chapter 34 Are you awesome?

Decco prepared the coffin, and the Fierce Wolf was tasked with loading Maddox's body into it to be returned to the Norman Family for resolution. Clarence and Decco were about to leave the alley when they noticed Tariq waiting. "S... Sir," Tariq said, rubbing his hands nervously, unsure how to address Clarence. "What is it?" Clarence inquired. "Well, the residents wanted me to thank you for helping them out of such big trouble," Tariq stuttered, struggling to express himself. Clarence understood his hesitation and turned to Decco. "Decco, leave my phone number." "In case the Norman Family doesn't compensate according to market rates in the future, you can call me," Clarence instructed. Tariq was relieved, fearing that if he left, the Norman Family might continue causing trouble, putting the residents in a passive position. Though spineless, Tariq had a good heart. Hearing this, Tariq was delighted, he continued. "Thank you so much, you're incredibly generous and kind-hearted. You're truly esteemed by everyone..." Tariq was talking incessantly, but when he looked up, he realized Clarence and Decco had already walked far away. ... The two drove to the place where Maxine arranged for April and her daughter to stay. Half an hour later, they arrived at the residential area and stopped at the entrance. "The Honorable, April and her daughter live in Building 2, Apartment 805," Decco informed. "Alright, you guys wait here. I'll go up alone," Clarence decided. At Building 2, Apartment 805, Clarence stood at the door and rang the bell. Soon, the door opened. "Are... Are you okay?" Vanessa gawked at Clarence with watery eyes, curiously examining him up and down. She had thought Clarence would surely get into trouble, if not injured at least. But now, Clarence seemed unscathed. "What, were you hoping for something bad to happen to me?" Clarence raised an eyebrow. Vanessa rolled her eyes. "I didn't say that. Don't put words in my mouth, or my mom will scold me again." "How's living here? Getting used to it?" Clarence asked with concern. "I just moved in. How would I know if I'm used to it or not? Geez," Vanessa retorted, swaying her hips proudly as she walked inside. Clarence chuckled softly, acknowledging her valid point, then followed into the living room. "Clarence, as long as you're safe. I was so worried just now. How did things go over there? If everything's sorted out, let's go back," April said, pushing her wheelchair and bustling to make tea for Clarence. "Aunt Jesse, you don't need to fuss. You can stay here at ease. The conditions in the slums are too poor, not conducive to the recovery of your legs," Clarence assured. Vanessa placed the teacup on Clarence's desk indifferently. "My mom's legs are beyond saving. There's no talk of recovery." "Who said they're beyond saving?" Clarence smiled faintly. Vanessa froze, grasping Clarence's arm suddenly. "What do you mean? Are you saying my mom's legs can still be saved?" "Leave it to me. You focus on your studies from now on, and leave the rest to me," Clarence said, about to say more when his phone vibrated with a call from Rachel. He didn't answer immediately. "Aunt Jesse, I have some business to attend to. Here's twenty thousand dollars for you to hold onto." Clarence said, handing over the money. Clarence never gave too much money at once, fearing it would create pressure. April quickly protested, "We can't accept this. You've already done so much for us. How can we take your money?" "Mom, why not? It's the least we can do. Besides, it's what the Van Family owes us," Vanessa interjected, directly accepting the money, her expression complex as she glanced at Clarence. Clarence nodded faintly. Vanessa was a strong-willed person. Her acceptance of his care was a good sign, indicating she was no longer so resistant to him. "By the way, Aunt Jesse, do you still have the medical records and X-rays from your hospital visit? If so, I'd like to take them," Clarence inquired. "Oh, they seem to be in the old house. I'll go get them," Vanessa said, about to leave. "No need, I'll send someone to get them. You stay here with your mom. And remember, no skipping classes from now on," Clarence warned. Vanessa tilted her swan-like white neck. "That depends on my mood." "This child is too spoiled," April shook her head, then looked at Clarence. "Clarence, if it's possible, I'd like to visit... them. Can we?" April, after all, had no proper status. But now that they were gone, arguing over status was pointless. She just wanted to pay her respects. "Alright, in a few days, I'll arrange a time to visit the burial sites of our families. We can all go together," Clarence agreed. Excited, April nodded vigorously, holding back her tears. Seeing this, Clarence knew it was time to leave. He stood up to bid farewell and exit. Accompanied by her mother's insistence, Vanessa escorted Clarence downstairs. Throughout the journey, neither spoke, and the atmosphere was heavy with silence. "Clarence, are you powerful?" Vanessa suddenly asked out of nowhere as they were about to part. Clarence considered the question seriously for a moment. "Hmm, I'm just so-so." Vanessa wasn't satisfied with this answer. "Okay? What does that mean? Either you're powerful or you're not." Clarence shook his head with a smile, saying he was formidable, one of the four Dragonheads, reigning over the Northern Territory with a lofty status. It made sense to say he was formidable; with Cathay being so vast, there were few powers that Clarence couldn't contend with. He wasn't arrogant enough to think he was the best. "Alright, I'm quite powerful," he conceded. "Okay, got it, let's go, let's go," Vanessa waved impatiently. Clarence blinked in surprise, shook his head again, and then turned to leave. Only to his sister would he show such indulgence. If it were anyone else speaking to Clarence so disrespectfully, they'd probably lose their head ten times over. Outside the residential area, Clarence instructed Decco, "Help me with two things." "First, go to the slums we were at earlier, find April's medical records, and send them to the North so they can come up with a treatment plan." "Second, keep an eye on any movements from the Norman Family these days and report to me immediately." "Understood!" Decco acknowledged before going off to handle the tasks. Clarence and Maxine got into the car, and only then did Clarence remember Rachel's call. He dialed back. The call was answered promptly. "Sis Rachel, what's up?" "Clarence, where are you right now? If you have time, could you come by Villa No.1 on Desvail Mountain?" "Well... We have guests at home who want to meet you."