Storm of Gods

Chapter 129 Young Master Li Xin, Stop Pretending

Since Simmons' visit, Li Xin's treatment has improved once again. Although his salary hasn't increased, Daenerys' attitude is kind and approachable, and she has extended Li Xin's vacation time. Of course, this is also based on the fact that Simmons can now handle most of the kitchen work. Basically, Simmons can be said to have mastered the core technology of the kitchen, except that Li Xin is still needed to make sauces.

When navigating the world, one must always have a backup plan, at least for now. In fact, once this thing has been circulating for a while, imitations will appear. Li Xin didn't want to spend too much time on this matter. Right now, he still needed to start with Simmons. He knew too little about secret knowledge and had to make a deal with Simmons.

Li Xin planned to wait a few days. If Simmons didn't contact him, he would go to Simmons. After all, things that come to you on a silver platter aren't always desirable, and one should be patient.

Inside the kitchen, Li Xin and Ma Liu were busy as bees. Some were performing magic tricks, others were painting, and now even a fortune teller was helping out. After the three of them negotiated with Dragon Mom, they were paid. It seemed that art was not as important as their stomachs. The lunchtime guests didn't need portrait painting or magic tricks, as the wealthy people mostly came out at night. The stingy Dragon Mom didn't want to hire new people, so she agreed to their request. They would be paid for each day's work, just like carrying bags.

Li Xin swished the pot so fast it flew through the air. A head popped in through the doorway. Daliwen looked at Li Xin with disbelief. "Xin, there's a telegraph operator outside who says there's a telegram for you."

Upon hearing the telegram, Ma Liu also perked up his ears. This was a very high-end device, said to be extremely expensive, capable of transmitting intelligence from thousands of miles away. It was made using advanced Hextech technology from Lilong, and was generally only used by important figures.

Is a cook considered a big shot?

"Ah, a letter has arrived from home." Li Xin said with a smile, "Liu Zi, you hold the fort for a bit, I'll be right back."

“Brother Li, you go ahead with your work, I can handle it,” Ma Liu said, his eyes showing even more respect for Li Xin. He was a good cook and also knew how to send telegrams. He wished he could receive a telegram just once in his life.

The telegraph operator waiting for his customers was handsome, his uniform was smart, and he stood tall and proud, accepting the envious glances from those around him with composure. He rarely delivered telegrams in places like this, but every telegram customer deserved respect.

"Mr. Li, this is your telegram. You need to pay fifty lira for receiving it." The telegraph operator was very respectful and did not show any disrespect despite the messy environment.

The surrounding diners started talking amongst themselves. Li Xin's face darkened. Couldn't he pay in advance? He emptied his pockets and found 29 lira. "Mr. Daliwen, lend me some. I'll pay you back later."

Daliwen, who was watching the commotion, suddenly froze for a few seconds. Then, after fumbling inside his clothes for a while, he counted out 21 lira and solemnly handed it to Li Xin, saying, "Remember to return it soon."

He believed in Li Xin's ability to repay, and Li Xin often secretly gave them extra meals. Recently, their food had improved, and their complexions had become radiant. When they went out to paint portraits for those noble ladies, they were noticeably more popular.

This despicable, appearance-obsessed world understands nothing about art.

The telegraph operator remained patient throughout, and after receiving the money, he bowed slightly, saying, "Thank you for your patronage. The Heldan Telegraph St. George branch is at your service."

Watching the other person stuff the lira into his pocket, Li Xin felt a pang of regret. Although Daliwen wanted to see it, Li Xin couldn't let him. He returned to his room and opened the telegram: 85 Maher Street, Saint Zee District, 309, Hexbird Newspaper, Herdan Fifth Branch.

Although telegrams are fast, some things cannot be discussed in too much detail, as there is a possibility of leakage. I haven't heard of Morse code yet, but we can consider using a simpler cipher method in the future.

When he left Tianjing, the reason he chose Herdan was to lay a contingency plan. The incident had blown up too much, and it was hard to say how far the Vatican's investigation would go. Li Xin's identity was not that important, but it was obviously impossible for him to have no presence at all. He could not just disappear suddenly. If they investigated, he could say that he was sent to Herdan to carry out a mission, since he had the identity of a night patrolman. At the same time, it could also be explained that he was only in the Church Council to carry out an infiltration mission and find flaws in Zhao Qing.

When this address arrived, according to his agreement with Casey, it meant that the Vatican had taken notice of him, or at least investigated him. He had two choices: immediately go into hiding and stay away from trouble, or carry out the Night Patrol's mission, which was the place at the address. The person in charge there was a friend of Luo Jin's from the Night Patrol captain's special training, so at least they could take care of him.

