Wesley's Artificial Core of Existence (13)
"Why does it have to be one of us?"
Fu Qian's change of target was so seamless that Winona froze for a moment before composing herself and asking.
"I can sense that both of you are overwhelmingly powerful, and I've heard about the Night Watchers' style here in Los."
By now, a fine layer of condensation had formed on his cup. Fu Qian drained the remaining milk and answered with a broad smile.
"It was just a fraud case, and there may not even be any proof of supernatural involvement. To send out such an impressive team and respond so quickly seems a little unusual to me."
"Claire mentioned something about it earlier, so I'm guessing there may be some personal ties involved?"
"...You certainly have a vivid imagination."
The bald Leilan hadn't interrupted their exchange. After hearing Fu Qian's explanation, Winona finally broke into a smile.
"That's right. Claire has been a friend of mine for years, though she doesn't know that much."
"She knew you were a Night Watcher, but not that you were such a formidable one, right? You really are modest, ma'am."
Fu Qian nodded repeatedly, lavish with his praise.
Of course, none of this had much to do with imagination.
Claire's mention of her Night Watcher friend had indeed given her confidence in ruling out supernatural involvement. It had also been part of Fu Qian's plan from the start.
Brother Tommy's judgment that the Night Watchers might not respond quickly had clearly come from years of experience.
Fu Qian wasn't in any particular hurry, but he wasn't about to waste time waiting here, either.
Without this extra incentive, he would have had to act a little more suspiciously.
As it was, the result was undoubtedly close to ideal.
They'd