I Have Yet to Become a Doll Today-Chapter 1276: Side Story of Du Fu 2 (Extra for not changing the name without drastic updates)
Du Lai was silent for a moment and said flatly, "Let’s see as it goes. I have a criminal record. Once I get off the ship, I might not be able to find a job. Right now, I can still make ends meet. The living expenses at home can’t be cut off..."
"Why do you think I came this time?" The man smiled, "Du Lai, I trust your skills. There’s a job right now. If you’re willing to take it, the reward is at least this much..."
He made a gesture.
Du Lai slightly frowned, "Fifty thousand?"
The man laughed again, gently shaking his head.
Surprise flashed in Du Lai’s eyes, his tone carrying a hint of disbelief, "...Five hundred thousand?"
The man said, "At least five million."
Du Lai drew a sharp breath.
Five million!
Even the commission is so high. The money involved in this business must be over ten times that amount!
His throat went dry. Trying to maintain his composure, he glanced around. The staff were busily coming and going, with no one paying attention to their conversation.
His silence was taken as hesitation by the man, who urged, "Du Lai, with five million, what would you have to worry about? Even if you do nothing, just putting it in the bank and living off the interest would be enough to support those little ones."
Du Lai lowered his voice and asked, "Why choose me?"
The man said, "Although in these past few years you’ve been practicing magic, I believe you haven’t lost your old skills. I don’t mind telling you, this job does have its dangers. The people asked before didn’t make it. But if there were no danger at all, the commission wouldn’t be this high. You understand that, right?"
At this moment, a shout came from the dressing room:
"Magician! Is the magician ready?!!"
Du Lai knitted his brows and glanced at the dressing room, then said to his mentor, "I need to go on stage. Which room are you staying in? We’ll talk later."
The man didn’t say directly, just pulled out a room number plate for Du Lai to see. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢
Du Lai memorized it, nodded, and said, "I’ll come to find you after the show."
The calls from the dressing room became more urgent, and Du Lai didn’t delay any further, turning hurriedly and leaving.
He was preoccupied with thoughts, casually responded to the stage manager, and picked up the box to go on stage.
The act that he had performed thousands of times, he completed excellently even if his mind was elsewhere. By the final act, he replaced the adorable rabbit with snow-white doves and some rose petals floating in the air. A small change brought a full house of applause.
Du Lai, dressed in a tailcoat, stood in the center of the stage and bowed, while his mind had already soared into the clouds—no, it was on the business his mentor introduced.
He had sworn off stealing, but five million, five million was too tempting!
It seemed that he had no principles, and if he did, it must be that the temptation wasn’t big enough.
...
Du Lai got off the stage and immediately headed to his mentor’s room.
—That man had taught him magic for a year. Although it was only a short year, at the time, Du Lai was at a dead end. Not only did the man take him in, but he also provided him with a place to make a living, like pulling him back from the edge of a cliff, so Du Lai was grateful to this day.
Even without five million, if his mentor came knocking, he couldn’t ignore it.
He hurriedly walked towards the man’s room. However, when he reached the stairwell, he was blocked by four men in black suits.
Du Lai cautiously stopped and looked at the four men.
One of the black-clad men said expressionlessly, "Your performance was great. My lady invites you over to perform once more."
Du Lai: "..."
He had met willful, wealthy people inviting him to perform privately before, and if the tip was enough, he was happy to accompany. But at this particular moment...
Du Lai took a discreet half-step back.
The four on the other side also stepped forward a half-step.
It looked like they had no intention of letting him leave.
