The Golden Five Hours
After handling the discharge paperwork for Xiao Yi, Stephanie Seymour personally drove her brand-new Lincoln Navigator SUV, bringing the mostly recovered Xiao Yi back to their lavish villa in Los Angeles' Beverly Hills.
Beverly Hills, located in Los Angeles, California, bore the title of "the world's most prestigious residential area," a symbol of wealth and fame. Nestled at the foot of the Beverly Hills and along the refreshing Pacific coast, it was a dream destination for the global elite. As the most renowned enclave within the city, it boasted the world's most upscale commercial streets, clustered with Hollywood stars' mansions, and stood as a holy ground for the film industry.
Among the many villas owned by Stephanie Seymour and her husband Pete Brandt, this was where they spent most of their time.
The ornate marble entrance, intricately carved and framed by gleaming brass doors, swung open slowly under the push of the servants. Xiao Yi followed Stephanie Seymour into the opulent European-style grand hall.
Crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling glow, bathing the entire space in radiant splendor.
At that moment, Andy Brandt's younger brother, ten-year-old Jerry Brandt, was playing in the living room with their eight-year-old sister, Helen Brandt. Something unpleasant must have happened, as Helen suddenly burst into aggrieved tears.
Seeing Andy return unscathed, Jerry—who had been smirking coldly at Helen—frowned slightly and spat in that rebellious tone typical of American boys: "You didn't even die in the crash! What luck you have!"
"Jerry! How can you talk to your brother like that?"
Stephanie Seymour shot Jerry an angry glare. For her and Pete's own son, even in her fury, she could only offer mild reproach.
Among the three children, Jerry remained her favorite—after all, he was Pete Brandt's heir, their one true son!
Andy, on the other hand, was her illegitimate child from before marriage, with no claim to Pete's fortune or anything else.
Pete harbored resentment over her past, never voicing it to her face but always showing clear disdain and hostility toward Andy. Stephanie could sense it plainly.
"He's not my brother! He's not part of the Brandt family!" Jerry sneered at Andy, his mouth and eyes twisted with malice.
"Enough!"
Pete Brandt strode in from outside, clad in a bespoke Armani suit and topped with a black jazz cap, his face dark. "Jerry, I never want to hear you speaking to your mother like that again!"
He then fixed Andy with a cold stare brimming with disgust. "Good that you're recovered. Don't be so reckless in the future."
"Yes, Father!" Xiao Yi nodded respectfully, silently observing the family's every word and gesture. Drawing on Andy's memories, he began devising countermeasures.
For now, he was just a twelve-year-old boy. Aside from his mother Stephanie Seymour, he had nothing to rely on.
Opposing his stepfather at this stage would bring him no benefit!
"Brother! You're finally back!" Helen, by contrast, excitedly threw herself at him, looking him up and down. "Brother, are you okay? You must never be so reckless again!"
Helen had perfectly inherited Stephanie Seymour's tall, sensual figure and alluring features. Even at her young age, she showed the budding promise of a devastating beauty. Xiao Yi was certain she'd grow into another world-toppling stunner.
"Thanks, Helen. I'm tired—I need to rest." Xiao Yi ruffled her silky chestnut hair, then turned silently and headed upstairs without another word.
He still had a little over three hours left. He had no intention of wasting it on pointless squabbles with children.
Jerry was Pete's biological son, after all. Any argument would end with Xiao Yi on the losing side!
Just like that car accident before.
The original Andy had been too young and naive about the ways of the world, but the current Andy was a cunning survivor who'd clawed through thirty years in China's cutthroat corporate jungle!
Watching Xiao Yi trudge dejectedly upstairs, Pete Brandt's gaze grew even darker, though a faint smile played on his lips as he pulled Stephanie Seymour into his arms. "Darling, tonight Saks Fifth Avenue's executive VP, Trent Schaeffer, has invited us to a party. You and Jerry come with me."
…
As a Cadillac Escalade slowly pulled away from the villa, Xiao Yi drew the curtains shut, vanishing into the room's shadows.
He glanced at the clock.
3 hours, 3 minutes until return to apocalypse
Xiao Yi closed his eyes gently, sifting through Andy's memories for useful intel.
Pete Brandt, a publishing magnate and owner of Interview magazine and Art & Antiques, wasn't just filthy rich—his home brimmed with priceless antiques and artworks!
Most crucially, Andy remembered Pete's passion for collecting fine weapons!
Including firearms and blades!
In other words, Pete loved guns and held a legal permit to own them!
Which meant his house surely stocked firearms!
Three hours left!
Xiao Yi had to find guns, a crossbow, or similar weapons. He also needed cash to buy a chainsaw!
Everything else could wait.