Chapter 64: The Backup Move

When Li Mochen returned to the bright world, it was only six in the morning. He first went back to his apartment, put the saber-toothed tiger meat in the fridge, tidied up his personal hygiene, then went out again to find William Jacques for school.

The latter felt very sorry for Li Mochen. He had found a good job at a newly opened nightclub two days ago, with an hourly wage of three gold shields and tips of no less than forty gold shields per day, not much worse than Cai's Chinese restaurant. There had originally been another opening there, but unfortunately Li Mochen hadn't gone along, so he missed the opportunity.

Besides that, this guy also expressed envy, jealousy, and hatred toward Li Mochen for making it to the third round on Friday in an unexpected way.

Although William had also won in the losers' bracket yesterday, he still needed at least seven hard-fought matches to secure a spot in the top sixty-four.

"Thanks to you, our club's chances of earning team competition points have increased. I guess our president will likely send someone specifically to guide you. He doesn't want to give up any hope now."

"Is that so?"

At this moment, Li Mochen's eyes held a hint of hesitation.

He hoped that this time, the one sent to guide him wouldn't be that Angela Medici—Li Mochen would never tell William Jacques that he had another wet dream yesterday, with that black-haired girl as the subject.

That was why he needed to go home to handle personal hygiene. At Eliza's house, he didn't dare do too much and had to use magical means to conceal the smell, avoiding detection by Eliza.

He really couldn't imagine what the consequences would be if Eliza found out about this. She would definitely laugh her teeth out, and it would be a lifelong shame for him.

Forget it. If it was still Angela Medici, he would just refuse outright.

Li Mochen could indeed set aside his pride to learn something from this noble scion. But if the cost outweighed the benefit, he would rather not.

"By the way, William, have you heard any news lately about the Black Prison Skulls and the Blood Fangs in the neighborhood?"

"Plenty of news. Some say the Black Prison Skulls are finished, others say they've gone into hiding. But yesterday, five more people died in Wide Angle Lane next to us, three of them from the Blood Fang gang."

William shrugged: "I guess the Black Prison Skulls won't be done for so quickly, but that has nothing to do with me. The lesson last time was painful enough. Miss Louise values me highly, and I want to settle down and learn from Coach Inez. He says my talent gives me hope of being selected by NHSAA, and even if I don't succeed, I can still achieve something in the magic-energy profession. Before he was forty-five, he was a powerful Outlaw at level twelve, and only dropped in class after a severe injury. I trust his judgment. So these gangs have nothing to do with me anymore."

Li Mochen felt greatly relieved. After a moment's thought, he still issued a veiled warning: "It's fine to have nothing to do with them, but you still need to be cautious when necessary. I think you're right; this turmoil might spill over into the neighborhood."

"Yeah, I feel the same way, so I'm very careful every time I go out."

William nodded in deep agreement: "Actually, my place is okay, since it's a residential area, so there are three more police cars patrolling the streets than usual. But the apartment you're living in now—that's really dangerous. All kinds of people are in there—"

Li Mochen interrupted William here: "Speaking of that, I'm actually planning to move. It should be tonight."

"Move?" William was pleasantly surprised for Li Mochen: "Where are you moving to? I've told you before, you should have moved out long ago. That place has hardly any sunlight even during the day; living there will make you moldy and affect your magic-energy cultivation."

"It should be near the school."

Li Mochen's tone was uncertain. Although Nathan Sports Group had promised to provide him with a decent residence, they hadn't told him the location.

He only knew they would likely choose a place near the school for his convenience.

"Near the school?"

William's lips moved, but he swallowed back the words 'Do you have enough money?'

Although Lynden Academy was also in the South City, it was close to the East City area, not far from the commercial district in the east. That area was one of the few wealthy communities in the lower city.

Moreover, due to the high college admission rate of Lynden Academy's private section and the dense police presence near the school, many middle-class Atlantans had gathered around the campus, keeping housing prices consistently high.

But he thought, given Li Mochen's character, since he planned to move near the school, he must have some confidence.

"So, you've come into some money? Have you sold the house?"

"No, but I've had some extra gains recently."

Li Mochen was quite frank with William: "The house is provided by Nathan Sports Group. Didn't I tell you before? Nathan Sports people want to sign a sponsorship agreement with me, and they can provide me with a residence."

William looked at Li Mochen speechlessly. He wanted to feel this guy's forehead to see if he had a fever.

Could he be delirious, having a daydream? Or maybe he was being fooled.

——That possibility was quite high. He felt he needed to pay some attention to this, to prevent his good friend from being deceived.

"Alright, alright. Nathan Sports Group will provide you with a house. If I get the chance, I'll visit your home."

William said this without any sincerity, then leaned close to Li Mochen's ear and whispered: "I overheard Head Coach Ricard complaining to Miss Louise, saying he wants to cancel your scholarship. Don't pay any attention to him, okay? Even if Miss Louise talks to you personally, don't bother. You've already made it to the fourth round; they have no reason to do that."

At this moment, the school bus they were on had arrived at the entrance of Lynden Academy. As soon as Li Mochen stepped off the bus, he was drawn to a burly figure standing at the gate.

The man was about thirty years old, with a rough and wild appearance. He wore a tattered desert military uniform, and his backpack was bulging, with various metal tubes sticking out, looking like the barrels of some ancient firearms. His large, bell-like eyes were scanning all the students. This put the school security guards on high alert; dozens of them were gathered here with loaded guns, making the students nervous as well.

Li Mochen's expression also turned serious. Others might not see through it, but he knew this man must be an Outlaw above level ten, and exceptionally powerful—possibly level nineteen, close to Legendary.

This person should have strong control over his power, restraining his source energy very well, making him look like a slightly stronger low-level magic-energy professional.

Just as Li Mochen was about to walk through the school gate, the man suddenly fixed his gaze on Li Mochen.

"Are you Andre Li Wieldenstein?"

Li Mochen stopped in his tracks, looking at the man in surprise: "Sir? May I ask who you are?"

"I'm a friend of your father, here specifically to find you. Hmm, this appearance—should be right."

After saying that, the man tossed a small cloth pouch to Li Mochen: "As per your father's instructions, I'm to give this to you after his death. You can open it and inspect the goods on the spot."

At this moment, everyone passing through the gate was looking at Li Mochen. Frowning slightly, Li Mochen still opened the pouch as instructed and found four small black stones and a pocket watch that looked ordinary on the outside.

"What's this? A pocket watch and stones?"

William beside him looked disappointed: "Just these things?"

But Li Mochen, who knew their value, was visibly moved. His eyes凝然 as he looked at the rugged man. The latter waved his hand: "Inspection done? Then I should be going. Bye-bye; child of Li Chunchu's family, I wish you a pleasant life ahead."

"Wait a moment!"

A burning look flashed in Li Mochen's eyes: "I want to know, how did my parents die?"

The man paused in his steps, turned his head to look at Li Mochen, then shook his head slightly and continued walking toward the opposite side of the street: "You're too weak, boy. If you want the answer, come find me when your magic-energy profession reaches level twelve someday."