The name “Dreamland” was not unfamiliar to Leo; it was quite famous in Langstel, known as a paradise for men.
He couldn’t believe that Bevis was not only fond of women but also gambling. With that information, it would be easier to bring him under control.
“Is there any other information?” Leo inquired further.
Chasel nodded, saying, “Gamblers usually lose more often than they win, and Bevis is no exception. His gambling has left him deep in debt. But what’s strange is that he still has the money to spend at Dreamland.”
“It’s not that strange. Someone is providing him with funds,” Leo remarked, setting down his glass.
Listening to their conversation, Bob pondered for a moment before asking, “Leo, are people like him, who are both lecherous and addicted to gambling, reliable?”
“Whether they are reliable or not, that’s not the point. If handled correctly, people like him can be quite useful. I’m sure if you let Bevis manage your underground fighting arena, the business will flourish,” Leo replied.
“Of course, I’m just offering a suggestion. If you don’t want to, just forget I mentioned it.”
“You’re being too formal. You saved me and my wife. In my heart, you’re like a brother to me, Leo. I trust you!” Bob said sincerely, then turned to Chasel. “So, where is Bevis now?”
“Dreamland,” Chasel answered.
“Leo, why don’t we pay a visit to Dreamland together and bring Bevis in our team?” Bob suggested, his straightforward nature prompting him to take action.
However, Leo hesitated.
Dreamland was a highly sensitive place, and if Sophia found out he had been there, things could turn ugly for him.
“If you have reservations, Chasel and I can go alone,” Bob suggested after reading Leo’s hesitation.
Bob and Chasel were no match for Bevis in combat. If a conflict were to arise, Leo would have to step in to resolve it.
Leo decided to go along, mustering his resolve. “Let’s go together.”
Thirty minutes later, the three of them entered Dreamland Club.
In a private room, they found Bevis.
At that moment, Bevis was surrounded by women and appeared to be deeply immersed in their company. When he noticed Leo and the others entering, he looked astonished and said, “What are you guys doing here?”
“Bevis, you certainly know how to enjoy yourself. Mr. Bloomer and Mr. Abe came to find you personally, and this is your attitude?” Chasel retorted with annoyance.
Bevis cast a disdainful glance at Chasel. “Who the hell are you? This isn’t the underground fighting arena. Do you have a place to speak here?”
Bob slammed the table. “Bevis, don’t be so arrogant.”
Bevis had no respect for Bob and Chasel. He said coldly, “You guys are nothing but losers. You’re not qualified to speak to me.”
“Bevis, do I have the qualifications to talk to you?” Leo locked eyes with Bevis.
Bevis’s gaze briefly met Leo’s, but he quickly looked away. He didn’t dare challenge Leo; he knew firsthand just how powerful Leo was.
“Leo, in your presence, I am a defeated man. If you came to find me today, what do you want?” Bevis begrudgingly asked.
“Bevis, your gambling and lavish lifestyle have left you deeply in debt. You’re still able to sit here because someone is giving you money, aren’t they?” Leo asked bluntly, taking a seat across from Bevis.
Bevis was momentarily taken aback but retorted coldly, “Whether I’m in debt or someone is giving me money is none of your business.”
Leo smiled. “You have a background as a mercenary. In the eyes of others, you’re just a tool, a tool they can discard at any moment. When you’re discarded, your current life of luxury will slip away.”
“Bob and I discussed it. His underground fighting arena can be managed by you. You’ll be responsible for your own profits and losses. How about that?”
“And the conditions?” Bevis knew it couldn’t be that simple.
“The condition is this: you must hand over fifty percent of your annual profits to Bob.”
This condition had been discussed and confirmed between Leo and Bob on their way to Dreamland.
It was indeed tempting for Bevis, and it felt like a windfall.
However, Bevis was well aware of the treacherous nature of the underworld. He countered, “What if I don’t agree?”
“If you refuse a gift-wrapped underground fighting arena, then you truly are the biggest fool in the world,” Leo retorted with a smile. He stood up and added, “It seems you prefer being used as a tool. Goodbye!”
As Leo turned to leave with Bob and Chasel, Bevis grew anxious. He quickly stood up from the sofa. “Wait, can I have three days to think about it?”
Leo turned around. “Fine, you have three days to think it over. If you decide to accept, find Chasel or Bob at the underground fighting arena.”
After leaving Dreamland, Bob suggested grabbing a late-night beer, but Leo checked the time and declined.
“Leo, you must be sick,” Bob teased him with a smirk.
Leo gave him a glare. “You’re the one who’s sick.”
“You really are sick, and you’re suffering from a serious illness called ‘Wife-Is-the-Boss Syndrome’!” Bob joked.
Bob then grabbed Chasel’s arm and said, “Run!”
Leo was left standing there, shaking his head with a wry smile.
The next day, after having breakfast and dropping Sophia off at work, Leo drove to the Nameless Chinese Medicine Clinic.
Being the true owner of the clinic, Leo rarely had time to visit. The recent string of chaotic events had kept him occupied. Today was one of the rare days when he had some free time, so he decided to personally attend to patients.
The clinic was bustling with patients that morning, and even with Dr. Davy’s help, Leo was busy until around noon.
Just as he was about to head to the backyard to have lunch and take a break, he heard loud firecrackers from across the street.
Leo furrowed his brow and went outside to take a look.
It turned out that a new Chinese medicine clinic had opened across the street, and its name was “Read Clinic.”
The facade of Read Clinic was much grander than that of Nameless Chinese Medicine Clinic. It had an antique style, and during its grand opening, there were two rows of hostesses standing outside the entrance.
These hostesses were all dressed in white cheongsams, each with a pair of long legs that caught the eye.
Leo also noticed the advertisement displayed by Read Clinic: “Free consultations for three days starting from the opening. Get free tonics with purchases over two hundred dollars.”
In no time, Read Clinic across the street became lively with patients.
Don walked out as well, smirking as he said, “Dr. Bloomer, it looks like they’re openly competing with us.”
“Where there are people, there is a community, where there is a community, there is competition. As long as it benefits the people, it’s a good thing,” Leo replied, unfazed. He had never relied on the clinic to make a living, and the competition across the street might even help reduce the patient load at Nameless Chinese Medicine Clinic. Leo had a busy morning with back-to-back consultations, and he was feeling quite tired. He hadn’t even had a moment to take a sip of water.
Don nodded, understanding Leo’s perspective.