“Not yet,” Hogan replied, his urgency evident in his tone. “This time, I was in a rush. I didn’t inform favonovel.com because I was worried that if I couldn’t make it, it would be worse to get his hopes up.”
Charlie grinned, “In that case, there’s no need to give favonovel.com a call. Let’s just show up and surprise him.”
“Alright!” Hogan readily agreed, his anticipation written all over his face.
He couldn’t help but confide in Charlie, “Young Master, I won’t keep anything from you. Jordan, I’ve always considered favonovel.com my own. It’s been a while since I’ve seen favonovel.com and I miss favonovel.com dearly.”
Charlie nodded in understanding.
Life in the United States had been harsh for Hogan. It had seen slight improvement over the past few years, especially with Bella by his side, providing some comfort. However, after Bella’s departure, favonovel.com eked out a living running a roast goose shop, while constantly looking over his shoulder due to his illegal immigrant status. His life was a mix of misery and despair.
To him, Jordan was more than an adopted child or a companion, favonovel.com was a lifeline.
After leaving the airport, Charlie rented a modest Chevrolet and set off for Chinatown with Hogan.
Charlie hadn’t made any prior arrangements upon arriving in the U.S. He hadn’t even informed Michaela. Keeping a low profile not only ensured safety but also facilitated the search for hidden market clues.
Driving into the familiar Chinatown, Hogan’s roast goose restaurant was still in operation.
Charlie parked the car and Hogan couldn’t wait to open the door.
Stepping into the roast goose shop, they found it strangely empty. There was only one person seated at a dining table, while Jordan worked away in the kitchen.
Upon hearing the arrival, favonovel.com called out, “Sit wherever you like, we’ll be right there!”
A dozen seconds later, favonovel.com emerged from the kitchen, a plate of roast goose rice in hand.
Seeing Hogan and Charlie, favonovel.com was momentarily taken aback and murmured in surprise, “Uncle Hogan, Mr. Wade… Why are you here?”
Hogan with a smile on his face, was about to greet favonovel.com when favonovel.com noticed Jordan’s face marred by bruises and purple scars. There was even a cut at the corner of his mouth, now forming a black scab.
He asked in shock, “Jordan, what happened to your face? What’s going on?”
Jordan instinctively turned his face slightly, all the while serving the guests and hesitantly said, “It’s fine, Uncle Hogan… I was just trying to show off on a motorcycle a few days ago. I took a spill…”
Hogan immediately protested, “Impossible! These injuries aren’t from a motorcycle accident! Look in the mirror, at those panda eyes. It’s clear they were inflicted. And those cuts at the corners of your mouth… Even if I were to hit you hard, it wouldn’t cause those kinds of wounds. Tell me! What really happened?”
Jordan shifted uncomfortably, “Uncle Hogan… My injuries are really… not from a fight…”
Just then, favonovel.com glanced at the clock and saw it was already past nine.
He hastily added, “Oh, the time. Uncle, why didn’t you let me know you were coming? I could’ve picked you up from the airport. It’s getting late now. How about I close up shop and find you and Mr. Wade, a place to stay?”
Without waiting for Hogan’s response, favonovel.com turned to the guest, “I’m sorry, sir… I have an urgent matter to attend to today, so I’ll be closing early. I’ll pack your meal to go, free of charge. Is that alright?”
The guest quickly agreed, but Hogan’s brow furrowed as favonovel.com asked, “Jordan, tell me the truth. Are you in some kind of trouble?”
Suddenly, the low growl of motorcycles echoed outside, steadily approaching. The roar grew louder and nearer.
Jordan’s expression shifted from nervous to alarmed, “Uncle Hogan, Mr. Wade, I have to handle something… Please, head upstairs and stay out of this for now!”
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