Landlord in the Arctic

If they got into trouble, they would not only have to worry about getting caught but also have to bribe officials and pull strings, wasting a tremendous amount of energy and money.

But the two men before him had just decided the fates of five people so casually.

Feng Shan had a powerful background, constantly surrounded by a dozen fully armed men. And Sean, as the Sheriff of West Yellowstone City, controlled the official law enforcement and represented the city’s law and order.

’If these two were to conspire, get rid of me, and then take over my business in West Yellowstone City, it seems I would have no way to resist at all.’

This profound sense of powerlessness and crisis struck Quinn’s heart like a hammer.

Quinn could no longer sit still. His body trembled slightly and fine beads of sweat broke out on his forehead. He quickly stood up, bowed slightly to the old woman, and forced a stiff smile as he spoke.

"Lady Penny, I have some other matters to attend to, so I’ll be taking my leave. Please don’t worry about the promise I just made. I’ll be sure to keep my word. Goodbye!"

As he spoke, Quinn did his best to sound calm.

But the slight tremor in his voice betrayed his inner turmoil.

After speaking, he gave a hurried nod to Feng Shan and Sheriff Sean, a gesture of farewell.

Then he turned and strode out of the wooden cabin, practically fleeing.

Watching the Biker Gang leader’s somewhat panicked retreat,

Feng Shan felt there was something important he had forgotten to say, but he couldn’t recall what it was, no matter how hard he racked his brain.

He frowned slightly, his eyes showing his confusion, and subconsciously mumbled to himself.

"What was it..."

Just then,

Sheriff Sean also stood up. With a warm smile on his face, he walked calmly over to the old woman and said in a gentle tone,

"I should be going as well, Ms. Penny. God will watch over Paul. Call me anytime if you need anything."

After speaking, Sheriff Sean turned his gaze to Feng Shan. His smile was a mixture of official courtesy and a hidden, different meaning. "Mr. Feng, welcome to West Yellowstone City. I hope you won’t let certain unpleasant people spoil your visit."

This time, Feng Shan stood up as well.

He hadn’t seen Quinn out when he left. After all, in his eyes, the leader of a mere gang wasn’t worthy of him getting up to see him off.

But Sheriff Sean was completely different.

Although he had some shady dealings with gangs behind the scenes,

publicly, he was still the sheriff elected by the citizens of West Yellowstone City, representing official authority.

"Of course. I like West Yellowstone City very much. It reminds me of Crown Territory, which is a really nice place. You must come visit when you have the time. I’ll host you personally." Feng Shan replied with a smile of his own, his words friendly while also cleverly mentioning Crown Territory, as if to casually display his own power.

"No problem, I’ll definitely be there. Goodbye!"

Sheriff Sean smiled and nodded, then turned and walked toward the cabin door.

𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries, and Feng Shan personally saw Sheriff Sean out of the cabin.

Only after escorting him all the way to the door did Feng Shan turn and go back inside.

He was still trying to figure out that important thing he couldn’t remember from earlier.

「Down the hillside.」

The spot where the motorcycles had been parked was now empty. The Outlaws’ bikes were long gone, leaving only a lone police car parked by the side of the road.

A faint light shone from the police car’s window.

Two assistant sheriffs and a sullen-looking Little Tom could be vaguely seen sitting inside.

Sheriff Sean walked up to the police car, reached out to open the door, and ducked into the back seat.

Ignoring his nephew’s presence, he said curtly, his voice laced with exhaustion and impatience,

"Drive!"

"Boss, that man didn’t give you any trouble, did he?"

The middle-aged, white-haired assistant sheriff in the passenger seat asked in a low voice, looking through the rearview mirror.

Then, he frowned slightly and asked in confusion, "Quinn looked really panicked just now. Did something happen?"

"Nothing happened. He was just scared!"

The corner of Sheriff Sean’s mouth curled up in a disdainful sneer, his smile full of contempt for Quinn.

’I’ve spent half my life clawing my way up in West Yellowstone City.’

