Chapter 123: You Didn’t Steal the Dragon, Did You? [Please Vote Again]

After opening the Death Tomb, Han Shuo and Emily went their separate ways. Emily’s superiors still had ongoing assignments, so she couldn’t stay by Han Shuo’s side indefinitely.

It had been a long time since Han Shuo last returned to the Babylon Magical Martial Academy. He found himself missing Fanny somewhat. But with everything that had happened concerning Emily, Han Shuo felt uncertain about how to face Fanny. After a moment of hesitation, he decided not to return to the academy immediately. Instead, he headed toward the Buster Trading Company.

Han Shuo had asked Phoebe to help gather the materials needed to forge the Earth Armor Corpse. Now that considerable time had passed, it was appropriate to check if she had succeeded. Moreover, some treasures taken from the Sacred Grounds of the Forest Trolls stored in his spatial ring also required Phoebe’s assistance to handle. Along with the need to arrange winter provisions for the Forest Trolls and the dwarves, a visit to Buster Trading Company was essential.

Following the Grover incident, Phoebe had taken control of the Buster Trading Company’s operations. After several visits, everyone there was familiar with Han Shuo.

This time, when Han Shuo arrived at the door, the guards let him in without notifying anyone. As he walked toward the parlor, he suddenly overheard Fubin angrily scolding someone in a room: “Your father paid gold coins to get you in here. You must work hard, or even with my position at the trading company, I won’t be able to protect you.”

“I understand, uncle,” replied a familiar, obedient voice.

The moment he heard that voice, Han Shuo quickened his pace with delight. Without knocking, he pushed open the door, startling Fubin, who exclaimed, “Who dares barge into my place!”

“It’s me, Mr. Fubin,” Han Shuo chuckled and strode inside.

Upon hearing Han Shuo’s voice, Fubin relaxed, smiling warmly as he emerged from the inner room. “So it’s you. Haha, are you here to see Miss Phoebe again?”

Another plump figure hurried out from the inner room as well. Upon seeing Han Shuo, he called out joyfully, “Brian, is that really you? How come you’re at Buster Trading Company? Haha, could it be you’re working here too? Looks like we’re colleagues again!”

The little chubby fellow named Jack had grown taller but seemed to have gained even more weight. His heavy footsteps thudded loudly as he rushed out.

“Long time no see, Jack. What are you doing at Buster Trading Company?” Han Shuo was genuinely pleased to meet him. Jack was the closest friend Han Shuo had made when he first arrived at the Babylon Magical Martial Academy. After giving him some money last time, Han Shuo thought he might never see him again, but now, surprisingly, they met once more.

“You two know each other?” Fubin looked surprised, glancing first at Jack and then at Han Shuo.

Han Shuo nodded, smiling as he explained, “Back at the academy, Jack and I did menial work together. Haha, not only do we know each other, but we’re quite close.”

“Yes, uncle, Brian’s amazing. Who would have thought I’d run into him here,” Jack said happily.

“Mr. Fubin, I’d like to catch up with my cousin first, then I’ll see Miss Phoebe. Could you let her know?” Han Shuo smiled at Fubin.

Han Shuo owed both Fubin and Phoebe a great debt of gratitude. Moreover, their business dealings had been substantial, so Fubin regarded Han Shuo as a benefactor. Hearing this, he readily agreed and winked at Jack, as if hinting something.

Unfortunately, Jack, excited as he was, missed his uncle’s signal, though the now more mature and perceptive Han Shuo caught it clearly and chuckled inwardly.

After Fubin left, Han Shuo quickly asked Jack, “How did you end up at Buster Trading Company?”

“After you gave me some gold coins last time, I left the academy. Back home, I didn’t know what to do, so I helped my father slaughter cattle and sheep. Seeing how hard life was, I secretly took one coin you gave me and exchanged it for small change to give to my father. Eventually, he found out my secret, but I told him I found a sack of gold coins on the road.

My father thought I couldn’t be a butcher forever, so he took half the coins and approached my uncle, Fubin, to arrange for me to learn bookkeeping from a gentleman at Buster Trading Company. That’s how it happened. By the way, how did you come to the trading company? I noticed my uncle respects you a lot. What’s that about?” Jack asked curiously.

