Puppet Notes (Wearing Book) - 57

 

| PN | Heaven is Unfair | 57

Master-level puppet masters are at the pinnacle of all puppet masters on Blue Star. They are certified by the Imperial Council and receive medals directly from the Emperor. 

Every year, the Empire holds a Master-level Puppet Masters' Symposium, where ten master-level puppet masters are invited by the Emperor to enjoy a five-day royal banquet of the highest level in the palace. 

No one knows why the Emperor invites them to the banquet, just as no one knows why the Empire places such high regard on puppet masters. 

The people of Blue Star simply woke up one day to realize that the status of puppet masters had risen significantly, and societal benefits are now skewed in their favor. 

Although they don’t understand why these craftsmen are so highly valued by the Empire, over time, the people of Blue Star have gradually become accustomed to the puppet masters' elevated status and even started to worship them, emulating their admiration.

Among them, master-level puppet masters hold a status far above ordinary puppet masters. Even the president of the association must bow and pay respect when meeting them.

“Master-level puppet masters?” Shen Yuxi's voice was soft, and his peach blossom eyes were somewhat confused, as if he didn't understand what Qi Chao was thinking. 

It was as though he couldn’t comprehend why Qi Chao had just suggested blowing up the research institute.

Although Qi Chao explained that he was joking, Shen Yuxi, based on his understanding of Qi Chao, realized that such a statement indicated that Qi Chao had indeed considered the possibility of blowing up the research institute.

Shen Yuxi suddenly realized that he didn’t know Qi Chao as well as he thought. At least before this, he had never imagined that Qi Chao would come up with such a radical idea.

His eyelashes trembled slightly, hiding the complexity in his eyes.

Qi Chao was someone who was soft-hearted and cherished his puppets. According to Shen Yuxi’s expectations, Qi Chao should have suggested joining the association, and then, to save the puppets, he would enter the research institute. 

If it was beyond control, Shen Yuxi would find a way to lead Qi Chao onto that path.

But now, Shen Yuxi was unsure. 

If Qi Chao wasn’t as controllable as he had imagined, would the subsequent plans go as smoothly as he had hoped?

“The research institute is funded by the Empire. Although master-level puppet masters are highly respected, they do not have the authority to disband the research institute,” Shen Yuxi tried to change his mind.

Qi Chao’s statement was largely in jest; he didn’t truly believe that he, as a single puppet master, could disband the research institute.

Ultimately, whether it’s the research institute or the puppets being casually mistreated and discarded, the root cause lies in the people of Blue Star’s views on puppets. To them, puppets are merely toys, tools, or disposable pets. If Qi Chao wanted to change this situation, he would need to elevate himself to a higher status.

He pressed his lips together, his deep brown eyes filled with complex emotions. The best way to address this situation was to become a master-level puppet master. 

At least in the industry, master-level puppet masters had significant influence. Qi Chao was somewhat distracted, realizing that he indeed needed to follow this path.

It was such a hassle; blowing up the research institute would be more straightforward, Qi Chao thought whimsically.

Shen Yuxi looked up at Qi Chao. He pressed his lips together and then said, “To become a master-level puppet master, you need to create five S-level puppets with special abilities. Meeting this standard is extremely difficult.”

Shen Yuxi had made a total of five puppets, each with special abilities and of S-level. However, he had never applied for certification from the Empire, so he naturally did not hold the title of master-level puppet master.

“Hmm, I know,” Qi Chao said, bringing himself back to focus and dismissing his frivolous thoughts. He smiled at Shen Yuxi.

Creating Li Bai had already taken nearly five months, so making four more S-level puppets with special abilities would take at least two to three years. 

However, Qi Chao was a patient person. Even if he became a master-level puppet master, there would still be a long road ahead.

Shen Yuxi looked at Qi Chao’s smiling eyes and knew he was determined to pursue the path of becoming a master-level puppet master. He pressed his lips together slightly and then nodded gently, the obscurity in his eyes fleeting.

