Chapter 103

The platform near the pharmacy shop.

Lin Ke and Mo Li got off the train car leisurely under everyone's gaze.

Then he turned around, stood still, and faced the train car.

Lin Ke took out his portable smart brain and turned on its video recording and photo mode.

The portable smart brain floated beside Lin Ke, its lens aimed at the train car door.

Some of the people who were also preparing to get off, especially the low-level hooligans from the West District, immediately covered their faces and sat back down upon seeing this.

Although I don't know what those five were afraid of earlier, don't the hooligans understand each other's nature?

Greedy for life, afraid of death; bullying the weak and fearing the strong!

This guy in front of him is definitely a tough person; otherwise he wouldn't be so scared.

Today we were all hired to play this seat‑occupying trick, but people saw through it at a glance.

Not only did they not get off, but with just a few casual words they 'found' a seat.

If such a tough person remembers your face, wouldn't you be retaliated against in the future?

Lin Ke didn't insist on really filming these people; he just wanted to scare them, then use some psychological tactics to establish the persona of a refined tough guy.

Regardless of whether this works well or not, at least it can scare off some people and reduce some trouble.

"Boring."

He curled his lips, seeming a little disappointed that no one got off the train car.

Lin Ke pushed up his gold‑rimmed glasses, then revealed his snow‑white teeth flashing a cold light.

"Let's go, these people, there's nothing to them."

Lin Ke burst out laughing, turned around, and gestured for Mo Li to follow.

For some reason, not a single one of the dozens of people sitting in the train car felt angry or any similar emotion from the mockery.

Instead, each of them let out a long breath, feeling much more relaxed.

At the very moment Lin Ke said 'Boring,' they really felt a bone‑chilling cold.

It was as if an emotionless, cold‑blooded butcher were scrutinizing them with a critical gaze, looking to see which part of their flesh would be more fragrant and tender.

Even though Lin Ke's figure had disappeared, and even though the rail transit train continued moving, many people still felt a creepy dread and lingering fear.

"Lin Ke, you… you were just… really scary."

Mo Li had just been placed by Lin Ke deliberately at the rear side, not directly hit by the killing aura and killing intent that Lin Ke had intentionally provoked, yet she still felt very uncomfortable, her hairs standing on end, and goosebumps all over her body.

After a slight fear, there was deep concern.

She worried that Lin Ke might really be having a mental issue.

Lin Ke restrained his killing aura and intent, then removed the simulated Hannibal image from his mind, restoring the appearance of a sunny, cheerful young man.

Seeing the concern in Mo Li's eyes, Lin Ke spoke to comfort her: "I'm just acting, scaring those scumbags. Don't worry, I'm fine."

Mo Li nodded and said nothing more.

But deep down she still had some doubts that Lin Ke wasn't just acting.

The pharmacy shop has arrived.

"What just happened? Such a strong killing intent!"

Without waiting for Lin Ke and Mo Li to greet her, the refreshment‑preparing witch Seren, holding a delicate porcelain cup, leaned on the counter, took a small sip, and asked curiously.

Before, she sensed a burst of killing intent that was somewhat immature but still a bit chilling.

Out of curiosity, she glanced and discovered that Lin Ke was intimidating an entire train car's worth of people, which piqued her interest even more.

"Just a little trouble."

Lin Ke seemed to be speaking casually, but actually had a hidden agenda, saying, "I don't know who I've offended, deliberately messing with me."

First, early in the morning, an unknown package was placed at my dorm door; then, spending magic stones, I hired some West District hooligans and people from the academy, occupying all the seats on the first train, not wanting me to get to work on time.

How could the witch Seren fail to notice Lin Ke's little scheming? She gave him a sideways glance and pretended to be angry, saying, "You little brat, are you playing mind games with me again?"

Lin Ke scratched his head and gave an embarrassed smile: "I knew I couldn't hide this little scheming from the witch Seren."

"So you're still playing?"

The witch Seren spoke with a smiling reproach.

This reproach and smile fully displayed her charm, full of allure.

Lin Ke, with eyes on nose, nose on heart, mind focused, replied vaguely: "It's not that I'm embarrassed to say it directly."

"With that thick skin of yours, are you still going to be embarrassed?"

The witch Seren snorted and said, "In my view, there's nothing you, Lin Ke Grand, wouldn't dare to do!"

"You're joking, Witch Seren, joking. What things do I not dare to do? There are plenty!"

Lin Ke hurried to clarify and defend himself.

"For example?"

The witch Seren pressed on relentlessly.

"For example… for example… for example, I wouldn't dare to lie in front of the witch Seren."

Lin Ke first spoke somewhat incoherently, then his tone became serious and sincere.

To size someone up, i. e., because the witch Seren is relatively easy to talk to, Lin Ke will act a bit more unrestrained in front of her.

"Alright, I'm not going to mess around with you anymore."

After finishing her drink, the witch Seren turned and went upstairs, leaving a sentence: "Today's matter, you go and communicate with Paro yourself. You won't be staying long here; you only have ten days left. I won't take the blame for you; at most I'll say hello."

"Thank you, Witch Seren! Witch Seren, you're beautiful and kind-hearted!"

Lin Ke went around in circles, seeking exactly this, and hurriedly voiced praise, laying on a layer of flattery.

Serlin the witch couldn't be bothered to care.

Mo Li observed Lin Ke and Selin Witch's interaction the whole time, her heart undisturbed.

