25: Chapter 25 Gemstone Testing Results

Charlie stared at the single copper coin lying in his palm, feeling a bit dazed.

To be fair, whether it was the residents of Kas Town or visiting merchant caravans, he had indeed encountered many stingy fellows.

But those people would usually make excuses or pull out a few silver coins before quickly making their exit.

Shoving a single copper coin into his hand and telling him to urge the gods to hurry up with their reward—this was a first.

How was he supposed to know when the gods would grant a reward? He had never even seen a god.

"Uh..." Charlie tried his best to keep his expression from looking too blank. "Guest from afar, you need only wait quietly. The gods' reward will arrive soon."

"Then come find me when you have definite news."

The guest snatched the copper coin back from his hand and strode away.

Charlie stared blankly at his empty palm. By the time he realized what happened and moved to stop the man, he hesitated and stayed put.

A mage badge pinned to his chest... a mage from a family, huh? Hmm... a badge I don't recognize.

Watching the figure disappear around a corner in the distance, Charlie tightened his grip on the scriptures in his right hand.

It had taken him three days to find this person in town; he wasn't willing to give up just like that, otherwise those three days would be wasted.

Standing there pondering for a moment, he whispered to himself, "I'll instruct the Mayor to arrest him. If the family behind him comes looking, I'll just silence the Mayor."

As for the possibility of the Mayor refusing his suggestion, Charlie wasn't too worried.

Compared to the town residents who could move away at any time or the mobile merchant caravans, the Mayor was tied to Kas Town.

Charlie flashed a smile. "The Church acts on the continent on behalf of the divine oracle. To defy the Church is to defy the gods."

Although Charlie had never witnessed a god, nor even seen a miracle, it didn't stop him from touting himself as a representative of the divine.

In fact, the absence of gods and miracles made representing them even more convenient.

He turned right and headed toward the Mayor's house.

...

Potter's two-story house.

After finishing lunch, Avril went downstairs, washed the noodle bucket clean, and placed it inside the wardrobe in her bedroom.

She was very fond of the exquisite portrait on the noodle bucket.

Sitting at the square table in the living room, she tied her waist-length, ice-blue hair into a high ponytail and flipped through her lecture notes, preparing for the upcoming class.

After reading for a while, Avril unconsciously thought of her junior.

An interesting and very special man.

When Potter first instructed her to substitute for the class, she had actually felt some resistance in her heart.

Influenced by years of being bothered by suitors, Avril detested those gazes that pried into her with hidden desires.

It had developed to the point where, aside from her father, her teacher, and her two royal brothers, even a glance from another man would make her feel instinctively nauseous.

Thinking about standing in front of Zhang Mu and lecturing under his gaze, her instinct at the time was to refuse.

But since it was her teacher's wish, she had no choice but to agree.

However, the way things developed was somewhat beyond her expectations.

During the three days of substituting, her junior not only didn't take the opportunity to stare at her wantonly, but he often had a blank look in his eyes, clearly spacing out.

She even had to remind him several times before he snapped back to reality.

He wasn't faking it; with Avril's powerful Mental Energy, she could sense even a glance from the corner of someone's eye.

Furthermore, every day during the lunch break, he didn't even have time to say a single word to her before rushing out, busy with heaven knows what.

"Senior."

Avril's blurred vision cleared as she looked toward the front door. Zhang Mu had returned.

"Junior, you go for a walk in town every day at noon. Are you looking for something? Do you need my help?"

"Ah?" Zhang Mu was stunned for a moment, not processing why this cold-natured senior had suddenly become so helpful.

"No, I was just... just walking around aimlessly."

His thoughts raced as he made up a random excuse. He couldn't exactly tell her the truth: 'I'm looking for a Cat Girl and want to touch her cat ears and fluffy tail,' could he?

He'd be beaten to death as a pervert!

Avril didn't press him, and the two went upstairs to begin the afternoon lesson.

After it ended, Zhang Mu headed home.