’Ever since I started my career, I’ve been the sheriff.’

’For decades, I’ve dealt with all sorts of gang members, watched gangs rise and fall, and gone through one partner after another. Yet, I’ve always remained firmly in my position as sheriff, safe and sound.’

’What did I rely on?’

’First, my extensive and deep connections. This network is like a massive, invisible umbrella, shielding me from the elements.’

’Second, my sharp and unique judgment. I can see through people, plan ahead, and know when to win someone over and when to suppress them. I can always make the most advantageous decision at the right time.’

’And third, a perfect sense of boundaries. I know what to do and what not to do, and I never cross the line. When working with gangs, I maintain the right distance, making them useful to me without getting dragged too deep into the mire myself.’

’Why did Quinn run off so fast?’

’Wasn’t it because he’s afraid I’ll team up with Feng to take him out?’

’Seven years ago, wasn’t it the Outlaws who joined forces with me to take down the Charlie Gang, allowing them to gain their current status?’

’But he should take a good look at himself.’

’That Mr. Feng is a major figure. A small-town Biker Gang isn’t even worthy of his attention, let alone being taken over by him.’

’Thinking about the Outlaws’ recent behavior, they’ve gotten a bit too arrogant, almost forgetting their place.’

’It seems it’s time to consider a change in partners.’

Sheriff Sean leaned back against the seat and narrowed his eyes slightly.

He secretly mulled over his next plans.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips, as if he could already see a new situation unfolding under his control.

Immediately, Sheriff Sean looked up, a calculated glint in his eyes that spoke of his recent deliberations.

"Todd, are there any interesting smaller gangs around lately?"

The middle-aged assistant sheriff in the passenger seat quickly turned his head and said respectfully,

"Boss, there’s a small gang in Yellowstone Town called the Big Horned Sheep. There are about seven or eight young men. Their leader is a Hunter, and I hear he’s a dead shot."

As Todd spoke, he observed the sheriff’s expression, trying to decipher his thoughts.

Sheriff Sean nodded slowly, a thoughtful look on his face. With a hint of reflection in his tone, he said, "Go check them out. Young people are good. They have ambition. Not like some people who start living a life of luxury and forget their place."

This statement clearly communicated his dissatisfaction with Quinn and the Biker Gang to his two assistants.

Young people were often more driven and ambitious, making them easier to control, unlike old-school gang members who had lost their way in the pursuit of profit.

"Yes, Boss!"

The middle-aged assistant sheriff nodded, a glint of understanding in his eyes.

He knew the boss was planning to cultivate a new power to adjust the standing of the Outlaws.

Little Tom, sitting on the side, witnessed the entire conversation between his uncle and the assistant.

His eyes grew wider and wider, his expression shifting from initial confusion to shock, and finally to utter disbelief.

When he first joined the Sheriff’s office, his uncle had told him with a righteous expression

that a sheriff’s duty is to serve the citizens, to protect their lives and property, to shield the innocent from injustice, to defend the weak from oppression, to fight violence, to maintain a peaceful social order, and to respect the freedom, equality, and right to justice granted to every citizen by the Constitution.

Little Tom had believed his uncle’s words without a doubt.

He had been full of hope that he could become a true guardian of justice,

and bring peace and fairness to the city.

But now, reality was a merciless sharp blade, ruthlessly shattering the beautiful fantasy in his heart.

His uncle, the man who had always been a symbol of justice in his heart,

was secretly involved in propping up gangs.

Even the city’s notorious Outlaws had been put in power by his uncle.

This cruel truth was like a nightmare, causing Little Tom’s worldview to instantly crumble.

"Uncle, you... you..."

Little Tom’s lips trembled uncontrollably.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something.

But the words were like heavy blocks of lead stuck in his throat, and for a moment, he couldn’t make a sound.

His eyes filled with pain and confusion as a tidal wave of disappointment in his uncle washed over him.

He sat stunned in his seat,

as if the entire world had lost its color in that instant.

All that remained was an endless struggle and torment deep inside him.

...