The handso guy went out, hailed a convertible carriage straight to No. 85 on Mach 2nd Street. The wind blew through his hair, the blue sky and white clouds, the sun was shining, it was really a good day, and his mood was especially sunny. Maybe the president would reward him with a big bonus this ti.
Hex Bird Society was as busy as ever. Li Xin arrived at the editorial departnt, and Wusu imdiately greeted him. "Haha, Mr. Xin, it's a big hit, a big hit!"
"Ah, what's making you so happy?" Li Xin had to be reserved, just in case he got excited about the wrong thing, that would be embarrassing.
"Our weekly crushed the Hedan Daily's weekly, beat them thoroughly. It feels so good! Our reputation is skyrocketing, and your Utopia Mountain feud story is also very popular. The content this ti has sparked a strong reaction!" Wusu looked around and whispered, "It's about ti to discuss your pay with the president. If you get along well with Christie, talk to her first, it would be better if she speaks to him. If we maintain this montum, we can publish a book."
In this era, publishing a book is definitely a big deal. Li Xin would then be truly regarded as a literary giant, entering the hall of fa. Things are already looking up; he just needs to endure a little longer.
Li Xin first knocked on Christie's door, "Co in."
Opening the door, Christie was wearing glasses with gold rims, engrossed in writing sothing. After a while, she noticed Li Xin and smiled slightly, "I need to finish this first. Make yourself so coffee, and make one for too."
"Okay." Li Xin found the coffee can; since Christie had made it a few tis, he put the coffee beans into the grinder, which was manual. He watched Christie work while grinding the beans, surprisingly relaxed.
Originally, Christie was very focused, but under the gaze, she couldn't concentrate, put down the docunts, and took over the grinder, turning it herself. "You're here so soon, eager for a pay raise?"
"Yes, I want to take a beautiful lady out for a nice al," Li Xin said.
Christie smiled, "The sales were extrely good this ti. Although it's difficult to have precise statistics, your Utopia Mountain feud story had a big impact. Without major news events, the impact would be even greater. The editorial departnt has discussed setting up a special section for you. A pay raise is deserved but not based on word count. My suggestion is, don't be too concerned with the weekly; choose an appropriate price when we publish the book."
Actually, Li Xin wasn't very worried. The newspaper's influence needed expansion so the publication effects would be better. Unlike elsewhere, Hedan had high respect for mainstream art, which was why many artists stuck around waiting for opportunities.
But Christie seed to be avoiding the main topic, being hot and cold.
Li Xin nodded without continuing the topic, "Simmons tied Didia."
Christie smiled, "I know, all good news." While speaking, she placed the ground coffee into the funnel, and the water was ready too, "Since you're involved, speak up. I'll write this report."
Li Xin explained the situation in detail. It wasn't about the battle but Didia's performance and Prince Achilles's attitude, which should aid the Night Patrol's ensuing missions.
No matter what the Night Patrol intended to do in Hedan, understanding the aristocracy's network was necessary to avoid many troubles.
While Li Xin drank coffee and talked, Christie diligently docunted everything. Initially, Li Xin teased Christie by speaking quickly, but she didn't complain and took notes seriously. Li Xin felt a bit petty; Christie's earnest working deanor was quite attractive.
"Very good, Li Xin, this is important for us. Prince Achilles doesn't seem to be rely frivolous as rumored, Didia probably has already pledged allegiance to him." Christie said, always thinking while speaking.
Li Xin didn't know what she was pondering, perhaps so peculiar tasks. Why did the Night Patrol seem to have the sa vein?
Perhaps feeling she was neglecting Li Xin, Christie displayed an apologetic expression, "Sorry, got distracted by other thoughts, you..."
Li Xin waved his hand, "It's fine. If there's any task to solve, just delegate. Don't tackle everything alone; I'm part of the Night Patrol too, earning a salary."
Christie giggled, seeing Li Xin seed quite manly, "Alright then, next week's manuscript needs urgency, don't skip deadlines. Plus, the Inner Demon case requires Simmons's attention, also..."
"Cough, cough, madam, pretend I didn't say anything. My salary can't cover so many tasks. Is the president in? Should I talk with him?"
"No need, he's not here. He mainly handles external affairs; I manage internal matters." Christie straightforwardly admitted.
"So, all the manuscript fees are decided by you?" Li Xin opened his mouth wide.
"Correct. Shouldn't you perform well?" Christie proudly raised her swan-like, snow-white neck, posing triumphantly.
Despite already having two intimate encounters, the intensity kept increasing. Was his self-control weak?
"Alright then, stop staring. Get back and hurry with the manuscript, I have a pile of tasks here." Christie, slightly overwheld, felt like her body was about to be penetrated... crucially, she had a reaction.
Noticing Christie's subtle change, Li Xin smiled smugly, but since she was his direct superior, he couldn't be too disrespectful.
"Madam, I'll work very hard." Li Xin said seriously.
"You... Just leave!" Christie gritted her teeth; it was Bird Society here; couldn't lose her temper, only find a chance to fix him later.
Li Xin cheerfully shut the door for Christie, knowing she truly had many matters to attend.
Back at Lirong Inn, Li Xin glanced at the typewriter, then yawned. It was only Monday. Rest. He had a task too—to make a wooden fish for Mr. Leo. It was more than halfway done, just enough ti to finish.
Humming a tune, Li Xin fiddled with the wooden fish, shavings flew rhythmically; it wasn't too refined, mainly a shape. Mr. Leo could do the polishing himself. After about an hour, the wooden fish's final touches were done. Looking at his handiwork, Li Xin was satisfied. Since arriving here, many ideas could be realized; it felt great, he didn't expect he was such a craftsman.
Closed the door, hung the "Do Not Disturb" sign; too many people in the inn liked barging around and knocking. Li Xin suggested this sign for Dragon Mother, which was imdiately embraced by everyone, except David didn't need it.
Twelve Zodiac Star Disc.
Li Xin sat in the Gemini high-back chair, the Gemini constellation on the do lit up, and he held a wooden fish identical to the real one; pity it was rely an illusion.
Touched Mr. Leo's star, Li Xin began waiting, ... no response. Looking at the star, Li Xin suddenly had a thought, like traversing a network cable. He reached the Twelve Zodiac Star Disc, wondering if he could go to others from here?
Better acted than thought, Li Xin tried entering Leo's realm, and anwhile the chair's "Li Xin" began to blur.
Son of a gun, it might just work. Li Xin entered the boundless starry sky again, centered around the Twelve Zodiac Star Disc, a familiar light spot felt like his Divine Relic, his return coordinate, while Leo's aura gradually sharpened, seemingly very lethal, with a death-leaning power. Yet, it could resurrect its host; the clarity increased. Li Xin considered a great success was likely but didn't venture recklessly. This wasn't his Divine Relic; if any mishap occurred and he was rejected, being stuck here as a vegetative state would be costly.
Returned to the core of the Star Disc, this ti targeting Miss Aries. The light spot clarified, conveying a vigorous life force, truly astonishing. Was this the Divine Relic of a patron of the Earth Mother Goddess, purely vibrant, lucky Miss Aries?
Suddenly the Star Disc shook, Li Xin jumped in fright, hurriedly escaped the state, and his shadow in Gemini turned clear again. At this mont, Leo's chair had soone else; Leo had arrived.
Batty apologized and bowed, "Terribly sorry Mr. Gemini, was patrolling, took so ti getting back to the lighthouse."
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