Herlosh knew he had completely messed up again this time.
This feeling was terrible, but it seemed he was used to it.
When did it all begin?
It seemed it had been since he was a child. The things he wanted to do always failed. Failure always surrounded him. Even after he coincidentally awakened to the true name of 'Eye of Truth,' he didn't achieve much more success.
As an independent journalist, his reports never made much impact, which also stagnated the progress of his true name.
The dream was to open his own newspaper, but it remained just a dream, too far-fetched a goal. Now, he couldn't even afford next month's rent, let alone open a newspaper.
This time, he had planned to take a risky gamble, to get an exclusive interview with Ethan and seize the opportunity to find a way out.
Everything was initially going smoothly, whether it was impersonating someone else's identity or the conversation with Ethan.
In the end, he was still seen through.
Herlosh felt a bit deflated, but he quickly mustered his strength and began to seriously tackle the plate of Feng Cui specialty cuisine in front of him, Seafood Risotto.
He had to admit, the dishes at this Feng Cui family restaurant were truly delicious, and importantly, they were cheap.
He had been eating here for several days in a row, eating very seriously, leaving not a single grain of rice.
Because he never wasted anything, mainly because he was poor.
Having swallowed the last grain of rice on his plate, Herlosh felt a bit unsatisfied, but remembering the money in his pocket, he decided to let it go.
He was about to get up to pay when a person sat down in front of him.
"Trouble, please bring two more portions of risotto, plus two glasses of grape water, all on my tab."
The so-called grape water was actually just grape wine, but now that the grape brick was legal, water soaked with it was also legal, and no one investigated it.
"Ethan... sir, why are you here? Is there something you need?"
Herlosh carefully looked at the suddenly seated Ethan, feeling a bit uneasy.
These days, he had gathered quite a bit of information in Winstec. The person before him seemed a newly risen artist but was actually the biggest Mafia boss in Winstec.
Could it be that impersonating someone else during the interview had angered him?
"Oh, don't be nervous. I just happened to pass by, heard there was a good hometown cuisine here, and coincidentally met you. Seeing you didn't seem full, I thought I'd treat you to another serving."
Ethan said with a smile.
Herlosh didn't dare believe in these so-called coincidences.
But he didn't dare to leave. He could only wait for the food to arrive and then bury his head in eating.
After eating, he swallowed the grape water with the resolve of going to execution.
Ethan was still eating slowly; he had only made it halfway through when he slightly nodded and said, "Indeed, it's very authentic Feng Cui flavor. Are you full? Do you want another serving?"
"No, no need." Herlosh couldn't help but burp, looking at Ethan, "Mr. Ethan, thank you for the lunch, so what exactly do you want to find me for?"
He had gotten a bit reckless.
"It's the first time I've met a living 'Eye of Truth.'" Ethan put down his spoon, looking at him with interest.
"Uh..." Herlosh was a bit at a loss.
"The 'Eye of Truth' seems usually very mysterious," Ethan continued.
Indeed, most 'Eyes of Truth' were very mysterious, but some, like him, had fallen on hard times. Dıscover more novels at 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✶𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲✶𝗻𝗲𝘁
He paid attention to the grassroots and people's livelihood, but these things had little value to the 'Eye of Truth.' They were interested in information about true-namers, people, and events.
This destined him to receive little attention and investment, and he couldn't enter the core of the 'Eye of Truth.'
"Actually, I'm here to discuss a business proposition with you."
Ethan said as he wiped his mouth and took another sip of the post-meal wine.
"What business?" Herlosh didn't expect Ethan to say this, but the tension in his heart eased a bit.
"I know you've always wanted a newspaper of your own, right?"
This statement flustered Herlosh.
This young man opposite him seemed to see right through his heart.
Clearly, he was the 'Eye of Truth,' the one supposed to observe all things.
"You don't need to answer immediately. I'm offering you a chance: you help me with something, and whether you succeed or not, I'll give you one million Golden Rye. If you succeed, I'll invest in your newspaper, allowing you to establish yourself in the Royal Capital."
Ethan swirled the remaining wine in his glass.
To Herlosh, his words sounded like the whispers of a devil.
Especially since he knew Ethan's true identity.
"Can I... can I know what it is first?"
"No," Ethan shook his head, then added, "if you agree, you must sign a soul contract with me, promising not to reveal it, not even under arrest if you fail."
Even though Ethan hadn't said what it was, the mention of being arrested sent a chill down Herlosh's spine.
Was it something illegal?
"Can I... go back and think about it?" Herlosh swallowed.
"No," Ethan shook his head. "You either agree here or reject me. My time is precious, and I need to know immediately."
This made Herlosh even more nervous. He couldn't help but glance outside, seeing Ethan's famous Klaus Long Spear parked on the street, and suspicious people seemed to be eyeing the area from alleyways.
Even the restaurant's staff seemed suspicious...
"Relax, even if you refuse, I won't kill you. Do I seem like the type who kills easily?" Ethan seemed to read his mind.
Herlosh really wanted to say yes, but he didn't dare.
"Herlosh, I know you are a good person. You care about the grassroots and have compassion. Similarly, I do as well. You've seen my paintings. So, although this matter is illegal, it is unquestionably for a good cause, to expose evil and uncover darkness."
"I… " Herlosh was completely swayed, but he still had lingering concerns.
"I'm afraid I can't do it well."
"Then do it well." Suddenly, Ethan grasped Herlosh's arms, staring at him, "Herlosh, I've seen your information. You've only been lacking confidence despite your failures. You're smart and understand timing. Stop belittling yourself; believe you can do it, or do you want to live a mundane life forever?"
Herlosh kept swallowing.
He knew the devil was indeed sitting in front of him, speaking in such an alluring and rational manner.
Would he want to live forever?