Chapter 20: Set Off, Pigeon Luca

As someone who could foresee the destinies of certain characters, the last thing Luca liked was the butterfly effect. Yet, with so many characters intruding into this world, it was impossible for such an effect not to occur.

Uncle Biao’s life had changed somewhat because of Luca. His supermarket, once frequently harassed and on the verge of closing, had miraculously turned its business around, now flourishing. On the surface, this was a good thing, but... had work gotten in the way of his marriage? Luca found himself torn between laughter and tears. Still, it was fine; within the year... it wasn't too long, as long as Uncle Biao could still get married. Or perhaps he should think of another way to trick the "big nephew" into coming over?

Luca teased, "Uncle Biao, I’ve already prepared the red envelope. You’d better hurry up; I’m waiting to eat those wedding candies. Shall I hire someone to calculate an auspicious date for you?"

Oh, this Italian fellow was quite well-versed in Chinese customs—knowing about fortune-telling, and even red envelopes and wedding candies... Uncle Biao was pleased, though he couldn't help but wonder how this guy had picked up the habit of pressuring him about marriage.

"Soon, soon, don't rush me. When I was your age, I hadn't even had enough fun yet."

"..."

...

Luca led Matilda, her mouth stuffed with snacks, as they strolled leisurely along Arthur Street. The nearby shopkeepers seemed to know Luca, greeting him warmly whenever they saw him. Even the street thugs would respectfully address him as "Dove Luca" or "Old Dove."

A dove, the symbol of peace.

"Dove Luca?" Matilda let out a bell-like laugh. "Hahaha! You’re a mafioso, and yet everyone calls you a peace dove."

"When you’re in this business, you’re bound to get a few nicknames," Luca shrugged indifferently.

At that moment, Matilda did not realize how influential Luca’s nickname truly was, not until she followed him into a restaurant owned by the Mafia. A large truck delivering fresh produce was parked at the back, and the shop staff were nimbly unloading lobsters. Matilda didn't find it strange, but Luca explained that the goods were "gifted" to the shop by the truck driver.

"These drivers always smuggle a portion of extra cargo to give us for free. Then, to repay his generosity, we slip a stack of bills into his wallet. It’s not a transaction, you see; it’s mutual assistance... Most of the truck drivers in the city are quite familiar with us."

"..."

The driver got the money, the restaurant got the goods at an incredibly low price—everyone was happy. Matilda had a sudden epiphany, gaining a new perspective. In truth, Luca hadn't told the whole story: the Mafia controlled the truck drivers' union and even owned their own trucking companies, controlling the very lifeline of some of these drivers from the source. The transport industry was a pillar of the American heartland; without these drivers traversing the continent to deliver goods, many companies would collapse, and their stock would rot in the warehouses.

Just then, a police car pulled up. Matilda grabbed Luca’s hem nervously. "Luca, the police are here! Are they here to arrest you?"

"Why would they? We’re all friends."

Under Matilda’s puzzled gaze, Luca walked up, took two bags of fresh produce from a family brother, and casually slipped a stack of banknotes inside.

The officer poked his head out of the window and greeted him warmly, "Hey, Dove Luca, what good stuff did you 'steal' today?"

Luca handed the bags through the window. "Fresh lobsters. Have your wife cook up a few extra dishes tonight and enjoy a change of pace."

The officer smiled as he accepted them, and his smile widened even further when he saw the cash inside. He then produced a file and handed it to Luca. "About the person you asked me to look into, there are quite a few with that name. There are dozens of 'John Does' in New York alone, not to mention those in other regions." The officer grumbled, "Next time you want to look someone up, could you provide a photo first?"

The name "John" was truly ubiquitous in America; even with a surname, there were plenty of duplicates. This man was the mastermind behind the seven deadly sins.

*Where would I get a photo...* Luca laughed. "Next time, for sure."

The officer asked curiously, "Who is this guy? Does he have a grudge against you?"

Luca made up a random excuse. "Owed me money and skipped town."

"Then I’ll have to mourn for him, daring to owe you money."

"Isn't that where the value of federal police comes in? Helping citizens recover debts and upholding justice so our community can remain peaceful."

"Hahahaha, you really are something, Old Dove."

...

After the police car drove away, Matilda, who had witnessed it all, remarked, "There isn't a single police officer in America who isn't corrupt."

"This is just neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone values harmony, building a harmonious society together."

"..."

She wondered if Luca had some major misunderstanding about the word "harmony."

Next, she followed Luca to the opera house. No need to queue; they went straight through the special entrance to the inner seating area. Many people greeted Luca enthusiastically, as if he were a movie star. Matilda felt that Luca was truly a big shot.

Afterward, she followed him to a courthouse to observe a hearing. It was said that an associate member had been caught red-handed selling cigarettes and liquor privately. Yet, under the knowing smiles of the lawyers, the judge ordered him released on the spot, requiring only a trivial amount of bail. Matilda was stunned.

Outside the courthouse, a group of Mafia members gathered to welcome the "returning hero," because the guy had kept his mouth shut tight during the trial.

"Matilda, when you're in the family, the code of silence is crucial. You must know what can be said and what cannot." Luca said, his tone relaxed. "Betraying a brother is a major taboo in the family. Even though many break the code due to threats or bribes, everyone must uphold it publicly. It’s for the sake of the family's unity."

Matilda nodded seriously and then followed Luca to meet the members, such as Marigio, Jimmy, and others... quite a few people had come to the courthouse today.

"Oh Luca, you actually have such a cute little sister, why didn't you say so sooner?"

"Matilda, from now on in New York, we big brothers have got your back. If anyone dares to bully you, just tell us, and we'll go finish them off!"

"I heard there are plenty of jerks at school. If you don't like anyone, just hit them."

Matilda was deeply shocked. "..."

She knew these people were not "good guys," and she knew they were being kind to her only because of Luca, but in that moment, she still felt a flicker of warmth—a concern she had never felt in her original home.

*Love or death?*

Matilda wore a sweet smile. She wanted to choose Love.

"Luca?" Matilda grabbed his finger and asked softly, meeting his questioning gaze, "You are really good to me, and it won't just be like this in the future, right?"

Luca crouched down to look at her and said with a smile, "You can always trust me, and I will always protect you. You will be the happiest child in the world."

Matilda wrinkled her nose and retorted, "I'm not a child, I'm already 18."

Luca: "..."

*Do you really think I don't know you're only 12?*

*Please, how can you say such a lie while looking at me with those big, crystal-clear eyes?*

Luca glanced at the kid's outfit: shorts, boots, a white knit sweater with a little black vest, and short, styled hair framing her fair, delicate face. Her features were exquisite, playful, and cute. It was a rather mature look, admittedly.

"If you're really 18..." Luca held out his palm, leveling it to gesture at her height. "And still in middle school at 18, it means you're not very smart. Plus, you're only this tall; your life is finished. Hurry up and take more calcium and drink more milk to nourish yourself."

"Don't mock me!"

No sooner had she said that than Luca felt his neck being gripped. Matilda, torn between laughter and tears, wrapped her arms around his neck and hopped onto his back like a piece of chewing gum.

"Carry me for the rest of the way."

"I can do that, but could you please let go of my eyes first? I can't see anything."

"Just listen to me."

*Smack!* Matilda gave Luca a light kiss on the cheek and pointed forward, cheering.

"Let's go, Dove Luca!"

[Bond: ...]