Other world, other me
In the end, they decided to went in the secret room. The room was not really big, but it could fits mostly 10-15 people in it, and there are some chairs, tables, sofa, computer and TV around the room. Most of the teammates are chattering, playing games, watch TV, and some even had sleep. As they went down, they could hear Jiang Wei and Huang Gai are talking to each other, but somehow it's not a good one.
Huang Gai: What? I thought you are the one who recruit them!
Jiang Wei: No I'm not! I thought I've told you that there'll be no more recruit!
Huang Gai: O…k, if you and I not the one who recruit them, then… who're they?! (look at Gan Ning and the others.)
Ma Chao: Oh oh, we're in deep trouble!
Without their realization, Huang Gai and his teammates pointed their guns and weapons towards them. Now, they have no where to run, even if they could went back up, it only fits one person per entry or worse, shoot to death. While they were trying to think a way to escape, Huang Gai and Jiang Wei walk towards them.
Huang Gai: (ready his weapon on his side) Well, well, who sent you here and who you working with! (pointing his weapons at them, as if he will shoot them anytime, while Jiang Wei stands beside him to analysis the whole situation)
Ma Chao: We…we work for no one…
Huang Gai: Yeah right! I bet it was Cao Cao the one who send you here!
Xu Huang: Lord Cao Cao…here? No, it chouldn't be him…
Gan Ning: Look! We telling you the truth! We send by no one and we know nothing about these things… (before he could complete his words, Huang Gai shoot at the floor, to that he was frustrated and being annoy)
Huang Gai: Blah, blah, blah! That's what you gonna say anyway. Do you think we would trust you with that damn excuse! (turn to his members) I say we kill them, here and now! (Just before the others could shoot, Jiang Wei order them to stop) What the…!
Jiang Wei: Settle down! We still don't know the whole thing yet! (somehow Huang Gai doen't want to listen to him and pull his trigger ready to shoot) Huang Gai! (he pull Huang Gai aside to the end of the corner so that they could talk, privately)
Huang Gai: Look! Let me do the job before its too late!
Jiang Wei: Calm down. I know it's hard for you to accept this, but… won't you think about it first?
Huang Gai: Look! I'm not sure who they are or what they are! Well, it's true that they've help us, and they're strong and weird too for some reasons…, but what if this is one of their plan from the begining! What if they already told where this hideout are… (started to get panic and confuse) We gotta kill them before they came…
Jiang Wei: Even if you did kill them, then what does it change? They still come! Think about it, if we kill them, wouldn't that gives Cao Cao more advantage? He surely knows where we are, and kill us all!
Cao Ren: (stand beside them now) just like playing with a dead fish…
Huang Gai: Hey, no one ask you, soldier boy! Even if you did quit from them, but that still doesn't make me trust you! Probably you are the one who leak the info to them!
Cao Ren: If I really did, do you think the fee that I get would be as low as this one? I'm just doing it because Jiang Wei ask me to, or else! (feel so angry, he walks towards the exit) Once I got the money, I'm out! and I was hoping that I could get my fee, up there! (and he exit the room)
Ling Tong: Something tells me there was a connection here…
Fang: Hey, stop talking! (receive a smirk from Ling Tong, he swear if their leader gave them orders to kill them off, he'll be the first person to shoot him first)
Jiang Wei: Nice going Huang Gai! Just in case you still doubt, he's totally clean! He's no longer dealing or having any connection with those soldiers!
Huang Gai: Even if you say so, there's some part in his body still have those soldier instinct. Who knows someday he will back on us…
Jiang Wei: (having a serious face) If that's the case, you should suspect me too…
Huang Gai: (a surprise face) What… what are you talking about?! I…I can't do that…
Jiang Wei: Huang Gai, if you can't trust him, why would you have to trust me… you do know who I really am, right? My true identity…(said in soft tone, as if he was regret who he once was)
Huang Gai: (silent for a moment, he was right, if he trust Jiang Wei, why can't he trust Cao Ren too… what's the different?) Guess I owe that guy an apology… *sigh* guess I really get fire up all the sudden…
Jiang Wei: I'm glad you understood (start to smile back). Now could we proceed how to deal with these 'guys' now? I think we make them wait too long…
Huang Gai: Nah, it's alright! They are the one who aren't lucky enough!
