Guan Xing had no choice but to put on a thick skin and force a smile. To be honest, this time he had come without contacting Old Tom, and he felt a little embarrassed about it. After all, the old man had always treated him with genuine sincerity.
Along with Old Tom came more than a dozen robust elites from God, and also a very familiar face—Lan Fo, that little rascal. At this moment, a mischievous glint flickered in his eyes. He clearly enjoyed seeing Guan Xing look awkward and flustered.
"Ah, respected birthday star," Guan Xing said with a strained grin. "What a coincidence to meet you here. I was just about to go visit you!"
It felt like being caught red-handed while stealing. Judging from the atmosphere, Guan Xing felt heat rising all over his body. The people following behind the old man were clearly in full spectator mode, waiting to enjoy the show.
Old Tom banged his cane against the ground with crisp pa-pa sounds, showing just how annoyed he was. Yet Guan Xing's shameless greeting made him laugh despite himself. After more than two years of knowing each other, he had long grown accustomed to this Eastern man's personality.
If Guan Xing weren't so unrestrained and free-spirited, the old man might not have cherished him this much.
"Oh? I'm truly honored," Old Tom said with mockery. "The Eastern Divine Hand coming to visit an old man like me. Should I prepare a few more strings of firecrackers?"
His teasing tone made it obvious—he knew Guan Xing's intentions perfectly well. If Guan Xing hadn't been caught today, he probably would have slipped away tomorrow.
Lan Fo finally couldn't resist stepping forward, speaking with an expression of sincerity and righteousness. "Teacher, the old master has been thinking about you a lot. Miss Lisa and our boss miss you too. Shall I inform them right away?"
This kid was doing it on purpose. Old Tom didn't mind, but Lisa was another matter entirely. That little demon existed solely to torment him.
At first, Guan Xing's impression of her had been pure amazement. She was simply too beautiful—like the most dazzling Western movie star. At eighteen, she was youthful and radiant, easily the most stunning Western beauty Guan Xing had ever known.
When Little Tom mentioned that his younger sister wanted to become Guan Xing's student, Guan Xing had even felt secretly pleased. After all, what man doesn't like beautiful women? But the moment he agreed, his nightmare began.
Everyone knew—but no one told him. By the time he realized what was happening, it was already too late.
After being relentlessly pestered by Lisa for half a month, Guan Xing fled without saying goodbye, claiming he was traveling the world. Even Old Tom knew the truth—he had been scared away.
Hearing Lan Fo's blatant threat, and seeing Guan Xing on the verge of exploding in rage, Old Tom chuckled and said somewhat helplessly, "Lisa is studying at New York University. Normally, she won't be back. But during summer vacation, she's already agreed with Tom to go to China. You can handle that yourself—don't blame me for not warning you in advance."
Hot sweat instantly turned cold on Guan Xing's back. Thankfully, that little demon wasn't here. Otherwise, this trip to M Country would have turned into another nightmare.
"But Xing," Old Tom continued seriously, "you've really disappointed me. Passing by my doorstep and not even coming to see me—don't you know we've already treated you as a member of the Tom family?"
His words were heartfelt. Between people, there truly was such a thing as fate. Who would have thought that Guan Xing—a wanderer with nothing to his name—could earn the favor of Old Tom, this godfather of the underworld?
Perhaps it was the fierce, resolute aura about Guan Xing that struck a chord in the heart of this black-market kingpin.
Guan Xing felt even more embarrassed and said helplessly, "This time, it was my fault. I promise next time—no matter how enthusiastic Miss Lisa is—I'll still come back to visit."
That remark made everyone burst into laughter. Everyone knew that this fearless Eastern doctor, their teacher, was only afraid of one person—the Tom family's young lady. It was truly amusing.
The atmosphere quickly filled with laughter and warmth. Guan Xing slowly told the old man about this trip to M Country and his recent life. In Guan Xing's heart, this old man felt even warmer than his own grandfather.
"Why work so hard?" Old Tom said. "Didn't I tell you before? I could help you set up a medical foundation—one no worse than the Medical Alliance. With your miraculous skills, you'd become the most dazzling figure in the world."
