After dinner, Li Xin returned to the inn. The folks at the Canon Law School were still training hard; Li Xin needed to revise his manuscript since something had to be submitted by Friday.

As he got off the carriage, he heard the noise. Lirong Inn's current flow of guests was stable. Primarily, Simmons' presence made the gangsters retreat. If it were just a coincidence, they wouldn't care, but with Simmons appearing time and again, and the young lady of the George Family arriving as well, even if Black and White Association's brains were shot by a Hex Gun, they'd know to stay clear. It's said that the small leader even apologized to the Dragon Mother and paid her money, unknowingly giving her an advantage over Master Simmons. Once the wings of the eagle spread, they truly can protect a lot of people.

"Master Xin has returned."

"Hello, Master Xin."

Everyone greeted him enthusiastically. Li Xin upgraded from Little Li or Ah Xin to Master Xin. Everyone had heard that Lirong Inn now had a true young master, believed to be a noble from Dragon Capital out for experience.

Li Xin greeted everyone. At the door, the Magician was enthusiastically showcasing his skills, while the Painter was sketching portraits for women. Judging by her attire, she seemed to come from a wealthy merchant family, with fair skin and a voluptuous figure, much like Haldan's women. Wearing exquisite pearl earrings, she added a touch of brilliance, laughing heartily with Dalivin, her laughter punctuated with giggles, revealing her charm. Apparently, being an artist had its perks.

Old Fang was also at the entrance with his stall, doing good business. Ever since Lirong Inn became popular, everyone's business improved, and his face had more smiles. Unfortunately, David hadn't returned yet, otherwise, it would be even livelier.

Before Dragon Mother approached him, Li Xin quickly slipped away, sensing that her energy was too strong. If it didn't work out, he'd agree to Ma Liu, who was utterly devoted to her.

At home, he set his bag aside, opened a cup, and the aroma of coffee wafted out. Celestia had brewed it for him before leaving, something that didn't cost money or require risking life was indeed good, seemingly bringing joy to Celestia.

Adjusting the typewriter, Li Xin began earning his living—no, rightfully bringing joy to the people of Dao Yuan. If it became popular, it might spread elsewhere. Perhaps Aunt Fei and Sister Kathy could see it too.

Thinking about this, writing didn't feel so burdensome anymore. Excitedly, he began tapping away. Immersed in the world of Utopia Mountain, everything around seemed to disappear, and time flew. Engrossed in writing, Li Xin couldn't help but sway, shaking his head proudly. Emotions can resonate; his Donald was truly a master of secrecy.

After who knows how long, he finally finished a section. Li Xin stretched lazily; the coffee in the cup was gone. Drinking it so late really kept him awake, with no sleep in sight. Organizing the typewriter, he also arranged the manuscript.

Opening the window, fresh air rushed in. The clouds had gathered in the sky. Despite his short time in Haldan, he found its weather predictable, with frequent heavy rains that came and went swiftly. Judging by the looks, a torrential rain was on the way, so Li Xin brought in the drying clothes. Though Aunt Fei wasn't around, doing laundry here was truly convenient. The city itself was clean; after sweating, just wash with water, and there's soap-like stuff, though Li Xin wasn't sure what it was made of. Regardless, its cleaning effect sufficed here, drying within a daytime in the sun.

Unable to sleep, Li Xin planned to take a stroll. Suddenly, he felt the dice start to shake. Someone was summoning him from the Round Table Conference. Judging from the rhythm, it should be Miss Aries. Li Xin had to respond immediately to her call, considering her appeal both in wealth and appearance.

But the familiar, impatient tapping at the window interrupted. Li Xin had to temporarily ditch entering the Round Table Conference. Opening the window, he unsurprisingly saw the feather-plucking owl. Maybe aware of the incoming storm, it dropped a letter and flapped its wings to fly off.

Li Xin opened the letter, which read, "Blue Bird Bar."

Li Xin changed into clean clothes, took an umbrella, and headed out. At the street corner, carriages often passed by. Luckily, as soon as he reached the corner, a carriage approached. Though not open-top, being in a rush, he couldn't fuss over the fare difference.

Clip-clopping along, Li Xin's emotions somewhat calmed. Though the same old place, it didn't mean the same old business. Honestly, the process was quite enjoyable. The sky had more clouds gathering, pressure was low, the streets were empty, and doors and windows were shut. Rainy days added a different atmosphere to many things.

Arriving at Blue Bird Bar, people gathered in twos and threes, sipping drinks and chatting. Li Xin quickly found Christie in a perfect booth by the window. She wore a simple, sexy, low-cut gown—typical due to Haldan's climate. Such attire was lethal for women with good figures. Seeing the scattered crumbs and lingering alcohol smell on the floor, it seemed there had been some conflict.

Li Xin sat down, Christie glanced at him, "Took you long enough, brother. Your sister almost had someone take advantage of her."

"Sister, who was unlucky enough to be your punching bag?"

