CHAPTER 26: 26. OFFICE BUILDING

"So that’s how it is? But why did Sean’s manager say he was kidnapped? He even asked me to contact Sean and ask him where he was. But don’t worry, I didn’t give him your address. I told Sean’s manager that I couldn’t contact Sean. But—I don’t know any fanatics like the ones you’re talking about," Deva said after Riki told him everything that had happened to Sean, including what Sean’s manager and agency had said to Sean regarding the death threats.

Devano Hanzel was with the same agency as Sean, while Sean’s other friend, Travis Averdo, had his own new agency.

"Of course those fans won’t show their bad side to you; they only act that way toward Sean. But haven’t you ever been close to anyone else besides Sean? Maybe they’re also being terrorized by the same threats," Riki asked.

Deva sighed heavily, then stared ahead with a blank expression.

The sun was rising at that moment, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful scene. But both Riki and Deva were lost in their own thoughts.

"I’m an introvert; only a few people make me feel comfortable. But maybe Sean is the only one who’s truly close to me. He’s helped me a lot over the years. Now I feel useless because it turns out Sean trusts a stranger like you more to help with his problems."

Riki snorted, finding Deva’s words so funny that it made him annoyed, but he also wanted to laugh.

"Deva, let me tell you. If I hadn’t met Sean, he might have been caught by those hired killers. Without hesitation, I helped him. What kind of crazy person would let someone else get killed? But it’s not too late yet, Deva. If you truly care about your good friend, then help him. Take him to the police station to file a report, and also take him to his agency, because I can’t trust his manager at all." Riki said.

Deva sighed heavily again, then turned to Riki.

"I’m also suspicious, but why would the manager— no, why would the person who hired the hitmen target Sean? After all, Sean and I are good friends."

Riki fell silent, joining in the thinking because he didn’t understand that part either.

"Then, why did you ask about my father’s younger sister earlier?" Deva added.

Riki rubbed the back of his neck, hesitating to tell Deva the truth, but if Deva, who was Sandra’s nephew, could help Riki, then Riki wouldn’t have to bother approaching Anton, because no matter what, Riki hated Anton.

"You might not believe this, but your aunt was involved in my mother’s death."

Deva looked at Riki again, this time with wide eyes.

"My aunt... but—how could that be? My aunt is a woman who—well, she does seem a bit fake, but I think killing someone is a bit... unreasonable." Deva looked very unsure, his forehead wrinkled in confusion.

"I have the CCTV footage, by the way. But we’ll save that for later; we need to focus on Sean’s issue. I’ll help too, but unfortunately I have to work today."

Deva appraised Riki from head to toe. But no matter where he looked, Riki just looked like an ordinary teenager.

"You... work?"

Riki nodded, "More accurately, I’m going to start a company."

Hearing that, Deva burst into laughter, as if Riki’s words were the funniest joke he’d ever heard.

Riki furrowed his brow, torn between being offended and understanding why Deva was laughing. It was undeniably funny to hear a kid like Riki talk about starting a company.

"Uh, sorry for laughing, but—"

"You’re so annoying, Deva. No breakfast for you this morning."

"Are you going to make me breakfast?"

Riki snorted, "Of course not."

"But don’t worry, I’ll protect Sean. Because I’ve already cleared my schedule for today and tomorrow."

Riki nodded, "Good, finally I don’t have to get involved anymore."

"But if things get more complicated, I’ll contact you, okay?"

Riki shrugged, "Yeah, whatever you say. Let’s go back to my apartment, I’m hungry."

***

Riki placed a warm latte in front of Jake, who was working hard in the living room of the apartment.

Although he looked relaxed in casual attire—Riki had specifically asked him to wear casual clothes instead of office attire—Jake’s work was undeniably impressive.

Riki understood why Jake had been recommended by the system. He was also confident that Daniel would work just as well as Jake with Evan.

Last night, Evan came to Riki’s apartment. But seeing Sean sitting there silently with a blank stare, he couldn’t bear it. Even though Evan was very happy to see Sean and wanted to have a long chat.

