Chapter 621, What's the Ex-Husband's Name
Hearing the middle-aged man's question, the elder leaned back in his chair, eyes gazing toward the ceiling, clouded with memories.
As if recalling the past.
He spoke softly, "She rarely went out, planted some of her favorite flowers in the courtyard and basement, or stayed in the study reading the books we bought. We were very happy back then."
"One time, she went out and was attacked by a wild beast in the forest. Fortunately, a passing mercenary saved her. But ever since then, she became increasingly strange."
The middle-aged man frowned as he listened, while the guards behind kept silent.
Waiting for the rest of the story.
The elder continued, "At first, I didn't notice anything. I just thought she was frightened and distracted. But over time, things got weirder. She stopped gardening and reading. Sometimes she talked to thin air, other times danced around wildly."
"One night, Glenda... she completely lost her mind. She ran and screamed madly, rushed into the basement, knocked over the oil lamp, and stood in the flames, grinning at me like a devil who had finally succeeded."
"The fire grew stronger. I wanted to save her, but there was nothing I could do."
"I could only watch as the flames slowly consumed her."
"Back then, my level was too low. If I were stronger, maybe it wouldn't have ended that way."
Regret and unwillingness filled the elder's voice.
It didn't sound like the first time he had told this story.
The cause and course of events were described very clearly.
Seeing the story come to a pause, the middle-aged man showed a bit of sympathy in his eyes, "It wasn't your fault."
Many monsters could manipulate the mind. Stories and rumors like this weren't uncommon.
Low-level humans were especially vulnerable in the wild.
The elder nodded, "It's all in the past. I just hope she doesn't blame me."
"A gentleman as devoted as you? How could she possibly blame you?" the middle-aged man comforted him and changed the subject, seeing how heavy the atmosphere had become.
"This afternoon, I'll be visiting the Island Lord. Will you come along?"
The elder pondered, then shook his head, "I'll first visit some friends on the island, then go see the Island Lord."
"That's fine too."
As they spoke, noise rose again from below.
They looked out the open window.
Rested bards had returned to the stage, casting a few buffs on themselves before announcing loudly, "Up next, the Great Detective story..."
"Finally, the Great Detective!"
"Miss Beni's story was too heavy. I prefer this one."
"No matter how many times I hear it, the way the culprit is found through little details is always thrilling."
"No one can fool the Island Lord, no matter how good they are at lying."
As the tavern guests chatted, the bard began his tale.
Upstairs, in a private room, the middle-aged man listened intently.
The elder's eyes gleamed.
...…
Island Lord's Mansion.
After the three merchant representatives respectfully sat down,
The maids served tea and pastries.
The first man said, "Island Lord, I'm the vice president of the Stag Chamber of Commerce. This is a gift for you; I hope you won't mind."
He took out three delicate wooden boxes from his spatial ring.
Opened them one by one.
The top held a pair of ornate silver goblets.
The middle box contained a porcelain plate with an enamel-like centerpiece.
The bottom had a hollow ivory-colored carving resembling a tusk.
Each item was exquisitely crafted.
Things nobles liked to collect.
"Island Lord, I'm a regional representative of the Erlaiwei Chamber of Commerce. These gifts are our own products; I hope you like them."
The second representative spoke.
He also produced gifts from his spatial ring.
Two in total—one a fine jade stone, the other also porcelain.
"My lord... these are the gifts I brought."
The third person followed, presenting a rolled-up ornate carpet and several vibrant cloth bolts.
Likely products of their chamber.
The designs and patterns were all quite beautiful.
All luxury goods favored by this world's elite.
But to Wu Heng, they weren't particularly appealing—just pretty but not useful.
He'd rather get copper to melt into bullets.
"Thank you. I like them very much," Wu Heng smiled, then turned and said, "Minnie, take these away for now, and go to the study to bring three of the exhibits I prepared."
"Yes, Master." Minnie gathered the gifts and stored them in the back cabinet.
Then went upstairs to the study.
Once she left,
The Stag vice president respectfully spoke, "Island Lord, besides attending the exhibition, we'd also like to open shops on the island."
