"I never thought that you, Leonard, would have become so successful and prestigious that you could stoop to drink with us lowly workers without any cheating..."
Leonard Reid picked up a bottle of mineral water and chugalugged half of it, then grabbed a tissue to wipe the sweat off his face, smiling as he said, "I didn’t lie. I really like hanging out at these food stalls and having late-night snacks, especially when it’s crowded and lively. The problem is that times change. Even if they were good friends of the past, they now become awkward and restrained when drinking with me, and it’s not as straightforward as before. Over time, I’ve stopped asking them out for drinks. It’s awkward for them, and I’m uncomfortable too."
"You might think I have friends all over Seashore, but there’s not a single one with whom I can open my heart fully, without involving interests, banging the table, cursing, and drinking. Sometimes I go to the food stalls near the residential area on my own, order a few dishes, call for a case of beer, and drink a little by myself. But solitary drinking is hard to enjoy, it’s never as fun as drinking in a group. To be honest, I haven’t had such a good drink in a long time."
Carson Flores laughed and said, "It’s the loneliness at the top for you. Your old friends either rose with you and see you as their boss, creating a hierarchy, or the friendship is merely casual and has faded away in the world. Maybe in times of trouble, you would still unquestionably help each other out, but sitting together and joking and swearing freely while drinking like the old days is almost impossible."
Leonard slapped the table, "You’re absolutely right! That’s exactly how it feels. Once interests are involved, even the best friends and brothers start to keep score. Those who truly don’t care, when you’ve soared high, can’t continue to interact with you the way they used to."
Carson Flores raised his beer glass and clinked it with Leonard’s, "Leonard, I’m going to take on the Miller Family."
Leonard was stunned for a moment, but then he raised his glass and clinked it with Carson’s, saying cheerfully, "Then let’s do it! That kid Oscar Miller even dared to snatch your girlfriend, he deserves a lesson. What do you need me to do?"
Carson shook his head, "I’m not taking on the Miller Family because of that little feud with Oscar Miller, it’s because of my background."
Leonard’s eyes widened, "Background?"
Carson roughly explained his background, of course, without mentioning the specific identities of his parents.
He wasn’t afraid of Leonard cheating him, and besides, after so much time getting to know him, he had completely understood Leonard’s character. Leonard was generous both in his dealings and in life and would not behave differently behind his back.
Leonard was a reliable ally.
"I’ve come to Seashore this time to take down the Miller Family once and for all and to uncover the truth. Leonard, you’ve got your own network in Seashore. I don’t need you to confront the Miller Family head-on; I just need you to tell me who the Miller Family’s sworn enemies are and then help me make the connections."
Leonard pondered, "Are you planning to join forces with these people to take on the Miller Family?"
Carson nodded, "Yes, my goal is two-fold. First, to remove the Miller Family from the Cultivator world, and second, to crush and divide all of the Miller Family’s industries. In short, I want there to be no Miller Family in Seashore anymore!"
Leonard asked worriedly, "The Miller Family is bound to have some archenemies, more than one. But those people are all old foxes. They won’t act on such a big issue without being sure of success. After all, if they can’t pull it off, the backlash would be quite frightening."
Carson laughed, "No problem, you introduce them to me, and I’ll take care of the rest."
Leonard agreed without hesitation, "Okay, I’ll confirm some details when I get back, choose the most reliable ones to introduce to you. I’m just an ordinary person; I’m afraid I can’t be much help in getting the Miller Family removed from the Cultivator world. But striking at the Miller Family’s industries, I can do that. Additionally, if you need financial support during this process, no matter the amount, just say the word, and I’m on it."
Carson raised his glass, "Good, thanks!"
Leonard laughed, "Mr. Flores... "
Carson shook his head, "Just call me by my name."
Leonard’s eyes flashed with surprise. He was very aware that after tonight’s dinner and conversation, Carson truly trusted him and considered him a friend.
Leonard had always been clear that the world was ultimately ruled by Cultivators in the shadows. No matter how wealthy you were, if you angered someone too much, they might quietly take you out, without anyone noticing.
Leonard’s bodyguards were Cultivators, brought on board for a hefty price, but he didn’t feel very confident about them.
Those who are lured by money can also be tempted to betray you for it.
Leonard also had a true expert at his side, whom he had persuaded at a great cost, pulling massive favors, so the person would agree to protect him for twenty years. However, this expert had a condition: he would only ensure Leonard’s safety and no one else’s, including his family.
As Leonard’s business continued to grow, he encountered more and more Cultivator powers, and he needed greater self-protection skills.
Carson gave him hope.
Not to mention anything else, just the phone call that could make a top expert back off with ten million was enough to give him great confidence.
This trip was well worth it!
Leonard lifted his glass, "I’ll get on with it as soon as I get back!"