Chapter 76 - Role Playing the Dark Horse Character

Chapter 76: The Necessity of Cross-dressing On the other side, in District 1 of Dyed-eye City, at the headquarters of the organization 'White Mouse.' Because the leader was once a subordinate of the noble Lin family, they appeared 'nobler' than the lawless thugs in District 3. They owned a skyscraper; during the day it functioned as an office building, but at nightfall, employees would change into lighter uniforms, becoming hunters in the eternal night. On the top floor of the skyscraper, Shu Du, the head of 'White Mouse,' sat behind an expensive desk. He lit a cigarette, spun his chair, and gazed out at the city darkened beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. The lights dotted the cityscape; aside from public facilities, all residential areas had their lights extinguished and replaced them with heavy protective doors and windows. The night seemed to settle into silence, yet it wasn't quiet at all. Those suppressed during the day now cheered, illuminating the night with flames and screams. But none of this concerned Shu Du. Regardless of day or night, he remained at the top of the city's pyramid. While he enjoyed this magnificent night, his private phone unexpectedly rang. Without turning his chair, still watching the night sky beyond the window, Shu Du picked up the phone. "Shu Du," he said. "Doing well lately?" the familiar voice on the other end asked. It was from a noble young master he had once guarded and served; he was also Shu Du's strongest connection now. Shu Du's tone immediately turned respectful: "Thanks to your care." Night in Dyed-eye City differed from other cities; the nocturnal were numerous, and it wasn't surprising for Lin Ruye to call at this late hour. As Shu Du anticipated from his understanding of Lin Ruye, it was likely about money again. And his hunch was correct; Lin Ruye recounted a tale about his subordinate promising him money, only for said subordinate to be eliminated, so he called to 'remind' him to honor the deal. "That narrow-eyed woman said she wants your 'White Mouse,'" Lin Ruye stated. "I deserve extra for this tip-off, right? An additional ten percent seems fair." Every opportunity to extort. Shu Du knew Lin Ruye was trying to squeeze money out of him but couldn't voice any opposition. He certainly didn't think this dispensable information warranted extra payment, especially with his ability being nearly S-class. "You're still the same," Shu Du remarked, unwilling to oppose Lin Ruye. After all, Lin Ruye was nobility, a high rank, and provided 'White Mouse' protection. But it didn't stop Shu Du from silently cursing Lin Ruye as a leech for blood. He didn't hang up, instead using his intercom to instruct his subordinates to transfer money, letting Lin Ruye hear every word clearly. After dealing with this task, his subordinate reported the night's actions and results. "Among the ten little white mice, three are worthless," the subordinate used their organization's codename for prey. "Kill them and toss them out, someone will handle the corpses," Shu Du replied as usual. How Lin Ruye managed it, Shu Du didn't know. But every morning, the city's state and the bodies on the streets were mysteriously cleaned. A knock echoed; his subordinate's voice came from outside, and Shu Du quickly opened the door. He looked up at the two tall women standing between his subordinates. One, with long red hair, hooded and reserved, held a cloak that revealed a tightly pursed jaw, hinting at black stockings and long legs beneath as she walked. The other, with short black hair, kept her head low, fringe obscuring her eyes, moved elegantly in a high-slit gown, her heels lifted with decisive steps. "The boss can check these two first," Shu Du's subordinate suggested. Such occurrences were common; if subordinates captured prey too valuable to sell with the general batch, they were brought for Shu Du's judgment. Shu Du placated Lin Ruye, saying, "You'll receive the money in a few minutes." Satisfied, Lin Ruye replied, "Of course, I don't expect any issues, but having money in hand is reassuring." Reading his intent to chat endlessly, Shu Du set the phone on the desk, looking up at the two newcomers inside. His gaze locked on the unclear features of the black-haired woman. Frustrated, he left his seat, approaching with a frown, softly commanding, "Lift your head." The black-haired woman flinched, seemingly startled by Shu Du. In a society governed by abilities, strength was respected; Dyed-eye City's lord, Lin Ran, was a woman. They never underestimated people due to gender. Yet at the moment, Shu Du couldn't help feeling that this 'little white mouse' was fragile, scared at the mere exchange of words? Then he saw her obediently raise her head. Her eyes curved into crescents, a smile on her lips, beneath black hair, a red winged pattern adorned her eye corner, half-veiled by her hair. Not trembling or afraid; she was smiling, excitedly it seemed. "My, you're not easy to find," she said. Suddenly, a long blade appeared abstractly, the wing at her eye's corner spread, becoming enchantingly beautiful. Her curved brows smiled as the long blade pierced his chest. ... An Heyu, cloaked in red, raised a hand, deploying his ability, engulfing 'White Mouse' in his domain. Similar abilities suppressed Shu Du's, almost immediately cutting off his power use. Golden ripples spread, an illusion shrouding this place, blocking S-class ability users from spying. Li Li's heel met the marble floor with a soft click. Behind her, An Heyu finished off the A-class domain-type ability user. Golden specks surfaced, as An Heyu directly deciphered the departed spirits. Wind swirled around him, lifting his cloak to reveal a skirt and black stockings beneath. Using his ability, his golden eyes softly closed. Meanwhile, Li Li stood with her back to An Heyu, seemingly preoccupied rather than deliberately avoiding him. She picked up the phone Shu Du left on the desk, observing the ongoing call on the screen and leaned in. "Goodnight," she said to Lin Ruye on the other end, her narrow eyes opening to reveal scarlet irises. "The money's now with the current leader," she remarked. A fleeting glimmer seemed to flash within her dark red eyes. In Lin Ruye's