Female Novel
Chapter 5528
“Not yet,” Hogan replied, his urgency evident in his tone. “This time, I was in a rush. I didn’t inform himbecause I was worried that if I couldn’t make it, it would be worse to get his hopes up.”
Charlie grinned, “In that case, there’s no need to give him a call. Let’s just show up and surprise him.”
“Alright!” Hogan readily agreed, his anticipation written all over his face.
He couldn’t help but confide in Charlie, “Young Master, I won’t keep anything from you. Jordan, I’vealways considered him my own. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him and I miss him dearly.”
Charlie nodded in understanding.
Life in the United States had been harsh for Hogan. It had seen slight improvement over the past fewyears, especially with Bella by his side, providing some comfort. However, after Bella’s departure, heeked out a living running a roast goose shop, while constantly looking over his shoulder due to his illegalimmigrant status. His life was a mix of misery and despair.
To him, Jordan was more than an adopted child or a companion, he was a lifeline.
After leaving the airport, Jagoan rented a modest Chevrolet and set off for Chinatown with Hogan.
Jagoan hadn’t made any prior arrangements upon arriving in the U.S. He hadn’t even informed Michaela.Keeping a low profile not only ensured safety but also facilitated the search for hidden market clues.
Driving into the familiar Chinatown, Hogan’s roast goose restaurant was still in operation.
Jagoan parked the car and Hogan couldn’t wait to open the door.
Stepping into the roast goose shop, they found it strangely empty. There was only one person seated ata dining table, while Jordan worked away in the kitchen.
Upon hearing the arrival, he called out, “Sit wherever you like, we’ll be right there!”
A dozen seconds later, he emerged from the kitchen, a plate of roast goose rice in hand.
Seeing Hogan and Jagoan, he was momentarily taken aback and murmured in surprise, “Uncle Hogan,Mr. Jagoan… Why are you here?”novelbin
Hogan with a smile on his face, was about to greet him when he noticed Jordan’s face marred by bruisesand purple scars. There was even a cut at the corner of his mouth, now forming a black scab.
He asked in shock, “Jordan, what happened to your face? What’s going on?”
Jordan instinctively turned his face slightly, all the while serving the guests and hesitantly said, “It’s fine,Uncle Hogan… I was just trying to show off on a motorcycle a few days ago. I took a spill…”
Hogan immediately protested, “Impossible! These injuries aren’t from a motorcycle accident! Look in themirror, at those panda eyes. It’s clear they were inflicted. And those cuts at the corners of your mouth…Even if I were to hit you hard, it wouldn’t cause those kinds of wounds. Tell me! What really happened?”
Jordan shifted uncomfortably, “Uncle Hogan… My injuries are really… not from a fight…”
Just then, he glanced at the clock and saw it was already past nine.
He hastily added, “Oh, the time. Uncle, why didn’t you let me know you were coming? I could’ve pickedyou up from the airport. It’s getting late now. How about I close up shop and find you and Mr. Jagoan, aplace to stay?”
Without waiting for Hogan’s response, he turned to the guest, “I’m sorry, sir… I have an urgent matter toattend to today, so I’ll be closing early. I’ll pack your meal to go, free of charge. Is that alright?”
The guest quickly agreed, but Hogan’s brow furrowed as he asked, “Jordan, tell me the truth. Are you insome kind of trouble?”
Suddenly, the low growl of motorcycles echoed outside, steadily approaching. The roar grew louder andnearer.
Jordan’s expression shifted from nervous to alarmed, “Uncle Hogan, Mr. Jagoan, I have to handlesomething… Please, head upstairs and stay out of this for now!”