CHAPTER 483: CHAPTER 481: THE INTELLIGENCE LEVEL OF SHADOW SOLDIERS_1

Braulio Vargas was not only New York’s wealthiest man but also the founder of the Innovator Economic Forum, the American Bloomberg Group, Bloomberg Limited Partnership, and Bloomberg Charity Foundation, as well as the United Nations Climate Action Envoy.

It was not unusual for one person to hold so many titles; anyone could have multiple positions and identities.

But for each identity to hold societal status was not easily achieved.

Especially since Braulio’s fame had spread throughout the United States and even to other countries around the world.

"Does the President mean for me to fly to New York and meet with some creature from the Different World that, for some unknown reason, is looking for me?"

"Yes, Braulio. You’re seventy-seven this year. Don’t you want to establish a connection with the Different World?"

"Mr. Secretary of State, what kind of joke is this? Knowing I’m seventy-seven, you shouldn’t bring up such matters."

Braulio immediately shook his head.

He did not want to risk traveling to New York to meet an unknown entity.

What if they captured me just to torture me? What then?

Although he had no connection to the people of the Different World, nor could there possibly be any grudges, it was always better to err on the side of caution.

Braulio was no longer the poor boy of his past. He sat atop a vast business empire, with wealth far beyond ordinary imagination—yachts, airplanes, real estate.

At his level, it wasn’t about whether he could afford to spend money, but *why* he should spend it.

Standing in such an eminent position, he had lost the desire to expand his business territory, opting instead to stabilize his Empire.

For many things, he wouldn’t consider taking a risk if there wasn’t an eighty percent chance of success.

He was only seventy-seven this year.

If a connection with the Different World is truly established in the future, or if the laboratory makes some breakthrough, my lifespan could very well be extended.

Braulio welcomed others being the first to test the waters; he preferred to lag rather than take unnecessary risks.

He was old now, so old that he no longer desired any adventures, only wanting to sit in his position and enjoy the fruits of younger people’s struggles.

"Braulio, I think it would be better if you considered it thoroughly."

"There’s nothing to consider! Please tell the President that I will absolutely not go to New York, nor will I meet with anyone from the Different World!"

Braulio’s voice was firm. He would rather lose some benefits than become a Forerunner, risking his future and his luxurious world by going to New York. That would be insane.

The Secretary of State wanted to continue persuading him, but Braulio suddenly interrupted, "Ah, my signal isn’t very good. I’ll hang up now."

Without giving the other party time to reply, he hung up the phone. He wasn’t the least bit worried about the consequences of offending the President.

This was Florida.

Braulio had chosen to reside in a state outside the President’s party stronghold, precisely because of potential conflicts with the authorities.

Forcing a state that was a redneck bastion to follow the President’s orders and arrest him was impossible.

Florida didn’t even acknowledge Nett as the elected President.

But why would people from the Different World seek me out?

A thoughtful expression appeared on Braulio’s face. Even Florida might not be safe. He decided he should hurry to his estate in England for refuge.

As a world-renowned magnate, his publicly listed properties were not excessive.

Secretly, however, he had acquired a vast number of properties.

The land he owned in some smaller countries could even be considered a nation within a nation.

Might England also be a bit dangerous? Braulio pondered. Maybe I should simply go to Africa...

With these thoughts, he stepped out of the villa.

"Sir, would you like to come and play?"

A clear voice came from the swimming pool. Braulio stopped and looked up. In the moonlit pool, a group of boys and girls in skimpy swimsuits were waiting.

These were his playthings, collected from various countries through human traffickers. Some had been sent to Thailand or Korea to be surgically altered to his preferred appearance.

Ordinary trysts with men and women had already bored Braulio; he sought more thrilling exchanges.

"You, come here."

Braulio beckoned to the nearest child. Gazing at their youthful skin, a flicker