Chapter 10: China

Michael was in his office, finishing the last of his paperwork, his focus unwavering. After a long day of meetings and decisions, he decided to head to the gym downstairs for his daily training session. Oliver, his ever-loyal Bodyguard/Secretary, followed silently behind him.

Once Michael had completed his intense workout, Oliver approached him, his expression serious.

"Boss," Oliver began, his voice steady, "there are a few people downstairs. They say they've been sent by Master Zu, and it's urgent."

Michael paused, wiping the sweat from his brow, his curiosity piqued. "Master Zu didn't call me himself?" he asked, his tone shifting into one of suspicion.

"No, sir. But they insisted the matter couldn't wait."

Michael nodded thoughtfully. "Send them up."

"Yes, sir." Oliver turned to leave, quickly heading back to escort the visitors.

Minutes later, Oliver returned, flanked by three individuals. They moved with purpose but kept a respectful distance as they entered the room. Michael leaned against the wall, towel draped over his shoulders, watching them carefully.

Without preamble, he spoke. "So, what's so urgent that the old man didn't call me himself and sent you instead?" Michael's voice carried an edge of impatience.

The man standing in front, clearly the leader of the group, stepped forward. His expression was grave. "Mr. Kang, Master Zu is dead."

Michael's demeanor changed instantly, his usual calm replaced with a sharp, calculating intensity. "Are you telling me that Master Zu—who was over a hundred years old but strong enough to live for another two decades—is dead?" Michael asked, his tone now serious, a hint of disbelief creeping in.

"Yes, sir," the man replied, his voice steady but solemn. "And he sent us to deliver this letter to you." He reached into his suit and pulled out an envelope, holding it out with both hands.

Michael took the letter, his eyes scanning the seal before carefully opening it.

The letter was written on aged, yellowed parchment, its edges slightly frayed, giving it an air of timelessness.

The handwriting was sharp and deliberate, each stroke revealing the precision and wisdom of the writer, yet there was an unmistakable hint of playfulness in the tone. The faint scent of incense clung to the paper, a familiar reminder of the old master's presence.

"Michael, my friend," it began, the opening line striking a balance between formality and the warmth of their longstanding relationship.

"It's been a while. I wanted to live longer and see what kind of monster you would become in the future, not that you aren't one now. KEKEKE." The playful chuckle practically leapt off the page, a hallmark of Master Zu's signature humor, always mixing jest with a dark undertone. Despite the lightheartedness, the words carried weight—a reflection of the respect and acknowledgment the old master had for Michael's rise in power and influence.

The letter continued, shifting to a more serious note.

"But now I must cash in the favor you owe me." The sudden change in tone was unmistakable. The words became more urgent, more direct, carrying the finality of a dying wish.

"I want you to protect my successor."

The last sentence was simple yet powerful. The fate of Tian Wai Tian was now being placed in Michael's hands.

The letter's content was short, but its implications were vast. It wasn't just a simple request—it was a call to repay the debt Michael owed to the old man, a debt rooted in the countless ways Master Zu had helped him over the years.

This was the old man's last wish, a final favour asked by a man who had always seen Michael as more than just an ally. Master Zu had seen him as an equal, a kindred spirit capable of great things.

Michael took out a cigarette, the soft flick of the lighter breaking the heavy silence in the room. As he gazed out of the window, the city below seemed distant, blurred by the weight of his thoughts. The atmosphere felt thick with melancholy, memories of the past swirling in his mind.

'Old man, it's your turn now, huh,' he thought, a hint of sadness tugging at the edges of his usual cold composure. He took a slow drag from the cigarette, letting the smoke fill his lungs before releasing it into the air.

Turning to Oliver, his voice was calm but resolute. "Prepare the private jet. We're going to China."

Oliver nodded silently, recognizing the gravity of the situation. Without another word, he left the room to carry out the order. Michael stood there for a moment longer, cigarette in hand, contemplating the journey ahead and the new chapter that was about to unfold.

-------------------------------

In Cheonan Hospital, the atmosphere was tense, filled with unspoken concerns and anticipation. Wu Jiangxin stepped forward, bowing deeply as he spoke. "Please forgive our behavior, I acted that way because this is a sensitive matter."

Jincheol regarded him with narrowed eyes. "Hmm… So you work for Master Zu?"

"Yes," Wu Jiangxin replied, his tone respectful. "The reason we came here is to escort the man," he gestured toward Manager Kim, "who is the successor of Master Zu per his will, and to send a letter of help to someone who owed Master Zu."

Tom Lee leaned forward, intrigued. "So, Pengguan Hyung asked for help? Who is it?"

Wu Jiangxin's expression turned serious. "The person he asked for is Michael Kang."

The room fell silent, the weight of the name hanging heavy in the air. Suddenly, a laugh broke the tension. All eyes turned to Tom Lee, who couldn't contain his amusement.

"HAHAHAHA! Pengguan Hyung asked that monster for help, HAHAHA!" he exclaimed, a wild smile spreading across his face. "It makes sense to ask him; after all, he is the strongest!"

Minji's expression shifted to one of concern as she looked at her father, Manager Kim, who lay frail and vulnerable on the hospital bed. "My dad can't go in that condition," she said softly, anxiety evident in her voice.

Wu Jiangxin quickly interjected, "In the private jet, we have the best medical equipment and doctors to treat the successor."

Jincheol nodded decisively. "Well, let's go then."

With that, the gravity of their mission set in, and they moved with purpose, ready to fulfill Master Zu's final wishes.