Free Web NovelChapter 53: Chapter 53- Bad Company
Chapter 53- Bad Company
Walking into the royal suite, they were welcomed with an amazing view. The entire place took over the highest floor of the hotel and appeared as big as an entire apartement and not just a hotel room. It had a kitchen, a bathroom, a balcony, a pool, and a full panoramic view of the entire city.
"No wonder it costs a fortune. This place is something else..." Zen said as he looked around him, walking in. "Hm, nice kitchen, nice living area... Nice..."
As Zen turned around, he saw Cipha open the door to the bedroom as she peeked inside carefully.
"Bedroom..." He muttered. "Is there another bedroom?"
"No, it seems to be the only one here," Cipha replied.
"... Ehem, I see. I will take the couch then. It looks comfy enough." He replied.
"No, I will take the couch," Cipha replied. "You take the be-"
"No." Zen shook his head. "I really don’t mind sleeping on the couch. I’ve slept somewhere way worse before. I will be fine."
Cipha looked at him silently for a second before she nodded her head. "Well, if you say so."
"Woah, it is so soft. The cushion is even better than any bed I’ve slept on before." Zen said as he sat down on the sofa. Cipha watched him curiously from afar.
’Now that I think about it... Zen had been living in poverty for his entire life. His parents died when he was a child, and he was raised in an orphanage. Then, he became independent when he reached the age of 15.’
After running some research around Zen and his life, Cipha discovered some things that made her sympathize greatly with Zen. Their lives were similar in many ways. Both had to be independent from a young age, and both had to mature way faster than their age. They both struggled and faced things that should have crushed anyone else.
Yet, here they were, still alive and aiming for things that should still be impossible. She couldn’t stop herself from feeling connected with Zen.
"Do you want something for dinner, Cipha?" Zen asked, making her snap out of her daze and look up. He was standing behind the kitchen counter as he looked around for anything to make. "I have the perfect dish for tonight. Something warm and very filling."
He then pulled several ingredients and started cooking in front of her. Cipha watched in awe at how fast his knife skills were and how smooth his movements were.
"How are you so good at cooking?" She asked.
"Hm?" Zen looked up at her. "I’ve worked as a chef before in a small restaurant in my neighborhood. I also cook for myself every single day, so I had to learn."
"I see..." Cipha replied as she sat on the other side of the counter, watching him silently. Something about his figure moving as he cooks calmed her down. For someone who is always on the edge like Cipha, this was a very rare moment in her life.
The silence and peace made her lean against the counter. Her eyes were lost in Zen’s movements.
"Aaaand, done!"
A while later, Zen served her a plate. It was cheesy pasta, and it was steaming hot. Cipha stared down, feeling surprised by how good the smell was.
"Come on, give it a try." He said. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
"... Ok." Cipha nodded and grabbed the spoon before she blew on it and put the bite in her mouth. Instantly, an explosion of flavours filled her mouth as she found herself completely stunned. It was unlike anything she had ever tasted before. Her eyes flashed with myriad emotions.
A feeling of warmth filled her heart and then spread to her entire body. She chewed on it, and each time, even more flavours would reach her.
’What even is this... It’s... so good...’
Zen leaned against the counter with a smile. "Do you like it?"
"It’s... good..." She replied with a dazed tone as she took another bite. Then, another one, and another one after that. She started eating the food rapidly while Zen watched with a smile on his face. ’She would’ve only realized this was her favorite dish years down the line. I’m glad that won’t change any time soon.’
With that, Zen grabbed a plate of his and sat down with her, eating their dinner. Then, they both retreated to their beds and laid down. That night, they needed more rest than ever before, as tomorrow was the start of their Manhunt for Kaen and his group.
It was never going to be easy or peaceful; they had to be ready.
’If we find Kaen, knowing the kind of idiot he is, it will be far from a simple conversation. You better calm the fuck down, you crazed bastard, or I will knock your teeth out of your mouth, one by one.’ Zen thought to himself as he closed his eyes and eventually drifted to sleep.
***
Early morning of the next day, Zen and Cipha woke up and got ready. It was still barely dawn, so the city was still dark.
"I’ve received information that Kaen owns a small butchery downtown. He keeps it under the tabs of the clan, so it will be quite hard to find. I know the general location, but we will need to spread around and search for it."
"Simple enough."
"And here, I’ve told my butler to give us two earpieces we can contact each other through," Cipha said as she handed Zen a small item. Zen put it in his ear and nodded his head.
"If you find Kaen, try not to harm him as much as possible. If he resists or attacks you, you can protect yourself."
"I won’t kill him, don’t worry. I know that we need him." Zen said.
"Good."
With that, the two left the hotel and headed into the city. Taking their vehicle, they headed out of the popular districts of the city into the quieter neighborhoods.
As they went further and further, these nice neighborhoods became... worse. The buildings around them became older, and the streets dirtier.
"Well, this is a lovely neighbourhood if I’ve ever seen one. Everyone is looking at us like we’re aliens."
"Stay focused, Zen. We are almost there."
"Yeah, I know."
Eventually, the car came to a halt on the side of the road, and the two walked out. The entire place looked so shady and dangerous, filled with terrifying faces everywhere around them. The sound of yelling could be heard in the distance, with kids playing here and there on the streets.
Zen and Cipha signaled for each other before they started walking in different directions. Everyone was staring and whispering, and Zen could feel the clear hostility directed toward them.
’Not much of a hospitality, ey?’ He thought.
For several minutes, they walked through the street, each one looking in a certain area. No butchery was found.
’I doubt he would be putting massive signs saying here is my shop. It must be extremely lowkey.’
As Zen was looking around, a man approached him slowly. He turned around, and suddenly, he bumped into him.
"Sorry about that, friend." The man said as he turned around to try to walk away. However, at that moment...
*Swish*
Zen suddenly grabbed his arm and twisted it, making the man scream as he fell.
"What do we have here? Really, trying to pickpocket me?" Zen asked as he stared at the man’s hand, holding the cash he had in his pocket. "Not very rational, are we?"