view, on the skyscraper, the narrow-eyed woman answering the call, through the illusion, appeared to gaze directly at where he observed. The deft, decisive narrow-eyed woman smiled at him, teasingly or simply declaring — she kept her word. "Hahaha, you're amusing," Lin Ruye laughed; few dared to snatch money from him. "However, I'll retrieve it, Miss Current Leader," he stated. Because soon, they'd expend their resources compensating for what he lost. And she responded. "You're welcome." Her smiling face barely showing a ripple. Only the wing at her eye corner appeared redder. ... Earlier, Li Li only executed a surprise attack then attended to the call, leaving An Heyu to finish off and tidy up. S-class against A-class was a complete oppression; without facing the Lin family's top fighters, their operations in Dyed-eye City went smoothly. After An Heyu finished, Li Li just hung up the phone. Unaware where the 'White Mouse' leader resided, at Li Li's direction, they simply played 'prey' once. Perhaps due to discomfort, An Heyu modestly tugged his cloak, hiding his black-stockinged legs. Looking up, he saw Li Li perched on the desk in her gown, head tilted, watching his discomfort with slight interest. "You really know how to disguise," An Heyu couldn't help but say. If not for knowing Hei Ge and Li's relationship, he wouldn't connect the 'Ability Guild's' Li Baige with Hei Ge, and now, wearing a dress and heels so nonchalantly, An Heyu admitted he couldn't reach this level. "Can I change now?" he asked. Li Li's cheerful eyes smiled, "No." Then she stood, approaching, "You'll stay dressed like this," she reasoned, "Lin Ruye's aware of us; we can't let him notice you look exactly like An's former clan leader." So it's not for amusement. She seemed to imply. 'But wasn't it you who made sure Lin Ruye noticed us...' this grumble remained unsaid. An Heyu pulled his cloak tightly, letting out a sigh. Perhaps it's a rite of passage, enduring for the sake of protecting An Huyun and the An nobility. Truly, cross-dressing kept anyone from linking Red Crane to An Heyu. Pondering over it, An Heyu realized it was indeed a clever plan. After discussing the attire, they delved into the main topic. During the clean-up, An Heyu had already analyzed Shu Du's soul. Now he revealed, "This person was involved in the events six years ago." Hearing this, Li Li straightened slightly, seemingly very attentive to what An Heyu would disclose next. Indeed, she was intensely interested, for this was her reason for being here. Both Hei Ge and Li Li were concerned about what transpired six years ago. Discussing this matter inevitably brought a stifling atmosphere. An Heyu paused, seemingly searching for the right words before continuing, "In this person's view, the traitor led the Prophet away, allowing the nobles to act, resulting in the downfall of the former Ability Guild. Afterwards, the nobles used the remnants of the guild as bait, luring the Prophet out, who willingly became a prisoner." Willingly... Li Li's usual narrow-eyed smile faltered, her eyes opening, and the curve of her lips straightened. This was an unexpected revelation; she finally understood what had transpired back then. "The Prophet seemed only able to foresee things around him, unable to prevent the nobles' massacre once led away by the traitor," An Heyu initially intended to be cautious with his words, but seeing Li Li's now serious face, he continued objectively. "After the nobles blatantly lured him out, he was imprisoned here, which was not yet known as Dyed-eye City, under Lin Ran's guard." "This person has another memory fragment," An Heyu stated, his golden eyes dropping to the figure on the ground. "Before the Prophet was executed, he had a conversation with Lin Ruye, after which Lin Ruye fell out with Lin Ran." "Subsequently, Lin Ran moved to Dyed-eye City, merging previous cities into thirteen districts." "The City of Order emerged." It seemed the events six years ago were closely tied to the founding of Dyed-eye City. Lin Ran originally lived in Floating City like other noble clan leaders. The incident six years ago served as a catalyst for her relocation, land consolidation, and the establishment of Dyed-eye City. While the connection between the Prophet and Dyed-eye City's establishment remained uncertain, the Prophet's final days were now clear. Li Li sighed inwardly. He was misled, missing the chance to save his companions. Lured out by the nobles, he aimed to rescue the remaining ones but ultimately walked willingly towards death. Truly a tragedy, she thought. Her role as a pretend child aside, if Little Corgi knew, he'd surely be devastated. Meanwhile, after recounting the analyzed memories, An Heyu closely monitored Li Li's expression. However, her expressionless demeanor quickly shifted back to her narrow-eyed smile, as if the Prophet's final life chapter couldn’t stir her. But An Heyu clearly didn't interpret it that way. He couldn't help but see a reflection of his past self, losing everything overnight, then discovering that those responsible were the same nobles they often mingled with. An Heyu sensed an underlying unrest beneath her smile. After leaving the 'White Mouse' skyscraper, Li Li casually snapped her fingers, causing the entire building to explode into rubble. Ordinary people had been freed long ago; the skyscraper was merely an empty shell now. In the night, fierce flames engulfed the building, shrouding it in fire and black smoke. With the blaze behind him, An Heyu's golden pupils seemed to trace the fire's edge. He said, "You don't like this place, do you?" Of course, the figure ahead didn't respond. After all, the answer was evident. Hei Ge wouldn't like this city that pushed the Prophet towards death, just as An Heyu disliked Floating City. And indeed, Li Li didn’t like it here either. What kind of person was the Prophet really? She pondered. A person of righteousness, a merciful person, a person with humanity? She felt she was gradually closing in on the truth. Not far from being able to boldly recount to Yiming about what kind of person his foster father really was. [Opening a channel for you...] [Welcome back to reality.] The manga's update time arrived, coinciding with the conclusion of the first popularity poll.