"Boss, why do you think Jiang Ge called us to a video store?"
"Probably something about the commission. But honestly, it would've made more sense if he told us to go to the bookstore instead. Heading to Phaethon's place is… well, we still owe them a lot of Denny."
On Sixth Street, Nicole led Anby and Billy toward the video store.
Earlier that morning, she'd gotten a call from Jiang Ge, asking her to come to the shop where Phaethon usually operated. He hadn't explained why — just gave the location and hung up right after. Still, since it was Jiang Ge himself calling, Nicole had no choice but to go.
Even so, the thought of the Cunning Hares' debt to Phaethon made her uneasy. They'd just received a one-million Denny reward from Jiang Ge the day before, and it hadn't even had time to warm their hands. If Phaethon asked her alone about repayment, she could still plead financial hardship and buy a few more days' grace.
But with Jiang Ge there in person, that excuse wouldn't fly. If he started asking where the million he'd just given them had gone, she'd be in trouble.
"Nicole, we're here. Why are you lagging behind?"
Anby, who had already reached the entrance of the video store first, noticed Nicole slowing down more and more. Seeing the troubled look on her face, she couldn't help but ask curiously.
"Huh? It's nothing. I was just thinking about our next steps. Let's go in."
"As expected of the Boss — already planning ahead, even now?"
Hearing Nicole's words, Billy spoke up with open admiration.
"Hehe, of course. Alright, let's hurry up and head inside."
Nicole tossed her hair proudly, then pushed open the video store's door. As she expected, aside from Eous behind the counter, the store was empty. Though Wise and Belle technically ran the place, their real work came from the commissions handled through Phaethon — the "video store" was little more than a front, and business hadn't been open to the public for a while now.
Just as the trio stepped inside, however, a burst of shouting came from the back room.
"W–who said anything about hitting on you?! I was asking about Miss Kafka, not you!"
"I know, I know — just a little joke."
Following the voices, Nicole led the others toward the source and found Jiang Ge grinning mischievously from behind Wise, clearly enjoying himself as Belle glared at him in fury. Wise, meanwhile, had one hand pressed to his forehead, looking as if he was suffering a headache.
"Proxies… and Jiang Ge?" Nicole muttered, a bit taken aback.
"Huh? Nicole, you're finally here."
Jiang Ge, noticing her standing frozen in the doorway, stepped out from behind Wise — completely ignoring the fuming Belle who was still baring her "fangs" at him.
"Alright, alright — the Cunning Hares are here. Let's get down to business."
Jiang Ge walked over, guiding Nicole, Anby, and Billy into the room before closing the door behind them.
Seeing that the commotion had finally ended, Wise let out a sigh of relief, then turned to Jiang Ge.
"So, what was it you wanted to discuss? You've had me curious since earlier."
"To sign a long-term cooperation contract," Jiang Ge replied casually.
"A long-term contract?" Wise raised an eyebrow. "It's not 'Good Enough' signing with us, is it? Whether it's you or your agents, it's been a long time since any of you came looking for Phaethon. Seems you don't really need us anymore."
As he spoke, Wise's gaze flicked toward Nicole, who was standing off to the side with an awkward smile. From the way Jiang Ge had pulled her and her team in — and from what he'd said earlier — it was obvious the Cunning Hares had been invited, not dragged here to repay a debt. Which could only mean one thing…
"Don't tell me," Wise said, half-joking, "the Cunning Hares have been recruited by 'Good Enough'?"
"Haha, not exactly." Jiang Ge chuckled. "Let's just say 'Good Enough' and the Cunning Hares have entered a cooperative relationship. They're acting as my agents. If they ever want to leave, they're free to do so."
His tone was relaxed and matter-of-fact, but Nicole quickly stepped forward, waving her hands in protest.
"That's not true at all! The relationship between the Cunning Hares and 'Good Enough' isn't just cooperation — the bond between us is strong! For 'Good Enough,' the Cunning Hares will stop at nothing to complete any commission!"
