"Has it always been like this?"
It seed like Mr. Sanhao Sr.’s eye twitched slightly, but he managed not to act out.
Not to ntion his leisurely and striking posture, Fu Qian’s tone alone was hard to interpret as pure sympathy; it seed more like schadenfreude.
However, sensing that it wasn’t the ti for impulse, Mr. Sanhao Sr. softly asked another question while sitting beside him.
"If not, what did that guy say to you just now?"
Casually responding, Fu Qian took a deep breath of the dark green beverage in his hand—a drink favored by the locals—and expressed satisfaction with his attempt.
It offered a unique taste; for a folk product to receive such praise on first sip was quite comndable.
"Internal mbers only, not open to the public."
Mr. Sanhao Sr. seed fairly honest as he hesitated before answering truthfully.
"You can call Sanhao; how should I address you?"
Then he introduced himself, although not very truthfully this ti.
Despite having toured popular attractions together recently, exchanging little conversation, Fu Qian knew this wasn’t his real na.
Although Ah Lian’s identity was likely fake, Fu Qian believed that in facing soone suspicious, this person wouldn’t truly reveal his real identity.
So, the most likely scenario was that, while wanting advice, he had encrypted his identity twice.
Yet considering Mr. Sanhao Sr. was plotting sothing significant, being cautious was understandable.
"Mr. Sanhao...not bad."
Being an easygoing person, Fu Qian didn’t mind and directly used the chosen na.
"As for , just call Wang."
Uh...
Unfortunately, Sanhao Sr.’s face seed a bit rigid, lacking a carefree manner.
...
"Mr. Wang...you seem to know them well. Do you have any way to introduce them to ?"
Recognizing the importance of the situation, despite the apparently insincere introduction, Sanhao went straight to the point, controlling his irritation.
"Just call Wang, no need for formalities."
Sadly, Fu Qian insisted on titles, emphasizing while finishing his drink.
"As for introductions...are you sure?"
Without waiting for Sanhao to respond, he asked an odd question in an odd tone.
Against the seemingly hopeless request, he didn’t outright reject him.
"Sure about what?"
Trust for the person before him was doubtful, yet at that mont, he sensed sothing extraordinary.
This prompted a flash of light in Sanhao’s slightly murky eyes, cautiously probing.
"Consequences, are you really ready for everything once the box is opened?"
To his relief, Mr. Wang did not speak in riddles, clearly conveying, "Are you prepared to handle everything linked to what you wish to access?"
The consequences of opening the box...
Though words were still Swindler-like, they seed to touch sothing within Mr. Sanhao, compelling him to assess the person before him.
Apart from his bald head, he had the classic local appearance, dressed in traditional attire.
"I’m ready."
Strange, but unable to pinpoint any obvious issues, Sanhao finally nodded.
"Good, taking responsibility for one’s actions is a virtue essential for those who seek achievent."
Mr. Wang seed satisfied with this choice, although his smile grew increasingly unsettling.
"Let’s head over again now."
Not waiting for Sanhao’s response, sothing even more unsettling occurred.
Fu Qian pointed in the direction from which he had just been expelled, indicating to return there.
...
Are you kidding ?
Though silent, Sanhao’s expression conveyed these words clearly.
Admittedly, he couldn’t doubt this was indeed a local, but he sincerely wondered if this man was playing a fool.
ssing around, ultimately tricking soone into being kicked out again—the imagery was too easy to conjure.
"It seems you’re not prepared to take full responsibility for your choices."
Facing Sanhao’s silence, Fu Qian didn’t bother explaining, simply shaking his head and smiling broadly.
Desires are so deadly.
When one can’t escape them, even knowing the malice, as long as there’s hope...
It’s clear to Sanhao that despite claiming readiness to face the consequences of his actions, the remark ant he wasn’t truly prepared.
For even knowing the risk of being played, one still had to embrace that risk.
A malicious and tricky question, a perfect self-imposed dilemma...it did fit this mysterious persona.
Despite still not knowing the purpose behind this, it was intriguing in itself.
"Understood, thank you Mr. Wang—"
After a struggle, apparently unable to escape the predicant, Sanhao nodded, affirming his determination, and even offered gratitude.
"I told you, no need for formalities."
Despite the courtesy, he was reminded again in the next instant.
"Why?"
A fierce internal battle almost snapped, turning halfway, Sanhao couldn’t resist asking one last question.
"Because Wang is inherently respectful."
His grin remained as Fu Qian pointed to his head.
...
On his way back, Sanhao was obviously contemplating the relationship between Wang and respect.
And from his inevitable backward glance, it was apparent he grasped sothing.
Not surprising, given the universally respectful nature throughout history, it was easily noteworthy.
Adding to that, a few hours ago he had just toured a certain royal residence.
Wang...could also be a wise old king.
In such a city, encountering a character self-described like this...it connected in a bizarre way.
To the extent that Sanhao’s awkward retreat felt a bit less embarrassing.
"I told you already, not open to the public."
Unfortunately, not everyone could comprehend this feeling; this ti, even before knocking, the face appeared from behind the door for yet another expulsion.
The tone was unfriendly, poised to call the police.
...
For Mr. Sanhao, this treatnt was rare.
His raised hand froze, and his carefully managed expressions teetered on collapse, unsure how to respond.
Bang—
No worries, a loud boom provided a response for him.
Almost simultaneously, from overhead the thin clouds, a terrifying bolt of lightning struck, fiercely hitting the historical building before him.
Amidst the nerve-racking sounds of falling bricks and stones, this exclusive club was torn open with a gigantic gap.
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