Useless Person to Ever Resurrect, I would definitely win it.

Actually, whether it was really useless or not, Marcus did not care.

After all, even without memories of the next twenty years, with wisdom and means honed in his last life, he was already more likely to succeed than most people.

What really made him feel depressed, and even a bit afraid, was Lily's sudden confession of deep affection, which made him realize something. His wife being alive not only completed his soul but also added a conscience to it.

In his past life Claire Jensen's body was mangled beyond recognition, their unborn child, and the extremely dark three days and nights of torturing Blake Calloway turned him into a walking corpse.

Because of this, after getting out of prison he joined Infinite Society without hesitation, following his teacher's instructions, and became indiscriminate with women, moving through crowds of beauties without attachment.

Though he never did anything that provoked universal indignation, he was still involved in the criminal organization and directly or indirectly harmed countless people.

Back then he only liked the feeling of standing above the clouds and did not care about anything else.

But at this moment he felt guilty toward Lily.

Because the reason Lily fell in love with him was that she thought he was the man who understood her most in this world.

But this understanding was the result of cheating with rebirth memory.

Despite his subjective desire not to want Lily to fall in love with him, the fact remained the same.

It felt like he had deceived a woman's feelings with a lie.

Keep in mind that even when he was a playboy in his previous life, he never tricked women.

Without doing bad things, yet feeling guilty about unintended consequences was clearly a sentiment only a good person would have.

Damn it, I just spent twenty years as a bad guy. Suddenly becoming a good egg does not feel right.

Seeing Marcus lying on the chair sighing, Lily's eyes quickly turned and she adopted a look of aggrieved innocence.

"Sir, have I caused you trouble?"

"Yes," Marcus replied without hesitation.

Lily clenched her hands tightly and bit her lip before asking again, "Then will you despise me because of it?"

Marcus intended to give another affirmative answer, but seeing the woman on the verge of tears, he could not bring himself to do it and heaved a sigh.

"From the perspective of a married man, the answer to your question must be affirmative, at least to avoid many troubles in the future."

As soon as he finished speaking, tears started flowing from Lily's eyes, leaving a wet trail on her smooth face.

"Let me finish what I was saying."

Marcus pulled a tissue, voice dispirited. "But as a friend, as a boss, and as someone you willingly follow, being honest with you is a duty I cannot shirk.

So the truth is, having a woman of your charm and unrestrained nature devoted to me not only does not make me despise you but actually makes me quite smug and vain.

Are you satisfied with this answer?"

Lily was more than satisfied. Her chest was nearly bursting with joy. She puckered her lips to kiss him but was thwarted by the tissue stuck to her face.

"Do not push your luck," Marcus said irritably. "After all is said and done, I have a wife, and I love my wife. Not despising you does not mean I will accept you."

Lily did not move, letting his hand press the tissue against her face.

"You are leaving the day after tomorrow, and I know you will not be coming back for a while."

A flicker of compassion rose in Marcus's heart. He sat up and gently wiped away her tears with the tissue.

"You are right. Whether it is Hale Electronics or the imminent control of Oceanwide Investment, I am planning to leave everything in your hands.

The purpose of having you take over the South Coast Business Association this afternoon is exactly for this reason.

This organization might not be very useful, but it does have influence. If used well, it can also be a decent weapon.

I believe in your ability..."

"You can also trust in Lily's loyalty," she said, gaze fiery and resolute.

Marcus chuckled. "That, I believe even more than your ability.

Just remember you have flaws in your personality. You are bold and tend to be impulsive."

"This is also the biggest reason why you, who are clearly very smart, continue to do foolish things."

Lily refused to accept this. "To have chosen you, followed you, was that also the result of my impulsiveness? Was it stupid?"

"Following me was not, but falling in love with me was."

Lily was taken aback. She then hung her head, and without looking one could feel her heartbreak and sense of grievance.

"You should know I am doing this for your own good."

"I do not want your kind of good."

The woman almost shouted these words, and the corners of her eyes that had just been dried began to moisten once again.

Marcus shook his head helplessly. "Anyway, if you have any problems with company operations, contact Elena at headquarters and discuss solutions with her.

If you encounter difficulties, or if someone bullies you, you can always call me."

