Eldritch Horror Theatre

In the living room, Fu Qian answered with such candor that it clearly caught Laige off guard.

However, surprise aside, given their past interactions, Laige still didn’t think there was much chance of Fu Qian answering honestly.

”What is your relationship with the Siren Group?”

For a moment, he stared at Fu Qian, both shocked and guarded.

”Debt. They owe me money.”

Fu Qian wore a deadpan expression.

’Owe money? Payment for a job?’

’You really are involved with them?’

’And you’re admitting it this openly?’

’That’s way too bold!’Laige was secretly alarmed. After a moment of thought, he asked carefully,

”What do they owe you for?”

”My rent deposit.”

Fu Qian answered as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

This wasn’t nonsense; back in the Wasteland, his deposit had never been refunded.

’What the fuck...’

Even though he had already set his expectations for Fu Qian’s integrity incredibly low, Laige was still stunned by this answer.

”You had better answer the question seriously.”

Before he could say anything else, Hayami Suzune could no longer hold back her temper.

Veins popped on her forehead, and the expensive teacup in her hand creaked under her grip.

”I have been completely serious, and I understand Madam Suzune’s feelings.”

Fu Qian shot her a half-smile.

”But I also know that if I am truly proven to be a spy for the Siren Group and involved in a transcendent-level conflict...”

”...then under most circumstances, my immunity as an ordinary person would easily be revoked. At that point, Madam Suzune would have plenty of excuses to kill me.”

’This guy is just messing with me!’

Her inner thoughts exposed, Hayami Suzune’s breath hitched for a moment.

Although the captain might not have intended it, when she realized this guy might actually be mixed up in corporate warfare, that genuinely was her first reaction.

”Given the current situation, a transcendent died right in your house. Do you think you can still clear yourself of suspicion?”

With Hayami Suzune momentarily speechless, Laige chimed in with a cold expression.

”But you need to prove there is an actual conflict of interest first.”

Fu Qian remained completely brazen, entirely unbothered.

”Transcendents simply brawling in my house is far from enough.”

...

”If this were ten years ago, I would have smashed your face in.”

After a long silence, Laige spoke again, offering a naked physical threat.

”I’m flattered, but you said it yourself—that was ten years ago. Times have changed.”

Fu Qian remained entirely unfazed.

”You are all celebrities now. You need to watch your words and actions. Public scrutiny carries weight.”

Fu Qian wasn’t just talking nonsense. As mentioned before, Ye Island was a rather unique place.

Specifically, this manifested in the public’s overly exaggerated obsession with entertainment.

Unlike other places that held reverence or even fear toward transcendents, the people here had simply turned them into stars—fanatically worshiping, chasing, and even spreading gossip about them.

The Anjing Company had done quite a bit to fuel this trend.

Because of this, transcendents usually lived quite comfortably here.

But the downside was that, under such intense scrutiny, their every move was strictly regulated to the point of rigidity.

After all, any inappropriate action would rapidly blow up under the massive public attention, and this was especially true for the Night Watchers.

Thus, compared to other regions, the most important thing here was compliance. Every action had to stand the test of daylight, amounting to an extreme form of procedural justice.

In fact, it was exactly because of this that the Dancy played by Fu Qian had been able to remain at large for so long.

Previously, he had been able to maneuver around them because of his status and position among ordinary people.

Now, it was because he had too much contact with the Anjing Company.

If Laige and Suzune truly resorted to violence to eliminate a public threat, the Anjing Company wouldn’t mind heavily publicizing their heroic deed.

After all, as the uncrowned kings of Ye Island constantly being watched by their overlords, opportunities to stick it to them were hard to come by.

”I have to say, I’ve seen a lot of villains and scumbags, but you, Mister Dancy, are absolutely one of the worst.”

Laige stayed silent for a moment. When he spoke, he seemed to be reminiscing about the past.

”Second only to a certain guy I’m not even sure actually exists.”

’Not sure if he actually exists? Is he talking about me?’

Fu Qian frowned as he listened.

’Is this how you judge your savior?’

’If I hadn’t stepped in, you and Delin would have been turned into roast pork by Mister Luo a long time ago.’

”But there is one thing I must remind you of.”

While Fu Qian was grumbling internally, an uncharacteristic smile actually surfaced on Laige’s face.

”No matter how you try to talk your way out of it, you have already stepped onto the path of death.”

”These are two fundamentally different worlds. This isn’t something you can navigate with just a little cleverness.”

”Of course, I know people like you are always full of confidence. You are welcome to try and see if you can truly cross the barrier between the two worlds, just like the Infamy Mini-Game those youngsters love so much.”

’Infamy Mini-Game?’

Fu Qian furrowed his brows slightly.

’Why does that sound so familiar?’

”Thank you for the hospitality. I will be keeping a close eye on you to ensure I don’t miss the exciting moments.”

Having said that, without even waiting for Fu Qian’s reply, Laige stood up and signaled Hayami Suzune to leave.

The latter’s expression actually seemed to clear up a bit.

Fu Qian thought it over and realized that Laige’s final comment had likely brought her a trace of satisfaction.

’The spiritual victory method never goes out of style!’

”If you feel anything is off, there is a fortune-telling hut not far from here.”

Ultimately, Hayami Suzune was still worried about Su Gao. Hesitating slightly before she left, she scribbled down a line of text and handed it over, making absolutely no effort to hide it from Fu Qian.

Since she was being so open about it, Fu Qian unapologetically took a look and found that it was indeed the address of Kisaragi Chie’s business.

Her intentions were obvious. On one hand, she was giving Su Gao a place to seek help.

On the other, she was implying that she kept in touch with the Kisaragi sisters, warning him not to try anything funny.

It could be considered a painstakingly thoughtful gesture.

...

”A very earnest person.”

Watching Hayami Suzune and Laige leave, Su Gao’s demeanor instantly quieted down.

Glancing down at the note in her hand, she commented softly.

”Indeed. Justice, passion—truly enviable traits. It’s great to be young!”

Fu Qian nodded, sighing with emotion.

Su Gao didn’t look like she wanted to talk about the Rotten Forest, and he wasn’t bored enough to bring it up himself.

The next moment, Fu Qian stood up. Su Gao followed his movements and saw that he was turning on the TV.

”What made you want to watch that?”

Seeing Fu Qian casually flipping through the channels, Su Gao didn’t hide her confusion.

”It’s all about adapting to local customs. Just getting a feel for the local culture.”

Fu Qian replied casually, pausing the screen on a specific channel a moment later.

’I knew it sounded familiar.’

Looking at the attractive young men and women on the screen, Fu Qian nodded silently.

This must be the mini-game Laige had mentioned—a variety show loved by the young people of Ye Island, titled ”Universal Infamy.”