Eldritch Horror Theatre

"Wait, let me get this straight."

The news brought by Brother Butler was undoubtedly horrifying.

Knowing the man didn't have the guts to make this kind of joke, Fu Qian realized the situation had taken a bizarre turn.

"One times seven is seven, one times eight is eight, one times nine is nine... By my calculations, you people aren't here to settle a debt. You're here to dodge one."

Fu Qian stared at Brother Butler, his expression decidedly unfriendly.

...

Naturally, anyone capable of serving as a butler was highly observant. Facing the overwhelming pressure of a debt-collecting Demigod, sweat immediately poured down the man's face.

"I... I was only making a wild guess. I don't know the specifics, but the master was indeed quite anxious. Ignoring the young miss's objections, he ordered me to wait here."

So the problem really does lie with Old Man Wen!

The butler's behavior was undoubtedly a bit at odds with Fu Qian's impression of him.

Could it be that the protagonist of this scenario isn't actually Wen Li, but her elderly father?

{A business magnate returns to find his daughter being coerced by a villain, and in a fit of rage, prepares to crush the bastard with money?}

I suppose I could accept that kind of development.

"Let's go, then."

Looking at the terrified Brother Butler, Fu Qian realized the man couldn't offer any more valuable information and motioned for him to lead the way.

...

With the butler personally acting as his driver, it wasn't long before Wen Li's residence in Shangjing came into view.

Compared to his last visit, the place was visibly much livelier. A quick glance revealed quite a few unfamiliar faces.

"Please follow me. The master and the others are all inside."

Driving straight into the courtyard, Brother Butler briskly led the way. Upon reaching the building, he gestured for Fu Qian to go in on his own.

Eldest Miss Wen, your debt is getting bigger and bigger.

Fu Qian didn't stand on ceremony. He glanced up at the building he hadn't seen in days, pushed the door open, and walked right in.

...

The instant he walked through the door, two pairs of eyes fixed on him simultaneously.

Fu Qian returned their gazes and spotted a face he hadn't seen in a while: Wen Xiuxian.

Compared to their last meeting, the man was just as hale and hearty as before. Time hadn't left much of a mark on him.

Granted, that was mainly because barely half a year had passed since then.

Sitting next to Wen Xiuxian was a very well-maintained noblewoman. She wore a proper, elegant smile, and her features bore a slight resemblance to Wen Li's.

Wen Li herself was nowhere to be seen. It seemed the situation was even more tense than he had anticipated.

"Mister Fang Xun, I presume? Please, have a seat."

It was obvious that Wen Xiuxian wasn't in a particularly good mood. He stared straight at Fu Qian for several seconds before offering a somewhat hoarse greeting.

Fu Qian nodded in acknowledgment and sat down without standing on ceremony.

"I apologize for calling you over in such a rush."

Wen Xiuxian watched Fu Qian's behavior, his face betraying no shift in emotion.

"Actually, our purpose today is quite simple. We just want to understand the situation between you and Wen Li."

"What a coincidence. I'm here to understand the situation myself."

Fu Qian replied with equal sincerity.

...

"I've heard Wen Li mention that you've taken great care of her here in Shangjing. I truly appreciate it."

Wen Xiuxian exhaled. His tone of gratitude was actually quite sincere.

"It was an effortless favor."

Fu Qian offered a cooperative pleasantry. He waited in silence for a few seconds before his brows visibly furrowed.

And then? That's it?

We're all veterans of the business world. Recognizing only money and not people is a fundamental trait. Is there no practical show of appreciation?

"When Wen Li returned home recently, she was very resistant to some of our arrangements."

Unfortunately, Wen Xiuxian behaved exactly like his daughter, entirely failing to bring up the vulgar topic of money.

"Later on, she even told us directly that she already has someone she fancies in Shangjing."

"Given that I had never heard of this before, it would be a lie to say I wasn't worried as a father. So, I hurried over specifically to confirm it."

"I wonder, how does Mister Fang view Wen Li?"

So that's how it is?

After hearing Wen Xiuxian's explanation, Fu Qian nodded thoughtfully.

"How much money are you prepared to give?"

The very next moment, he looked straight at Wen Xiuxian and asked the question.

"What?"

Wen Xiuxian was clearly a bit stunned, failing to understand Fu Qian's meaning.

"How much money are you prepared to give me to never see Wen Li again?"

Benefits must always be fought for on one's own.

"This..."

Once he realized what Fu Qian had asked, Wen Xiuxian's expression became quite a spectacular sight.

"It seems Mister Fang has misunderstood."

Seeing the conversation stall, the noblewoman beside him covered her mouth with a light chuckle and spoke up at just the right moment.

"We aren't those dreadful parents from the rumors. We simply care for little Li and want to understand the situation a bit better..."

As she explained, she leaned into Wen Xiuxian's ear and whispered something softly.

The latter took a deep breath and finally gave a stiff nod.

"Mister Fang, please follow me. Little Li has been waiting for you."

Having obtained Wen Xiuxian's consent, the noblewoman rose elegantly and motioned for Fu Qian to follow her.

"Please don't mind what Wen Li's father said just now. For him, excessive concern clouds judgment."

"Right, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Zhuang Xinyu."

"Wen Li's mother?"

Her phrasing was noticeably a bit strange. Fu Qian thought for a moment before asking.

"No, her maternal aunt."

Zhuang Xinyu responded with a smile, then let out a soft sigh, her expression turning somewhat gloomy.

"Wen Li's mother passed away early."

Understood. No wonder they look somewhat alike.

Fu Qian had no interest in wealthy family gossip, but he couldn't help but feel that the tone of this whole situation was getting weirder and weirder.

"When little Li came home this time, her attitude regarding certain matters was more resolute than ever before."

"As parents, it's inevitable that we easily get nervous, so I hope you can understand."

"Little Li is right inside. I won't go in."

After escorting Fu Qian to their destination, Zhuang Xinyu took her leave very straightforwardly.

"All right."

Fu Qian finished his pleasantries and stared at the closed door in front of him, waiting quietly for a few seconds.

If a dignified Tier 5 Transcendent couldn't even notice the commotion right outside her door, then she had no business being one.

"Mister Fang, I'm truly sorry."

Soon, the door opened from the inside, and Wen Li leaned out with a bitter smile.

"I've caused trouble for you again."

It's good that you know. Seriously, what kind of constitution does this girl have? How could she turn an overwhelming Dragon King's return scenario into something like this?

Fu Qian sighed and walked through the open doorway.

"It's just that my father and aunt's condition is genuinely quite strange, so I had no choice but to ask for your help."

"You saw it just now, right? I still don't have a way to be one hundred percent sure. My abilities tell me there are no obvious anomalies with them, but they're suddenly and terrifyingly paranoid."

"I should have given you a heads-up beforehand, but I was worried that if I left, their emotions would be hard to pacify and something major would go wrong. Because of that, I haven't dared to leave them beyond a certain distance."

"That's also why I used this excuse to lead them all the way here to Shangjing."

"After interacting with them just now, do you feel there's a problem with them?"

After a flurry of explanations, Wen Li stared at Fu Qian with bright, piercing eyes.

"Yes."

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