The thief reached out and struck, with a loud bang, the desk shattered into pieces. But his own body suddenly convulsed, a mouthful of fresh blood spurted out, and he fell to the ground.

Henry Clark had been watching him closely, quietly following. At this moment, seeing the thief fall, he suddenly lunged forward, pushing with both hands, his body skimming along the ground as he darted over.

George Foster arrived with two guards in pursuit. The thief landed, laughing loudly, then coughed a few times, spitting out blood, and cupped his hands, saying, “Er Langjun, impressive skills, but no one can keep me here. The mountains are high and the rivers long, let’s meet again in Chang’an!”

George Foster couldn’t catch up. Helen Thompson raised his cup and drank tea, a trace of coldness appearing between his brows. Lily Thompson said angrily, “How arrogant! Infuriating!”

The adviser stomped his foot. “What a scoundrel!”

Everyone watched as the thief laughed and turned away.

A dark figure suddenly appeared behind him, saying, “You talk too much!”

Puff!

A short dagger plunged into the thief’s abdomen, twisting a few times. Henry Clark immediately retreated at high speed.

Perhaps not expecting to be ambushed, the thief froze for a moment, then struck out with his palm. Henry Clark retreated quickly, raising his shield in front of him, curling up behind it.

Bang!

The shield shattered, and Henry Clark unhesitatingly dropped flat to the ground.

Between losing face and losing his life, he chose losing face without hesitation.

A gust of wind swept over his body. The thief yanked out the dagger, raised it, then let out a long howl and collapsed with a crash.

George Foster rushed over, wary, and stabbed the thief once more to make sure he was barely alive, then looked at the wound with wild joy. The thief had intended to pull out the dagger and escape, but when Henry Clark stabbed him earlier, he had riskily twisted it a few times. When the thief pulled it out, several of his intestines were severed.

Henry Clark slowly got up, patting his sore and numb hands, still feeling lingering fear.

Surprise was a rare emotion for Helen Thompson, but at this moment he turned in astonishment to look at Henry Clark.

The adviser was the same.

George Foster looked up at Henry Clark, never having regretted his earlier foolishness so much. Such a sharp and resourceful youth—he had refused The Thompson Family once, but couldn’t I invite him again?

Lily Thompson was stunned for a moment, thinking, This wild boy is actually so capable. It’s a pity he was a bit afraid to die earlier, lying flat on the ground. But then she forgave him—neither Second Uncle nor the adviser could stop the thief, but the wild boy killed him on the spot. Though a bit timid, he’s got real skills!

This was the first time she looked directly at Henry Clark.

Chapter 9: The Bright Mirror Hangs High

The adviser walked over, bent down to look at the thief, and saw his eyes wide open, staring behind himself. He turned and smiled at Henry Clark, “How did you know he would land here?”

Henry Clark said, “I watched him. As he was darting, he kept descending, so it was clear he’d been injured by Er Langjun’s palm.”

The adviser asked gently, “Yes, anyone could see that. But how did you figure out exactly where he’d land?”

“Just by watching!” Henry Clark replied simply.

“Watching?” the adviser asked.

Henry Clark nodded.

Just watching, nothing profound about it. He said sincerely, “I took one look and knew he’d land there.”

The adviser was taken aback, then smiled, “Young man, would you consider joining The Thompson Family?”

George Foster glanced at Henry Clark, feeling this was a great opportunity.

Yesterday, it was he and Thomas Reed who invited him; today, it was the adviser. This adviser worked at Helen Thompson’s side and was deeply trusted. His invitation was an official offer from The Thompson Family.

If Henry Clark agreed, after joining The Thompson Family he wouldn’t start as a guard—he might even go somewhere better.

Thomas Reed was full of envy, but also happy for Henry Clark. He glared at Henry Clark, signaling him not to be stubborn.

Lily Thompson sighed in the back, “Now I can’t have him feed my horse.”

Helen Thompson smiled slightly, seeing Henry Clark look up. The youth’s eyes were bright, and a certain aura he himself had possessed years ago made him frown unconsciously.

Since Henry Clark had decided to be a tiger, he naturally wouldn’t hesitate any longer: “It’s not that I don’t know what’s good for me, but… still, thank you.”

The adviser’s smile froze, then he covered his embarrassment with a laugh and asked again, “Living in Chang’an is no easy feat, young man. Do you know what you’re refusing?”

A bright future, wealth and honor!

Henry Clark saw George Foster shake his head and sigh, and Thomas Reed was furious, gesturing at his neck. He nodded and said, “I know.”

But you still refused.

The adviser returned, seeing Lily Thompson with a hint of disappointment, which soon turned to pride.

“Er Langjun, that young man still refused. I wonder why.”

Helen Thompson was also quite surprised, but he had seen too many big scenes for such a small surprise to move him. “Youthful spirit… But Chang’an is uneasy. So many ambitious young talents have had their spirits worn down in Chang’an. I hope he can always be this stubborn, but I’ve seen too many go from high-spirited to world-weary.”

The adviser glanced at Lily Thompson, “No amount of ambition can withstand an empty purse and constant setbacks. What can a hunter do in Chang’an? Hunt the nobles as if they were beasts? Oh, and he said he wanted to study, but how hard it is to study in Chang’an.”