On my way to meet the BOSS, I was thinking about whether to buy a little gift. The more I thought about it, the funnier it seemed. I always forget that I'm a special professional because any time outside of missions, everything around me is just normal. The company is so humanized, thinking of everything for you and providing extra services. I feel like a nobleman.

Out of politeness, I decided to buy something. I ended up buying two boxes of caterpillar fungus, thinking it was more suitable. Not sure about the other person's habits, so it's better to buy health products.

The meeting place was a teahouse, very exquisitely decorated. Every detail seemed carefully considered.

The waiter led me to a private room, no one inside, ordered a pot of Tieguanyin tea-a green tea, and waited.

After a few minutes, I heard footsteps outside. Sounded like the steps of a middle-aged man. "He's here, sir," the waiter said from outside.

Sir? Is this teahouse also part of the company? The door opened, and a man around 60 years old walked in with a cheerful smile. He was about my height, thin, slightly hunched, walked with a slight bowlegged gait, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, a watch on his right hand, with gray hair and heavy eye bags, but his eyes behind the glasses were very sharp.

I immediately stood up, "Sir, I'm T."

"Oh, I've heard of your name for a long time, a talented individual. Sit down. Xiao Li, bring my tea over."

He spoke calmly, his voice soft and gentle. He seemed like a seasoned veteran who had been through a lot. In front of him, I felt like an unopened toy doll.

"I'm not sure what you like, but I heard this is especially good for health. Take it back and try it out. Just a small token from a junior, don't mind it."

"Oh, look at this kid being so formal. Caterpillar fungus, good stuff, thoughtful."

"It's nothing."

I figured I had exchanged enough pleasantries; he should get to the point. He lit a cigarette, suddenly remembered I was there, and handed me the cigarette box. I took one, realized I had no lighter, and he immediately offered his. I lit the cigarette and thanked him.

From these actions, it was clear that he was usually someone of high status, but occasionally he would bring himself down to a more equal level, yet when issues arise, you wouldn't forget he was the boss, and you had to listen to him, a very wise individual.

"Kid, how did you come to the company?"

"I was tricked into coming."

"Oh? This organization passed down to me from my old man, and every brother who comes in does so voluntarily. No one has ever been tricked into coming. It's like young people dating - it's only fun when both parties are willing. If you were tricked, they may get your body, but not your heart." He said with a deep look at me.

"You can rest assured now. Once I took the first step, there's no turning back. I have no other thoughts now."

"Oh, that's good. Who brought you in?"

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"H."

"Oh, he's already left the company."

"Really? No wonder I haven't seen him in a long time. Did you call me here today to tell me something?"

"Yes, a little something. I see you signed a 5-year contract with the company, right?"

"Yes."

"I want to extend the contract for another 7 years, so I called you over to discuss it and hear your opinion."

I was a bit surprised after hearing that.

He poured me a cup of tea with a smile and said, "Actually, the prime age for this profession is between 28 and 35 - mature and strong. I'll reserve the golden years after 30 for you to enjoy life. Help me out before 30, what do you think? I won't shortchange you in any way."

Honestly, I never thought I would live that long, let alone think about enjoying life. Right now, I'm sometimes alive, sometimes dead. What's the difference between 5, 10, or 15 years?

I said, "You're so kind. It would be disrespectful of me to decline."

He chuckled, saying, "Your demeanor doesn't match your age. You have a certain grace about you."

I chuckled too, not sure why, feeling a bit bittersweet.

Haven't had dinner, kid?

Yeah, not yet.

Perfect, me neither. Let's have dinner together tonight, a couple of drinks. What kind of food do you like?

Spicy.

Oh, seems like you have a fiery temper too. Xiao Li, who's in the kitchen tonight?

The waiter came in and said it was Lao Zhang.

Great, have him make some Sichuan dishes. What kind of liquor do you like?

I said Erguotou-a cheap liquor.

Haha, sure, no problem! he laughed.

Before long, six dishes were served, the tea set was cleared, and the dishes were placed on the table along with the liquor.

I glanced, saying it's not this kind, but the green-bottled one, 56%, the cheapest.

Xiao Li said, "Ah? We don't have that here."

The boss, in his usual calm tone, said, "If we don't have it, go buy it." His tone was gentle but carried a commanding undertone.

Drinking with him wasn't an easy task, much like drinking with your boss. You had to drink but not too much, as it was tiring. After a few toasts, we finished a bottle. I was a bit tipsy, but holding up well.

It's been me asking you all this time. Don't you have any questions for me? he said while eating, not looking at me.

I knew he was testing me. In this line of work, the less curiosity, the better.

While eating, I said, "No, if you want me to know something, you'll tell me. If you don't want me to know, I shouldn't ask. I didn't look at him either."

He chuckled, "You're quite mature for your age. No need for you to take on jobs with less than 50 pure profit in the future. I've promoted you to a two-digit salary."

Oh... Should I practice more? I'm still a bit raw, right?

You'll do fine. I don't make mistakes. Eat up.

This meal brought a mix of emotions. As I was leaving, he handed me a beautifully packaged box, which I accepted without looking.

It was already past 11 when I returned to my place. L was still there. As soon as I entered, Tiger woke up, jumped off the couch, and came over to rub against my legs.

When L saw me come back, she was getting ready to leave. I told her, "Don't you want to know what he talked to me about tonight?" L replied, "I shouldn't know that stuff. Tiger has been fed. As soon as you leave, he'll be all over the house looking for you. If he can't find you, he'll just look at me and meow."I picked up Tiger and asked him, "Is it true, little guy? Are you looking for me?" L said, "Alright, you two have your tender moment. I don't think you can rest for too long; a new mission will come soon. Why, you ask? Just a feeling."

After L left, I opened the box the boss gave me. Inside was a watch, a Jaeger-LeCoultre. I took off the watch case and didn't find any bugs or trackers inside. I cursed myself for being paranoid.

On days without missions, my life was pretty good. I knew I was making money through unconventional means, and as the saying goes, easy come, easy go. So, I started thinking about how to spend money, trying to make myself happy as much as possible. Maybe one day, I wouldn't have any regrets.

And so, I spent another two weeks with Tiger until the third mission came.