Miss Assassin is heavily addicted

Chapter 21 Epilogue. The beginning of a new life was actually an unexpected and unnoticed encounter.

—Inside the Big Bird Spinning Bar—

"Ugh……"

He Ye covered his face with one hand in frustration, sitting on a wooden chair in the bar, looking lost and dejected, like a masterpiece of melancholy sculpture.

Next to him was Brooke, who was mopping the floor with a wet mop and cleaning the floor with a toothpick in his mouth, occasionally complaining about someone's vomit.

The young girl, Nicole Griffith, was fast asleep, slumped over the table, clutching her own swaddled blanket as a pillow, with He Ye's suitcase tucked between her legs. It was a rather awkward sleeping position; it was amazing she could even sleep like that.

Two hours have passed since I went from being flustered to calm.

Within two hours, the pale dawn turned into bright sunshine, hanging over the city of Gladys. The industrial gears that had been idle overnight were now turning again, and people were bustling about. However, He Ye knew that at this moment, both at the docks and on the train platforms, there were many new posters with portraits and many police officers conducting checks.

The Royal City Express achieved record sales today, and people are talking about the true identity of the mysterious egg-crushing man—oh, let's not talk about it.

The Big Bird Spinning Bar, which has already closed down, has kicked out all its hungover customers, as the staff has to clean the place daily.

Logically speaking, He Ye should also be kicked out—but if he goes out for a stroll, he might be questioned and arrested by the police, so he absolutely cannot go out.

Thanks to bartender Brooke, he's now able to stay at the bar to avoid trouble. As for his reason for staying, he said he was homeless, and Brooke naturally imagined a story of a "penniless, ragged young man after a divorce," and agreed to his request to stay with a sigh.

They even planned to have him work in a bar.

"Lift your foot, I'll wipe that spot on your floor."

Brook, with a toothpick in his mouth and a mop in one hand, looked quite like Lu Bu wielding his halberd.

“Okay…” He Ye absentmindedly lifted his foot.

Logically speaking, He Ye was still preparing to run away, but unfortunately, there was equally bad news.

Last night's betting didn't go smoothly. Ever since He Ye left Nicole Griffith's side—according to her own account, she hasn't won a single game.

So naturally, all the money they won was given back.

In the end, only—

20 kronor.

The two bills left in her pocket were worth the price of two plates of fried rice. Nicole restrained her competitive spirit, thinking that she couldn't go hungry even if she lost everything, so she stopped.

how to say?

Did we win? Yes, we did, and our funds even doubled.

But what's with this mixed feeling?

He Ye knew he definitely couldn't run away now; he had neither money nor time. The wisest thing to do now was to lie low, wait for the storm to pass, and earn enough money to run away before making any further plans.

The portrait on the wanted poster only resembles He Ye by 50%, which is good news amidst the worst of all. It means that as long as he has a job and a few friends can prove that he is not unemployed, the National Security Bureau will not arrest him to cover up the case.

Uh... or should I say apprehended and brought to justice?
After all, he is real.

In conclusion, after two hours of deep deliberation, He Ye, the former elite spy from Country B who had experienced numerous raids and sweeps by the National Security Bureau, had reached some conclusions.

"I've thought it through."

He Ye exhaled a breath of stale air, lifted his foot and looked at Brooke, who was mopping the floor, and said in a relieved tone.

Brooke was casually pulling the mop handle back and forth when she heard him speak and looked up.

"Well, bro, I'm happy for your new life. You weren't defeated by life—you've become a warrior."

Brooke stood at attention with the mop handle, humming a tune from a short distance away.

"So, what are the specific job duties?" He Ye asked.

"About this, our bar is currently forming a band. Just wait for the boss to come at noon. I believe you will succeed, after all, you seem very talented, don't you?"

"A band...?" He Ye was stunned.

This bar, with its wildly wild name "Big Bird Spinning Around," even has a band with an artistic flair?

Brooke didn't reply and continued mopping the floor.

Other staff members are also cleaning here.

"But I've never seen any bands in your bar..." He Ye muttered, holding his head.

“So it’s called forming a team,” Brooke replied, looking up again. “Yesterday, a blond young nobleman suggested to our boss that ‘such a nice bar should have a jazz band.’ Then, within a few hours, the boss posted recruitment notices on the outside wall, and it’s even said that it was published in the Royal City Express.”

"No way, the Royal City Express can publish this kind of thing?" He Ye was speechless.

“Of course,” Brooke smiled. “What can’t you do if you have money?”

"..." He Ye stopped talking.

Although this job surprised him a bit, he still had to give it a try. He needed to make money and go undercover, and a bar, a place where all sorts of people mingle, was the perfect place for him.

After all, there are all sorts of people here, and the fact that he looks like someone on a wanted poster is a minor issue.

Let's wait and see... anyway, there's nothing else to do right now.

