Chapter 88: The Old Man’s Question

Chapter 88: The Old Man’s Question

The two strolled leisurely down the street, savoring the beauty of the moment. “Gray, will you tell me about your past?” the girl suddenly asked. “I’d rather not; it wasn’t a pleasant experience.” “But I want to hear it,” she said earnestly.

“I’m an orphan. I was taken in by an eccentric old man. He was crazy, but he was kind to me.” Ye Tian’s lips curved upward. “He might be somewhere in that world. I have to find him, I must.”

Layla looked into Ye Tian’s determined eyes, opened her mouth to speak, but ultimately said nothing. “Let’s go back,” she whispered. “Why? We haven’t eaten yet,” Ye Tian asked, puzzled. “I’m not hungry anymore. Let’s go back,” she insisted.

“All right then.” Ye Tian, unsure what was troubling her, could only comply. They retraced their steps. “Gray, if—just if—one day you leave, will you take me with you?” the girl murmured.

“What did you say?” Ye Tian didn’t catch it. “Oh, nothing,” she said, startled. “Sorry, Gray.” “It’s fine, really, I should be the one apologizing. I meant to take you out for dinner, but now we’re heading back without eating,” Ye Tian said with a wry smile.

“It’s not your fault.” The girl shook her head gently. At that moment, a cheerful voice rang out: “Isn’t that Gray? What a coincidence!” A bright carriage stopped in front of them. Ye Tian looked up, recognizing the owner of the magical shop, the shameless old Ralph.

“Oh-ho!” Ralph caught sight of Layla and his eyes narrowed mischievously. “Gray, not bad!” “Don’t get any ideas. She’s my colleague, Layla, and you’re Old Ralph,” Ye Tian introduced.

“Oh, so this is the lovely Miss Layla!” Ralph hopped lightly off the carriage. “It’s an honor to meet you.” He reached to take Layla’s wrist, intending to kiss it. “Hey, old man, what are you doing? Don’t take advantage of her!” Ye Tian snatched her hand away and wiped it with a handkerchief.

“Ho ho!” Ralph’s grin widened as Ye Tian finished, releasing Layla as if he were a proper butler. “So, coming to visit my little shop again?” Ralph asked.

“No, just out for dinner with Layla. We’re heading back now,” Ye Tian replied. “What a pity! I brought plenty of good things. Why don’t you stay a while and come to my place instead?” Ralph suggested.

“No,” Ye Tian refused flatly. “Let’s go see,” Layla said thoughtfully—she knew Ye Tian cared for her, but if he left tomorrow, she’d regret missing the chance. She didn’t want that.

“All right then. You go ahead, I’ll join you in a moment,” Ye Tian said. “Excellent!” Ralph replied with a sly grin. “Miss Layla, please, this way.” He tried to help her onto the carriage.

“No need—your old bones might trouble you,” Ye Tian said, then gently lifted Layla and placed her in the carriage. Her cheeks flushed. “Go on ahead, and watch out for the old man—he’s a bit of a rogue!” Ye Tian whispered in her ear.

“Mm.” Layla’s heart warmed and she nodded softly. “Hurry up, I have so many questions for you!” Ralph snapped the reins, and the carriage sped forward, leaving Ye Tian coughing behind. “Damn old man!” Ye Tian cursed, exhaling deeply.

Ye Tian brought a box of cake to the old man’s shop. He entered, only to see Layla helping Ralph tidy up. “Hey, Ralph, how could you let my friend help you?” Ye Tian complained, snatching the dust cloth from Layla’s hand.

“It’s not my fault,” Ralph protested, aggrieved. “Miss Layla insisted on helping.” “Still not acceptable!” Ye Tian snarled. “Here, take this instead. Since dinner didn’t happen, have the cake instead.” He handed Layla the cake box.

“It’s fine, I’m used to this kind of work,” Layla said with a gentle smile. “No, you can’t,” Ye Tian said sternly. “You already have enough work at the academy. No need to help others outside. Eat first.”

“Mm.” The girl nodded softly, a smile slowly curving her lips. “You eat too.” “I’m not hungry,” Ye Tian replied with a smile. “Wait at the table for a bit, I’ll be right back.” Ye Tian noticed the old man beckoning him over.

“Go ahead, don’t worry about me,” Layla said. “Mm.” Ye Tian followed Ralph. “Come with me.” The old man led him into a side room. He pressed something on the wall, a magical array flashed, and a staircase appeared.

“So mysterious!” Ye Tian remarked. “Of course. Regardless of magicians, alchemists are rare. The secrets we hold can change the world—they’re priceless. Not for anyone to see,” Ralph said proudly.

“Haha, maybe I shouldn’t go in,” Ye Tian joked. “Actually, I want to make a deal with you,” the old man said. “Come in, we can talk inside.” He entered first; Ye Tian followed. The wall sealed behind them without a trace.

