At this moment, Brother Dao was hurriedly making his way downstairs, having heard that Luo Yao and Lin Ran had arrived. The news left him utterly stunned.

This seemed to be the first time the two had appeared together at his establishment.

Something major must have happened.

When he entered the lounge, Brother Dao immediately spotted the two figures lounging on the sofa. He hesitated, unsure whom to address first.

If he greeted Luo Yao as "Boss Luo," Lin Ran might raise an eyebrow.

But if he called out to "Young Master Lin," he risked earning a frown from Boss Luo.

His life, it seemed, was a tightrope walk.

"Bosses... what brings you here without giving me a heads-up?" he ventured cautiously.

Luo Yao waved a hand dismissively. "We came to discuss something with you. You’ve worked hard for me these past few years. Soon, I’ll be moving you to a different role."

Brother Dao froze. What did Boss Luo mean by that? Was he being sidelined—too old to keep up?

Wait… had Luo Yao just revealed something unintentionally?

The realization eased his tension. At least he wouldn’t have to hide her identity anymore.

When Brother Dao remained silent, Lin Ran chimed in, "Brother Dao, you’re not getting any younger. It’s time for a change of pace. This life… eventually, you have to leave it behind."

Brother Dao snapped out of his daze, absorbing their words. The light in his eyes dimmed slightly.

He understood now—they were pushing him into retirement.

For someone in the underworld, a peaceful retirement was a rare luxury.

But this wasn’t what Brother Dao wanted.

"I’ll follow whatever arrangements you make, Bosses," he said, choosing the diplomatic route.

His response visibly pleased Luo Yao. "Hand over all the records of illegal dealings between you and the Yu and Ai families."

Brother Dao’s heart sank.

Of course. The rich and powerful were ruthless. This wasn’t about retirement—they were setting him up as the fall guy.

Once he turned over those documents, the Yu and Ai clans would hunt him down.

Ah, well. He owed Boss Luo his life anyway.

"Understood. I’ll have them prepared immediately."

Soon, he returned with the evidence, his spirit dulled further, as if fading to gray.

He knew his days were numbered.

Just moments ago, he’d dreaded retirement. Now, even that seemed like an impossible dream.

Luo Yao pocketed the USB drive and stood, studying Brother Dao’s bowed head.

"I’ll be forming an organization called ‘Shadow.’ You’ll oversee one of its divisions. As for this place… let it go. Give the authorities what they need—let the people believe justice always prevails."

Her words reignited a spark in Brother Dao.

So, Boss Luo wasn’t sacrificing him after all.

Following the right leader truly made all the difference.

Overcome with gratitude, he nearly wept.

"Thank you, Boss. Thank you, Young Master Lin. I’ll repay this debt with my life."

Luo Yao saw right through him—his earlier fears laid bare. But she had no patience for such concerns.

"Mm. I’ll find a scapegoat with your name. From now on, you won’t exist. Your codename will be…"

Her gaze drifted, searching the air for inspiration—until the dark silhouette of a shadow caught her eye.

"From now on, you’ll be called the ‘Shadow King,’ serving only our A’Ran. I’ll hand over my intelligence division to you."

Why entrust Brother Dao with the intelligence department? Because this guy was exceptionally skilled at it. Over the years, the information he’d gathered was almost as comprehensive as her own intelligence network.

Keep in mind, Brother Dao was just a gang leader—his people weren’t as professionally trained as hers. Yet, in many cases, Brother Dao’s investigations moved even faster than her own network.

That was real talent.

"Additionally, I’ll merge the security department into ‘Shadow.’ The head of security is Abu, responsible for enhancing combat capabilities. Once I’ve settled some matters, I’ll introduce you. In the future, you’ll jointly oversee Shadow."

In truth, Luo Yao had also assigned someone to manage finances. The three branches would jointly govern Shadow, forming its most stable structure.

Brother Dao immediately dropped to his knees. "The Shadow King pays his respects to his two masters."

Pfft—

Lin Ran nearly burst out laughing. Since when had Brother Dao become so… adorable?

The man switched roles way too fast.

Still, Lin Ran had some concerns.

An organization like this would essentially control their future—their ultimate trump card. It had to be entrusted only to those they could trust completely.

He trusted Abu. But Brother Dao? Well… there didn’t seem to be any reason not to trust him.

Luo Yao wouldn’t take risks without good reason.

He had to trust his wife.

Right now, Lin Ran had no idea just how formidable Shadow would become in the future—or how terrifying its name would grow to be.

But that was a story for another time, one that would unfold in the next novel.

(Already brainstorming the next sweet, unhinged, and hilarious story, huh?)

Lin Ran exhaled and patted Brother Dao’s shoulder. "Do well, and Luo Yao won’t let you down."

Brother Dao nodded eagerly. His success wasn’t just luck—it was also his foresight.

He’d cling to Lin Ran and Luo Yao’s coattails with everything he had.

"Don’t worry, Boss Lin. I won’t disappoint you."

Lin Ran was satisfied with Brother Dao’s attitude. At the very least, the man adapted quickly, maintained a good mindset, and called him "Boss Lin" without a hint of insincerity.

Pure sincerity.

"Now that the serious business is settled, let’s move on to the less important matters. Where’s my son?"

"Your son?" Brother Dao blinked, momentarily confused before it clicked.

"Ah… Your esteemed son said he was starving, so he’s currently… dining in the detention room."

"Take me there."

In the dimly lit room, Lin Tianba had been stuck in a cycle of eating, vomiting, and eating again for five straight hours.

One of the lackeys kicked him in the face. "Hurry the hell up! Weren’t you whining about being hungry? About us starving you? Well, eat up!"

Lin Tianba sobbed, snot and tears mixing. "Boss, I can’t eat anymore…"

Today was officially the fullest he’d ever been in his life.

Ever since arriving here, he’d been beaten, forced to reflect on his sins, beaten again…

The cycle never ended. Not even a single bite of food had been spared for him.

Finally, he’d cracked, crying about the abuse and starvation—how he didn’t even have the strength to get beaten properly anymore.

And so, he’d earned himself this "feast."

So. Damn. Full.

"Boss, I really can’t… This is such a waste of food. It’s disrespectful to Grandpa Yuan!"

The lackey kicked him again. "Stop yapping and eat up. If you leave even a crumb, I’ll knock your teeth out one by one."

The lackey wasn’t about to go easy on Lin Tianba. Brother Dao had given strict orders—this guy wasn’t allowed to slack off. The basic rule was that whenever Young Master Lin did a surprise inspection, he had to see this bastard suffering.

Lin Tianba had no choice but to force down the food that was already choking him.

Suddenly, the door swung open.

"Ba’er, did ya miss your dear old dad?"