The cawing of crows came from outside.
Wei Yanchi walked down the gloomy corridor. He looked up at the oil paintings hanging on the walls. Only a few were portraits; most depicted landscapes, with some religious paintings among them. One particularly striking piece was a field of blood-red, painted with a cross that had eyes.
Zhang Ninde hid outside the corridor. Unable to talk Wei Yanchi out of this, he could only provide support and keep watch, improving the guy's chances of survival.
At the end of the corridor stood an extravagantly ornate door, with pots of greenery arranged outside it. In the moonlight, their shadows on the wall seemed alive, baring their fangs and claws at Wei Yanchi.
Wei Yanchi took a deep breath.
With remarkable audacity, he went up and knocked on the door. He imitated the butler's gentle knock, tapping three times to show courtesy and respect.
39's languid voice came from inside. "Come in."
Wei Yanchi paused, then opened the door and stepped cautiously inside. Mr. 39 sat with his back to him at a small table by the window, pouring red wine into a glass. An air of despair still permeated the room. He was completely different from the 39 Wei Yanchi had met in the real world. Perhaps he ought to address him as His Lordship the Viscount now.
He said nothing. 39 turned his head to look at him.
"Why is it you?"
Wei Yanchi's eyes brightened, and he asked softly, "Mr. 39, you still remember me?"
Why wouldn't I?
Wei Yanchi's question left Xie De a little bewildered. He almost blurted out that response, but then remembered they were in an Instance, where anything unusual meant trouble. His thoughts instantly began racing, his brain caught in a storm of speculation.
First, Wei