[You have conducted a friendly and enthusiastic discussion with Godfather Anderson of Twilight Street. After planting a micro-explosive under the skin of his neck, you proposed a transaction.]
[Anderson will be responsible for protecting the absolute safety of the Twilight Street Sanatorium, as well as organizing and standardizing its related business operations.]
[In return, Anderson will provide the Sanatorium with 3,000 Euros worth of vegetables, meat, fruit, and protein every week.]
[At the same time, out of personal interest, you specifically mentioned a certain cat burglar named Pardo, instructing all factions to turn a blind eye to her activities. You will personally cover any losses she may cause.]
[In exchange, you will be responsible for eliminating all his opposition, making the bosses of the other gangs fall in line under Anderson's leadership to jointly maintain order in Twilight Street.]
[Two months later, Godfather Anderson has completely and thoroughly unified Twilight Street. You receive a ten percent share of the profits each week.]
[Congratulations, you have obtained the title 'Underground Emperor,' becoming the true boss behind the scenes of Twilight Street.]
[You have used these funds to completely solve the nutritional problems of the children in Twilight Street and have established the Twilight Street Church Charity Foundation.]
[Simultaneously, you are secretly developing an anti-Honkai drug in preparation for the children of the Sanatorium.]
---o---
"Priest, what on earth have you been doing lately? Why does it feel like the things you're delivering are getting more and more plentiful?"
Inside the Sanatorium, Aponia looked at the newly arrived Fu Li, completely baffled.
Over this period, the number of visitors to the Sanatorium had suddenly skyrocketed, and most of them were wealthy and powerful gang leaders from the surrounding area.
Those gang bosses were typically ruthless characters. When they raided someone's home, they were the type to slap a passing dog twice, slice an earthworm lengthwise, and shake an egg until its yolk was scrambled.
While they had always been relatively polite to the Sanatorium and would occasionally provide aid, the cautious and reverent attitude they displayed recently was something she had never seen before.
"Hmm… perhaps it's because they have become aware of the Lord's existence and fear the multitude of sins they have committed in the past. That's probably why," Fu Li replied perfunctorily, handing a bottle of water to Aponia.
Aponia was a little confused. "What's this?"
"It's holy water," Fu Li explained. "Think of it as a unique blessing ceremony from the church. Starting today, just add it to the drinking water."
"This…"
Hearing this explanation, Aponia looked at Fu Li.
She could tell from the threads of fate entwined around the young man that he was lying.
But in his eyes, which were almost unfairly beautiful, she couldn't detect a single trace of malice. On the contrary, they were filled with a gentle, caring warmth.
It was the same look she gave the children… so pure, radiating an undisguised kindness towards them.
"Alright, I understand, Priest."
In the end, despite her doubts, Aponia decided to follow Fu Li's instructions.
What she didn't know was that the bottle in her hands actually contained a potion capable of slowly and harmlessly increasing one's resistance to Honkai energy.
It was a substance developed only after the Tenth Honkai Eruption, incredibly expensive to produce and available in limited quantities.
Even Fu Li could currently only produce just enough to supply the staff and residents of the Sanatorium.
Suddenly, as if she had made up her mind, Aponia extended an invitation.
"Um, Fu Li, have you been too busy lately? Sometimes I go to the church and don't see you."
"So… would you like to come in and sit for a while? And maybe stay for dinner? You've helped the Sanatorium so much, and I haven't had a proper chance to thank you."
"Hm?" Seeing Aponia's somewhat expectant expression, Fu Li thought about his schedule for the day.
It seemed Godfather Anderson had scheduled a dinner meeting with him at eight o'clock to discuss the issue of managing refugees.
However, this was the first time Aponia had invited him over since he became a priest, so…
After wrestling with the decision for 0.001 seconds, Fu Li decided to flake on Anderson this once.
"Of course, Sister Nia. It's been a long time since I've tasted your cooking."
"Good. Then you should take a good rest today."
As Aponia reached for the grocery bags, Fu Li took the opportunity to open his phone and find Godfather Anderson's contact information.
Li: Tonight's meeting is pushed back two hours.
Anderson: Hm? Did something happen?
Li: Nothing, Sister Nia just invited me for dinner.
Anderson: ??? You're postponing a business dinner because of a meal??
Li: You have a problem with that?
Anderson: I do. Priest, I'm your friend too. You're playing favorites.
Reading the somewhat cheeky reply, Fu Li was speechless.
Some people really start getting playful with you once they get familiar. Of course, Fu Li knew perfectly well that this so-called friendship was nothing more than a facade.
If it weren't for the bomb on Anderson's neck, he would have likely tried to have him assassinated long ago.
One should never underestimate those who have secured a foothold in the darkness.
Fu Li: Cut it out. It's just a private meeting, being a little late won't matter.
Anderson: Fine, fine, I get it. Have fun with your little girlfriend. You're welcome here anytime.
Fu Li: She is not my girlfriend, okay?
Anderson: Yeah, yeah, you're right.
Fu Li: We're just friends.
After emphasizing this point, Fu Li put his phone away and quickly caught up with Aponia.
---o---
[You wanted to help in the kitchen, but Aponia firmly kicked you out, using the excuse that you were too tired and needed to rest.]
[Overcome with boredom, you wandered around the Sanatorium, secretly slipping candy to many of the children.]
[Just then, the old Director suddenly appeared and patted you on the shoulder.]
"Hehe, long time no see, Little Li."
"Hm? Old Director, it's been a while."
After giving away the last piece of candy he had, Fu Li turned around to face the old Director who had suddenly appeared behind him.
The Sanatorium's director was over seventy years old, with deep wrinkles etched on her face. But perhaps due to her lively personality, she gave off the impression of a playful old soul.
But as the true power behind the scenes in Twilight Street, Fu Li naturally knew things ordinary people didn't.
For instance, this kind-hearted old woman in front of him had fought in underground boxing rings for over a decade in her youth, all for the sake of the Sanatorium's children.
She was, in every sense, a truly kind and noble-hearted pugilist.
However…
Fu Li narrowed his eyes, keenly sensing that the old Director had sought him out for another reason.
"Anders, Ania, be good now. Go and play. Brother Priest has something to discuss with the Director. I'll bring you more candy next time I visit."
"Aww… okay. Then it's a promise, Brother Priest."
"Mhm, it's a promise."
After sending the small children on their way, Fu Li shook his head helplessly.
"It seems you have something you want to talk to me about, Old Director?"
"Yes, you're right. Follow me."
The old Director didn't try to hide it. She nodded and started heading upstairs.
Fu Li didn't hesitate either, walking beside her, yet he felt an inexplicable nervousness in his heart.
This feeling of anxiety, as if I were about to meet my girlfriend's parents—isn't there something wrong with that?