Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
As Gao Yue spoke, images of the influencers at their most vibrant—smiling, engaging with fans, and shining in the spotlight—flashed across the screen.
Damn you, Father.
While I had planned to kill them too, I would not have touched their partners and children.
As usual, you went too fucking far.
The segment transitioned, showing Gao Yue’s co-anchor, Sun Peng. His usual composure was replaced by a visible discomfort.
I shook my head. “The press is now terrified. This is exactly what my mother didn’t want.”
Sun Peng put on the fakest most uncomfortable smile I had ever seen. “And in a rare and. . .surely unrelated happening.”
Gao Yue blinked and appeared close to pissing herself.
Sun Peng’s voice trembled, betraying his attempt at maintaining professionalism, “The Grand Mountain Master was spotted strolling through the East’s downtown last night. He. . .requested that we show this to you all this morning.”
I tensed.
Sun Peng cleared his throat, as the footage began to play.
There, larger than life, was my father.
The camera captured him in an eerie casualness, strolling the streets with a lit cigar between his fingers.
But it was the blood, unmistakably splattered on his clothes and hands, that made my mouth drop open.
The few men and women that were out on the streets hurried away like they had seen King Kong or Godzilla.
Duck shook his head. “No need for a press conference, Lei. The mystery is solved.”
Fuck.
Surrounding my father were Uncle Song and many of his men. Their appearances mirrored his—all bathed in blood and pleased with the violence they had unleashed.
Some fast-paced song played near them.
I stepped closer and strained. “What’s that music playing in the background?”
Chen sighed. “Yong was driving his Cadillac pumping Tupac’s Hit Em Up.”
“Like they were shooting a hip hop video or something,” Duck added.
I ran my fingers through my hair. “All of this happened while I was sleeping?”
Duck eyed me. “You were just sleeping?”
I frowned. “Why wasn’t I alerted? Where the fuck was the East’s security?”
“Our aunts.” Chen shrugged. “They didn’t appreciate the influencers comments about Monique either. They blocked all messages getting to the Palace and Mount Utopia.”
“That’s bullshit.” I sneered. “Get this cleared up so something like this never happens again.”
The camera panned back to the newscasters, Sun Peng and Gao Yue sat in silence, their faces now pale, eyes wide with terror. Words had abandoned them, which I was sure was a rare occurrence for those trained to speak in the face of anything.
After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Sun Peng finally found his voice again. “We wish the Grand Mountain Master. . .continued health.”
Duck snickered. “I bet you do.”
Then, as if desperately trying to flip a switch, Gao Yue transitioned to a lighter note, her voice artificially bright. “And on a much happier topic, we are delighted to share that our Mountain Master Lei, has introduced his new love to the East.”
Footage of Moni and I walking down the Palace hallway showed.
My hand held hers.
Even with all the bullshit that happened, I had to admit that she looked gorgeous. Those pretty eyes shimmered. Our steps remained in synchronicity.
Meanwhile, a deliriously joyous expression covered my face.
I hadn’t even realized that I’d been grinning that hard the whole time. I was just so happy to finally present her to the East.
I look like a fool in love.
I cringed a little bit.
Duck gave me a sad smile. “No one can deny that Monique is beautiful and you are happy.”
Chen nodded. “I’m sure Uncle Leo wanted to make sure that no problems came with Monique’s transition to the East.”
I sighed. “Only he would think that a blood bath would be a solution.”
“It’s truly wonderful to see such happiness in these trying times.” Gao Yue’s smile was strained.
Sun Peng echoed her sentiment, yet sounding rehearsed. “Absolutely, it’s always a joy to witness love and unity, especially within such esteemed ranks. We extend our warmest congratulations to the Mountain Master and his beautiful partner on this joyous occasion.”
Gao Yue’s hands trembled as she gestured to her side. “And now for the weather.”
A new view came onto the screen—a terrified weather man that looked like he wished he were anywhere, but on tv today.
“Thank you.” A scary smile was plastered on the weather man’s face. “Before we dive into today’s weather forecast, I’d like to take a moment to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Mountain Master’s lovely new partner.”
I let out a long breath.
“And now, let’s take a look at the weather forecast for today.” The screen behind him displayed animated clouds and sun rays. “We’re expecting a mix of sun and clouds across the East, with a chance of showers in the late afternoon. Which uh. . .I hope the Mountain Master and his partner enjoy. . .because I am accepting of their unity.”
What the fuck?
The weatherman cleared his throat. “Temperatures will be mild, making it a pleasant day for those planning to spend time outdoors and. . .romantic picnics in which. . .our Mountain Master hopes to do for his love. . .well I’m not telling him what to do, but I believe it would be a nice thing—”