Gan Ning and the others: Yeah, right!
Huang Gai: So… how do we deal them, kill them? Or make them confess? Anything? Helloooo?
Jiang Wei: (while he's still thinking…) Hm… as far as I know, Huang Gai say they appear from nowhere, and came to their rescue and help them. For some reason, these guys looks as if they don't know this whole situation… And somehow these guys seem to knew us for long time ago… Hm… it's troublesome! If they really are the spy, then we could follow what Huang Gai just say. But… what if they're innocent…then… how should I…? *sigh* If only prime minister was here… (he talks very soft as if only a fly could hear him)
Huang Gai: Hello, earth to Jiang Wei… What should we do? (waiting for his answer)
Jiang Wei: (he thought for awhile, but somehow came to a thought) Hey, Huang Gai, (which pick Huang Gai's attention), how much did you told them about us? Did you told every single thing? What's their reaction?
Huang Gai: Umm… actually not much. They do seems wanted to ask me but somehow I cut them off… Oh, I did told them that we are opposing Cao Company, but they seem doesn't know much about it…, but there were some several weird thing about them…
Jiang Wei: How so?
Huang Gai: Um… How to say… They don't know what is guns, laser, machine or train! They act as if this was their first time through and… they did mention about their own world… some sort like that… So, have you thought of something?
Jiang Wei: Um… it's just 50-50. Still lack of clue… wait! That's it! I could use that to test them! Huang Gai, could you give me a minute? I wanted to test them.
Huang Gai: Huh? You need to test them? For what?!
Jiang Wei: Well, just in case we blame the wrong person.
Huang Gai: But…
Jiang Wei: Don't worry, if I verify them as a spy, then you may shoot them as you like, but, if I verify them innocent, then you let them go. Would that alright?
Huang Gai: (he was thinking through) Ok… But I could just give you 1 minute to test them, that's all! (Seeing Jiang Wei agree, he start to walk toward them and order his members to hold their weapons, for now)
Gan Ning: Well, can we go now? I'm kinda tired!
Jiang Wei: Well… it wouldn't be long, as long as you answer my question, then, we might let you go.
Gan Ning: Yeah, right, like they would…
Xu Huang: I wonder what thought does he had? After all, he's Zhuge Liang's apprentice.
Ma Chao: hm…could he be still the same as the last time?
Ling Tong: Wonder what kind of trick he had this time…
Jiang Wei: (look at them with an evil eye, as if he knows how to read their mind) So… where are you from? (most of them were shock! They're thinking why he gives them this sort question)
Huang Gai: Huh? What the…!
Jiang Wei: I'm asking, where do you live? (ask in almost impatient mood)
Gan Ning and the others doesn't know what to do, if they don't answer, they'll be in deep trouble. But if they told them the truth, would they believe them? Without thinking much, Gan Ning answer the question first.
Gan Ning: I came from Wu. Although not my birth place, but I'm staying there right now.
Ling Tong: (since he had say it, just that's no choice after all) Born in Yuhang, somewhere in Wu territory, generally you could say that I'm staying there.
Xu Huang: I'm from Wei, I born somewhere in the country of Yang.
Wei Yan: Me…live…Shu. Me…from Yiyang…
Ma Chao: Well, I'm from Fufeng, currently staying in Shu with this mask guy.
Now that they had answer their question, now it is time for them to wait whether they believe what they saying or not? Or worst, their death! So it was all up to Jiang Wei's judgement. As for Jiang Wei, his job was not over yet, he look every single of their eye faces expressions, the way they act, and so on as long as he's doing his job, until he finally came to decision.
