Chapter 338 - Oh, I sell rice. (1/2)

I was analyzing each and every word he was speaking and actions he was performing. I know a few things to determine if a person was being untruthful or hiding something but it was not as good as Kaley or her mom. My methods were stemming from my own experience and research on it by attending classes, reading books, and watching how the professionals do it themselves.

Mr. Cuervo was telling the truth.

”He doesn't care what happens to anyone or even himself as long as the rules are being followed. The only thing I'm not sure is how far do his people follow it? Is it the same as him or is it something else? What about his wife? Do the rules also apply to her? If that's the case, that means that this place is a safe haven for every one good or bad. This place is something good and bad at the same time.” I thought to myself.

”Mr. Ishiyama, something on your mind? Don't keep it in, we should talk to each other like we're open books. That's the key to a good relationship, yes?” Mr. Cuervo said.

”Is that so?” I replied.

”Yes. You could lie to me but it will just dampen our relationship. But, everything that's coming out of my mouth has never been a lie. My key to my success is following the rules of the world and the rules I've placed on myself and my people. That's why this place is alive! Can you see what I'm seeing? If everyone in the world just followed the rules, what a world could ours have turned out.” he lit a cigar.

”Can you tell me what you used to do? Before all this?” I asked.

”Ah, the usual stuff all the previous champions have asked me. What do you think? Don't worry, use stereotypes as much as possible! It's one of the floating rules of this place!” Mr. Cuervo chuckled.

”Huge gated community, lot's of associates from other high-end places, police force on payroll, f.u.c.k.i.n.g rich, guards equipped with automatic weapons, entertainers for hire, and lastly… part Latino-” I was about to finish my sentence but he stopped me.

”Just say Mexican for f.u.c.ks sake- oh, go on, hah! I think you're really~ close. Let me tell you, no one has guessed correctly yet!” Mr. Cuervo's smile was bright.

”You're part of the Mexican cartel in this country, well, what it used to be. The president has been at war with the drug trade here ever since he won the election and just three years in, all the 'known' major players were killed. It wasn't stopped completely but the series of killings significantly slowed down the business. The only question I haven't figured out yet is what is the exact 'part' do you play in as but I have a few ideas without proof. However, I'm sure you're 100% part of it.” I explained

”Magnifico! That head of yours is as valuable as your fighting prowess, maybe even better! Can you at least give a guess? I bet you could do it!” Mr. Cuervo was ecstatic.

”Sure, there are a few things in my mind. Being a snitch is out of the question because of how you conduct yourself and I know Mexicans don't flip. Being a major distributor while having huge parties like this even before this shit started is too much heat, and too idiotic. Your people in the business work smart and you're always at the top of your game. Sooner or later, people would start to ask questions if you continue like that while still in the business. However, if you're not a major distributor, why is the police force on your payroll and you have a f.u.c.kton of guns with guards watching this place 24/7?” I started.

”Go on...” Mr. Cuervo was nodding a few times with the same smile.

”My guess is you used to be one and got out with a deal. You formed your own place here and your source of income is not drugs anymore but a combination of something legit and something that is not. You already know the way around the police force and the president won't give a f.u.c.k at what you're doing as long as it's not drugs because it was his main focus when he got elected. Well, we know that nobody gets out completely so those associates of yours are probably getting something from you. What I'm thinking is your role is to advise and vet people in this place while acting as some sort of a middleman for your past bosses.” I concluded.

”HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! You really are one of a kind hermano!!! Yeah, I used to sell the blue stuff. You know my story, can you tell me what's yours? I'm very excited to know what was the life you were living before all this. Please, do tell me!” Mr. Cuervo was so happy he offered me a drink and a cigar from his own private collection.

”Me? Oh, I sell rice.” I replied with a blank face.

*jazz music stops*

As soon as I said that, Mr. Cuervo, Cynthia, Ben, Jerry, Irene, and Ilya almost choked to death from shock. Kaley and Tatiana took damage as well but they were dying from holding their laughter in. I on the other hand was maintaining the same facial expression before downing the glass and pocketing the cigar.

”I'm not gonna decline this shit since it's f.u.c.k.i.n.g Cuban. I wonder what Matthew or Oscar would give me for this if I bring this back? Will I receive a box from my winnings? I bet I'll get a couple or more. I might get that MK1- well, I'm not even sure if he really has that though...” I thought to myself, oblivious from what was happening.