The security inside the pub is not visible.

The pub is often regarded as an unlikely location for exchanging confidential information due to its open and accessible nature. Without gates or doors requiring special passwords, anyone, including ordinary individuals and even children, can freely enter and roam within its premises. The establishment boasts multiple exit points, offering easy escape routes for those seeking to avoid pursuit.

Although the pub is an enclosed space, it remains vulnerable to the presence of the general public, making it seem like an unexpected choice for discreet interactions.

Indeed, that holds true for the average folk. The local residents and certain merchants are well aware that the pub serves as a hub for the dissemination of information, where exchanges occur with such transparency that even the most uninformed individuals can perceive when a transaction takes place. However, this openness only pertains to information that is deemed "permissible" for public knowledge, devoid of any significant harm or threat.

The true essence lies in the nature of the information being traded.

Within the depths of the pub, an intricate network of prominent informants and insiders operates under a set of clandestine rules. These rules are exclusively bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the preservation of secrecy. They have solemnly pledged to the gods not to disclose any information without the explicit consent of the involved parties. These rules possess a distinctive nature that only those initiated into their depths can fully comprehend and navigate.

This guarantees the preservation and confidentiality of the shared secrets, preventing any leaks or breaches. Additionally, it serves as an incentive for individuals aspiring to join the network, as the exchange of information carries substantial value. Esteemed informants belonging to the upper echelons can amass sums exceeding a hundred thousand coins in a single transaction. Even novice informants can lead a comfortable life by trading modest yet valuable secrets.

It is a business nobody wanted to be excluded with.

Within the walls of the pub, there exist a set of rules observed by its regular patrons. These rules determine the level of information one can access.

One common rule involves the process of ordering a drink from the bartender. Typically, the bartender would ask the customer what they desire to drink. The customer would then peruse the bar menu and make a selection. A seasoned drinker, on the other hand, could simply utter the name of their preferred drink, and the bartender would skillfully prepare it.

However, for those renowned for exchanging information, the bartender would merely exchange a subtle glance with the customer. Should an ordinary patron witness this exchange, they would likely inquire about the daily special or request to see the menu, aiming to capture the bartender's attention. A more impatient customer might even express their frustration at not being served promptly.

In this particular scenario, Jin Wei entered the pub in a relaxed manner, refraining from placing a drink order right away. Observing the bartender as they diligently cleaned a glass, Jin Wei's presence alone signaled his intent to acquire information. This immediately caught the attention of the scattered informants within the establishment. Now, all that remained was to await the nature of the information Jin Wei sought, which would be revealed through his subsequent actions.

The next step would determine the depth of information shared during the exchange. The bartender, familiar with the regulars and informants of the pub, noted that Jin Wei had not requested a specific drink, prompting them to serve his usual order. Knowing Jin Wei's preference for a subtle hint of spice and a touch of mint in his beverages, the bartender prepared a refreshing minty drink for him.

The entire process unfolded under the watchful gazes of those nearby. As the bartender presented Jin Wei with his order, he consumed the drink without making any additional requests. This gesture confirmed to the onlookers that Jin Wei sought only ordinary information. Such unspoken cues served as the foundational level of confirmation recognized by all within the pub.

Informants with high-level of pledge on secrecy sighed in resignation as they returned to their conversation. While they could have accepted the opportunity, they didn't want to intimidate the novice informants and allowed them to seize the position instead. Among them, Milo, a specialist in common gossips, swiftly took the lead. Utilizing his agile reflexes as a cat beastkin, he ruthlessly outpaced the other four informants in their race for the spot.

Under normal circumstances, such fierce competition would be unheard of. But who could blame them when it came to Jin Wei? Everyone knew that this man was generous with his payments! Yes, the reason behind their frantic struggle was the promise of substantial rewards. Furthermore, the information Jin Wei sought was relatively safe, making the potential returns all the more enticing.

As the undisputed champion, Milo glanced at the defeated informants, raising an eyebrow in a taunting manner. With a casual gesture, he signaled for them to retreat while cheerfully skipping towards the esteemed boss. The four informants could only grit their teeth and mutter curses as they walked away in defeat. Unfazed by the commotion unfolding behind him, Jin Wei focused on savoring his drink, paying no mind to the fanfare.