Jiang Wei: (put his finger under his chin, then he finally give them a smile) Congratulation, you guys are clear. (Huang Gai and the others give him the same reaction, "what?") You. Guys. Are. Clear! (The 5 of them exchange their looks at each other while Huang Gai came to Jiang Wei)
Huang Gai: Whoa whoa, hold it right there! You telling that they're clean? Just like that? (Jiang Wei could only nod) Is… is that how you test them? Just like that! (Jiang Wei gives him another nod) But, why!
The others: Yeah, why?! (ask in unison)
Jiang Wei: Hm… how to say this… First of all, they act normal, second, they doesn't seem to be lying, third, their face expressions are mostly the same, forth, their coordinate of eyes tells me that they're…
Unison: (That's it, they couldn't take the way he analyze and decided stop him out!) Just straight to the point!
Jiang Wei: That's the only theoretical analysis I could say. (at the same time, he give them a shrug, and he knew that they won't accept this from the beginning)
Huang Gai: That's…(he can't say he don't trust him, even if he trust him, what would his teammates think about it?) *sigh* You know that still unacceptable, especially for them… (point at his teammates)
Jiang Wei: If that was the case… Why don't I guard them?
Huang Gai: Huh?
Jiang Wei: You heard me. I'm taking them. (See that no one really believe him, he start to state his point and walk towards to Gan Ning and the others' side) Look, I could sense that they are a good person, just that for some reasons, which I don't get it either, there are some mislead between us…
Huang Gai: Ok, if they are a trusted one, then that's ok. But! If they're not? What to…
Jiang Wei: You don't have to worried about that. I've think it through, instead let them on your side, on the next mission, I'm coming too! (Now this one really surprise them!)
Ma Chao: Hey, what're you… (Jiang Wei shut him off)
Huang Gai: But… you sure about that?
Jiang Wei: Don't worry, I'll ask the ladies to take care of the place while I was gone, and… I'll be all right, although it's a long time I haven't went out for work out, but that doesn't mean I'm growing weak (he could see that his friend Huang Gai was worried about him) I'll be alright! If there's anything happen to me, promise me you could handle it for me.
Huang Gai: (he doesn't know what to say, he knew that once his mind had set a goal, he'll never let it go) Ok… Seeing that you could handle it, I'll let you do so, but, if there's anything goes wrong… I can't promise that their heads would still be there again.
Jiang Wei: You don't have to worried about me, if I were you, I'll go up there now before Cao Ren really piss out!
Huang Gai of course quickly went back up there and ask his teammates to stay below to get some rest while he deal with Cao Ren. (Although there are some of them still don't trust them, but order is order and they went back to rest or do their own thing) As for Jiang Wei, he ask Gan Ning and the others to follow him back up to the kitchen. When the time they went up, another problem came! Cao Ren and Huang Gai were having a fight! Seeing this situation, Jiang Wei could only ask them to take a sit somewhere near the counter while he had to settle conflict between Cao Ren and Huang Gai.
While they took their seat, they could heard the conversation among them.
Cao Ren: Is this the only money you got? You got to be kidding!
Huang Gai: Then how much you want?
Cao Ren: At least $3000
Huang Gai: What! You think this is bank? Why don't you go rob somewhere else instead here! That's too much!
Cao Ren: Hey! We on the deal before!
Huang Gai: &^% (he took out some money from his pocket, but only $2000 were given)
Cao Ren: What? Is that all?
Huang Gai: Hey, I need some of that to raise my mates too!
Cao Ren: I don't care! I want my money!
Huang Gai: That's the only thing I've got!
Cao Ren: Hm! I shouldn't have accept this job! Next time I won't be helping! I'm outta here!
Huang Gai: Yeah, just go, so that I don't have these issues with you anymore! (well… actually he doesn't really mean that! He wants him here to help them, but since the words just blurt out, there's no way he could shut himself up. But lucky for him, Jiang Wei came in time to stop them)
Jiang Wei: Cao Ren, wait!
