In the heart of Beijing, the vibrant capital city of China, a woman of remarkable elegance and grace held court within the opulent confines of her private study. She was a woman well into her 50s, yet her age seemed but a number, for time had been exceptionally kind to her.
Draped in an ensemble that spoke of sophistication and tailored perfection, she embodied the timeless allure of traditional Chinese fashion. A deep-red silk qipao, intricately embroidered with delicate patterns, hugged her figure, accentuating her graceful curves. The fabric shimmered in the ambient light, casting an enchanting glow upon her presence. Her attire was accessorized with pearls, symbols of wisdom and grace, adorning her neck and wrists.
Her study was a sanctuary of wealth and knowledge, a testament to her extraordinary life. Exquisite Chinese calligraphy scrolls, rich in history and wisdom, graced the walls, while the bookshelves were lined with leather-bound volumes that told stories of business acumen and financial prowess. The study itself was bathed in the gentle radiance of a vintage crystal chandelier, which cast a warm, amber hue upon her surroundings.
In her hand, she held a delicate crystal glass, brimming with a deep, ruby-red wine that whispered of luxury and sophistication. Her fingers, adorned with immaculate manicured nails, gracefully clutched the glass, a symbol of her impeccable refinement.
Her face was a portrait of ageless beauty, a testament to the benefits of her remarkable life. Smooth porcelain skin, unblemished by time or stress, framed a pair of captivating onyx eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the world. Her raven-black hair, with just a touch of silver at the temples, was elegantly coifed, the result of years spent with the most skilled stylists.
This woman, a beacon of sophistication and wealth, was a true embodiment of timeless beauty and prosperity. In the sprawling metropolis of Beijing, her presence was as captivating as the city itself.
The woman remained seated and before her stood a man who was in his 30s. He cleared his throat, a hint of apprehension in his voice. "Ma'am, we have a recent update on him."
The woman raised an elegant eyebrow and swirled the wine in her glass. She had a piercing, almost regal gaze as she focused on the man. "Really?" she purred, "Out with it. Or do you want me to dig it out of you?"
The man chuckled softly, understanding his boss's temperament well. "He's out of the situation," he explained.
A small, satisfied smile touched the corners of the woman's lips. "Finally," she murmured. "Is he happy?"
The man nodded. "From the update our sources provided, it seems like he is doing quite well."
Her smile widened, revealing a hint of warmth. "I am glad to hear that," she said. "But there must be more to this. What else do our sources have to say?"
The man hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether to share the information. Eventually, he relented. "There is something rather peculiar in the report. Some days ago, he was attacked."
However, her temper flared when she learned about the delay in reporting an incident. She inquired sternly, "Why are they reporting this now? And why would you say he's okay?"
The man maintained his composure, "Please, ma'am, let me explain. He did encounter an attack some days ago, but he handled it. Remarkably, he subdued the attackers, using martial arts moves that our men have never seen before."
The woman's eyes widened as she processed this unexpected revelation, her thoughts racing to grasp the significance of the situation. She cared deeply about this individual and knew of a special gift he possessed – a gift she had chosen not to exploit. Her concerns now revolved around the potential threats that could arise if others discovered his abilities.
She had been secretly sending men to protect him for years, safeguarding his life and the valuable gift he possessed. She recognized that he was a key asset, and the world was filled with organizations that would stop at nothing to harness his extraordinary talents.
The woman contemplated the situation for several minutes, contemplating the next steps to ensure his safety. Her thoughts then shifted to her own son, who remained unaware of her identity, still searching for her.
Turning to the man with a deep sense of maternal concern, she asked, "How is my son doing?"
The man replied with assurance, "So far, he is doing well, ma'am. He is dedicated to finding you."
The woman's gratitude toward the old man who had been protecting her son for years was evident. She trusted his discretion and his commitment to the secret that had kept her son safe. It was essential to her that her identity remained concealed to shield her son from potential threats.
Her maternal instincts were undeniable. She couldn't help but wonder whether her absence had left an emotional scar on her son. She asked the man about her son's feelings, revealing her inner turmoil and the consequences of her decision to leave.
The man offered comforting words, reassuring her that her son was intelligent and would likely come to understand her choices.
Though she had sacrificed their connection for the sake of safety, the woman held hope that, one day, she could reveal the truth to her son and find forgiveness.
The man acknowledged her instructions and offered a final respectful bow before exiting the opulent study. The woman watched him leave, her thoughts veering back to the life she had been forced to leave behind.
