novelraw Chapter 869: Worry-Free, Yellow Springs (2)
Chapter 869: Worry-Free, Yellow Springs (2)
"Or maybe, it's barely audible."
The handsome man softly added, "A normal adult male should have a heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. Don't you think yours is a bit too low? One beat, or maybe two?"
Luo Qiu glanced at him, then suddenly looked at Gan Hong. "Could you get me a glass of water?"
"Okay," Gan Hong quickly nodded. Though she was puzzled, she obediently complied.
As the handsome man watched Gan Hong leave, he said, "It seems this lovely lady knows nothing."
"For now," Luo Qiu casually replied, "Perhaps there will be a chance in the future."
"My name is Cithacyl, it's a pleasure to meet you, non-human sir." Cithacyl extended his hand.
"Luo Qiu." Luo Qiu lightly shook his hand. As the boss of the club, Luo Qiu, who previously wasn't fond of interacting with many people, had no reservations about shaking hands now. "So, you might be the same type of person as this Baron Fernandez?"
"To be precise, we're from the same family," Cithacyl said seriously. "My surname is Fernandez, and I'm a descendant of the owner of this castle."
"But the current owner is Mr. Tu?" Luo Qiu seemed more intrigued.Cithacyl slowly explained, "This castle was abandoned after my ancestor, Baron Fernandez, passed away. In modern times, it became state property and was eventually purchased by Tu Shenyi."
"Are you approaching me deliberately?" Luo Qiu asked.
Cithacyl replied naturally, "Considering the previous event where the jewel produced such a stunning spectacle, it would be hard not to notice you. The one holding that so-called jewel, we call him Takizawa. His profession is that of a deceiver, skilled in hypnotizing others using mental powers. Deception is his hobby. You've ruined his plans, so you'd better be cautious."
"I couldn't just stand by and watch my companion be manipulated," Luo Qiu shook his head.
Perhaps before his vacation, he might have simply watched silently. But now, if even a fleeting thought crossed his mind, he would act without hesitation, responding to each moment's impulse.
"Anyway, I've warned you." Cithacyl shrugged and sighed, "You don't seem like a vampire. What kind of non-human are you?"
"I can't quite explain it myself," Luo Qiu shook his head. "Perhaps it's something I'll have to work to uncover in the future."
Cithacyl didn't mind this answer and nodded in agreement, "The world is vast, and there are many who don't understand why they're extraordinary. Some are born that way, some are changed later, or maybe they're descendants of an ancient race that has faded from history but remains unaware. There are even those who have drunk from the fountain of immortality."
"Like those who live off blood," Luo Qiu glanced at Cithacyl.
"Were you invited by Tu Shenyi, or someone else?" Cithacyl asked curiously, "I can't help but wonder. Among those invited here, you're the only one I don't know, while the others, we are familiar with each other. So I'm curious—what brings you here?"
"It was just a coincidence," Luo Qiu answered honestly. He had indeed been brought here by Song Ying, with some influence from Grandpa Song.
Though he realized upon arrival that this estate was more complicated than it seemed, Luo Qiu, long accustomed to encountering odd situations, had learned to take things as they came.
"I'll take your word for it," Cithacyl scrutinized Luo Qiu, then smiled. "You have an unusual ability to make people believe you... or perhaps, it's your charm?"
"I hope I won’t be a bother," Luo Qiu replied, looking harmless.
"Perhaps leaving now would be for the best."
Luo Qiu glanced at Song Ying, who was struggling with social interactions, then shook his head at Cithacyl.
Cithacyl looked disappointed and sighed. "At least, stay close to me. Of course, this doesn't mean I'm monitoring you. It's just that if you're with me, the others won't be hostile for no reason."
Who you stay with doesn’t matter much.
Luo Qiu agreed readily. Moreover, Cithacyl seemed like someone who enjoyed telling stories, and Luo Qiu loved listening to them, so why not?
Cithacyl smiled in satisfaction. "It seems you don’t appear often… I mean, you seldom interact with our world."
Luo Qiu looked puzzled.
