"The reason why I disapprove isn't because you work for me and Yìchén is my son."
Now Chen was curious. "I'm listening, sir."
"I disapprove because you're my right-hand man, Chen. When this war is over, I'm leaving Li in charge of New York. Yìchén will be staying here, and you'll be returning to Beijing with me. If what's going on between the two of you isn't serious, then break it off right now." Chen frowned at that, and Da Han tilted his head as he regarded the man. "What? You don't like that?"
Chen didn't answer right away because he needed to reflect on what he was going to say. All of the times he wanted to claim Yìchén but denied his need, because at this point, it was beyond a want for him. The lies he kept telling himself weren't holding up. Even when he told Yìchén earlier that it was their last time, he knew he was lying. He wanted Yìchén again. He needed to see his prey on his knees, looking up at him like the God of sex that he was—his true master. Yìchén gave him all of that, and he needed more of it.
"I want him, sir," Chen said simply as he wasn't a man to mince words.
Da Han scoffed. "You want him? Do you think Yìchén will give up his schooling for you? And are you willing to give up your position for him?"
That, Chen wasn't so sure of. He knew how much Yìchén loved living in New York, his friends, and his university. He knew he wouldn't want to give all of that up just to move to Beijing and have to start all over.
"I don't know, sir."
"What about you? Are you ready to give up your position?"
"Serving you has been my greatest honor, and if I were to stay, I can also serve Li in the same capacity," Chen said.
"Serve Li as you've served me? And if I don't have you at my beck and call, who would you have replace you, Chen, when you're irreplaceable?"
Stephen Yeoh would have been the best choice, but he was dead now. He thought about the men who worked for the Triad... who could fill his shoes? Just when he was about to give up, the man who could take his place came to his mind.
"Boss, you're right. There aren't many brothers who can take my place, but there is one," Chen said.
"Who?"
"Zhang Ying."
Da Han raised both brows at the mention of Chen's best friend. Yes... Zhang Ying is worthy.
"He's been a loyal member of the Jade Dragon Triad as long as I have. He knows exactly how you run the business, and he will never let you down. If I stay to serve Li, Zhang Ying can go back to Beijing with you," Chen said.
Da Han pursed his lips and crossed his arms over his chest. "You make a good point. Having Zhang Ying at my side is almost like having you there, and his loyalty should be rewarded." He sighed and crossed his ankles as he continued to lean against the desk. "Are you sure you want to stay here and pursue Yìchén?"
"If I have your blessing, sir, yes," Chen said.
"Before I can give you that, I need to speak to Yìchén. For now, go get yourself together. I need to figure out what to do with the fucking Castiellos and Lords," Da Han said.
"We still don't know where Rico is hiding," Chen said.
Da Han shook his head. "But we know where his brother is. Vito might have survived our first attack, but not without taking a hit himself with his bodyguard getting injured. I need to contact Tian Yu and plan for another attack."
Chen rose and nodded. "Yes, sir."
Da Han waved him off, and Chen left. Da Han sat behind his desk and called his brother to find out what his plans were. "What do you mean you lost him?" he asked after Tian Yu told him his men lost track of Vito.
"A temporary setback, brother. Don't worry, I'll find him. I have eyes on Colton Bridger as he's having a meeting at his art gallery. We take him out; that will be a major blow to the Lords," Tian Yu said.
"Hold off on that," Da Han said.
"Why? Killing Colton Bridger will weaken the Lords."
"Killing a Bridger means we mess with the Bridgers. Helena is hellfire incarnate. With Aoshi injured and Stephen dead, we can't afford to take on that level of heat."
"When have we ever feared anyone?" Tian Yu asked.
"Being a fucking coward and being cautious are two different things, Tian Yu. One is stupid, and one is smart. Can you guess which one I'd like to be?" Da Han asked with quite a bit of attitude.
