Chapter 42: Calmly (2/2)
From their conversation, Shi Xueman could discern a rough idea, and was under the impression that that naked figure was one of Ai Hui’s classmates named Bangwan. She simply had no idea that he was actually the great genius Duanmu Huanghun who had just dazzled the entire Induction Ground.
The flames of anger in her heart finally satiated, Shi Xueman started to calm down. Losing the Calming Indigo Silk may be difficult to bear, but nothing good would come out of harping on about it. As she walked back, she tried to think of ways to solve the issue.
She was not generous enough to simply let him off, but what kind of compensation should she seek?
Walking down the alley, Lou Lan enthusiastically said, “Ai Hui, I think I can restore the neighboring walls that have been damaged!”
Ai Hui was practically moved to tears. “Lou Lan, you’re really the best!”
“I’m just a sand puppet.” Lou Lan was especially glad that he could help Ai Hui.
Only with Lou Lan could he experience the warmth of spring. Ai Hui was deeply touched. He turned around to face the girl from the noodle shop, his face grim. “So tell me, how exactly do you want me to settle this?”
Shi Xueman had just thought of something, but Ai Hui’s tone made her furrow her long, shapely brows. She retorted, “Your tone makes it sound as if I’m the one who owes you eighty million yuan.”
Ai Hui was momentarily embarrassed, so he relaxed his tone. “Just tell me, what do I have to do?”
“You definitely can’t return the eighty million yuan all at one go,” Shi Xue Man said while giving Ai Hui a glance. “I have two conditions. The first is that you must become my sparring partner for swordplay and instruct me accordingly. The next would be to help me find someone.”
Ai Hui heaved a sigh of relief. “Great! It’s a deal then. I’ll teach you swordplay as well as help you to find that person in exchange for writing off my debt of eighty million yuan.”
“You wish!” Shi Xueman exclaimed grimly. “This is only the interest.”
Ai Hui was instantly enraged, and he warned, “Noodle shop girl, you better not take advantage of me!”
Shi Xueman remained unmoved. She said flatly, “How about you ask your sand puppet friend for the current interest rates that are out on the market?”
Ai Hui looked towards Lou Lan.
Lou Lan reported honestly, “The interest rates on loans generally start from ten percent.”
Ten percent was not really all that much. Wait, what’s ten percent of eighty million yuan?
Eight million!
Ai Hui’s eyes grew wide with fear.
“See, I didn’t try to cheat you.” Shi Xueman glared at him. “You think your swordplay is worth eight million?”
Ai Hui did not even utter a word.
With the ongoing decline of swordsmanship, even renowned experts of swordplay would not command eight million yuan. Moreover, Ai Hui was not so conceited to claim that his swordplay was on par with that of those experts.
The greatest tragedy in the world was to be stuck without a retort against the logical and factual arguments of others.
“I’m giving you the task of finding the person because you live in Central Pine City and should thus be more familiar with it.” Although Shi Xueman felt that entrusting this task to such a fellow was rather ridiculous, any additional aid would be beneficial.
Ai Hui asked dejectedly, “What does this person look like?”
“No idea.” Shi Xueman shook her head.
Ai Hui looked at Shi Xueman, suspicion written all over his face. “Are you trying to make a fool out of me? How am I supposed to find someone without knowing what he looks like?”
Shi Xueman muttered, “The last time I met him was in a blind battle at the training hall. Starting your search from the training ground should make things easier.”
“Training hall?” he blurted. It was now Ai Hui’s turn to sneer. “Lou Lan, how many training halls are there in Central Pine City?”
Lou Lan once again stated matter-of-factly, “Forty-six.”
Shi Xueman declared, “But of course, I still have more information.”