"Boss, boss…" A voice called softly in Jiang Hai's ear. As he raised his head in a daze, he realized it was Edward Anderson. Blinking, Jiang Hai smiled faintly.
"Oh? What is it?" he asked, regaining his senses.
"We've arrived at the designated sea area. The guys are about to start casting the nets," Edward said quietly.
Jiang Hai looked around and noticed many people glancing at him, waiting for his signal. He nodded with a small smile.
"Alright. Let's begin!"
With Jiang Hai's order, Tommy Charles shouted, "Cast the nets!"
At his signal, Bill Zepheniah slowed the boat, and Bennett Rodney maneuvered the boom, lowering the nets into the water. Paul Raman and Carlisle Cotton worked together to unfurl and spread them wide. As the net hit the sea, it billowed into a broad arc, trapping the fish beneath.
Watching their skilled movements, Jiang Hai once again drifted into thought.
He had done a lot today. First, he discovered information about the Nazi dragon badge—something he knew he had to investigate eventually. But now wasn't the time. He had more pressing matters to handle.
The second issue was Gladstone's warning during the cowboy recruitment…
Earlier at the Cowboy Song bar, Jiang Hai had hired three cowboys: Gladstone Narja, Blake Hill, and Edie Lewis. All were well-known in the local ranching scene, and Robbins Garcia personally vouched for their skills. After signing their contracts, Jiang Hai returned to the manor with Robbins. That evening, he joined Edward Anderson, Tommy Charles, Enol Cece, Andrew Christian, and four new sailors for a fishing run.
Their performance exceeded expectations. Although it was their first day, their actions were smooth and efficient.
Now with nine sailors total, Jiang Hai needed another boat. Fortunately, he had already considered this and arranged for Dalton Green of the Ocean Temple to send over a new vessel when it was ready. That saved a lot of trouble.
But throughout the night, Jiang Hai had been mulling over what Gladstone told him. He wasn't worried about Carlett Company doing something reckless—Jiang Hai wasn't someone easily moved. Still, the idea of being targeted without knowing when or how left a bad taste in his mouth. He wasn't scared—but he hated feeling unprepared.
His personal safety was fine. What troubled him was how vulnerable he was to legal or covert manipulation, especially if done through official channels. That was harder to defend against.
Dawn eventually broke. As the sun rose above the horizon, Jiang Hai and his crew had completed the day's catch. The new recruits had proven their worth, especially Bill Zepheniah, who showed great strength and efficiency in maneuvering the boat and catching fish.
When the boat returned to the dock, two customized F750s were already waiting. These trucks were designated to stay at the dock for transporting fresh fish. As the day's haul was sorted and loaded, Maren Rupert, who had rested the night before, and Tommy Charles, who had taken a mid-shift nap, drove off with the goods. The four new recruits then returned home.
Both Jiang Hai and Edward Anderson were pleased with the crew's performance—especially Bill, whose skills lived up to the praise.
With everything in order, Jiang Hai handed the housing arrangements for the sailors over to Edward Anderson, then rode his four-wheeled scooter home. On the way, he stopped by the stable to visit Xiao Xia.
Though Xiao Xia had matured into a fine steed, Jiang Hai rarely rode him due to the hassle. Mounting up required saddling, bridling, and cleanup afterward—too much trouble for his daily routine. Still, he tried to spend time with the horse when he could.
After giving Xiao Xia a quick brush and a few affectionate pats, Jiang Hai returned to the villa. He moved quietly—it was still early, and the house was asleep. In Winthrop, the sun rose early. In summer, it appeared by three, but it was only April, so light came around four. By the time Jiang Hai finished everything, it was barely 5:30 a.m.
He didn't return to his room but instead went to the first-floor bathroom for a quick shower. Though the hot spring outside was an option, it was too much hassle just to clean up. Besides, he didn't want to go to bed reeking of fish and sweat.
As he showered, Azarina suddenly walked in, yawning.
She glanced at Jiang Hai through the steamy glass, then casually sat on the toilet. Moments later, the sound of water echoed softly from her side. Jiang Hai wasn't even surprised anymore.
In his manor, privacy among the women was practically nonexistent. Except for Darlene and Marianne, the others were completely unbothered by nudity around Jiang Hai. They often walked around in thin pajamas without underwear, or even stripped down in the living room to try on new clothes straight from a package. Some would even run in from their rooms, half-naked, asking what top to wear.
At first, it had shocked Jiang Hai. Now, he was used to it—and frankly, he enjoyed the perks.
Sometimes, when he was in the mood, he would simply reach out and pull one of the girls into his arms. Often, things escalated right then and there—behind the stairs, in the kitchen, even in the bathroom. Most of the women were uninhibited, especially Ai Xiaoxi, Feng Yunchen, Afra, Dina, and even Azarina herself. Qi Jie was more assertive, Qi Ya more reserved, but they, too, had their moments.
This kind of life… Jiang Hai could only describe it as indulgent—if not a little shameless.
"You finished with the fishermen? Are they reliable?" Azarina asked while rinsing off, then removed her nightgown, walked over to Jiang Hai, and began washing up beside him.
Jiang Hai, now familiar with her teasing, reached over with a grin. She didn't shy away—instead, she stepped closer.
"They're good—very good," he said, his hands freely exploring.
Though Azarina had never gone all the way with him, she had done everything else—hands, mouth—but held back from full intimacy. Even now, she made no move to stop his advances.
"You look worried though," she said, sensing his concern.
"I am," Jiang Hai admitted, sighing. "Something's bothering me."
"Come out and talk," she said, toweling off and stepping out. Not bothering to get dressed, she waited for him. Jiang Hai, also nude, followed her to the living room.
They sat on the couch. Azarina knelt in front of him with a mischievous smile—what she did next doesn't need describing. It's safe to say, the moment became very intimate.
"Tell me," she said between actions.
As Jiang Hai relaxed under her care, he began explaining his worries. He knew he needed a force of his own—something that could gather information, protect his interests, and keep him one step ahead. He didn't want to be some mafia boss; he just wanted security. But right now, his intelligence network was weak, practically nonexistent.
After a while, Azarina finished, stood up, and sat beside him, letting Jiang Hai rest against her. She massaged his shoulders, then hesitated.
"I might have a solution," she said softly.
"Oh?" Jiang Hai turned to look at her, surprised.
"You know I used to be part of that organization," she began. "I escaped, yes—but I still pay attention to their movements. Recently, I learned they're trying to offload some of their 'assets'—girls like me, trained for assassination, espionage, infiltration. They're losing funding, so now they're looking to sell these operatives."
Jiang Hai's eyes narrowed. "You're serious?"
"I can guarantee their loyalty—mind and body. They're professionally trained and wouldn't cause trouble. They don't need to live here. If you need intelligence gathering, protection, or covert assistance, they're ideal."
Jiang Hai hesitated. He already had many women around… Was it really wise to add more?
Azarina noticed and smiled knowingly. "They won't bother you. They're trained to live independently. They won't interfere with your life here."
Seeing his doubt linger, she added, "I met someone recently—an old contact. She's in Boston now, on a mission. I approached her in disguise, with full precautions. She now knows I'm under your protection."
"And they let that go?" Jiang Hai asked, surprised.
"They did. Because this isn't the Soviet KGB—it's Wulan's. They don't dare touch someone under an American billionaire's protection. So even if they know I'm here, they're pretending I don't exist."
Jiang Hai fell silent. The offer was tempting. Maybe it was time to start building his own shadow force—not to control others, but to protect himself from the ones trying to do so.