"Then will you come?"

"If necessary, I will."

Lily finally smiled again, grabbed his hand and pressed it to her face, and said softly, "Actually, I know I do not have any right to ask you for any promises.

I just hope you will not forget me too quickly. If you could call me often, or video chat, allowing Lily to see you, I would be content."

Not to mention she was a daughter from a prominent family and prospective ex-wife of a big shot, even if she were an ordinary girl, saying such words would be equivalent to lowering herself to the dust.

Of course, from another perspective, this was also a textbook green-tea statement.

Marcus narrowed his eyes slightly, staring at her, not speaking.

After a while Lily began to look flustered, gaze averted.

"What is wrong?"

Marcus's expression was mock amusement. "Nothing. I just realized you are quite a good actress."

"Act what acting? I do not understand what you mean, sir."

"Really do not understand?"

Lily was silent a moment, and with a slight sigh the sorrowful air about her dissipated and she giggled coquettishly. "Sir is really something. Why did you have to expose me, huh? Does a girl not need to save face?"

"So a gentleman's dignity is not important, is that it?"

"Who told you to be a man?"

Lily hugged his arm and rested her face on his shoulder, smiling radiantly. "You are clearly already troubled, yet you are willing to coax me with such patience, without showing a hint of annoyance.

I was not wrong. Sir, you do not just understand me. You are also a very, very gentle man."

"Just wait and see how gentle I will be to you in the future."

Marcus pushed her away irritably. "Sit tight. If you dare take liberties with me again, do you believe I will slap you?"

Lily stuck out her tongue and smiled, eyes curved like crescent moons.

Although the Chen Family was beginning to decline, it was still a clan with hundreds of years of heritage, and Lily, as legitimate daughter of the main Chen branch, still dared behave wildly after marrying Cole Harrington, which proved she had always known exactly what she wanted.

How could such a woman become a sorrowful damsel simply because her love was unrequited?

The bold woman who had tried to seduce Marcus with lingerie and stockings just yesterday morning was the real her.

Before long the car came to a stop. Marcus looked out the window, opened the door and got out.

"Sir."

Lily looked at him very seriously. "Although Lily just used a little trick on you, please believe every word I said tonight was sincere."

Marcus's mouth curved into a smile and he patted her cheek. "Go back and rest early. You have a divorce to get through tomorrow."

---

Chapter 155: A Good Man Tonight

As a man, being pursued by a beautiful woman is always reason to be happy, so even though he was tricked, Marcus would not really be mad at Lily Chen.

Besides, if Lily's little scheming were between a couple, it would be considered playful.

It was Jared Ye who had the discerning eye. With just a sentence he could tell Lily was thoughtful and understanding.

Regrettably, happy as he was, Marcus had to be responsible for his wife's love, so along with joy came a headache.

Luckily he was about to leave and would not be coming back if there was nothing to do.

As for the several others at home, all combined were not as savvy as Lily alone, and not worth worrying about.

Walking into an apartment building, Marcus took the elevator to the twelfth floor and soon after he pressed the doorbell of 1208, a young round face peeked out from inside.

Marcus handed over a bouquet of flowers. "Good evening, Shizuka. These are for you."

The meeting with Jared had ended much sooner than expected, and since returning to the hotel seemed a hassle, he decided to call Shizuka Furukawa beforehand.

Shizuka did not mind his sudden change of time and directly arranged to meet at her place.

The female spy had removed her usual makeup, bound her long hair simply at the back of her head, and wore an apron over house clothes, making her appear much more gentle and delicate.

"Thank you. The flowers are beautiful. Please come in."

Shizuka opened the door wide, and once Marcus walked in, she immediately went to the entryway and placed a pair of slippers in front of him.

"I thought you would call me Mr. Hale, but you went straight to first-name basis. Should I be flattered as a matter of courtesy?"

Marcus asked as he changed into the slippers.

Shizuka slightly tilted her head. "Is it really just a matter of courtesy?"

Marcus laughed heartily. "Had I known coming to your home would mean hearing such natural jokes, I certainly would not have waited until tonight."

Shizuka's hand subconsciously tightened and she was pricked by a thorn on the stem of the flowers.