Han Shuo casually deflected the question and chatted with Jack about old times. From Jack’s expression and tone, Han Shuo sensed he was happy to work at Buster Trading Company and decided to help him by asking Phoebe to put in a good word. Surely, Phoebe would owe him a favor for this.

It was no wonder Jack was content here. At the academy, as a menial worker, he toiled day and night and was often bullied by other junior workers. Life was tough. Now, under Fubin’s protective wing, no one dared mistreat him. Compared to the hardships of his former duties, learning here was much easier and more enjoyable, explaining Jack’s fondness for the place.

They talked for quite a while until Fubin came to urge Han Shuo, saying Miss Phoebe was waiting. Han Shuo patted Jack on the shoulder and smiled, “I’ll head off now. Since you’re at Buster Trading Company, we’ll have plenty of chances to meet.”

“Alright, go take care of your business. If you have time, remember to visit often. I don’t have many friends here, even though life’s decent,” Jack said.

“Sure, I will,” Han Shuo replied.

After leaving Fubin’s room, Han Shuo’s keen ears caught Fubin’s conversation with Jack. Fubin was advising Jack to get along well with Han Shuo, calling him a benefactor.

Phoebe remained as stunning as ever, dressed in a tailored dark blue gown that accentuated her tall, slender figure and graceful aura. A faint blush touched her flawless cheeks, her bright eyes and pearly teeth set on a face as delicate as a masterpiece, perfect and flawless.

“You’ve been gone almost a month. What do you plan to discuss this time?” Phoebe said lightly, sipping a fragrant cup of tea as the maids had already left.

“It’s only been a month, yet Miss Phoebe seems even more beautiful,” Han Shuo said sincerely. Phoebe rarely bothered with makeup before, but now she seemed subtly adorned, enhancing her beauty.

At this, Phoebe’s eyes brightened, a rosy flush spreading across her cheeks. She smiled softly and teased, “A month away, and you’ve grown even more slick with your words.”

Han Shuo laughed heartily and stepped before her. Taking the teapot and cup, he poured himself some tea. After a sip, he said, “Before we get to business, I hope you’ll do me a favor and look after my friend a bit.”

Phoebe was not surprised. She tapped her delicate chin twice and said in a clear voice, “I just heard from Fubin. I didn’t expect that chubby fellow to be your friend. He’s such a straightforward person—how did you two become friends?”

Han Shuo chuckled and scratched his head. “How can you say that? Am I not straightforward?”

“Hmph! If you count as straightforward, then no one in the world is unruly. I remember all the mischief you’ve done to me. And you still claim to be straightforward?” Phoebe rolled her eyes, glaring at him playfully.

Han Shuo took a big sip of tea to cover his embarrassment and said sheepishly, “Let’s forget the past. You still haven’t agreed to look out for Jack.”

“No problem. I’ll take good care of him. That’s an easy favor. But there’s a bit of a complication with the other matter,” Phoebe said with a hint of seriousness.

Han Shuo was taken aback. “What kind of complication?”

“It’s about the materials you asked me to procure,” Phoebe said thoughtfully.

Han Shuo’s determination to forge the Earth Armor Corpse was absolute. Hearing Phoebe mention trouble, he grew anxious. “What trouble? Is the trading company unable to find the materials?”

Phoebe shook her head, her brows furrowed as she sighed softly. “With Buster Trading Company’s capabilities, anything that truly exists in the world can be obtained if the price is right. I initially thought the materials wouldn’t cost much, but after detailed inquiry, I found that these obscure items are all very expensive.

After verification and calculation, the total cost is at least 30,000 gold coins. Although I’m the head of the company now, having just assumed the presidency, such a large transaction can’t be concealed. Every deal leaves a record.”

Han Shuo had been worried when she mentioned trouble, but now realizing it was a matter of cost, he relaxed. Though he might lack some resources, his gold reserves were abundant—too much to withdraw all at once. Hearing this, he smiled.

“Why are you laughing? I know you have some savings, but 30,000 gold coins is no small sum. I can privately contribute 10,000, but that’s all I can access before I’m twenty-five, due to my father’s savings. You’re still smiling? I’m trying to discuss serious matters!” Phoebe frowned, concerned for Han Shuo, but he smiled carefreely, which annoyed her.

