The two burly guards eyed the slight, frail figure of Xiao Feng with a growing urge to rough him up and cast him aside. Yet, with Miss Kelly standing before them, they dared not act unless she gave the command.
They remained uncertain about the precise nature of the relationship between Xiao Feng and Kelly.
Watching the tension mount between the guards and Xiao Feng, Kelly interjected softly, "Enough, Xiao Feng. Don't stoop to their level. Let's proceed inside."
Without further ado, Xiao Feng retrieved a slender black case and a sleek black alloy blade from the car, then followed Kelly toward the towering building.
Once more, the guards blocked his path. "No weapons allowed inside the building!"
Carrying the case—which naturally contained the Blood Demon—Xiao Feng ignored their admonition and muttered to Kelly, "My disdain for these two only grows."
Kelly smiled wryly. "You understand—they're only safeguarding the company's interests. Weapons are strictly forbidden here."
Xiao Feng shook his head. "Sometimes, such rules do more harm than good. Can you believe that?"
Feeling a twinge of embarrassment, Kelly reassured him, "Don't worry. I'll contact my uncle now and have him grant us entry."
Turning to the guards, she requested, "May I borrow your communicator for a moment?"
With politeness, one guard removed his device and handed it to her. Kelly dialed a number.
A female voice answered promptly, "Hello? How may I assist you?"
"This is Kelly. Please inform my uncle that I have arrived. However, my companion has had a minor disagreement with the guards…"
"Oh, Miss Kelly, kindly return the communicator to the guards. I will handle the situation," the woman replied.
Kelly smiled and handed back the device. After a brief exchange of details, the guard apologized, "My apologies, Miss. We delayed you unnecessarily. We will escort you inside immediately."
The guard, rifle in hand, led Xiao Feng and Kelly into the Bronnm Corporation's imposing headquarters.
As they entered, Kelly began explaining, "This building rises two hundred floors, housing nearly ten thousand employees who oversee Bronnm's global operations. Quite impressive, isn't it?"
Xiao Feng observed the elegantly decorated structure, the pristine glass, and the soft ambient light. The courteous smiles and refined manners of those around belied the fact that this edifice was the nerve center of a formidable arms empire. Yet, despite his finely tailored suit and Kelly's striking presence by his side, he felt an inexplicable restraint.
Compared to this stifling formality, Xiao Feng preferred the boundless freedom of open wilderness and dense forests, where the spirit could roam unshackled.
The elevator whisked them to the two-hundredth floor, where a tall woman with flowing golden hair awaited outside an office. She greeted Kelly warmly, "Miss Kelly, welcome. Mr. Hebrew is currently in a meeting but insisted I give you a proper reception."
Kelly embraced the woman. "Lily, it's been so long. I've truly missed you. You're as beautiful as ever."
Lily smiled. "Miss Kelly, you outshine us all." Then, glancing at the dashing Xiao Feng, she asked with playful curiosity, "Is this your boyfriend?"
Kelly blushed and nodded shyly.
"Oh, how unexpected! Such a handsome man—you and Kelly truly are a perfect match."
Unsure whether Lily's words were sincere or mere courtesy, Xiao Feng cleared his throat. "Lily, we're famished. Could we have something to eat first?"
Lily blinked, then replied, "Of course. Let me arrange something right away. Please rest inside."
Turning to the guards, she ordered, "Why are you still lingering? Escort yourselves away."
The guards exchanged wary glances at Xiao Feng's black case and alloy blade before reluctantly departing.
Lily soon arranged a sumptuous lunch for Xiao Feng and Kelly. Only after their meal did Hebrew emerge from the elevator. His face, previously clouded with concern, brightened upon seeing Kelly. Having cherished her as his own daughter since childhood, her radiant presence brought him immense joy.
"My dear Kelly, you've finally arrived!" Hebrew exclaimed, opening his arms.
Kelly hurriedly wiped her mouth and leapt into his embrace, laughing like a child. "Uncle Hebrew, you grow more handsome by the day."
Xiao Feng observed their intimate reunion with a twinge of jealousy, despite knowing Hebrew was Kelly's uncle. He straightened up and wiped his mouth, still carrying the Blood Demon and black alloy blade on his back.
Approaching Hebrew, Xiao Feng smiled and teased, "Sir, if you don't mind, would you kindly let my girlfriend go?"
Hebrew's smile faltered for a moment before he chuckled, "Ah, Kelly, your little friend is jealous. Very well, let her down."
He released Kelly and walked to his desk, producing a cigar box from which he took two cigars, offering one to Xiao Feng.
Xiao Feng declined with a shake of his head. "Thank you, but I do not smoke."
Hebrew lit his own cigar and said, "I'm glad you came to visit. Please, sit down. Let's talk."
Xiao Feng set the Blood Demon and the slender black case beside his chair—this armchair's back made it impossible to keep them on his person.
Hebrew glanced at the slim black case and smirked. "A sniper rifle? So you fancy sniping, young man?"
Xiao Feng smiled. "You have keen eyes, sir. But could you tell what model it is?"
Hebrew laughed heartily. "I'm no clairvoyant, how could I possibly tell?"
Their shared passion for firearms instantly forged a bond between them, signaling Xiao Feng's gradual integration into the legendary Bronnm family.