Led by the Old Butler, Li Wei met the head of the Cromwell Family, Earl Nost Cromwell.
The earl was already over seventy. Though his hair and beard were white, perhaps because of his military background, he held himself ramrod straight. Even seated behind his desk, he exuded an imposing air without the slightest show of anger.
Seeing Li Wei enter the study, Count Cromwell rose to his feet, stood perfectly straight, and extended his hand.
"Welcome, Sir Li Wei. I hope you won't mind the little joke I played on you."
"Of course not, Sir Cromwell."
Li Wei reached out and shook Count Cromwell's hand. Then Count Cromwell led him over to sit on a nearby sofa. By then, the Old Butler had brought tea and refreshments for them both. Once everything was ready, he bowed and withdrew.
"I imagine you didn't invite me here just to play a joke on me."
"Of course not, Sir Li Wei. In fact, there is a very important matter I would like to entrust to you. Or, as you detectives might call it... a commission."
"A commission?"
At Count Cromwell's words, Li Wei raised an eyebrow.
"That is rather unexpected. What would you like to commission me to do?"
"It's quite simple."
Count Cromwell chuckled, then fixed his gaze on Li Wei.
"I would like you to appoint the next head of the Cromwell Family."
Li Wei did not answer immediately. Instead, he picked up his cup and took a sip of tea.
"Hmm. This is excellent tea."
"If you like it, I can give you all of it, along with this mansion."
"Uh... I appreciate the offer, but I have no use for it."
Li Wei quietly set down his cup.
"Could you explain why, Sir Cromwell?"
"Do you know the