Upon hearing Zhao Huanjin's words, Xia He's expression stiffened, and she fell silent immediately.
Wentworth, meanwhile, listened to their exchange with great interest. Seeing that both had now quieted down, he finally spoke:
"Xia He, was it? Quan Xing? I'm not entirely sure what it is you people actually do, but I am curious. How did you find me?"
Xia He gave Wentworth a flirtatious wink and replied teasingly:
"Cats have their paths, and so do mice. As for us in Quan Xing, we naturally have our own—"
"Dark arts and shady paths!"
Before Xia He could finish, Xu San interrupted her irritably.
Xia He responded with a cold chuckle but didn't argue back. She knew the initiative was no longer in her hands.
Wentworth gave a small nod, not pressing further, though his curiosity hadn't waned.
"So," he said, "you've gone through all this trouble to find me. Why?"
Xia He smiled radiantly. "We came to invite you, little brother, to visit Quan Xing. We'd like to discuss a potential partnership."
Wentworth scoffed. "Is that so? Is this how Quan Xing usually invites people?"
Xia He gave an awkward laugh, scratching the back of her head. "Of course not. Normally, minor figures aren't worth my personal attention. But you see, I'm one of the Four Madmen of Quan Xing. Someone of your caliber is worth the effort."
Wentworth rolled his eyes. "Well then, should I be flattered? Here's an idea, how about you come with me back to Tianshi Temple? Let your people come there to negotiate."
With that, he turned to leave, but Xia He quickly blocked his path. Her voice took on a plaintive tone.
"Fine, fine. I admit, our original plan was to recruit you into Quan Xing. If you joined us, our overseas presence would expand dramatically, and in turn, we could strengthen our own base back home."
"Of course, if that's not possible, we're also open to working with the Alliance. Complementing each other's strengths, assigning territories, mutual support, that sort of thing."
She leaned in close then, her breath warm against Wentworth's ear as she whispered:
"For example, we could all cross the sea and join forces with the Alliance in Japan. Quite a few among us are very interested in stirring things up over there."
Wentworth raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable as he turned to face her.
"You think I need your help?"
Xia He blinked, clearly not expecting such a cold response.
But Wentworth gave her no time to recover.
"What happens in Japan is my business. I don't care for outsiders meddling."
"As for Quan Xing… trying to recruit me? Not a chance. And as for collaboration, you've shown me nothing that would make you worthy partners."
He paused, then smirked.
"But, considering the performance you put on tonight, I'll give you a choice."
Wentworth gestured behind him, toward Xu San and Zhao Huanjin.
"Pick for yourself: come with us to Tianshi Temple, or go back to the company with Xu San."
Xia He glanced at the two men behind him, then let out a wry smile and muttered, "Is there… a third option for your big sister?"
She said it on a whim, not expecting a reply.
To her surprise, Wentworth actually nodded.
"Of course. A beauty like you deserves special treatment. Don't get me wrong, I'm not after your body. I just like beautiful things."
Xia He blinked, then straightened up and gave him a coy smile.
"You're such a dear. So, what is this third option you mentioned?"
Wentworth chuckled.
"That depends on what you're willing to offer. If you can impress me… letting you go isn't out of the question."
His eyes ran slowly up and down her figure, the implication clear but his tone still measured.
Xia He hesitated, clearly torn.
But Xu San had already lost his patience.
"Wentworth, no! This woman is a known Quan Xing deviant! She's not just one of the Four Madmen, she's Bone Scraper! You can't just let her go. She's coming back with me!"
Wentworth waved him off, clearly annoyed.
"Xu San, I captured her. I even saved you while I was at it. I'll decide how to deal with her."
"But—"
Xu San fell silent. There was no winning this argument.
Xia He took a deep breath, as if making a decision.
"How about this," she said. "I'll give you some intel, free of charge. Originally, we were going to use it to bargain with the Alliance. But now, I'll give it to you."
Wentworth tilted his head, now intrigued.
"Oh? I'd love to know what sort of information gives Quan Xing such confidence."
Xia He drew in a breath, then spoke slowly:
"Have you ever heard of… the Puritans?"
Wentworth's face darkened immediately.
Of course he knew them.
The Puritans, a deranged group of hunters who targeted wizards exclusively.
What made them especially horrifying? They were all Muggles.
They were the enemy of all wizards.
It was hard to believe that even his grandfather, Gellert Grindelwald, who had devoted his life to launching a war between wizards and Muggles, hadn't been influenced by them.
So for Xia He to bring up that name…
Wentworth stood silent for a long moment, then finally spoke.
"Fine. You've caught my interest. If this is real intel on the Puritans… I'll let you go."
Xia He exhaled in relief, then quickly explained:
"A few years ago, one of our gifted in Quan Xing fled to the U.S. for… reasons. While there, he encountered a group of unusual people who called themselves Puritans…"
Wentworth said nothing for a while after she finished.
Then, finally:
"Not bad. If everything you've said is true, then perhaps… working together isn't out of the question."
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This fanfic has been fully translated!