Currently, Grace Bolton is a three-bamboo, not a high position, but generally, the team can expand to over a hundred people, and he can also appoint and promote two-bamboos. A two-bamboo can manage up to thirty people—on a small scale, maybe a street, on a larger scale, even a marketplace—so that counts as making a name for oneself.

Rather than pinning hopes on those two, it’s actually better to look forward to a few others. At present, among the team that Grace Bolton has taken in, there are five people: Paul White, Helen King, Peter Moore, Richard Martin, and Frank Rivers. When Grace Bolton first heard these names, they sounded familiar, but as someone who’s read the story ten times, after a moment’s thought, he remembered.

Paul White—isn’t he the same generation of street punk as George Knight and Thomas Clark? They’d fought several times with another gang, but always ended up losing. However, their relationships were quite good, and as he recalled, Paul White was noticed by the Bamboo Flower Gang’s leader and taken in as a disciple three years after George Knight and Thomas Clark left Yangzhou City, eventually promoted to incense master. He wasn’t young at the time, yet was still accepted as a disciple, which shows he was outstanding in at least one aspect. Maybe his talent wasn’t inferior to George Knight or Thomas Clark. With that in mind, Grace Bolton paid extra attention to him.

As for Helen King, he remembered that he was also rather resourceful and could be cultivated.

Therefore, let’s promote them to wind-bamboo first!

“All right, you two wait here. I’ll go speak to Old Master Bai before I leave.” After finishing his bun, Grace Bolton waved his hand and dismissed the two.

The two had no choice but to wait outside, not knowing what was being discussed inside. After half an hour, Grace Bolton still hadn’t come out.

“Damn it, Grace Bolton is the same age as us, just because he’s got a godfather, he puts on such airs and makes us wait outside, all anxious!” The speaker was George Knight.

Thomas Clark comforted him, saying, “It’s not so bad. At least now we have food and drink. Training in martial arts is tough, but it’s better than sneaking into the Shi family’s dojo to steal lessons. After a few months of practice, I already feel much stronger than before. Once we master our skills and grab some more silver, we can leave the darkness for the light and join the righteous army.”

Hearing this, George Knight immediately got excited, threw his arm around Thomas Clark’s shoulder, and said, “Brothers for life! You really get me. Once we master martial arts, who wants to be a street punk? With my judgment, I’ll definitely pick the most promising rebel army. When we seize the world, with our reputation and abilities, I, George Knight, could at least be a great general, and you would surely be the prime minister.”

They were in high spirits when suddenly a cough sounded. The two immediately fell silent and saw someone turning the corner in the distance, dressed in blue—it was the young incense master Grace Bolton. Both of them couldn’t help but look at his face, wondering if he’d overheard their rebellious talk, but he looked completely calm, showing no sign of emotion.

“What are you two standing there for? Hurry up and follow me. Now’s the perfect time—Old Feng’s bun shop is on break. You two go help Sister Zhen, all right?” As Grace Bolton spoke, he strode over. There were a few peach trees nearby, and just then, petals were falling all around, landing on him. Even the two had to admit, he had an indescribable aura—somewhat ethereal, but not entirely so.

At the mention of Sister Zhen, the two nodded in agreement. Thomas Clark was even a bit moved and said, “Incense master, you’re really good to Sister Zhen.”

As he spoke, he sneaked a glance at Grace Bolton’s expression.

Grace Bolton replied with a carefree smile, “People should value gratitude and loyalty. After all, Sister Zhen saved me back then, so I’m asking you two to take care of this matter—waive the protection fee for Old Feng’s shop and don’t let anyone bother them. Besides, you both received Sister Zhen’s care before. I’m giving you this task so you have a chance to repay her kindness, and you’ll do it better that way.”

George Knight and Thomas Clark both nodded in agreement.

“But our gratitude is to Sister Zhen. As for Old Feng and his shop, what do they have to do with us? I heard the main wife treats Sister Zhen badly. You two keep an eye out and don’t let Sister Zhen be wronged.”

“Of course we won’t let Sister Zhen be wronged, no question about it. It’s just… there are some rumors on the street…” Thomas Clark hesitated, “And as for family matters, it’s hard for outsiders like us to get involved.”

Chapter Four: Speaking of Intent (Part 2)

By now, they had reached the street. The people there were much more enthusiastic than before. Previously, their warmth was because this young man was good with people and spoke sweetly. Now, he held real power. You could say that all the dozens of shops on this street had to give him some respect. Otherwise, with just a little trouble, he could cause problems for their businesses.

As the shopkeepers greeted the young man warmly, Grace Bolton didn’t immediately answer the two dragons’ questions. Instead, with a clear and noble demeanor, he cupped his hands in greeting, “Uncles, aunties, thank you for your kindness. I, Grace Bolton, am just getting by thanks to the help of the gang leader, the hall master, and Master Su. We’re all from the same neighborhood—what’s there to hide? If you have any problems, just tell me. If I can help, I won’t delay!”

The youth before them wore plain blue clothes, but his face showed a faint heroic spirit, and his manners were elegant. Many people couldn’t help but secretly sigh—such character and bearing are truly rare.