"Alchemy is the art of creating gold, panaceas, and elixirs of immortality—that is what I believe alchemy to be!"
Qin Ran spoke each word clearly.
"Is that so?"
Charles puffed on his pipe.
The firelight flickered beneath the lamplight.
Rising smoke shrouded Charles's face, making it impossible to see clearly.
The old man did not say whether he was satisfied or not.
The atmosphere became somewhat oppressive.
Qin Ran, however, looked calmly at him and waited in silence.
"Setting verbal traps for those seeking guidance on purpose?"
"Thinking that speaking one's true thoughts meant passing, while flattery and clichéd answers meant failure?"
"Master Charles has such a habit?"
Shiqi, who had temporarily taken the first half of the night driving shift, clicked his tongue as he listened to Raul and his wife's account.
Because if it had been him, he definitely would have said something nice to pass the test.
And that would have cost him his qualification.
"What a cunning old man!"
"I hope 2567 gets through safely!"
After muttering that, Shiqi offered Qin Ran his blessing.
"2567 will definitely be fine."
"After all, he is the one Lei prophesied!"
Raul said with absolute confidence.
"So you really are the young man Lei prophesied about!"
"When did you realize it?"
After finishing the entire pipeful and still failing to find the slightest hint of unease on Qin Ran's face, Charles sighed helplessly.
As though he had missed a wonderful opportunity.
"If there had been more expectation and less mockery in your expression, I think I would have fallen for it long ago!"
"Of course, I also have Lei's collection of books to thank."
"At least they kept me from knowing nothing when faced with your question!"
Qin Ran shrugged.
"A sharp young man!"
"Alchemy is the art