Chapter 40 Thanks to Joshua
"Mason?" The man who had brought Noah in was dumbfounded. It was the first time he had seen Mason's emotions fluctuate like this.
Mason was a powerful figure on the streets of Oceanbridge City, respected by both the legal and illegal sides. Why would he treat a young man with such an attitude?
"Let's talk inside," Noah said calmly and stepped into the room.
Mason immediately closed the door and stood respectfully behind Noah, saying, "Hello, Noah!"
"It's been a long time," Noah said, clasping his hands behind his back and looking out the window with a reminiscing look in his eyes.
"Yes," Mason nodded, feeling emotional. "It's been ten years. Back then, you were just a teenager, and I was a small-time thug who was being chased on the streets. If I hadn’t accidentally escaped into the Lin family's mansion and been discovered by you, if it wasn't for the Lin family, I wouldn't have the status I have today."
"For all these years, I dreamt of Big Brother Larry and Noah at night. I haven't heard anything about Big Brother Larry for a long time, so I thought we would never meet again in this lifetime. But what I didn't expect to be able to see you again in my lifetime."
Mason spoke sincerely, with tears shimmering in his eyes.
Without Larry, he wouldn't have his current status.
If Noah hadn’t been playing in the yard and discovered Mason, he would have died on the street.
Noah's eyes filled with concern, and he followed up, saying, "How are you doing now? Are you still being chased and attacked?"
"Heh, you’re always joking." Mason shook his head. "I have learned to cultivate myself now. I take care of my business, indulge in bird-watching and reading scripture. It’s no longer possible for me to be chased and attacked is. The days of violence and fights are far behind me."
Noah nodded. "I came to see you because I need your help."
"Has someone angered you?" A surge of killing intent suddenly emanated from Mason, causing the temperature in the entire room to drop.
"Just tell me what it is, Noah. You gave me this life, so I’m willing to go through fire and water for you!" Mason said solemnly.
At this moment, he was no longer the middle-aged man who carried Buddhist beads and played with iron rocks. He had transformed into a gray area boss who could command a whole territory and stir up Oceanbridge City.
"It's just a small matter," Noah said casually. "A friend of mine named Evelyn was kidnapped tonight. I want you to find out who did it."
"Rest assured, Noah. Only someone from the underworld could do that," Mason spoke first. "I'll find out immediately. Lucas!"
"Mason!" The man who had brought Noah in earlier entered the room. First, he glanced at Noah, then asked, "What's the matter?"
"Give the order to investigate a person named Evelyn, who was kidnapped tonight," Noah instructed.
"Alright, Mason." Lucas left respectfully.
Next, Mason made tea for Noah, and the two of them talked about the past.
Ten minutes later, Lucas returned to the room.
"I have the information, Mason. Evelyn was kidnapped by Aiden, who runs an underground gambling den. Someone called Joshua was taken too," Lucas reported.
"Aiden? That kid has guts. He dared to kidnap Noah's friend! I can't believe I entrusted 30% of the gambling business to him!" Mason's face turned cold. "Call him and tell him to release the two of them. Additionally, he must come and apologize to Noah by cutting off one of his own hands!"
"Alright!"
"Wait." Noah spoke up as Lucas was about to leave. "Release Evelyn, but Joshua can only be released after a ransom of 20 million. If the ransom isn't paid, throw him into the river to feed the fishes."
Lucas was stunned as he looked at Noah. He hadn't expected Noah to give him those instructions.
"Noah's words are as good as mine. Go and take care of it quickly," Mason asserted.
"Alright, Noah, Mason!" Lucas complied.
Lucas glanced at Noah, as if understanding something, and immediately left the room.
...
Oceanbridge City, underground casino.
"Yes, alright! I understand, Lucas. I'll do it right away!"
Aiden continued the phone call, wiping the sweat from his forehead with a towel and trembling all over.
"Don't worry, Lucas. I'm fine. It’s just a minor injury, nothing serious! Alright, alright, I got it. I'll make sure it's done!
"Okay, goodbye, Lucas! Send my regards to Mason. Tell him I'll visit him in the next couple of days!"
After hanging up, Aiden let out a long sigh, relieved.
"I never thought we'd find ourselves in this predicament. That woman is actually involved with Mason."
"We’ve finished counting it, Aiden! It’s exactly ten million!" Aiden's subordinate was counting money beside him.
There was a whole box filled with cash that had just been delivered by Charles' secretary.
"The money is here, Aiden. Will you release Joshua now?"
Charles' secretary spoke up. She was a woman in her thirties who was wearing a coffee-colored business suit, and had a voluptuous figure exuding mature femininity.
"Go back and bring me another ten million. Otherwise, we’ll throw Joshua into the river tonight!'
Aiden glanced at the woman with a stern look. That was what Lucas' had just told him to do over the phone.
"What?" The secretary's face immediately turned ugly.
"Aiden, our chairman is wealthy, but the money is all in the bank! The banks are closed now. Where will we find that much cash for you? This ten million in cash is already the limit!"
"I don't care. If you want Joshua to live, find a way to get the money. Otherwise, be prepared to fish his body out of the Celestial Canopy River!"
Aiden remained expressionless, not even bothering to look at the secretary, as he entered a small dark room.
He immediately smiled gently when he saw Evelyn, who was tightly bound.
"Somebody, release this lady!"
One of his subordinates came up and untied Evelyn.
"Haha, is it my dad? Did the money arrive?!"
Joshua's eyes lit up. "I knew my dad would come! Hurry, untie me!"
"Shut up!"
Aiden kicked Joshua in the stomach.
"Ah!"
Joshua let out a wail, rolling on the ground together with the chair, his clothes stained with the vomit from earlier.
"Madam, I apologize for my rudeness earlier. Joshua hadn’t said all that, this wouldn't have happened."
Aiden smiled as he supported Evelyn out of the small dark room.
Evelyn was greatly surprised at how Aiden's attitude toward her had suddenly improved.
"What is happening...?"
When she glanced over and saw a box full of money next to her, she immediately understood. Joshua's father must have sent the money to rescue them, and Joshua would probably be out soon as well. She had to thank Joshua's father for this. 'It turns out that money can make things happen!' Evelyn thought to herself.
'And Joshua's father could immediately produce ten million dollars in cash, which shows how wealthy he is. All this money will belong to Joshua in the future. If I can marry Joshua...' Evelyn began to consider her relationship with Joshua, whether they should just be boyfriend and girlfriend, or move toward marriage.
As she left the underground casino and felt the cold wind, Evelyn looked at the bustling Oceanbridge City, feeling happy to regain her freedom. She called Lisa.
"Hey, Lisa, I'm out now. I really have to thank Joshua for this..."