Alone in her grand study, she couldn't escape the memories of her past. She had once been a woman living under a different identity, a name that was whispered in hushed tones across the shadowy corners of the criminal underworld.
This woman was not just anyone; she was the enigmatic founder of the Ravens Organization, a notorious and secretive assassins' guild with a formidable reputation throughout China. For years, she had meticulously trained her agents, transforming them into deadly operatives, each loyal to her vision.
However, the burdens of leadership had grown too heavy. The demands of her position were unrelenting, and the risks to her life and those she cherished had multiplied. She had reached a pivotal moment in her journey, the crossroads between leading and protecting, and she recognized that she could no longer maintain her dual roles as the organization's founder and her son's guardian.
She had spotted a spark of potential in the young man who had just reported to her, a determination that reassured her of his commitment. She had decided to entrust him with the arduous task of training new recruits, relinquishing some of her responsibilities to ensure the continuity of the organization.
The reason behind her self-imposed exile and secrecy was a tale of power and peril. Her actions, decisions, and choices had incurred a multitude of enemies, each thirsting for her demise. The world she had left behind was fraught with danger, and she had resolved to shield the people she loved, including her late brother's wife.
Her thoughts wandered to the family she had left, a son who continued to search for her, unaware of her true identity. Her absence was a gaping void in their lives, and she longed for the day when she could reveal herself to her loved ones without endangering them. Until then, she was resigned to the solitude and secrecy that shrouded her life, all in the name of safeguarding those she cherished most.
The woman's compassion extended not only to her son but to her late brother's wife as well. Following her brother's tragic demise, his wife had been plunged into a deep and debilitating depression, a darkness that threatened to engulf her entirely. In the eyes of the medical establishment, her condition had warranted confinement in a mental hospital. But the woman knew better. She understood that her sister-in-law was not afflicted by insanity; rather, she was a victim of grief and suffering.
Refusing to allow her sister-in-law to be institutionalized, she had taken her under her wing. The woman had provided her with a safe, comfortable home, where the widow could begin the arduous process of healing. Over time, her condition had improved, albeit slowly. The woman was content knowing that her sister-in-law was no longer imprisoned within the sterile walls of a mental facility.
Although her sister-in-law's demeanor remained reserved, and she withdrew from most social interactions, the woman didn't push her. She understood that everyone had their own way of coping with tragedy, and as long as her sister-in-law was alive and out of that wretched institution, she was content. Their shared past had forged a bond that transcended words, and the woman's silent support spoke volumes.
The woman's mind was heavy with thoughts and worries, and the weight of her responsibilities pressed down on her like an invisible burden. Her temples throbbed with a dull ache, the physical manifestation of the many decisions she had to make to protect those she cared about.
She reached for her phone and dialed her trusted assistant. When he answered, she got straight to the point. "Please find someone to befriend him," she said, her voice tinged with urgency.
Her assistant, well-versed in her concerns, sought clarification. "Your son or the individual?"
The woman's focus was unwavering as she replied, "The individual. I need someone who will be exceptionally close to him for his protection. We cannot afford to take any risks now that his unique abilities are manifesting on their own."
The man understood the gravity of the situation and inquired, "Whom do you have in mind, ma'am?"
A soft smile tugged at the corners of the woman's lips. "Get someone who is his age, someone with an outgoing personality and exceptional skills."
Her assistant chuckled. "You know we have only one person who fits that profile within the organization, ma'am."
The woman joined in the laughter, her decision made. "Yes, he's the one. You can brief him on the details of this person's identity."
The assistant voiced his concern, acknowledging the potential conflict in asking a skilled operative to shift roles from taking lives to safeguarding one. He said, "His primary duty is to take lives, ma'am. I'm not certain how well he will adapt to the role of protecting someone."
The woman was quick with her response. "Let him know that his payment will be doubled."
The man nodded, assuring her, "Consider it done, ma'am."
With that, the woman ended the call, taking another sip of her wine. Her thoughts remained as deep as ever, her determination unwavering. She was prepared to do whatever it took to protect that boy. Money was not a concern for her; the safety of her loved ones was priceless.
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Hey Readers
Firstly I would like to thank everyone for the support you have been giving this novel, I am truly shocked. Had been scared of writing here but your support tells me that my fears were uncalled for.
I know that you are waiting for real action but please bare with me as our MC grows stronger both physically and financially. But one thing I can assure you is that once the action starts, it won't end!
Once again, thank you and if you have read till this chapter please add the novel to library so you will get notified when I release new chapters.