She already knew this was one of Lin Ke's strategies.

Facing different people, he adopts different ways of speaking.

Among the three third-rank witches he frequently interacts with,

When facing Paro Witch, Lin Ke mainly speaks truthfully, answering every question;

When facing Cody Witch, Lin Ke mainly speaks and acts cautiously, never concealing anything nor volunteering extra talk;

When facing Selin Witch, after becoming acquainted, Lin Ke will slightly play with wording.

As long as he doesn't go overboard and keeps the balance, Selin Witch will only find it fun, not get angry.

However, this balance is actually extremely hard to grasp.

Mo Li felt she couldn't manage it, so she stayed silent and quietly observed.

After Selin Witch went up to the second floor, Mo Li didn't say anything to Lin Ke and went into the female changing room by herself to change uniforms.

Lin Ke came to the rear courtyard and began today's work.

No matter what, as long as it's not an emergency, the work still needs to be done well.

The morning passed in busyness.

Lin Ke had lunch and then directly returned to the academy.

This time, the journey went very smoothly, with no obstacles.

Administrative building, thesis review office.

"Good afternoon, Paro Witch."

Lin Ke knocked on the door and then directly entered the office, politely greeting.

"Hmm."

Paro Witch responded casually, head still lowered, immersed in the increasingly lively "Ruowosuosi Forum".

The academy's old fogeys sent another warning, telling Paro Witch to rein in with Peter Leon and not go overboard.

With nothing to do, Paro Witch could only find her own amusement, lurking on the "Ruowosuosi Forum" to gossip online, enjoying it immensely.

On the "Ruowosuosi Forum", several prominent third-rank witches called for action, and the witches established a public welfare organization named "Witches Rise Up", vowing to fight for witches' rightful rights and eliminate all discrimination and inequality.

In less than a day, the call for witch equality echoed throughout the entire "Ruowosuosi Forum".

There was even a trend of moving from the forum into reality.

"Please have a seat."

After a while, Paro Witch finally put down her handheld device, looked up at Lin Ke, and said, "Selin said you have something to discuss with me?"

"Yes, Paro Witch."

Lin Ke had been left hanging, intentionally or not, but he felt no panic, calmly replying, "I encountered some unusual matters last night and this morning, and I think it necessary to discuss them with you."

"What matters?"

Paro Witch asked in a light tone.

"Last night, the Sea Sail Alliance had someone invite me to join, and I refused."

Lin Ke spoke plainly without embellishment: "I have never had any contact with the Sea Sail Alliance; they suddenly sent an invitation, which is likely instigated by someone. Considering that the Sea Sail Alliance's people are close to the northern district, I suspect this is the Pureblood Will stirring trouble, trying to use some underhanded tricks to increase their chances of winning the bet. Moreover,"

After a brief pause and changing his tone, Lin Ke continued: "This morning, on the light rail, I encountered a seat‑hogging incident; after thinking it over, I believe it couldn't have been the Sea Sail Alliance's doing, nor the Pureblood Will—it must be either Sophie Lucia or someone from the Lucia family."

Paro Witch nodded, indicating that Lin Ke should continue.

Lin Ke voiced his thought: "I think you need to take this seriously. For now they're only targeting me and Mo Li, using rather crude methods, but it's more likely they're probing. If we don't respond in time, they'll likely move against others on your side who are involved in the bet."

"Done speaking?"

Paro Witch asked with a calm face.

From her expression and tone, one could not discern Paro Witch's current attitude.

"Hmm, that's all I wanted to say."

Lin Ke nodded in response.

"I thought you were coming to seek shelter, but I didn't expect you to come give me a heads‑up."

Paro Witch's mouth twitched with a faint, almost‑nonexistent smile, seeming like a grin that didn't reach the eyes, and her tone was a bit odd.

"I truly do want to seek your protection, and I truly also want to remind you."

Lin Ke met Paro Witch's gaze, meeting it squarely without flinching.

"Hmm, that's quite good."

Paro Witch's smile brightened a little, then she waved a hand and said, "You may go; I'll handle this."

"Thank you, Paro Witch."

Lin Ke offered a salute of thanks, "Sorry to trouble you."

He retreated a few steps, turned, and walked out of the office.

Upon reaching the doorway, Lin Ke silently counted one, two, three in his mind.

Sure enough, Paro Witch's voice came from behind him.

"You're quite smart; I hope you stay smart, and not just petty cleverness but true wisdom."

This was his evaluation of the series of measures Lin Ke took after the incidents last night and this morning.

Including calling the smart law‑enforcement puppet on the spot and not reporting further afterward; threatening the seat‑hogger; using a transparent little thought to tip off Selin Witch to give Paro Witch a heads‑up in advance, as well as Lin Ke's frank sincerity when facing Paro Witch.

This achieved his goal without making him overly disliked.

"Thank you, Paro Witch, for your guidance."

Lin Ke turned, bowed deeply, sincerely.

Walking out of the administrative building, Lin Ke felt much lighter in heart.

Actually, even if similar events to last night and this morning happen again, Lin Ke can also cope with the past.

But, there's no need to stubbornly bear it alone.

Otherwise, why would Lin Ke seek the Paro Wizard as a backer?

A crying child gets candy.

With such an operation, the Paro Wizard taking over, they cut off the trouble at the source.

Isn't that delightful?

Thanks for the reward from the reader who pulled you into an embrace, thank you!

(End of chapter)