It had to be said: Gerard had played along a little too well with his question, successfully making the scene as shocking as it could be.
In this bleak, ashen world, the spectators had even momentarily forgotten their own safety as they frantically pondered what the words "Native Council" represented.
As a secret criminal organization, the Native Council had spent years lurking in the shadows, pulling strings without seeking fame.
And as a rival who understood them, Fu Qian was by no means petty. He didn't mind helping spread the word and make them famous.
Besides, not long ago, they had likewise helped publicize the Rebirth Club's reputation.
This group of wasteland Jianghu types before him were undoubtedly well-connected people, and an ideal audience.
More reassuring still, some of them already had a vague idea of what the name meant.
"You think anyone's going to believe you just because you spout nonsense here?"
The first to speak was, unsurprisingly, Gerard.
"Heh... You're underestimating Siren."
With a series of cold laughs, Gerard looked Fu Qian up and down, his gaze finally settling on the eyeball in his palm.
"I've felt something was off since earlier. I have you to thank for the reminder—I finally remembered where that odd feeling came from."
"You're not with the Native Council, and your surname isn't Lu... am I right, Mr. Ji?"
At the last sentence, Gerard even glanced at Amir nearby, his expression full of meaning.
Now that was how you played the straight man!
Facing the accusation, Fu Qian wore a faint, enigmatic smile, though inwardly he couldn't help admiring Gerard.
"Why do you say that?"
"Why... Heh, I think it'd be better to let someone else answer that question. Don't you, Amir?"
With another cold laugh, Gerard called him out directly.
"Why don't