Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1229 - 543: Pride vs. Pride
Previously on Online: I Can See Health Bars...
Night flew by swiftly.
The following morning, Fang Yu set out together with Ding Hui.
Unexpectedly, Ding Hui's initial destination was a money exchange establishment.
"Manager Huang."
Ding Hui greeted with a grin.
Upon spotting Ding Hui, the shopkeeper named Huang widened his eyes in shock.
"Ding! Ding..."
He looked around cautiously, then whispered, "Divine Doctor Ding, what brings you to Thunder City?"
As he spoke, his eyes flicked toward Fang Yu standing nearby.
[Huang Yousheng: 16/16.]
Fang Yu wasn't being picky, but anyone below a hundred health points barely registered for him anymore.
Thus, this Manager Huang came across as nothing more than a typical merchant.
Yet, given Ding Hui's regard for him, he was likely no insignificant player.
Fang Yu offered a smile and a nod in greeting.
Ding Hui lowered his voice too and replied.
"Manager Huang, your information network must be lagging. Lately, demons have ravaged the outside world. I fled here to seek refuge."
Manager Huang knitted his brows.
Since Blue Blood Disease struck Thunder City, endless issues had piled up, and at his position, gathering intel had grown increasingly tough.
He waved to a clerk and motioned for them to enter.
"Divine Doctor Ding, let's discuss this indoors?"
Ding Hui checked with Fang Yu, then both trailed Manager Huang into the back courtyard.
Tea was prepared, and once seated, Manager Huang inquired, "Divine Doctor Ding, last news I had was you basing yourself in Tianyuan Town. Then reports of turmoil there surfaced; I even considered dispatching men to check on you."
These were mere courtesies. Ding Hui just avoided chit-chat, but he grasped the nuances well enough.
"Manager Huang, your concern is appreciated, yet Tianyuan Town now swarms with demons. Even a larger rescue team from you wouldn't make it back alive."
"What?!"
Manager Huang jolted in alarm, leaping to his feet.
"Tianyuan Town overrun by demons? This... this..."
Manager Huang paced restlessly, as Ding Hui coolly signaled Fang Yu to take a seat and poured him some tea.
"Ear-Nourishing Tea, refreshes the ears and sharpens the mind. A single pack outside fetches no less than this."
Ding Hui raised five fingers.
Fang Yu paused, "500 taels?"
"..."
Ding Hui gave an eye roll and murmured, "50 taels."
Can't you follow the cue? Did you seriously think I was quoting the tea's price?
Ding Hui abruptly wished he hadn't taken Fang Yu along.
Luckily, Manager Huang, a worldly veteran, acted oblivious, snapped out of it, stopped pacing, and spoke sincerely.
"Divine Doctor Ding, Tianyuan Town's dire state means the Da Xia Dynasty can't ignore it. Thunder City might soon plunge into fresh upheaval."
Ding Hui laughed lightly, "Tianyuan Town's position is isolated and distant; it won't impact Thunder City."
"Can't dismiss it like that. Trade links everything; early word lets you seize chances first. Divine Doctor Ding, I'm grateful for this tip. Whatever you require, just say it. Beyond our history, today's info alone demands I host you fittingly."
True mark of a pro.
Hanging around Fang Yu had rubbed off some odd phrases on Ding Hui.
Unlike the utterly clueless companion beside him, Manager Huang shone as a polished performer.
Capitalizing on the flow, Ding Hui rose.
"Perfect timing, Manager Huang. I actually need your aid probing certain issues right now."
Right on course.
Manager Huang beamed, "Go ahead, Divine Doctor Ding."
"Here's the deal: demons have wrecked Tianyuan Town, halting my ongoing work, so I'm aiming to base myself here temporarily in Thunder City and hunt for research materials... You know my studies demand unique items. Any lingering contacts on your end, Manager Huang?" Ding Hui elaborated calmly.
Manager Huang gradually creased his forehead.
A hefty request straight away.
He wavered, "Divine Doctor Ding, living or dead? Large items or small?"
Strict underworld lingo, lost on Fang Yu. Ding Hui answered offhandedly, "Alive ones, of course—small sizes to start. That said... inform me if big ones are available in Thunder City."
"Of course, of course..." Manager Huang exhaled in relief.
Big goods mean demons.
Small goods mean humans.
Straightforward underworld slang.
Ding Hui once tested on captives from Foolish Underworld prison. But since Fang Yu joined, his experiments shifted, reducing the need for live people.
Naturally, Ding Hui's current pursuit goes beyond mere live humans—it's slaves.
Manager Huang continued.
"Divine Doctor Ding, Thunder City's info lockdown lately has made sourcing tricky. Still, I've got channels: head to Tianyuan Gate Square, seek Iron Scab, drop my name, and he'll guide you to the market."
Ding Hui's eyes flickered at this, staying quiet.
Fang Yu lit up with excitement immediately.
At last, a lead—great tidings!
Fang Yu eyed Ding Hui, who returned a smile now.
"Then I'll heed your suggestion, Manager Huang, go to Tianyuan Gate Square, and return here later to express thanks properly."
"Hahaha! Divine Doctor Ding, no formalities needed—our connection makes this trifle insignificant."