Frowning, she looked at the flowers in her hand, realizing they were not wrapped, just a bare bunch, and somewhat familiar, she asked curiously, "Where did you get these flowers?"

"I did not buy them. I picked them from the flower bed downstairs just before coming up," Marcus replied nonchalantly.

Shizuka chuckled. "Does this mean you know I prefer women and you pose no threat, so you did not bother to make an effort?"

Marcus shook his head without answering, walked into the living room, sniffed, and said, "Shizuka, are you planning to make tempura? The oil smells really hot."

"Ah. Make yourself at home. There is barley tea on the coffee table. Please, do not be shy."

Shizuka rushed into the kitchen in a fluster.

Marcus squinted at her retreating figure, sat on the couch, poured himself tea, and looked around.

The apartment was a not-so-large one-bedroom with living room, about five hundred square feet, decorated simply in Japanese domestic timber style. Cozy but slightly outdated for a young lady.

Next to the sofa on a low table was a picture frame with a photo of two young girls. The pretty one was Shizuka, and the other looked ordinary, but both shared the same sweet smile, filled with happiness.

Beyond that, there were no other picture frames in the room.

"Can I smoke?" Marcus asked Shizuka, who was in the semi-open kitchen.

"Of course," Shizuka replied without turning her head. "There is an ashtray under the coffee table. Just help yourself."

Marcus took out the ashtray and noticed several magazines beside it, nearly all related to interior design, and casually picked one to flip through.

Soon, accompanied by a fragrant aroma, Shizuka knelt beside the coffee table with a tray, carefully setting down bowls and plates.

With serene expression and gentle movements, it was hard to believe she was a spy. She looked more like a typical Japanese housewife.

After returning the tray to the kitchen and fetching a bottle of beer, Shizuka finally sat opposite Marcus. As she poured the beer she said, "It has been a long time since I have cooked, and I do not know if it suits your taste. Please bear with me."

Marcus smiled. "Having Shizuka cook for me, I have already struck it lucky tonight. It is just a bit strange to think that beneath the beauty lies a man's flesh and bones."

Shizuka gave him a reproachful look. "Marcus, you keep emphasizing this point over and over. It is hard not to suspect you are trying to reassure yourself.

What is the matter, has Shizuka become so beautiful that it endangers your moral sense as a good man?"

"Who knows?" Marcus shrugged. "No one can be certain about their future, but I am content knowing that as of today, I am still a good man."

"Then let us toast to today's good man."

The two clinked glasses and each took a sip of beer. Marcus picked up fried pork cutlet, dipped it in sauce, and put it in his mouth. Moments later he raised his eyebrows in approval.

"Crispy outside and tender inside. Not greasy at all. Shizuka, you have completely transformed my image of a spy tonight, and I am starting to doubt that what happened in the archives that evening even occurred."

Remembering the slap she had received that night, a cold glint flickered in Shizuka's eyes, followed by a somewhat forlorn sigh. "You just said today I am not cut out to be a spy."

"What I say does not matter. It depends on what you think in your heart."

Shizuka fell silent, staring at her glass, lost in thought.

Marcus did not rush her and picked up tempura shrimp, savoring the delicacy as his brows relaxed.

To make fried food this refreshing, regardless of whether Shizuka viewed him as a man, she had certainly received meticulous upbringing as a traditional Japanese woman.

After a while Shizuka took a sip of beer and said, "Actually, my dream was to become an interior designer."

"Is that so." Marcus smiled. "Then my good man image is truly in danger. Because my wife is an interior designer."

"Really?"

"I would not lie to you, or I would be a puppy."

Shizuka's eyes sparkled brightly. "That is such a coincidence. I can hardly wait to meet your esteemed wife."

"Uh, it is possible to meet her, but I warn you, do not get any ideas about my wife, or I will get angry."

Shizuka giggled coyly. "Do not all men enjoy watching two women together in bed?"

Marcus nodded. "I do not know about others, but I certainly do, although there is a prerequisite."

"What is that?"

"If one of them is my woman, then the other must also be my woman."

Shizuka pouted. "Be careful Marcus, your fox tail is showing."

