The next time someone came into the room, Bai Li took the moment when everyone was distracted to switch his glass. The extra glass, he rolled under the couch.
He looked up. No one was paying attention to him except Anne. He watched as she did the same thing. They shared a smile before resuming their innocent expressions.
This was common sense, especially when the seating was prearranged. They couldn’t spike the bottle since everyone would insist that the drinks be given to everyone, but what was stopping them from tampering with the glasses?
If it was Bai Li, he would use a two-step trap. Both the glass and bottle would be spiked. Only when the two came into contact would a problem arise.
He leaned back, watching as the class interacted. Eddie was a social butterfly. The connections he developed here would help him get a foothold in his family’s company. As the second son, he would need them to crawl out of his brother’s shadow.
There was a commotion at the door before a familiar face burst into the room. His old middle school buddies were stumbling about. They apologized for entering the wrong room. The leader didn’t deliberately look in Bai Li’s direction, which just made him appear more suspicious.
Bai Li pretended not to know who it was. Was he brain dead enough to call out? He hadn’t contacted them in three months was enough of an indicator that their time as friends was at an end.
They would not be seeking him out if it was not for their connection with his mother and the Goldstein family.
“Bai Li?” Middle schooler # 1 called out. His act of suddenly noticing him was awkward. The people in the room sensed something was off. “It has been a while. Why don’t I buy you a drink?”
Bai Li sat staring at him. His neck shrank under the weight of Bai Li’s stare. His best friend stepped in. An arm around the shoulder broke the tension. Bai Li didn’t even want to think his name, but instinct told him that they would be meeting often.
“Roger,” Bai Li greeted curtly.
“LI,” Roger greeted back.
There was a smile playing at both their lips. Bai Li wondered what happened to Roger in his last life. They lost contact when Bai Li went abroad. Roger didn’t have the low-level scum energy that he expected him to have.
This was a snake that would go far if not kept in check.
“You look well,” Roger said.
“Doing okay,” Bai Li answered. “How are things for you? Everything Golden?” Bai Li fought the smile at the pinched look on Roger’s face.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Gbc’a sbe xcbk sbe rtbeivc’a mjgfifrris qfa j alufg?” Ebufg jrxfv.
Ulmxlcu eq atf ybaaif, tf qbegfv j vglcx. “Ufaalcu j alufg? P vbc’a xcbk ktja sbe jgf ajixlcu jybea. P jw bcis mtjculcu atf kjafg bc rbwf ubivolrt.”
Djl Ol mbeiv yf atlr mbcogbcajalbcji yfmjerf atf Xbivraflc ojwlis mbeivc’a tbiv eq ecvfg atf kfluta bo atf Ulcu ojwlis. Bcbz Gfujr kjr jirb yjmxlcu tlw eq. Lf vlvc’a tjnf ab kbggs jybea atbrf rwjii oglfr.
Bai Li wouldn’t have wasted his breath if Ping An wasn’t involved. He remembered the comfortable feeling after he realized that he didn’t even have to lift his hand. He’d wasted time coming up with countermeasures only for the problem to be taken care of.
He’d even turned around and profited by shorting the stock of the Goldstein group.
“Haha, why didn’t I realize you were this interesting?” Roger sat beside Bai Li, pouring a drink for both of them.
“If you were able to realize, then I wasn’t doing it properly.” Bai Li took a sip. Despite schooling his expression, Bai Li caught the flash of satisfaction that danced through Roger’s eyes. Naive.
Eddie was watching their interaction with interest. Anne wore a worried expression but had a smile in her eyes. The rest of the class was watching with varying expressions.
“It was good to see you.” Bai Li finished his drink. “Since this was our old haunt, I expected to see you here.”
The look in Eddie’s eyes changed. The lackey to his left dropped the glass he was holding. Bai Li didn’t care about these small tricks, but he wasn’t willing to let anyone who schemed against him go. Eddie should be able to sort out his own people.
Roger downed his drink before leaving the room.
“Well then,” Bai Li clapped his hand, and the wait staff came in. “I will cover the bill. It was my fault that riff-raff wandered in.”
There were laughs all around. Everyone switched gears. They started to drink and socialize.
The night ended.
The moment Bai Li got into the car, his phone started to ring. Glancing at it, he saw Knox’s name on the caller id.
“What was the point?” Knox asked.
“Well, hello to you too,” Bai Li said. He was a bit tipsy, but not enough to lose rationality.
