Bai Lixin: “My mother once said, for the kindness of saving a life, one should offer oneself. Master, I offer myself to you.”
The monk suddenly exerted force, and the prayer beads in his hand instantly broke, scattering in the air.
He stared at the male fox in front of him, dumbfounded. “That can’t be!”
Suddenly, a hint of disappointment appeared in the young man’s eyes. “Are you repulsed by me? Do you dislike me because I’m a monster? Or because I’m male? I’m stronger than ordinary men; I can twist my waist and even wag my tail. My tail is fluffy and nice to touch.”
The monk’s face turned red. He hurriedly stepped back, then he heard the young man continue, “I thought you had some feelings for me. If not, why would you always secretly protect me? Every time I was in danger, you could step in and help.”
“I don’t, I didn’t,” Fanjia stammered, trying to explain, “I just think it’s a pity that your cultivation will be ruined.”
Bai Lixin: “There are so many demon cultivators in this world, many of them have a higher cultivation than me but they ended up going astray. Why don’t you feel sorry for them?”
“Admit it. You obviously can’t let go of me. The only one you can’t let go of is me, a fox. You say you don’t have any feelings, but deep down, you’ve long been moved. You’ve fallen for me.”
The staff in Fanjia’s hand suddenly began to tremble, and the crisp sound of bells in this vast night sky was startling.
“Amitabha, benefactor, I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” Fanjia’s cheeks reddened. He lowered his head and didn’t dare to look Bai Lixin in the eye. “I have to go. Farewell.”
With that, he tapped his staff, and it instantly turned into countless petals, drifting away.
Bai Lixin stared at those drifting petals for a long while before withdrawing his gaze and walking back briskly.
S419m: [Lord Host, you’re so proactive. This time the Lord God is really being unreasonable, utterly ungrateful.]
Bai Lixin: [What do you know? He must have been a devout Buddhist before meeting me. I like this kind of chasing game. He runs, I pursue, he can’t escape.]
S419m: [Lord Host, you… be careful not to overturn.]
Bai Lixin: [He’s a monk, how can the car overturn?]
S419m: […]
‘What’s with your overconfident attitude? Don’t you have any self-awareness? You’re just taking advantage of a temporary situation.
Forget it, you can never wake up someone pretending to be asleep. Is this what they call the legendary ‘love brain’?’
—————————
In the live broadcast room
[ “I offer myself!” The monk actually ran away?! Ahhh, I can’t accept this, I can’t!]
[Haha, hilarious, spread the word: God Xin’s desires were left unsatisfied and he scared off his own old gong!]
[ “I offer myself”, “Unsatisfied Desires”]
———————————-
The next day, a young man stood in front of the yamen and knocked on the back door.
He just stood there, but he caused passersby to stop and turn their heads.
The young man wore a goose-yellow brocade robe, with white patterns embroidered on the cuffs and beneath the robe, understated yet exuding an aura of nobility.
He wore a jade crown on his head, held a folding fan, and on his waist, there were circular jade ornaments on both sides. Every move and gesture he made were beyond elegant.
However, his attire paled in comparison to his face.
The young man had exquisite and stunning features, as if he had walked out of a painting.
People passing by stopped in their tracks, all captivated by his handsome face.
The door was knocked once and immediately opened. The one who opened it was a servant responsible for cleaning in the yamen. He paused for two seconds when he saw the young man before regaining his senses. “Young Master, who are you looking for?”
A faint smile played on the young man’s lips. “I am Bai Lixin. It was the Master who asked me to come.”
“Oh, I know, I know,” the servant immediately realized, “Young Master, you’re the scribe the Master mentioned. Please come in.”
Bai Lixin asked, “Is the Master here?”
The servant secretly glanced at Bai Lixin again: “Master is here. I will take you to see him right now. Please follow me.”
The servant led Bai Lixin through the backyard for a while and arrived at the study.
Even with the tightly closed door of the study, the voices of conversation could still be heard.
