Eldritch Horror Theatre

Very good. This is the only way it makes sense.

Faced with Madam Silk Scarf's astonishing claim, Fu Qian expressed complete understanding.

Locking an unruly guest at the scene to await punishment was a bit too bland for the performance artists of the City of Bliss.

Racing against time to exploit the situation and force the mark to incur even more karma, however, was entirely in character.

This was a development both sides were happy to see. It was no surprise they had sounded so cheerful and cooperative before he entered the room.

Of course, the parties involved seemed disinclined to admit it.

Following Madam Silk Scarf's gesture, Fu Qian sized up their target for this operation.

The man was completely naked, yet his expression was solemn and dignified, devoid of the slightest hint of lust.

Even sprawled across a bed of jade-like brocade, he radiated an unearthly, transcendent aura.

It also explained why the realm of bliss required practitioners like Madam Silk Scarf to provide their services.

Naturally, there were far more participants in this performance art than just the two of them.

After hearing Madam Silk Scarf's explanation, the toughs from the Brotherhood turned their gazes toward Fu Qian almost in unison; even Brother Thick Eyebrows remained silent.

Clearly, the preceding act hadn't been for nothing. The moment to test his strength had arrived.

Thanks to the persona he had established earlier, everyone actually played along, leaving the matter for the awakened one to handle.

"But you initiated the last two times?"

How could Fu Qian fear a test? Without missing a beat, he stepped forward.

However, he didn't immediately cause trouble for the guest. Instead, he stopped inside the door, looking down at Madam Silk Scarf to confirm more details.

"Yes..."

Though his presence was imposing, his behavior was unusual. He seemed to be questioning the claim of the three owed payments.

Fortunately, thanks to his impassive expression, he kept the situation firmly under control.

Faced with this interrogation, the bewildered Madam Silk Scarf kept shooting glances at Brother Thick Eyebrows. In the end, however, her gaze was drawn back to Fu Qian like a magnet, and she chose to tell the truth.

"But he didn't refuse?"

Giving a slight nod, Fu Qian turned toward Brother Guest and pressed the question, leaving everyone unable to figure out his stance.

"Yes."

Madam Silk Scarf continued her confession.

"Very good."

Fu Qian finally gave positive feedback. He walked step by step toward the messy bed and scrutinized his target.

"Given the situation between the two of you, I believe the nature of the original transaction has changed."

...Hm?

Brother Guest, who had remained expressionless even when cornered bare-bottomed on a bed by gang members, showed his first flicker of emotion.

Clearly, the gangsters they had been waiting for had a thought process just as astonishing as their appearance.

"Right now, your relationship is closer to cohabitation. There is no longer any need to pursue the owed payments."

Before Brother Guest could respond, Fu Qian delivered his conclusion, directly overriding their original mission.

...

A gang member suddenly becoming so reasonable was hard to comprehend.

Brother Guest quickly mirrored Madam Silk Scarf, glancing continuously at the others.

Unfortunately, the group didn't look any less confused than he was.

For the awakened one to make such an outrageous judgment on his first time leading an operation truly broke the rules of the jianghu.

But seeing that even Brother Thick Eyebrows only hesitated before keeping his mouth shut, the others didn't object, choosing to quietly observe instead.

"...Then can I leave now?"

Brother Guest finally broke the silence, following the logic of Fu Qian's claim.

"Of course not."

Unfortunately, he was still denied.

Fu Qian shook his head, sounding as if it were a matter of course.

"Considering you two already have a de facto emotional foundation, the relationship is protected even if it is just cohabitation.

"If you want to end this relationship, you need to split half of your assets with her."

Fu Qian pointed at Madam Silk Scarf, who looked completely stupefied.

...

Hmph. Look at you all, acting like you've never seen the world. Today, I'll show you what it means to be a professional.

A thug who doesn't use his brain will be nothing more than a thug his entire life.

Having first suppressed her claims only to pivot and secure her exaggerated rights, Fu Qian scoffed inwardly at Madam Silk Scarf's dumbfounded reaction.

Of course, that latter critique was primarily aimed at the Brotherhood.

Led by Brother Thick Eyebrows, their reactions were not much better.

"On what grounds does it become cohabitation just because you say so...?"

However, the collective shock of everyone in the room was clearly less than the impact on Brother Guest.

Amid his impassioned rebuttal, he seemed to finally remember his state, grabbing a piece of clothing from the side and slipping it on as he spoke.

"On the grounds that we have more people."

How could such a feeble rebuttal possibly work against Fu Qian? He let out a cold snort and pointed a thumb over his shoulder.

"As a member of the Brotherhood, my words are their words."

...

The room remained silent for a long time.

As mentioned earlier, the two parties involved were far from the only ones shocked. Fu Qian's maneuvering had clearly brought a refreshing and entirely new sensation to the Brotherhood.

And regarding the statement "my words are their words," the Brotherhood's corporate culture meant no one actually refuted him.

Although they still weren't sure of the exact meaning behind the "true path of redemption" grasped by this awakened one, just witnessing this peculiar karmic entanglement unfold made them feel the trip had been worthwhile.

"Then what if I don't leave?"

Even the two parties involved seemed to gradually find their footing.

After some inner struggle, Brother Guest actually took the initiative to suggest that their relationship hadn't ruptured yet and that they should both calm down.

"This isn't a unilateral decision. Both parties need to agree."

Fu Qian just sneered at this, adopting an expression that clearly read still trying to scheme, and signaled to Madam Silk Scarf.

"I agree."

Madam Silk Scarf gave her answer instantly. She even took a few steps forward and pressed tightly against Brother Guest, snuggling into his side.

You can't blame me for this. There's a problem with the partner you picked.

Instantly backstabbed by his own client, Fu Qian completely understood that Madam Silk Scarf had decided to fully immerse herself in this interesting karma. Yet he showed no signs of displeasure, immediately turning his head to signal the Brotherhood.

This situation wasn't a strategic failure; rather, it was a side effect of playing their hand too well.

"That's truly wonderful. I'm glad to see such a scene."

Before the others could react, Fu Qian made his stance very clear.

"So, could you prove it for us right here on the spot?"

Even seeing Madam Silk Scarf's hand slip under the clothes Brother Guest had just thrown on, Fu Qian still wasn't satisfied, immediately following up with a new demand.

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