Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The marble stairs were very clean, still showing traces of water that had not fully dried yet. The faint scent of disinfectant lingered in the air.
The school bell signaling the end of class rang, but the classroom doors remained shut. As Gao Peng passed a classroom, he could hear the loud voice of the teacher speaking, “So, according to the analysis, the answer for this organic matter should be ‘amino acid.’”
Gao Peng continued on to the staff offices, but Ms. Murong was not there. She was likely still in class.
After a few minutes, Murong Qiuye walked into the office with a stack of papers. Seeing Gao Peng waiting for her, she was surprised at first, then she nodded her head happily, saying, “You’re back. Your performance on TV was not bad.”
Bang. The thick stack of papers landed on the desk. Murong Qiuye picked up a thermos flask from the desk and took a sip of water.
Seeing that Gao Peng was still standing stiffly by the side, Murong Qiuye brought a chair over from the next teacher’s desk. “What are you standing there like a fool for? Come sit down.”
Gao Peng saw that Ms. Murong had become thinner. Her round and chubby face seemed less wide than before. Perhaps it was because he had not met her for a while that he could notice the change.
“Ms. Murong, you’ve lost weight.”
“It’s alright, I’m used to it. Every year, the summer is busier, so my body shrinks a little. But once winter comes, my weight will bounce back.” Murong Qiuye did not mind the comment at all. “Don’t worry, my body weight is really stable.”
“Oh…”
Gao Peng really had no idea how to continue the conversation, so he changed the topic and asked about his old classmates and how they were doing. But Murong Qiuye seemed more interested in the Monster Trainer College Entrance Examination, and she asked him many questions about the other candidates and their familiars.
Such as the Vine-Covered Rock Monster. Was it really made up of rocks? How does a pile of rocks move on its own? Does it need to eat? And so on.
Even if you ask me, I don’t know the answers either! thought Gao Peng
Gao Peng didn’t really have any answers for a lot of the questions that Ms. Murong asked. After all, he had not interacted with the other participants much. In fact, he might even know less than the television audience.
The two of them chatted until the next class started. Murongo Qiuye smiled and said to Gao Peng, “Alright, come visit me when you’re free again. I have to go to class now.”
Gao Peng nodded and rose to his feet. He placed his chair back where it had come from. As he turned around, he saw Murong Qiuye open a drawer and take out another thick stack of papers.
Leaving the school, Gao Peng thought for a bit and decided to make a trip to the Monster Breeder Association. Of course, it didn’t go by that name anymore. Now it was called the Monster Trainer League Monster Breeder Division. The name was much longer now and looked much more impressive.
Upon reaching the Chang’an Monster Breeder Division, Gao Peng found out from the receptionist that Director Chen had resigned. It had happened not long after the new Monster Trainer League had been set up.
At that time, Gao Peng was preparing for the combat portion of his Monster Trainer College Examinations, so he had not received the news.
“Alright.” Gao Peng nodded. Since Director Chen was not around anymore, he had no more business there.
Just as Gao Peng was about to leave, someone shouted from behind. “Wait!”
Gao Peng turned around, puzzled. A man wearing a white combat suit was walking over quickly. Upon taking a closer look at Gao Peng’s face, he heaved a sigh of relief. “It really is you, Mr. Gao.”
“You are…?” Gao Peng really had no recollection of who this guy was.
“Uhh…” Seeing that Gao Peng did not recognize him, He Ming became a little awkward. He remembered clearly that they had had a meal together before. “Just a few months ago, we had dinner together, along with BlueShield Protection Company manager Liu Senlin and a few other captains.” He Ming spoke very sincerely.
Gao Peng then finally realized who he was. They did share a meal together, but that night had not been a very happy experience for Gao Peng. And that, Gao Peng remembered very clearly. He had forgotten most of the details, but he certainly remembered that he had left the dinner unhappy.
“Oh,” Gao Peng said, nodding reservedly. His face displayed a coldness that made it clear that he was trying to keep his distance. As far away as possible.
He Ming felt a little embarrassed. He was, after all, the captain of a renowned Monster Hunting Squad in Chang’an City and was well known within his community. To have approached someone in public to speak to him and gotten such a cold treatment in return really made him lose face.
But, remembering that he had something to ask of Gao Peng, he had no choice but to swallow his resentment. A beggar must behave like a beggar. He knew better than to put on airs when pleading for help.
“Ahem, Mr. Gao, it was indeed our fault that day. Actually, I have always meant to find you to apologize, but I just never had the opportunity to meet you,” He Ming said, all smiles.
Those who had business in the Monster Breeder Division were all people that dealt with familiars, and many of them recognized He Ming. Although they were surprised to see He Ming being so deferential to such a young boy, none of them lingered around to watch. He Ming was known for being a bully. If they were seen laughing at his predicament, he was sure to bear a grudge.
“There’s nothing to apologize for. You guys did nothing wrong to begin with. It’s just that we have different ideologies that we live by, that’s all,” Gao Peng replied, smiling.
With that, Gao Peng simply turned around and left.
He Ming reached out and grabbed Gao Peng’s arm in panic. “Wait!”
He Ming’s expression looked really embarrassed now. He had already lowered himself so much in front of this kid. What more did he want?
Gao Peng squinted. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. “Let go.”
“Sorry, sorry.” He Ming immediately let go. “Mr. Gao, please take a look at my familiars. You can name your price.” Discomfort was written all over He Ming’s face. “I tried to make an appointment with you earlier, but I never got the chance. Then you were busy with the monster trainer competitions… In the whole of Chang’an City, only you can help promote my familiars.”
“You really have a high opinion of me,” Gao Peng replied plainly.
“Please help me. No one else will be able to do it!” He Ming was adamant.
Gao Peng quietly looked at him. Was this guy joking? According to the statistics table that he could see, He Ming’s condition clearly stated that he was in a rage, but no hint of anger could be seen on his face. This guy’s acting was pretty good.
Ever since that dinner, Gao Peng had had a poor impression of these so-called “Elite Monster Hunting Squads.” Today, that impression was solidified.
But, if he thought about it further, he could understand where they were coming from. These Monster Hunting Squads frequently entered the wilderness and fought with monsters. He had also heard that they often employed dirty methods. There was no law in the wilderness. Although the rules of the Monster Trainer League would never clearly state so, that there was no law in the wilderness was an unspoken rule that everyone knew.
Gao Peng considered He Ming carefully. Although he seemed friendly to Gao Peng, Gao Peng had already caused him to lose face, and he most likely hated Gao Peng to the bone for it.
Gao Peng looked at him plainly, then suddenly smiled. “Ok, then, bring your familiars over tomorrow. I’m only an intermediate level monster breeder. I cannot ensure success, but I will try my best.”
