The car came to a smooth stop, and the driver's side door opened upwards, revealing a large, pure black umbrella, even though it wasn't raining at the moment.

Then, with a "pop," the silky smooth umbrella unfolded deftly.

A man climbed out of the car.

The young white man, around twenty-five or twenty-six years old, was tall and muscular, and dressed in an extremely eye-catching outfit.

The burgundy velvet suit was impeccably tailored and gleamed with a soft, luxurious sheen under the gloomy sky.

The inner shirt was a flamboyant lavender purple, with an intricately designed gold collar pin.

Her hair was permed in a foil-like style, and she wore a fruit-shaped watch on her wrist with a strap studded with tiny diamonds.

The man walked to the porch with the large umbrella, skillfully folding it up with fluid movements.

He looked at Li Ang and gave him a warm smile, his white teeth gleaming.

"Father Lee?" His voice was loud and clear, with a Midwestern accent.

"Good afternoon! I hope I haven't bothered you! I'm Jonah Byler. I wonder if I could take a moment of your time to chat about something small?"

Li Ang simply replied, "I am Father Li, Mr. Bayle."

This flamboyant guy is a classic example of America's nouveau riche slacker.

Jonah's smile faded slightly, and his eyes became more serious: "Let me formally introduce myself. I was born and raised in Uldum, or more precisely, in the Amish community on the west side of town. Of course, I'm no longer considered a resident there."

Li Ang understood perfectly; he naturally knew about the Amish people of Pennsylvania.

That was a very unique and traditional Anabaptist Christian community in Laurame. They rejected most modern technology, did not use the public power grid, did not drive cars, and wore simple, self-made clothing with fixed styles.

They live a nearly self-sufficient life of farming and handicrafts, in family units and close-knit communities, maintaining a cautious distance from the outside world.

On the outskirts of Uldum, there are some Amish farms scattered around. Leon would occasionally see them driving black horse-drawn wagons silently along the roadside.

In the Amish tradition, there is a famous "Rumspringa" period, which means "running period." Young people around the age of sixteen are allowed to temporarily leave the community to experience the outside world.

After a period of free life, they can decide for themselves whether to return to the community, be baptized and abide by the strict rules for life, or leave completely and integrate into the outside world.

Clearly, Jonah Byler, driving a luxury car, is an "outsider" who has chosen to leave completely.

"Please come in, Mr. Bayler." Leon stepped aside to let him into the office.

"Father." Jonah withdrew his gaze, leaned forward slightly, his smile remained, but his tone became much more formal.

"I've come here abruptly because I have a personal matter I'd like to ask for your help with. Would you be available for lunch? Would you like to treat me to lunch and talk in a quiet place? I heard that Longxuan Pavilion in town has hired a new chef."

Leon glanced at the gloomy sky outside the window, which looked as if it was about to rain at any moment, and then glanced at the former Amish man in front of him, whose very appearance screamed "nouveau riche."

Images flashed through my mind: the restoration of the church walls, the car insurance payout, the parish's relaxed policies... and so...

"Oh! Mr. Bayler, you're too kind!" A familiar smile appeared on Li Ang's face.

"Since these are friends from the community who have something to discuss, I'm naturally willing to listen! There's no need for the restaurant to spend money; we can talk here just as well."

"That won't do!" Jonah waved his hand firmly.

"It's my fault for troubling you, a simple meal is the most basic courtesy. Besides, Longxuan Pavilion has a private room with good soundproofing, so it's easy to talk. Father, please don't refuse, just give me the honor, my car is parked outside, it's very convenient."

His earnestness and urgency were evident in his eyes as he spoke.

Li Ang pondered for a moment, then nodded: "In that case, I shall respectfully comply."

"Great!" Jonah happily took a step back and turned to the car.

The two got into the luxury sedan with its ostentatious interior and faint scent of leather.

In his previous life, Li Ang might have been somewhat excited to sit in a Lamborghini, but now... well, it's not as spacious as a RAV4.

The car smoothly drove out of the parking lot and turned onto the main road leading to the town center. There were few pedestrians on the street, and everyone was in a hurry, perhaps preparing for the impending rainstorm mentioned on the radio.

Jonah drove while chatting familiarly: "Father Lee hasn't been in Odum for very long, but he's quite famous. Although I mainly stay in Philadelphia, I come back occasionally and always hear news about you, especially about what happened yesterday..."

He smiled, but it was impossible to tell whether his tone was joking or something else.

Li Ang smiled, ignoring that question, and instead asked, "Is Mr. Bailer currently mainly based in Philadelphia?"

"Yeah, just doing some small business," Jonah said casually.

"Mainly... well, digital transactions, you might not understand that, but that's okay."

The car quickly stopped in front of a rather retro-looking building at the southern end of the town.

The signboard prominently displays the Chinese characters "龙轩阁" and the English "The Dragon Pavilion." The interior design attempts to blend Eastern charm with American spaciousness and brightness, but it ends up being somewhat incongruous.

Although it wasn't yet the official lunch rush, there were already some customers in the restaurant. The manager clearly recognized Jonah and greeted him warmly, leading them directly to a relatively quiet corner separated by a screen.

The menu was handed over, and Li Ang glanced at the prices, inwardly complaining.

A regular plate of Yangzhou fried rice costs $16, while a nourishing winter melon and pork rib soup costs $72—prices that are considered luxurious in a small town like Odum.

Jonah ordered with great skill, offering several proper Chinese signature dishes, a special General Tso's Chicken, and a pot of fine Longjing tea, showing sincerity without being overly extravagant.

While waiting for the food, Jonah personally poured clear tea for Li Ang. His movements were practiced, and the tea was not filled to the brim, indicating that he had some understanding of Eastern culture. The rising steam carried a delicate fragrance.

"Father Li." Jonah put down the small teapot, his smile fading and his expression becoming solemn.

"I know that, according to our Amish tradition, we usually resolve community issues ourselves and rarely seek outside help, especially... the Catholic Church..."

He spoke somewhat cautiously, as if afraid of stepping on a landmine: "We have our own way of believing and our own order of life. We keep our distance from many things in the outside world, including organized churches, and you could even say we are... wary of them."

Leon nodded in understanding, noting that the Amish people's closed-mindedness and conservatism were among their core characteristics.

Jonah sighed softly, his fingers tracing the warm porcelain cup.

"The elders in the community, especially old-fashioned figures like my father, have a very clear stance on cars, electricity, television, and... priests like you. Even if the community encounters a problem they can't solve themselves, they would rather pray more or tough it out in a more traditional way than ask outsiders for help."

He raised his eyelids, his gaze sharpening.

"But this time...it's really different."

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like