Kind-hearted Grim Reaper

"Li, Uncle Li, I'm leaving." Ah Dai dropped a line and rushed out. As soon as he stepped out, he felt a sense of relief wash over his body. When Goris threw Uncle Li aside just now, a bizarre joy had welled up in Ah Dai. It seemed that the steamed buns he got bear much more weight than Uncle Li. Besides, Goris promised not to hit him. Nobody liked being hit. The pain of a full-body beating was unbearable. Being with this mage must be better than with Uncle Li, he thought.

In truth, Ah Dai did not realize that his primary reason for choosing to be with Goris was the girl's insistence before she left.

Goris walked unhurriedly, which allowed Ah Dai to keep up with ease. Though the sky remained overcast, Ah Dai appeared far more cheery, "Teacher, where are we going?"

Goris halted, his voice cold as he addressed Ah Dai, "No questions. Just follow me."

The chilling voice gave Ah Dai a fright. Long-instilled fear had completely shattered any budding thought of rebellion in his mind. "Oh, I'm sorry."

Goris turned back and continued to stride forward. An air of contentment swelled up in his heart. The boy might be a bit dim-witted, but he was obedient. Perhaps, in a year's time, he could help Goris realize his long-cherished dream. With this thought, a chilling smile unconsciously crept onto Goris's aged face. If Ah Dai saw this smile, he probably would have wavered in his decision to leave. But he didn't see it. It was because he left Nino with Goris that his life would become anything but ordinary.

Before long, Goris led Ah Dai to a grand hotel that looked like a palace. He walked in proudly while the two doormen hastily opened the grand doors to welcome him.

Ah Dai gazed at the gold-plated grand doors in front of him without swallowing a gulp. He was familiar with this place because he had staked out here a few times to catch some fish. Uncle Li had once told him this was the largest hotel in the city of Nino, called the Kailun Grand Hotel. Ah Dai wondered if Goris lived here. On impulse, he followed Goris inside.

"Go away, you little beggar!" The towering doorman blocked Ah Dai's path, shooing him away like a fly. Ah Dai was taken aback and quickly moved to the side. After a few steps, he stopped. "That's not right. I came here with the teacher. If he has already gone in, I should too, right?" He thought and returned, politely addressing the doorman, "I came with my teacher. Can I go in?"

The doorman brushed off his welcoming suit and examined Ah Dai, who was dirty from head to toe. A strong look of disgust washed over the doorman's face, "Who's your teacher? Get lost, don't dirty our place. A stinking beggar wanting to enter our hotel, don't you have any shame?"

Ah Dai became anxious. Although he was a little slow, he knew he couldn't turn back now—he definitely couldn't return to Uncle Li's place. His only hope for a beloved steamed bun was to follow Goris. "Please, let me in, I must find my teacher." He pleaded again, desperation in his eyes.

The doorman, tired of tangling with the little beggar, menacingly moved towards Ah Dai, "Damn it, you don't know when to give up. You're forcing me to raise my hand." The doorman raised his hand, ready to slap Ah Dai. He had seen many beggars in the Empire of Tian Jing. It wouldn't be a problem if he beat a few to death.

"Hold on, he is with me." Goris's voice rang out just in time. He knew as soon as he entered the hotel that Ah Dai wouldn't be so easily allowed in. But, to make Ah Dai wholeheartedly committed to him, Goris had intentionally not intervened until he heard the doorman threatening Ah Dai.

The doorman stiffened, pulling back his ready-to-slap hand, perplexed, "Sir, he really came with you?"

Goris slightly lifted his head, shooting a cold glare from beneath his cloak at the doorman. The doorman immediately shuddered, hurrying to apologize, "Sorry, sir, my mistake. Please enter." The experienced doorman quickly realized it was not wise to provoke the man dressed as a mage. He hurried to apologize and gestured Ah Dai to go in.

Ah Dai rushed forward to Goris, "I'm sorry, teacher. I, I…"

"Let's go." Goris had already seen what he wanted in Ah Dai's eyes. He said and immediately turned to continue walking inside. Ah Dai seemed to have learnt his lesson and stuck close to Goris. The piercing stares from the others on him made him feel uncomfortable. He shrank and lowered his head, silently following Goris's footsteps.

Goris led Ah Dai to a big door and pushed it open. An overwhelming wave of steam engulped them, sending a wave of warmth through Ah Dai's body, he unconsciously blurted, "It's so warm!" This was one of the many public bathrooms in the Kailun Grand Hotel. At this time, there wouldn't be any customers. Normally, customers would only come to soak in the bath in the evening.