"Gold-Silver Island is expanding. You're welcome to open stores," Wu Heng replied directly.
The man continued, "We just want to ask in advance—will the new streets also get streetlights like Lighthouse Street and the central district? You know, the main street shops are all sold out, and we can't get those locations."
As he spoke, the other two nodded.
Seemed they wanted spots with streetlights for their shops.
Wu Heng confirmed, "Don't worry. All new commercial streets will get streetlights. Just don't pick places too remote."
"Then we're relieved." The three smiled and nodded.
Just then, Minnie came back downstairs.
Holding three slim gift boxes.
"Master," she called sweetly and placed them on the table.
Wu Heng gestured, "Gifts for you three—our latest products."
After some polite words, they accepted.
Opening the boxes, they found round items inside.
Smooth and glossy—clearly well-made.
Wu Heng explained, "These are fountain pens—our improved version of the quill, easier to carry and write with. They'll replace quills in time."
The three looked at the pens curiously.
Examining them, one gently twisted off the cap to reveal the nib.
Seeing the fine patterns, their eyes lit up.
So detailed!
Even decorative engravings.
"Let me show you how it works."
Seeing their confusion, Wu Heng took out another pen from his ring.
Under their gaze, he began demonstrating.
"This is the cap. Once removed, you can write."
Then he unscrewed the end to show the ink sac. "Just draw in the ink once, and you can write freely—no need to constantly dip like with quills."
Just from a short demo,
The three already grasped the pen's features.
They exchanged glances, surprised and amazed.
It seemed simple, but turning a quill into a fountain pen took ingenious design.
Not everyone had a spatial ring to carry pens and ink.
This pen fixed all the flaws of the quill.
It may look like an upgrade,
But its practicality soared.
No doubt it would soon become the bestselling writing tool.
And it was finely made—especially the soft ink sac. Replicating it would be tough without knowing the materials.
"Did you design this yourself?"
"Island Lord, has the pen hit the market yet?"
"I think we should discuss agency sales."
The three spoke excitedly.
Wu Heng smiled, "Not yet. It'll debut at the exhibition. Once we finalize the price, we can talk partnerships. There are also many styles—it looks nice too."
The three paused, then nodded immediately.
Looks like this exhibition will really feature some revolutionary new goods.
As they chatted, footsteps came from the courtyard.
Robé led in 'Shanaila,' dressed in a luxurious gown, along with her lady's maid.
She glanced around and gave a slight bow, "Island Lord."
Wu Heng nodded and introduced, "This is Shanaila, President of the Flower of Stars Chamber of Commerce and advisor for the Gold-Silver Island exhibition. She handled the venue design and item selection."
The three had heard of her even before arriving.
They stood quickly, "Madam Shanaila."
"Be seated," Shanaila said coolly.
The three sat. Shanaila exuded presence as she asked, "Your chambers are all joining the exhibition?"
One replied, "Yes, we've registered at city hall."
Shanaila continued, "What items are you exhibiting?"
"We have finely crafted silverware, popular with nobles and royalty."
"We brought fabrics and tapestries—excellent quality."
"We have jade accessories."
Shanaila nodded, "Lifestyle items are on the first floor. Bring your goods in tomorrow afternoon. Don't come too early—give the upper floors time to set up."
"Yes, of course!" the three nodded.
With Shanaila involved, the casual chat turned business-focused.
All about the exhibition.
They stayed a while longer before taking their leave.
Wu Heng and Shanaila walked them to the door and waved goodbye.
Back inside, Shanaila said, "It wasn't anything urgent. Why call me over?"
"With you here, I feel more confident." Wu Heng wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
"Lazy. You leave everything to us," she chided.
As they joked,
Minnie opened the door again and returned, "Master, two more merchant groups have arrived."
Wu Heng looked at Shanaila,
Gave her a big kiss on the cheek, then stepped away, "Let them in."
...…
Dusk.
After dinner, Wu Heng went straight upstairs into the study.
