David Thompson still maintained a calm and unhurried demeanor as he said, “I really didn’t expect this, so for what you’ve already spent, I won’t make you return it. I’ll have your phone service cut off last, and as for things like your household registration or bank accounts, you don’t need to worry about them—I’ll handle it for you.”

Brian Carter was a bit dumbfounded and hurriedly said, “Wait, aren’t you moving a bit too fast? You’re going to wipe everything now? I can’t just go abroad with cash, right? Uncle Thompson, at least leave me a card, okay? Uncle Thompson, hey…”

The call had already ended.

Feeling rather dejected, Brian Carter found himself with nothing to do, but soon he got excited again—at least he could get some new clothes, which was something. However, when he got home, his good mood vanished completely.

He went online and discovered that the Q account he’d used for many, many years had suddenly disappeared—completely gone, as if it had never existed. Brian Carter was truly anxious.

It wasn’t just the Q account—forum accounts, online shopping accounts and records, even his game accounts were all gone. Everything Brian Carter could think of had been wiped clean, and even accounts he’d forgotten the passwords to long ago had vanished.

And that wasn’t all. When he turned on his phone, Brian Carter found that even his phone hadn’t been spared.

The phone was as clean as when he’d first bought it. Of course, this wasn’t about the exterior, but that there wasn’t even a food delivery account left—only the basic functions of making calls and sending texts remained.

Now, Brian Carter truly felt what it was like to be invisible, and he let out a wail.

“Damn! Did it have to be this ruthless?!”

Chapter 8: A New Journey

When he left, Brian Carter really did feel like he was escaping.

He destroyed anything at home that couldn’t be seen by others, deleted anything on his computer that couldn’t be seen, and only packed some clothes and personal items. Brian Carter left his home with just one suitcase.

The car had already been sold—to a wealthy car enthusiast. The price of 1.2 million wasn’t too low, but poor Brian Carter couldn’t even collect the money. He couldn’t exactly ask the buyer to carry 1.2 million in cash to him, but this was something he didn’t need to worry about.

David Thompson’s car was waiting downstairs, but no matter how he looked at it, Brian Carter felt more like David Thompson was escorting him to the airport, rather than simply giving him a ride. That one word made a big difference.

Once in the car, Brian Carter didn’t speak—mainly because he didn’t know what to say. After glancing at Brian Carter, David Thompson suddenly asked, “How have you been feeling these past few days?”

“Not great, but it’s whatever.”

Brian Carter’s true feelings weren’t as light as he made them sound, but he didn’t plan to share them, and David Thompson didn’t press the issue.

“As long as you can adapt. If you really go down the path of becoming a spy, then the life you’ve had these past few days will become your new normal. Hand me your documents and phone.”

Brian Carter took out a plastic bag containing his phone, as well as his ID card, household registration book, property certificate, student ID, passport—every document he had, useful or not, was in there.

David Thompson took the plastic bag, then handed Brian Carter a passport, saying quietly, “Your name is still Brian Carter, but everything else has changed. Remember that.”

Brian Carter opened the passport and found a bank card and a plane ticket to London inside.

“An account at the Bank of England, under your name. There’s 120,000 pounds in it. Besides the money from selling your car, I rounded it up for you.”

Brian Carter said quietly, “Didn’t I tell you not to give me money, Uncle Thompson? I can’t use that much, and how am I supposed to pay you back?”

Expressionless, David Thompson said, “Better to have more than less when you’re away from home. There’s nothing else I can do for you. That’s it.”

Brian Carter nodded and said nothing more.

David Thompson didn’t speak again—he wasn’t a talkative person.

When they arrived at the airport, David Thompson looked at Brian Carter and said quietly, “I won’t go in to see you off. From now on, you’re on your own… be careful.”

Brian Carter nodded, opened the car door, but just as he was about to get out, David Thompson suddenly said, “Wait, you… never mind, just be careful.”

Brian Carter sat back in his seat, looked at David Thompson, then suddenly opened his arms and hugged David Thompson, saying softly, “Uncle Thompson, thank you for taking care of me all these years. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

David Thompson awkwardly shrugged his shoulders and said quietly, “Mm.”

Brian Carter let go, got out of the car, closed the door, and watched as David Thompson’s car drove away, until it disappeared from view.

Brian Carter and David Thompson didn’t actually have a deep relationship, nor were they particularly close—they’d only met a few times in total. But this man, who had no blood relation to him yet had essentially watched him grow up, Brian Carter could imagine what he’d done and sacrificed for him behind the scenes.

Taking a deep breath, Brian Carter turned and walked into the airport.

David Thompson had already prepared everything for him. With just a small suitcase, Brian Carter only needed to board the plane.

As he boarded, Brian Carter suddenly realized this might be his last moment in this country, that his feet might never touch this land again.