481: Chapter 476 I Don't Want to Compete with Them

He asked tentatively.

"No."

Shen Yan denied it.

"Then... who is it?"

Shen Yan's tone was completely devoid of emotion, immediately blocking any possibility of Kevin continuing to question him.

Kevin wisely shut his mouth.

He understood.

In front of this man, he only needed to play the role of a 'target' or a 'commodity' for business.

Knowing too much would not benefit him.

Silence reigned throughout the journey.

When they finally walked out of the towering pine forest and arrived in front of the black mercedes-benz S-Class parked by the roadside, a flash of surprise crossed Kevin's eyes.

This car was low-key and steady, yet it exuded an undeniable sense of power.

Just like the man standing next to it.

Shen Yan opened the car door and gestured for him to get in.

Inside the car was another world, completely isolated from the wilderness outside.

Top-grade leather emitted a faint, fresh scent, and the climate-controlled air conditioning sent out the most comfortable breeze.

As the heavy car door closed, all the noise from the outside world was sealed away.

Only the low roar of the engine starting remained.

The vehicle smoothly merged into the traffic flow.

Kevin sat in the soft back seat, watching the scenery rapidly retreat outside the window, and the tension that had gripped his body and mind finally eased slightly.

Then, with belated realization, he asked a question.

"Where... are we going?"

Shen Yan glanced at him through the rearview mirror.

He did not answer the question.

Instead, he posed another question.

"Have you thought about what you're going to do next?"

The car cabin instantly fell into a long silence.

Only the sound of the tires pressing against the road echoed steadily and continuously.

What to do?

Kevin's eyes instantly dimmed.

Yes, what to do?

Before meeting Shen Yan, his only thought was to escape.

The farther away, the better.

But just as he himself said, as long as he was still surnamed Hossen, he could never escape that cage.

He truly had nowhere to go.

After a long while,

Kevin finally found his voice, dry and hoarse.

"I... don't know."

His eyes were filled with a confusion and despair that should not belong to someone his age.

Like a lone bird lost in a storm.

Shen Yan was not surprised.

He drove the car a bit steadier, and his calm voice came through.

"Now, you have two paths you can take."

Kevin suddenly raised his head, his azure eyes fixed on the back of the man in the driver's seat.

"The first path: go back."

Shen Yan's tone was like stating the price of a commodity.

"Go back to the Hossen Family, and pay back everything your brother planned to do to you, doubled."

"I will help you clear all obstacles and place you in the position you should rightfully possess."

"By then, the entire Hossen Family will be yours."

Kevin's heart clenched violently.

He could almost imagine the bloodshed and storms on that path.

Conspiracy, betrayal, and even... death.

That was what he feared and detested the most.

He subconsciously shook his head.

"I don't want..."

"I don't want to fight them."

Shen Yan seemed to have anticipated his answer.

"Very well."

"Then, the second path."

"Tell me every scandalous secret you know about your brother, Andrew Hosen."

"I will use this information to make a deal with your father."

"In exchange for your freedom, and for you to never again be burdened by the Hossen surname for the rest of your life."

"From then on, the world is vast, and what you call yourself, and what your identity is, will be decided by you alone."

Kevin's breathing suddenly became rapid.

Freedom.

This word held a fatal temptation for him.

No longer having to live under his brother's shadow.

No longer having to face his father's cold gaze.

No longer having to wear a hypocritical mask to attend those tedious banquets.

Being able to walk in the sunlight like an ordinary person...

"I choose the second one!"

He blurted it out almost involuntarily, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.

"I don't want any more connection with them!"

"I just want freedom."

A nearly imperceptible curve lifted the corner of Shen Yan's mouth.

Very good, consistent with his judgment.

This youth, though intelligent, was still a child deep down who longed for warmth and peace.

The arena of power was not suitable for him.

"Deal."

Shen Yan's reply was just one word.

Without any affected sentimentality or hesitation.

He looked through the rearview mirror at the youth whose eyes were reddened from receiving the promise.

"Didn't you say your father admired your business talent?"

Kevin nodded.

"Good then."

Shen Yan's tone shifted quickly and directly.

"If I help you obtain the freedom you desire..."

"How about you come work for me?"

Kevin froze.

He hadn't expected the conversation to suddenly turn here.

"I will provide you shelter and a platform."

"You will use your mind to create value for me."

"This is a very fair trade."

Shen Yan's voice was still as cold and realistic as ever.

He was not a philanthropist.

Saving Kevin had triggered a mission, but that didn't mean he would support a freeloader for nothing.

Especially a freeloader who had been certified by the system as having business talent.

Kevin looked into the deep, bottomless eyes in the rearview mirror.

He saw no pity or sympathy in those eyes.

Only calmness, rationality, and an assessment of value.

But this made him feel an unprecedented sense of security.

Because it meant that to the man before him, he was useful and valuable.

Being useful meant safety.

It meant he wouldn't be easily abandoned.

"Okay."

Kevin nodded heavily without the slightest hesitation.

"I promise you."

At this moment, he wasn't talking to a kidnapper or a savior.

But signing an oral contract with a future boss, one that carried more weight than any paper contract.

Exchanging all his future value for a chance at a new life.

The vehicle slowly stopped at the last rest area before entering the urban area of St. Louis City.

Shen Yan took a black bag from the glove compartment in the passenger seat and passed it to the back.

"Put these on."

Kevin took it and opened it. Inside was a brown wig, a pair of non-prescription glasses, and a complete set of professional-grade cosmetics.

He paused for a moment.

Then, a bitter, self-mocking smile appeared on his face.

He didn't ask Shen Yan why he had prepared these things.

This man always seemed to be one step ahead of events.

He picked up the mirror and began skillfully applying the various bottles and jars to his face.

First, using concealer to cover the scars and weary look on his face.

Then, using contour powder to alter the contours of his face, making his originally sharp features look more ordinary.

Putting on the wig to cover his conspicuous blonde hair.

Putting on the glasses to hide his overly clear azure eyes.

His movements were so fluid that it was heartbreaking to watch.