“Was there any reason to poke the hornet’s nest?” Knox’s tone lightened.
It was odd to have someone worried about him. “I already beat the hornet’s nest with a stick. If I started to act quiet, it wouldn’t be to my benefit.”
“Bullshit!”
Bai Li smiled. It was bullshit, but he would never admit it. “Did you call for something else?” The dial tone was the only response he got.
Laughing, he raised the privacy screen between him and the driver.
“Campo, did you get it?”
“Yes, boss.” The way Campo answered had lost the flippant note his voice used to have. The phone in his hand felt like it was burning through his palm. “I cloned their phones.”
The technology to clone phones wasn’t radical or new. It just wasn’t widespread. It would be commonplace in a few years when cybercrimes became prevalent.
“What about their credit cards?”
“The magnetic strip reader thing that you gave me seemed to have worked.” Campo was afraid of this young boy. The sophistication and ease with which he committed crimes. A shudder ran through his body. He’d thought it was a joke when Bai Li asked if he was willing to do extracurricular work. Now he knew for sure that he would be killing a few people.
“Good. Get the information to Carpenter.”
Why would Bai Li go out of his way to participate? Of courses, it was to get the most benefit.
Bai Li didn’t care about Roger. What he was after was the numbers and messages on his phone.
It would be years before people knew they had to guard against being hacked and having their phones cloned.
Since there was a gap, he would start to piece together Ping An’s network.
The more information he had, the more people he could be.
He sent out an apology to his classmates and the patrons of the bar.
He lowered the barrier. The news was playing on the radio. The story was about a shocking financial crime that was rocking the country. A popular Electronics company employee was suspected of having embezzled millions of dollars from the company.
Bai Li checked his bank account statement. Carpenter had transferred half of the money he stole. This was okay. They would be tied together as criminals. This was the comfort that Carpenter needed to work under Bai Li.
This way, neither of them could carelessly betray the other. Or that was what it looked like on the surface.
If Bai Li wanted to break ties, this small thing wouldn’t be able to hold him. He would need to warn his family about the dangers and benefits of foreign bank accounts. He was counting down the days until online banking was the staple.
“I should become a criminal,” He mused out loud. It was an off-hand comment, so he didn’t pay attention to how Ferron flinched.
Ferron pretended to be blind and deaf. The little boss was just as dangerous as the big boss. Your corpse would be buried before you even realized that you were dead.
The surface loyalty he had towards Bai Li deepened a bit without him realizing it.
The call connected. “Campo will be providing you with some information. Compile full dossiers on the people inside. After that is done, get in contact with behavioral analysts and psychologists. Do a comprehensive analysis.”
“It would be best if you found people that are willing to join our team or that we can partner with for the long term. This is not the only time that we will require their area of expertise.”
Carpenter had adopted a wait-and-see policy when it came to Bai Li. He was resentful toward the young child who overturned his life and exposed his insecurities. Yet, after a day. Those petty thoughts had drifted away.
He didn’t have the capability to crawl in this boy’s shadow much less be resentful. Working as a secretary would benefit him more than Bai Li. Early on, it became apparent that he was thrown all the tasks that Bai Li was too lazy or busy to do.
If he wasn’t here. Bai Li would still be able to do his work. He might even be more efficient. His young boss was brilliant but lazy. That might be the biggest blessing. It terrified him what it would look like if Bai Li became serious.
Serious Bai Li might just conquer the world!!!
I bet he could but he’s just lazy and wants a peaceful life so no 😂🤷♀️
Yeah, he might just let the abrupt phone calls guy (lol) do some conquering (the tiring part, lol) for him 😉
I can completely see that happening so I have to agree that a serious Bai Li would conquer the world, most likely successfully too given his future knowledge of what’s to come.
This book is awesome. I am waiting in anticipation for what comes next. Please, keep writing.
Bai Li would be a great criminal
+1
I agree, also i love your pfp 😌
Ahahhaha thanks!
Flag! Surely one day Bai Li will become serious. Against his mother perhaps? I can’t wait for that moment.
Bai Li should have become a criminal. 😌
There should be a trigger that would make him serious… someone’s death? Either his grandfather, sister, or step brother…
…. why!? i was thinking thr same thing, but sayin out loud is just sad
I can hear Bai Li singing:
I have the powerI could be the heroI could be the villainIt doesn’t really matterThanks for the chapter♡
Hello, I am sorry if it feels like pressuring you or something, but I wanted to know if and when will you be continuing this novel because its really great, and I normally read novels when they are near completion, but I started this on a whim and now really want to know what happens next…
Serious Bai Li is probably something like Lelouch from code geass when he drops the mask of the simple guy.