Time passed by in He Ye's nonchalant manner, the sun gradually rose higher and higher, the bar was cleaned up, and Brook waved goodbye and left with a mop in his hand—the bar staff had changed again, and the blonde woman who loved to smoke cigarettes came to the front desk once more.

Logically, it shouldn't be open for business right now.

However, He Ye quickly understood why she was still at work at this time.

"jingle"

The ringing of the brass bell at the door announced someone's arrival. He Ye turned his head in the direction of the sound and saw a middle-aged man dressed like a nouveau riche. He was overweight, wore a thick gold chain around his neck, and had various agate rings on his hands.

"Boss, what would you like to drink?"

The female bartender spoke with a slightly respectful tone, flicking her fingers through the flask to extinguish her cigarette.

"A Bloody Mary, please." He simply waved his hand in greeting.

The boss then casually glanced around and soon spotted He Ye sitting at the table, and Nicole, who had just come out of the restroom. Her face was clean.

While waiting, He Ye didn't just stand there idly. He went to the washroom to clean himself up, and then took out clothes from his suitcase for him and Nicole to change into, since first impressions are important.

So when the shopkeeper turned around, he didn't show any disgust at seeing a homeless person, but instead said with amusement:

"You're the talented musician Brooke recommended?"

Although he didn't know when he became a musician, nor when his friend recommended him, He Ye calmly nodded and said, "Hello, sir."

“My dear friend, I won’t show you any favoritism just because Brooke recommended you. The musicians who can perform on the Big Bird Spinning Bar stage all have to rely on their own strength—I can only look forward to your performance.”

The boss raised his glass earnestly, then looked away.

This sounds like the sacred performance stage of the Bird's Nest.

"I'll be waiting for you on the third floor."

After leaving those words behind, the bar owner leisurely went upstairs, followed by several of his staff, presumably to set up the interview venue.

Actually, He Ye isn't the only one at the bar now. Other unemployed band members have come here recently. They have different styles, but they all show great talent. Several of them carry guitars and have artistic long hair.

He Ye could foresee the difficulties that were to come.

His face was solemn.

After all, in the midst of a wave of unemployment, a single job can be incredibly difficult to find.

……

—Big Bird Bar, 3rd Floor, Interview Room—

"My name is Brant Bell. I graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and was the drummer for the band 'Hope.' I have extensive performance experience, am proficient in linear drum kits and compound beats, and can seamlessly switch between various styles such as jazz, rock, and Latin."

The dreadlocked, dark-skinned man holding two drumsticks said he looked to be in his thirties, with regular features and a determined gaze. He was the drummer who had made it to the final round after multiple eliminations.

“My name is Zaran Morrison. I graduated from ETH Zurich with a degree in music. I was a piano teacher at the Morlock Academy for eight years. I can transcribe most melodies after hearing them only once, and I know all the popular songs on the market by heart. I consider myself highly skilled in piano.”

The long-haired man with glasses pushed up his glasses, exuding the imposing aura of a music professor, standing ramrod straight with one hand behind his back. He was also the final keyboardist to advance after multiple rounds of elimination.

“My name is George Long. I graduated from Berklee College of Music with a major in bass performance. In five years, I systematically studied slap techniques, walking bass, counterpoint, and other techniques. I am proficient in various styles and have won the Saint-Tauberg Award for Best Bass Player of the Year.”

The stubble-faced, blond, wavy-haired man earnestly explained that his appearance could be interpreted as a reflection of his artistic pursuits, exuding an imposing aura of strength. The ultimate winner of the bass group.

At that moment, He Ye, who had walked in carrying a guitar, was speechless: "..."

In the makeshift performance hall filled with equipment, he noticed the gazes of several people. As the first auditionee in the guitar group, he felt a little lost, holding the yellow guitar he had casually borrowed.

Although I can imagine that the competition is very strong, these prestigious university names and years of experience... Why is the threshold so high for a resident band in a shabby bar? The Vienna Golden Hall is no better.

This guitarist, who casually enrolled in a half-month guitar class for 300 yuan during his university years, was speechless.

But since they were already there, He Ye was naturally not intimidated.

He clearly couldn't win by playing conventional instruments; every guitar virtuoso outside was better than him.

However, as a time traveler, one always has advantages that others cannot match.

and so--

"Hello boss, may I make a request before I begin playing?" He Ye slung his guitar strap over his shoulder and lightly strummed the strings. "I like to sing while playing, so could you please allow me to do more than just a guitar performance?"

"You mean besides playing rhythm guitar, you can also be the lead singer?" The boss squinted, his eyes seemingly lighting up as he spoke.

Upon hearing this, the three winning band members next to him couldn't help but gasp. They never expected that the ultimate level of Juan, besides reaching the pinnacle of skill, was to do the work of two people!
“Of course,” He Ye replied with a smile.

"I would be very surprised if I could." The bar owner licked his lips, saving another penny.

Having said that, He Ye said no more.