“I’m a bit tired. I’ll head back to my room to rest.”

Upon hearing this, Qi Chao didn’t think much of it. Leaning back in his chair with a casual smile in his deep brown eyes, he looked up at Shen Yuxi and said, “You’ve worked hard.”

Shen Yuxi responded with a warm smile, but his expression turned eerily calm as he walked away, his demeanor unsettlingly serene.

As he left the study, the noise in the living room grew louder. Shen Yuxi could clearly hear Agu’s off-key singing, as Agu always wanted to sing whenever he pulled some prank.

With a calm expression, Shen Yuxi walked to the railing on the second floor, looking down at the puppets in the living room.

Lan Luo and Moss were engaged in their own activities—one was watching an animation while the other was brushing a doll’s hair. The other two puppets were huddled together, murmuring about something.

After watching the puppets for a few seconds, Shen Yuxi called out gently with a smile, “Agu, come here.”

Agu, who had been badmouthing Lan Luo to Li Bai, stiffened as if caught by the scruff of his neck. He looked up at the second floor with reluctance in his emerald eyes, seemingly anticipating a punishment if he went upstairs.

Moss and Lan Luo, who were sitting on the sofa, fixed their eyes on Agu. If he defied their father’s order, the two puppets would immediately get up and take him upstairs.

Agu, fully aware that Lan Luo and Li Bai were obedient and only listened to their father, reluctantly stood up. 

However, as soon as his eyes glanced at Li Bai, he immediately came up with an idea.

He would take Li Bai upstairs with him!

Agu knew that his father would still hide his true intentions in front of Qi Chao and Li Bai.

But before he could make a move, his father’s gentle voice floated down from the second floor, reaching Agu’s ears: “Agu, come upstairs alone.”

Having guessed Agu’s plan, Shen Yuxi’s expression remained unchanged. With his hands in his shorts pockets and a smile on his face, Agu walked up the stairs as if he had never considered using Li Bai as a shield.

‘Father is so unfair. I never planned to bring any other puppets upstairs with me,’ Agu thought to himself.

Shen Yuxi looked at Agu with his blue eyes, and after a few seconds, turned and walked into the room. Agu watched his father’s retreating figure with some surprise, then a knowing smile appeared on his lips, as if he had sensed something.

Something must have happened.

Agu thought to himself that his father seemed much more anxious than before.

Upon entering the room, Shen Yuxi’s expression grew slightly stern. He turned and saw Agu standing in front of him, head lowered as if acknowledging his mistake.

Seeing Agu in this manner, Shen Yuxi’s expression remained unchanged. He parted his lips slightly and spoke in a cold tone, “Why did you leave the training ground without my permission?”

Agu’s attitude of admitting fault was extremely proper. He knew he must not provoke his father any further at this moment.

“Sorry, Father. Agu just wanted to see you, Moss, and Lan Luo so much. You know the puppets at the training ground don’t like me. Even my sisters and the younger ones, when they see me, their first reaction is to hit me,” Agu said pitifully, even holding back tears. “They all don’t like Agu.”

This was indeed quite pitiful, but Shen Yuxi only watched him quietly. After a while, seeing that his father didn’t react, Agu stopped pretending. He pulled out a piece of hair from his pocket and said to Shen Yuxi, “Moss has already taught me a lesson. Father, I know I was wrong. Please don’t be angry.”

Shen Yuxi glanced at the half-piece of hair in Agu’s hand, his expression unchanged. He said calmly, “When you return, you will drink energy stone water for a month.”

Agu’s expression immediately soured, and he nodded with a suppressed breath.

“Go out.”

Upon hearing Shen Yuxi’s words, Agu knew the punishment was over. However, instead of leaving, he curiously approached his father and asked, “Father, did something go wrong with your plan?”

Shen Yuxi was not surprised that Agu guessed this, as this puppet was the smartest among all the ones he had made. He responded with a soft, “Mm.”

