"Brother Wu?" Wenwu wasn't sure if it was him being called, but he turned around to see what was happening.

Wenwu saw a girl slightly taller than Silver smiling at him. It seemed "Brother Wu" was indeed meant for him.

"Silver, who is she?" Wenwu asked softly.

"Amia, a famous assassin. Don't be fooled by her small size; she's actually in her twenties," Silver replied.

Huh, his past self really had a wide social circle, knowing all sorts of people. Judging by that nickname, their relationship wasn't simple.

"Ara, little Silver hasn't changed at all. Still so blunt. 'In her twenties' covers a big range—twenty-one and twenty-nine are worlds apart. I'm only twenty-one, remember that."

True to her assassin reputation, Amia heard Silver despite her soft voice.

"Hmph."

It seemed Silver and this assassin lady weren't as close as Wenwu had imagined.

"What? Got rich and forgot your old friends?"

"How could I?"

Wenwu didn't know how to face this girl, but getting friendly couldn't hurt.

"I saw you pull out that gold coin bag earlier—must be seven or eight hundred coins. How about buying me a horse?"

"If you spend the night with me, I'll agree."

"Deal."

Huh? Wenwu had said it half-jokingly, not expecting Amia to agree. He re-examined her: golden hair neither long nor short, a loli-like face, and a loli-like... bust size.

"Then it's settled. Tonight, at The Aristocrat's Night Banquet. Don't be late, or I'll kill you."

Wenwu suddenly felt a chill down his spine. Amia turned and left, leaving a flustered Wenwu and Silver with a look of disdain.

For some reason, Wenwu felt he'd been set up.

"Silver, what is The Aristocrat's Night Banquet?"

"It's a hotel, arguably the empire's finest. Nobles hold parties and birthday celebrations there."

"Then it must be expensive?"

"If you're just eating and staying one night, Master, your money should cover it."

His hard-earned coins would vanish like water. Wenwu's heart ached faintly. "Forget it, I won't go," he concluded after deep thought.

"Master, I advise you to go."

"Why?"

"Because Amia's an assassin. Stand her up, and you'll never know peace again."

Wenwu's joke had caused unnecessary trouble.

"Silver, you don't seem very friendly toward Amia."

"Of course." Silver replied firmly, without a trace of hesitation.

"Why?"

"She's an assassin. They're unpredictable and untrustworthy. I dislike such people."

Silver was blunt and clear. But since he'd spoken, and Silver had put it that way, he'd just have to bite the bullet tonight.

Night soon fell, time for Wenwu to keep his promise. Silver led him to The Aristocrat's Night Banquet. True to its name, it was magnificent, filled with nobles and dignitaries.

Just as they approached the entrance, a hostess stopped them.

"Sorry, sir. Tonight the Duke hosts his daughter's birthday party, booking the entire hotel. His Grace allows entry for five hundred gold coins to celebrate with the young lady."

Paying five hundred coins just to enter made Wenwu's heart ache more. But thinking of Amia haunting him forever, he gritted his teeth and handed over the coins.

The hostess took them, smiled brightly, and gestured for Wenwu to enter. Yet when he stepped in, Silver was barred again.

"She's my attendant. Must she pay too?" Wenwu asked.

"Sir, you misunderstand. The Aristocrat's Night Banquet does not admit beastkin."

Though polite, her words dripped with discrimination. Wenwu started to argue, but Silver cut in: "Master, go ahead. Don't worry about me. Be careful."

She turned and left, ignoring Wenwu's attempt to stop her. In that instant, he glimpsed her bared fangs—though she spoke calmly, she seethed inside.

Wenwu wanted to chase her, but that would betray Silver's resolve. He entered the lobby alone, scanning for Amia but finding no trace. He decided to enjoy the finest hotel and eat something, making the coins worth it.

The lobby dazzled with gilded decor, crystal chandeliers, and soothing music, offering an imperial feel. Wenwu's plain clothes clashed sharply with the opulence, drawing sneers from onlookers. He didn't mind much; he was just an unknown nobody.

"Oof!"

While looking around, Wenwu collided head-on with someone. Quick reflexes let him catch the person before they fell. Only then did he realize he held a young lady dressed like a noble's daughter.

"S-sorry."