Originally, he had planned to head to the Zombie World to help Beni level up, but many of the new arrivals on the island had come to visit the Island Lord's Mansion.
He couldn't just shut his doors to them, so he received them one by one.
And so, the day passed.
Having so many people arrive on the island wasn't a bad thing.
These noble merchants visiting promoted the island and boosted his reputation.
In the future, building a vacation and tourism destination might be a good idea.
As for the exhibition, tomorrow was the entry day for all goods, and the day after it would open to the public.
Wu Heng returned to the study.
Sitting down nearby, Glenda put down her pen and said, "Tomorrow is newspaper distribution day, and it overlaps with the exhibition. Should we postpone it?"
Time to release the next issue.
Wu Heng shook his head, "No need. Let's release it on schedule. With all the merchant groups arriving, it's a good chance to show off the paper's popularity."
"That works. Much more thoughtful than before," Glenda praised with a smile.
Xiaoxiao put her hands on her hips, "Mhm, Uncle has made big progress."
Beni giggled.
Wu Heng looked at Xiaoxiao, "Xiaoxiao, once this is over, let's visit your mother and see how she's doing with her skill learning."
"Okay! I miss my mom too. But don't expect too much with her skills," Xiaoxiao said with a knowing look.
"Have some faith in your mom."
"Alright, let's hope she makes it," said Xiaoxiao.
Wu Heng looked at her, "If your mom does learn the skill, how do you want to help her?"
"Me?" Xiaoxiao fell into deep thought, floated a few loops in the air, and said, "Maybe help her level up or find her a boyfriend... I dunno, we'll see."
Well damn, that's pretty forward-thinking.
She even wanted to find her mom a boyfriend.
"We'll see then."
"I'm off to watch a movie," Xiaoxiao said and walked off.
Beni followed after her, also going to watch a movie.
Wu Heng poured himself a cup of tea.
His gaze landed on Glenda, who was still flipping through a book.
He asked curiously, "Glenda, I haven't asked—what was your ex-husband's name?"
"Ex-husband? What a strange term. Sounds like I've had several of them," Glenda replied, annoyed.
"Just a label. I don't know what else to call him," Wu Heng sipped his tea.
"Magnoro. A bard."
"How are you sure he set the fire? Did you see him after becoming a wraith?"
Glenda instantly became cold and uneasy.
Even in her semi-transparent form, fear was visible.
Anyone would hate to recall a traumatic memory—especially death.
Glenda said, "I was still conscious. He tied me to a chair in the basement, smashed the oil lamp, and watched me burn in the fire."
"By the time I became a wraith, I don't know how much time passed. The house was already ruins—it must've been a long time."
Wu Heng nodded. So the bastard really tried to kill her.
Took her to the basement, smashed the lamp.
No way to escape in that situation.
"Got it. Think about where he might've gone. Once the exhibition is over, we'll find him—alive or dead."
That kind of grudge,
There's no room for compromise.
"Alright," Glenda smiled faintly. "If you had taken over Rentam City earlier, maybe none of this would've happened."
"Don't think too much. I'll get your revenge," Wu Heng said seriously.
"Mhm," Glenda nodded.
"I'm going to rest."
"Okay. Take care of your health. And tell your little maids to keep it down," Glenda teased.
"You were eavesdropping, weren't you?!"
...…
The night passed.
Morning streets were thick with damp mist.
Gradually, people filled the entire street.
At that moment, the newspaper boys appeared.
Quickly taking positions at every intersection.
Holding the papers high.
Shouting, "Take a look! Hot off the press! Tomorrow, West Street Exhibition opens! All merchant groups will display their goods! New Great Detective story! New case, new story, same excitement! 65 copper, first come, first served!"
Almost simultaneously, similar shouts echoed through every corner of Gold-Silver Island.
...…
Whoosh!
Crowds instantly swarmed the newspaper boys.
Layer after layer surrounded them.
"A new story! The Great Detective isn't over yet!"
"Awesome! More new stories to enjoy."
"Wonder what the new case is this time."
"Don't push! What's the rush?!"