The tavern was abuzz with noise. Two people sat facing each other by the window.
Yin Guan said sincerely, "It's not that I don't trust you, but I have to respect my profession... Oh, right. I heard you left Qi State. Congratulations!"
"What is there to congratulate?" Jiang Wang raised a brow.
"I'm happy for you!" Yin Guan hinted frantically. "The moment you left Qi State, you swept away who knows how much wealth—enough to pay off any debt. Free of debt from now on, a truly free man in this world!"
"Oh." Jiang Wang said flatly, "I left Qi State with nothing."
Yin Guan clicked his tongue. "It sounds utterly absurd, but when it comes to you, somehow it makes perfect sense."
"Your appearance fees are simply too expensive!" Jiang Wang complained, tossing a cloth pouch before Yin Guan. "I'll repay a little bit first."
"There are cheaper options, but could they help you? We make our name on reputation—you get what you pay for!" Yin Guan snatched up the pouch and weighed it briefly, glancing at him. "You're still so honest. You said a little bit, and it really is just a little bit."
"How about next time we—" Jiang Wang reached over.
Yin Guan had already tucked the money pouch into his robes. Only after watching Jiang Wang sheepishly withdraw his hand did he ask, "You really can't come up with any more?"
"What if I put White Jade Capital up as collateral?" Jiang Wang said.
Yin Guan drawled, "Bai Yuxia would be more like it."
Jiang Wang looked deeply regretful. "Unfortunately, I don't have that authority."
Leaning back in his chair, Yin Guan surveyed the tavern with a rather lazy gaze. "When an assassin plans to settle down somewhere, that is when he will accept the