“County Magistrate, the word ‘lust’ is like a sharp knife. You shouldn’t just listen to a woman’s words; it might lead to misunderstandings! He’s just a clueless scholar. How could he possibly take on the scribe’s tasks right from the start?”
“My younger brother is different. He is well-versed in literature, and I used to discuss cases with him at home. He has some understanding of our yamen’s affairs, making it easier for him to handle the responsibilities without causing you trouble.”
Magistrate Lin: “You haven’t even met him. How do you know he won’t do a good job? Besides, I’ve already promised my wife. My decision is final; it will be him.”
Zhang Biao’s voice sounded angry, “Sir, please reconsider. I haven’t met him either. Have you?”
“Aren’t you going to meet me now?” To the astonishment of the servant, Bai Lixin pushed the door open and walked in.
The conversation inside came to an abrupt halt. Two pairs of eyes focused on him.
Bai Lixin put his hands together and bowed slightly. “Bai Lixin pays respects to Master.”
Magistrate Lin suppressed his amazement. “You’re Bai Lixin? You do resemble your sister somewhat. No wonder she said I could recognize you at a glance. Remarkable, truly remarkable.”
“We do share quite a resemblance,” Bai Lixin replied seriously, his eyes scanning the scrutinizing gaze of Zhang Biao. “But my sister is even more beautiful. Because we are close in age and look so familiar, people often mistake us for real siblings at first sight. Despite being distant relatives, our relationship is exceptionally good. It’s even better than some ordinary siblings.”
“Oh, I see,” County Magistrate Lin nodded repeatedly. He thought of the indiscreet speculations he made with his concubine yesterday and felt uncomfortable in his heart. “If you get along so well with your sister, you must know what she likes, right?”
Bai Lixin looked at Magistrate Lin earnestly. “Did brother in law make my sister angry and is trying to coax her?”
“Yes!” Magistrate Lin slammed the table and got up. “No wonder your sister said you are clever. You’re truly intelligent. Excellent! Tell me, what other skills do you have?”
“I don’t have many other skills,” Bai Lixin smiled faintly, his gaze shifting to Zhang Biao, who was studying him intently. “But I do have a talent for remembering things at a glance.”
“Remembering at a glance? That’s a great skill!” Magistrate Lin beamed. “You coming here is fantastic. Please have a seat. Later, I’ll find someone to introduce you to the scribe’s duties. We can’t afford to be without a scribe for even a day. Your timely arrival has solved my urgent need.”
“My sister is usually very good to me. Since she asked, I naturally couldn’t refuse.”
Zhang Biao looked at Bai Lixin suspiciously: “Do you really have an extraordinary memory?”
Bai Lixin: “Naturally.”
Zhang Biao challenged, “May I test you?”
Bai Lixin: “How do you want to test me?”
Zhang Biao took out three dice from his sleeve, “I’ll roll these dice ten times. If you can remember the points for each of these ten rounds and state them accurately, I’ll be convinced.”
Bai Lixin glanced at the competitive Zhang Biao, then looked at Magistrate Lin, “Master, may I participate?”
Magistrate Lin instantly smiled with joy. “Of course, you can.”
He looked at his new brother-in-law from a distance, the more he looked, the more he liked him.
Not only was he good-looking, but he also showed great respect to him.
Zhang Biao, on the other hand, often disregarded his opinions when he was in command and does whatever he wants.
Just now, he even wanted to test his new brother-in-law without asking for his opinion.
In the end, his new brother-in-law saved him face, addressing him as “Master” and inquiring about his opinion.
Who wouldn’t like a person like this?
No wonder Madam liked her little cousin, he liked him too.
Ah, he was reminded of Madam again.
It seemed that he had truly hurt her deeply yesterday.
What should he do now?
The competition began. Zhang Biao casually grabbed a cup from the table to serve as a cover for the dice. He enthusiastically started the game, and each time he rolled the dice, there was only a split-second to see the result. Zhang Biao couldn’t remember so many dice results, so he asked the servant who brought Bai Lixin to note the results down.
