Chapter 19: Financially Independent

Having gained initial trust and demonstrated some of his capabilities to Robbins, Zeke's next step was to help him seek revenge as a means of fully securing this pawn.

How would Zeke assist Robbins in his quest for vengeance? The answer was quite simple.

With access to network tools at his disposal, whenever Robbins' enemies used any internet-connected devices, Zeke could easily extract data and analyze their activities, potentially uncovering even the color of their underwear on any given day.

In the 21st century, could influential figures in a city possibly avoid using the internet?

Thus, Zeke effortlessly found a wealth of incriminating information against them.

Afterward, Zeke didn't even need to strategize on how to use this data; he simply handed it over to Robbins, who already harbored overwhelming hatred and possessed both means and resources. Naturally, Robbins would spare no effort in undermining his enemies.

Then, with Zeke leading their team into the city, they swiftly apprehended several key individuals—already overwhelmed and frazzled—and brought them before Robbins. With that, everything concluded.

Zeke never asked how Robbins dealt with his foes; it was fundamentally unimportant.

What mattered most was that after neutralizing these problematic figures, Robbins, aided by his existing connections, quickly regained control of his enterprise. In fact, leveraging the legacy left behind by his defeated rivals, Robbins managed to elevate his business even further.

For Zeke, the fruits of this success were readily available at his disposal.

He moved into a spacious and luxurious estate, where knowledge, materials, and equipment continuously flowed into his hands.

Within less than two months since his transmigration, Zeke achieved financial freedom.

"So, Mr. Boss, what do you mean by venturing into politics?"

"Exactly as it sounds."

On a pleasant day with melting snow and gentle sunshine, Robbins sat cautiously on the living room sofa. In front of him, a robotic arm extending from the floor skillfully brewed coffee.

Robbins looked at his enigmatic and seemingly omnipotent young boss, feeling utterly bewildered.

Zeke sipped Longjing tea, its faintly fragrant steam enveloping his face, making him appear like an ordinary yet charming young master.

But Robbins knew just how terrifying his little boss truly was.

During his journey to regain control, naturally, numerous adversaries obstructed his path. However, these problems that would have caused immense headaches for others were swiftly eradicated by the young boss simply because they stood in the way of his financial interests.

Robbins had witnessed firsthand that no electronic device could escape the young boss's infiltration. Hearts, secrets, plans—everything became transparent before him. He also saw Zeke single-handedly construct a self-propelled firepower robot using scrap metal, effortlessly wiping out a criminal organization's base. Additionally, he observed the heavily guarded stronghold of a notorious crime lord, which the young boss infiltrated alone, emerging undetected after claiming the leader's head.

In short, this guy was akin to an omnipotent deity.

Robbins felt both awe and relief—relief that he possessed skills deemed valuable by such a figure. As long as he continued demonstrating his worth, surely Vera could grow up safe, happy, and carefree, right?

"Ah ha ha! Big Sister Kiana, stop tickling me!"

"Hee hee hee! Don't worry, little Vera, let big sis check if you're growing healthily! Sss!"

With great effort, Robbins managed to tear his gaze away from Kia's lecherous grin.

She too was an extraordinary prodigy, beyond human comprehension. Feats like bending steel pipes with bare hands, dodging bullets using only her body, or flicking a gun to make bullets curve were commonplace for her.

Having such a powerful friend must be beneficial for Vera, isn't it? Besides, these are just playful scuffles among children, causing no real harm to Vera—at least, that's how the helpless father consoled himself, enduring the cruel reality of his young daughter's innocence constantly under threat from a perverted loli.

"Bang!"

A sudden gunshot echoed.

It turned out Zeke had fired, hitting Kiana precisely on the head with a rubber bullet. Caught off guard while enjoying the soft, milk-scented embrace of the young girl, Kiana was instantly propelled several meters away, tumbling across the floor before being swiftly bound, inverted, and suspended from the ceiling by a pre-prepared mechanical arm.

Caught off guard while enjoying the soft, milk-scented body of the young girl, Kiana was instantly hit by the rubber bullet and sent flying several meters away, tumbling on the ground. Then, with a mechanical arm already prepared, she was swiftly bound with iron chains, hoisted upside down, and hung from the ceiling.

Zeke calmly continued sipping his tea without batting an eyelid.

"Zeke, let me go! Quick, release me! I'll take you down, brat!"

"Bang!"

Another rubber bullet struck the struggling Kiana squarely on the forehead, rendering her motionless, as if her white soul had once again floated out from her mouth.

Only then did Zeke set down the gun, still leisurely enjoying his tea.

With flushed cheeks, Vera adjusted her dress, looked up, and wore her usual expression as she gazed at the now immobile Kiana. She wondered how long it would take for Big Sister Kiana to regain consciousness this time and when she'd be suspended again next?

