Capítulo 51: Payroll
As Sunu spoke, Bai Yi's thoughts began to crystallize. The upcoming auction could be a significant opportunity to acquire many things—but it seemed more fitting for Sunu to represent the Alchemy Magic Network. After all, Sunu had the Koman family behind him, a powerful family of parliamentarians with the necessary influence to manage a network.
What made Sunu even more ideal as a spokesperson was his straightforward nature. The dwarven alchemist wasn't as devious as the humans. In fact, according to several notable scholars, Sunu was considered a pure master of alchemical technology, driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation and knowledge.
Bai Yi nodded thoughtfully, his approval clear, and this only encouraged Sunu to continue.
When Irene entered, carrying two bottles of Fire Dragon Wine, the atmosphere in the room changed. The dwarves' natural affinity for alcohol was quickly ignited, and the reception room became livelier. Bai Yi, in turn, used the ideas of the Alchemist Sage to point out flaws in Sunu's initial plans.
Sunu's eyes grew warmer as he listened to Bai Yi, reflecting surprise, gratitude, and a sense of camaraderie—like meeting a kindred spirit in an unfamiliar land. There was no jealousy, just pure academic respect. This was the foundation of their connection, enhanced by the shared enthusiasm for alchemical mastery. The wine, of course, helped to strengthen the bond.
As the evening wore on, the conversation shifted toward refining the alchemical magic network. By the time night fell, Bai Yi was fatigued. He walked out of the reception room, casting one last glance at Sunu, who had passed out, snoring at the table. Bai Yi smiled softly. Though the plans for future success were clear, Sunu wasn't one to pursue them actively.
What had been a few hours of deep, intellectual conversation had allowed Sunu to experience Bai Yi's profound understanding of science and technology. Bai Yi had dismantled the alchemical magic network entirely, explaining everything except the most critical step. He had given Sunu everything needed to solve his problems, but Sunu wasn't yet ready to take the leap on his own.
Bai Yi closed the door to the reception room behind him and trudged toward the lab, weary but satisfied.
"Boss, are you okay?" Luo Ning's voice brought him back to reality. She had changed into a simple black skirt that was clearly too big for her, likely borrowed from Irene.
Bai Yi barely acknowledged the notification that flashed on his panel: *You drank the Fire Dragon Wine, Experience Points +10*. His alcohol tolerance, possibly enhanced by his abilities, seemed to convert the magic-infused drink into experience. A thousand gold coins per bottle, yet it didn't faze him.
"I'm fine. It's the end of the month, time to get paid," Bai Yi said, waving it off as he approached the counter.
Irene, ever quick to serve, stood at attention. With a cheerful smile, she handed Bai Yi two small bags. "Everything's ready, boss."
Bai Yi took the bags, noting the satisfying clink of gold coins. He tossed the coins into the bags, filling them with two hundred gold each, and handed them over to Luo Ning.
"You're not shy about taking money," Bai Yi teased.
Luo Ning, slightly overwhelmed by the unexpected salary, held the bags in her hands, unsure of how to react. She seemed baffled by the entire situation.
Irene, noticing the discrepancy, shot Luo Ning a playful but somewhat jealous look. "Wait a second—Luo Ning's getting the same as me? She's been here for barely half a month!"
Bai Yi shrugged, a sly grin crossing his face. "Bonus. Didn't she tell you she's a fortune teller?"
Irene turned her eyes to Luo Ning, her expression one of mock suspicion. "I thought we were friends, but you've kept this from me?"
Luo Ning, caught off guard, awkwardly mumbled, "I don't know... I just... dream."
Before Bai Yi could respond, a strange shift overtook Luo Ning. Her eyes glazed over, and the heavy gold coins in her hands clattered to the ground as her body began to shake uncontrollably.
Irene rushed forward, but was at a loss for how to comfort her. "What's wrong? I was only joking! You know I like you, right? And the boss too—he's a good guy! Really, I wouldn't joke around with someone strong like you—please don't cry..."
"Don't touch her." Bai Yi's voice cut through the tension like a knife. His mental power surged with frightening intensity, engulfing the room in a suffocating wave.
His eyes sharpened, the telltale flash of scarlet flickering in their depths. His aura shifted, exuding a strange and unnerving force. The door to the left of the counter creaked open slowly. Orr, now restored and no longer weak, stood in the shadows, silent.
The room fell into an eerie stillness. Irene, visibly unnerved, stammered, "What's going on?"
It was then that Luo Ning regained her senses, her trembling hands still clutching the fallen gold coins. She rushed to Bai Yi, gripping his clothes tightly, her voice shaking. "There was a woman… her face was blurred, but there was a red flower behind her. She's trying to get close to me."
Bai Yi's expression darkened. A red flower? This was no small detail. It was a symbol laden with danger.
He quickly retrieved a small invitation from the lining of his coat, turning it over to reveal the dark rose pattern. "Is this the symbol of the woman you saw?"
Luo Ning's eyes widened, and she nodded slowly. "Yes. That's her. It felt dangerous… like she's trying to get close to me."
Bai Yi stowed the invitation back into his coat, his mind racing. He wasn't surprised that Luo Ning could see the Night Rose; after all, she was sensitive to these kinds of supernatural forces. What troubled him was their audacity to appear now, after all the chaos surrounding the auction.
He turned to her, his voice steady but urgent. "Tell me everything you saw."
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder