New Eden: Live to Play, Play to Live

Chapter 1012: Leave Request

"What is on your mind, sir?" Gu Fang asked him, walking into his office with a stack of documents in hand.

Jack snapped out of his thoughts, sighing deeply before turning to sit back in his office chair.

"Nothing, Fang. Errant thoughts about my grandson's whereabouts, that's all. I'm sure he's fine, though. Just the worries of an old man."

Gu Fang smiled at him knowingly.

"He is in the care of the most powerful people in the world, in terms of personal power. If anything, I would worry more about what they could do if they decided to stir up trouble, he he," Gu Fang chuckled, trying to take his boss' mind off the safety of his only remaining heir. Jack huffed in light laughter.

"If those young ones decide to shit all over diplomatic relations, there isn't much we can do aside from picking up the pieces. But I doubt that's why you came into my office. What's the latest with the Prime Minister?"

Gu Fang handed over the documents he was holding and sat opposite Jack.

"The preliminary negotiations have already concluded, and Ms. Calloway has been fair, as far as I'm concerned. She's assured us she would wholeheartedly back your upcoming campaign if we share the secrets to our successive fights against the monsters in our region.

"Many regions of Canada have not been as lucky as us, it would seem, and the death toll, although kept under wraps for now, is not looking pretty. If they don't get control over this sooner rather than later, the public is bound to find out that the army can seldom protect them."

Taking the first document in the pile, Jack opened it and scanned through it with practised eyes, nodding in satisfaction. It wasn't perfect, but it was a great start.

Moving it to the side, he pulled out the following document, in which he saw a first draft of his campaign goals and promises, which Gu Fang had written down and done a quick editorial pass over so that they would sound more genuine.

He read them diagonally, already knowing their contents by heart since they came from him, and noticed the poetic touches his assistant gave them and smiled in satisfaction.

"These are good. It's only unfortunate that I will be holding elections two years in a row..." Gu Fang smiled wryly.

"I'm sorry, sir. Ms. Calloway insisted that you present yourself to the next provincials, even though we are barely starting to campaign for the municipals... She was very rigid on that."

"It's okay, Fang. I know why she is doing it, and I can't say that I disagree. Having me in a position directly under her benefits us both if we get in bed like this," Jack said, waving his hand dismissively.

"It will be a busy two years, sir. I'm not sure you'll have time to get stronger yourself if you are busy playing politics that much. Mr. Magnus did say that most of what was to happen would happen in the next two years. That is, until the final event, if we are to believe his words."

Jack's face went grim in an instant.

"As much as I want his 'prophecy' to be wrong, it's wiser to believe his every word and look a fool than discredit him and all be dead. If my personal strength is the cost I must pay to ensure we have allies across the country, I'll take that hit.

"We have contingencies in place for that. The mercenaries we pay top dollar, our association with Bellemare & Delphi Security, and our personal group of awakened. If they aren't enough, then no one in the world stands a chance, don't you agree?"

Gu Fang nodded, even if his face showed uncertainty.

"I wish I could do more to become stronger as well, sir. But that ship sailed the day I chose to come to work for you, I'm afraid," Gu Fang said, looking regretful.

"Think nothing of it, Gu Fang. Even if you aren't the most powerful person in my employ anymore, you stay my most valuable ally. After my wife, of course," Jack said, feeling a shiver run down his spine.

Gu Fang chuckled and put the subject to rest.

That's when Jack noticed the last document on his desk.

His eyebrow rose, and he looked at Gu Fang questioningly. "What's this?"

The assistant smiled apologetically at his boss.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"I know it is out of the blue, but that is a request for a week-long leave. I received a missive from the Zhong Kui, and I must take care of a few personal matters before things get out of hand."

Jack's brows furrowed.

"In over ten years, you've never asked for leave or vacation. Why the sudden rush? Did they threaten you? Should I be worried?"

Gu Fang shook his head no, his smile still present.

"Nothing of the sort, sir. But I must return to the sacred grounds. It would seem my... Father... wants to see me. It's been years since I saw or even heard of him, but I know this for a fact: making him wait is not a good idea.

"Therefore, I must acquit myself of this task as soon as possible, lest he get different ideas about how to have me before him..."

Jack didn't like how Gu Fang was putting things, but he had little in the way of a choice in this situation.

"Fine. Your leave is approved. But promise me you will be back after that week. Finding a new assistant as competent as you would already be a near-impossible task, and I would seldom like to hold a funeral for you.

"If there is any trouble, call me right away, and I'll come extract you from that sly fox's claws right away, understood?" Jack said, looking Gu Fang in the eyes.

"Understood, sir. I will. Thank you."

Rising from the chair, Gu Fang bowed in front of Jack before turning around and leaving the

office.

Just outside the door, a duffle bag was already ready for him, as he had expected Jack to approve his leave request.

With a heavy sigh, he picked the bag up and left the building.

Turning back one last time as he reached the street, where a taxi awaited him, he whispered, "Farewell, my new home. I will come back to you, I swear."