Zhang Biao played with the dice while observing the young man in front of him.
Each time, the young man merely glanced casually without serious focus, seeming more like he was playing around than taking the game seriously.
Seeing his attitude, Zhang Biao grew angrier, and the dice in his hands scattered like a shower of petals.
Soon, the ten rounds were over, and Zhang Biao looked at Bai Lixin indifferently. “Ten rounds, please reveal the answers, young sir. If you can say them, I will believe your claim of having an exceptional memory. I will acknowledge you completely and never question you again. But if you answer incorrectly, I won’t agree to let you stay here.”
Magistrate Lin pounded the table forcefully. “Zhang Biao, you’re going too far! I’m the one in charge of this yamen!”
Zhang Biao pursed his lips. “Should I leave, then?”
Magistrate Lin choked up instantly. “…”
If Zhang Biao left, who would solve the case?!
He was arrogant and domineering because he knew that his yamen couldn’t do without him!
The only person who dared to be so arrogant in front of him was Zhang Biao!
“Okay, a promise is a promise.” Bai Lixin didn’t back down. He casually grabbed a cup, and with a quick movement of his wrist, he collected the dice inside the teacup.
His technique wasn’t as seasoned and flashy as Zhang Biao’s, but it was incredibly graceful.
After seeing his movements, Zhang Biao was momentarily stunned. But in the blink of an eye, he watched the young man place the cup back on the table.
“Watch carefully, these are the points for the first round,” the young man said lazily.
As he spoke, the teacup was opened, revealing the three dice inside.
Zhang Biao quickly snatched the notebook from the servant and checked.
One, four, five—not only were the numbers exactly right, but the positions of the dice were also identical!
Zhang Biao was instantly dumbfounded.
Counting was not difficult, nor was rolling the dice.
But to roll the dice and reproduce the exact results, was this man really just a scholar? Wasn’t he more like a gambling god?!
He couldn’t even achieve this level himself!
Zhang Biao’s gaze toward Bai Lixin transformed from disdain to admiration.
He made up his mind: regardless of whether the person behind Bai Lixin lied or not, he acknowledged him as his brother from now on!
Magistrate Lin also came over and noticed Zhang Biao’s expression.
He was sharp-witted and immediately smoothed things over. “Bai Lixin, you only had to count. How did you manage to reproduce the dice? You’ve increased the difficulty significantly. Achieving this level, even once, is not easy. I think it’s already remarkable. Zhang Biao, let’s just leave it at that.”
Zhang Biao was about to nod when he saw the young man lift the cup again and roll the dice inside.
His wrist moved gracefully, like a dancing butterfly. Amidst the dazzled onlookers, the teacup landed on the table once more.
The young man spoke lazily again, “This is the second set of dice. Please take a look.”
The teacup was uncovered, and the dice inside were perfectly matched, down to the smallest detail.
Zhang Biao was left speechless and utterly convinced.
But the young man seemed unsatisfied; the following moments turned into a show put on by him.
He rolled the dice again and again, and each time, he opened the cup with precision.
Zhang Biao’s expression gradually shifted from admiration to shock, and then to admiration once more.
Ten rounds, not a single mistake, perfectly replicating Zhang Biao’s dice.
At the end of the tenth round, Zhang Biao respectfully clasped his hands and bowed to Bai Lixin. “Sir, I was rude just now. The county yamen is honored to have you here!”
———————————
In the live broadcast room:
[Ding! Congratulations, God Xin, for successfully subduing a follower.]
[God Xin’s move not only subdued Zhang Biao, but if he entered any big gambling arena, he would undoubtedly become the center of attention.]
[I declare, God Xin is a master at bluffing. Others score 100 points because their abilities are limited to 100 points. God Xin scores 100 points not only because he has the ability, but he also adds bonus points to himself.]
[Hahaha, God Xin is mighty.]
—————————–
“Sir, this is where we usually work.” Zhang Biao opened a door and walked in. “We constables are rough folks. We hang around in the rooms next door. If you need anything, just call me. By the way, I’m Zhang Biao, sir.”
