Sirius Chapter 6: Chapter 5: Farewell

Read chapter 6 of Sirius by Dealer on NovelPedia.

As the crowd went wild, Li was still standing in the arena. His breathing was heavy and his body completely spent. Even though he'd won, it felt like the smallest gust of wind could knock him over. "Lean on me, kid." Glancing to the side, he saw Jhin offering his shoulder. "Don't get used to it." And he found a rare smile on the old man's face. The same was taking shape on his own, but not the same smile as before. This one was closer to the expression of someone wrapping up a long stretch of hard work. Maybe a smile of satisfaction, or relief. Either way, it came with a long exhale that seemed to carry every weight he'd been holding right out of his body. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU JUST DID, KID?!" Tai Lung, who until this moment had been processing what had just happened, lunged toward the arena in Jihan's direction. "Mr. Lung; are you sure you want to cause a scene in front of all these people?" Jhin stepped in before the man could get his hands on Li. "I mean... there's no reason for you to act this way. After all, it was a beautiful victory for the house champion..." Looking around, Tai Lung noticed the crowd staring at him, trying to make sense of what was happening. Being the experienced man he was, he composed himself quickly. Acting as if everything was fine, he straightened his suit, took the microphone, and announced: "TONIGHT'S CHAMPION IS... THE LEOPARD, LI JIHAN!" After he finished speaking, he shot Li a dark look and quickly stepped off the stage. Only then did the memory snap into place; he had broken the deal with his 'father.' "It's alright; he can't touch you right now. People like to talk, and word travels fast..." Jihan nodded, still absorbing what had just happened. "I knew you wouldn't let me down, kid... here, this should be more than enough to cover what you owe, with a little extra to get you started wherever you're headed." Jhin handed him one of the betting tickets indicating a placed wager. "There's nothing stopping you from betting on yourself. You shouldn't have any trouble collecting the money." "I... I don't deserve this. Please, at least keep some of it!" he insisted. The old man just laughed in response. "Just say thank you, kid. Besides, this isn't the only bet I made. This old man still needs to have a little fun before he puts his other foot in the grave." He grinned. "Now go. Get your life sorted." Li bowed. "I'll never forget this, not even if I die. Thank you, sir!" After collecting his winnings, he made his way to the office. Reaching the door, he heard shouting from inside. "What the hell is this?!" "Tai Lung?" "You told me there was no way he could lose! That your man was more than enough to handle the kid!" He sounded like he was losing his mind with rage. "Do you have any idea how much I lost tonight? How dare you trick me like this?! Do you know who you're dealing with?!" "We were genuinely confident, and we apologize, Mr. Lung." An unfamiliar voice answered. "However; win or lose, that has nothing to do with us. We're only here for business." "BUSINESS?! You think there's any chance our agreement holds now?!" "Hahaha; I suspect that's no longer in your hands..." "YOU BASTARD!" Bam Tai Lung's shout rang out, followed by a heavy crash. Li quickly opened the door and walked into a scene he never could have imagined. The big man was on the ground, pinned down, his arm twisted nearly to the breaking point. All of it done by a man slightly shorter and leaner than Li himself. "Don't get carried away, Mr. Lung," said the blonde man, stepping off the former yakuza's back. "We respect those who respect us and collect from those who don't, with interest. I hope this doesn't happen again." The young man turned toward the door. "Ah, Mr. Li! What a pleasant surprise. Excellent fight; I have to say I underestimated you. I didn't expect someone of your caliber." Jihan studied the man. His hair, light eyes, and pale skin had a foreign quality to them. Yet for some reason, he felt far more threatened