Robbins wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, silently heaving a sigh of relief. The fact that Mr. Boss consistently managed to curb Kiana's unruly behavior was the key reason Robbins could tolerate her presence.

"So, regarding our entry into politics, do you have any new plans, Boss?" Robbins asked again, deciding to focus on serious matters.

Zeke glanced at him briefly before responding:

"Political power is an influential force that cannot be ignored anywhere. We already have money, and with me on hand for military strength, we're also recruiting a specialized team of enforcers. Political control is the final piece of the puzzle. Once we secure it, Yordle City will truly belong to me entirely."

Robbins wiped away more sweat nervously.

Indeed, possessing wealth and military might, along with seizing legitimate political authority would mean every corner, every resource, from top to bottom, within this city and its surrounding areas, would fall completely under Mr. Boss's control.

"I don't have experience in politics, but I believe it won't be a major issue. As soon as I return, I'll start preparing my campaign strategy for mayor."

"Lack of experience isn't a problem. Emperors weren't emperors before their ascension, and presidents hadn't been presidents before their election—it's all part of the process. Any information or resources you need, just let me know; if there are troublesome opponents, I can ensure they quietly exit the scene. If you still fail despite these advantages, it would only indicate your lack of commitment. Don't disappoint me, Robbins."

"Yes, Boss!" Robbins responded confidently.

Having lost his love, Robbins no longer had any romantic aspirations. Now, he focused on two pursuits: Vera's future and his own professional ambitions.

With capital, politics, and military force at his disposal—all the elements necessary for building a grand enterprise—Robbins' determination reignited.

What? You call me Mr. Boss's lapdog?

Ha! With such a divine boss who rarely interferes, only occasionally requesting funds to procure peculiar resources, and being omnipotent on top of that, why not be his loyal servant? If this position were ever publicly advertised, countless people would clamor for it, trust me!

Robbins understood well: small figures answer to big shots, big shots report to even bigger bosses, and every higher-up is bound by various constraints. Apart from the dead, who truly enjoys complete freedom? Serving as Mr. Boss's hound isn't something to be ashamed of.

Yet, a hint of hesitation crossed his face again.

"What's wrong? Any other concerns?" Zeke asked.

"Well, as our operations expand, especially with entering the political arena soon, ensuring my safety will become increasingly challenging. I trust you, Boss, and I trust myself, but when it comes to Vera, I'm unwilling to take any risks."

"And?"

"I hope she can stay at your estate; it's the safest place possible."

"Oh? Aren't you worried about Kiana causing trouble there?"

"Boss will keep her under control."

"What about Vera's schooling then?"

"I've hired a professional education team for remote tutoring. And speaking of knowledge, I believe you're quite the expert yourself, Mr. Boss!"

Zeke raised an eyebrow.

Putting down his teacup, Zeke didn't respond to Robbins but instead gestured towards Vera.

"Vera, come here. There's something we need to discuss."

Vera had been observing Kiana, trying to guess how long it would take her to wake up this time. Upon hearing Zeke's call, she promptly jumped off the sofa, her red shoes tapping lightly on the floor as she hurried over to him.

"Zeke, papa, what is it?"

"Your father has important matters to attend to and will be very busy, possibly leaving little time to care for you. He wants you to stay here where it's safer. What do you think about that?"

Vera looked at Robbins.

Under Robbins' expectant gaze, she slowly nodded.

"I understand. But Papa must promise me two things."

"Oh, does little Vera want some gifts?"

"Nope. First, while Vera isn't with Papa, Papa must smoke and drink less, absolutely no late nights! Second, Papa should visit Vera often, at least once a week!"

"Vera..."

Robbins looked deeply into his daughter's eyes, then knelt down to embrace her.

"My little Vera, don't worry; Daddy will take good care of himself and visit you regularly. Daddy loves you."

"Vera loves Papa too! So, Papa has to keep your promise, okay?" she replied sweetly, her voice melting anyone who heard it.

Then Zeke handed over two smartphones, slightly advanced for their time with touch screens.

"Take these. You can video call each other anytime using them. Additionally, Vera, from now on, Robbins' personal secretary is under your supervision. His salary will be paid by you, and you can instruct him to monitor Robbins. If Robbins breaks his promise, have the secretary teach him a lesson."

"Yes, yes! Papa, did you hear that? Uncle Smith will be my eyes from now on, so you better not break your promise!"

With a wry smile, Robbins rubbed his head.

"Well, I guess there's no choice but to listen carefully then."

"Daddy, Vera will miss you."

"Daddy will miss Vera too. Come here for a kiss from Papa."

"Mwa! Mwa! Mwa!"

Watching this scene, Zeke felt goosebumps from envy while involuntarily glancing at the paramecium hanging from the ceiling, a look of utter disdain crossing his eyes.

Look at someone else's daughter! Now compare her to yourself!

Hmph! Paramecium indeed!