Chapter 11
Chapter 11
“Would you like to buy something? Our shop just received a specialty drink called ‘rabbit blood.’ I strongly recommend you try it.”
When the man in black saw Su Chen looking at him, he cheerfully began promoting his goods.
“I’m not interested.”
What the man was trying to sell made Su Chen even more wary.
He refused outright.
“Then you could buy a beautiful stuffed animal as a souvenir. That rabbit doll, for example, is an excellent choice.”
As he spoke, the man pointed toward the toys on the opposite shelf.
Su Chen frowned.
This man in black was utterly treacherous.
He kept trying to lure Su Chen into traps.
“I’m not interested in that either.”
Su Chen rejected him again.
The man heard Su Chen refuse him again.
He also noticed that Su Chen’s gaze had not shifted at all.
His expression soured.
“Then hurry up and choose what you do want. Buy it and get out. Stop interfering with our work.”
The man spoke harshly.
Seeing the man grow angry actually made Su Chen relax.
Once he knew his enemy’s objective, the initiative rested in his hands.
Su Chen moved closer with a smile.
He asked quietly.
“Do you know about the Aquarium?”
Rules Six and Seven of the Visitor Rules stated:
[Do not linger in the shade of the trees in the Rabbit Enclosure, but you may go to the Aquarium to cool off during the day. (The latter clause was printed in blue.)]
[This zoo has an Aquarium. If a staff member offers to sell you an Aquarium ticket, accept. There is a backup exit there. (The entire rule was printed in blue.)]
From this, Su Chen knew the zoo had no Aquarium.
But why had “It” distorted reality to create one out of nothing?
Su Chen had never understood that point.
Only his test just now had finally yielded a clue.
The staff in black seemed to be working for “It.”
If so, this man might know something about the Aquarium.
The result was exactly as Su Chen had guessed.
The man’s eyes lit up at the question.
Joy spread across his face.
He stood and leaned closer to Su Chen.
He replied quietly.
“Of course I do. You’re in luck. The Aquarium happens to be opening today, and I’m responsible for ticket sales. Would you like to go?”
“Of course, but I don’t have any money.”
Su Chen deliberately spouted nonsense.
At the same time, he craned his neck and leaned even closer.
He put on a pleading expression.
His eyes, however, secretly flicked toward the booklet on the desk.
It was the same thing the man had been reading earlier.
Four large Chinese characters came into view: [Employee Rules].
The man in black did not notice Su Chen peeking at it.
The man heard that Su Chen wanted to visit the Aquarium.
His smile grew brighter.
“That’s all right. Since the Aquarium has only just opened and is cooperating with the zoo, you can use the zoo map instead.”
The man spoke kindly.
Inspiration flashed through Su Chen’s mind.
He instantly understood the man’s purpose.
The man probably wanted the dotted section of the map.
But Su Chen had already torn it off.
That being the case, he could test the man.
Su Chen handed him the rest of the map.
The man accepted it happily.
He unfolded it and discovered that one corner was missing.
His expression immediately darkened again.
“This map is damaged. It can’t be used.”
His tone was exceptionally cold.
His entire attitude had undergone a complete reversal.
Su Chen smiled faintly.
He had now figured out every one of the man’s objectives.
That meant he could manipulate the man however he pleased.
Su Chen finally showed his hand.
“Enough pretending. Let’s discuss something serious.”
Su Chen spoke with a cheerful smile.
The man in black stiffened and retreated two steps.
His eyes filled with suspicion.
“Pretending what? What are you talking about? I don’t understand.”
He put on a bewildered expression.
Su Chen sighed helplessly.
“Do I really have to spell it out? You’re only posing as a staff member. Should I go find someone in a blue uniform right now?”
Su Chen smiled as he spoke.
The man in black panicked.
“What makes you say I’m an impostor?” he asked, his voice trembling.
“Isn’t it obvious? Your intentions are far too blatant. Besides, what legitimate employee reads the Employee Rules while working? That’s material you’re supposed to learn before starting the job.”
Su Chen spread his hands.
He watched the man with interest.
Then he waited for an answer.
The man’s face grew darker.
He glared viciously at Su Chen.
“What do you want?”
Su Chen smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
“Relax. I mean you no harm. If I wanted to hurt you, why would I say any of this? Wouldn’t it be better to contact someone in a blue uniform directly?”
The man heard Su Chen’s explanation.
After considering it briefly, he realized Su Chen was right.
“Then what is your objective?”
The man continued questioning him.
“How about a deal?”
“What kind of deal?”
The man looked suspicious.
“Let me read the Employee Rules. In exchange, I’ll keep your secret and help trick a visitor into coming inside. Whether you can obtain the dotted section of their map will depend on your own ability.”
Su Chen smiled.
The man was moved.
Both conditions struck directly at his weaknesses.
First, he needed to sell goods here without being discovered by staff in blue uniforms.
Second, he desperately needed the dotted section of a map.
Most important, Su Chen had him cornered.
What choice did he have but to agree?
“Fine. I accept.”