Taboo Mage - Chapter 96 - What is the Truth

I have imagined countless times the scene of meeting Chi Rui again.

Whether we are sitting together chatting casually or standing in an open space discussing grandeur, it always felt like an evenly matched scene. This, at least, gives me a glimmer of hope.

But never did I imagine that the scene of meeting Chi Rui would be like this.

Chi Rui stood with his hands in his pockets on top of a raised grave mound, looking down at me, while I sat on the ground, covered in dust, clutching a brick in my hand.

“What the hell are you trying to do?”

When I saw a few people emerge from behind Chi Rui, looking at me with teasing smiles, I finally understood that all of this was just a show directed by Chi Rui.

And I am merely the protagonist without any script.

Chi Rui gave me an apologetic look, stepped down from the grave mound, and said with a smile, “Just a joke, why take it seriously?”

“Is this a joke? Didn’t your mom teach you to respect the elderly and love the young!” I stood up from the ground, dusted myself off, and shouted angrily.

Chi Rui gave me a surprised look, “Respect the elderly and love the young?”

“What! I’m your ancestor! Didn’t your mom tell you that!”

Chi Rui really annoyed me this time. Normally, no matter how angry I got, I would never bring in someone else’s family members since that would be unethical.

In my opinion, insults should be limited to individuals, and any language targeting someone’s mom is both aggressive and uncultured.

But at this moment, I couldn’t care less about manners. Seeing Chi Rui’s face, all I wanted was to scold him thoroughly to vent my anger.

Chi Rui’s expression didn’t change, but the people behind him stepped forward, jeering. I have never been afraid of barking dogs; after all, if the owner doesn’t say anything, a few barking dogs won’t bother me.

Sure enough, Chi Rui waved his hand to stop his subordinates from being presumptuous, just looked at me, and said with a smile, “Apologies, Mr. Gu, for the cooperation we’re about to start, there are some things I need to confirm first.”

“That’s nonsense! If you’re uncertain about my abilities, why go to the trouble of tricking me all the way to Shenyang? Now that I’m here, you keep rambling on trying to test me. Do you think I’m some roadside flower you can just pick whenever you want?”

I shouted a few more words, instinctively glancing at the coffin on the side that I had put a yellow talisman on.

Chi Rui noticed my expression and explained, “Actually, that coffin was placed there by me beforehand. The ghost shadow that could sit up was a temporary actor I hired, someone who specializes in playing corpses.”

“What a bastard!”

I cursed angrily, then watched as the lid of the coffin was pushed open by someone inside and a person dressed in red climbed out.

Even though I had already known the truth, as I watched his long hair covering his face, I couldn’t help but shiver.

“Sorry, Mr. Gu, everyone is just trying to make a living. This is just a professional requirement… hehe, just a professional requirement…”

That “corpse” laughed awkwardly while brushing aside his messy long hair, revealing himself to be a burly man.

I shot him a glare, then turned to Chi Rui and asked, “What about that shadow at the beginning?”

“Ah, that’s the latest 3D projection technology from abroad…”

“Cut it out!” Chi Rui was about to continue his tech talk when I stopped him.

Knowing that I had been fooled from the start was enough. I didn’t need to publicly learn the details of how I was deceived.

Seeing that I was genuinely angry, Chi Rui furrowed his brow slightly and then pulled a box from his coat, handing it to me. “As an apology and to show my sincerity in wanting to work with Mr. Gu, here’s a small gift. It’s just a token of respect.”

I glanced at him and took the box, unwrapping it a few times to reveal a watch inside. Though I’m not very familiar with brand names, the circle of tiny stones set on the watch sparkled in the moonlight.

I snorted but still put the watch on my wrist.

“So, what do you want to discuss?”

Given that Chi Rui went to such lengths to test me, the situation had changed a bit. Originally, I came to Shenyang to seek his help, but now it seemed Chi Rui had gone through a lot of trouble to get me here, so he must have something he’d like my assistance with.

Seeing that my tone had softened, Chi Rui quickly said, “Why don’t we find a place to talk in detail?”

“No need. I’ve booked my own hotel. I’ll go back and get some sleep first. You can find me once I’ve rested.”

I waved him off, and the fires I had ignited had already been extinguished by Chi Rui’s men. I found a convenient path and planned to leave.

Chi Rui caught up and said, “Mr. Gu, are you still worried about that monk? Coincidentally, I also need to meet with Master Jue Chi. Why don’t I accompany you back?”

“What for? We only have one room, and there’s no space for you.” I shot him a glance and immediately refused.

Chi Rui shook his head and smiled, “Don’t worry. I’ve already booked a room next to yours. Once you’ve rested, we can discuss our cooperation.”

Just moments ago, he was so overbearing; now that he needs my help, he’s adopting a more humble approach. I scoffed, gave Chi Rui a discerning look, thought for a moment, and still nodded.

Setting aside the fact that it’s uncertain whether I can find a ride back from this remote place, even if I did return, there’s no telling what tricks Chi Rui might play. It’s better to keep him where I can see him.

When we arrived back at the hotel, sure enough, there was a man in a suit standing next to our room. Seeing Chi Rui approach, he bowed slightly and then opened the door to the room behind him.

“Then I’ll head in first. You can come find me anytime once you’ve rested.”

Chi Rui said to me and went inside.

The door closed in front of me. I furrowed my brows, staring at it for a moment before turning back to my room.

But as soon as I turned, I saw Jue Chi standing at the door, his lips pressed into a tight line, staring at me unblinkingly, the prayer beads in his hand spinning faster and faster.

“You startled me, why are you standing here?”

Jue Chi didn’t answer but glanced behind me before asking, “Did you go to Jixiang Street?”