Chapter 5: Earning Money with Skills
Wheel of Heroes – Page 1 of 3
Staring at the young man before him, who appeared to be around nineteen, Li Mingxing suddenly felt an inexplicable sense that he could not possibly be this man's enemy. Li Mingxing was uncertain whether those who were affected by his own imperial aura felt the same way when they met him.
Under the influence of this sensation, Li Mingxing's imperial aura seemed to gain a new dimension: “it inspires people not to become enemies with him.” The young man spoke again, “If it’s inconvenient for you, we can talk right here just as well.”
Taking a deep breath, Li Mingxing raised his head and fixed his gaze upon the youth. “Sorry, I don’t know you, nor do I see any reason to converse with you.”
“You’re Li Mingxing, graduated from the Law Department of Mingqing University in this city this year, and currently looking for a job, right? Also, you studied part of the Mathematics Department’s curriculum, but when you wanted to pursue a double degree, you found you didn’t have enough time and couldn’t finish. I never expected you to be such an accomplished figure.” The young man casually produced a document as he spoke.
Li Mingxing frowned at his words. “Are you from the judicial authorities?”
The young man laughed and shook his head. “No, I’m here to ask you for a favor.”
“Me?” Li Mingxing glanced at him. “What could I possibly help you with?”
“Of course you can help. Your imperial aura alone is enough to assist me in many ways. I know your current job isn’t lucrative. How about helping me tonight? I’ll pay you a hundred thousand.”
Li Mingxing shook his head and tried to bypass him, but the young man immediately caught his arm. “Think about it again. How about two hundred thousand? It’s simple—just help me attend a ball. No killing, no arson. When it’s over, I’ll pay you two hundred thousand directly.”
“Why don’t you go yourself?” Li Mingxing asked quietly, though his heart was already racing.
“Because I’m busy. Tonight is my beloved’s birthday, and my family is using the occasion to host this ball, intending to force me to break up with her. So I need someone to attend the ball in my place.”
“But I look nothing like you. How can I help?” Li Mingxing reasoned, though he was already halfway convinced.
“Don’t worry about that. This is a masquerade ball. You have the same imperial aura as I do, which others can’t imitate, and with their protection, no one will notice the difference.” The young man explained.
“A masquerade ball? I don’t think a half-face metal mask can do much,” Li Mingxing hesitated, finally shaking his head.
“Rest assured, I’ll prepare a mask that fits your face perfectly and won’t let anyone recognize you.” The young man’s tone left no room for refusal.
Li Mingxing stared at him for a while before nodding. “I’ll do it, but afterward, you mustn’t trouble me further. Also, if I happen to meet a girlfriend at the ball…”
“That’s none of my concern.” The young man replied coolly. “I have no interest in this ball or the women there. If you do find a girlfriend, you’d better be careful. Those people aren’t easy to deal with.”
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With that, the young man turned and walked away, and the people stationed nearby sprang into action. The taxi driver abandoned his cab and brought out a BMW to escort the young man.
Several others who had been shopping approached Li Mingxing and, without explanation, dragged him along. From their conversation, it was clear they intended to prepare an outfit suitable for the masquerade.
Li Mingxing realized that if he went to the mysterious bar without any disguise, he would be recognized in real life, so he offered many suggestions for the outfit, getting the others to help craft it.
His requests were not excessive, and half an hour later, Li Mingxing was dressed anew. He wore a long black robe with a hood over his head, resembling a legendary shadow mage.
If he stood in darkness, he would be nearly invisible, yet his imperial aura radiated so strongly that he stood out in any corner or shadow.
Beneath the hood was a silver mask. Li Mingxing marveled at how thin and flexible it was, like paper, easily molded and stretched.
At his request, the mask featured a hooked nose and a pair of pointed elven ears, along with a handlebar mustache made of silver threads—the only non-black part of his attire, as even the mask had been painted black.
Dressed like this, he looked like a dark elf noble mage from a game. With a jewel-encrusted staff, he would have completed the image, but he refrained from making such extravagant demands.
During the ball, Li Mingxing withdrew to a corner, holding a glass of red wine, which he only gently swirled without drinking.
His imperial aura continuously spread, and everyone who entered the ball sensed his presence and looked his way.
As Li Mingxing expected, he created a striking visual contrast; everyone believed he was the protagonist of the event, yet no one dared approach or invite him to dance.
At most, they nodded to him before seeking out their acquaintances for conversation.
Even as midnight came and the guests departed, no one questioned whether Li Mingxing was genuine.
This outcome pleased the young man who returned after midnight. Not only did he gift Li Mingxing the entire outfit, but he also gave him an extra hundred thousand and arranged for Li Mingxing to be driven home.
Back in his ten-square-meter room, the attendant peered inside with curiosity, wondering why someone living in such a small space exuded the same aura as his young master.
But he asked no questions, merely glanced again at Li Mingxing before leaving.
Once alone, Li Mingxing anxiously locked the door. Distrusting checks, he had brought home thirty thousand in cash.
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This was the first time he had ever seen so much money. Previously, the most he’d handled at once was about twenty thousand, to pay tuition.
Looking at the stacks of hundred-yuan bills before him, Li Mingxing felt a sense of unreality. He realized that since accepting that business card, his life had completely changed.
Now, he had only used one of his three skills and had obtained unexpected wealth. What if he used all three? What if he became the ruler of Earth?
Staring at the money, an ambition began to take root in Li Mingxing’s heart.
After carefully storing away all the cash, Li Mingxing picked up the outfit he had received today. To him, this disguise was the greatest reward—it would allow him to frequent the mysterious bar while keeping his real-world identity hidden.
He belonged to the side of darkness now. Even if he didn’t scheme against others, he had to guard against their machinations.
Carefully putting away the outfit, Li Mingxing’s gaze returned to the money. This time, however, his excitement and ambition had faded, replaced by calculation—how best to use the money to complete his tasks.
It dawned on him only now that the money could help him accomplish his missions. He could buy materials to make the toxin required for his second task; even followers and girlfriends required funds.
Without money, these tasks might have been difficult, but with it, Li Mingxing was confident he could finish all three in the shortest time.
At this thought, the seed of ambition in his heart sprouted anew. He resolved to complete more tasks, gain more skills, earn more money, and live the best life possible.
As his mind raced, footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door, snapping him out of his reverie.
He darted to the door, listening intently. Though unsure what was happening, Li Mingxing sensed two men standing on either side of his door, with another preparing to knock.
Alarmed, Li Mingxing realized he was just an ordinary person with no enemies. For these men to come at midnight, it was almost certainly for the thirty thousand he had just acquired—how did they know he had money? Was it the young man?
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