Chapter 8: Revelations
"What have you learned? Tell me everything you know." Ye Zhong's authoritative voice sounded out after some time. Shen Yue could see the dignified authority in his posture. He is at least taking him seriously now.
"I overheard some conversations between elder Shen Ming and some men in black clothes. From what I gather, these people were from the Dark Guild. Also, they seemed to be planning for large-scale monsters' attack against Glory City.”
There was silence for a full minute. Ye Zhong looked furious for a moment before he calmed down. Shen Yue saw Zi Yun tremble in the corner.
“Do you know these people? Where they are from?”
“I have seen these people before. They work at Sunflower restaurant my family owns."
"Why are you telling this to me? It's your family."
"My lord. I struggled a long time before I arrived at this decision. I cannot let my family ruin Glory City that has existed for generations. What they are doing is completely immoral." Shen Yue tried to speak seriously and sound like he is full of justice and honor at the same time filled with great pain. Ye Zhong already had a very grave look and gave a subtle nod. Of course, he wasn’t completely convinced but he still considered him seriously for a moment. He cannot rule out that this is a unique trap by Sacred Family. Shen Yue met his scrutinizing stare with a determined gaze.
"Right now, we have no evidence against your family, so I can't act. Keep watching your family and try to get into the inner circle. If you tell them you know something, I am sure they would bring you in their circle instead of silencing you."
"Yes, my lord. I shall do my best." Shen Yue made a pained expression as if betraying his family was difficult for him. Ye Zhong gave a nod.
“I am very thankful for your information. Keep me informed of any developments.”
"My lord. How do you want me to contact you?" Ye Zhong seemed thoughtful for a moment. It was important to not raise any suspicions otherwise he would lose the advantage of having an inside man.
"My lord. I have a suggestion. I do not know if my lord agrees."
"Speak freely."
"I think we could have Miss Ye as our point of contact." Che Yue said it while he glanced at Zi Yun. Ye Zhong frowned. Zi Yun looked up and became alert.
"My lord. Let me explain. Publicly it is known that Zi Yun and I are engaged. If we meet outside in public as an engaged couple, people will have no suspicions. My family would also encourage it."
Seeing Ye Zhong frowning further, Shen Yue hastily added.
"Of course, my lord. I dare not have any intentions. I understand that when this crisis is averted, I will be in no position to have any relationship with your daughter. I only thought the best place to hide is in plain view." Ye Zhong's eyebrows seemed to relax a bit.
"All right. I agree. Zi Yun, meet with Shen Yue outside in public every other day. Relay me any information he gives you." Zi Yun nodded, "Yes, father. I will fulfil your orders." Zi Yun was still stunned after everything she heard.
"I shall now take my leave my lord." Shen Yue bowed and waited for permission to leave.
"Zi Yun, go see Shen Yue out and plan for the outing in two days."
"Yes, father." Zi Yun glanced at me and led me out of the office.
When Shen Yue was out in the courtyard, he asked Zi Yun for his second purpose in coming here.
"Zi Yun, if possible can I visit your family's library? Since I am looking for a particular book, I only need to go through some books."
"If you are just looking at the public collection, I think it's fine. But if you want to borrow some books, I will have to speak to my father."
Zi Yun knew that her father treasured the family's library a lot and let most of the guards access it. For top secret documents, only the most trusted people could access it. But since Shen Yue was about to help his father, visiting the library with semi-public collection seemed to be fine. She then led him to the library. She stayed outside the entrance to see him flipping through some books without taking a careful look. It looked to her like he didn't find what he was looking for. When he came out, she led him out of the mansion.
When Shen Yue neared the entrance, he said. "Can you meet at the east end of the city square in two days around six? There should be many people there and the place is safe enough for a small walk."
"Okay. I can do that." Zi Yun replied quickly. She now had a respectful gaze as she looked at Shen Yue. She couldn't imagine what he must be going through to betray his own family. Was this why he changed recently? She immediately steeled herself to stop thinking about it. A part of her was satisfied that she could be useful to her father.
Shen Yue then said goodbye and left. He felt accomplished and somewhat relieved as he managed to fulfil both of his objectives. He knew it was no going back now. He also reached closer to Black Gold rank with the collection from the City Lord’s library.