Midland Circle.
Aaron rode his motorcycle to the entrance of a building. He wore a classic navy trench coat over a T-shirt, elegant without losing his poise.
As soon as he parked, a capable blonde secretary walked over with a smile. "Hello, Mr. Gaius. Ms. Alexandra sent me to receive you."
"Lead the way."
"Please follow me." The blonde secretary gestured invitingly, then led the way.
They took the elevator straight to the top floor.
After passing through a white corridor, going through a partition, and turning into the inner section, they arrived at a spacious, brightly lit Meeting Room.
A Long Table stood in the center of the Meeting Room. Alexandra sat at its head with a teacup in hand, smiling in greeting at Aaron.
"I've heard much about you, Aaron Gaius."
"Really? Looks like I haven't been low-key enough." Aaron casually sat opposite Alexandra. "I'm not sure whether being valued by The Hand is a good thing or a bad thing."
"Of course it's a good thing. Joining The Hand—"
"Hold on. Didn't you say this was cooperation? How did it become joining?" Aaron looked at her with amusement. "Though, judging by the kind of cooperation you proposed, calling it joining wouldn't be inaccurate."
Alexandra shrugged without offering an explanation.
According to her plan, after today, Aaron Gaius would become a core member of The Hand.
"Join The Hand, and whatever resources you need, we can provide in abundance.
"You can improve your skills without worry and put your talents to use. We'll do our best to meet all your needs."
"That sounds nice, but all my achievements would belong to The Hand, wouldn't they?" Aaron mocked bluntly, then pointed at the blonde secretary standing beside her. "She's low-grade cattle, while I'm a high-grade tool. Is that a