Marcus watched her intently. "Just like I always emphasize that deep down Shizuka is a man, you seem very concerned about whether I am a good man or not.

This makes me curious. Do you hope the answer is yes, or no?"

Shizuka's demeanor flickered for a moment before settling as she earnestly said, "Professionally, I hope you are not, but personally, I hope you are."

"So," Marcus pointed at the dishes in front of him, "tonight's dinner is part of a mission, then?"

"Yes," Shizuka candidly replied, "My father hopes that I can get you drunk and make you stay here."

"Then you should not have prepared beer," he said. "Even though they are craft beers, if you wanted to get me drunk enough to lose all control, you would need at least two cases to start."

As he spoke Marcus deliberately downed a full glass in one gulp and provocatively raised his eyebrows, quite childishly.

Shizuka also drank a cup. "I never intended to get you really drunk, because you definitely would not be able to beat me if you were, and there would be no chance of you losing control."

Marcus was stunned. "What do you mean? Are you planning to seduce me into becoming an animal and then forcibly do that to you?"

Shizuka nodded.

"Do you not find that disgusting?"

"That is why I need you to stay sober, to be able to suppress my resistance. Besides, to be honest, among all the men I have seen, you are the one I find least repulsive."

"Heh. Now I am kind of curious to see how you are going to seduce me," he said.

Shizuka's smile faded and she pointed to the bottle of beer. "I have put a drug in it. But do not worry, it is a psychotropic drug that just lowers your self-control and will not harm your body."

Marcus slowly narrowed his eyes and looked at the cup in front of her. "You have drunk it too."

"I have to drink it, otherwise I would not be able to do what I am going to do next."

Shizuka stood up with a dim look in her eyes, reached up to remove her hairpin, and her long straight black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, adding extra gentleness to her already graceful demeanor tonight.

Then she turned off the main light, leaving only a small night light in the corner still on. Dim yellow light shone from below, casting a solemn look on her serious face.

She came back in front of Marcus, reached behind her to unzip, and the cotton dress slid to the floor, revealing legs that were neither long nor straight but plump with flesh.

Marcus smacked his lips and said, "Now I believe you might really be a lesbian, or at least a virgin. Because you have no idea how to seduce a man."

Shizuka seemed slightly at a loss. "What did I do wrong?"

Marcus shook his head. "You have a face as youthful and immature as a young girl's, an impressive bust, and the ratio of waist to hips is just right. The only and biggest flaw is slightly bow-legged short legs, caused by long-term kneeling posture.

Starting with showing me that, even if I really became interested in you, it would immediately dampen my enthusiasm.

Most importantly, you have made up your mind to sleep with me and did not even wear stockings or sexy lingerie. I do not know whether to be glad for your naivety or curse you for underestimating me."

Shizuka's face showed extreme humiliation. After standing and gritting her teeth a moment, she suddenly threw herself at Marcus's side and reached for his belt.

"What are you doing?" he exclaimed.

Marcus grabbed her hand. "The drug just lowers self-control. It is not an aphrodisiac. What are you trying to pull here?"

Tears suddenly streamed down Shizuka's face. "Marcus, please, can you help me?"

"If I do not have sex with you tonight, they will harm Hoshiko," she said.

"Hoshiko?"

Shizuka turned to look at the photo frame beside the couch, biting her lip. "She is my best friend, and the love of my life."

Marcus pulled her to sit beside him and asked, "The they you are referring to, are they your family?"

Shizuka nodded.

"Where is Hoshiko now?"

"At my old home."

Damn, that is so far away. There is no way to save her.

Marcus stroked his chin, then said, "I do not understand. Why are your family members so eager to have me sleep with you? Do they think that just because we had sex, I will have no choice but to be a traitor?"

After a moment of silence Shizuka said, "They hope that I can bewitch you.

Also, there is a pinhole camera in my bedroom. You are a public figure. Forcing yourself on a foreign woman is not only illegal, but also a huge scandal."

"Then why did you not just slip me some real date-rape drug?"

"You are very good. I was not sure I could avoid raising your suspicions without drinking the medicine, but if I did drink it..."

"Then the two of us would be considered mutually affectionate, free of any forced accusations."

Shizuka did not utter a word, which was as good as admission.