Emerging from the portal, he took a shower as usual. Just as he stepped out of the bathroom, Song Lan called.

The test results were fresh out: the gemstone was naturally formed and highly valuable.

Exactly how much it was worth would only be determined once it was made into jewelry, as it depended on the quality of the other materials used.

But Song Lan had guessed a rough figure—at least no less than 300,000.

Receiving this news, Zhang Mu felt quite happy.

He didn't have much time to fuss over making money right now; his mind was entirely on researching magic that could significantly extend one's lifespan.

Money was fine as long as it was enough.

Song Lan was still rambling on the phone, but Zhang Mu's thoughts drifted elsewhere.

He had just paid a quarter's rent two days ago. If he moved out now, the landlord definitely wouldn't refund the money, so he'd leave after staying for three months.

Even though he wasn't short of those 2,000-plus yuan now, he still wasn't willing to just give it to the landlord.

Also, didn't Senior Brother say he'd treat me to dinner? How has there been no news for three days?

Thinking of this, Zhang Mu interrupted Song Lan, brushed her off with a few words, hung up, and dialed Ye Ming's number.

...

Song Lan's jewelry store.

Behind the glass display case, Su Biqing sat on a high stool, staring expectantly at Song Lan who was on the phone.

Seeing her put down the phone, she quickly asked, "Well? How many more similar crystal gems does he have?"

"Brother Mu seemed to have something urgent; he hung up before I could ask." Song Lan tapped her phone screen. "He told me last time that he had more,"

"But he didn't specify the number. I'll ask when I have time."

Su Biqing was a bit unhappy. "It's just a matter of asking a question."

Song Lan gave a cute little eye-roll. "You're desperately short of rare crystal gems for the jewelry exhibition. Just take this one of mine and use it first."

"He's busy; it's not good to disturb him."

"Besides," Song Lan leaned against the glass counter, glancing at her with narrowed eyes, "you call him a scumbag and a player every day, and even told me to stay away from him."

"Now you're nagging me to contact Brother Mu? What for?"

As she spoke, she pulled two bank cards out of her pocket and pushed them across the glass counter toward Su Biqing. "Here, your money back."

Su Biqing's face flushed red instantly, her chest heaving with anger. "You little brat, all my pampering was for nothing!"

"Eee—" Song Lan leaned back strategically, her voice full of teasing.

"Don't make those faces, I was wrong, okay?" Su Biqing held it in for a long time, but ultimately had no rebuttal.

She admitted defeat verbally, but her heart was still a bit unconvinced.

Who could have imagined that a patient suffering from lung cancer wouldn't touch a single cent of the life-saving money delivered to his door?

At first, she had been stubborn, saying Zhang Mu must have known Song Lan sent it, used it first, and then returned money taken from somewhere else.

But when she ran to the bank to check, the two cards had no transfer records at all, which completely dazed her.

Could there really be someone in this day and age who isn't tempted by wealth?

If someone had told Su Biqing this before, she would have laughed heartlessly, but the facts before her made her unconsciously reflect on whether her usual perception of reality was too biased.

After a moment of silence, Su Biqing pinched the soft flesh of Song Lan's cheeks. "Help your Sister Biqing out, call him again and ask."

"Who asks for help like this!" Song Lan tried desperately to dodge.

"If you don't call, I'll go find him myself."

"Go ahead then. You went to block his door the other day; it's the perfect time to apologize."

"Then I'm going."

"Wait! Do you know what time it is? Go tomorrow."

Su Biqing thought about it; it was indeed quite rude to disturb someone late at night.

Besides, since she had misunderstood him and ranted at him a couple of days ago, it would be more sincere to bring a gift when she visited tomorrow.

If he doesn't accept the apology...

Heh, tomorrow I'll wear a low-cut top and a hip-hugging mini skirt. With my curves and long legs, I'll charm him to death.

Giving her brilliant plan a thumbs-up in her heart, Su Biqing picked up her bag. "Let's go, time to head home."