Chapter 11 Wrong Impression Of A Gangster

• With a puzzled look, I wondered if it was necessary to stare at me like that for teasing a fish.
• Tigre nervously said, “Mr. Linus, it's probably just a coincidence that Theros can do this. Don't let it bother you too much, okay?”
• An amused smile appeared on Linus' face.
• “He's just a young lad, naturally he's curious. You guys should head home. Tonight, I'll be having a drink with Arnold. You three should join us too!”
• “Sure!”
• After finishing his sentence with sweat beading on his forehead, Tigre gave me a meaningful look, signaling Matthias and me to follow him outside.
• As we walked downstairs, Tigre remained silent. It wasn't until we got into the car that he finally let out a sigh and said, “Theros...” He paused briefly before continuing, “I'll give you ten thousand in a bit. You should go, and don't work here anymore.”
• “Why, Mr. Hackett?” I asked, completely confused. I didn't think I'd done anything wrong.
• Though Tigre remained silent, Matthias preempted him and explained, “Because you messed with Mr. Linus' fish. If you don't leave, death will be your only outcome!”
• “Holy crap!” I gasped and asserted, “Mr. Linus is a gang leader, why is he so petty? All I did was tap on the fish tank!”
• “What do you know!” For the first time, Tigre lashed out at me.
• “Those nine fish are Arowana, and what's more they're Golden Arowana! His lucky charm! The nine fish symbolize his prime. Back in the day, Mr. Linus had sought advice from a geomancer in the port area on how to rear them.”
• “What does that have to do with me?” I asked, intrigued.
• Matthias sighed. “Mr. Linus is a firm believer in geomancy! The geomancer said the fish would ignore everyone but Mr. Linus. It was specifically raised to attract luck! The geomancer also mentioned that if someone could attract the fish, especially his subordinates, they would undoubtedly ascend to power by usurping Mr. Linus! Since you managed to attract the fish today. Do you think you can live if you stay?”
• I scoffed with a smirk. As a former top student, I was a staunch materialist. “Mr. Carlson, do you know what era we're living in? How can you guys still be so superstitious?”
• After glancing at me, Tigre said in a deep voice, “Theros, apart from you and Mr. Linus, I've never seen anyone else who could lure those fish.”
• The corner of my mouth twitched. “So, I have no choice but to leave?”
• Just as Tigre was about to speak, a text message alert sounded from the phone in his pocket.
• After glancing at the text message, Tigre handed me his phone. “Theros, it's up to you to decide whether to stay or leave.”
• I took the phone and glanced at it. The text message was from Linus, it read: You must bring Theros to the social gathering later.
• Honestly, if I claimed I wasn't scared, I would be boasting. Who knew whether I'd make it back alive if I attended?
• However, thinking about it, Tigre had always been good to me, and I hadn't even worked a full day, yet I had already caused him trouble. Leaving him with the mess I made would be really unfair to him.
• Put it in another way, I didn't know where else I could go after leaving Tigre. Even though Tigre could give me a huge sum of ten thousand, what could I possibly do with the money? After all, I was new to society.
• “Mr. Hackett, I'm not leaving. If Mr. Linus wants to mess with me, let him! My life is worthless, I have nothing to fear!” I declared loudly.
• Tigre looked at me, a hint of concern visible in his eyes. However, he didn't try to dissuade me any further. He simply nodded as if accepting my decision.
• Matthias drove us back to Saint Riveria Spa. Once we returned to the office, Tigre addressed Matthias and me, saying, “Tonight, the three of us will head over there, and we'll each carry a weapon, just in case the talk falls through and a fight breaks out. At least, we won't be at a complete disadvantage!”
• “Matthias, you're in charge of securing the weapons!”
• “Yes, Mr. Hackett!” Matthias responded.
• After hearing his words, I felt a bit anxious. The thought of possibly reenacting thrilling scenes from a movie made my heart pound with anticipation.
• Moreover, I wasn't uncertain who the real adversary at the social gathering was.
• Having a weapon with me wasn't too bad after all. If Linus really decided to mess with me, I'd fight back with everything I had. I might live if I took the risk.
• Seeing Matthias leave the office, I was also ready to head out, but Tigre stopped me by calling out, “Theros, it's not too late to change your mind now. If you wait until tonight, your words will no longer hold any weight!”
• I sighed deeply, stating with unwavering resolve, “It's fine, Mr. Hackett. We'll just take it one step at a time! Why does Mr. Linus not match the image I have of a gang leader?”
• Tigre raised an eyebrow.
• “What? Do you think a gang leader spends his days chasing after people with a gun? Have you been watching too many Goodfellas? Do you know why people become gangsters? It's for money! Living in luxurious mansions, driving opulent cars, and donning suits and ties! That is what being a gangster is all about! Contrary to what you might think, those with crazy tattoos covering their bodies, weird hairstyles, constantly spewing profanity, and are quick to resort to violence, are just idiots!”