The Ex and Her Riches

Nico was rendered speechless by Cedrick’s lecture. However, instead of getting upset, he laughed foolishly. “You’re right, Cedrick. Every word you say is a famous quote, and I’ll listen to you without question.”

He didn’t mind being reprimanded as long as his salary wasn’t deducted.

Concealing what was on his mind, he smiled ingratiatingly at Cedrick.

Cedrick stared at him. “You enjoy being reprimanded? Do you have a masochistic tendency?”

Nico replied, “No. I only enjoy being reprimanded by you.”

Disgusted by Nico’s cheesy remarks, Cedrick felt goosebumps crawling all over his skin. Hence, he quickly dismissed Nico, “Stop wasting time. ‘Go and do your push-ups and after that, do a handstand against the wall. Time yourself. I won’t be watching you.”

“Got it,” Nico responded cheerfully. “Rest assured that I will behave myself, Cedrick. Even if you’re not watching, I’ll finish it properly without missing a second.”

Cedrick eyed him coldly and said nothing else.

Doing push-ups and handstands against the wall were good ways to build a strong physique. It was not a difficult feat for Nico though it could be quite tiring.

The only sounds in the office were the noise of Cedrick typing away on his keyboard and Nico’s occasional heavy panting.

Doing a handstand for more than four hours straight was a challenge much more intense than push-ups.

Sweat trickled down Nico’s body, dripping onto the wooden floor in front of him and seeping into his eyes, which made him feel a little uncomfortable.

Just like that, he spent almost half of the morning doing a handstand in Cedrick’s office.

After holding on for two hours, Nico found the veins on his muscular arms bulging from the exertion. His breathing also became increasingly labored as his arms trembled.

Cedrick observed Nico through the corner of his eye while sorting out the documents at hand.

Unlike Craig, the former deputy director, Nico had no complaints at all when enduring the high-intensity handstand.

being trained and disciplined by strict teachers at the training camp started

like Nico. Although he was aggressive, he

being promoted to deputy director and becoming

if Nico will become like that in the future…

train of thought ended

near the wall, clearly exhausted and on the verge

you’re only halfway there. Do you resent me for punishing you

own good. I’ve been on missions for the past year and haven’t been training on my own. I slacked off, so I

honest, unlike

never resent Cedrick or develop such rebellious thoughts toward the latter.

weren’t for Cedrick back then, he might have died on the chaotic battlefield at the borderlands. His life would end at the age of ten, and he would never have the

would remember others’ kindness toward him for a lifetime, and he was confident that he would never hesitate even if Cedrick were to send him to the dangerous frontlines of

Nico couldn’t see Cedrick’s expression clearly. Nevertheless, he

water. “Get up and pause the timer. I’ll note down the remaining time. Do watch your mouth in the future, for I’ll double

“Thank you, Cedrick.”

amnesty, Nico landed on his feet agilely but

he

who was holding the glass of water, in shock. His eyes, which were already

a glass of water and handed it to

react. He was confused, for Cedrick was being exceptionally nice despite the punishment the latter had just given

would await him after he finished the glass of water.

out to take the glass. Cedrick frowned while maintaining his usual aloof demeanor. “You’re about to be promoted to deputy director soon, and everyone will have to address you respectfully. Say, Mr. Larson, are you looking down on the water I

light-hearted taunt scared Nico to no

no, I’d never. It’s all thanks to you that I’m able to become the deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I will always remember your kindness and will forever be your subordinate,

Cedrick’s lips as he patiently extended his hand which was holding the glass. “You’re also my comrade, my family,

“Yes. We’re comrades, family, and brothers,” he

chugged it down in one go