I soo agree
It is useful when you know how the crime scene develops with the years and even more useful when you know how it works xD
Thx for the ch ٩( >ヮ<)۶
Thanks for the chapter!
But mama I’m in love with a criminal And this type of love isn’t rational, it’s physical
Thank you for the chapter!
And lol Bai Li what a badass, he would totally do well as a criminal
He would be an amazing criminal 😅
The day he will get serious will come…, eventually, maybe..
brilliant but lazy XD
This novel is just bomb. Fantastic. I like the detailed explanation at every chapter. Love this very much😣❤️❤️
Oops I didn’t mean to reply to you but I guess it works too since u’r the writer 👀💃
Author, are you still continuing this novel, or is this on Haitus?
I’m not the author of this novel 😔😔😔
But it’s still going to continue,?? 🥺🥺
Who knows if any of his close family members like the awesome grandfather or the great lil brother gets hurt a bit even a bit accidentally as let’s face it Ping Zen is hella awesome just a little too blind when it comes to Ping An and that’s it so if they do get hurt maybe serious Bai Li will be out their destroying stuff and in the process scaring some people as well as warning them.
Hmm I agree that he would be a terrifying criminal.
Thank you for the chapter
“It terrified him what it would look like if Bai Li became serious. “Well, if that’s terrifying, just wait ’til Knox & Bai Li’s brains work in together sync(I guess that’ll happen sometime in the future) Thanks for the chapter!!
（づ￣3￣）づ╭❤～（づ￣3￣）づ╭❤～
Loving the story! ο(=•ω＜=)ρ⌒☆
How satisfying, an evil Bai Li is the best Bai Li. I pray and root for the time his enemies will; not if, fall into the spiked pit he will create underneath them without them knowing 😈
Bai Li can be more scary he wants it to be XD that brilliance, I kinda see Lelouch’s shadow in him lol
Thanks for the chapter ^^
Привет, вас читают и русские, аххха. Спасибо за прекрасную работу) жду продолжения 🤍
Ahhhh!!! I love this story so so much! Everything is just perfect and up to my taste! Waiting for update! I love you Author! 😍🤩
thanks for the chapter <3
Author-san, are you still alive? Just checking in, I’m not trying to pressure you~ I hope you’re okay <3
Ps thank you for your hard work <333
М тоже интересно.. может что-то случилось? Я каждый день захожу посмотреть обновление, но..
Yeah, I was wondering about the same thing~ This here is the reason why I am reading TMed oldies return to the past~ and was thinking the story might have been a fever dream~
Absolutely love this, thank you for the chapter
Wonderful book
Thank you.
Why is there no update😢 Is this novel dropped?
Hello author, I hope you’re doing alright! Just know that we will always be patiently waiting for your return as your readers 🙂
no pressure 💕
NOOOOO WHY DID I HAVE TO CATCH UP HERE AND I WANT MOARRRRR
crying on top of puddle
Anyways, author— Your story is so good. You really good. Your plot really good. Your scum character is really good. Your MC is really good with his brain. Overall, everything good about your story.
Checking this page everyday because I really miss the story💃 Dear a uthor what happened to you ah, are you alright?
waitingonline.jpg(~_~;)
надеюсь она все еще жива
Yeah I hope so too. Or… did author got transmigrated into her own novel👀👀👀
That is a very plausible reason…
And whose character would she take on😜
kwahahahaha it would be really funny if its Pang-an lolololol
when will we be getting the next chappiieee~ I am lili deprivedddd (┬┬﹏┬┬)
Hey,
Love your novel. Can’t wait to see what happens next. Hope everything is ok with you!
Author, you okay?
Has this been dropped? Really looking forward to the rest of the story.
Author, please update. I’m crying now😭
I’ve been waiting for so long. I am afraid this one will be dropped.🥺 Sending love to you.
ello…just dropping by to check if its updated TT
Setting up camp 🚧⛺⛺⛺
thanks for the chapter~♡!
by the way I really like your writing style in character building and plot solving. the pacing I love it.
In terms of character development hmmm lets see I’ll adopt Cameron’s policy. who knows my reaction might be like him too 😉. I think the turn around would be in Bai Wei’s situation. both in Mc’s inner peace and mind healthiness. his triggers. I’ll see your excelent Wordsmiths there!! Also with Knox. His thoughts and emotions on their first interaction really concerns me.