“Head Constable Zhang,” Bai Lixin bowed to him respectfully. “I apologize for my earlier rudeness.”
“We’re strangers meeting for the first time. Don’t blame me for being hostile. I was just afraid that the Magistrate might have picked someone inept, causing trouble for us. But after seeing your abilities, I’m completely reassured. I’m a straightforward person; if I dislike something, I’ll say it to your face. But since I recognize you, I won’t harm you behind your back.”
“Please rest assured, sir. Also, please don’t take my previous words to heart.”
“I haven’t dwelled on it. It’s all for the yamen’s sake. We don’t have any grudges, I understand,” Bai Lixin said, walking inside.
The scribe’s room was larger than the county magistrate’s study. Shelves filled with documents covered the walls.
“These shelves contain case files from the past two years. Documents from more than two years ago have been stored in the warehouse,” Zhang Biao explained upon seeing Bai Lixin’s gaze.
Bai Lixin withdrew his gaze and looked at the messy desk filled with scrolls and papers. “What do you need me to do, Head Constable Zhang?”
Zhang Biao: “Has Master Bai Lixin heard of the recent incidents of corpses undergoing strange transformations?”
He’s “Master” now?
Bai Lixin cleared his throat. “The whole city is talking about this matter. It’s hard not to know.”
Zhang Biao continued, “We’ve been busy with this case recently. But Master, your duties are not limited to just this peculiar murder case. In the county, there are all kinds of cases, small or large. From stolen chickens to murders, all these cases require your presence to record the clues.”
“Some details of the cases might slip our minds, but the scribe remembers them all.”
Bai Lixin nodded seriously. “I understand. Give me a day, and I will read through all the case files and remember every detail. If you need information about any case in the future, feel free to ask me.”
Zhang Biao’s eyes lit up suddenly. “Master, you understand me! I’ve only spoken three points, but you comprehend ten points. You are truly intelligent! Much smarter than my brother!”
Bai Lixin: “My mother once said, for the kindness of saving a life, one should offer oneself. Master, I offer myself to you.”
The monk suddenly exerted force, and the prayer beads in his hand instantly broke, scattering in the air.
He stared at the male fox in front of him, dumbfounded. “That can’t be!”
Suddenly, a hint of disappointment appeared in the young man’s eyes. “Are you repulsed by me? Do you dislike me because I’m a monster? Or because I’m male? I’m stronger than ordinary men; I can twist my waist and even wag my tail. My tail is fluffy and nice to touch.”
The monk’s face turned red. He hurriedly stepped back, then he heard the young man continue, “I thought you had some feelings for me. If not, why would you always secretly protect me? Every time I was in danger, you could step in and help.”
“I don’t, I didn’t,” Fanjia stammered, trying to explain, “I just think it’s a pity that your cultivation will be ruined.”
Bai Lixin: “There are so many demon cultivators in this world, many of them have a higher cultivation than me but they ended up going astray. Why don’t you feel sorry for them?”
“Admit it. You obviously can’t let go of me. The only one you can’t let go of is me, a fox. You say you don’t have any feelings, but deep down, you’ve long been moved. You’ve fallen for me.”
The staff in Fanjia’s hand suddenly began to tremble, and the crisp sound of bells in this vast night sky was startling.
“Amitabha, benefactor, I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” Fanjia’s cheeks reddened. He lowered his head and didn’t dare to look Bai Lixin in the eye. “I have to go. Farewell.”
With that, he tapped his staff, and it instantly turned into countless petals, drifting away.
Bai Lixin stared at those drifting petals for a long while before withdrawing his gaze and walking back briskly.
S419m: [Lord Host, you’re so proactive. This time the Lord God is really being unreasonable, utterly ungrateful.]
Bai Lixin: [What do you know? He must have been a devout Buddhist before meeting me. I like this kind of chasing game. He runs, I pursue, he can’t escape.]
S419m: [Lord Host, you… be careful not to overturn.]
