Chapter 754 - 360: You Su’s Nickname; Absurd Game (5k)

"Hey little brother, you can barely support yourself, and you’re keeping a cat?"

The man in front of You Su was of medium build, wearing a well-fitted cotton jacket. His forehead was broad, his nose straight, and his eye sockets were even deeper than that of the average person from Beiao Continent.

He greeted You Su with a smile, and although his voice was courteous, there was an inexplicable sense of superiority.

You Su frowned slightly. The contempt in the man’s eyes was almost overflowing. This must be the person he had been waiting for.

"I’ve had it since it was small. How could I abandon it? I can’t bear to," You Su said, scratching his head guilelessly, and held Bai Ze back into his arms.

The middleman nodded slightly upon seeing this. He knew very well that the most hardworking people are often those with family burdens. And this cat was clearly the young man’s attachment. As long as he had the cat, it was akin to holding leverage over the young man.

"Indeed, your cat is quite charming. It must cost a lot of silver to keep it, right?" the middleman asked knowingly.

You Su could tell that the middleman didn’t have any cultivation, which slightly put his mind at ease.

"Sigh, I couldn’t afford it anymore, so I came to Shuocheng to find a job to support it... Boss, don’t be fooled by my young age. I’m very strong and capable! If you need help with anything, you can count on me!" You Su enthusiastically recommended himself, showing an eagerness for work.

The middleman sized up You Su from head to toe and nodded frequently, clearly satisfied with You Su’s physique.

"I do have a nice job..."

"I can do it, boss!"

"No rush. How old are you? Where are you from?"

"I’m nineteen this year, from White Cloud Village east of Beiji City," You Su answered each question. White Cloud Village was where he had previously met Qu Ye by chance.

The middleman rolled his eyes as if trying to remember the place. But Beiji City was already an abandoned city, and no one would remember any village around it. He waved his hand and asked:

"Then why can’t you get into the city on your own?"

You Su had prepared for this, lamenting: "I was born and raised in the village. My parents died early, and I never got registered in Beiji City. When I grew up and wanted to correct this, the officials in Beiji City wouldn’t even pay attention to me. It was tough to make a living hunting over there, so I thought of trying my luck in this big city."

"I see... There are indeed many people like you. There’s nothing to be done. Beiao Continent has so many messy little villages. We called for people to come to the city to help build these big houses before, but those ignorant folks wouldn’t come, insisting on guarding those broken thatched houses. Now, they want to come but can’t." The middleman sighed and shook his head.

The development of Beiao Continent was late. At the time, many people’s concepts remained in ’tribes,’ unable to comprehend cities formed by mixing different ethnic groups. Now realizing the city’s advantages, there isn’t enough space to accommodate so many ’savages,’ leaving many born in remote villages unable to obtain official identity.

"Yes, yes, yes..." You Su echoed repeatedly.

The middleman glanced at You Su with satisfaction. "Don’t worry, I’ve seen at least fifty, if not a hundred, cases like yours. This is indeed a good job, but it’s not easy. I’ve seen so many people, but it’s only you that I’ve taken a liking to. If you’re willing to do it, then do it well. I’ll take care of the matter of getting into the city for you."

"Thank you, boss! I promise to work diligently and consistently!" You Su pledged earnestly, his performance seamless.

"You’re lucky. If you do this job well, there will be endless wealth and glory for you to enjoy. Don’t forget about me then." The middleman patted You Su’s shoulder, seemingly giving it an intentional squeeze. "Come on, follow me."

You Su raised an eyebrow slightly, feeling a chill run through him after that squeeze. "Boss, what kind of job is it exactly... It’s so good, I’m scared..."

The middleman, with a scowl, turned his head and growled: "Scared of what? With so many people out here, why should I have to deceive you? Let me be clear, this city is hard to enter, but also hard to leave! If you’re worried I’m tricking you, then scram! Who else am I gonna look for? You really think you’re something!"

"No way, boss... I’m just a little timid... I promise to work hard!" You Su hurriedly quickened his pace, closely following behind the middleman.

Only then did the middleman turn around and continue walking, his expression full of disdain.

"Um... don’t you need to ask my name?" You Su asked softly.

"No need. Whatever your name was before is unimportant. From now on, remember your new name."

The middleman led You Su off the main road down a small path, instead of taking him directly to the city gate.

You Su clenched his fist quietly, knowing his plan was half successful.

The middleman was definitely going to arrange a fake identity for him.

"Boss, then... what’s my new name?"

The middleman stopped and turned back, and You Su could feel that his gaze had changed.

No longer was it contemptuous. Instead, there was an aggressive appreciation, like... a man appraising a woman.

"We’ll call you Sakura."

...

There was a bang.

The drafty door was kicked open.

"The identity proof is ready. Have you memorized the poem?"

Wearing the same attire, the middleman adjusted his collar as he barged in.

Bai Ze darted into You Su’s arms. Although it often seemed to disdain You Su, in its heart, it always saw his embrace as the safest little haven.

"Yes, I’ve memorized it..." You Su’s voice was lacking confidence.