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墨書 Inktalez
Beiyue arrived, and the first thing he saw was Cui Ming and the others. His heart felt a pang of nostalgia as he quickly walked over. However, when he got closer, he hesitated on how to express himself. A hug didn’t fit his personality, and a handshake felt too formal. He also thought it inappropriate to leave Yellen and Wei Wei out of it, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Cui Ming chuckled and pointed behind him with his thumb, saying, “Beiyue, there’s something to eat.”
Those words were so familiar. The group had always been a handful. Mi Xiaonan was the follower, and sometimes when Beiyue could no longer hold back his frustration and was at a loss for words, Cui Ming would always say, “Beiyue, there’s something to eat.” It was a line that left Beiyue at a loss every time, forcing him to look helplessly at the four of them.
Now he found himself at a loss again, but fortunately, Wei Wei arrived and greeted, “Cui Ming, long time no see. Have you missed your sister?”
Cui Ming stepped forward to embrace Wei Wei: “Sister, you’re looking better than ever.”
“Still the same old you,” Wei Wei replied happily at the compliment from Cui Ming. She took a couple of steps to shake hands with Li Qing, nodding in acknowledgment. They shared stories from their youth, but with Li Qing currently undergoing hunter assessments, their interaction felt somewhat awkward. Finally, Wei Wei leaned down to hug Mi Xiaonan: “Mi Xiaonan, why are you always covering your face? If it weren’t for your eyes, I wouldn’t even recognize you.”
Cui Ming added casually, “Let me introduce you to Jayce, whom you all know, and this is Mr. Vlad.”
The smile on Wei Wei’s face shifted from warm to cold as she shook hands with Vlad: “Your business is not my business.” She then turned her gaze toward Beiyue.
Looking at Yellen, Beiyue asked, “Didn’t we consult the Ye Family about what this means?”
Yellen invited the two to take a seat. Once everyone was seated, they used the intercom to order tea and snacks before explaining that the Force Alliance had commissioned Yellen to handle this matter ahead of time. Since Vlad agreed with the alliance's proposal, he only needed to go to the alliance for testing.
Unexpectedly, Beiyue was not convinced and questioned, “Does that mean ‘Wandering’?”
Surprised, Yellen replied, “It means ‘President.’”
Beiyue stated firmly: “The Alliance Hunter is a neutral organization. ‘Wandering’ refers to the highest leader of the Alliance Hunter. Aside from that, the Alliance Hunter does not accept any suggestions or proposals that violate its mission from anyone, including the President. The President is clearly overstepping his bounds.”
Confused, Yellen responded: “I’ve made myself very clear. Mr. Vlad currently has no charges against him; the President has the authority to withdraw orders. I don’t understand what’s inappropriate here.”
To which Beiyue replied: “There’s only one thing that’s inappropriate.”
"What do you mean?"
"He is from the Ding Family," Beiyue replied. "As a prestigious family, the Ding Family holds significant influence within the Alliance. Mr. Vlad, since you are willing to cooperate, I won't make things difficult for you. I need to secure you and send you to the Force Alliance for an assessment of your potential threat by the Alliance Hunter."
Yellen was about to speak when Cui Ming interjected, "Yellen, what my Boss means is that if Vlad is tested by the Alliance, it may not be fair since he belongs to the Ding Family. Even if it is fair, how would outsiders perceive it? For the sake of the Ding Family's reputation and fairness, it is best for the Alliance Hunter to handle this matter. Moreover, the Alliance Hunter prides itself on being just, fair, upright, brave, and loyal; they will handle this matter objectively. On the other hand, Mr. Vlad, you have admitted to having some undesirable desires within yourself. If the Alliance Hunter concludes that you can control those desires, you will be filled with confidence. Conversely, Mr. Vlad can take their advice. I believe Mr. Vlad is a gentleman who does not wish to harm anyone; he has kindness, compassion, and love. Of course, accompanying my Boss may be somewhat of a compromise for you, but for the honor of the Ding Family and your own reputation, I think it is more appropriate for you to go with my Boss."
Yellen responded, "The Ye Family has already guaranteed Mr. Vlad's freedom of movement. Whether it is due to the Alliance or other reasons, we must uphold our promise unless Mr. Vlad wishes to leave with Miss Beiyue; otherwise, we must intervene."
It sounded like Yellen was playing against Cui Ming, but Wei Wei chuckled inwardly; neither of them was easy to deal with. Cui Ming's rhetoric made him believe that Vlad leaving with Beiyue was indeed the right choice. Meanwhile, Yellen subtly indicated the Ye Family's stance while hinting that Vlad should not put everyone in a difficult position.
Vlad pondered for a moment and asked, "Are we leaving today?"
Beiyue nodded. "We will leave immediately." She glanced at Cui Ming to see what he had to say; despite not having seen each other for years, her trust in him had not diminished at all.
Cui Ming said, "Mr. Vlad is very cooperative. Boss, I think we can skip the Force Lock. Since we have some free time, why don't we all go to Hero City together? I still haven't received my practitioner ID yet. However, could we stay one night and set off tomorrow morning instead?"
Beiyue nodded in agreement. "Alright."
Wei Wei looked at Beiyue and thought: What kind of person are you? How can your stance change so easily? I can understand that your emotions were stirred upon meeting again, but weren't we supposed to set off together? Staying an extra night adds more variables; how could you agree without obtaining any necessary answers?
