Eldritch Horror Theatre

That went without saying.

Fu Qian completely understood why Yuan Shan was in such a good mood.

For one thing, he had been extremely dedicated to his work over the past two days, staying cooped up at Wen Li’s place enjoying good food and drink without stepping outside.

Furthermore, Serana’s recent loss of composure had almost completely ruled out the possibility that he was Herbert.

Her magnanimous decision to just drop the matter might well have been partly due to this good mood.

”Let’s talk at my place. The view here is uncomfortable.”

With the matter off her mind, Yuan Shan once again demonstrated her high standards for her work environment. She had only been seated for two seconds before signaling Fu Qian to follow her.

...

”The others were here just now, and I was worried about scaring them, so I had to ask you to wait off to the side for a bit.”

Back in her office, Yuan Shan seemed to be in an increasingly pleasant mood.Her explanation for the earlier situation was exactly as expected.

”The main issue was that Serana was acting completely out of character. What exactly did you show her to provoke such a reaction?”

”The past glory of Blood Clan Progenitor Annalise. It just seems that even a devout descendant couldn’t overcome her love for gossip and couldn’t resist wanting to see more.”

”Gossip about the Progenitor of the Blood Clan?”

At Fu Qian’s casual nonsense, Chief Yuan’s eyes lit up.

”Did you get it from the Ancient Reminiscence? Mind sharing?”

”I can’t. Serana asked me to keep it a secret.”

Fu Qian shook his head firmly.

For one thing, it was a bit too private. At the same time, the matter involved too many variables, and he didn’t need Yuan Shan to provide any intelligence on it just yet.

”Alright then.”

Yuan Shan sighed with a hint of regret.

”So, why did you come here today? Considering your recent performance, just say the word if there’s anything I can help with.”

Knowing she could immediately go back to slacking off, it was obvious she was in a great mood.

”Something simple. I want to learn everything about a certain title.”

Fu Qian didn’t stand on ceremony either. Courtesy demanded reciprocity for a long-lasting relationship; if he only contributed unilaterally, Chief Yuan might harbor unnecessary worries.

”That’s easy. What title?”

Chief Yuan waved her hand magnanimously, just as expected.

”Blazing Rainbow.”

...

After Fu Qian revealed his findings from the mission, time and space seemed to freeze for a breath.

Yuan Shan, who had just been wearing a languid expression, froze rigidly in place. The bright smile on her face vanished in an instant.

Barring the unexpected, something unexpected had definitely just happened!

Seeing her reaction, how could Fu Qian fail to realize that the title he just provided was something extraordinary? His interest surged immediately.

Originally, he expected a high probability that Chief Yuan would once again invoke the principle that heavy rewards always bring forth brave souls, working the records room staff to the bone. It seemed that this time, she actually knew the answer herself.

”How do you know... this title?”

After scrutinizing Fu Qian with an exceedingly sharp gaze for half a minute, Yuan Shan finally spoke. Her tone was even more solemn than when she was prepared to die in the line of duty.

Before Fu Qian could even answer, her brows furrowed again as something occurred to her.

”How did you know... that I knew this title?”

This line of questioning was rather interesting.

Chief Yuan’s pressing inquiry clearly carried far too many implications.

First, it seemed this title was an extreme secret. Second, she appeared to be one of the very few people who actually knew it.

Third, even knowing who knew this title seemed to be classified information.

Was it related to the Night Watchers? Then he really had found the right person.

”You told me!”

Feeling as though he had hit the jackpot, Fu Qian answered naturally.

It was the truth. Chief Yuan was clearly too agitated, which had compromised the quality of her interrogation; her first question was the answer itself.

...

Naturally, Yuan Shan couldn’t easily believe this. She gritted her teeth and stared at Fu Qian for a long time, but unfortunately, his gaze and expression remained forever innocent.

”...Once this busy period is over, you need to come back with me.”

Chief Yuan eventually gave up on that front. Her expression relaxed as she pointed at Fu Qian.

”Also, remember not to mention that title to anyone else ever again.”

Come back...

Fu Qian blinked, realizing what she was referring to.

”The Night Watchers’ lair?”

”Lair, my ass... do you even know how to use words!”

Yuan Shan immediately wanted to spit a mouthful of blood onto his face.

”The Night Watchers Northern Headquarters.”

Taking a deep breath, Yuan Shan persevered and refused to let him derail the conversation.

”Sure!”

Seeing Chief Yuan look more serious than ever before, Fu Qian didn’t refuse.

Of course, in his estimation, he probably couldn’t refuse anyway.

That title from earlier was clearly some kind of immense taboo. Just by asking about it, he was already thoroughly implicated.

”Did you get this from the Ancient Reminiscence too? Knowing too much about certain things isn’t a good thing, you know.”

Seeing Fu Qian agree so readily, Yuan Shan looked a little more at ease, though she still didn’t forget to study him and offer a well-meaning reminder.

”Don’t worry, Serana doesn’t know.”

Fu Qian tactfully denied her guess.

”What I want to confirm is, before that happens, I won’t be grounded or anything, right?”

”...That won’t be necessary. Are you planning to head out again? Didn’t you just get back?”

Yuan Shan was somewhat puzzled.

Her First Poison Strategist was going to run around again instead of watching the shop properly. It felt like the safety index of Shangjing had suddenly dropped several points.

The main issue was that he absolutely refused to accept an official position, leaving her completely helpless.

”Indeed.”

Fu Qian’s answer was frighteningly brief.

He had originally thought he could get a bit of information about Blazing Rainbow from Yuan Shan, but he hadn’t expected to accidentally poke a hornet’s nest.

Looking at Yuan Shan’s demeanor, she definitely wasn’t going to say anything more before he followed her back and threw himself into the net.

Since that was the case, he might as well move up his previously scheduled visit to the Academy.

”...Alright, just remember to come find me when you get back!”

Yuan Shan didn’t seem too worried about Fu Qian running away, but she was obviously taking the matter of Blazing Rainbow extremely seriously.

”No problem.”

In the end, this conversation involving multiple secrets concluded pleasantly. Chief Yuan didn’t even ask Classmate Xiao Ming for help, personally escorting Fu Qian all the way out of the Base.

Of course, whether or not he would actually return later was hard to say.

...

What was going on here?

Heading straight for The Bookstore, which hadn’t been open for days, Fu Qian spotted an unexpected figure on the street outside.

Pale skin, deep eyes—it was none other than Brother Taylor, whom he had just met not too long ago.

He couldn’t possibly be just strolling by and taking a break here. The question was, what was he doing here?

Had he discovered Dayun Mingwang’s true identity and decided to show up at his door to challenge him and avenge his previous humiliation?

Noticing that the man didn’t have a briefcase full of money by his side like last time, Fu Qian immediately lost interest and didn’t really want to bother with him.

”Mister Fang!”

However, Brother Taylor was as oblivious as always, rushing up before Fu Qian could even open the door.

”Let’s talk inside.”

Sensing a rare hint of restraint in the man’s demeanor, Fu Qian didn’t adopt an overly harsh attitude. He even made a welcoming gesture.

As businessmen, they valued the principle that harmony fosters wealth.

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