Chapter 32 Nostalgic Smile

''Don't worry; by killing him, you actually helped us more than hurt. One person's death won't be enough to hold those scumbags accountable for what they've done thus far. '' In Dan's eyes, the flame of retribution burned.

Dan sighed and turned to Raydon again with a sincere question. ''Our place is not far away. You mentioned that you had just moved here. If you want to join us and eat something, you are welcome to. ''

After giving it some thought, Raydon agreed. His goal was to learn more about the environment and the world, and the best way for him to do so was to meet new people.

—

After a brief distance, Raydon and his group arrived at an area resembling a warehouse with large, rusted doors.

Dan walked up to the door, knocked three times, and shouted. '' We're back, open the door. ''

Another young man of similar age greeted them as one of the doors slowly opened with a loud creak. ''Welcome, Boss. You came just in time. Dinner will be ready soon. ''

Dan gave the boy a shoulder pat while beaming. ''Good, good. We have a guest. Do not forget to prepare an extra plate. ''

The young man smiled and spoke after looking at Raydon. '' Welcome brother. ''

Raydon nodded, and they went inside. Raydon was met with a large area when he first entered. The place appeared to be old, with some windows broken, but it was quite clean.

In one corner, beds and sheets were scattered across the floor. This was obviously where they slept. Three elderly women were chopping vegetables and cooking food in a sizable cauldron on the opposite side. Raydon noticed that the air inside was fragrant with delicious food.

In addition, a large number of people, from young children to the elderly, could be seen. Raydon quickly realized that there were at least 20 people inside. In response to what he saw, his first thought was that this place was a shelter.

''Boss, the table is already set; you may take a seat if you wish.'' The young man who had opened the door said to them, pointing to a long table made up of small tables that had been joined together.

By this point, everyone who saw Dan and his crew walk in was standing up to greet them.

''Welcome back, boss.'' A middle-aged man who was limping on one leg called out.

As he held plates in his hands, an elderly man said, "Boss, you are early today."

"Haha, Boss, I hope you had a day without any incident. " With a few teeth in his mouth, another old man said while laughing.

Dan exhaled, "Grandpa, you're already old enough to retire, stop calling me boss.''

''Who is old? I am still young. Come to arm wrestling if you dare. '' The old man yelled, showing the sagging muscles in his arms.

''Yes, Grandpa, you are the best; you should calm down before your blood pressure rises again,'' Karan said, he looked tired.

''Hey, old man, stop bothering people and let them eat in peace.'' When one of the elderly women shouted from behind him, the old man sighed, turned around, and sat in one of the chairs at the table.

''I apologize for the inconvenience; it's always a little noisy in here.'' Dan expressed his embarrassment.

''No worries. It reminds me of my old days. '' Raydon smiled, but there was sadness beneath his smile only a few noticed at the time.

The group moved toward the table after concluding their welcome. Except for the old, senile man who had already taken a seat at the table, everyone was looking at Dan and waiting for him to take a seat first.

Dan did not sit either; instead, he motioned for Raydon to take a seat in the chair at the head of the table. "Please take a seat. Today you are our guest of honor. ''

One of the young girls in the group couldn't help but speak up as everyone stared confusedly at Dan. ''Boss, what are you doing, it's your chair. ''

Karan frowned, glared angrily at the young girl, and motioned for her to be quiet with his hand.

Although the young girl noticed Karan's sign, she did not hold back and spoke louder. ''He is our boss, and we are required to respect him, no matter who the guest is. Boss, I can't support such disrespect, even if it's on your word. That's your chair. ''

''Shut up Pana.'' Dan couldn't take it anymore and bellowed.

''I apologize for the disruption. Please sit. '' Dan bowed his head once more and apologized to Raydon.

Pana's facial expression became more irritated. Why the person everyone referred to as the boss was treating a stranger with such respect baffled her.

Raydon sat in the chair Dan had indicated without saying anything, and Dan sat to his right.

After Dan, everyone sat down, wondering what was going on inside their heads.

Raydon examined the food in front of him. There was a bowl of vegetable soup and a plate of bread on the side.

''This is very nice. Regardless of what the aunts actually do, they always manage to make it delicious. '' A young man sang happily as he devoured the food in front of him.

''Haha, of course. When I asked them how they cook so well, they said they put their love into it. '' Another girl said giggling.

''Aunts love is really delicious. '' A boy who appeared to be 8 or 9 years old said in a serious tone. He still had soup dripping from the sides of his mouth.

The aunts giggled at this and smiled lovingly as they watched everyone enjoying their meals.

Everyone, with the exception of Pana, looked happy.

Only one person had not touched anything in front of him while everyone else was eating. Raydon just sat there and watched. It was difficult to tell what he was thinking due to the nostalgic look on his face and the flimsy smile on his lips.