It was after the huge eagle flew away that Lin Jin appeared from the corner of a small alley.
“Xiao Huo, oh, Xiao Huo, who do you think that person was? It’s impossible for a normal person to own such a huge eagle. That person must have a significant background,” Lin Jin mumbled to himself as Xiao Huo stood next to his master silently.
He couldn’t talk.
“Do you think I’ve been a little too conservative back there? I should’ve at least listened to his introduction, shouldn’t I? I might have been able to get an influential figure to back me up,” Lin Jin continued mumbling.
Wuu! Wuu!
Xiao Huo howled, probably in response to his words.
“Do you think so too? I’ve miscalculated. That guy might really have been a dignitary from somewhere. But forget it, whether it’s true or not, that man is no ordinary guy. He has a cloud sea scorpion and his blood contract level is on the sixth realm. He could easily be considered an expert. It’s better if we didn’t provoke someone like him for now. I guess the most important thing is that I have my Museum of Deadly Beasts. No matter which dependable character comes along in the future, they can’t possibly match up to me.”
Lin Jin was pleased with himself. Leading the confused Xiao Huo, he headed back for the Beast Appraisal Association.
***
At the Beast Appraisal Association’s logistic department.
It’s been two days since Dong He locked himself in his office, reluctant to come out.
Being found in his birthday suit early in the morning one day ago was so embarrassing that even his grandmother would feel ashamed. Until now, Dong He had no idea why the hitmen he hired would betray and attack him instead.
Whenever he recalled the tragic situation of being looked at by a crowd of onlookers, Dong He would tremble in anger and embarrassment.
Bam!
Dong He slammed his chubby fist onto the table. “Those hitmen have escaped and are nowhere to be found. But this must have something to do with Lin Jin and I won’t take it lying down.”
Suddenly, someone entered the room. After a glance, Dong He’s eyes immediately lit up and he hurried over.
“Sister, you’re here!”
The newcomer was a charming middle-aged woman who bore a slight resemblance to Dong He. She was Dong He’s older sister, Dong Que.
Despite her tiny frame, Dong Que’s aura was towering. With a dark expression, she boomed, “If I didn’t return, the Dong family’s reputation would have been utterly ruined by you.”
Dong He looked ashamed But on the inside, he was still unyielding. He mused, ‘Sister, you’re already married so you can’t represent the Dong family. You don’t have the right to talk this way.”
However, he didn’t have the courage to say it out loud.
Dong He was only able to live so comfortably inside the Beast Appraisal Association and gain authority over the logistics department because his brother-in-law was one of the three elders of the association. Without this connection, Dong He would never have secured such a profitable position relying solely on his capabilities.
Leading Dong Que to his seat, Dong He stood obediently beside her.
“How did a full-grown adult like you ended up knocked out and naked on the streets? Spit it out, what’s going on?” Dong Que asked.
Dong He had no option but to tell her the truth about what happened.
“So you’re saying you’ve hired people to deal with Lin Jin but ended up being stabbed in the back instead?” Dong Que evidently had more on her mind as she seemed to be in deep thought.
Dong He quickly nodded and continued, “That’s right. I’ve tried ruminating over it but I still don’t understand. Everything had been normal at first. A short while after they went inside, Lin Jin’s house went up in flames. I thought that they’ve gone too far so I rushed over. But when they saw me, they charged over and started beating me up without giving me a chance to explain myself.”
Dong Que wore a disappointed expression. “This must have something to do with Lin Jin. Have you interrogated him?”
Dong He shook his head. He had been too ashamed to leave his room for the past few days.
“Trash!” Dong Que flared up in anger at his passivity. “Your brother-in-law is an elder of the association. No one cares if you embarrass yourself, but what about his reputation? Even if we don’t deal with Lin Jin, he can only enjoy himself for a few more days. I heard that headquarters has decided to revoke his beast appraiser certification. In about five days tops, he will be kicked out of the association so you can take that as a form of revenge.”
Upon hearing Dong Que’s information, Dong He was thrilled. It meant that Lin Jin’s departure was confirmed.
“Also, I’ve had a discussion with your brother-in-law that you can’t be sitting here, doing nothing all day long. After all, you’re an apprentice beast appraiser in name. For the sake of your future, your brother-in-law and I have decided that you will officially take up beast appraisal consultations.”
At this, Dong He immediately shook his head. “Sis, I’m doing well in the logistics department, why do I…”
Following a frown, Dong Que snapped, “What do you know? How good can an insignificant logistic department manager position be? If you can become a certified beast appraiser in the future, your achievements would far exceed a petty managerial position.”
“An official beast appraiser?” Dong He wavered. He knew where his shortcomings were so Dong He shook his head again. “Becoming a certified beast appraiser isn’t easy. Sis, I’m not cut out for that.”
Dong Que smiled instead. “Being a certified beast appraiser isn’t that hard. It just requires more experience and knowledge. You’re an apprentice beast appraiser. If you take up consultations, you can gain experience. And sometimes, certification doesn’t have to come from exams. As long as there is an opening and a recommendation from the chief, there can be exceptions.”
Dong He was stunned. Wasn’t Jia Qian currently taking this route?
Noticing her brother’s reaction, Dong Que continued in a quiet voice, “I know what you’re thinking. That sl*t Jia Qian is aiming for that position too. But is she worthy? With only Wang Ji putting in a good word for her, she thinks she has secured the position? Don’t make me laugh. She has no foundation. How could she compare to you? At least, with your brother-in-law’s support, you’d be ahead of her. As for that old fox, Wang Ji, how could he genuinely be considering giving her that opportunity? He only wants to take advantage of her. But that sl*t is holding up quite well. Up till now, Wang Ji hasn’t had a taste of her, so tell me, how could Wang Ji possibly be pleased with her? I bet he’s starting to feel sick of her.”
Dong He was now interested. Frankly speaking, if he could indeed become a certified beast appraiser, that would be much more glorious than where he was now.
“There’s one other thing. That Rank 3 beast appraiser from the imperial palace of Jade Dragon City will be a guest at the City Lord Manor tonight. Your brother-in-law was invited as well. He will think of a way to persuade that Rank 3 beast appraiser to become your mentor. With that, your future will be secured.”
Upon hearing this, Dong He stopped hesitating. Only an idiot would let go of an opportunity like this. Although he desired to gain Jia Qian’s attention as well, just like Wang Ji, he hadn’t had a taste of her thus far. If he thought a little deeper, how could Dong He possibly be oblivious to the fact that Jia Qian was merely using him in her quests?
Since that was the case, why should he be considerate of her?
His sister was right. Dong He had support. With the help of his brother-in-law, he could probably seize that official beast appraiser position.
At the thought of his future glory, Dong He couldn’t contain the excited look on his face.
Compare to the simple-minded Dong He, Dong Que was much more mature.
“Jia Qian is not a threat. The only thing we have to make sure of now is for that trash Lin Jin to get lost. With him gone, only can you take his place. Also, we mustn’t underestimate him. Whether it was his luck or by chance, for him being able to pass the beast appraisal certification meant that he’s no talentless fool. Although his expulsion is confirmed, we have to be careful of accidents. He was able to smash out a fire spirit crystal and get the hitmen you hired to betray you. We mustn’t let our guards down at all cost!”
Dong Que was a cunning woman who would carefully plan ahead.
Dong He quickly asked, “How should we take precaution against him?”
“That’s simple. Arrange for someone to stay by his side to keep an eye on him.”
