Connections

Matthew slowly ate the crispy-skinned chicken leg, which was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while organizing the contents of the notes in his mind.

The savory aroma of the rendered fat spread in his mouth, forming a subtle fusion with the well-organized words on the pages.

He couldn't help but think to himself:

“The way a large chamber of commerce handles things is indeed different. The detail of this intelligence is far beyond what I could easily gather on my own.

Especially the risk assessment section at the end. It's analyzed so thoroughly; this is definitely not a judgment an ordinary person could make based on experience alone.”

His gaze fell on the last few lines of the notes, which clearly listed the key points of the assessment:

First, investigate whether the target has connections to gangs, underground forces, or nobles—this meant determining the potential network of influence and conflict of interest behind them.

Second, pay attention to whether there are abnormal financial flows—this often pointed to covert actions from officials or within the system.

These two points—one involving underground currents and the other touching upon the rules of the establishment—were levels that Matthew, relying on his personal strength, would find difficult to penetrate deeply at this stage.

“Porter really put effort into this,” Matthew thought as he set down his fork, a wave of warmth rising in his heart.

Although their relationship was mostly based on mutual benefit and leverage, to go to such lengths for a request was enough to show the other party's sincerity and capability.

However, Matthew also understood that behind this dedication lay Porter's own considerations. A solid, reliable delivery of intelligence not only consolidated their cooperative relationship but could also pave the way for deeper collaboration in the future.

Regardless, for Matthew at this stage, the value of this intelligence was tangible. It saved him a great deal of energy that would have been spent searching and probing, giving him a clearer grasp of the situation surrounding the No. 7 Courtyard on Shizhong Road.

Yet, a question still lingered in Matthew's mind: since the box was buried inside his own courtyard, why hadn't Nathan told them directly in the first place?

He couldn't figure out the reason for the moment.

He just felt a faint sense of unease.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

It interrupted his train of thought.

Matthew didn't get up, only saying, “It's unlocked.”

The door was pushed open, and the person who walked in was Aidan.

Matthew looked at the sky outside the window.

Dusk had already deepened, and the streetlights were turning on one after another.

He immediately realized what this timing meant—this was the hour he had scheduled for Aidan to report to him daily.

This was partly to ensure that he would know immediately if Aidan ran into any trouble while investigating outside, and partly to keep himself updated on the latest developments.

He couldn't help but think to himself:

“Without a watch, judging the time purely by the sky and gut feeling is ultimately rather inconvenient.”

“I should find an opportunity later to see if I can get a watch.”

“Even if the price is a bit high, it's acceptable.”

“And my crystal cluster needs to be sold at an auction to convert into funds...”

Aidan walked closer and began to report on his activities for the day:

“Big Brother, I went to those few places to ask around as usual today, but there's still no progress regarding the No. 7 Courtyard on Shizhong Road... The neighbors nearby don't seem to know much about the details of that household either.”

Matthew nodded, not particularly surprised by this.

He handed Aidan the notes containing the address and intelligence that Porter had sent, and instructed:

“Remember this address. Starting tomorrow, your task will change to keeping an eye on this courtyard.”

His tone was steady, yet carried clear instructions:

“Pay attention to their daily routines and who enters or leaves the courtyard, especially unfamiliar faces—record them regardless of whether they are male or female. If you notice anyone else spying nearby, be even more careful not to expose yourself.”

“If strangers enter, absolutely do not act on your own. Your safety comes first.”

Aidan listened intently, committing every word to memory. He knew that Matthew's words were not just instructions, but were also teaching him how to act safely in this county seat that seemed prosperous but was actually filled with undercurrents.

“I understand, Big Brother.” Aidan straightened his back. “I will return every evening to report my observations to you.”

“Mhm.” Matthew nodded, his gaze shifting to the sky outside, which had completely darkened. The streetlights formed a dim yellow ribbon of light in the dusk. “That's all for today. Go back and rest. Get enough sleep; tomorrow is when the real work begins.”

Aidan acknowledged the command, turned, and quietly stepped out of the room, carefully closing the door behind him.

Quiet returned to the room, leaving only the lingering aroma of the fat on the plate and the faint sounds of the inner city night drifting in from outside.

Matthew sat alone by the table, his fingertips unconsciously tapping on the kraft paper envelope Porter had sent.

He put away the envelope, stood up, and walked to the window, looking down at the scattered pedestrians on the street below.

Hearing the noise in the inn's lobby gradually die down, it seemed the owner had indeed kept his promise to close at nine o'clock.

He gently pulled the curtains shut, shutting out the distractions of the outside world.

Turning back, he sat on the edge of the bed, took off his coat and boots, and was left in only a thin linen shirt.

He sat cross-legged, his back naturally straight, his hands resting loosely on his knees, and his eyelids half-closed.

His breathing gradually slowed and lengthened, and the air in the room seemed to settle with it.

With a slight movement of his mind, his consciousness slowly sank into the depths.

A familiar warm current rose from his lower abdomen, slowly flowing along the established pathways—this was the trajectory of the life energy cycling through his body.

At the same time, another more subtle, cool force quietly emerged from between his brows, seeping like fine silk into every corner of his perception.

He activated the 【Elemental Meditation Method】.

The sparse elements drifting in the air began to gather toward him, and specks of light faintly emerged in the darkness behind his closed eyes, like fireflies on a summer night, quiet and continuous.

With each breath, his mind expanded as clearly as still water, as fatigue and stray thoughts were smoothed away and washed clean one by one.

The world outside the window gradually receded, leaving only the rhythmic breathing and the murmuring flow of energy within his body to form the only clear rhythm in this room enveloped by the dusk.

...

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