Joseph's punches landed on Leo, leaving him slightly disoriented. However, it was Joseph's words that perplexed him even more, adding to his confusion.
In moments like these, anger often overwhelms a person's rationality, especially in Leo's case. Despite his initial intention to let the situation go, Joseph's strike ignited Leo's arrogance, leaving him both puzzled and infuriated.
In retaliation, Leo fought back. Seizing the opportunity while Joseph was caught off guard, Leo swiftly swung his fist towards Joseph, delivering a powerful blow.
The punch landed on Joseph's left cheek, causing him to roar in anger, "Who the fuck do you think you are?"
Leo's strike was forceful, causing Joseph to stagger and collapse to the ground, motionless. Joseph rested one arm on his leg while his other hand restlessly fidgeted with the buttons of his shirt.
Leo hadn't expected Joseph to cease his attack.
Leo was well aware that in a physical confrontation, he stood no chance against Joseph. In his early twenties, Leo had frequently visited South Africa, a place where the rule of law was lacking. Survival there depended on either being financially well-off or having the ability to disable others with one's fists. Ten years ago, Joseph had gone to South Africa relying on his physical strength, but now, ten years later, he relied on his wealth.
On the other hand, Leo had visited South Africa multiple times, always accompanied by a substantial number of bodyguards. The likelihood of encountering a dangerous situation was minimal, so he hadn't honed his fighting skills there.
Essentially, Leo had only struck Joseph once. If Joseph desired to retaliate, Leo knew that Joseph could do so at any time and any place.
However, Joseph remained seated, displaying no movement or response.
He looked very decadent and tired.
Leo rarely witnessed this side of Joseph. For years, Joseph had always appeared as a relentless fighter in Leo's eyes, maintaining peak physical and mental condition, seemingly never fatigued. He was akin to a towering giant, invincible in the world of business.
Yet, in this present moment, Joseph revealed an unexpected vulnerability before Leo's eyes.
Leo remembered as if it was only once.
When his parents died, Joseph looked the same way.
Desolate, decadent, languid, but without a drop of tears.
The room was very quiet.
The two men, their cheeks slightly red and swollen, remained silent. The corners of their mouths bore signs of minor injuries, with the skin slightly broken. However, amidst the aftermath of the altercation, it appeared that neither of them had the time or inclination to acknowledge their own discomfort or embarrassment.
In this quiet space, only the hour hand in a grid beat could be heard, like the heart, like, the pace in the years.
Passing away bit by bit.
And in this process, it was doomed to lose a lot of people, and pass many people.
The radiant light within the room was subdued as it filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle and subtle glow. It delicately illuminated the side of Joseph's face as he lowered his head, concealing most of his features within the shadow, revealing only a slight angle.
After a prolonged silence, Leo finally stirred. He walked towards the desk, retrieved a box of cigars, and extracted two, extending one of them towards Joseph.
Joseph slightly lifted his eyes and reached for the cigar.
Leo also didn't care about his suit and shoes, who sat opposite Joseph. Leo first lit his own cigars, and then, the lighter "popped" again, which was extended to Joseph.
Joseph did not speak, leaned and took the fire, and lit a cigarette.
They were sitting on the carpet, smoking in silence.
And the pale ash fell directly on the ground.
If someone pushed the door to see this scene, he would be surprised, even shocked.
One was dressed in high-grade, custom-made business clothes, straight trousers, and well-designed shirts and wore a tie with perfect detail; the other was less formal, in a white T-shirt with classic, minimalist gray-black jeans, and his sturdy arms wrapped under short sleeves, leaning slightly forward. And you could still see the outline of his broad, textured chest.
The formal one was Leo, and the casual one was Joseph.
The two men remained seated in persistent silence as if engaged in a silent standoff, neither of them willing to be the first to break the silence and initiate a conversation.
Until a cigar in the fingertips gradually burned out.
Until the ash became cold.
"Roy was dead?" Leo finally opened his mouth, like a question, as if seeking a positive answer.
"Yes." Joseph's voice was very heavy, such as a dry well silent over thousands of years, where leaves rustling across.
Leo was stunned.
Despite the lingering doubt caused by Joseph's clenched fist, Leo couldn't help but seek clarity. His countenance grew colder, and with a furrowed brow, he questioned, "Joseph, do you truly suspect me of being responsible for his death? Don't you know who I am? Do you honestly believe I would resort to such extreme measures?"
Joseph remained silent, further intensifying the tension in the room.
Leo observed his reaction and reached a moment of understanding. He narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "Are you here to vent your anger?"
Indeed, it is not uncommon for men to exhibit moments of emotional immaturity.
The dynamics of emotional expression between men can sometimes bear a resemblance to childlike behavior.
Joseph once again lowered his head, but this time, after a lengthy pause, he slowly raised his hand to his face. His broad hands forcefully rubbed his features, a sign of frustration. He let out a sigh and confessed, "I've come to realize that I have indeed failed at times."
"You're not a god, Joseph." Leo felt it necessary to remind him.
Joseph felt only a headache like a bow pulled to the fullest degree, which could collapse at any time. He lit another cigarette, put it in his fingers, and his eyes fell on the green and white smoke at his fingertips, but he was like thinking through the smoke.
Leo spoke with a hint of detachment, addressing Joseph's presence and the motive behind Roy's death. He acknowledged, "You approached me under the pretense that Roy's murder was somehow connected to my alleged theft of your design. It seems we are now on equal footing."
Joseph's anger was palpable as he retorted, "Do you truly believe that you can separate yourself from Roy's death?"
Leo was taken aback by Joseph's statement. He replied, filled with resignation, "Fine! I admit that if I hadn't wanted to push you out, Roy wouldn't have been thrust into the chairman's position. If he had remained in his previous role behind the scenes, perhaps he wouldn't have met such a fate. You blame me, and I have nothing to defend myself."
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