Chapter 70: The Days of Being a Father

The two of them ate and conversed, and Li Lekang’s understanding of the Saints deepened with every exchange. The Saints’ organization wasn’t enormous, but it still boasted two to three hundred thousand members. True, that was nothing compared to the tens of millions or even hundreds of millions belonging to Catholic or Protestant congregations in America, but the cohesion among the Saints was exceptionally strong.

Their activities were centered in North America, with five bishops overseeing five dioceses: three in the United States, one in Canada, and one in Latin America. Their predecessors had crossed the ocean, leveraging religious wealth accumulated in Europe to establish themselves in America, founding various companies and businesses. It was said that their equity investments alone amounted to a considerable sum.

The Saints had their own doctrines and philosophy, as well as an educational system that covered every stage from childhood to adulthood. They also had an exclusive welfare system that skillfully combined economics and faith. For example, members could attend church-affiliated schools from an early age and, upon graduating, had easier access to jobs in Saint-controlled corporate groups, starting off with a middle-class status.

Every year, countless social events brought together young men and women with similar beliefs—essentially a subtle matchmaking system orchestrated by the organization.

In truth, calling the Saints a religion was less accurate than calling it a party organization.

If Li Lekang were an ordinary person, he would join too! When people have ample material comfort, the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment (faith) often grows stronger.

Li Lekang wasn’t well-versed in American society, but in China, the thirty thousand Rinpoche in the Yanqing CY district were in short supply, which highlighted how spiritually empty the wealthy could be, even amid material abundance. Rich women were always seeking Rinpoche, always seeking faith, always turning to Buddhism.

But enough digression—Li Lekang felt the Saints had indeed evolved with the times.

By comparison, Catholic and Protestant churches seemed to let their flock roam free; as young people grew increasingly rebellious, religious faith became outdated, so their numbers dwindled year by year.

Yet the Saints’ model had its drawbacks. If economic performance faltered and high welfare couldn’t be sustained, problems would inevitably arise.

But that was the leadership’s headache.

Li Lekang was merely a devil infiltrating the enemy’s religious ranks—if he didn’t suck them dry, he should thank his lucky stars! He had no such ambitions for now, and the Saints’ network was worth leveraging. He had no plans to start a religious war; he simply wanted to make some money and live the life of the wealthy—a straightforward aim.

So when it came to Steller’s problems, the most Li Lekang would do was help him deal with troublesome people. As for the rest, he couldn’t be bothered.

But for Steller, having a major figure backing him brought peace of mind. It was like a nuclear bomb: you might not use it, but you must have one.

The meal ended on a pleasant note.

As Li Lekang rose to leave, the five ladies—who he’d heard were all nuns—started to follow him, and that’s when the issue arose!

Steller informed him, “These are your assigned attendants. They will assist you in your work and daily life. I hope you will accept them.”

Li Lekang hesitated, surprised. He’d thought it was just for show, but from Steller’s words, they were being handed over to him?

Seeing his uncertainty, Steller clarified, “They were not under Rudolf’s command. I personally trained them and only recently transferred them here. The church and organization have strictly trained them—they are both literate and skilled in combat.”

Then, as if making a decision, Steller confided a secret: “When I was young and in the military, I was injured—a bullet passed beneath me and left lasting damage, so I have no relations with them.”

Li Lekang nearly burst out laughing—he hadn’t asked for this information! No wonder Steller was so efficient; he was a eunuch from a young age.

Li Lekang silently mourned for his bald companion. What could be more cruel than amassing resources only to watch from the sidelines?

Steller’s eyelid twitched as he went on, “But I believe the organization’s medical resources will help me recover soon.”

“If all else fails, I’ll find you something from the underworld to patch you up,” Li Lekang patted his shoulder. “Let you charge into battle like a beast again.”

Men always share a bond over such topics.

Steller nodded gratefully, “If there’s hope, I’ll be most thankful for your blessing.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Li Lekang promised. “Let’s leave it at that for now. If they’re willing to work for me, let’s go together.”

In fact, having five devoted nun sisters calling him “Father” every day was quite a delightful prospect!

He was now “Father Lekang Li,” and all the Saint sisters would address him as such from now on.

These angels really knew how to play—their tricks were endless. Compared to the constant fighting and slaughter in Hell, it was far more elegant.

So, a smart man naturally wants both!

...

Li Lekang’s sudden appointment as a special board advisor to the Saint Group, with five female assistants, was acceptable to Judy, since she had been informed in advance.

The two girls, however, were surprised—not because Li Lekang was a playboy, for since the friendship match, they knew he couldn’t be restrained, each getting what they wanted.

What puzzled them was, why did they call him “Father”?

When had he converted?

Li Lekang replied with a serious face, “If Shakyamuni could achieve enlightenment under a tree, why can’t I aspire to heaven? Careful, or I’ll sue you for religious discrimination!”

The girls rolled their eyes—who knew what new game he was playing now.

Li Lekang took the opportunity to get acquainted with the five sisters.

They had all been raised by the church—some orphaned, some with unreliable parents who were either incarcerated or addicted, losing their guardianship. Americans had no shortage of such misdeeds.

They came from different countries and ethnicities, and their names were: Olivia, Bianca, Christine, Lilian, and Elena.

Olivia was the eldest, a tall woman with a heroic face. Perhaps due to her role as team leader, she rarely smiled and always carried a cold air.

Li Lekang felt she resembled Angelina Jolie—a hint of villainous allure.

He discussed future arrangements with Olivia.

Then, as their priest, he prepared to take them back to Los Angeles.

The Las Vegas performances had come to an end. Judy had negotiated with Wynn, and Li Lekang would fulfill his obligations during two periods: the recent summer and the upcoming Christmas season.

Both were peak tourist times with heavy foot traffic.

Other periods would see a gradual decrease, and Li Lekang had already spent over a month in the city. The dry, hot climate of the gambling capital was uncomfortable, and he missed the mountain air, the green hills, and the big swimming pool.

So the team packed up, concluded their Las Vegas engagement, and set out for the return journey—this time larger in scale than their arrival. The Saint sisters followed closely behind, driving two Escalades.