"Huh? Boss, we only found out yesterday that Jiang Ge is—"
"Shut up, Billy!"
Nicole shot him a glare before forcing a bright smile back onto her face. She wasn't saying all this for nothing — from the way Jiang Ge had generously handed over a million Denny yesterday and brushed off their failed mission, Nicole knew this man was her golden ticket. She had to make a good impression, no matter what it took.
But Jiang Ge's next comment instantly made her façade crack.
"The bond is deep, huh? Deep enough to cover… oh, a few dozen meals, I'd say."
"Ohhh~ So that's what's been going on," Belle teased, catching on immediately. "No wonder you Cunning Hares have been living so well lately — freeloading meals off Jiang Ge!"
"Th-that's—" Nicole stammered, face red.
"It's fine, I don't mind," Jiang Ge said with a laugh. He pulled out his phone and looked over at Wise. "Go ahead and show me the tab the Cunning Hares have run up here at Phaethon."
"Sure thing. Sending you their ledger file now."
Wise understood instantly what Jiang Ge intended. Without hesitation, he opened his phone and sent over the total amount of Denny the Cunning Hares owed.
Meanwhile, the Hares stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief.
Jiang Ge hadn't said the words outright, but everyone could tell what he was about to do. Nicole rubbed her eyes, wondering if she was dreaming.
"Alright," Jiang Ge said at last, "your debt's all settled."
"Received," Wise confirmed a moment later. "Well… I don't know if it's luck or skill, but the Cunning Hares sure got lucky crossing paths with you."
Jiang Ge slipped his phone back into his pocket and smiled faintly. Wise couldn't help but look both amused and baffled — he truly couldn't see what Jiang Ge saw in this ragtag group. Sure, some of 'Good Enough's' other agents had eccentric personalities, but at least they were capable and efficient. The Cunning Hares… not so much.
"As for that, Wise," Jiang Ge said lightly, "you don't need to worry."
He smiled, brushing off the question, and continued, "If the Cunning Hares come to you for help in the future, I'll cover their expenses myself. So— what are you doing?"
Before he could finish, Nicole and Billy suddenly lunged forward and clung to his legs.
"Jiang Ge — no, Mr. Jiang Ge! You're such a great person!" Nicole cried dramatically. "From this day on, the Cunning Hares are sticking with you! If you eat meat, I'll eat meat! If you drink soup, I'll eat meat! If you gnaw on bones, I'll— eat meat!"
"Wait— why are you always eating meat?" Jiang Ge said, exasperated, trying to pry her off.
But before he could, Billy started shouting too.
"Mr. Jiang Ge! After following Boss for so long, I thought I was doomed to a life of poverty forever! I never imagined I'd meet such a shining benefactor! You're like a Starlight Knight — no, even more dazzling than one!"
"I can't even feel happy being praised like that! Let go— seriously, let go!"
Jiang Ge struggled to shake them off, but the harder he tried, the tighter they clung. Then, to his horror, Nicole turned her head and called out—
"Anby! Come over here and thank Mr. Jiang Ge properly!"
"Oh."
Reluctantly, Anby walked over and hugged his leg too. She looked up at him and said flatly, "I want a burger for lunch."
"…Why are you telling me that you want a burger?"
At that, Jiang Ge froze, utterly defeated.
Meanwhile, Wise watched the ridiculous scene unfold, half amused, half helpless. Then he turned to Belle with a small smirk and gestured toward her phone.
Belle caught on immediately, lifted it, and with a soft click, took a picture.
Jiang Ge had a sinking feeling that photo would soon end up framed on her wall.
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A/n: While I am a new translator, I have a Patreon! While it may be a bit empty right now both this and the other book on my page has advanced chapters posted on patreon. Set up for my web novel will be 2 chapters for every book a day and if you go to my patreon you'll see the set up there.
patreon.com/deadlygoober