Chapter 2333: Chapter 2328: Checklist (15)

"Why haven’t I seen other friends?"

The habit of drinking things at night, Cardon found somewhat difficult to refute.

However, Fu Qian’s follow-up words surprised him and finally he couldn’t help expressing skepticism.

"Because they haven’t arrived yet."

And the response he received was so carefree. Fu Qian, who put down the kettle, had eyes that revealed a dreamy emptiness and openness.

"...Are you so sure he’ll come?"

"Can’t you invite someone if you’re unsure?"

This rhetorical question left Cardon silent, and Fu Qian took a sip from his cup.

Hmm... the previous judgment was correct, the taste is actually quite ordinary.

Far less appealing than the cream soup made by Lady Lucy, let alone the drink prepared for Bernard by Rosetta.

Indeed, though the friendship of gentlemen is as light as water, there should still be reciprocation even with water.

Having tasted the treasured selections of those two several times before, during this long night, one might as well express one’s sentiments.

"Do as you please, unconstrained by formality or even reality? I think I understand now."

And as Fu Qian savored his drink, Cardon, in a somewhat awkward position for a moment, did not turn to leave.

On the contrary, after some silence, he even started "assuming the role" of a person nearing death, attempting to comprehend Fu Qian’s actions.

...

Though it sounds a bit forced and deep, it actually is not at all.

After all, Fu Qian’s actions at this moment may be unexpected, but upon careful consideration, they are no different in nature from sitting alone by the window to attend a date decades late.

Worldly matters no longer hold importance; only one’s own feelings matter.

"It looks like besides the reward, you’ll gain something extra from this trip."

Facing Cardon’s interpretation, Fu Qian finally looked up at his face, smiled after a moment, and said warmly.

On the surface, this fifth item on the list is precisely what was mentioned earlier - Cardon wants to "converse with himself."

Merely reflecting internally is insufficient; he needs a more direct and intense method.

In such circumstances, why he hired an additional driver seemed to have an answer.

Cardon needs to exchange identities with someone, letting the counterpart become his "reflection," and thereby gain a special perspective for scrutiny.

Even the earlier ambivalence seemingly found a faint explanation.

Accompanying all the way is to allow the driver to understand him, feeling those peculiar words and actions.

Yet, not forcing anyone off the car and keeping silent about personal matters, seemingly contradictory, can be understood as maintaining a subtle scale.

Skilled in craft but lacking in the way; being too familiar with the role may lead to some unnecessary deliberation during enactment, whereas remaining naïve could retain genuineness amidst confusion.

"I indeed believe... but mainly I’ve come to remind you, outside is getting lively."

Locking eyes, Cardon seemed to sense understanding.

But he nodded without continuing the talk; instead, he suddenly pointed outside.

...

It’s indeed true, this place should rarely be this bustling at such a time.

Fu Qian glanced over and saw many more sources of light gathering towards this direction.

Nothing unusual, earlier, Cardon immediately lifted suppression on the surroundings, and it’s natural to have alerted some folks along the way.

The abandoned car and the deep pit would also be discovered.

In such a small place, it’s easy for people to notice that this store is still open, and to find the faces inside unfamiliar, notably with the car parked outside being an outright proof.

Cardon’s good-hearted reminder was merely about how little coffee time Fu Qian had left.

Clap!

Fu Qian reached into his waist and took out something, placing it on the counter.

The design was too exquisite to seem like a murder weapon; speaking of, it was the second time it was showcased on this counter.

And after instantly capturing Cardon’s attention, Fu Qian even operated it single-handedly, checking the loading situation.

"Even if you don’t fire, you’ll immediately attract even more severe pursuit..."

Confronted with Fu Qian’s overly proficient actions, Cardon’s expression instantly turned serious.

It’s unclear whether he regretted not swapping the prop, but obviously, he understood Fu Qian’s meaning - no matter if people come in, at most it changes theft into robbery; let them witness the power of regulated tools.

This is far more grave than simply intimidating a family, enough to lead the situation to quickly spiral out of control.

"No problem, do you think at this very moment, there is anything that could frighten me?"

However, Fu Qian responded to Cardon’s reminder with a soul-searching question.

He even smiled while staring at him, with the empty hand helping to pour another cup of coffee, pushing it towards him.

"Don’t be tense; the night is still long."

...

"Awake in the darkness where one ought to let themselves go, but instead stays lucid; such an experience initially indeed provokes agitation."

Fu Qian’s reaction seemed somewhat immersed in a Deviation from the role.

And observing him silently, Cardon’s facial expression became increasingly complex at that moment, showing signs of failing to sustain the act.

"But trust me, once you tame such agitation, you’ll develop more interesting feelings towards this concept of self."

Sadly, Fu Qian did not relent; instead, he continued his more depthful interpretation.

"So... are you saying you have those feelings?"

The atmosphere had reached the point where not speaking was no longer an option, as Cardon finally extended his hand to take the cup.

Before drinking, he stared over with a somewhat cold-toned question.

"Yes, for many years."

The smile remained undiminished; Fu Qian’s answer was straightforward and sincere.

...

Sigh—

At a certain moment, Cardon exhaled and truly poured that cup of coffee down his throat.

And it seemed that the quality of the coffee indeed had little impact, as he was clearly somewhat disinterested in taste.

Because the stolen items outside were already discovered, and even loud shoutings were heard from time to time.

This small town turned out to be rather united and cooperative, as more than one person was already alertly watching the store.

Even some figures resembling security personnel instructed others not to rush forward.

"You—"

Unfortunately, just as he approached, he stalled the moment he opened his mouth.

"Looks like the ’reflection’ phase has concluded."

It wasn’t Fu Qian raising the gun; instead, it was Cardon who put down the coffee cup opposite.

The one who had worried about the situation spiraling out of control just moments ago, now did not even glance outside before softly speaking while gazing at Fu Qian.

The reason for such words is simple; the originally Mortal "driver" already used Extraordinary Power defying their role.

Yes, people outside faced the same situation as during the excavation.

Not only did they fall silent instantly, but they even began retreating slowly, returning the way they came.

That might be the case.

As for Cardon’s comment, Fu Qian merely shook his head internally before pointing to a figure in a hidden corner outside, clad in checkered clothing.

"Keep him."

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