After using the dice for the first time, Li Xin still managed to sleep soundly and woke up the next morning. For breakfast, he bought black bread with sweet beef soup sprinkled with a bit of pepper at the door. He was gradually getting used to the mixed flavors.

The breakfast stand at the Lirong Inn was reasonably priced; it only cost five hela to fill up. The fortune teller Old Fang woke up very early, while the painter and the magician were known for sleeping in. However, David got up early this morning.

"David, up so early, got a mission?" Old Fang chuckled.

"Haha, yes, I've been wandering for so long, it's time to go make some money and support myself." David replied, "Do you need me to help with your business?"

"What business? We're all friends here; I'll give you a free reading." Old Fang said as he pulled a set of tools from his bag — a compass covered in runes and a crystal ball. Judging from what's inside, it seemed pretty substantial, but free readings couldn't be too intensive. People here appreciated sincerity.

"What do you want to ask?"

Seeing Old Fang so earnest, David sat over. "Of course about safety. When you're in this line, staying alive is the priority."

"Alright, put your hand on this crystal ball and think about your mission." Old Fang chuckled, muttering incantations as he clutched the compass.

David didn't mind and did as Old Fang instructed. Surprisingly, the crystal ball began to glow, proving once again that some streetwise tricks were necessary in the field. The glow of the crystal ball triggered the runes on the compass to move, like worms wriggling back and forth. Initially unconcerned, Old Fang's expression gradually turned serious. The runes soon stopped, and the light dimmed.

"David, is this trip essential?" Old Fang asked, a bit worried, looking suddenly older, his eyes filled with concern.

David laughed heartily, "What's with the face, Old Fang? Just tell me if you found something."

Old Fang stroked his beard, "Well, I can't reveal too much, but it seems you will face a calamity on your journey. Fortunately, you've met me, and that's your blessing. I have a family talisman, passed down from my grandfather's grandfather, with immense power to turn mishaps into blessings."

David's eyes widened. From his grandfather's grandfather? That's some antique, it must be powerful. "How much? I'll buy it!"

"We're like family; talking about money hurts feelings. This is seeking divine protection, not a transaction." Old Fang squinted his eyes and raised two fingers.

"Two hela?" David reached for change in his pocket.

"Nonsense! Is my grandfather's grandfather worth just two hela? It's two silver lira! Do you think I'm a street performer?" Old Fang's eyes widened in anger, his mustache twitching.

"Wow, that's steep. Such an old talisman might not even work," David waved his hand dismissively. "At that price, I think I can risk my life."

"Money over life, who's doing business like this? For the sake of you buying me drinks, here's the deal: you take it first, pay me later when you return." Old Fang said, shoving a yellow pouch into David's hand. "Keep it on you; it will activate when needed. Don't fiddle with it, or you'll have to pay for damages. And remember, I'm not a street performer. Kan and Dalivin are!"

David picked up the earthy yellow bag, finding a talisman inside. Selling these was Old Fang's livelihood; he scared people, then solved their problems. It was perplexing why so many fell for it. Two silver lira was indeed pricey, but paying afterward seemed fair.

"Alright, if it works, I'll pay you double. I should earn quite a bit from this trip." David said as he tucked it into his pocket, used to spending money on safeguarding his neck as someone in the adventurous trade.

"Cough, cover my breakfast bill, will you?" Old Fang said as he wiped his mouth and leisurely picked up his sign. He was off to set up his stall in the market. Being late meant others might take his spot. Those Hedan people had no respect for territories that had been occupied for years. One day, when he had the money, he'd open his shop and wouldn't have to compete with these uncouth fellows anymore.

David chuckled. At Lirong Inn, David was the most popular and well-connected. Whenever anyone needed help or money urgently, they turned to David. Although rarely any trouble arose there, it was usually because of him too. People often said the inn wouldn't last without David. Sadly, David never agreed to Dragon Mother's proposal. Otherwise, he might have become the boss long ago, perhaps even giving everyone a discount on rent. People tried their best to match him with Dragon Mother for that reason.