At this moment Marcus already felt slight dizziness in his head, but he was not worried. He looked down at Shizuka's thighs, fair and white, and raised his hand to touch them.

Shizuka's body tensed instantly. She fought back the urge to run away and looked up at him, puzzled.

"Sorry, ha." Marcus smiled. "I spoke harshly just now. Your figure may not be considered great, but it is certainly not that bad. At least this flesh feels just right.

If I was not experienced, I might actually have been fooled by you."

"Experienced? Did you have many girlfriends before you got married?"

Marcus shook his head without responding, hand still caressing, and asked, "Would you accept my invitation to leave the South Coast?"

Shizuka felt his fingers electrifying her body, causing a slight shudder. "I promised my father the conditions tonight, to leave the organization, bring Hoshiko to America, and then go with you to Westlake."

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "You are willing to leave?"

Shizuka chuckled bitterly. "Before I met you, I was very conceited, firmly believing I would surpass Margarita Konekova in my career.

Oh, sorry, she is..."

"A famous KGB female spy," Marcus interjected, "who successfully stole American missile and nuclear weapons information, and even Einstein fell for her."

"Knowing even this, you are indeed not an ordinary person."

Glancing at him, Shizuka added, "It is precisely because of your arrival that I have realized how incapable and ridiculous I am.

If I cannot even beat a businessman from America, what right do I have to be remembered in the history of spies?

Maybe, as you said, I am not cut out for this kind of work."

As she spoke tears again slid from the corners of her eyes, looking pitiable.

Marcus sighed and pulled her into his embrace. "Your loved one is far away in Japan. Even if I wanted to save her, I could not. Is there no other way?

For instance, is there something that could be exchanged for your freedom?"

Shizuka was quiet a while, then shook her head. "This question is pointless. You are a proud man. You would not and could not be a traitor. How could you possibly have what my father wants?"

"Let us hear it," Marcus said indifferently. "There are not many things I care about. As long as it does not involve national security, there are no issues of being a traitor."

"It does not involve that." Shizuka's eyes shone brightly. "Affairs related to national security are not within my father's jurisdiction. Our Furukawa family only deals with commercial and technological intelligence."

"Well, that makes things easier. What do they want?"

"Did you not just become a shareholder of a tech company called RiverTech Innovation? We are very interested in the flight control system they are developing.

If you can get your hands on the relevant technology data, I am sure I could gain my freedom, and afterward I would have no problem following you forever."

Marcus frowned, troubled. "Although I am a major shareholder, I do not have power to demand technical information from the company."

"You do not need to demand anything. We already have people placed inside that company. You just need to arrange for him to enter the core research department."

"Like that, huh. Then it is easy," Marcus said heartily. "Tell me his name, and we will get it done before we leave the South Coast."

"Marcus, you are really too kind."

Shizuka happily kissed his face, then said, "His name is Luke Zhengping, a technical staff member in RiverTech's R&D department. He is skilled enough, just not experienced enough yet to enter the core team.

So rest assured, this will not cause you any trouble..."

She did not finish speaking when she froze.

Because Marcus had taken out a cellphone from his pocket and held it to his ear, flashing her a radiant smile while saying into the microphone, "Did you hear everything, my dear Chief Sister?"

---

Chapter 156: Just Kill Me If You Want

When did Marcus start suspecting Shizuka Furukawa?

The answer was simple: from the very beginning, he never trusted this woman.

Although he repeatedly claimed she was unsuitable for espionage, to be fair, except for being too arrogant, Shizuka had commendable spy qualities. At least her acting skills were much better than Lily Chen's.

The most intuitive example was that she actually understood men well but pretended to be fond of women and feigned innocence.

The flaws she occasionally revealed were incredibly natural, creating for herself the pitiable image of someone who loved life, aspired for more, but had to struggle bitterly under patriarchal oppression.

If Marcus were not a person who had lived two lives and just a man in his twenties, or if he had not dealt with old demons in his past life who were hundreds, thousands of times more cunning than her, he would probably be doomed.

"You... you..."

Shizuka had already realized Marcus had been leading her to reveal information voluntarily from the start. Her heart was filled with shock and horror, wanting to escape but unable to move as she was held by the shoulders, wanting to ask but not knowing where to begin.

