HLM – Chapter 114 The Arrival of the Snow Pigeons

Wang Bo was already having a headache about how to drive away the pair of white-headed cranes. Before he could come up with a plan, a new flock of birds arrived at the castle. Fortunately, this time they didn’t fly into the main hall; instead, they built their nests in the trees.

There were two rows of trees planted along both sides of the inner courtyard of the castle—tall Christmas trees. These weren’t the kind of small pine trees you hang gifts on, but proper arborous species, growing over ten meters high.

In Chinese tradition, planting trees in a courtyard is frowned upon as it forms the character “困” (meaning trapped), but foreigners, unaware of Chinese characters and their meanings, tend to plant trees as long as the courtyard is spacious enough.

Christmas trees are indeed beautiful, with broad canopies and small green leaves. In spring and summer, they even sprout pale yellow flowers. When the weather turns hot, they provide excellent shade for cooling off.

However, these trees also attract birds to nest easily. Just a few days after the Castle Heart was upgraded, several nests of snow pigeons appeared in the trees.

Wang Bo discovered the snow pigeons while doing his morning exercises and noticing bird droppings scattered around the courtyard. At first, he thought it was the cranes’ doing, but the sheer amount didn’t match. Later, he heard chirping from the trees and realized there were new residents in the castle.

Just like his attitude toward the cranes, Wang Bo didn’t mind birds living in the castle. However, they needed to be hygienic—pooping everywhere just wouldn’t do!

He summoned the little Hani over. With a stern face, Wang Bo said, “Clarson, you’ve been here for a month now, right? Haven’t done a lick of work, have you?”

Although the boy acted like a hooligan, deep down he was still an honest youth. Especially after the conflict with the casino thugs, he had developed much more respect for Wang Bo.

So, upon hearing this, Little Hani quickly replied, “I have worked, really! I swear to God I’m not lying. I help Bowen at the ranch every day!”

Wang Bo nodded. “Good. A hardworking kid is a good kid. But you don’t need to go to the ranch anymore.”

“Thank you!” The boy was overjoyed.

“Don’t thank me yet. Here—this broom is for you. From now on, you’re in charge of cleaning the courtyard. These bird droppings must be cleared, or you’ll be skipping meals.”

“Sh*t!”

“What did you say?”

“Mission accepted, Mayor!” the boy said weakly.

Kobe was now handling meals for several people, and he was a world-class chef. Everyone was enjoying rich, greasy meals. Just a few days ago, Bowen even sighed that he had gained several kilos since arriving in town.

Three days after the lead thug was captured, people from the casino finally showed up.

Wang Bo had already sent the thug to the police station in City the day after the incident, charging him with threatening and obstructing law enforcement. He had used his phone to secretly record audio in his pocket and someone else had recorded video footage—clear evidence for a legal case.

The thug worked for a casino called “Indian Jungle.” Charlie helped investigate and found that the casino was a major player in Sky City, ranking among the top ten. It was part of a casino chain, with a headquarters in the U.S.

Gambling is rampant in the U.S., especially among Native Americans. Many run casinos because, after centuries of persecution by white colonists, the government enacted compensatory policies. One of them allows Native-run casinos to pay fewer taxes.

The casino sent a lawyer—an arrogant man who even tried to intimidate Wang Bo. But when he saw Wang Bo’s attorney, Mueller, the man’s expression nearly turned green.

Wang Bo now understood why. Mueller was a well-known figure in New Zealand’s legal circles. Though more low-key in middle age, he had a past reputation as a razor-sharp, silver-tongued attorney.

Wang Bo had no intention of picking a fight with the casino. He told Mueller that if they wanted him to drop charges against the thug, they’d have to waive the loan interest and only collect the original $100,000 principal from Barbara’s husband.

Loan-sharking is illegal, and the casino couldn’t use the courts or the police to recover that money. They’d have to rely on their own means. That’s why such groups usually keep close tabs on their debtors—if a debtor runs to a place beyond their reach, the money’s essentially lost.

There was no doubt the casino wouldn’t be content recovering just $100,000. To them, thugs like the one Wang Bo caught were tools to be used. Expecting them to trade that man’s freedom for compromise was unrealistic.

But they also couldn’t strong-arm Barbara and her husband—because all of Sunset Town was Wang Bo’s territory. If anyone dared trespass, he had the legal right to shoot.

The casino’s lawyer tried to negotiate with Wang Bo, urging him to stay out of their business. But Wang Bo wouldn’t budge. Forget the lord energy Barbara’s family could offer—his pride as mayor alone wouldn’t allow his people to be bullied.

Mueller relayed Wang Bo’s position: “Paying debts is natural. If you’re only asking for the $100,000, the town won’t interfere. But if you want usurious interest, sorry—the town won’t stand by and watch.”

The matter reached a stalemate. Wang Bo had no better solution for now and could only let things be.

While in City, he also took the opportunity to visit Eva. When he arrived at the special education school, he saw a notice at the school gate.

The notice announced a charity auction to be held that weekend. All proceeds would go toward sustaining the school’s operations, and the public was encouraged to help.

As Wang Bo was reading the notice, a clear voice rang out beside him, “Hi, Wang. What a coincidence—fancy meeting you here!”

He turned around and saw Eva, her smile radiant as always.

Though it was late summer, the weather remained hot. The beautiful-legged teacher wore a halter-neck top with brightly colored bird patterns, giving off a playful vibe.

She paired it with white cropped pants, draped with a layer of light gauze. As she walked, the gauze fluttered gently, lending her an ethereal, fairy-like air.

Seeing Wang Bo’s eyes scan her outfit, Eva shrugged with a smile. “The print must look childish, right?”

It did, but Wang Bo knew the reason. Eva had explained last time that the children liked seeing her dressed like this. So from that perspective, her outfit wasn’t childish at all—it exuded a gentle, nurturing aura, like that of a virtuous wife and loving mother.

He shook his head and said, “No, not childish at all. It’s just that your pants reminded me of some bedding from my hometown.”

“Bedding?” Eva widened her eyes, her light purple gaze misty and tinged with playful annoyance. Clearly, she misunderstood.

“A mosquito net. Do you know what that is?”

Wang Bo thought she wouldn’t—central air conditioning is common in New Zealand, and thanks to good environmental protection, there are fewer bugs, so mosquito nets aren’t used.

But Eva chuckled softly and nodded. “Yes, I do. Now that you mention it, it really does resemble one.”