Free Web NovelChapter 88: Chapter 88: You’re too polite (Third update)
Yang Xiao had heard similar statements a long time ago, but today, coming from Kuang Hongyi’s mouth, the nature was completely different. He could feel that Kuang Hongyi was not joking. His expression and tone were extremely serious, even his pupils harbored repressed fear.
This fear quickly transferred to Yang Xiao. Unable to resist changing the subject, he said, "Zhao, there’s another thing. You see, I’m about to join the Patrol Defense Bureau, which means I’ll be an official person. If that happens in the Nightmare World..."
Kuang Hongyi immediately saw what he wanted to ask, imparting a message within his words, "The Nightmare World, after all, is not the real world. Everyone there is at the mercy of forces beyond their control. For self-preservation, we sometimes have to do things against our conscience, you understand what I’m saying, right?"
"I understand."
Yang Xiao got the point instantly. The Nightmare World was not equivalent to reality, and the laws of reality held no sway there. The only goal for everyone was to survive, to survive by any means necessary. He did not want his new identity to become a shackle.
At this point, Kuang Hongyi suddenly laughed, pulling his chair closer to Yang Xiao. The two men sat nearer, like old friends who had known each other for years, "Younger Brother Yang, once you formally assume your position, the higher-ups will definitely ask you to write a report on the complete experience of tackling the Fengmen Ghost Drama instance. That’s standard procedure. And one very important aspect is the explanation of the deaths of Shi Dali and the other three. It’s crucial that our stories align, or else it could cause unnecessary trouble."
"I have little experience; I’ll follow your lead, Zhao," Yang Xiao said, showing he was on the same page.
Kuang Hongyi laughed, patting Yang Xiao’s shoulder, "Hey, it’s not about following anyone. We are both officials, after all. Just tell the truth. But let me ask you, do you remember how Ke Long died?"
"He was killed by Shi Dali, who set a trap using a paper effigy," Yang Xiao recalled.
"What about Shi Guanming?"
"He was probably also killed by Shi Dali, that night we went to watch the ghost play."
Kuang Hongyi smiled at him meaningfully, "And... Xu Su?"
"Xu Su harbored evil intentions and actually tried to attack you with a dagger on the boat, Zhao. But you, with your extraordinary vigilance, saw right through her. In the end, she reaped what she sowed, grabbed by the Drowned Ghost that crawled aboard, both sinking into the lake. Zhao, a man of good fortune, miraculously escaped with your life," Yang Xiao said in one breath, deliberately omitting anything to do with graveyard soil, as though he had lost his memory of it.
Kuang Hongyi gave Yang Xiao a meaningful glance and nodded in satisfaction, "Younger Brother Yang really understands how it works. But that’s about enough for the report—don’t add too many adjectives. It’s all plain truth; making it too conspicuous isn’t good. Actually, this report is just a formality that nobody takes too seriously. However, it’s useful for year-end evaluations, and promotions and raises can be considered."
The mention of a raise perked Yang Xiao right up, rubbing his hands together with anticipation, "Then, about my report..."
"Oh, Younger Brother Yang, what are you talking about? We’re all part of the same team. Rest assured, I know how to write it to your advantage!"
Yang Xiao raised his coffee cup, "Then I’m counting on you, Zhao!"
"Don’t mention it, you’re too polite. We’re all brothers here!"
Now Yang Xiao was certain. Xu Su’s death must be linked to Kuang Hongyi. His previous suspicions were correct; with Xu Su’s skills, she would never dare to attack Kuang Hongyi. Xu Su died because she possessed graveyard soil and was unwilling to share it under those circumstances. fгeewebnovёl.com
There was nothing to be said about it. Even if their positions were reversed, he would have had to let Xu Su die!
However, this kind of thing was somewhat shameful, and Yang Xiao was also certain that even if he truly included these details in his report, Kuang Hongyi wouldn’t take any actions against him. After all, there were no witnesses and no evidence, and besides, weren’t such incidents common in the Nightmare World?
Xu Su had no relationship with him, so Yang Xiao felt no obligation to stand up for her.
The conversation ended abruptly, and after exchanging WeChat and contact information, Kuang Hongyi drove off first, leaving Yang Xiao alone in the cafe to ponder.
Today was a fruitful day. Not only had he joined an official organization and found a backer, but he had also learned many important pieces of information. From the previous conversation, Yang Xiao had initially understood the Nightmare World and learned about the presence of the Resentful Eye.
It was obvious that the Drama Robe in his backpack was a Resentful Eye item. Such a thing was a double-edged sword; used well, it could save your life, but if not handled properly... Although Kuang Hongyi didn’t specify, it wasn’t hard to guess that mishandling it could lead to death.
Yang Xiao had already experienced the horrors of the Nightmare World. The thought of returning filled him with such dread that he doubted he could make it out unscathed again. Now he understood why Shi Dali had gone to great lengths to kill them; delaying the next receipt of a ghost script was almost equivalent to extending one’s life.
It seemed that the Nightmare World encouraged mutual slaughter. The more people who died, the more benefits the lucky survivors would receive. If only one person remained, then they could monopolize the Resentful Eye item from the mission.
Not long after Kuang Hongyi left, Yang Xiao also got up and left the cafe. With a clear direction and an imminent start at an official organization, he felt his tension ease significantly. After dinner, he wandered around the area casually, soaking up the hustle and bustle, which diluted his inner fear. Suddenly, Yang Xiao realized that such a simple life could also be a happiness.
The hotel was a bit expensive and staying there pained Yang Xiao, so after some thought, he picked up his phone and dialed a number, "Hello, I’m from the neighborhood..."
Yang Xiao hadn’t finished speaking when the person on the other end recognized him, "Oh, I know, I know. Brother, when we’re on patrol, we always take a special look under your building. There’s no problem. When are you coming back? The two of us will come to pick you up."
The security guard’s enthusiasm was off the charts. He was the security guard from the residential complex Yang Xiao rented from, previously hired by Yang Xiao for a high salary of one hundred yuan per person. Thinking it over, Yang Xiao figured it would probably cost another hundred yuan per person for them to come pick him up, more than staying at an express hotel would cost, so he politely declined.
Another matter weighed on him: the water heater in the room he rented wasn’t very good. Considering that tomorrow he had to meet with his direct superior, it was essential to tidy himself up, take a bath, change into fresh clothes, and make a good impression on his boss.
Finding an express hotel near the business district, Yang Xiao first stuffed the backpack containing the Drama Robe into the wardrobe and closed the door before heading to the shower.
Throughout the entire shower, he was into on tenterhooks, washing his hair at breakneck speed. The moment he closed his eyes, he felt as though something nearby was watching him.
Within less than 10 minutes, Yang Xiao had finished bathing and changed into a new outfit. He looked at himself in the mirror and was pleased; although he was a bit haggard, he still looked handsome.
"Buzz—"
Suddenly, his phone vibrated. Yang Xiao walked over to the desk and picked up his charging phone, receiving a message from Kuang Hongyi.
"Tomorrow morning at eight, at the Menggu Flower Shop across from the Lin’an District Police Station, Director Nalan wants to meet you there."
"Remember, the Director is a low-profile person."
