Chapter 519: Chapter 28 The Heart’s Location_2
The young man with brown hair assumed the posture of a teacher and said in his charming voice, “Miss Qin, the maturity of the mind does not necessarily correlate with one’s age. There are plenty of examples of taking on heavy responsibilities at a young age in ordinary families, let alone among us, the Superpower Users. Perhaps you are underestimating their abilities!”
“Indeed, a minority of young talents have adult minds even in their childhood, but such geniuses are still few and far between in the world. How could the guests filling this hall all be such geniuses?” Qin Qianbai grew increasingly displeased. “And what about the millions outside this banquet hall? Those ordinary students who seek only to find a safe haven in the chaos to survive, who don’t catch your eye, how are they to live in this world you imagine?”
“Everyone has their strengths; they will find suitable tasks and work,” Aorus said softly.
“Such wishful thinking, utter nonsense, you’ve never truly cared about the thoughts of others.”
Qin Qianbai believed she had seen through this young man and she no longer wanted to argue with him.
“Aorus Otimis, you have commented on my friends; allow me to tell you how I see you.”
She stepped back, crossed her arms behind her back, and spoke deliberately like a schoolmaster.
“Aorus comes from nobility, is well-informed and knowledgeable, a young talent. Good at understanding people, ambitious, magnanimous, cherishing talent, seemingly righteous, and generous with his wealth. Strong in power, with a widely respected reputation, meticulous in thought, wins the hearts of people, eloquent, gains the support of many—a true embodiment of a hero, indeed.
However, he observes people’s hearts without compassion, knows good actions yet does not undertake them, uses gratitude as a tool for repayment, raises the banner of righteousness for personal gain. Flatters those above and obeys them, while oppressing the weak. Such is not the way of a gentleman! His heart is cold and indifferent; his emotions are not shared. His heart may harbor no evil intent, but neither does it hold true goodwill.”
Qin Qianbai looked directly into the eyes of the young man and delivered her final judgment.
“Not a true villain, but a counterfeit gentleman!”
With that, she strode away, disappearing into the night.
Aorus stood silently, gripping the car door handle, his gaze flickered for a moment before returning to calm, still as a dead pool.
The girl was long gone, but he had no intention of turning back to his own event. Aorus silently watched ahead until a voice came from behind him.
“Tough woman to deal with, huh?” said the man. “Relax, Supreme Crown. This is your car, if you don’t want it, you can give it to this old man.”
Budman Avis appeared out of thin air, leaning his hand on the car.
Aorus slowly moved his fingers as if he was a pianist warming up, and looked at Wing of Death’s deputy, smiling as he spoke, “Good evening, Budman. Is the Earth Tunneling Skill to your liking?”
“It works, makes getting around pretty convenient. Don’t worry, I just got here! When I came, I saw her face and guessed she must have upset you.” Budman laughed crudely. “What’s the matter, Aorus? A failed date? Or did you want to try your usual tricks on her, just like the other idiots from Light Core who call you God?”
“What exactly do you mean? I am surprised to see you here… I don’t recall having issued an invitation for cooperation to Wing of Death in advance.”
Budman tugged at the corner of his mouth, understanding the subtext in the young lord’s words.
“No problem, Wing of Death will cooperate with you, and I’ll make sure the boss is happy to work with you.” He stood in front of Aorus, dramatically rubbing his fingers together. “But you know, cooperation is something where both sides have to give something up.”
“What do you want?”
“Help me sort out this case. Evidence, a scapegoat, an alibi, a set of phrases convincing enough for the boss, and a confidentiality agreement. Cooperation until your plan comes to an end.”
Aorus looked down at his watch.
“If I have to give up so much for a partnership that lasts less than two weeks, then why shouldn’t I discuss it face-to-face with John Garcia?”
Budman pressed harder, denting the roof of the car with his grip.
“What do you want?” he asked through gritted teeth.
“The scapegoat shall be chosen by me, and I think our cooperative relationship can last longer. Although we have been enemies in the past, that does not prevent us from being friends for a long time to come.”
Aorus was completely in control; he had caught the weak spot of the predator. One wrong move leads to another; the man had no way out, he couldn’t find a second person willing and able to help him other than Aorus Otimis.
“Think about it carefully, Budman,” Aorus reminded with a mocking tone. “Once you make a choice, there’s no turning back.”
Budman roared ferociously, “You trash! Fuck! Fine, I’ll do it your way, but I need you to give me a new power, not just now but in the future too. I can’t keep using this damn Earth Tunneling!”
Aorus extended his hand satisfactorily. “Perhaps you should address me differently.”
“Fuck your fake gentleness,” Budman swore. “You’re not fit to be my boss.”
Aorus couldn’t have cared less; he never minded the bothersome buzzing sounds.
“Pleasure doing business. And, you don’t need to change your power just yet.”
“Are you backing out?”
“How could I? Sometimes the truth is more convincing than a lie,” Aorus smiled faintly. “You don’t need to alter the reality… just add one little lie to it, that’s all.”
Budman gripped his hand fiercely.
A secret deal was struck. Aorus had failed to win over the daughter of the Qin family, but he would temporarily gain the support of Wing of Death. The night’s failure brought him a sense of frustration, which he would convert into motivation, a drive for action and upward momentum.