Of course, I did.

The last hour or two were spent on discussing the details of my nefarious plans on reigniting the spark with my ex. Trio overly experienced schemers took my basic idea and currently were in the middle of discussing the actual step by step implementation.

Ah, it always felt so good to have trustworthy advisors…

Hm? When did my trust become such an easily available commodity?

Setting Olivia aside, trusting whom was an irrational but conscious decision on my part, Kouzuki twins weren't someone Michael Roah, the old mercenary, could trust after less than a week. Well, there were those extra five years from the last run, but still…

Not to say anything about Long Hào, with whom I was barely acquainted. Yet, something deep inside me was whispering that I could. Maybe there was something more to that 'Blood is everything' phrase of theirs.

Not likely, but, eh, I've seen enough weird shit throughout my career, especially in the last few years, when corporations started going all-out on their 'proprietary tech'.

"And you told me you are lacking ambition…" said Kouzuki Maya all of a sudden.

Her words took me out of my memory trip.

"Huh?" I let my confusion be known.

"If this plan comes to a fruition, won't you be able to control all Three Families, Shinji?" Grandma explained.

Oh, she was right.

"I guess?" I could only shrug helplessly. "Taking over this damned city will be the first step on my path towards world dominance."

I let out a theatrical villainous laugh.

"So that's your endgame, Tian? Sounds fun!" Kouzuki Miya joined the conversation. "But, I hope you understand that this will be just the beginning?"

"Yeah, I will also need to deal with the corporate side." I nodded. "Hm, pushing Nicole Roah up the 'RobCo' ladder shouldn't be that hard, though getting her high enough will take some time. Meanwhile, it would be helpful to get in contact with the person behind 'Big Pharma' through their new cosmetic off-shoot. They are quite eccentric, but I know a few things that could catch their attention."

This… actually sounded more feasible than I thought at first. That person would go crazy at the mere possibility of meeting a time traveler. Which was the whole point of them making 'Face&Crotch' in the first place.

Or so I've heard from one of the 'Big Pharma' higher-ups I slept with.

"And what about the 'extra' side of the law?" grandfather decided to add his five cents.

"Hm, Su clan and Alvarez syndicate," I responded without missing a beat. "With the backing of not only the Kouzuki, but also the Long and Smith clans, Su Yin would succeed in her takeover with even higher chance. It shouldn't be too hard for me to convince Isabella Alvarez to retake her old family business as well."

I could also 'convince' Akira and Diego to join in the fun. They had enough manpower and ambition to fight for a bigger piece of the pie. For some strange reason, this seemed pretty viable as well…

"With these three simple steps, at least two-thirds of the city will be under my control in less than five years. From that point onward, it's just more of the same." I finished my speech and let out a chuckle, waiting for the three elders to join in with their own.

The silence dragged on.

"The overall idea sounds good…" my grandmother started.

"But what about the details?" and grandma finished her words.

"What is your plan exactly?" asked Long Hào.

"Oh? Isn't this why I have you?" I responded with a question of my own. "Why should I do everything by myself, when I can use people who are better suited for the job?"

Another bout of silence, as the elder trio were exchanging glances, as if communicating something to each other.

"Either way, this doesn't interest me much in the first place." I shook my head. "I wouldn't mind getting more power to protect what is mine, sure. Yet, I simply lack the ambition to make it my primary goal."

Finishing my words, I rose from my seat.

"Grandfather, I am grateful for your hospitality. Grandmother and grandma, thank you for your help and support today," I thanked the trio with a short bow. "This unworthy grandson has some plans for later today. I apologize, but it's time for me to leave."

"Take care, Tian. Remember to visit me whenever you want." Kouzuki Miya was the first to respond.

"Shinji, I will need you to visit Kouzuki Estate at a later date. I will call you once I finalize the details." Kouzuki Maya said, and I nodded in response.

"Michael Roah," my… grandfather called out. "I repeat myself. You are my blood. Remember this."

Frankly, I expected those words, but they still managed to destabilize me at some level. I fought back a sigh, and turned toward the nearest hidden shadow. Of course, there were a few of those in this room.

"Pen and paper, please," I ordered the shocked bodyguard.

A moment later, I got what I asked for and wrote down my phone number. Once again, I could be one hundred percent sure that Long Hào knew my number anyway, but it's the gesture that counts.

"Grandfather, this is my number. If you need something, just call me."

I handed the piece of paper to the Family Head of the Long clan, who received it with an odd care.

"Farewell." I bowed once more and followed the appeared shadow out of the mansion.

***

The same overly luxurious car was bringing me home. Surprisingly enough, traffic wasn't an issue, despite it being Friday evening. Go guess the reason.

Riding this thing alone was a bit lonely. Ugh.

Little by little, my mind slipped into the so far carefully ignored thought of 'What should I do tonight?'.

Bella had yet to return, while both Olivia and Claire were busy. Helen still ignored my message as well. There were Nicole and Yin, but I wasn't in the mood to mess with them at the moment.

After a bit of contemplation, much to my regret, the option of simple early sleep-in was also denied. My self-control was on the verge and I needed some form of release. So, either a fight or a one-night stand…

I closed my eyes, fighting back the hate I felt toward my nature. Just when I, kind of, reached something resembling equilibrium in my life, my shitty character wanted to complicate everything one way or another.

I slowly exhaled, trying to relax. It didn't help. Fuck.

My phone's ringtone started playing. I looked at the screen. Claire. Huh?

"Hello?" I picked up the call. Of course, I did.