The Highest Bounty

The media intentionally reported the Skynet battle video between Gu Ding and Ter. However, their attention was not on Gu Ding"s battle prowess, but the words Liliath had forced Ter to say in the end—His name is Ricky Ona.s.sis.

The leader of one of the ten wealthiest families was dealing with notorious figures like Ter. This was undoubtedly the perfect gossip subject that could serve as fiery media hype. Moreover, it could also give rise to all kinds of other subjects. 

For example, did members of other families deal with Ter? Had these so-called socialites performed any filthy business deals with other, even more infamous figures? What were they?

This matter did not affect the Ona.s.sis family alone. Other families had also started keeping a low profile, worried that the media would get hold of certain despicable acts that they had done in the past and expose them.

Because of this incident, Ricky"s collection had raised doubts from the media. Certain media outlets had even raised their concerns directly, questioning exactly how much of collection had been obtained through such deplorable means. 

Hundreds of media outlets started ringing up Ricky"s and other Ona.s.sis family higher-ups" communicators ceaselessly. This was also the reason why the other higher-ups in the family were infuriated. Although he carried the t.i.tle as the leader, in reality, he had only headed the family for less than two years. Major decisions were made together with his father and other elders in the family whilst he merely played the role of announcing their collective will. 

"Sir, there"s nothing unusual going on with Gu Ding and Liliath. They"ve been shopping the entire afternoon. I think they are aware that there are a lot of us here, so they don"t plan to get entangled in this matter anymore." The butler walked over and whispered, "Also, old sir called me on my communicator. He said that your line was constantly busy. It sounds like he"s really mad. Other than that, he wants me to tell you that regardless of the means you use, you must solve this matter. Otherwise, the next family meeting will be your last day as the head of the family."

Hearing this, Ricky picked up his communicator. He was just about to dial his father"s number when the butler stopped him.

"Sir, it"s no use. You will only upset old sir even more." The butler understood every Ona.s.sis family member"s character very well. "No matter how you explain yourself, old sir will not listen." 

"What should I do?" Ricky knew that the butler was speaking the truth.

"Focus your energy on solving this matter. Stop thinking about other things now." The butler still seemed composed. After all, he had nothing to do with this matter and was totally uninvolved in the affair.

"My head is a mess right now. Tell me what I should do, Steward. I know I should"ve listened to you from the start and not got in bed with people like Ter, but it has already come to this point. I really need your a.s.sistance." Ricky held his head in his heads, seemingly helpless. 

"If you want to end the dilemma, you will need to solve it by targeting the source of the problem itself." Butler Steward was silent for a moment before giving an answer.

"What you"re saying is to kill Ter, Gu Ding, and the rest?"

"Ter must die!" Steward did not even blink as he said this. "But, you can"t lay a finger on Gu Ding and Liliath. Gu Ding is a pharmacologist, so he has Hermean Alliance backing him up. If you kill him, you"ll only make matters worse. Both of them are the federal government"s concerns, not ours. Besides, they are only children. There"s no need to worry about what they can do. On the other hand, you"ve worked with Ter a few times now. If this matter is exposed, you may lose not only your position as the head of the family, but also your surname as an Ona.s.sis. Only with his death can you rest easy that this matter will not be unearthed."

"But if we kill Ter now, it"ll be too easy for the media to point their finger at us." Ricky"s brows were knitted together. He figured that Steward"s suggestion was too risky.

"What we"re doing is not killing Ter but causing his death." The corner of Steward"s lips curled up gradually. "He just finished fighting a great battle with Gu Ding, didn"t he? People who have just gone through a harsh battle will show symptoms of internal bleeding and whatnot. Also, I happen to know a medical examiner who performs autopsies. You don"t have to worry about this, let me handle it. I believe the headlines tomorrow morning will read "Interstellar Hunter Ter dies of internal bleeding after losing a fight"."

"Even so, certain media outlets will doubt us, right? Ter would have injected himself with the cell repair agent by now, so the chances of him suffering internal bleeding are slim. Besides, even ordinary civilian-use wrist.w.a.tches will display the abnormalities of the body after detecting it, reminding the owner to seek medical help as soon as possible." Ricky figured that there were too many holes in this plan.

"It may be possible that his wrist.w.a.tch was damaged in the fight with Gu Ding, causing it to malfunction." Steward was still smiling. "If the internal bleeding is serious enough, the cell repair agent may not be able to repair it after just one use. Besides, he"s a fellow who enjoys eating and drinking in unreasonable amounts, so his chances of suffering internal bleeding are much higher than ordinary people."

"Don"t worry. I will handle this flawlessly. When the time comes, it doesn"t matter how the media puts it, as long as they don"t have the evidence, we only need to stand firm and deny it vehemently." Steward wore an indifferent look. Clearly, this was not his first time doing this now. 

When night fell, Liliath and Gu Ding finally completed a whole day of shopping at the market.

"I want to eat that tavern"s lamb chop again. What do you think?" Liliath placed the leather bag that she had just bought into her inventory. She lifted her head and asked Gu Ding. 

"My sentiments exactly." Gu Ding"s taste was quite similar to Liliath. He figured that the lamb chop this afternoon was indeed tasty. "I think we need to find a chef as soon as possible."

"I have a request, which is that the lamb chop needs to be of this standard, at least." Liliath nodded and agreed.

"I agree!"

"I object. Are both of you bullying me, a member who has no sense of taste?" Neptune"s voice rang in their ears. However, his objection was immediately ignored.

When the two of them arrived at the tavern, the place was almost full, but the waiter was extremely enthusiastic toward Gu Ding and Liliath when he saw them, which was expected as the duo helped him to retrieve the payment for the meal that Ter owed him. Moreover, they had also made Ter compensate for the damaged tables and chairs in the tavern.

Under the waiter"s guidance, the duo found their seats in no time. They had just ordered their lamb chops when Neptune"s voice rang out. "Ter died at the side of the road after eating his dinner just now. The medical examiner performed the autopsy on the spot and determined that he died due to internal bleeding from his previous injuries. Someone damaged his wrist.w.a.tch, which was why his body condition could not be accurately monitored." 

"That"s really fast of Ricky." Liliath knew what had happened without even pausing.

"To be able to kill Ter so easily, it should be the butler"s doing, right? To think, a Rank 8 Gene Body this strong!" Gu Ding frowned slightly. 

"They won"t do anything to the two of you." Neptune already knew what had happened in the mansion. "In their own words, children like the two of you won"t cause any problems." 

"I hope that"s what they will still think tomorrow." Gu Ding smiled. He had spotted the waiter bringing the lamb chop over.