Twenty minutes later, the helicopter arrived, and Thalia returned after greeting her buddies.
Watching the spinning propeller, Thalia raised an eyebrow and said, “Shall we?”
Tony looked at her and asked, “How could you not call me when you greet those buddies?”
Hearing that, Thalia asked, “Why are you asking? Are you willing to give up your mysterious identity now?”
As soon as the matter was mentioned, Tony paused and said, “My bad. I've crossed the line.”
Thalia chuckled. “I really don't mind if you're not afraid of everyone on Darknetz knowing you.”
Tony smiled at her slightly. “I'm just kidding.”
Thalia chuckled lightly and continued, “But if Sam knows, the other buddies on Darknetz should know, too, right?” Then, she looked at Tony and added, “Did you not receive any calls from the others?”
Tony shook his head.
“It shouldn't be...” Thalia muttered.
Their curiosity about Tony is the kind that could cause an uproar online, and now that they know, could they be unfazed? It's unreal!
At that moment, Ben , who was standing beside them, chimed in, “What if Sam also wants others to experience his feelings?”
Thalia looked at Ben and said, “You mean...”
Ben nodded at her.
After pondering for a moment, Thalia nodded thoughtfully. “It's possible. They're all just too cunning.”
At that moment, Donna looked up at her and said, “Thalia, aren't you the one who started this in the first place?”
“I...” Thalia hesitated. After pondering for a while, she looked at Tony firmly and said, “It's all because someone forced me.”
That someone that she mentioned immediately uttered, “It's just a request. I didn't force you.”
“Is there a difference?”
“The difference is quite significant, both literally and essentially,” Tony said earnestly.
Just as Thalia was about to say something, Donna immediately interrupted, saying, “All right, it's getting late. Shouldn't we be going?”
Ben also echoed, “Yeah, if we don't leave now and someone comes, we won't be able to get away.”
Thalia knew that the two kids were trying to stop them from fighting. Her eyes, marked with a beauty mark at the corner, swept over them lightly and said, “No one would be able to stop me regardless of who's coming.”
Even though she said so, she turned around and headed straight in the direction of the helicopter.
Tony and Ben exchanged glances, their eyebrows playfully raised, and said in unison, “Let's go.”
Tony glanced at the distance, narrowed his eyes, and turned to walk toward the direction of the helicopter.
As they walked, Donna said to Ben while following the team behind, “Ben, please don't tell Nelly and Dad about what happened today.”
“Why?” Ben asked.
“I don't want them to worry!”
“Are you afraid they'll worry, or they won't let you go out in the future?” Ben asked.
“Ben!” Donna fumed. Can't you just pretend you don't know? Life is already hard enough.
Ben smiled affectionately and looked at her. “All right, I can promise not to talk about this matter, but Donna , there's still something I want to tell you.”
“What?”
“If you decide not to be involved in this business, stay away from it, then. I believe that with Daddy and Nelly 's abilities, they can definitely protect you. You can live a good and comfortable life in Glenport Pack ,” Ben said while looking straight at her.
Upon hearing that, Donna narrowed her eyes and replied, “I've thought about that before, but Ben, I still want to rely on myself. No matter where I am or what I do, I want to stand on my own feet. Even if I can't be someone you all could rely on, I don't want to burden you all.”
Ben furrowed his brows, understanding her concern. After some thought, he looked at her and uttered, “Donna ...”
He was just about to say something when suddenly, a voice called out from behind them.
“Wait a minute.”
That caught their attention, and the three of them halted. They all turned around to look behind them.
Magus was standing not far behind them with his gaze fixed intently on them.
Ben 's eyes narrowed. “What's the matter? Is there anything else?”
At that moment, Magus' gaze fell upon Tony . He pursed his lips, and his eyes seemed to fill with something.
Tony stood far from Magus. He looked back and then took a few steps back toward Magus,
stopping in front of the latter. He asked, “What do you want to say?”
Magus paused for a while, looked at him, and said, “Thank you! All of you!”
Upon hearing that, Tony was somewhat disappointed but still uttered, “There's no need for that. We're not doing this for you; it's just that we simply can't stand it.”
Magus looked at him and remained silent.
Seeing that he didn't speak further, Tony nodded at him and said, “Live a good life.” With that, he didn't say anything else, turned around, and walked in the direction of the helicopter.
Thalia stood at the front, and as soon as she saw Tony turn and walk over, she knew there was no chance.
When Tony stood before her, Thalia raised her brow slightly and asked, “Why? Did you really think that Magus would leave with you?”
Tony smiled without saying a word, then walked toward the helicopter.
Just then, Magus, who was standing not far behind, saw that and immediately ran forward as he shouted, “Wait!”
Tony had already reached the entrance of the helicopter. Hearing the voice, he turned his head and looked in Magus' direction.
“Is there anything else?” Tony asked.
Magus was covered in blood, with a few red marks on his face. There was an indescribable sense of bitterness and charm about him in the darkness of the night.
He took a few steps forward, his breath slightly rapid, and looked at Tony directly, asking, “Do you still need someone at the moment?”
Tony 's eyes narrowed slightly, perhaps the sound of the propeller was too loud, and he didn't seem to hear clearly.
“What did you just say?” Tony shouted.
Magus looked at him intently. “I'm willing to follow you and risk my life for you. I just don't know if you still need someone like me.”
At that moment, Thalia, Miguel, Ben , and Donna froze in astonishment and stared at Magus as if something were wrong with their ears.
Thalia walked over to him in disbelief. “Magus, are you saying you want to come with us?”
Ben also walked straight down from the helicopter and headed toward him.
Magus stood before them, his gaze fixed on them, exclaiming, “That's right, but I have one condition.”
Tony looked at him and said, “Speak.”
“Can we also bring Lina along with us? You mentioned before a possible cure for her illness,” Magus
said.
Upon hearing that, Tony 's eyes narrowed slightly, and he said, “Are you following me just because of Lina?”
Magus immediately shook his head. “No, it's not because of that. You are different from the others. If I had met someone like you from the beginning, maybe I wouldn't have ended up in this situation. Anyway, I'm sincere.”
As Tony heard this, a faint smile curled up at the corner of his mouth.
Magus paused for a while and continued, “I don't have many strengths or skills, but I understand the importance of being grateful and seeking to repay the kindness. Since you've helped me, I'm willing to help you, too. But I don't know if you've changed your mind or still need someone like me.”
Tony looked at him and immediately burst into laughter. “Yes, of course! Come with me.”
Magus looked up at him.
Tony looked at him, emphasizing each word. “But Magus, remember, you're not helping me. You'll understand in due time that by following me, you're actually pursuing your own interests.”