Thud, thud, thud—the stairs were deep and lit by magical lamps. “So long?” After more than two thousand steps, Ye Tian was amazed by the secrecy. “There are traps along the way, but I’ve disabled them for now. If outsiders tried to break in, the traps would finish them,” Ralph explained.

“So mysterious,” Ye Tian teased. “Naturally. Some of our research is off limits; keeping it hidden avoids trouble. Here we are.” A door blocked their way.

Ralph waved his hand; a magical array flashed, and the door opened onto a vast hall. “Welcome to my world, my friend,” Ralph said, gesturing grandly.

It was enormous—larger than the shop itself, chaotic yet somehow orderly. Ye Tian looked around; everything was unfamiliar. “You’re odd. Most people would be overwhelmed with questions,” Ralph laughed.

“If you don’t understand, don’t touch. Some things can kill,” Ye Tian replied sheepishly. “Good advice!” Ralph nodded. “Take a look at this—do you know it?” He handed over a striking flower.

“It looks like a poppy,” Ye Tian said, sniffing it. “Yes, it’s a poppy. Why?” “What does it do?” Ralph asked. “It’s medicinal, often used as a painkiller. But it’s poisonous and addictive—over time, it can kill.”

“Poisonous? Is there an antidote?” Ralph asked anxiously. “Did you use it? There’s no antidote, but if you stop using it, the poison fades. Withdrawal is agonizing, though—even the toughest can’t bear it,” Ye Tian explained seriously.

“Will one use cause poisoning?” “The flower itself isn’t poisonous; the fruit is. When it ripens, boil it and you get poison,” Ye Tian explained.

“Scared me!” Ralph clutched his chest. “Did you eat it?” Ye Tian asked, frowning. “No, just drank some wine made with the flower—supposedly very expensive,” Ralph replied with a sly smile.

“Can you brew some poison for me?” Ralph suddenly asked. “What do you want it for?” Ye Tian frowned. “To analyze it. If I have the poison, I can find the antidote!” Ralph boasted. “Really?”

“You doubt my skills?” Ralph jumped up. “I’ll stake my honor as an alchemist—I’ll make the antidote!” “I believe you, but you don’t have the equipment here, and the fruit isn’t ripe, it needs to fully mature,” Ye Tian replied, waving the poppy.

“What kind of pot do you need?” “A clay pot, like the ones used for food. That I can find, but I don’t have the seeds,” Ye Tian said. “Leave it to me!” Ralph declared. “Fine, I’ll come back in a month,” Ye Tian said.

“A month? Where are you going?” Ralph protested. “Special training, for a month,” Ye Tian replied. “And get plenty of seeds—about a hundred are needed for a small bowl,” he explained.

“Understood,” Ralph nodded. “Anything else? If not, I’ll head back.” Ye Tian rose to leave. “What do I owe you?” Ralph asked. “What?” Ye Tian didn’t understand. “Payment?”

“Oh, just give me a discount on herbs next time,” Ye Tian shrugged. “That’s it?” “What else did you want?” Ye Tian asked, perplexed. “Heh, Gray, you’re a strange one!”

“Oh please, can we change the subject?” Ye Tian sighed. “Let’s head upstairs,” Ralph grinned. “Today’s goodies will not disappoint!”

“I told you not to let her help!” Ye Tian protested, snatching the dust cloth from Layla. “And why have you only eaten a tiny bit of cake?” He pointed at the table.

“Oh, I’m not very hungry,” Layla replied, but her stomach suddenly rumbled, coloring her cheeks. Ye Tian looked helplessly at the girl, turned her toward the chair, and commanded, “Don’t worry about me, just finish it!”

“Ralph, do you have any tea?” Ye Tian asked. “Yes, yes!” Ralph scrambled to find the tea box. “Let me do it,” Ye Tian said, seeing the old man’s clumsy handling—clearly not used to caring for others.

“So how do you usually eat?” Ye Tian wondered if he should just cook here, for convenience. “Well… we alchemists get so busy we barely eat,” Ralph said sheepishly.

“Oh dear.” Ye Tian covered his forehead—so much for his cooking plan. “Then I won’t bother with you,” he muttered, handing Layla a cup of brewed black tea.

“Not bad,” Ralph said, sipping his own cup. “Strange, I don’t have hot water here!” “Enough chatter!” Ye Tian grumbled. How could he tell him he’d heated the water magically? “Even tea can’t shut you up.” “But I’m telling the truth!” Ralph muttered.

“We’re heading back. We’ll visit again sometime.” The two bid farewell and returned to the academy. “I have something to do, I’ll head back first,” Ye Tian said. “Mm, Gray, take care.” The girl rose on tiptoe, planted a gentle kiss on his cheek, and shyly dashed away.