CH 23.5

It is only after another moment of silence that Ye Wang speaks once more, “of course, I believe in Doctor’s capabilities, that is why I wish to achieve a win-win for both of us.”

Jiang Yiyi looks at the folder once more, “I have a condition.”

Ye Wang has finally pushed the conversation to the next step. Relieved, he says, “which is?”

Lin Yi is standing behind the prison officers, with his back to Jiang Yiyi and Ye Wang. He is bored, and so he is thinking. Thinking about his mission, about Jiang Yiyi——Jiang Yiyi will not stay on the fourth floor for long. It is only a matter of time until he ends up on the fifth floor.

So, question. What should he do?

It might seem like he’s not got his priorities straight asking this, since he isn’t even sure if he’ll still be alive by then.

Still, the question has him in a stranglehold. Assuming he does finish his mission by some stroke of brilliant luck, and survive, he’ll just end up back in another Hell then.

Then, he notices two distinct gazes from his back.

He shakes his head. There can only be two who would decide to just look at him from behind——Did they mention him in their conversation?

“Are you sure?” Ye Wang can’t help but ask once more.

Jiang Yiyi can see shock and surprise, slowly devolving into an inquisitive expression one might more commonly associate with someone suspecting they are dreaming. Quite an interesting display.

“As I’ve said, I am a good person.”

Ye Wang disses in his mind that he sure does not act the part, but still cannot resist looking.

There are clear conflicts between his actions and conclusions written on Jiang Yiyi’s file. So, either the analysis was wrong, or… they have failed to gauge what Jiang Yiyi is truly trying to do this whole time.

Ye Wang thinks for a few seconds, and looks back at Lin Yi once more.

Compared to Jiang Yiyi’s pristine, almost artificial-looking file, their information on Lin Yi is much more complete, including all the true background information hidden away beneath his surface identity——The Warden has never said anything about all the people coming and going through various means, but the fact that they are allowed into Stargaol at all, means they were assessed and approved.

“Lin Yi…” Ye Wang pauses then, as he suddenly realises something – he’s been talking with Jiang Yiyi for quite a while now.

Jiang Yiyi has an excellent grasp of psychology and mental state, almost to a degree unheard of in this world——This, at least, is without question.

This means that, through their conversation, through every word he said, every change in demeanour he had, every pause, revealed information to Jiang Yiyi.

This is the reason contact was to be avoided at all costs in the file.

Ye Wang decides to heed the warning, “I think we have reached our deal, then.”

Jiang Yiyi does not know how much he has already been demonised on his official files, but if he knew, he would probably develop the requisite amount of respect and fear for this mythical figure depicted on the file too, just like Ye Wang.

He finally takes the folder out of Ye Wang’s hands, picks a random file out, and reads through casually.

“Your face changed quite drastically, didn’t it?” He asks offhandedly while browsing, “still worried about something?”

Ye Wang avoids the question, “I’ll have someone lead you to…” he appears hesitant looking towards the living area.

Jiang Yiyi’s browsing pauses as he points to one specific file, asking Ye Wang, “Ding Hetai, nickname Black Glove. Nianluo’s second-in-command?”

“As it is courtyard time right now, I will have them lead you to the courtyard.” Ye Wang has made a difficult decision——He decides to allow Jiang Yiyi to meet other prisoners directly, exposing all of them to immediate danger.

“This guy… is special too?” Jiang Yiyi shakes the paper for attention.

“Nianluo is a rather complicated beast.” Unable to leave the question behind, Ye Wang has to face it, “it is powerful, and entrenched in many areas. It has ties with many members of parliament…”

Jiang Yiyi interrupts him, “so, he must not die?”

“He must not.” Ye Wang’s tone is firm, “he took the fall for Nianluo’s Captain. He is also a monumental figure of the organisation. If he died, Nianluo will be out for blood.”

“Stargaol would be worried about Nianluo’s revenge?”

“Certainly not.” Ye Wang sounds immensely justified and dismissive, “Nianluo? Who are they to even make Stargaol lift a finger.”

Jiang Yiyi shakes the paper in his hand once more.

“This is not Stargaol’s decision. It was handed down from the top of the Federation.”

“I thought Stargaol was independent?”

“That’s why, there were compromises.” Ye Wang points to the folder in Jiang Yiyi’s hand, “all products of compromises.”

“I see.” Jiang Yiyi puts the piece of paper back in the folder, “worry not. I keep my deals.”

The extra reassurance only ends up generating more worry.

Ye Wang’s gaze lingers on Lin Yi for a few more seconds, before he speaks up again, “I wish that, during the Doctor’s stay here, they will be safe and sound.”

“I can only promise, that I will not attempt to contact them, or do anything to them.” If they attempt to contact him, though, that’s another story.

So Jiang Yiyi offers a friendly advice, “I suggest you gently suggest to them to keep their distance from me.”

Ye Wang is feeling uncomfortable once more.

Jiang Yiyi is really quite the slippery eel. He cannot be swayed, manipulated or controlled. Even if they have reached a deal, he feels no reassurance at all.

The third floor was correct. Isolating Jiang Yiyi from everything in the very beginning is the way to avoid all trouble.

But he cannot do so.

For under him, is the last floors of Stargaol.

The fourth floor is the final line of defence.

The existence of Extraordinaries are kept secret, but it is only an open secret to those in the know.

Extraordinaries may be insane, but they are also geniuses. They are the next step in human evolution. They hold the keys to more power.

Everyone will be moved by their existence – more than one have actually tried to capitalise on that.

Stargaol stands there, silently keeping an eye on all the people trying to penetrate and find out more about Extraordinaries. None shall pass.

The drama that has ensued therein has produced countless stories that will take days to be told.

Time may pass, but Stargaol has been standing tall for over a century – never has, nor ever shall it fall.