As she spoke, Feng Baobao slowly sheathed the blade in her hand, her expression impassive.
"But just now… that killing intent vanished as suddenly as it appeared."
Wentworth blinked in surprise. It was true, only moments earlier, he had felt a flicker of irritation toward the people across from him. Yet just as quickly, Dumbledore's parting words to him, spoken as he left Japan, echoed in his mind:
"I allowed you to seek justice for Yukina, because what her family did crossed the line. But I won't tolerate indiscriminate killing. Do you understand?"
And this was Beijing, after all. No matter how justified the anger, a bloodbath here would not be wise, not something he could bring himself to do.
Still, what startled Wentworth was that his fleeting, almost imperceptible displeasure had been picked up so precisely by the girl across from him.
He exhaled slowly and spoke in a calm, measured tone:
"I'm only passing through Beijing. I'll be on my way soon. There's no need to press me so hard, is there?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Xiang fell silent. Surprisingly, it was Xu Si who stepped forward instead.
"Father, I can tell this young man bears no ill will, although… I can't shake the faint scent of blood around him."
Xu Xiang gave his son a glance, then after a moment's contemplation, spoke steadily:
"Mr. Wentworth Grindelwald, we welcome you to China. Please believe we hold no hostility toward you, we've had no past dealings, after all."
"However… the things you did in Japan are not exactly confidence-inspiring."
Wentworth raised an eyebrow in mild astonishment.
"The news traveled that fast? That shouldn't be possible."
Xu Xiang chuckled softly and explained:
"Our company has overseas operations. Information tends to move quickly."
He offered no further detail, and Wentworth, perceptive as ever, did not press. Understanding passed silently between them.
Xu Xiang, catching the tact, gave Wentworth an approving glance before continuing:
"Please rest assured, Mr. Wentworth Grindelwald. We have no intention of limiting your freedom. However, as per protocol, all foreign exceptionals, or, as you call them, wizards, must register with our company."
"And someone of your… unique status, we won't restrict your movements, but we will assign protection. After all, if something were to happen to you here, that would cause quite the diplomatic mess, wouldn't it?"
Wentworth nodded, signaling his understanding.
Seeing that night was falling, Wentworth stood and said simply:
"Very well. Lead the way."
Meanwhile, in the Tianshi Temple (Celestial Master's Temple) atop Mount Longhu, an elder in a black Taoist robe held a letter in his hand, a faint smile playing across his lips.
"Brother, what's brought you such joy?" asked another elderly man in ceremonial robes, seated in a wheelchair as he was pushed into the room.
The first elder folded the letter and replied calmly:
"Nothing in particular. Just a disciple of an old friend from abroad has come to China. It seems we should extend a proper welcome."
He turned to a young Taoist standing nearby.
"Fourth, go to Beijing and bring our guest back here. If anyone questions you, just tell them it was by my order."
The young man bowed low.
"Yes, Master. I'll descend the mountain immediately."
...
By the time darkness cloaked the city, Wentworth had arrived at his destination with Xu Xiang's group.
It was clear preparations had been made in advance. A lavish banquet had been laid out, and seeing this, Wentworth didn't stand on ceremony, he sat down and began eating heartily.
Xu Si, however, sidled up to his father and whispered:
"Dad… who exactly is this guy?"
Without even turning, Xu Xiang replied:
"Leader of a dark cult from Europe."
Xu Si froze in disbelief.
"A cult leader? Him? He looks like a kid who hasn't even finished school!"
Xu Xiang sighed, reached out, and smacked the back of his son's head.
"How many times have I told you? Be cautious. Be careful. When have you ever listened, you halfwit?"
"And don't judge a book by its cover. If you knew what he did before arriving here, you wouldn't be asking."
Xu Si's curiosity deepened.
"But that can't be, Dad. If he really were the head of some European dark cult, there's no way the company would treat him this well. He'd at least be under house arrest, or at the very least, not feasting like a king!"
He pointed to Wentworth, who at that moment was tearing into a roasted pork knuckle with great relish.
Xu Xiang gave a flat reply:
"He just threw the entire Japanese magical community into chaos."
"The Hachiya of Japan's wizarding families? They're seven clans now."
Xu Si's eyes widened as the pieces fell into place.
"Oh… I get it now. A hidden ally."
Xu Xiang shot his son another look of disapproval.
"Some things are best kept to yourself. Understand?"
Xu Si nodded.
Just then, the door opened again. A man entered, wearing glasses, radiating calm authority. Though his features were kind, his presence filled the room.
Seeing the man, Xu Xiang smiled and stood up.
"Old Zhao! I didn't expect you to come in person."
Zhao Fangxu returned the smile.
"Diplomacy is no small matter. And he's no ordinary visitor."
His gaze settled on Wentworth, who was still engrossed in his food, though a flicker of sadness occasionally surfaced in his eyes.
Xu Xiang also glanced back, then whispered quietly:
"What's the company's plan for him?"
Zhao Fangxu adjusted his glasses and replied thoughtfully:
"All guests must be treated with courtesy. But we do need to know, why exactly is he here?"
He stepped forward, approached Wentworth, and extended a hand.
"Zhao Fangxu. Chairman of the Floo-Puff Company."
Wentworth wiped his hand and shook Zhao's.
"Wentworth Grindelwald. I assume you already know who I am."
Zhao Fangxu chuckled softly, then asked:
"But what we don't know is… why have you come?"
Wentworth paused, then said casually:
"Oh, I'm here to invest."
Zhao Fangxu: "...???"
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This fanfic has been fully translated!