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.

disciplined by strict teachers at the training camp started to resurface in

was once an innocent and honest guy just like Nico. Although he was aggressive,

becoming the

wonder if Nico will become like that

thought ended there, Cedrick

at Nico who was near the wall, clearly exhausted and

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

I’ve been on missions for the past year and

reply was sincere and honest, unlike

resent Cedrick or develop such rebellious thoughts toward the latter.

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

and he was confident that he would never hesitate even if Cedrick were to send him to the dangerous frontlines of the

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

timer. I’ll note down the remaining time. Do watch your mouth in the future, for I’ll double the punishment time if I catch you running your mouth again.”

“Thank you, Cedrick.”

be granted amnesty, Nico landed on his

as he stabilized himself, a glass of warm water

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

a glass of water and

not know how to react. He was confused, for Cedrick was being exceptionally nice despite the punishment the latter had just given him.

of water. Am I going to end up like Craig, who was

“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

light-hearted taunt scared Nico to no end. Panicking,

become the deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I will always remember

was holding the glass. “You’re also my comrade,

comrades, family, and brothers,” he repeated

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