Bai Lixin: [He’s a monk, how can the car overturn?]
S419m: […]
‘What’s with your overconfident attitude? Don’t you have any self-awareness? You’re just taking advantage of a temporary situation.
Forget it, you can never wake up someone pretending to be asleep. Is this what they call the legendary ‘love brain’?’
—————————
In the live broadcast room
[ “I offer myself!” The monk actually ran away?! Ahhh, I can’t accept this, I can’t!]
[Haha, hilarious, spread the word: God Xin’s desires were left unsatisfied and he scared off his own old gong!]
[ “I offer myself”, “Unsatisfied Desires”]
———————————-
The next day, a young man stood in front of the yamen and knocked on the back door.
He just stood there, but he caused passersby to stop and turn their heads.
The young man wore a goose-yellow brocade robe, with white patterns embroidered on the cuffs and beneath the robe, understated yet exuding an aura of nobility.
He wore a jade crown on his head, held a folding fan, and on his waist, there were circular jade ornaments on both sides. Every move and gesture he made were beyond elegant.
However, his attire paled in comparison to his face.
The young man had exquisite and stunning features, as if he had walked out of a painting.
People passing by stopped in their tracks, all captivated by his handsome face.
The door was knocked once and immediately opened. The one who opened it was a servant responsible for cleaning in the yamen. He paused for two seconds when he saw the young man before regaining his senses. “Young Master, who are you looking for?”
A faint smile played on the young man’s lips. “I am Bai Lixin. It was the Master who asked me to come.”
“Oh, I know, I know,” the servant immediately realized, “Young Master, you’re the scribe the Master mentioned. Please come in.”
Bai Lixin asked, “Is the Master here?”
The servant secretly glanced at Bai Lixin again: “Master is here. I will take you to see him right now. Please follow me.”
The servant led Bai Lixin through the backyard for a while and arrived at the study.
Even with the tightly closed door of the study, the voices of conversation could still be heard.
“County Magistrate, the word ‘lust’ is like a sharp knife. You shouldn’t just listen to a woman’s words; it might lead to misunderstandings! He’s just a clueless scholar. How could he possibly take on the scribe’s tasks right from the start?”
“My younger brother is different. He is well-versed in literature, and I used to discuss cases with him at home. He has some understanding of our yamen’s affairs, making it easier for him to handle the responsibilities without causing you trouble.”
Magistrate Lin: “You haven’t even met him. How do you know he won’t do a good job? Besides, I’ve already promised my wife. My decision is final; it will be him.”
Zhang Biao’s voice sounded angry, “Sir, please reconsider. I haven’t met him either. Have you?”
“Aren’t you going to meet me now?” To the astonishment of the servant, Bai Lixin pushed the door open and walked in.
The conversation inside came to an abrupt halt. Two pairs of eyes focused on him.
Bai Lixin put his hands together and bowed slightly. “Bai Lixin pays respects to Master.”
Magistrate Lin suppressed his amazement. “You’re Bai Lixin? You do resemble your sister somewhat. No wonder she said I could recognize you at a glance. Remarkable, truly remarkable.”
“We do share quite a resemblance,” Bai Lixin replied seriously, his eyes scanning the scrutinizing gaze of Zhang Biao. “But my sister is even more beautiful. Because we are close in age and look so familiar, people often mistake us for real siblings at first sight. Despite being distant relatives, our relationship is exceptionally good. It’s even better than some ordinary siblings.”
“Oh, I see,” County Magistrate Lin nodded repeatedly. He thought of the indiscreet speculations he made with his concubine yesterday and felt uncomfortable in his heart. “If you get along so well with your sister, you must know what she likes, right?”
Bai Lixin looked at Magistrate Lin earnestly. “Did brother in law make my sister angry and is trying to coax her?”
“Yes!” Magistrate Lin slammed the table and got up. “No wonder your sister said you are clever. You’re truly intelligent. Excellent! Tell me, what other skills do you have?”
