173 Entrustment and Compensation (2/2)
”Then whatever.”
The Shaman shrugged and motioned for the bartender to leave. Soon, the tavern was empty save for the two before the bar. In the stillness, the Shaman pinched his nose and sipped from the cup of alcohol. He finally felt a bit better.
”Let's talk about your work.” He gazed at Ye Qingxuan. ”How did you do with what I entrusted you?”
”It was smoother than I'd expected. It was solved without any effort.” Ye Qingxuan arched an eyebrow and whistled. ”Things happened as you wished, Mr. Shaman. From now on, the Professor won't be an obstacle.”
”Really?” The Shaman fell silent and studied the smelly boy. As if he had been angered, metallic light reflected in his eyes, its edges sharp. ”Ye Qingxuan, have I told you the rules of trading with me?” His voice was cold as he enunciated each word, ”Never try to lie to me!”
”You think I'm lying?” Ye Qingxuan looked at those furious eyes and could not hold in his laughter. ”But I feel like you already trust me.”
He paused and uttered the Shaman's name.
The Shaman's true name.
Silence.
Deathly silence.
The Shaman froze, as if he had turned to stone. He gaped at the youth. After a long time, he pulled out his pipe, lit it and took a deep breath before exhaling heavily. When he had almost finished the pipe, he finally asked, ”When did you guess it?”
”Last night,” Ye Qingxuan replied lightly. ”The Butcher's actions confirmed my suspicions. At that time, I thought that you knew too much. Then this morning, when I stole a bowl of porridge and ate while squatting on the street, I suddenly had inspiration.”
”Inspiration?”
”Yes, inspiration.” Ye Qingxuan looked up at him. ”It's too coincidental, don't you think? You're really careful, but there are still too many coincidences. I read the files that the Avalon police department compiled about you. To be honest, you're practically a legend and really impressive.
”A few minutes ago, I compared your tracks and the times you appeared and disappeared, and I suddenly thought of a name. I finally understand why you've always trusted me.”
”That's it?” the Shaman asked coldly.
”That's it.” Ye Qingxuan shrugged helplessly. ”I have to say, it's not your fault. The problem is that my father really didn't know that many people in Avalon.”
”So it was Ye Lanzhou that messed up?” Stunned, the Shaman laughed at himself. ”For all these years, I've gone through everything, trying to be mysterious. I thought that the secret was kept perfectly. But now, I'm old and you caught me…f*ck.” He could not help but curse.
”That's how life is, isn't it?” Ye Qingxuan raised his cup toward him. ”Cheers to the Shaman's victory.”
The Shaman did not reply. Ye Qingxuan shrugged and downed his cup. Then he rose to leave. ”Thank you for everything you did for me, Mr. Shaman.” He put on his hunting hat and bid farewell. ”Please take care of me in the future too.”
”It's not over yet.” The Shaman's voice stopped him. It was followed by the sound of wind.
Something flew over. Ye Qingxuan turned and caught it, realizing that the Shaman had thrown over a metallic plaque. The finger-sized plaque had a name on it. It looked like one could string a chain through it and wear it around one's neck.
”What is this?”
”Since there's an entrustment, there should also be compensation,” the Shaman replied lightly. ”There's an old guy called Dominic who guards the Jianlan Underground Palace at the Royal Academy of Music, right? He owes me. Take this to him and he'll understand. You don't have to reject this. This is the compensation that you exchanged your life for, so of course it's a bit more bountiful. Be prepared for the surprise.”
”Surprise?” Ye Qingxuan could not help but chuckle bitterly as he stuffed the plaque into his pocket. ”Let's talk about surprises tomorrow. I still need to go to class. I've been ditching a lot and even though the Professor won't get mad, I still feel bad.”
”You're a good student?” The Shaman gazed at him strangely. ”That makes me pleased.”
”Your news is outdated, Mr. Shaman.” The youth walked through the door, only leaving behind a self-deprecating chuckle. ”I'm the infamous disgrace of the Academy now.”
-
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In the afternoon, sunlight poured from the sky. The busy streets were bathed in the warm glow.
It was the type of relaxed, long and warm afternoon that made one tired. Even the stray cat on the wall had lazily fallen asleep in the gentle sunshine.
After the rioting last night that was apparently terrifying, no one took the sunlight for granted. A few men sat in a café on the busy street, describing what had truly happened last night.
It was something about a Vengeful Spirit and the Professor dueling in the asylum. The Vengeful Spirit had turned into a giant bat and dropped from the sky. The Professor's face was painted white. He opened his mouth and laughed crazily after seeing the Vengeful Spirit fall into his trap.
They described the scene as if they had witnessed it.