Farewell
After packing his things, Zhang Heng took Little Female Slave to Valo's quarters.
In his negotiation with Macrus, besides one-fifth of the profits from each performance, he had also secured freedom for Little Female Slave and Valo. Little Female Slave's matter had now been settled; only Valo's remained.
However, Valo was not in his quarters. Zhang Heng heard from Valo's roommate that Valo was probably at the training grounds, so he grabbed Little Female Slave, who had been peeking around behind him, and told her, "Valo and I have something to discuss. Go outside and wait for us by the door."
"Okay." Little Female Slave obediently agreed. She knew Zhang Heng said that because he did not want her to hear, but she no longer wallowed in self-pity. Instead, she remembered what someone had told her before: sometimes, not letting her hear something was for her own safety. With that thought, she happily left.
Zhang Heng then went to the training grounds alone.
Unlike his ready agreement to grant Little Female Slave her freedom, Macrus had seemed somewhat reluctant to let Valo go. But considering the enormous profits Zhang Heng's monthly performances would bring, he had ultimately gritted his teeth and agreed.
This did not surprise Zhang Heng.
Zhang Heng had already investigated the mastermind who had reduced Valo from an antique dealer to a slave through those thugs from before. The other party had probably assumed Valo would never leave the Gladiator School alive, so he had not handled the matter with perfect care. Anyone willing to investigate could more or less piece together the whole story.
Still, the truth had surprised Zhang Heng somewhat.
Valo was pouring himself into training on the grounds, drenched in sweat. He did not even know Zhang Heng had won the championship.