35

Chapter 35 - Meeting with the Red Devils

"A super player from a certain anime!" Locke exclaimed.

He had transferred just before Christmas due to the competition.

Zhongcheng University was among the top ten in the Federation. It wasn't easy to transfer in, and even harder to leave.

Locke had put in considerable effort to transfer to Midtown High School. Upon arriving in New York, he rushed to school to avoid any dismissal due to tardiness.

Gwen, looking slightly embarrassed, explained, "I mentioned it yesterday afternoon, but I forgot to confirm. Are you interested? If not, you can tell the team leader."

Despite her words, Gwen clearly hoped Locke would join.

Considering the benefits for college applications, Locke shrugged, "If it helps, why not? Competitions like this could earn me extra points."

Ranking higher would yield even more points.

He added, "And if it's over Christmas, it's perfect. I'm alone anyway, so it doesn't matter where I spend it."

Gwen offered, "You could come to my place."

Locke looked up, considering her offer.

Coughing nervously, Gwen continued, "It might not be on Christmas itself—probably early December. If you're free, my mom prepares a lot of food."

"I'll think about it. Thanks, Gwen," Locke replied.

Later that afternoon, after chemistry prep with Gwen, Locke faced a surprise test from the teacher despite Gwen's recommendation.

"If I can't improve my chemistry (tenth grade) now, what's the point of having this system?" Locke thought as he left the office.

Seeing Gwen waiting in the corridor, he sighed.

Concerned, Gwen asked, "How did it go?"

Locke grinned, "I passed."

Relieved, Gwen playfully rolled her eyes at him.

On the way home, after a call with his insurer, Locke asked Gwen to drop him at the next intersection where his car awaited.

"Getting paid again?" Gwen teased.

"I didn't cheat the insurance, so why wouldn't they pay?" Locke retorted.

Smiling, Gwen joked, "Next time, they might not be so eager."

At the nearby car shop, Locke was surprised to find the insurer had arranged for him to receive a brand new car—a result of a promotion tied to recent events in New York.

That evening, at the Continental Hotel in Manhattan, Locke was greeted by the doorman with reverence as he arrived in a sharp suit and sunglasses.

Inside, Charon, the manager, welcomed him warmly, "Good evening, Mr. Wushuang."

Handing Charon a gold coin, Locke requested a drink before heading to his room, ready for the upcoming game.

As he entered the elevator, Locke encountered another guest leaving.

"Just saw John Wick," Charon mentioned to the man.

Locke mused to himself, "Hasn't he retired yet? The guy who killed my dog."

The elevator doors opened, revealing a quiet, elegant hotel.

Locke surveyed the lobby discreetly, spotting his contact for the evening.

Seated opposite Dumby, a stern-faced man in black, Locke greeted, "Good evening, Dumby. Where's the Red Devil?"

Dumby, after a brief pause, replied, "Mr. Ledington is abroad and can't return."

The Red Devil was the FBI's most wanted man, yet he'd recently been sighted in Texas.

Locke smiled knowingly, handing Dumby a note from the Red Devil himself. "Care for a drink?" he offered.

Dumby hesitated, then made a call. Soon, Locke found himself speaking directly to the Red Devil.

"Thought I'd treat you to bourbon, as you recommended," Locke said.

The Red Devil chuckled, "Rum's good too. Give it a try."

Their conversation quickly turned serious as the Red Devil explained the purpose of Dumby's visit.

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