Facing an Ancient God for a Year
Chapter 1237 - 1235: Visiting Skills

Chapter 1237: Chapter 1235: Visiting Skills

The Virtuous Couple look much healthier than they did back then.

Amused by this interesting observation, Fu Qian adjusted his posture and continued to observe the couple on the balcony.

Even at home, both Mr. Reysen and his wife were impeccably dressed.

Radiant with health and at ease, they seemed to fully enjoy the lifestyle they were living.

The unease he had once witnessed in them was nowhere to be seen.

This significant contrast no doubt made the upcoming communication all the more intriguing.

Of course, Fu Qian still did not rush to speak.

"This gentleman couldn’t possibly have lost his way, could he?"

About five seconds later, the couple on the balcony finally noticed something was amiss.

After exchanging a glance, Mrs. Reysen leaned forward slightly and looked down at Fu Qian through the railing, asking with a hint of curiosity.

That’s more like it.

Pleased with this response, Fu Qian shook his head in the next moment with a smile, looking around with evident appreciation.

"I hope that is the case; then I would never find the way off this street."

...

At these words, Mrs. Reysen was visibly taken aback, while her husband beside her let out a hearty laugh.

"We’re honored that you like it here so much. If you have time, would you mind coming up for a cup of tea?"

"Of course, it would be my honor."

Fu Qian gladly accepted.

As for why he was so certain he would be invited?

Appearance is very important.

If he had been in the state he was in before heading home, with a blank stare, a bewildered expression, and even barefoot, the odds of receiving an invitation were virtually zero.

But now, he had dressed up especially for going out, wearing a new ensemble provided by Brother Anke.

A couple who dress up even at home, and especially who go to the terrace for tea, facing an equally well-dressed spectator, are not very likely to call the police at first reaction.

Moreover, this unfamiliar gentleman had specially adjusted his expression to one of appreciation, which was pleasing to the eye.

...

"Excuse the intrusion."

Guided by Mr. Reysen, Fu Qian soon arrived at the terrace he had seen earlier, where Mrs. Reysen had already prepared some tea and pastries.

After politely greeting them, Fu Qian sat down, introduced himself, and tasted the tea without any hint of apprehension.

Indeed, it was unlike Mrs. Harper’s; the floral scent was much stronger.

"Not at all, with Mr. An Ke’s company, the afternoon has become much more interesting."

Mr. Reysen clearly appreciated this carefree trust, signaling him to make himself at home and inviting him to taste the pastries made by his wife.

Fu Qian naturally did not refuse and sampled nearly every item, giving honest compliments and even starting a conversation about the local culinary customs.

As it turned out, Mrs. Reysen was not only great at making pastries but also quite knowledgeable about this topic, speaking with familiarity.

"Sounds like the two of you have lived here for quite a long time?"

Fu Qian nodded repeatedly as he listened, and naturally asked a question.

"From birth, she and I have been the same," Mr. Reysen laughed.

"And the rest of the world isn’t as safe, so we rarely go out."

Because of the lack of protection from the Celestial Sphere Sect?

On the way here, one could distinctly feel the public’s goodwill towards The Sect.

A world fraught with dangers and a special religious organization driving out evil to protect the locality—it certainly made for a reasonable tale.

Fu Qian mused internally.

And without any special means, he could be sure that the statement came from the heart.

Amila was not being modest; The Sect’s psychological guidance had evidently been very successful with this victim couple.

"So what is it that you do for a living, Mr. An Ke?"

Mrs. Desen, evidently quite taken with the previous flattery, now smiled and took up the conversation.

This was exactly what he had been waiting for.

Fu Qian nodded slightly.

"Over at the art gallery, I recently joined and haven’t been there for long."

The faces of Mr. and Mrs. Reysen stiffened simultaneously.

...

"Mr. An Ke... how do you know about us?"

Compared to his wife, who was still somewhat dubious and surprised, Reysen was clearly much more guarded, his tone instantly turning cold as he questioned.

"Today, there was an explosion at the art gallery."

Yet Fu Qian remained calm, continuing to speak.

"Even earlier, five days ago, a staff member mysteriously disappeared..."

"His name was An Ke..."

"And he was found today..."

Seeing Mr. Reysen’s hands pressing white against the table, ready to dismiss him at any moment, Fu Qian let out a soft sigh.

"Amila suggested I walk around, that it would aid my recovery."

"She told you our address?"

This name clearly carried an extraordinary impact; Mr. Reysen’s intent to dismiss him was abruptly interrupted.

"She said you two are very nice."

Fu Qian no longer concealed the confusion "hidden" within himself, like a patient with depression shedding their mask.

Very nice...

And what he conveyed on their behalf, The Sect’s affirmation, clearly meant something significant to the couple.

Anger still lingered, yet in the subconscious exchange of glances, all four corners of their mouths were already struggling to suppress a smile.

...

"I’m very sorry for the contrast in my attitude before and after, which might have made you both feel deceived, but please believe that is exactly what I intended."

In light of the situation, Fu Qian offered his sincere apology at the right moment.

"If you would like me to leave, please just say so."

"How could we, we’re very pleased with the trust you and Amila have in us."

With earnestness, all traces of hostility washed away from Mr. Reysen’s face, his composure returning.

"Believe me, An Ke, no one understands your feelings better than we do."

"Let me think, have you come in contact with something in the art gallery?"

It seemed as if to prove his point, Reysen immediately asked the question.

"Yes, a painting that was already a bit decayed at the edges."

Fu Qian was naturally very satisfied with this development.

A painting?

Mr. and Mrs. Reysen clearly showed surprise once again.

And from their reaction, Fu Qian confirmed his earlier guess—not only were there multiple victims, but also more than one source of the Nightmare.

"You indeed made a very wise choice, and I believe that the painting you mentioned has also tormented both of us for a quite some time."

In the next moment, Reysen sighed lengthily, gesturing to his wife, who understood and rose to her feet.

"It’s getting late; let’s go inside to talk."

...

"Blizzards, underground monsters, the glow of Xia in the sky?"

As the guest followed the host’s lead, sitting down in the well-decorated living room, Fu Qian "couldn’t wait" to share a few keywords.

"Yes, all of them."

Reysen nodded continuously.

"Believe me, every single thing you mentioned brought us tremendous terror... How long were you in that nightmare?"

"Hmm... it felt like an endless day in my perception."

"One day..."

This answer seemed to astonish Reysen, who then shook his head with self-mockery.

"You will certainly recover because we were stuck there for decades... It all happened on the night after we visited an exhibition."