Before making his move, Luo Jin had already made arrangements for the aftermath and taken into account Li Xin's situation. Clearly, he was not optimistic about his chances of success.

To live in anonymity?

Li Xin had no intention of doing this, especially since it was Luo Shu's arrangement.

Li Xin looked at the address and chose the latter. He figured he could just treat it as an overseas mission for a night patrolman. Plus, with Luo Jin's connections, it would be a step up from being a cook. He really didn't plan to do this forever.

As soon as the door opened, lo and behold, fortune tellers, painters, magicians, and even David, whom I hadn't seen for days, came out. "What are you all doing?" "Ah Xin, don't hide it anymore. The moment I saw you, I knew you were extraordinary, with a very noble destiny. You're just a tiger fallen into the plains now," Old Fang waved his fingers, his eyes glazed over. "But now things have turned around, your good fortune has arrived, Young Master Li Xin. We've been through thick and thin together. Didn't you always say that those who get rich shouldn't forget each other?"

"Yes, Young Master Xin, we've been through thick and thin together, and you know my artistic talent..."

Li Xin was both amused and exasperated. He quickly waved his hand and said, "I made a mistake. It's not like that. It really is a letter from home. Telegrams are widely used and promoted at Lilong Hextech. It's not that exaggerated. I didn't know that you had to pay to receive telegrams here. My family found me a job opportunity and asked me to go for an interview."

"What kind of job? Don't try to fool us. We've been through thick and thin together!"

“I know, I know. We not only share hardships, but we also eavesdrop together,” Li Xin laughed. “It’s our Li Dragon that’s recruiting at Hexbird in Heldan. I used to work at the Order of the Fathers, so I’m going to try my luck. If I get accepted, I’ll have a stable job.”

“A reporter for Bird Newspaper? Wow, that’s great. That’s a really good job. Ashin, you have to do a good job. I’m not in a huge rush, but remember to pay me back,” Daryl said tactfully.

Li Xin quickly took out 21 lira and returned it to Daril, saying, "I'll pay the interest with a big meal."

Daryl immediately beamed, "We're all friends, it's nothing, a small matter. Just remember to add plenty of chicken thigh meat, I like it tender."

"Sure, Ashin, being a reporter is a promising career. If you ever run into any problems you can't handle, come find me!" David patted his strong, shiny chest muscles, which actually vibrated, accompanied by a hearty smile and neat, white teeth.

That's pretty cool, no wonder Daenerys Targaryen is head over heels for him.

After finishing his work at noon, Li Xin changed into clean clothes and hailed a carriage. Herdan's carriages were divided into three levels: high, medium, and low. The ordinary carriages were simple, focusing on speed and convenience, and were open-top, with a starting price of 1 lira. The mid-range carriages had black cabins and were much more expensive, with a starting price of 5 lira. The purple cabins were reserved for nobles, with a starting price of 50 lira. These carriages were luxuriously decorated and pulled by at least two fine horses. The specific price was negotiated between the two parties based on the distance.

Li Xin sat in the convertible, enjoying the clear skies of Heldan. These people don't understand; maybe one day convertibles will become a luxury.

It took about half an hour to reach the fifth branch of Hexbird News. Upon entering the Hexbird News office, I was almost knocked over. The place was bustling with activity, everyone busy at work.

"Hurry up, hurry up, move these newspapers to the fourth district. Hey, don't just stand there, go move them over there. Everyone, stay alert, the weekly magazine can't be lost!"

"The editor-in-chief said there's one detail that needs to be changed."

"What's there to change? It's already been printed! Why didn't you say so earlier? Damn it, hurry up and bring it back! Every little bit helps."

"Second group, second group, hurry up!"

"Sixth Group, you fucking drag us down! Hurry up and get moving! Speed, speed! We are the Fifth Company, known for both efficiency and capability!"

"The reporters have some new information. Release the daily newspaper. Release the daily newspaper. Work overtime tonight. No one is allowed to leave until it's finished today."

After carrying a pile of newspapers, Li Xin returned. He wanted to find a receptionist, but everyone was busy and no one paid any attention to him. Was business really that booming?

"Hello, I'm Li Xin. I'm here to see the editor-in-chief. I had an appointment with him." He finally caught someone wearing a press pass and asked.

The other person sized up Li Xin and said, "Go straight ahead, exit the factory, turn right for 100 meters, then turn left and you'll see it."

After saying that, the person disappeared. Li Xin's mind was buzzing. He walked straight ahead... Well, he'd better ask as he went. The Fifth Branch was quite large. This really didn't seem like the style of the Night Patrol.

(End of this chapter)