Half-step Purgatory

Durin stroked the black cat on the armrest of his chair, sitting on the black leather sofa. Through the glasses perched on his nose, his gaze passed over the long table in front of him and settled on the man kneeling on the carpet:
"I understand, you've made money in Naples, your business has been very successful, and you've led a happy life. You've had those secret police, friends in both the law and the underground, and even the Royal Family speaking on your behalf."
"You don't need a friend like me, I know that. You're afraid of owing me a favor, and you don't want to get involved in troubles."
"But now you come to me and say, 'I beg you, Mr. Durin of the Corleon family, please help me seek justice, so that my life and my family will not suffer and sink into despair.'
Yet, in your eyes, I was nothing more than a second-rate artist involved in movies and music. Even at the brink of death, you still show me such disrespect, not even willing to call me by my title... Keeper of Secrets."

Durin's Diary

Pool shook his head, looking at his own student with a face full of grievance, "So, once you graduate from me, you come to add to my troubles, am I right?"


"Not at all, Professor Pool," said the young man. "Haven't I just joined the Northern Bureau? You know, although you hold a high position, you are not part of the Northern Bureau. We do not accept your leadership, nor can we have any contact with you…" At this point, the young man received a light kick from Stuluey, "How do you speak to the Protector of the Nation's brother? Show some respect."


Fischer, smiling, walked over and ruffled Stuluey's head. The old fish was practically wearing "commendable" written on his face.


Pool didn't mind the kick. He just sat there, opened his cigarette case, and gestured for the young man to come over and take one.


"The professor still cares about me." The young man said as he happily bit the cigarette between his lips.


Chapter 241: The Facts