Chapter 325: Perhaps She Won’t Survive for Long

“Expendable labor?”

“Yes, sir. People like me, as well as the refugees and fugitives who come to Eternal Slumber City, are all considered expendable labor!”

“In this city, different kinds of expendable labor serve different purposes, bringing various benefits to Eternal Slumber City. The only real difference is how long each type of laborer can survive…”

Doubao’s voice was devoid of any emotion, as if he were merely stating an undeniable fact.

Gu Ning’an wasn’t surprised by Doubao’s perspective.

Given the harsh reality of his existence, it made sense for him to think this way.

After all, he had never been tormented by the helpless agony of feeling small and insignificant—he had simply accepted it as the way of the world.

Changing the topic, Gu Ning’an asked casually, “Do you think the innkeeper will take in that little girl?”

Doubao hesitated for a moment, then replied, “I don’t think so…”

“The innkeeper of Taste of Freshness has already taken in quite a few refugees. It might not seem like much—just over a dozen—but keeping that many people alive in Eternal Slumber City is incredibly difficult.”

“The more refugees she shelters, the more opportunities it gives those who covet her inn…”

Last night, Doubao had already told Gu Ning’an about Taste of Freshness. Its owner, Hua Erniang, was no weakling.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to run such a large inn in a city that devoured people whole.

If Innkeeper Hua were like other factions, recruiting powerful demon clans instead, she could solidify her position.

But for some reason, Innkeeper Hua seemed to have a soft spot for struggling refugees. Every single worker in her inn was one.

Still, she wasn’t reckless—she had a keen eye for people.

Anyone with a criminal past or ill intentions would meet the same fate as that wandering rogue who came looking for a job yesterday—death on the spot.

“The most crucial thing is that Lord Mi and Innkeeper Hua don’t get along. In fact, half the reason so many people even know that Taste of Freshness is a safe haven is thanks to Lord Mi.”

Doubao added this last remark, then glanced at Gu Ning’an, curious about what this generous gentleman thought.

Gu Ning’an smiled. “I think Innkeeper Hua will still take the girl in. After all, the job notice at her door is still up. When that rogue from yesterday came looking for work, she even bothered to check his background.”

“If she had no intention of hiring, she could’ve just kicked him out instead of going through all that trouble.”

Hearing this, Doubao fluttered his wings and agreed, “Sir, you make a good point.”

Mr. Gu was his employer now, so even if Doubao felt his own reasoning was more sound, he would still voice his agreement.

Before long, the creak of an old hinge echoed through the hall as Innkeeper Hua descended the stairs, clad in a dark red dress.

Her steps were light, not making a single creak on the wooden staircase.

“Mr. Gu, you’re up early,” she greeted as she passed his table, not pausing in her stride.

Gu Ning’an gave her a polite nod in response.

The moment Innkeeper Hua stepped into the front hall, the anxious family waiting outside caught sight of her.

The dark-skinned man froze for a second before recognizing her—matching the refined woman before him to the description he had heard.

“Innkeeper! Innkeeper!”

“I heard you’re hiring servants. Would you be willing to take in my daughter?”

“We’re all unfortunate refugees from Great Wu, fleeing for our lives!”

As he pleaded, the dark-skinned man and his wife fell to their knees once more, knocking their foreheads against the ground. The dull thuds were painful just to hear.

Innkeeper Hua took a slow step forward, glancing at the three kneeling figures before her.

“My job notice says I’m looking for waitstaff… You were sent here by Mi Youfu, weren’t you?”

Hearing this, the dark-skinned man immediately raised his head and nodded eagerly.

“Yes, yes! Lord Mi told me that Innkeeper Hua is a kind-hearted Bodhisattva who rescues those in need. That’s why I dared to come, hoping you would take in my daughter.”

“Rest assured, Innkeeper, my daughter is quite clever. She can definitely handle the job of a waitress.”

Innkeeper Hua chuckled and replied, “With her small stature, she might not even reach the edge of the table. How is she supposed to serve dishes?”

At that moment, the little girl, who had remained silent, quickly stood on her tiptoes. “Sister Hua, see? I’m tall enough. I can place the dishes on the table. I used to help my mother carry food all the time.”

“Sister?” Innkeeper Hua raised the corner of her eyes, smiling. “You do seem to have a bit of wit.”

“But if you want me to take your daughter in, you’ll have to answer a few questions first.”

Hearing this, the dark-skinned man hastily replied, “Of course, of course! Innkeeper Hua, ask whatever you need. I will answer truthfully and completely.”

“Oh?” Innkeeper Hua’s tone carried amusement before she suddenly changed the subject. “Yesterday, a wandering swordsman came to me. He lied, claiming to be a displaced martial artist. In truth, he was a villain who preyed upon innocent families.”

“And then, I ripped his heart out… So, I hope you don’t try to deceive me. My nature isn’t as kind as you might think.”

Her voice was gentle, yet to the dark-skinned man, it sounded like the whisper of a grim reaper.

He swallowed hard and nodded. “Innkeeper Hua, I wouldn’t dare lie!”

“Good!” Innkeeper Hua clapped her hands before continuing, “First question—how did you come to know Mi Youfu?”

The dark-skinned man answered immediately, “Years ago, I traveled far and wide, doing small trades. I heard many people in the martial world mention that within Northern Huangtian, there is one path to survival amidst certain death—to find Lord Mi. He can arrange a way for people like us to stay alive.”

Innkeeper Hua asked, “How many of you came to Eternal Slumber City to seek a living?”

The man responded at once, “Including my family of three, there were twelve of us in total.”

Innkeeper Hua continued, “Alright. And the remaining nine people—are they your relatives? Do you know their whereabouts?”

At her words, the dark-skinned man stiffened. He gritted his teeth, steeled his resolve, and answered, “They are all my relatives. And yes, I know where they are.”

Seeing how quickly he responded, Innkeeper Hua’s lips curled into a slight smile. “Then tell me—where are they now?”

“They were all sent to the Hunting Arena. I don’t know if they’re still alive… but they probably won’t survive for long.”

As he spoke, his fists clenched tightly. He could feel his wife’s gaze on him, but he dared not look at her.

Beside him, his wife’s face turned pale. Seeing her husband’s evasive expression, she couldn’t help but tremble as she asked, “The Hunting Arena… Husband, you told me before that you didn’t know where Third Aunt and the others went!”

“Then why are you saying now that they might not survive for long?”

“Ah…”