Chapter 2: Has the World Lost Its Mind?
"What's going on? How did that youngster get through?"
"Quickly stop him! If Mr. Hill gets disturbed, you'll have to face the consequences!"
"Damn it, where did this kid come from?"
The security guards were beside themselves. Such an occurrence right under their watch was absolutely horrifying.
They were commissioned by various wealthy businessmen to protect Timothy Hill. But now, an unknown young man had walked right up to Timothy Hill right in front of them. nove.LB/1n
If anything untoward happened to Timothy they knew they would be in for a terrible fate.
The security guards rushed forward, but William remained calm. Timothy raised an eyebrow, extending his hand and shouted in a deep voice, "Everyone, back off!"
"In one minute, everyone must leave this place."
Timothy was trembling all over, these people had almost offended William.
The guards didn't dare ignore Timothy's command and quickly prepared to retreat, ushering everyone off the top of the hill.
"Master..." Timothy looked up at William, his knees slightly bent, ready to kneel down.
William quickly grasped his hand, whispering, "Let's talk inside."
"Alright!" Timothy hobbled aside, gently bowing his head, gesturing for William to lead the way.
William didn't find anything amiss. Timothy seemed very old, but compared to him, the difference was vast.
"Holy crap! What's going on?"
"Am I seeing things? Mr. Hill's attitude towards that kid seems... respectful?"
"Have I gone mad? Has the whole world gone mad?"
Everyone couldn't believe what they were seeing.
Timothy was actually following the young man like a servant, head bowed.
If this scene were seen by those bigwigs, one could only wonder what they would think.
Many tycoons had spent millions, tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions just to meet Timothy, to no avail.
Yet now, not only had Timothy met this peculiar young man, he even welcomed him in such a humble manner.
What on earth was the identity of this young man?
Those who were ordered to protect Timothy here quickly reported to their bosses what they had witnessed.
"A peculiar young man? Does he look very young and... unique?"
"The master is back! The master has returned!"
"He is actually still alive... and he looks so young..."
Those who once followed William were all stunned upon receiving the news. Everyone had different thoughts.
There was shock, excitement, fear, worry, and some even had special ideas.
Inside the old house, whether it was the arrangement of furniture or some small items, it seemed nothing had changed.
Fifty years had passed and William had returned to this house, feeling a familiar sensation.
"Master, please sit down, I'll pour you some tea." Timothy couldn't control his emotions at this point.
William sized up Timothy, sitting in the chair he used to frequently occupy. The teacup he used to use was still on the table next to it.
Time changes everything. Fifty years ago, Timothy was a robust young man. As a butler, he managed everything in the house impeccably. Now he was a man in his seventies.
He wondered how the servants who had once served him in the house were doing now.
Timothy soon brought a set of 18th century porcelain teaware. This exquisite and complete set would undoubtedly be treated as a national treasure for exhibition if brought out. Who would have thought that someone would actually use it to drink tea?
Timothy boiled the water and carefully made a pot of tea for William.
William took a sip of the tea, put down the cup, and said softly, "Timothy, tell me about the state of the world these days."
Timothy bowed in front of William, his eyes still red, and said, "Master, the world has changed for the better these days. It's peaceful, and technology is advancing rapidly with many new things emerging. As for the specifics... I haven't descended from the mountain these past years, so I'm not entirely sure. Shall I call Michael and the others to explain it to you?"
William shook his head and laughed, "No need. After I left, they ceased being my servants. They're in their seventies or eighties now. Should they still bow and scrape before me?"
Having lived so long, William knew the human heart best. The servants of yesteryears had all benefited from him. What seemed trivial to him had allowed them to make significant impacts in the world.
Should he still expect these servants from fifty years ago to serve him now?
Hearing this, Timothy quickly knelt before William.
"Master! As long as I live, I'll always be your servant!"
"Stand up," William said. "You don't need to be so tense. You've had a hard time over these years. As for Michael and the others, we'll meet again if it's destined."
In matters of fate, William would never force anything.
"Where do you wish to go next, Master? I'd like to continue following you," Timothy slowly rose, his eyes full of anticipation. He had waited most of his life for William to return and naturally wished to continue serving him.
To outsiders, Timothy was a god, but he knew the only true god was his master.
"Forget it. You don't have many days left. Live well on your own," William shook his head and asked, "By the way, what should someone of my age be doing in today's world?"
Timothy didn't dare insist on staying by William's side, and he found William's question quite strange.
His age?
"At your age, Master, you should be studying. Are you thinking of...?" Timothy thought he had an idea of what William was planning, but he wanted to confirm it.
Was he qualified to guess his master's thoughts?
"Studying?" William nodded. "That's a possibility!"
Timothy tentatively asked, "How old are you now?"
William looked young, but he had a unique aura. You could say he was eighteen or twenty-three or four.
"Twenty, perhaps!" William said with a smile. "Eighteen seems a bit too young."
"Then you should be in university," Timothy understood William's intention and said, "I will arrange for someone to establish a new identity for you."
William nodded and then looked at the doorway.
Timothy didn't dare disturb him and stood quietly by his side, just as he had done fifty years ago.
Three minutes passed, and suddenly the front door of the old house was kicked open.
A young man with a cigarette in his mouth walked in, followed by a group of men in suits.
Timothy was startled. He looked up at the young man, his eyes full of murderous intent.
Who dared to kick open the door of this house?
And in front of his master, no less? No matter who this person was, he must die today!