Pang Jing slouched crookedly in his chair, his right arm resting on the table as his fingers absently traced circles. "Who found that big, dumb fellow?"
There were only two people in the room. Luo Qikang stood just behind Pang Jing's shoulder. "What, did he give himself away?"
"He doesn't even know what it means to give himself away. How could he? But... the Dragon King's reaction wasn't what I expected. I'd prepared several ways to 'snatch' the man for myself, but he handed him over willingly—and even assigned him an attendant. What's he up to?"
"The Dragon King is devious and loves to spring strange tricks, but deep down, he's still an assassin. He trusts the blade in his hand more."
"Ah, my good brother, let's not dwell on the Dragon King's nature. Just tell me what he'll do next."
"I can only guess."
"You've dealt with the Dragon King many times. Your guess has to be more accurate than most."
"The Dragon King forced the man on you, saying it was to lure the snake out of its hole. Naturally, he'll come over to watch the snake emerge—and he'll do it in secret. If he's discovered, he'll say he gave you a hint beforehand."
Pang Jing abruptly sat upright and anxiously glanced around. "Could he be hiding nearby right now?"
"With me here, he wouldn't dare come close." Pride filled Luo Qikang's even tone.
Pang Jing laughed loudly. He enjoyed a little teasing, especially with a serious man like Luo Qikang; it made the joke all the sweeter, like sugar-coated sugarcane. He slumped back into his chair. "The Dragon King is clever. Even as an assassin, he's a clever one. This performance is for the people of Jade City. He wants to show everyone that he isn't the