“It would be best if he bare his fangs and claws on everyone but me” geezus are you Pang-an? I feel like thats definitely what that witch thought too to Father Bai. Though so far he’s really been respectful, upfront, respectful, upfront, and respectful. without comprising his persona of possessiveness. I really like the way you write characters! Im looking forward to the changes in Knox
Pang-an I really like her. lol. of course as a villain. I really really love it. I like her cunningness with the addition of her having no moral bottom line, hot dam! Its a good writing of a villain right there. Its a really good suprise of the code thingy. Pang-an such a smart garbage. love it~. Its so hard to find a villain like this! most just hurt my brain and infects me with their stupidity and hysteria. ughh.smh
Author, when will be the next update? It’s been months already but it’s okay! Looking forward for the next chapter. Been bing reading this, it’s so well written. I hope to see more developments in the future!
This story is the best out of all the original novels on this site, so I’m hoping the author is just taking a well deserved break, and is not dropping the story 🙏🙏
This book is awesome. I am waiting in anticipation for what comes next. Please, keep writing.
if only I have someone doing my work cause I’m lazy lmao
So… author….
slides a five dollar bill over
is this enough dough for your return? 😉😏
Ai… Is the author alright? I have no way to know if they’re ok and this wait is just killing me… I hope I can get some sign they’re doin fine. I’ll just keep coming back and re-reading till they, hopefully, come back. At the very worst this story could be dropped but as long as the author is fine….
Same (T ^ T)
ahh you got my hopes up for a new chapter, I almost fell off my chair TTΔTT
I didn’t notice the comment part and just read the name 😔
meh not ya fault anyway have a nice day 🐑🐏❤❤
Ai sorry if it makes you feel better I got confused to hahahahaha
Hiii did the translator dropped the novel?? Cause this is sooo good I really want to read more 🥺🥺
I think this is not a translation it’s an original novel
Oh thanks for the info 🥺🥺 either way I hope they can continue with this novel cause is totally the type that I like
i just binged this after seeing someone mention it on the discord. it’s so much fun to read! usually i get impatient with family drama, but bai li’s actions (and his mother’s) are always flipping plot twist after plot twist in my face, so i never know what to expect.
author you have a huge galaxy brain…thank you for sharing with us this gem! sending you my love and support~ <3
This is simply a wonderful story I hope that you are alright and will be able to come to continue this wonderful story. Will keep waiting and hoping that your heatlh is alright.
Enjoying the story thanks
💙💙💙
don’t mind me… just checking in 🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️
Are you abandoning this story?
Came back after struggling to find this novel and gave up and asked for help in the forums only to realize it hasn’t been updated in the months I haven’t been on the site is this still updating or has it been abandoned.
Came back after a year, unfortunately still not updated.
Author-nim, do you work at a Black company? If so, have you died from overwork and transmigrated to a novel you read/wrote? If so, good luck!
If not, fingers crossed that you have mercy and update this soon!
😅😂🙂
Hi RiotWolf, I love your novel, but it hasn’t been updated for a while now. I hope everything is ok, and you will feel better soon. 🤗
I am still waiting here…
Ferron: the little boss was as scary as the big boss….
Ferron is already somewhat aware of his boss’s intentions towards Bai Li…
😂
it’s been so long is the author not updating anymore?…
I love this story sooooo much I hope they will continue…
is there any way to get in touch with the author?
Come baaack Author-san!!!!! ｡ﾟ(ﾟ´Д｀ﾟ)ﾟ｡ We miss you!! We miss your story!!! ;-; We’ll be waiting :’)
came back to check in on this novel again and re-reading my old comments gave me the chills man ☠️
anyways, hope you’re doing alright author🫶
I really like this so far, it’s too bad that it’s been 2 years since uve posted tho. We may never get an ending but I’ve enjoyed what you have posted. Keep up w whatever makes you happy.
Such a rare good story, wish I could of seen it get to the romance development 🙁
2 year mark 🙁
Hi, I wanted to know if you are going to continue the novel? Because it’s my favorite, I really like everything about it. I believe you must have your reasons for stopping updating, but I wanted you to know that your writing and novel are very good. And if you finish it in the future, I’ll be waiting 😊
i feel like a persistent ex whenever i comment on here 😭
It’s updated 3yrs ago?! Why? I love this novel.