Cithacyl explained, "Non-humans hide among humans, and there are many things to be mindful of. There are always some self-righteous individuals or those who follow ancient traditions, who like to hunt non-humans. It's best to disguise yourself when walking outside. For instance, try to keep your heartbeat within a normal range."
"For example?" Luo Qiu blinked.
Cithacyl enthusiastically replied, "Oh, Luo Qiu, my new friend. I’d be delighted to offer more tips to help you navigate this dangerous world. Come, let me teach you some survival tricks for non-humans. You see…"
Cithacyl naturally put his arm around Luo Qiu's shoulder, truly a helpful person.
…
In the distance, Song Ying, having just escaped a group of old men, ran into Gan Hong, who was carrying a glass of water, and stopped her. "Gan Hong, who is that person? He seems to be getting along very well with him."
Gan Hong could instantly tell the difference between "that person" and "him," amused by Song Ying’s bluntness. But she quickly answered, "I don’t know, he approached on his own… It seems like they’ve hit it off."
Song Ying suspiciously glanced at the handsome blonde man. He truly deserved to be called handsome—using a popular term, he was in his "peak of beauty."
As for Luo Qiu… Luo Qiu was just average!
"Gan Hong," Song Ying suddenly stared seriously at Gan Hong. "My grandpa sent you to Luo Qiu, I know what he meant by it. I’m well aware of what you learned in the village. I’m just curious, have you made a move these past few days?"
Gan Hong felt awkward when asked… She had made a move before, even before Luo Qiu arrived at the Cold Residence.
Gan Hong could only stammer, "Young Master Qiu is rather proper."
Song Ying was stunned. Reflecting on Luo Qiu’s behavior from what she knew, she frowned, glancing at Luo Qiu and the handsome blond man chatting enthusiastically. She muttered, "Could it be… this guy is gay?"
The thought horrified Song Ying, but the more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Otherwise, what kind of man wouldn’t be all over someone like Gan Hong?
Moreover, last time while driving at midnight, this guy actually sat next to him for more than two hours, folding paper cranes... how effeminate!
...
...
Elizabeth and Aamon did not directly enter the banquet hall where the guests were gathered but instead stayed in a quiet room.
Because Elizabeth's appearance was quite distinctive, it easily attracted attention—clearly, neither she nor the old man Aamon wanted to see such a scene.
Aamon appeared very old and unusually thin, resembling a withered plant, and occasionally coughed softly.
He was looking at his pocket watch, silently calculating the time.
Suddenly, the door to the room opened, and Lady Eve walked in, having bathed and changed. She carried a faint scent of flowers.
Lady Eve smiled at the only two people in the room, Elizabeth and Aamon, and politely nodded, “Long time no see, Mr. Aamon. How is your health?”
“Thank you for your concern,” Aamon replied coldly.
Lady Eve was holding a delicate small box, and in her hand was a small folding fan. She walked over to the sofa and sat down, opening the fan and leisurely fanning herself.
However, at this moment, Lady Eve suddenly parted her lips slightly and gently exhaled. Elizabeth, sitting opposite her, was startled, her pupils flashing with red light, and her face suddenly turned a bit uncomfortable.
She tightened her grip on the wooden box she was holding.
“Lady Eve, is it noble to bully a junior?” Aamon cast a cold glance at Lady Eve, “You know this child has never tasted blood; why provoke her with the scent of blood?”
Lady Eve then closed her fan, covering her lips, “Oh? After so many years, Elizabeth is still so pure? It’s truly, truly heartwarming.”
Aamon snorted coldly, lightly tapping the black umbrella on the floor. The old man didn’t spare Lady Eve a second glance but stared straight ahead, coldly stating, “I once swore that anyone who wants to harm this child, regardless of who they are, I will not let them go.”
“Scary, scary,” Lady Eve patted her chest, “Mr. Aamon, one of the great Twelve Knights of the Round Table… but at this age, how long can you protect this child?”
Aamon was evidently a master of words; hearing this, he sneered, his murky eyes suddenly filled with fierce determination, “For vampires ten generations later, I only need one sword.”
