Waking Of A World Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Single Piece Of Candied Fruit.

Read chapter 13 of Waking Of A World by Victor_WIlliam on NovelPedia.

Evan placed a thin folder on the table between them, then leaned back slightly, studying Liang Shen with calm, unreadable eyes. Evan’s goal at the moment was to find out what kind of request the White Crane Office was on. He had some ideas, but until he could confirm them, it was hard to say anything. Normally, finding this out would be easy, but due to the current situation between the S.E.C.T. and the Nexus Association, obtaining the right information had become rather difficult. He opened the folder and glanced at the first page. “Liang Shen, a Fixer of the White Crane Office. It says here that you were at Sierra Middle School before moving quickly to the place where the assault happened, correct?” Liang Shen remained silent. Evan didn’t seem surprised by the lack of response. “You know, most people in your position would be talking right now. They would try to explain themselves, make excuses, beg for leniency…” He looked up. “But you? You haven’t said a single word since you were brought in. Why is that?” He closed the folder with a soft snap. “Let me be direct with you. We both know this isn’t a simple assault case. A Fixer from the White Crane Office doesn’t show up at a middle school for no reason. So I’ll ask you once, nicely.” Evan leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “What were you and your Office doing at Sierra Middle School?” Liang Shen finally spoke, his voice calm and even. “I’d like to speak with my superior first.” Evan let out a quiet, almost amused breath. “Marie, right? I believe we will meet her soon enough, but let’s put her aside for a moment.” He tilted his head slightly. “You see, Liang Shen, we’re not your enemy here. We’re just trying to do our job, keeping this city safe. But when high-level Fixers start operating inside school grounds without proper clearance, it makes people nervous.” Evan’s eyes sharpened. “So I’ll ask again. What were you investigating?” Liang Shen stayed silent for a long moment, then answered quietly. “That information is part of a request given to the White Crane Office.” He continued, “And my contract with the Office states that I don’t have the freedom to discuss it without authorization.” Evan’s expression didn’t change, but the temperature in the room seemed to drop. “You’re making this difficult for yourself,” he said softly. “We both know the Nexus Association has been… struggling lately. Their influence in Veston is shrinking. Meanwhile, the S.E.C.T. has been given broader authority to handle threats like this serial kidnapping case.” He leaned in closer. “Cooperation would make things much smoother. For you. For your Office. We can even offer certain benefits if you help us.” Liang Shen’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he still didn’t speak. Evan watched him carefully, then smiled, a small and cold smile. “Think about it. You’re a smart man. You know how this city works now. Some cases… are better left to the proper authorities.” He straightened up in his chair. “If you just tell us what request your Office accepted, we can let you walk out of here, free to go back to the city like none of this ever happened. What do you say?” Evan continued. “I’ll give you some time to reconsider. But don’t take too long. The longer you stay silent, the more complicated this becomes, for everyone, especially for you.” Liang Shen, however, didn’t move. His voice remained calm and unwavering. “Like I said, I need authorization from my superior.” He added, “I don’t believe we need to discuss anything further.” Evan exhaled slowly, his voice laced with disappointment. “It’s a shame, really. I was hoping we could handle this with just a talk.” He paused, his eyes still locked on Liang Shen. “Tell me, Liang Shen…” In one fluid motion, Evan stood up and straightened his suit. Then, without warning, a thick chain erupted violently from his chest with a wet, metallic screech. The chain shot forward, aiming at Liang Shen. “Have you ever drowned before?” Liang Shen’s eyes widened. H