“Is it an issue with Qi Chao?”

Agu continued probing.

Shen Yuxi glanced at him but did not speak.

“It must be,” Agu concluded decisively.

He then narrowed his eyes, his emerald green gaze taking on a wicked glint. His tanned skin made him look like a black panther interested in its prey. 

Agu, with great enthusiasm, said, “If the plan has gone awry, then Qi Chao is no longer useful, right? Can I take him to the training ground?”

Agu smiled mischievously at his father, seemingly trying to gauge his emotions. “After all, Father’s plans can’t be exposed.”

Shen Yuxi sensed something, his fingertips moving slightly. His blue eyes took on a colder tone as he fixed his gaze on Agu, his voice carrying a chill and a warning: “Do not act on your own.”

“Okay, Father. I will always follow your instructions,” Agu said with an unchanged smile, his eyes showing even more interest. It was really quite amusing; his father actually didn’t want to take Qi Chao to the training ground.

Agu’s fingers cracked with anticipation. He was eager to run next door and see what made Qi Chao so intriguing that it caused his father to hesitate.

Shen Yuxi, well aware of Agu’s intentions, felt a tinge of displeasure. His voice, though, remained gently smiling: “Don’t make me angry, okay?”

Upon hearing his father’s gentle voice, Agu stiffened. After a few seconds, he pouted and reluctantly agreed.

After Agu left, Shen Yuxi sat at his desk, his fingertips brushing over the smooth surface of the book. His blue eyes flickered slightly. Not being able to take Qi Chao to the training ground was troublesome, as Qi Chao’s identity was complicated.

Shen Yuxi thought that if the eldest son of the richest man disappeared, the richest man might react unpredictably, potentially causing him a lot of trouble. He lowered his gaze, realizing that since the pawn was no longer useful, he could leave without having to eliminate Qi Chao’s existence with effort.

After all, Qi Chao knew nothing about his plans.

Shen Yuxi picked up a new book, subconsciously overlooking the fact that, according to his usual practices, he would never make such an imprudent decision.

There were many individuals with complicated backgrounds in the training ground. Even if Qi Chao’s disappearance would cause significant trouble, if he truly wanted to eliminate Qi Chao, there were ways to do so without bringing trouble upon himself.

Meanwhile, Qi Chao was unaware that the doctor on the other side of the wall was preparing to abandon his plan and leave. He removed his shirt and immersed himself in the equipment, the air filled with a faint herbal scent.

His arms rested on the equipment’s armrests, and his skin quickly warmed the cold surface. Qi Chao’s vitality was always strong; even when injured, he radiated warmth.

Perhaps having figured out his future goals, Qi Chao felt much lighter and more relaxed than usual.

The system, which was hidden in Qi Chao’s sea of consciousness, had not dared to speak much lately due to the host's odd behavior. The last time it spoke was to help the host build a good relationship with Qiao Sheng.

Since the host had ignored it before, the system, seeing that the host was in a good mood now, decided to cautiously test the waters: 【  Host, if you want to become a puppet master, shouldn’t you go out more and make some outstanding friends to learn from each other?】

Concerned that the host might not understand, the system added a bit more: 【 For example, someone like Qiao Sheng, who is an excellent puppet master.】

Qi Chao had always thought the system was with another host next door. He was surprised to hear it speak again and found the system’s suggestion a bit strange.

The transition in its suggestion felt rather abrupt.

The system had previously encouraged him to initiate a conversation with Qiao Sheng, and now it was bringing up the same idea again. Did the system have a particular fondness for Qiao Sheng?

Qi Chao gave a slight smile and directly asked: “System, are you hiding something from me?”

Although Qi Chao had a carefree personality, his intuition was sometimes quite sharp. He gave a relaxed smile and waited for the system's response.

System: ???

What the heck? The villain next door is always scheming off in front of you, and you don't notice, but when I just subtly mention something, I get caught? 

It feels a bit unfair!

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