With a flick of his wrist, a bright silver blade suddenly shot out halfway from the black umbrella, its reflected silver light piercing directly into Lady Eve’s eyes.
Lady Eve, somewhat frightened, dodged away from the light, then smiled slightly, “Hmm, it’s been a pleasant conversation.”
“Grandpa, I’m fine now,” Elizabeth said softly, her complexion looking better.
Only then did Aamon retract the blade back into the umbrella, no longer glancing at Lady Eve.
Not long after, the door to the room was opened again, and in walked Tu Shenyi. After surveying the room, he asked, “Are you the only two here?”
Elizabeth replied, “Mr. Tu, I ran into Mr. Takizawa; I believe he’s been here for a while but just hasn’t come over.”
“Elizabeth,” Tu Shenyi said, smiling when he saw her, “You’re still so beautiful.”
Elizabeth lowered her head, appearing a bit shy.
After this, Tu Shenyi greeted Aamon, who was evidently more polite to Tu Shenyi but not overly warm.
Before long, even before Tu Shenyi had sat down, Mr. Takizawa, holding an old leather bag, slowly pushed the door open. He glanced at the people in the room and then chuckled, “Hmm, it seems I’m not the last one to arrive.”
Tu Shenyi said at this time, “Takizawa, I heard you caused a bit of a stir in the banquet hall.”
Mr. Takizawa laughed, “Old friend, you know my interests. And judging by the outcome, I didn’t really cause any trouble, did I? Besides, if anyone’s lacking in friendship, it should be you, old buddy. It seems you invited a few other people here besides us?”
Lady Eve also looked at Tu Shenyi and softly asked, “What’s the background of that young man?”
Tu Shenyi replied casually, “I heard he came with the young lady of the Song Dynasty Group... Hmm, I probably know what Song Ying’s goal is, wanting to invite me back into the game to manage the Song family’s casino.”
“What about that young man from the vineyard? What’s his background?” Lady Eve inquired again.
Tu Shenyi shook his head, “I can’t figure him out either; he’s indeed a bit mysterious, but I don’t sense any malice from him. He doesn’t seem like someone who would cause trouble.”
Lady Eve narrowed her eyes, “These colossal figures at the peak of human nobility can only be avoided by us... It’s rumored that the Song family has a private army comparable to a regular military force, which isn’t something to provoke. Now there's an unknown factor added... Tu Shenyi, don’t you think it needs to be postpone?”
“The hunting days are our tradition; postponing would tarnish our honor…”
Mr. Takizawa suddenly grinned ominously, “It seems the person you encountered is the same one I met… One thing is certain, he’s not one of us, nor is he a member of our mortal enemies, the werewolf clan. Speaking of which, it’s been a long time since I drank the blood of a non-human; I wonder what it tastes like.”
Unexpectedly, Aamon, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly scoffed sarcastically, “Hmph, how amusing, a group that can barely walk under the sunlight for a few hours, only capable of hiding in corners and plotting schemes, acting like they’re so powerful… What honor? Just a bunch of sewer rats.”
Mr. Takizawa wasn’t angry; instead, he countered, “I wonder which knight is currently serving these sewer rats.”
“Elizabeth, unlike you,” Aamon glared coldly at Takizawa.
It seemed that the two were not on good terms at all, and the atmosphere between them was tense.
Seeing this, Lady Eve suddenly said, “Has anyone seen Cithacyl? The agreed time has passed; why hasn’t he gathered yet?”
Tu Shenyi replied, “He’s already here; don’t worry about him; he will show up naturally once we start.”
Mrs. Eve nodded, while Takizawa shrugged, “That guy is probably busy eyeing a new male pet. There are quite a few handsome young men today; he should find someone to his taste.”
Aamon said, “Lady Eve, Takizawa, Cithacyl, Elizabeth, and you, Tu Shenyi, we’re just missing one. That woman, is she not coming today... the woman who grants you immortality, Karen?”
Tu Shenyi calmly stated, “Whether she comes or not, it’s the same… Let’s get going.”