Meanwhile, Li Xin discreetly used the dice again. Though it didn't relate to him much, it was worth a try. The dice rolled; judging by its rhythm and frequency, a valid prediction seemed possible. If it wasn't, it would tumble unpredictably.

David's trip scored three points.

This suggested Old Fang's reading was accurate — very dangerous, but not hopeless...

"Brother David, Old Fang seemed very serious earlier. You should be careful on this trip."

"Haha, alright, drinks on me when I return!" David replied, knowing that as a mercenary, risks were just part of life. Sooner or later, death came for everyone. Naturally, he hoped to enjoy life a bit longer, given how much he relished his current lifestyle.

David set off as Li Xin waited for a carriage at the entrance. The carriage count was low here. Eventually, along came an open-top cart. The horse was thin, and soon after getting on, Li Xin regretted it; it wasn't much faster than walking.

He ended up giving the coachman half the fare and walked the rest of the way himself. By the time he reached the Hex Bird Report Fifth Branch, it was nearly noon. Entering the editorial office, he found everyone standing as Editor Ma Zhe furiously reprimanded them. The report from Christie presented a deficit for last month.

Having worked hard for a month, losing money was unacceptable. With the branch having so much staff and high taxes, any dip in sales cut into the thin profits due to high expenses. Although the company had significant overhead, where all the money went remained unclear. Christie could be seen daily donning a different set of glamorous dresses and diamond jewelry. Nonetheless, everyone had to listen when the boss was angry.

"Editor, calm down; everyone's working hard, and the competition is fierce. Besides Hex Bird Report, several new papers have emerged in Hedan. We need to boost our competitiveness; otherwise, we'll be resting on our laurels." Christie said charmingly. "Colleagues, the chief has a point. Times are changing, and while we had no competition before and did well, there are many papers now. If we maintain the previous quality, we'll all lose our jobs."

"If sales don't improve, layoffs will be next." Ma Zhe said gravely. "I don't care how you do it, but I need big news!"

Li Xin stood quietly in a corner, hearing talks of layoffs and downsizing. It felt eerie, and he hadn't even collected his month's pay yet.

The staff returned to their workstations, busying themselves. Ma Zhe, his face ashen, returned to his office. Since last year, profits had been gradually declining, with variances month to month but never deficits before. Nobody could accept losses.

Christie noticed Li Xin. Seemingly fond of his youthful energy, she waved him over, "Looking for the chief?"

"Sister, is this an inappropriate time? Should I come back in the afternoon?"

"No worries, our chief is just straightforward. Let's have coffee first, and we'll go in once he calms down. Follow me." Christie led Li Xin into a small nearby office. Her secretary's room had piles of newspapers, documents, professional coffee makers, teas, all sorts of things, and even a telegram machine.

"How did you find Saint Grace Canon Law School?" Christie asked while making coffee. Today she wore a loose white robe in Moncalleta's traditional style, with a wide neckline that revealed provocative glimpses, making it hard to concentrate at work. No wonder the paper ran into losses.

"I didn't get to delve in deeply, but the ambiance seemed nice." Li Xin sat up straight.

Christie smiled and casually swayed, causing unintended glimpses of allure. Li Xin recognized a master at play; the oblivious fell into her trap, and knowledgeable ones struggled to resist. But why show him such interest?

"Looks nice, doesn't it?" Christie's coffee aroma filled the air, and she unexpectedly asked.

Li Xin chuckled, "If I didn't know better, I'd think you had a thing for me, even though you like charismatic, strong men."

Amused, Christie found Li Xin neither shy nor hesitant, speaking candidly. "If your file didn't say eighteen, and you didn't look your age, I'd think I was chatting with a seasoned thirty-eight-year-old."

Li Xin rubbed his nose, "I just try to be sincere."

"How sincere?" Christie moved the coffee closer to Li Xin, taking the opportunity to lean in, bringing them very near. Li Xin could smell the faint fragrance on Christie, and the depth in her eyes made his heart race.

With a gulp, Christie straightened, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Men here are all the same, belittling yet desiring me but forced to smile at me. Which one are you?"

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