Could it be that no one has ever come in? David Thompson touched around but didn’t find any trace of dust. It seemed the room was cleaned regularly, which puzzled him...

　　“Exactly the same, is it?” Olivia Thompson had appeared at the doorway without him noticing.

　　“And there’s not even any dust,” David Thompson said. “How do you manage that?”

　　“I never let anyone else into this room. Every week, I clean it myself, then put everything back exactly as it was.” Olivia Thompson lifted her nose, looking indescribably charming. “I’m so sick of arranging your stinky sneakers. Every time I touch them, I have to wash my hands seven or eight times, and I still can’t get rid of the smell!”

　　Olivia Thompson spoke lightly, but David Thompson felt a pang in his heart. How could he ever repay such deep affection...

　　He instinctively wanted to avoid this conversation and was searching for an excuse: “Miss, I...”

　　“Stomachache, so you need to go to the bathroom, right? Your stomach always comes to your rescue at critical moments! It’s been six years, and your excuses haven’t improved at all—they’re still so old-fashioned!”

　　David Thompson sadly realized that William Thompson’s extraordinary insight into people had been completely inherited—and even surpassed—by his daughter Olivia Thompson.

　　“Miss Olivia, you misunderstand. My stomach doesn’t hurt at all! But my head really hurts, oh, ouch, it must be a cold. I need to lie down right away...”

　　“Hmph!” Olivia Thompson walked out the door. “I knew you’d try that! Useless guy... Oh, by the way, I’ve confiscated that pile of yellow magazines under your bed! You’ll have to go buy new ones! There’s a bookstore across the street—the owner usually hides them, but just tell him I sent you. I’m a regular customer; he’ll give you the latest ones.”

　　David Thompson really felt his head hurt... so much it felt like he had two heads.

　　The The Thompson Family’s highest command system was divided into two levels and four institutions—

　　The first level included: the Chief’s Office, with the Chief as the family’s supreme leader; and the Elders’ Council, composed of elected representatives from each provincial region.

　　The second level included: the Command Office, headed by the Chief Commander, under whom were six commanders responsible for executing specific administrative affairs; and the Inspectorate, whose Chief Inspector also held the rank of commander, but whose status was higher than the other six commanders and lower than the Chief Commander. The Chief Inspector was not under the Command Office’s jurisdiction, but independently oversaw administrative supervision and reported directly to the Chief.

　　Nominally, members of the Command Office were appointed by the Chief after approval by the Elders’ Council, and were responsible to both the Chief and the Council. So, the Chief Commander was just a senior official under the Chief. But in reality, due to the current Chief Charles Thompson’s inaction and the Chief Commander Emily Harris’s ambition, the family’s power had gradually shifted to the Command Office. That’s why, when senior officers like David Thompson returned from elsewhere, the first place they went was always the Command Office, not the Chief’s Office.

　　The guard on duty, polite but cold, told him, “Chief Commander Emily Harris is very busy. For a newly appointed Deputy Commander to see him, you’d have to make an appointment several days in advance.”

　　“Understood,” David Thompson said. “Can I make an appointment now?”

　　The guard checked the register. “The Chief Commander’s schedule is full until next Monday. Could you come at 3 p.m. that day? The Chief Commander can spare you five minutes.”

　　“Sure!” David Thompson smiled. After all, his business wasn’t urgent—this just meant a few more days of vacation.

　　At that moment, a capable-looking middle-aged officer walked through the hall. Seeing David Thompson, he suddenly stopped. “Hey, isn’t this Dave? You’re back?”

　　David Thompson turned and saluted respectfully. “Greetings, Mr. Miller! It’s really been a long time!”

　　Jack Miller was one of the six current commanders of the The Thompson Family, serving as the Black Banner Army’s corps commander. He was upright and cheerful, and had once been David Thompson’s tactics instructor when they were young. Later, they fought side by side in the campaign against Liufeng’s invasion and became good friends. Meeting a friend in the hostile Command Office, David Thompson was truly happy.

　　“What’s so good about it! My prized student comes back and doesn’t even visit me—what’s so good about that?”

　　David Thompson felt a wave of warmth. Jack Miller knew full well that Chief Commander Emily Harris was wary of him, yet still came over to greet him. In these times, when Emily Harris held so much power and everyone was afraid, such genuine friendship was rare.

　　“I only arrived in the capital yesterday, sir. I was planning to report to the Command Office today and then pay my respects to you. I didn’t expect to run into you like this...”

　　“All right, all right, enough with the chatter!” Jack Miller threw an arm around his shoulders. “So, have you found a place to stay? How about staying at my place? Anyway, my two silly daughters are at that age now, always chattering about boys. Maybe I’ll send you over as a big present!” He looked David Thompson up and down, clicking his tongue in praise. “Handsome young man! Interested in being my son-in-law? Take your pick of the two girls...”

　　“Sir,” David Thompson hurriedly interrupted, “I’m already staying at Miss Olivia’s house for now.”

　　“Oh!” Jack Miller grinned. “No wonder. Compared to Miss Olivia, my two silly girls just can’t compete. Not bad, not bad—you’ve got good taste!”

　　David Thompson didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.