Toru slowly woke up in the dazzling morning sunlight.
He yawned, rolled over, and reached out to hug the person beside him, but found nothing.
After fumbling around with his hand a few times, he finally opened his eyes. The person beside him was already gone.
"Chris? You're up already?"
Toru called out a couple of times, but there was no answer.
He put on his pajamas and walked out of the bedroom in Vermouth's private apartment, entering the living room.
The apartment was quiet and empty. On the dining table, there were neatly arranged breakfast items—milk, eggs, bread, bacon. On the fridge, a note was pinned down with a magnet.
Toru walked over, picked up the note, and read:
"Boy, I had something urgent to deal with and left early. I've made breakfast for you. If it gets cold, heat it up in the microwave. See you tonight~ ❤️"
The note even included instructions on where the microwave was and what setting and time to use, in case he didn't know.
She also reminded him not to wash the dishes. She'd clean up when she got back.
"Just like a mother hen."
Toru shook his head and chuckled.
But thinking about it, Vermouth really wasn't that young anymore. It was normal for her to be a bit maternal.
As soon as that thought came to mind, Toru quickly pushed it down.
Mentioning a woman's age was asking for death.
Too lazy to wash up first, he sat down at the table and started eating the breakfast Vermouth had left for him.
After finishing, he headed to the washroom. Inside, Vermouth had prepared a new towel and toothbrush for him.
He had to admit, older women really did know how to take care of people.
If it were a young girl, he might be the one doing the taking care.
After washing up, Toru returned to the living room, sat on the couch, and casually turned on the TV.
"BBA Channel reports that a major shooting occurred yesterday in the Brownsville district of the Metropolitan. According to eyewitnesses, the firefight was extremely intense, with both sides using fully automatic weapons."
"The Brownsville Police Chief described it as a serious terrorist attack. So far, no group has claimed responsibility. The case will be jointly investigated by the CIA and the FBI."
The TV was airing yesterday's news, and Toru watched with interest.
Although there were witnesses, he was certain no video footage had been recorded.
And even if there had been, it wouldn't circulate. Don't be fooled by talk of "freedom of the press." A single word from the CIA citing national security, and no media outlet would dare touch it.
While watching, Toru's phone rang. He picked it up and lazily answered,
"Boss, what's up?"
The stern voice of his adoptive father, the CIA Director, came through the line. "You stirred up quite a mess yesterday."
Toru wasn't fazed at all by Spencer's tone. He knew his boss was just acting serious, so he replied with a grin:
"Boss, how can you say I stirred up a mess? I specifically chose a quiet spot in Brownsville. You know that's the poorest area in the Metropolitan. It's full of slums. No one's going to care."
"And besides, compared to the tiny fuss I caused, you should really be going after Mossad. Those guys have gotten bold, pulling something like that on American soil."
Spencer replied vaguely, "Hmm, I'll handle it. You don't need to worry. Even though we're certain it was Mossad, they didn't leave any evidence. There's nothing we can do."
Toru sneered inwardly. As expected, they were going to sweep it under the rug.
The influence of the Zionist faction in the U.S. wasn't small. And Spencer was a member of the Elephant Party, with all kinds of ties to those people.
Even if Mossad really stirred up trouble, Spencer would probably have to help cover it up.
"Wick, the university in Japan is starting soon. You need to head back."
Spencer changed the subject.
"Got it. I'll book a flight to Japan in a bit."
Toru answered casually.
"The CIA department in Japan will be under your command. I'll have them follow your lead."
Spencer knew that if he wanted Toru to carry out the next phase, he'd have to offer some real benefits.
Toru didn't have much affection for this adoptive father of his.
Back when he was in the orphanage, he'd been one of the kids scouted and trained by the CIA.
But his performance had been too exceptional, which caught Spencer's eye. Wanting to turn him into a personal asset, Spencer adopted him, hoping to win him over with familial affection.
If Toru had been a normal kid with no self-awareness, he might've ended up brainwashed and become Spencer's loyal dog.
But as a transmigrator, even though Toru's pre-reincarnation memories were fuzzy, his adult mindset remained intact.
That was why he hadn't been brainwashed. He still held on to his sense of self.
(To be continued.)
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