With the tension dissipated, everyone enjoyed tea and snacks. However, Beiyue and her three companions sat on one side in two small groups discussing different topics. After chatting for a while and glancing at Beiyue as if she felt compelled to say something more, she turned to Cui Ming and said, "I heard half a month ago that you were still alive; I'm very glad."
"Beiyue, you're getting worse at making conversation," Li Qing shook his head. "Beiyue, how's Wei Wei? Has this mission officer given you any trouble?"
"No, everything went smoothly," Beiyue replied.
Li Qing continued, "I heard your weapon has undergone some new changes?"
"Yes," Beiyue answered but felt she lacked sincerity and added an explanation: "I have mastered the Strict Sword and am currently working on the Brave Sword."
Ah, the Strict Sword... Cui Ming sighed inwardly as he recalled three years ago when there were four swords representing wisdom, courage, faithfulness, and severity—Beiyue was associated with severity through the Thousand Fathoms Sword which stood firm like Qianren; devoid of desire yet strong. This girl... Cui Ming observed Beiyue; she had hardly changed since three years ago—though she seemed unchanged on the surface, there were subtle differences beneath it all. Beiyue had become more serious. From her words, it was evident that she spoke more because of their relationship; those few extra sentences felt somewhat awkward as they were intentionally added.
Li Qing kicked Cui Ming, noticing that Cui Ming's gaze was a bit too intense as he kept tilting his head to avoid Beiyue. Realizing his awkwardness, Cui Ming chuckled nervously, "The autumn air is refreshing and the scenery is beautiful; how about we compose a poem?"
Mi Xiaonan accidentally sprayed tea all over Beiyue and sympathetically looked at Cui Ming, explaining to Beiyue, "Cui Ming has been dazed in the desert for too long; he often has these strange thoughts."
Beiyue turned to Cui Ming and asked, "Is the desert beautiful?"
Beautiful? Pretty? These two words seem similar but carry different connotations. Cui Ming pondered for a moment, "Loneliness and solitude—it's not just me rambling. Sometimes, loneliness and solitude can feel like a unique kind of beauty."
Mi Xiaonan inquired, "Then why did you come out here?"
"Kid, you wouldn’t understand. Beauty can get tiresome after three years," Cui Ming replied. "The journey through the desert was quite worthwhile."
Beiyue curiously asked, "Was it for improving your cultivation?"
"No, it was for life. Moved by life itself. I remember during the dry season, there was a pair of Couple Sand Mice. The Public Sand Mouse barely ate anything each day and saved the little withered Shrub Leaves for its partner. It grew weaker and weaker, but the shrub couldn’t get any underground water, and food became scarcer..." Cui Ming drifted into memories.
Mi Xiaonan sensed a dramatic element in the story and softly asked, "What happened next?"
Cui Ming gazed into the distance with a heavy heart and said, "As food became increasingly scarce, we had no choice but to eat them."
"Pfft!" This time it was Beiyue who sprayed tea, coughing as he covered his mouth. Cui Ming hurriedly handed him a tissue. Feeling embarrassed, Beiyue couldn't help but give Cui Ming a light shove before accepting the tissue, then playfully kicked him again. Though the gesture was somewhat rude, it reminded Beiyue of the camaraderie from three years ago when they all gathered together. Cui Ming had a knack for cold jokes that often left people exasperated.
Beiyue's playful hits stirred something in Cui Ming's mind, making Beiyue immediately realize his actions were inappropriate. He leaned back and changed the subject, asking, "Do you have any news about Ding Ze?"
No one had any news about Ding Ze.
Beiyue glanced at a nearby table where Vlad sat and asked, "Why are we waiting another day?"
"It's not every day you get to meet the Eternal First Beauty; we can't miss this chance to have dinner together tonight," Cui Ming said as he grabbed Mi Xiaonan's head and whispered in her ear, "Did you see that security guard bringing Liu Meier's luggage over there? It's been delivered to the luxury guesthouse. I don’t know which room it’s in right now; can you take your camera and photograph everything inside her luggage? Then recreate it completely—can you do that?"
"Right now?" Mi Xiaonan asked.
Cui Ming nodded, wrapping his left arm around Li Qing's shoulder, whispering, "Senior Brother, could you go with Mi Xiaonan? I suspect that the inn might have surveillance set up, and I need your True Sight Guardian to break it."
Li Qing replied, "Will you tell me the reason when you return?"
"Yes."
Li Qing and Mi Xiaonan said nothing more as they stood up together and headed toward the restroom. Beiyue asked, "If I want to know, do I also have to lean in to listen?"
"Beiyue, you lack curiosity." Cui Ming looked at Beiyue and continued, "Not long ago, a doctor diagnosed a patient and said she was an Idiot. When asked if she could be treated, the doctor replied that it might be possible if the patient could develop some curiosity, as it would greatly aid in her treatment."
"Are you insulting me?" Beiyue nodded and said, "I have curiosity, but can you explain without whispering?"
"Afraid my beard will poke you?"
"..." Beiyue was left speechless.
Cui Ming chuckled lightly, "There is a way, but you definitely won't like it."
"I'll try to like it."
Cui Ming stood up and called out, "Everyone, I haven't seen Boss in years. I'm going to the guest room to catch up; you all continue." With a cheerful smile, he turned to look at Beiyue, only to be unexpectedly hit on the head by her weapon-laden bag. Cui Ming winced in pain and stepped back. "What’s wrong with you? I hadn’t even finished speaking before you were ready to strike."
Beiyue ignored him and motioned for everyone to walk. "Let’s go this way." She casually nodded at the others without seeking their opinions, marching ahead on her own. (To be continued.)
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