Milo did not pretend and quickly made an informal introduction, "Hey, if it isn't Boss Jin."

"En," Jin Wei nodded, placing the drink down the counter.

With a subtle gesture, Jin Wei signaled the bartender to bring him some snacks. The bartender acknowledged his request with a nod and moved to the side to fulfill the order. Meanwhile, Milo leaned against the counter, his right hand supporting his chin, as he observed Jin Wei with keen eyes. His mesmerizing slitted red pupils remained fixed on Jin Wei, filled with unmistakable fascination.

Unbeknownst to Jin Wei, individuals of different races held a peculiar admiration for him. It wasn't a romantic attraction per se, but rather a deep sense of loyalty and devotion, evoking a warm and comforting feeling akin to returning home. Subconsciously, they yearned to satisfy Jin Wei with their actions and endeavored to maintain close proximity to him.

Completely unaware of this underlying sentiment, Jin Wei continued to engage with the others around him. He sensed the cat person's gaze upon him and attributed it to the feline bloodline's inclination for observing others. Little did he know the true reason behind it...

Well, he will understand what kind of attraction the protagonist would have to him since Laurem has all the races in his blood...

"What kind of information does Boss Jin wanted to know?" Milo asked.

Jin Wei thought for a while. "Have you known any school-related stuff?"

The beast kin suddenly straightened up. He said worriedly, "B-boss Jin? Do you require an educational background to work for you?"

"What's the competition? I think you have better qualifications than me," the no-school achievement Jin Wei sneered.

Their ordered food arrived promptly, and Jin Wei began indulging in the snacks before pushing the plate toward Milo. Without hesitation, the feline creature picked up a snack and savored it at a leisurely pace.

"Boss Jin, you certainly know how to treat people well. It's no wonder chaos ensues whenever you're around," Milo flattered.

"Don't talk nonsense," Jin Wei retorted, rolling his eyes in disdain. "So, do you have any information?"

"Which school are you interested in?" Milo inquired.

"The School of Solomon."

The feline nodded. "I have two hundred files of gossip about that school stored in my brain. There's plenty. Does Boss Jin wanted to know someone from there?"

"Nah, not people. I want to know if there are job openings from that school."

"Job openings? Does Boss Jin wanted to work there?"

Jin Wei remained silent, indicating his reluctance to discuss the matter further. Recognizing this, Milo refrained from pressing for more information. He helped himself to another snack from the plate before speaking slowly, "The School of Solomon rarely offers job opportunities since they primarily hire staff from the military or their own student body."

Jin Wei nodded, having anticipated this response. "Do you happen to know any alternative methods to gain entry into the school? Not as a student, of course."

Milo shook his head. "The school is stringent when it comes to admitting outsiders. From what I've gathered, they receive numerous resumes in their human resource department. Some individuals may be accepted, while others are not. The criteria for selection are quite extensive."

"Well, if their methods were easily understood, they wouldn't be the best," Jin Wei muttered under his breath.

With the current situation, it appeared unlikely that he would be able to accomplish his task. If he wanted more information, he would have to visit the school personally and make inquiries. Engaging in a brief conversation with Milo, he asked for assistance in exploring any potential job opportunities. Milo readily agreed, promising to provide his utmost support. However, their attention was so consumed by their discussion that they failed to notice a newcomer entering the pub.

Jin Wei lightly tapped Milo's shoulder, signaling the conclusion of their agreement. "Alright, that's all for now. I hope to receive some positive news soon."

"Rest assured, Boss Jin, I'll keep a close watch," Milo assured him with unwavering loyalty.

As Jin Wei nonchalantly sipped on his drink, his eyes casually wandered to the person seated beside Milo. In an instant, he almost spewed his drink in surprise. Frantically, he grabbed the nearest bar menu and used it to shield his face while discreetly lowering his head. Milo, sensing his client's sudden change in demeanor, tilted his head in bewilderment.

Deep in his thoughts, Jin Wei cursed silently. Why of all places did the protagonist have to show up here?

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