"Shizuka, it is sad to think you have always regarded me as a fool," Marcus said.

After putting away the phone, Marcus leaned in close to look at the woman's face, noting her skin was as soft as a young girl's, and her little mouth was a true cherry, red, shiny, sweet, and very juicy.

Shizuka struggled to suppress panic inside her, showing an expression angry yet pitiful. "Mr. Hale, I thought we were friends. Why did you deceive me?"

"At this point, saying that kind of thing is pointless, is it not."

Marcus's finger gently caressed Shizuka's lips, unconsciously swallowing saliva.

"Would a woman always mentally prepared to sacrifice herself for her country fall completely just because of some tenderness from a man?

If that man who drank with me tonight, maybe it is possible, but the greatest trait I have is knowing my own weight.

Neither in hardware nor in software am I equipped with the ability to make a woman fall in love at first sight.

So, my dear Shizuka, since things have come to this, I think we should be a bit more honest with each other, do you not agree?"

Marcus had drunk alcohol, and so had Shizuka. As his words came to an end, the female spy's forced composure instantly shattered.

Her eyes widened, her mouth fiercely biting at the finger on her lips.

She looked like she could bite it off in one go.

Thus a slap sent her sprawling, and before she could get up, Marcus was on top of her, pressing her hands firmly on the sofa armrest above her head.

Like a fish dragged onto shore, Shizuka struggled mightily. But suddenly she stiffened, pretty face rapidly blushing, although her eyes darted with effort toward the door.

"Since you can place so many interior design magazines under the coffee table, you must know quite a bit about my situation, and should be aware there is always a young woman with respectable fighting ability by my side.

But have you ever thought about why she is never there whenever we meet?"

Shizuka suddenly widened her eyes, look finally revealing a hint of fear.

There were hidden cameras in the living room. Her people were monitoring everything from the next room in real time. Their silence for so long clearly meant they had been dealt with.

The man on top of her, seemingly casual and careless, was in fact meticulous and impenetrable, defenselessly dangerous, truly terrifying.

She began to feel fear and her pride would not allow her to show weakness. She cursed out of her mouth, "You really are a despicable and shameless American... Ah."

Seeing the girl sweating profusely from pain, Marcus finally relaxed the grip he had on her thigh.

"I do not like being rough with women, very much so, but at the same time I do not mind, understand?"

As alcohol seeped more into his bloodstream, clarity in Marcus's eyes decreased.

Inhaling Shizuka's scent, he could not help wanting to get even closer, to discern whether it was perfume or body wash, and which floral scent it might be.

Thinking this, he did just that, lowering his head, lightly sniffing by Shizuka's ear, tip of nose brushing against her skin, appearing for all the world like intimate lovers whispering sweet nothings.

Shizuka felt goosebumps all over, unable to muster strength, odd sensation like thousands of ants crawling over her heart, deepening her fear.

When people are scared, they tend to make noise. It is instinct.

So she asked, "Where did I slip up?"

Marcus did not stop his movements nor lift his head. "I already said, I never believed your sincerity from the start."

"I am asking about tonight."

"Tonight, huh. That would be your stupidity and arrogance."

Marcus shifted his body to make himself more comfortable.

Shizuka was not tall nor overweight, yet pleasantly plump, embodying the literal sense of a soft girl.

"Your home is arranged cozily, very much in line with the image you presented tonight.

Moreover, whether it is your behavior or the level of your cooking, both fit perfectly the stereotype of a so-called traditional Japanese housewife.

It would have been perfect had you not overplayed your hand.

In the home of such a delicate and exquisite woman, there is only a single photo frame beside the sofa.

Even if you intended to hint at dissatisfaction with being forced by your father and brother, what about your mother?

Does she not love you either?"

Shizuka tensed up, skin trembling as if she no longer had strength to respond.

Marcus did not need her response. "And speaking of arrogance, on the night we first met, I expressed my dislike for your short legs, and you even showed a look that seemed you could hardly wait to eat me alive just for that comment.

With your intelligence, if you truly intended to seduce me tonight, you would not have deliberately shown me something that has no appeal to me.