Cao Ren: Well, you heard what he say, I'm out!
Jiang Wei: Wait, just… don't go, please!
Cao Ren: What for! Even if I stay here, how much do I got? How much thing I could do for you?
Jiang Wei: (he took something from his pocket and gave him another $600 to Cao Ren)
Cao Ren: You know, there's still $400 left…
Jiang Wei: I know! But give us some time to collect it! I promise! (but Huang Gai pull him over and talk very soft)
Huang Gai: What you thinking! We can't even raise ourselves and you still…
Jiang Wei: We need all the help right? (and he walk off to where Cao Ren are)
Huang Gai: Well, yeah but!
Jiang Wei: Would you help us on the next mission? Tomorrow?
Cao Ren: (he gave himself a thought, but in the end he agree) Alright, I'll help, this time. But, after this mission, I'm out! And I'm hoping for $3500 this time and no more delay! (just like that, he went back down to their secret room and get a rest)
Huang Gai: Jiang Wei! Are you sure about that? Then… what would became of…
Jiang Wei: It's alright! I got everything settle! (for him, he also out of idea. He doesn't know how to get these large amount of money after the mission, or worst, how to raise them up. But… as long as he's stay, he would do anything to make him stay, even if it takes all cost.)
As he stand there for few seconds, then he started to move. He go straight to the entrance door and put 'open' sign board. Hoping that there would be customers, he told Huang Gai to went back down to rest while he runs the business. Just before his friend went in the room, he told him don't stress too much or else he'll get tired for tomorrow's mission. Of course, Jiang Wei knew that too, if he had to proof these guys are innocent, then he had to go or else, he doesn't know what Huang Gai and his teammates would do to them either.
Then, he proceed to the kitchen. He took out some of the ingredients, cut them, slice them and started to cook. Gan Ning and the others were wondering what was he doing ever since he went to the kitchen. All they could heard some copping, slicing, cooking and the aroma of smell started to tickle their nose. It's smell nice! Few minutes later, Jiang Wei came out from the kitchen and gave them some food which he had cook just now. It was fried rice.
Jiang Wei: Not sure whether this suit your taste or not, but…well, just eat before it get cold. (he just give them a weak smile and gives them some fork and spoon so that they could eat)
Somehow, they just look at each other, wondering that is this food was cook by him? Without asking, they took the spoon and fork and tried a bite. To their surprise, it was good.
Ma Chao: This… This is good, never thought you know how to cook!
Jiang Wei: Well… I open this business after all.
Xu Huang: …Never really thought of that from you… (they continue to eat their food)
Jiang Wei: Guess they are hungry. (he turn his back and clean the rest of the glasses, and at the same time, he call Da and Xiao to get themselves ready as the customers will come anytime soon) Get ready ladies, cuz we working over time today. And sorry about the over time, if you are tired, you could get some rest then…(he look at them, which he receive a warm smile from them)
Xiao Qiao: Don't worried about us, you can count on us!
Da Qiao: Yes, you can count on us! (like that, they quickly put on their apron and clean the whole place)
While waiting for the customers to come, he waned to ask them some questions, but somehow he doesn't know how to open his mouth to ask and was thinking that later he could ask these question some other day. While he was stilling thinking, Ma Chao had finish his food.
Ma Chao: (put his food aside) Thanks…for helping us just now…
Jiang Wei: (feeling weird about it, he look at them) Well,…you are welcome. (just give them a smile)
There was a slight silence, until Xu Huang ask…
Xu Huang: I know its weird, but… why do you help us?
Jiang Wei: (he did have the point) Um… lets just say… I don't want to have anything like this happen again…
They could in his eyes that he was trying to evade the question, but can't be help, they can't blame him either as this was their first time to meet each other and there was a gap between them.
Jiang Wei: Let's not talk about this, why not you guys say where you came from? At least I need to know where and how you guys bump in here without a notice? Remember I ask the question just now? Actually I'm kinda curious by the time you mention these places, it… doesn't exist here…So, I was wondering that maybe you could give some clue a thing or two.
