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 to resurface in

guy just like Nico. Although he was aggressive, he had a kind

promoted to deputy director and becoming the

Nico will become like that in the

his train of thought ended there,

who was near the wall, clearly exhausted and on the verge of collapsing but

already struggling when you’re only halfway there. Do you resent me for punishing you so harshly?” Cedrick asked.

his posture as he replied with difficulty, “You’re training me for my own good. I’ve been on missions for the past year and haven’t been training on my own. I slacked off, so

sincere and honest, unlike Craig’s deliberate flattery.

or develop such rebellious thoughts toward the latter.

at the borderlands. His life would end at the age of ten, and he would never have the luxury to enjoy the comfortable life he had

confident that he would never hesitate even if Cedrick were to send him

expression clearly. Nevertheless, he still gritted his teeth and tried to push his body’s potential to

stood up, went around the desk, and gracefully poured a cup of warm water. “Get up and pause the timer. I’ll note down the remaining time. Do watch your

“Thank you, Cedrick.”

be granted amnesty, Nico landed on

and weak, and as soon as he stabilized

shock. His eyes, which were already bloodshot from the sweat,

of water

by shock, Nico did not know how to react. He was confused, for Cedrick was being exceptionally nice despite the punishment the

wondering if more tormenting punishments would await him after he finished the glass of water. Am I going to end up like Craig, who was tortured in this same office

to be promoted to deputy director soon, and everyone will have to address you respectfully. Say, Mr. Larson, are you looking down

to no end. Panicking, he bowed respectfully.

the Federal Bureau

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

by Cedrick’s words. “Yes. We’re comrades, family, and brothers,” he repeated each

chugged it down in one go for he was too thirsty. The plain water tasted exceptionally sweet.