Ordinary folks aside, Night Patrol members weren't saints, let alone Christie.

"No sense of care and appreciation," Christie waved, and a waiter quickly jogged over, "Get a bottle of 20-year-old Golden Rush."

"Yes, Miss, please wait a moment." The waiter bowed respectfully; this young lady had demonstrated what it meant to look deceivingly harmless. With a leg sweep, she had two burly men unable to stand.

Suddenly, a flash of lightning illuminated the night sky, the magnitude of it clearly visible to Li Xin, who could see the stunning process of it spreading.

Rumble…

After two streaks of lightning, roaring thunder followed, and then torrential rain poured down as if it were being dumped. I wonder how Christie is doing. In the days at Hedan, Li Xin felt particularly relaxed. Whether in a past life or this life, Hedan was a beautiful city he could never reach before, and of course, people were a factor too.

"Dragon Capital also has a rainy season, but it's rarely this satisfying," Christie said.

The wine arrived, and the waiter glanced at Li Xin, then at Christie, with a look filled with puzzlement. Li Xin was certainly not ugly, but in a place like Hedan where handsome men were everywhere, to say he was outstanding wouldn't be very realistic. But soon the waiter's eyes flashed with realization, his eyes lit up—such a beautiful woman and such good wine, this brother must be someone remarkable.

The Golden Torrent was the most expensive and best wine in the shop, and this 20-year-old bottle was particularly valuable. Wines over 15 years old aren't found in the regular market; you need certain channels to acquire them. The bottle was crafted from costly crystal, with a golden leaf emblem at the neck—whether it's real gold or gold-plated is unknown. Inside the bottle, a pale golden liquid flowed, looking particularly enchanting under the light, very white.

Christie expertly opened it and poured Li Xin a glass. Li Xin took the bottle and poured Christie a glass, frowning slightly, "Injured?"

Christie's eyes also flashed with surprise, "Are the standards of the Black Rose really this high now?"

"I'm rather special," Li Xin said, "Who would dare to take on the Night Patrol? Do you need my help? I'm actually quite capable."

"Little brother, you talk big," Christie said, twirling her glass, gazing at Li Xin with a half-smile.

Since that passionate day, Christie had stopped teasing in the office, deliberately keeping her distance, but today she returned to her old self.

"Am I small? You still don't know?" Li Xin raised his glass, and Christie gave a charming smile, lightly clinking glasses, the smile at the corner of her mouth widening.

Li Xin took just a sip. Indeed it was richer in taste, stronger, with a unique aroma—a sip of this might cost half a month's salary. Meanwhile, Christie downed her glass in one go, looking at Li Xin disdainfully, "Breeding whales?"

Li Xin laughed, finished his drink, and filled their glasses. It seemed Christie was encountering some problem; he didn't ask, waiting for her to speak herself. A woman looking for a man like this definitely had something to vent about.

"The Inner Demon struck again," Christie said, "Our people encountered it."

"Really? To dare commit a crime at this moment, was it captured?" Li Xin knew that Anthony and the others burned earlier were not the main culprit.

"Five dead, one severely wounded. The severely wounded companion didn't hold on until we arrived. We've suffered heavy losses this time, yet it still slipped away," Christie said blandly, another roar outside as the pouring rain continued incessantly.

"Are you alright?" Li Xin could feel a slight tremble in Christie's hand. This was probably a significant blow to the Night Patrol in Hedan. They had already laid a trap for the real culprit; apparently, they'd been investigating for quite some time, not just now getting interested.

"I'm fine," Christie smiled, "Why are you concerned about me?"

"Is it alright?" Li Xin didn't avoid Christie's gaze.

"Kid, don't read into it. It's just because you're pleasant to the eye and quite carefree, so don't be so fussy," Christie shifted her gaze to her glass, drank another glass, and smiled, "We Night Patrol folks live day by day and don't need any romance."

Li Xin could sense Christie's struggle, followed by drinking a glass and then filling both empty glasses. With this strong liquor, just three parts were enough, but Christie drank it purely to vent, "I feel like I'm not really a Night Patrol member, even though the salary's not much, what's in hand does feel a bit like hot potatoes."

"I get the feeling that your main issue is not hot potatoes but that they're too few," Christie teased.

"Haha, you saw right through me. How can a man be without money? Otherwise, I'd be torn about whether to pay for the bill handsomely in a while, worried I'd exceed my wallet's limit," Li Xin spread his hands.

Christie couldn't help but laugh, "You're quite straightforward. No need for you to pay, and even if you weren't a Night Patrol, you'd be rich."

Li Xin shook his head, "But what can I do, I'm already a Night Patrol, and I don't plan to leave."

Christie glanced at the pouring rain outside the window, "Your file says you're highly talented in investigation, but are you sure you want to be involved in this case? You should know, once you're involved, you can't quit."

Li Xin picked up the glass, clinked it with Christie's, looked at the enchanting beauty, and saw she indeed had a vulnerable side, "Haven't I already gotten involved?"

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