America: Starting with the Last Liberty

After the kiss, Rosen felt that his relationship with Blake had changed significantly.

For example, right now, Blake leaned directly into Rosen's arms and began to reveal some of the pressure he was under.

The main pressure comes from family.

From the time Blake could remember, Ray Gaines was rarely at home, and most of the household affairs were handled by Blake's mother, Emma Gaines.

With so many things weighing on Emma's shoulders, Ray had limited time at home, and the two often argued.

"This isn't the first time Mom and Dad have had a falling out. If Dad's job doesn't change, this situation will likely continue."

Blake seemed a little depressed. As a daughter, she naturally hoped that her parents would not separate and that the whole family could live happily together.

But there are some things Blake can't control. All she can do is act as a glue between her parents, trying her best to keep them from arguing.

This will definitely put a lot of pressure on Blake, especially since she has no siblings and no particularly close friends outside.

Rosen's appearance finally gave Blake someone to confide in.

"Rosen, what should I do?"

Rosen scratched his head and couldn't help but ask a question.

"Blake, haven't you noticed something wrong with your father's profession?"

Blake looked up at Rosen in surprise.

"Is there a problem? What's the problem?"

"For example, their income doesn't match their profession, or their social network isn't right..."

Although Rosen suspected that her father, Ray Gaines, must have played a role in Blake's admission to Caltech, the dark-haired girl's own abilities were certainly not in question.

"What you're saying does seem a bit strange! Dad's salary as a coast guard rescuer seems a bit too high, and the people Dad knows are all rather odd!"

When he was young, he was not aware of this, and as he grew up, Blake took it for granted, so he never noticed these abnormalities.

It wasn't until Rosen pointed it out that Blake felt a strong sense of unease.

"Yes, when I first met Mr. Gaines, I felt that he had a very special temperament, unlike someone who does rescue work."

Given Ray Gaines's appearance, wouldn't he scare the children to tears during the rescue?

Blake found it increasingly strange and bit his thumb to start thinking.

"Rosen, what do you think Dad does? Why does he hide his job?"

"How would I know? But I think Mr. Gaines' true identity must be extraordinary."

Blake looked so adorable when she was thinking that Rosen couldn't resist getting close to her face.

The black-haired girl's face immediately turned red to her ears, like a ripe, luscious apple.

Yes, judging by her figure, she is indeed very mature!

Just as Blake closed her eyes again, waiting for Rosen's kiss, her phone rang at an inopportune moment.

"Rosen, wait a minute! It might be a call from Mom or Dad!"

Blake opened his eyes, took out his phone, and glanced at the screen. Sure enough, it was Ray's phone number.

"Hey? Daddy, what's up?"

"Hmm! Hmm! I'm taking a walk around here!"

"I haven't gone far! I know this neighborhood isn't very safe, I'll be careful!"

"Huh? You said you're going home tonight? What about Mom's luggage?"

"Okay, Dad, I'm hanging up."

Blake looked up at Rosen, his eyes like those of a pet dog about to leave.

"Blake, what's wrong?"

"My mom and I might have to move back."

"Where to move to?"

"It was my previous home, in San Gabriel."

Rosen smiled.

"You scared me to death! I thought you were moving away from Los Angeles. We're still within Los Angeles County, aren't we? We can see each other again anytime!"

America operates under a four-tiered administrative system: federal, state, county, and city. The towns below that level are essentially self-governed by residents.

In a broader sense, Los Angeles actually refers to Los Angeles County, which includes the city of Los Angeles, the city of Santa Monica, the city of Burbank, and the city of San Gabriel that Blake just mentioned, among others.

The "city" in this sense is actually similar to the districts in some large cities in Tokyo.

Blake bit his lip and looked at Rosen.

"You mean, we can still do this in the future?"

"What do you mean? Is that how it is?"

Rosen lowered his head, captured Blake's pink lips, and continued to savor the girl's taste.

Sweet, fragrant, and with a touch of youthful naiveté.

Rosen only released Blake when she could no longer breathe.

"Don't worry, Blake, as long as our hearts are close, physical distance won't have any effect."

Blake, a girl who had never been in love, was no match for Rosen's sweet words from the future. Her eyes immediately became glazed over, and she buried her head in Rosen's arms.

After spending some time together, Rosen drove Blake home.

Otherwise, that guy Lei might actually come looking for someone, which would be quite troublesome.

Although Blake was somewhat reluctant, Rosen didn't care.

Some foods can be eaten in large bites, but some small cakes are best savored slowly.

[The transaction with Standard Pacific Bank is complete and settlement is in progress...]

[Bonus condition 1: Collect one million US dollars worth of supplies during the evacuation!]

[Bonus condition 2: Leave the bank without alerting the police!]

[This mission received an S rating, granting 15 Underworld reputation and 5 card-flipping opportunities.]

Another S rating!

As long as you can fulfill all the additional conditions, you can achieve an S rating, and it seems that it's easier to draw an ace when you have an S rating.

After washing his hands in the apartment, Rosen picked up his phone and started flipping cards.

[I've got a nuclear-powered lighter!]

[Win $5000 in cash!]

[Awarded the ace "Ironman" title!]

[Win $1 in cash!]

[I've obtained a miraculous hangover cure!]

Another new trump card has been played?

Rosen instantly became excited.

[Nuclear-powered lighter: The fuel will never run out, and it can be ignited in any environment. I am fire, and no one can extinguish me!]

Can it be ignited in any environment? Does that mean it can also be ignited underwater?

Rosen took the ornate metal lighter to the bathroom and tried it out; it actually lit up in the water.

The things produced by the system are indeed unscientific!

[A miraculous hangover cure: Just take one beforehand and you can ignore the side effects of alcohol, automatically replenishing your energy every day! There are countless roads, but safety is paramount; reckless driving will bring tears to your loved ones' eyes!]

This is a good thing. Rosen inevitably drinks when he goes out, but he can't avoid driving.

With this, Rosen no longer needs to worry about certain risks.

Finally, and most importantly, the new trump card.

[Iron Man: Your endurance and resilience have reached the limits of human capability! A true Iron Man doesn't necessarily wear armor.]

(Blake Gaines)