“I don’t have many other skills,” Bai Lixin smiled faintly, his gaze shifting to Zhang Biao, who was studying him intently. “But I do have a talent for remembering things at a glance.”
“Remembering at a glance? That’s a great skill!” Magistrate Lin beamed. “You coming here is fantastic. Please have a seat. Later, I’ll find someone to introduce you to the scribe’s duties. We can’t afford to be without a scribe for even a day. Your timely arrival has solved my urgent need.”
“My sister is usually very good to me. Since she asked, I naturally couldn’t refuse.”
Zhang Biao looked at Bai Lixin suspiciously: “Do you really have an extraordinary memory?”
Bai Lixin: “Naturally.”
Zhang Biao challenged, “May I test you?”
Bai Lixin: “How do you want to test me?”
Zhang Biao took out three dice from his sleeve, “I’ll roll these dice ten times. If you can remember the points for each of these ten rounds and state them accurately, I’ll be convinced.”
Bai Lixin glanced at the competitive Zhang Biao, then looked at Magistrate Lin, “Master, may I participate?”
Magistrate Lin instantly smiled with joy. “Of course, you can.”
He looked at his new brother-in-law from a distance, the more he looked, the more he liked him.
Not only was he good-looking, but he also showed great respect to him.
Zhang Biao, on the other hand, often disregarded his opinions when he was in command and does whatever he wants.
Just now, he even wanted to test his new brother-in-law without asking for his opinion.
In the end, his new brother-in-law saved him face, addressing him as “Master” and inquiring about his opinion.
Who wouldn’t like a person like this?
No wonder Madam liked her little cousin, he liked him too.
Ah, he was reminded of Madam again.
It seemed that he had truly hurt her deeply yesterday.
What should he do now?
The competition began. Zhang Biao casually grabbed a cup from the table to serve as a cover for the dice. He enthusiastically started the game, and each time he rolled the dice, there was only a split-second to see the result. Zhang Biao couldn’t remember so many dice results, so he asked the servant who brought Bai Lixin to note the results down.
Zhang Biao played with the dice while observing the young man in front of him.
Each time, the young man merely glanced casually without serious focus, seeming more like he was playing around than taking the game seriously.
Seeing his attitude, Zhang Biao grew angrier, and the dice in his hands scattered like a shower of petals.
Soon, the ten rounds were over, and Zhang Biao looked at Bai Lixin indifferently. “Ten rounds, please reveal the answers, young sir. If you can say them, I will believe your claim of having an exceptional memory. I will acknowledge you completely and never question you again. But if you answer incorrectly, I won’t agree to let you stay here.”
Magistrate Lin pounded the table forcefully. “Zhang Biao, you’re going too far! I’m the one in charge of this yamen!”
Zhang Biao pursed his lips. “Should I leave, then?”
Magistrate Lin choked up instantly. “…”
If Zhang Biao left, who would solve the case?!
He was arrogant and domineering because he knew that his yamen couldn’t do without him!
The only person who dared to be so arrogant in front of him was Zhang Biao!
“Okay, a promise is a promise.” Bai Lixin didn’t back down. He casually grabbed a cup, and with a quick movement of his wrist, he collected the dice inside the teacup.
His technique wasn’t as seasoned and flashy as Zhang Biao’s, but it was incredibly graceful.
After seeing his movements, Zhang Biao was momentarily stunned. But in the blink of an eye, he watched the young man place the cup back on the table.
“Watch carefully, these are the points for the first round,” the young man said lazily.
As he spoke, the teacup was opened, revealing the three dice inside.
Zhang Biao quickly snatched the notebook from the servant and checked.
One, four, five—not only were the numbers exactly right, but the positions of the dice were also identical!
Zhang Biao was instantly dumbfounded.
Counting was not difficult, nor was rolling the dice.
But to roll the dice and reproduce the exact results, was this man really just a scholar? Wasn’t he more like a gambling god?!
He couldn’t even achieve this level himself!
Zhang Biao’s gaze toward Bai Lixin transformed from disdain to admiration.