When he heard that Guan Xing had mixed himself into the medical office of a small company, even Old Tom found it unbelievable. He still couldn't quite accept Guan Xing's refusal of his help.
It turned out that Little Tom hadn't come because he'd been sent to oversee operations in the European Union. Their next stop would be Asia.
Guan Xing naturally declined Old Tom's kindness again. He was living the life he wanted and didn't wish to change it. However, he did promise that if he ever needed help, he would definitely let Old Tom know.
"Xing," Old Tom said earnestly, "you're like a pearl. No matter how you try to hide, your brilliance will always shine. The report on the edema cases has shocked the world—we're all happy for you. If Little Tom were even half as outstanding as you, I'd be at ease. You know, their parents died young. Raising those siblings wasn't easy. I just hope they'll amount to something."
That was modesty. With the Tom family's wealth, they could live in luxury for ten generations without earning another cent.
Guan Xing quickly replied, "You worry too much. Little Tom is excellent, and Miss Lisa too. Their future is boundless."
"But they'll never surpass you," Old Tom said. "Xing, no matter where you are or how you live, I already consider you my own child—just like Little Tom and Lisa. When the Tom family needs help, I hope you can look after Little Tom for me. I'm not entirely at ease with him."
It was only natural for Old Tom to worry about his only bloodline. No matter the culture, lineage was always a matter of utmost importance.
And the Tom family had only Little Tom as a direct descendant.
What worried Old Tom most was that Little Tom was far too upright. At twenty-four, he was still a virgin. For an old man who longed for many children and grandchildren, this was deeply distressing.
Guan Xing could only admire him. With the Tom family's wealth and status, countless women wanted to marry into the family—many of them exceptional. If Guan Xing were in his place, he would probably have enjoyed countless romantic nights already. But Little Tom seemed numb to such temptations; with too many women throwing themselves at him, he'd lost all interest.
If Guan Xing hadn't secretly checked him and confirmed that everything was physiologically normal, Old Tom might have already dragged him to the hospital at gunpoint.
"Of course," Guan Xing said sincerely. "I treat Tom as my brother. As long as I can help, I'll be by his side anytime."
Tom trusted him deeply, and Guan Xing liked his pure, almost boyish heart. However, his personality wasn't well-suited to the ruthlessness and dominance of God. That was why Old Tom still personally handled most of God's operations.
Old Tom smiled—a genuine smile from the heart.
"I knew you wouldn't disappoint me, Xing. This time, I came because I have something to ask of you."
The old man was sharp indeed. After all this buildup, Guan Xing finally realized—there was no visit without reason.
Guan Xing wore a look of resignation. Compared to Old Tom, he was still too green.
"Teacher," Lan Fo joked from the side, "as such a handsome Eastern gentleman, you really shouldn't frown—it ruins your image in all our hearts. This is just a small matter, merely a small favor from you."
Anything that required Old Tom to personally ask could never truly be "small." Guan Xing understood that perfectly.
God and Japan's Yamaguchi-gumi had long maintained business ties. Recently, conflicts had arisen over drug market shares. With their growing power, the Japanese had become bold, demanding complete control of Southeast Asia during negotiations in M Country—an outright challenge to God's authority.
After listening, Guan Xing asked in confusion, "A bunch of Japanese punks—do they really have that much nerve? God has elite forces. Just wipe them out."
Guan Xing knew God's strength well. Worldwide, God's members numbered over a million. No matter how large the Yamaguchi-gumi was, it wasn't impossible to destroy them.
"Killing them wouldn't be difficult," Old Tom said calmly. "But business in Asia still needs to continue. If you're willing to take over the Asian operations, I'll wipe them out. The Yamaguchi-gumi isn't even on my radar."
Old Tom had always planned this, but Guan Xing had no interest, and there was no suitable replacement.
"Forget it—let's think of another way," Guan Xing quickly cut in.
Lan Fo explained, "This time, the Yamaguchi-gumi brought quite a few experts. The old master means that during negotiations, the teacher could intimidate them a bit—make them behave and know their place."
So this was indeed a "small" matter. Guan Xing shot Lan Fo a sharp look. At this point, he finally understood Old Tom's true purpose in coming.