"Boss, we're back."
Completing the mission felt different, their words full of newfound confidence.
"Well, did you bring back the talismans I wanted?"
Valmont didn't care about their mood; he only cared if they had retrieved the talismans and how much money he would make.
"Of course, boss."
Zhou patted his chest and produced the Sheep Talisman from his suit pocket, handing it to Valmont.
Receiving the talisman, Valmont's lips curled into a smile. He strode towards the Sheng-Zhu statue and declared, "How about it, Sheng-Zhu? I kept my word and retrieved the talisman. Now it's time for you to fulfill yours."
"Naturally, this is what you've earned."
Meanwhile, the clueless trio, unaware of the exchange, were discussing why their boss was talking to a stone statue.
"Why do you think the boss is talking to himself like that with a statue?"
Ah-Fen mused, "Perhaps the boss's constant worries about the Black Hand's operations are putting too much mental strain on him."
The simple-minded La-So scratched his head and suggested, "Then maybe we should find a psychologist for the boss to help him de-stress."
Zhou nudged La-So, "Do you know how expensive psychologists are? They charge by the minute. Your meager earnings wouldn't even cover a few sentences."
Hearing Zhou's words and picturing his own meager wallet, La-So abandoned the idea of hiring a psychologist for Valmont.
"Do you three really think I'm deaf?"
They had been discussing him since earlier, and right behind him too. Valmont had endured it for a long time, but he could take it no longer. Did they truly believe he couldn't hear them?
However, now was not the time to get angry. He needed to hand over the talisman to Sheng-Zhu and get his money.
Shadow ninjas emerged from the darkness, took the Sheep Talisman from Valmont's hand, and approached the Sheng-Zhu statue. They respectfully placed the talisman into its corresponding slot.
"Am I seeing things? Someone just walked out of the wall."
"You're not seeing things, a person did come out... a ninja."
"That's enough from you lot, all of you, shut up!"
Valmont silenced his subordinates and turned to Sheng-Zhu, "Sheng-Zhu, you have one talisman. Where is my reward?"
As soon as Valmont finished speaking, another ninja emerged from the shadows, holding a crown inlaid with three gems and presented it to Valmont.
Valmont's face lit up with joy upon receiving the crown, and he praised Sheng-Zhu profusely for his generosity and trustworthiness.
Bai Qi, who had heard enough of Valmont's flattery, interrupted him, "Don't celebrate too soon. This is only one of twelve talismans. There are eleven more. If you cannot bring me the remaining talismans before midnight on New Year's Eve, you still won't get the treasure of the Golden Rooster King."
Valmont's expression faltered, and he stood straighter, assuring, "Don't worry, Sheng-Zhu. I guarantee I will deliver all the talismans to you intact."
Bai Qi had heard Valmont's assurances countless times, his ears were practically calloused. Still, some affirmation was necessary for an employee.
"I believe your guarantee. Now, go find me a physical body."
A body?
Valmont was slightly confused by Bai Qi's request.
"The Sheep Talisman grants me the ability to leave my body. Now, find me a vessel."
Though still not entirely clear, Valmont asked, "Then, Sheng-Zhu, what kind of body are you looking for?"
Bai Qi relayed his requirements to Valmont. After noting them down, Valmont turned to leave.
Leaving the office with Valmont were also Ah-Su, Ah-Fen, and Zhou.
"Boss, why were you so respectful to a piece of rock?"
"Yeah, boss."
Valmont snorted, "What do you know? Go contact the buyers now and turn this crown into cash."
Although the "Three Idiots" had been utterly incompetent in their attempt to seize the talisman from Uncle Chen, as core members of the Black Hand, they possessed several useful skills. One of them was their talent for finding buyers and liquidating assets, always fetching good prices. Furthermore, having served Valmont for years, he trusted them with the crown.
"Don't worry, boss. We'll get you a good price."
After giving his instructions, Valmont immediately made a phone call to fulfill Bai Qi's request.
While not explicitly mentioned in the original anime, the Black Hand, as a premier criminal organization, possessed an extensive network far beyond what was shown in the adventures. Their enterprises spanned across much of New York, rivaling even Kingpin in certain aspects.
With just one call from Valmont, a Black Hand subsidiary sprung into action, searching for a target that met Bai Qi's specifications.
Inside the antique shop.
"Hmph, Uncle Chen, you've lost a talisman."
A frail, elderly man in an armchair scolded Uncle Chen, his body tense like an agitated ram.
"But Old Grandpa, the Black Hand blew up the bridge with a plane. What could I do? Besides, I'm just an archaeologist, how could I..." Uncle Chen started.
Before he could finish, Old Grandpa struck him on the head, producing a crisp sound.
"The twelve talismans are extremely important. Each one possesses immense magical power. If they fall into the wrong hands, the consequences will be severe."
"I know that, Old Grandpa. But I'm so sleepy... I can't... I need to sleep first."
Watching Uncle Chen's retreating back, Old Grandpa sighed. He had more to say, but he knew it would be in vain given Uncle Chen's state.
Xiao Yu grabbed Uncle Chen's hand, "Uncle Chen, Uncle Chen, you promised to take me to the Elk's Paradise."
Seeing his niece's expectant face, Uncle Chen forced a smile and apologized, "I'm sorry, Xiao Yu. Uncle Chen is just too tired right now. We'll go to the amusement park another time."
"Oh, why is it like this?"
Xiao Yu's face fell with disappointment, but she couldn't do anything about it.
Seeing Xiao Yu descend, Old Grandpa's eyes gleamed, "Xiao Yu, would you like to hear some stories about magic?"
Children, especially at Xiao Yu's age, were full of fantasy about magic and such. For instance, when she first arrived and heard that Old Grandpa was a magician, she had naively asked if he had an owl, to which he had, of course, said no. As for magic, her Uncle Chen was reluctant to let Xiao Yu get involved, believing she was too young. Old Grandpa felt the same way. Unexpectedly, he was now willing to discuss magic with her.
Since she had nothing else to do anyway, and Xiao Yu didn't want to do her homework, she could use this as an excuse. Thinking this, Xiao Yu fetched a small stool and sat beside Old Grandpa.
Old Grandpa took out a yellowed book and opened it to the first page. "The world we inhabit was born from the foundation of Yin and Yang. Yang represents righteousness, and Yin represents darkness. Yin and Yang are in constant opposition, locked in a delicate balance through their perpetual struggle, giving rise to many extraordinary powers, such as magic."