He made up his mind: regardless of whether the person behind Bai Lixin lied or not, he acknowledged him as his brother from now on!
Magistrate Lin also came over and noticed Zhang Biao’s expression.
He was sharp-witted and immediately smoothed things over. “Bai Lixin, you only had to count. How did you manage to reproduce the dice? You’ve increased the difficulty significantly. Achieving this level, even once, is not easy. I think it’s already remarkable. Zhang Biao, let’s just leave it at that.”
Zhang Biao was about to nod when he saw the young man lift the cup again and roll the dice inside.
His wrist moved gracefully, like a dancing butterfly. Amidst the dazzled onlookers, the teacup landed on the table once more.
The young man spoke lazily again, “This is the second set of dice. Please take a look.”
The teacup was uncovered, and the dice inside were perfectly matched, down to the smallest detail.
Zhang Biao was left speechless and utterly convinced.
But the young man seemed unsatisfied; the following moments turned into a show put on by him.
He rolled the dice again and again, and each time, he opened the cup with precision.
Zhang Biao’s expression gradually shifted from admiration to shock, and then to admiration once more.
Ten rounds, not a single mistake, perfectly replicating Zhang Biao’s dice.
At the end of the tenth round, Zhang Biao respectfully clasped his hands and bowed to Bai Lixin. “Sir, I was rude just now. The county yamen is honored to have you here!”
———————————
In the live broadcast room:
[Ding! Congratulations, God Xin, for successfully subduing a follower.]
[God Xin’s move not only subdued Zhang Biao, but if he entered any big gambling arena, he would undoubtedly become the center of attention.]
[I declare, God Xin is a master at bluffing. Others score 100 points because their abilities are limited to 100 points. God Xin scores 100 points not only because he has the ability, but he also adds bonus points to himself.]
[Hahaha, God Xin is mighty.]
—————————–
“Sir, this is where we usually work.” Zhang Biao opened a door and walked in. “We constables are rough folks. We hang around in the rooms next door. If you need anything, just call me. By the way, I’m Zhang Biao, sir.”
“Head Constable Zhang,” Bai Lixin bowed to him respectfully. “I apologize for my earlier rudeness.”
“We’re strangers meeting for the first time. Don’t blame me for being hostile. I was just afraid that the Magistrate might have picked someone inept, causing trouble for us. But after seeing your abilities, I’m completely reassured. I’m a straightforward person; if I dislike something, I’ll say it to your face. But since I recognize you, I won’t harm you behind your back.”
“Please rest assured, sir. Also, please don’t take my previous words to heart.”
“I haven’t dwelled on it. It’s all for the yamen’s sake. We don’t have any grudges, I understand,” Bai Lixin said, walking inside.
The scribe’s room was larger than the county magistrate’s study. Shelves filled with documents covered the walls.
“These shelves contain case files from the past two years. Documents from more than two years ago have been stored in the warehouse,” Zhang Biao explained upon seeing Bai Lixin’s gaze.
Bai Lixin withdrew his gaze and looked at the messy desk filled with scrolls and papers. “What do you need me to do, Head Constable Zhang?”
Zhang Biao: “Has Master Bai Lixin heard of the recent incidents of corpses undergoing strange transformations?”
He’s “Master” now?
Bai Lixin cleared his throat. “The whole city is talking about this matter. It’s hard not to know.”
Zhang Biao continued, “We’ve been busy with this case recently. But Master, your duties are not limited to just this peculiar murder case. In the county, there are all kinds of cases, small or large. From stolen chickens to murders, all these cases require your presence to record the clues.”
“Some details of the cases might slip our minds, but the scribe remembers them all.”
Bai Lixin nodded seriously. “I understand. Give me a day, and I will read through all the case files and remember every detail. If you need information about any case in the future, feel free to ask me.”
Zhang Biao’s eyes lit up suddenly. “Master, you understand me! I’ve only spoken three points, but you comprehend ten points. You are truly intelligent! Much smarter than my brother!”
