Chapter 74: The Unrestrained Priest

In truth, Li Lekang had misunderstood them. Though they were believers and nuns, they were far from primitive; they were quite adept at modern life and the internet—who doesn't play TikTok nowadays? Seeing them all nodding, Li Lekang laughed, "So what I'm trying to say is, there's nothing wrong with keeping up with the times. Everyone is allowed their own individuality and preferences. OK."

"You’re absolutely right," Olivia agreed, with her usual maturity. "We will live according to your preferences and simultaneously praise the Almighty Lord, who has sent us a priest full of understanding and tolerance."

Li Lekang shrugged—if only their praise was directed at him. There would be much to teach yet.

He led them back to the surface, and in the courtyard, found a shady spot beneath a tree to sit. After this tour and exchange, he felt living here would suit him just fine.

After all, this estate nestled among green hills and clear waters, with a group of nuns to attend to him, promised days of such leisure that even playing hide-and-seek at home wouldn’t be out of place—what a delightful prospect!

So Li Lekang chatted idly with them under the tree.

He lacked the rigidity of old-fashioned types; his speech and actions were thoroughly modern, and as a "priest," he was the least like a believer among them.

Yet to these nuns who upheld their vows so strictly, he became a window to the outside world.

To most, nuns are thought to be pure and ascetic, sisters far removed from earthly desires... but in truth, everyone is subject to the seven emotions and six desires. In the Middle Ages, nuns confined too long would even become obsessed with petty squabbles!

In this age of universal smartphones and a booming internet, it would be a lie to claim they were unaffected. Li Lekang's arrival was like a figure of authority personally unlocking the doors for them, granting permission!

It was like a teacher telling you that in PE class you’re free to play instead of studying math.

Like a parent saying, "Don’t just do homework after school—play some games!"

In the hearts of these five young women, a wave had already been stirred.

With the miracles he had performed, they readily and cheerfully accepted this evolving vision of a believer's life.

After all, even the Saintly Order was a group keeping pace with the times. Li Lekang was hardly a heretic; with just a few words, laughter began to ripple through them.

Li Lekang glanced over their faces, thinking to himself that they were all still young women, meant to blossom, wear high heels and bold lipstick, truly savoring their youth.

What’s the point of the “Black Widow” look that shows only a face? That’s not the priest I want to be!

Under the black robes, let it be tight leather and strappy heels—that’s the life I love.

And add a submachine gun, and it's perfect.

So, determined to rescue these girls from their monotonous lives, Li Lekang finally decided to move into the Saints’ Californian estate, bringing new vibrancy to their souls!

Mr. Devil felt it was another day brimming with positive energy!

...

Li Lekang didn’t move in immediately, as the estate’s facilities were not yet fully in place.

The five nuns were his assistants in religious affairs, but operating such a large estate required more staff—housekeepers, maids, cooks, security, gardeners, and so forth.

To live comfortably, about twenty or thirty people would be needed, and none could be outsiders; all had to be selected from within the Saintly Order, given the estate’s official religious registration.

Unlike the neighboring houses, this place carried an added significance as a religious site. Even if the police wanted to apply for a search warrant, the procedure would be much more complicated, and given the potential impact, approval was far from certain.

This was a country that loudly proclaimed freedom, and on such fundamental issues, the police would rather avoid trouble—especially in matters involving minorities or religious beliefs, where meddling spells disaster!

Li Lekang wasn’t concerned with such details; as a devil, he only wanted to enjoy life.

He left the trivialities to others.

After returning from Las Vegas, he could rest for a while.

He had no immediate plans for performances, as he needed to wait for how Stel would arrange the story of the Messiah, which meant he was, in effect, granting himself a holiday.

Li Lekang’s need for money had lessened considerably.

With the Saintly Order supporting him, acquiring funds was easy.

In the past, performances were to earn money; from now on, they would be more about absorbing faith!

Naturally, his strategy had to change. He no longer needed frequent shows—perhaps one every month or two, but each must be grand, packed with crowds, covered by TV stations and video media alike!

For now, Li Lekang hadn’t decided what kind of show to put on, nor did he care to. He was on vacation, and another thing he wanted to do was—pick up his car!

Some time ago, he’d ordered a Ferrari in LA, but before it arrived, he’d headed off to Las Vegas. Now, after all the hustle, he was finally ready to unveil it!

A brand-new 812-GTS, still with its protective film intact, awaited its owner in the dealership’s delivery area.

The classic Ferrari flaming red—he always felt red was the soul of the prancing horse.

Fitted with 21-inch smoked black wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, the exterior was flawless; the GT’s sleek lines ran from nose to tail, with dual quad exhausts exuding unbridled power.

Inside, he selected electrically adjustable leather seats—comfort was essential for a GT. Then, a carbon fiber steering wheel, LED shift indicators, a passenger-side LCD display... the options alone cost a pretty penny.

But everything matched Li Lekang’s tastes; the nearly half a million spent was well worth it. Finally, he climbed in, pressed the red button on the steering wheel, and awakened the beast.

Eight hundred horsepower, twelve cylinders, 6.5-liter naturally aspirated—who needs a bicycle!

The V12’s sound had a unique resonance.

The tachometer’s redline reached nine thousand RPM, something turbocharged cars couldn’t dream of. In Race mode, a light touch of the accelerator opened the exhaust valves at three thousand RPM, sending a piercing roar straight to the brain!

In the city, it was hard to reach the redline—the speed was simply staggering. Yet even shifting at four or five thousand, the adrenaline rush was enough to raise goosebumps!

On a straight, a firmer press of the accelerator pinned his body to the seat with sheer acceleration, flooding him with the thrill of adrenaline!

This was a joy the sluggish Maserati could never provide!

A casual glance at the dash, and he was already at a hundred miles an hour (one hundred sixty kilometers)!

“Damn!”

The car’s stability made him ignore the surge in speed; he braked hard at the red light, paddle-shifted down, each downshift accompanied by a booming roar that drew the eyes of passersby.

In that moment, Li Lekang felt he was the coolest guy on the street!

The gold-digging girls he’d hoped would approach didn’t appear, but one fellow with a phone came up, filming and interviewing: "Sir, what do you do to drive such a fantastic car?"

Li Lekang wore sunglasses and a baseball cap—he didn’t need exposure right now. Facing the camera, he replied casually, "I'm a priest."

"Holy god! What do I need to do to be like you?"

Li Lekang pushed up his sunglasses and, in a solemn tone, imparted his secret to success: "Work hard, treat everyone sincerely, collect your church salary, and add the fifty grand my daddy gave me—it's really not that difficult, is it?"

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