"Which carriage is he in?" Zhao Xun asked Whistle calmly. "The bunk numbers just changed. Do you know his new location?"
"I haven't checked yet," Whistle answered. "But that's easy information to find. It won't take me long."
"Tell me once you've also found out exactly how my mother died." Both Zhao Xun's expression and his tone were perfectly rational, showing no sign of being swayed by emotion.
"All right. I'll get you accurate information by tomorrow noon at the latest," Whistle solemnly promised.
Zhao Xun looked at Whistle. "Is there anything else you want to tell me?"
Whistle opened his mouth but made no sound, seeming hesitant.
"Just say whatever's on your mind." Zhao Xun leaned against the wall with one hand in his pocket. "You've seemed off since we started talking today."
Whistle gave an awkward smile. "Was it that obvious?"
Zhao Xun said nothing, merely fixing his gaze on Whistle.
Whistle's smile faded. "You remember the contract I signed with you, right?"
"Yes." Zhao Xun nodded.
"The person I want you to help me kill is Demon." Whistle closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they brimmed with hatred he could no longer suppress. "Honestly, I was a little happy when I confirmed we shared an enemy. It means you'll put more effort into getting revenge for me... and for yourself."
"But judging by your attitude at first, I wasn't sure whether you cared." Whistle paused, but chose to speak his mind anyway. "I wasn't sure whether you'd even want revenge, and that left me unsettled..."
"You deliberately described Demon's taste for torture in such detail to stir up my hatred," Zhao Xun cut straight to the point.
"...Yes." Whistle admitted it guiltily, then explained, "But I didn't exaggerate anything. What he does is only worse