So Evan went back to his own apartment, not wanting to disturb Sean.

Riki couldn’t tell Evan more about Sean’s problems. Not because of anything, he just didn’t want Evan to feel burdened too. He had to run the store properly.

Because Evan was the only one Riki trusted to grow the flowers for sale in the store.

"Well, now that our company registered. We can discuss the details later. But are you sure about our company’s main product—"

"Sure! Why aren’t you sure at all? RKZR will definitely become big someday. All you need to do is build it from the ground up, find competent workers, and so on. As for the product, that’s my responsibility."

Jake remained silent.

At that time, they were indeed a small company, selling their products through e-commerce, websites, and social media. The workforce required at the time was still minimal. Moreover, the product was already provided by Riki.

However...

The products Riki was selling were too unrealistic. He was selling a beauty cream with claims that were too good to be true.

How could a beauty cream possibly brighten dull skin, protect it from UV rays, tighten it, even out skin tone... and solve all skin issues with just one cream?

And it was quite expensive.

$120 for a 300g container.

There were too many questions in Jake’s mind, which he found unreasonable.

"Jake? Hello? Let’s head to my office building. I bought it without seeing it, let’s go there, and maybe we can set up our office there." Riki said, already wearing his cool black leather jacket.

"Are you going to wear that, little boss?"

Riki glared at Jake angrily, "Just call me Riki. I am the boss here, but I’m not little! You’re shorter than me, Jake."

Jake snorted, unable to believe his boss was calling him short.

Jake knew he was only 175 cm tall, but he wasn’t that short.

"I don’t believe this. I’m older than you, Riki."

"And I’m taller than you, Jake!"

"Hey!"

Riki burst into laughter at the annoyed expression on Jake’s face.

Though Jake was annoyed, he didn’t complain for long.

The two of them were already in the car, heading to the office building address Riki had mentioned.

But it seemed like Jake wasn’t unfamiliar with the office building. However, Jake wasn’t sure if it was the same office building he knew.

After arriving at the location, Jake parked the car in the front parking lot of the building.

Sure enough, it was the IDN office building. The office building was famous for its high rental costs and luxurious office facilities.

The problem was, it was the only office building in that area. Located in the heart of the city, it was close to the airport, mall, train station, highway, and several renowned universities.

Including Riki’s university, which was also nearby.

"Wow, I didn’t expect it to be this big... If I change its name to RKZR Building, is that too much? I don’t understand why it’s called IDN," Riki said. He said it very casually, as if buying the IDN office building wasn’t a big deal.

"Wait a minute, is this IDN Building really yours, Riki?" Jake asked.

Riki nodded, "Yes, let’s meet the manager. He might be able to help us, Jake."

Jake blinked, still unable to believe that his little boss—who was actually taller than him—owned an IDN office building.

Crazy.

Jake worked for someone whose identity was no joke.

No, Jake couldn’t just call him by his name.

"Boss, wait for me!" Jake quickly ran up to Riki.

"I forgot your legs are shorter, Jake. But just call me Riki; I feel awkward being called ’boss’ right now."

"But..."

Jake fell silent as several people came to greet them.

"Where’s the building manager?" Riki asked.

"What business does a kid like you have here? I’m the building manager, why?"

Riki turned to the man who had just spoken. He took off his sunglasses, looked at the man closely, then smirked.

"Oh, Andre... it’s been a long time. So you’re the manager of this building now, huh?" asked Riki, smiling broadly.

Andre is Anton’s older brother, and he used to be friends with Riki’s older brother. In fact, that scoundrel was the one who got his brother into debt. Riki already knew about Andre’s actions, but back then, Riki’s older brother got angry when Riki said that Andre was a bad friend to him.

Was Riki overreacting if his older brother died because of Andre’s actions?

Andre and some of his older brother’s cursed friends caused his older brother’s accident that led to his death.

"Of course, Riki. I’m a successful man with a bright future, unlike your dead older brother," said Andrew, trying to provoke Riki.

But Riki just laughed upon hearing Andre’s words.