“Pft, M-Matt. This is too much for my eyes.” Skyler found Matthew’s outfit unbearable to watch, and his uncontrollable laughter seemed to rub off on Veronica and Shirley.
Meanwhile, Matthew walked up behind Skyler and slapped the latter on the head. “Looks like you aren’t as sharp as Shirley’s. She knows what to say and what not to say, at least.”
“Ouch, that really hurt. I almost got a concussion.”
Skyler rubbed the back of his head, where he was slapped. “Everyone at One Piece Restaurant knows you. No need to be shy.”
“I’m worried about potential eavesdroppers,” Matthew said and sat next to Skyler. “Iron is right.” Shirley nodded vigorously in agreement.
Covering his mouth, Skyler laughed so much that his shoulders shook. “Seriously, why did you have to pick such a name? ‘Iron Pillar?’ Hahaha… I’m going to tell this story forever when I return to Bloomstead, hahaha…”
Matthew smiled helplessly. “Out of Destiny’s crew, only this person named Iron Pillar is an amazing cook. I didn’t have much of a choice!”
Being a cook was his only ticket to getting closer to Veronica and smoothly moving into Mountainside Gardens. Crayson could find a new chef, but Veronica could easily reject them for reasons like “bad taste” or “not her preference.” Surprisingly, Destiny chose Matthew as the chef when Crayson asked for one.
Since Iron barely had contact with Destiny, Matthew decided to impersonate him. Struggling to hold back her laughter, Shirley chimed in, “You know, I also think Iron’s personality just doesn’t match well with yours, President Kings.”
“Well, well, well! Look at you, daring to tease him now.” Veronica reached out and poked Shirley’s head. “You’ve grown bolder.”
“Hehe, just kidding.” Shirley smirked.
“It’s okay.” Matthew was not bothered and pointed toward the breakfast on the table instead. “You all go ahead and eat. I’ve got something to share.”
Since it was time to discuss business, Skyler and Shirley quickly put their laughter aside and focused on listening attentively.
Matthew glanced at his watch on his wrist. “I’m a bit short on time, so I’ll keep it brief. Skyler, you and Shirley aren’t acquainted with the hidden clan. So, it’s best to stay out of sight.
You would need to learn to hide your identities. Especially you, Shirley.”
His gaze shifted to Shirley, his brow slightly furrowed. “Since you can’t defend yourself, make sure no one finds out about you. Skyler might join me for secret nighttime outings. Stay calm if you can’t locate him, and cover for him if needed.”
With a subtle bite on her lip, she glanced at Matthew, catching onto the situation somewhat, then shifted her gaze to Skyler and nodded. “Got it, I understand.”
“Still, you can’t just keep us cooped up indoors all the time. It gets really lonely,” Skyler complained.
“I’ll set up two computers for you with downloaded cracked games to pass the time.” Matthew had long been prepared. Despite careful planning, he never anticipated that Skyler would bring Shirley to the hidden clan.
Feeling displeased, he thought Skyler’s actions were inappropriate. Yet, he would not confront Skyler in front of her.
“I’ll teach you how to disguise yourselves when I’m available. You can head out for walks in disguise whenever you want.”
Veronica consoled Shirley, worried that she might be feeling down. “Haha, Ron, you’re still the one who treats me the best.” Shirley hugged Veronica’s arm and nuzzled her head on her shoulder, feeling happy.
After giving a few reminders, Veronica and Matthew finally left One Piece Restaurant and headed toward the palace in their car. Following a thirty-minute drive, they approached a mountain road that led them upward to a parking lot at the mountain’s peak.