At first, they were not comfortable of telling him about their own world. But, since he insists, so they told him some of the point that they think he needs to know. They told him their history, a land that conquer by three kingdoms, they also told him why and how they got involve with the 'Surviving' game which three of their friends died, and plus they also mention about the black hole and so on.
While they were talking, Jiang Wei just listen calmly and of course, he too also curious and surprise about their world. He didn't knew there was such a world and now he learns that why they got here in the first place, which is not by their own will.
Jiang Wei: Whoa… Never thought you guys came to a place like that… Guess it wasn't on your will too, just like me…
Ma Chao: H…Huh?
Jiang Wei: Nothing! Anyway, since you guys temporary stuck here, I guess you guys really need a tour guide then. (By that time, some of the customers had came in while Da and Xiao already serve them) Anyway, its getting late, go get some rest, there'll be a big bang tomorrow.
Xu Huang: Then, wgat about you, you need rest too right?
Jiang Wei: Well, don't worry about me, I'll be fine!
Wei Yan: Still…
They really think that they should give him a hand, as he just save their butt, gives them food and what's more, he would help them even though this Jiang Wei doesn't know who they are and yet he trust them. Just as they wanted to argue of helping, Gan Ning stand up and walk out to the door. Of course there's no stopping him! Later, Ling Tong decided to follow Gan Ning's back to watch after him, since he's alone outside and he doesn't even want to know what will or what kind of trouble he'll get into this. Just before Ling Tong open the door, Jiang Wei told him that there're things they need to remember, which was lately the security of patrolling are getting more tighter, and if they happen to meet soldier somewhere around loaming the town, be calm and don't expose about this place (since this was one of the anti-organization). Once Ling Tong get the idea, he quickly went out and follow Gan Ning's trail just in case he done something very stupid.
Back to the café, just before Jiang Wei could ask them to get some rest, they were gone. He started to get panic, and wondering where could they be? If they're not outside, where could they be? As he wondering these questions and started to think that they had went to sleep, as he turn his head to his left, he startled for awhile. He saw Ma Chao holding a broom to sweep the floor. On the other side, Wei Yan was taking orders from one of the customer, and Xu Huang help Xiao to serve the food, so that she won't wondering around lots of time (although she did said that wearing roller boats won't hurt her, which believe could make things easier, Xu Huang somehow still think that was one of the problem.
Unfortunately, disaster always came. Just as Jiang Wei thought everything will be alright, there was a 'clash' sound came from the kitchen. He saw Ma Chao accidentally broke some plates and bowls on the floor. Just when Jiang Wei ask Wei Yan to go out and clean the whole mess, there are some noises came from outside. He saw Xu Huang had serve the wrong food for the customer and worst, Wei Yan's order was quite a mess, as he doesn't even know what he was writing on the list.
Seeing this situation, Jiang Wei quickly pull them aside and ask them to went down the secret room to take some rest. Although they did apologize to Jiang Wei lots of times, but he prefer work out alone instead asking people for help. (And have you thought of why Huang Gai never came up to help Jiang Wei a hand? Well, that's because he's one of them who also a clumsy workers and worst, he's not a patient person and he tend to always shoo the customers away, which makes Jiang Wei's business in jeopardy).
After 'asking' them to went for rest, he thought to himself,"I would never want to hire anyone in my life anymore!" As he started to clean up the mess that they've made, suddenly he remember something,"By the way, when will those two of them came back?" As the thought about it, he gives himself a shrug, "Nah…" Without thinking too much, he quickly deals his business and at the same time, he's hoping that those two would not bring him any troubles.
Ok, that's it. Finally! Another chapter end!
Yeah, I know this was way too long, but, it's worth it, right?
On next chapter, Gan Ning challenge the 'voodoo' kid. And, what kind of mission that they need to do on the next day?
As I always say, keep update with me!