Chapter 279: Seeking Dao in the Warehouse
The Lizardman looked at Brother White Goat, but was so angry he couldn't speak.
Brother White Goat didn't bother with him any further. He shoved him aside roughly, then said softly, "By the way, you're the one who chose to embarrass yourself today. Don't go blaming me for it."
Although the Lizardman had what looked like dozens of "disciples," they all parted to make way for us.
Uncle Tiger and Uncle Snake turned back and grabbed my hand, and together we followed Brother White Goat.
After we had walked a few dozen steps, Brother White Goat turned back and whispered to us, "From now on, the four of you leave work together. If there's a problem, try to stall for time, and I'll handle it."
Uncle Black Goat hesitated for a moment after hearing this, then asked, "So, Brother Goat… from now on, we're keeping this kid?"
"What's wrong?" Brother White Goat turned to look at him. "Do you see any problem with that?"
"Ah… no, not at all…" Uncle Black Goat shook his head. "Brother Goat, you must have your own plans… I just feel like this kid can't earn you any 'Dao.' Your ascension will be delayed even further…"
"If I were solely focused on ascending, forget about this kid—I wouldn't keep any of you three," Brother White Goat replied. "I've never had any family since I was little. Since we've shared a meal at the same table, that makes you my family. Even if I really do have to leave… I'll make sure you're all settled first."
"Brother Goat, you don't need to settle me!" Uncle Tiger said. "I'm a losing investment anyway. If you want to ascend, you can give up on me anytime!"
"Shut your mouth!" Uncle Snake smacked the back of Uncle Tiger's head. "Can't you tell when someone's being sincere? Think you're the only loyal one?"
"Damn snake, what the… um, may I ask why you hit me?" Uncle Tiger asked, rubbing the back of his head.
"Why are you talking like that all of a sudden…?" Uncle Snake reached out and touched Uncle Tiger's mask. "Little Tiger, are you running a fever? Why aren't you cursing me out!"
"I… I don't feel like cursing. Don't provoke me." Uncle Tiger pushed Uncle Snake's hand away. "Just go to work already."
Uncle Snake nodded, then came over and patted my head.
Seeing his movement, I couldn't help but take half a step back. After all, Uncle Snake had a pretty unpleasant smell.
"What are you afraid of?" Uncle Snake shook his head. "Even though I'm a 'snake,' I'm not eating this little 'mouse' of yours for now."
"Ah… no, that's not it… I'm not afraid you'll eat me, Uncle Snake…" I quickly shook my head.
"Alright, I have to go." Uncle Snake still patted my head. "I'll play with you tonight."
After Uncle Snake left, Uncle Black Goat and Uncle Tiger also left one after another. I didn't know where to exit, so I could only follow Brother White Goat.
After all, every door here looked the same. How did they remember which was which?
After walking about another few dozen steps, Brother White Goat finally stopped.
"Mouse, go out through this door." He pointed at a door beside him. "Your door is exactly one hundred and thirteen doors away from mine. Remember that from now on."
"Ah… okay, I'll remember." I nodded. "Then… I'll be going now, Brother White Goat…"
Brother White Goat looked at me, blinked slightly, and asked, "Why do you call them 'uncle' but call me 'brother'?"
"Be-because you sound younger…" I said in a very small voice. "I feel like you're more like an older brother…"
"An older brother…?" A flicker of loss passed through Brother White Goat's eyes. "Do you know how long I've been here…?"
Hearing this, I quickly added, "If you don't like it, Brother White Goat… I can call you uncle too…"
"No, just call me brother." Brother White Goat shook his head. "After all, no one has ever called me that before."
"Ah…?"
"Mouse," Brother White Goat said. "Don't die out there."
"Die…?" I felt like Brother White Goat might be overthinking it. After all, Vermilion Bird seemed to be protecting me out there; I probably wouldn't die.
"Maybe I'm overthinking it." Brother White Goat shook his head, reached into his pocket, and took out four small balls for me.
I had seen these little balls before. Sister Qin Dingdong had used them to play a game with the referee.
"These four 'Dao' are for your protection. My requirement for you isn't high—just break even, no losses."
"Th-thank you, Brother White Goat." So this was called "Dao"?
"Go now. See you tonight." Brother White Goat pushed the door open for me, and I saw that outside was the entrance to the warehouse where I had first arrived.
I said goodbye to him and walked out, feeling utterly amazed.
I stood dumbly at the warehouse entrance, recalling the rules that Uncle Tiger and Uncle Snake had told me.
I was the referee of this warehouse, so I had to wait at the door for "participants"…
For some reason, I felt nervous.
Would anyone really come to participate in my game…?
I pulled out the little notebook Brother White Goat had given me and carefully read the rules again. They were a bit complicated; I wasn't sure I could handle it…
The sun slowly moved across the sky. I felt like I had been waiting for a long time, but no one came to my warehouse.
My warehouse seemed too remote…
But that was actually a good thing! I was afraid I would mess up… and I was also afraid I would make Brother White Goat lose money.
They had given me food; I couldn't let them down…
So I was really conflicted. I wanted to earn some "Dao" for Brother White Goat, but at the same time, I hoped no one would come looking for me…
"Little mouse!" A voice suddenly sounded behind me, scaring me half to death.
I turned around and saw two older sisters. They were both so pretty!
Well… to be precise, one of them was extraordinarily beautiful—like a star from a magazine poster. Although the other sister was also pretty, she seemed a bit dull in comparison.
Ah! Now wasn't the time to think about that.
I-I had guests!
I didn't know where to put my hands. I froze for a moment, then could only clasp them behind my back.
"Do-do you want to take my 'trial'?" I asked, mustering my courage. As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt like I sounded pretty impressive.
"Trial…?" One of the pretty sisters laughed. "Your voice sounds like a little kid… Everyone else calls it a 'game,' so why do you call it a 'trial'?"
"Ah, I…" I desperately tried to think of what to say, but my mind went blank. I couldn't come up with a single reason.
"Never mind, little sister." The pretty sister shook her head. "Tell me, what's your game?"
"Ah, my game is called…"
Oh no, I had completely forgotten!
"It's called…"
"What's it called?" The pretty sister stared at me seriously.
The harder I tried to remember what was in that little notebook, the blanker my mind became… What was Brother White Goat's game again?
That especially beautiful sister glanced at me and asked, "Have you just become a 'Zodiac'? You even forgot your own game?"
"Who-who said I forgot…"
I looked back at my warehouse and suddenly had a brilliant idea.
"Two lovely sisters! My game is called 'Seeking Dao in the Warehouse'!"