It shows you never took me seriously at all, not even willing to bait the hook when fishing.

Shizuka, this really hurts my feelings."

As he spoke Shizuka suddenly widened her eyes, and after a moment her entire body went limp, cheeks flushed, eyes watery, anger dissipated, revealing extreme vulnerability.

Marcus lifted his right hand, mouth curling up wickedly. "That is more like it.

If you aim to be Japan's Margarita Konekova, then you should have the resolve of a beautiful spy. Always looking down on men will not do you any favors. No one likes that."

Shizuka regained composure, as though about to clench her teeth the moment her gaze turned sharp.

But in the next instant her fingers left and a pair of lips arrived.

Marcus's lips.

Her eyes went wide again, but somehow what filled her gaze was deep humiliation rather than previous hate and fury, which had faded to nearly negligible.

Bang.

Time slipped by, and just as Shizuka's eyes were about to close in a daze, the door was suddenly kicked open with force.

Derek Shaw, accompanied by Jake Yang, burst in, and upon witnessing the scene on the couch, stood frozen a moment before exploding with rage.

"Stop it."

Marcus did not want to stop, but he had to.

It was not because fear of Derek surpassed his desire, but because he simply could not help laughing.

"Dear Chief Sister, you did that on purpose, did you not? Given the situation just now, should you not have yelled shut up instead?"

Derek, face darkened, stepped forward, grabbed him by the collar, and yanked him up, fiercely demanding, "What are you doing?"

"If you had arrived a few minutes later, I would have been able to answer that question, but now I have not even gotten the chance to start, have I."

Marcus spoke shamelessly, not forgetting to raise his eyebrows at Jake Yang, who was looking on with admiration and envy.

Derek was so mad she did not even think before lifting her fist to strike.

"Have I ever told you your neck is very beautiful?"

With just one sentence Marcus made Derek unable to continue her attack, expression a stunned mix of shock with hint of eager anticipation and tension.

Because as Marcus spoke, his hand was also caressing her neck.

"Although your legs appear robust and powerful, it is your neck that I love the most, long and slender, just like a jade vase.

I might make you angry by saying this, but you would look absolutely beautiful in a kimono, and it is only that type of attire, dignified yet deliberately displaying the neck, that can bring out the utmost charm in you.

Even Shizuka Furukawa, a native Japanese woman, cannot compare to you, I guarantee it.

Of course, if it were up to me, I would rather see you in your military uniform."

Marcus did not lower his voice, so everyone in the room could hear.

And interestingly, although Shizuka's face showed even deeper color of humiliation and anger resurfaced, her gaze was fixed on Derek.

As for Jake Yang, there is no need to mention him. His expression could be summed up in two words, admiration and worship.

Derek's heart was pounding so much her eardrums resonated, face flushed red, legs a bit weak.

Watching as Marcus's face came closer and closer, she wanted to turn and run, but her feet seemed nailed to the floor, motionless.

What is happening?

Why would Marcus say such things to me?

What is he trying to do?

Do I want him to kiss me...

Suddenly Derek saw muddy desire in Marcus's eyes, and her excitement and restlessness retreated like the tide.

With a strong push, Marcus stumbled back onto the sofa.

"What is the matter, did you not always want to have a go with me?"

Derek narrowed her eyes, swung her hand, and slapped him, then asked, "Are you sober now?"

Marcus was stunned a moment, and his reasoning finally returned. Rubbing his cheek, he sheepishly apologized. "Sorry about that. I did not expect the drug Shizuka gave to be so strong.

Do not mind what I said earlier. If you are still upset, feel free to slap this side of my face too. Make it symmetrical."

Derek immediately regretted it.

Because she found that sober Marcus was not cute at all.

"That drug was originally an accidental by-product during development of a truth serum."

Shizuka sat up, held her skirt to cover her lower body, and snorted coldly. "It suppresses one's self-control, essentially stimulating any repressed desires.

Marcus Hale, no matter how you tout yourself as a good man, you cannot cover up the fact of your hypocrisy and shamelessness.

Your behavior just now, that was the real you."

Marcus opened his mouth but did not retort.

What Shizuka said was correct. The person he had just been was indeed the real him.