“By the way, how old are you now?” Han Shuo suddenly asked.

Phoebe blushed, seeming shy. After a moment’s hesitation, she glanced at him and said, “Twenty-three. How about you?”

“Seventeen,” Han Shuo replied.

Phoebe’s face turned pale in alarm. “Are you joking? Do you talk and act like a seventeen-year-old?”

Han Shuo suddenly remembered that when he possessed Brian’s body, he was already twenty-four. Brian’s originally slight frame had matured into a full adult physique through magical cultivation, and combined with his experience and demeanor, he no longer appeared seventeen.

After a moment of stunned silence, Han Shuo laughed, “I was joking. I’m twenty-four.”

Phoebe visibly relaxed, then smiled wryly. “Don’t get any ideas. I won’t be twenty-five for another two years. I doubt you’ll wait that long. We’ll have to find another way.”

Still smiling, she blew gently on the spatial ring and wiped its surface. One treasure after another—golden coins, exquisite jewels, precious stones—emerged and piled up before her. The grand hall was suddenly filled with dazzling brilliance, the radiant light illuminating the space with opulent splendor.

“Is this enough?” Han Shuo asked with a smile, watching Phoebe’s stunned expression.

These treasures were spoils accumulated by the Forest Trolls over many years. Seeing them laid out from the spatial ring was undoubtedly a shock to Phoebe.

“Blue Heart of the Ocean, Bocheng Jade, Moudani Necklace, King Fenrir’s Crown…” Phoebe whispered the names of the magical artifacts, her exquisite face filled with awe as her slender fingers gently stirred the treasures.

After several deep breaths, Phoebe fixed her gaze on Han Shuo and inquired, “Many missing treasures are here. You didn’t steal them from a dragon, did you?”

Han Shuo smiled softly and shook his head. “Don’t ask how I got them. Just tell me if these are enough to exchange for the materials I need.”

“Uh… it’s hard to appraise their exact value now, but I believe these treasures are worth well over 30,000 gold coins,” Phoebe replied, her bright eyes locked on Han Shuo.

Han Shuo nodded readily. “Good. These flashy things hold no real value for me. Pack them up and give me a price. I want those materials I mentioned earlier and also hope you can help me acquire a larger-capacity spatial ring—I need to carry away the food supplies from before.”

“With so many treasures, aren’t you afraid I’ll give you an unfair price?” Phoebe looked at him for a moment, then smiled faintly, asking.

“I trust you,” Han Shuo answered with a smile. “I’ll come back in a few days. Hopefully, you’ll have what I need ready by then.”

“Have some food before you go,” Phoebe nodded. Just as she was about to leave after Han Shuo left his treasures behind, she hesitated and softly spoke a sentence.

Han Shuo found it a bit puzzling but, given Phoebe’s considerable help, he agreed readily. Though he had many other matters to attend to, taking time for a meal was not long.

They chose to dine at the rockery where Phoebe and Han Shuo had squeezed in together last time. The place had been refurbished, surrounded by various rare flowers and plants. Lush vines and branches entwined the rockery’s pavilion and stone pillars, giving it an elegant charm.

As the servants arranged dishes and wine on the pavilion’s tables and chairs, Han Shuo felt uneasy, his gaze frequently drifting toward the narrow crevice in the rockery where he and Phoebe had previously been together. Memories of that moment kept surfacing.

Phoebe seemed completely at ease, as if she paid no mind to that spot. She waved the maids and guards away and warmly encouraged Han Shuo to eat and drink. Her change in demeanor left Han Shuo feeling somewhat awkward.

Though Han Shuo’s magical cultivation prevented intoxication, after tasting the sweetness of a woman’s company, he found himself involuntarily recalling the last time he had violated Phoebe. His once straightforward gaze toward her now held a touch of something else.

Phoebe noticed this change. Whether from the sweet wine or her own emotions, her cheeks flushed a deeper, more radiant red. The cold facade melted away, revealing a charm that made Han Shuo’s heart race and his thoughts spiral into disarray.