Bodyguards can be considered one of the most enigmatic professions in terms of salary. The pay range varies widely, from a few thousand yuan per month to one million yuan annually, with no fixed rate.
Jiang Hai had previously thought about hiring a bodyguard, so he sought out advice. The top bodyguards in China can earn around one million yuan annually, with salaries going up to two or three million yuan. Internationally, a company like Blackwater offers a range of pricing based on experience.
The different levels of bodyguards reflect their training, with C-level bodyguards being recent graduates from elite military units like the Dolphin Special Forces or Delta Force, having undergone basic training. Blackwater, for example, operates several divisions: Blackwater training facilities, shooting systems, canine training, armored vehicles, maritime units, airborne detachments, and more.
C-level bodyguards typically earn about $50,000 a year. If they perform well, they can be promoted to B-level, earning around $80,000 annually. A-level bodyguards are considered the best and usually earn about $150,000 a year. Above A-level, there's Class S, a very exclusive tier hired by high-profile clients like the White House or wealthy individuals. These bodyguards' fees are significantly higher. Jiang Hai offered Azarina a starting salary of $100,000 a year.
This works out to a little over $2,000 per week, and factoring in bonuses, it aligns with a Class A salary. Azarina was pleased with this offer.
However, money was not her main concern. What truly mattered to her was the identity Jiang Hai had arranged for her and the benefits of living with him. This was her primary motivation.
With the decision made, Jiang Hai contacted Mayor Wallis to resolve Azarina's household registration. Azarina had been a blank slate in terms of documentation, and while immigration might have been complicated, Jiang Hai was only concerned with her employment contract, which was much simpler. Soon, Mayor Wallis had processed it, and Azarina was officially a Panamanian working in the U.S.
The registration issue was quickly resolved.
Afterward, Azarina, feeling grateful, threw herself into Jiang Hai's arms and kissed him without saying a word. The unexpected softness of her lips left Jiang Hai momentarily stunned.
"Great, boss. I'll be yours from now on," Azarina said with a smile, noticing Jiang Hai's dazed expression.
"Alright, I'll leave my safety to you from now on," Jiang Hai replied, still a bit surprised by her enthusiasm. Azarina, seeing his reaction, chuckled and stood up.
"Since I'm now your person, I'll take care of your problems," she said, winking playfully at him.
"Problems? What problems?" Jiang Hai asked, his heart skipping a beat. Her words made him take her more seriously. She didn't appear to have any hidden desires, but there was something about her that seemed unpredictable.
"This is my token of allegiance," she said, patting the pistol she had reclaimed from the previous day's altercation. "Don't worry, I won't let you down."
Jiang Hai couldn't help but laugh. Was she really reliable?
"Forget it. I'll handle these things myself. Just stay here and stay out of trouble," he said, shaking his head and refusing her offer. Azarina smiled, waved, and said she'd see him tomorrow before leaving his villa.
By the time Jiang Hai decided to stop her, she was already gone. Watching her leave, he couldn't help but feel conflicted. Part of him wanted to protect her, knowing she could get hurt in such dangerous situations, but another part of him wondered if she could indeed be of help.
He sighed, thinking about the challenges ahead. He had come to this place to farm and raise fish, yet he found himself constantly dealing with issues that seemed far removed from his original goals.
After a brief pause, Jiang Hai decided to visit Afra and the others. He had been too hasty the previous day, and today he needed to comfort the girls, especially Bernice and Xiaoya. He had expected them to leave after hearing about the attack on his manor, but surprisingly, they had stayed.
Though they were terrified the night before, they had managed to hold it together. Jiang Hai knew he had to check on them.
Aside from Bernice and Xiaoya, Jiang Hai also needed to reassure Darlene, Marianne, and Aphra. When he arrived, the girls, who had been so strong, couldn't hold back their tears. Even Bernice, who was usually cold and detached, broke down, overwhelmed by fear for her life. Jiang Hai comforted them, his presence bringing some relief.
Xiaoya, ever more detached from the world due to years of illness, simply embraced Jiang Hai without a word. She didn't cry, but it was clear the experience had shaken her. The others, like Darlene and Aphra, were afraid but trusted that Jiang Hai would protect them.
Jiang Hai gathered everyone for a small party at Aphra's villa. The gathering, although cramped with fifteen people, was a much-needed moment of relaxation.
Meanwhile, Azarina had already left for Boston. After arriving, she parked her car at the North Shore Garden Arena. Although there were no games that day, the arena was still bustling with tourists. Azarina blended in by purchasing a Celtics jersey and altering her appearance with newspapers stuffed inside, before taking a taxi to Boston's South District.
She knew she wouldn't face any trouble if seen, as she was employed by Jiang Hai, but her experience led her to take precautions. Unlike others, she didn't want to draw unnecessary attention.
That evening, as Jiang Hai and the others enjoyed their dinner, gunshots rang out in Boston's South City. No one paid much attention; it was a common occurrence in the area. When the police arrived, they discovered that several felons' families had been murdered, which led them to suspect Jiang Hai's involvement, even though there was no evidence.
Back at Jiang Hai's manor, the threat was now over. He decided to stay at Bell's place for the night. There, lying in bed, he received a text from Azarina, signaling that her mission was nearly complete. The goal was almost within reach.