Recalling the morning he left Qingyuesen Apartment, the sunlight seemed the same as this morning. He lowered his eyes and strummed the guitar strings, his emotions filled with complex feelings about the present moment.

Although the journey had been mostly unlucky, making one sigh and think how unlucky it was, Ke Heye was someone who rarely looked back, and never regretting a decision was half of his life motto.

So, even now, I'm plucking the strings.

This wasn't the first time he'd played music in his memory. Before crossing over to this strange world with its simple and honest people, he had spent many years on the battlefield. The sandstorms blurred his vision, the damp land was soaked in blood, and he sang songs around the campfire in the evening breeze for his remaining comrades. He was already lucky to have made it this far.

The sound of the zither lingered in the air.

The sound emanating from the guitar, gentle yet melancholic, and imbued with an unwavering attitude towards life, captivated everyone present.

This was a melody they had never heard before, a novel melody, a captivating melody, which entered their ears.

Clocks Running in the Opposite Direction.mp3 (Intro)
Then came the beautiful voice of someone who had won a place among the top ten singers on campus during her university days. "Dazed and confused, the dream you gave me has cracked, a dull ache lingers. His smile, how is it different? In your heart, I am no longer favored."

"My sky—whether it's rain, wind, or a rainbow—you control it."

What resounded was a combination of melodies ahead of its time, and chord progressions that no one had ever imagined before. He Ye's voice was full of emotion, and his eyes were expressive. Every note he played shocked the judges, the three band members, who were present.

"Oh my God!"

The boss stood up, eyes wide, fist raised, sleeves rolled up – this kind of music is sure to be inspiring!
The drummer, keyboardist, and bassist next to him also trembled, their eyes filled with tears, witnessing the birth of new music in this ordinary rehearsal hall!

"genius!"

"What kind of chord progression is this? It's a masterpiece!"

"True, genuine music!"

As the excited voices of those people rang out, He Ye knew that he was almost certain of victory. But since he had already played, how could he not enjoy himself to the fullest? He had to sing with great enthusiasm until the climax!

plucked!

Bm→ A7→ Dmaj7→ Gm7→ C7! !
"A clock that shows scenes that travel through time!"

"Start moving in the opposite direction!"

"Let's go back to the time when I first loved you!"

"Frozen content ~Infidelity!~"

As the last line of the lyrics was sung, He Ye stopped plucking the strings with a triumphant air and looked up to see that everyone present was captivated by the charm of the song. Needless to say, his three friends, all graduates of music academies, were trembling, and even the boss, who knew nothing about music, was shaking with excitement.

"You're the one! You're the one! What's your name?!"

The bar owner slammed his fist on the table and excitedly made the decision. This might seem disrespectful to the other guitarists and lead singers waiting outside, but if they were there and heard He Ye's performance, they would surely be moved and leave on their own.

Because this is what true music is.

"Thank you." He Ye bowed politely and removed the guitar strap.

He pondered for a moment for a suitable name. The only name that hadn't been exposed yet was the one he was preparing to kill. So, for safety reasons, He Ye gave a sentimental answer.

"Leon Rossi, an ordinary person with no reputation."

Then he prepared to leave.

Keyboardist Zaran Morrison intervened, placing one hand on his chest as if feeling his own heartbeat, and then solemnly asked:

"That song you just sang was your own composition, right? What's it called?"

He Ye said calmly, "The Clock That Goes in the Opposite Direction".

……

After the interview—

The band for Big Bird Spinning Bar has been officially formed, consisting of drummer Brant, keyboardist Zhalan, bassist George, and guitarist and lead vocalist He Ye. They will be performing their first show tonight.

It was still early before the bar opened, so the people who had passed the interview left one by one.

Only He Ye remained, discussing his treatment.

During this time, Nicole Griffiths stayed idly by, wanting to work as well, but the bar didn't need any more staff, and without any skills, she could only watch helplessly.

He Ye realized this and understood that he should get rid of this tagalong.

So, while the bar owner was in the restroom...

He sat at the table and spoke earnestly to Nicole.

"I have something to talk to you about."

"what?"

The lights on the first floor of the bar were off at that moment, and all the staff were resting. However, it was noon, and the sun shining through the windows was quite hot, so they could see the expressions on each other's faces.

He Ye sat opposite Nicole and said in a low voice:

“You and I are different people. You need to understand that you can’t follow me forever. I’ve already committed a crime, you understand? You should rely on your own hard work to find a new life, a life under the sun.”

Hearing this, Nicole understood that He Ye was trying to get rid of her, so she quickly shook her head and said, "Sir, I know, you don't need to emphasize it! It's because of the mistake I made! If you insist on getting rid of me, then I'll have to go to jail for you!"

"Oh my god!" He Ye quickly covered her mouth!

Nicole, mmm!

He Ye was truly impressed by her. She activated her gravity field after only a few words. This little one really dared to say that. Luckily, there was no one around... He slowly released his hand from her mouth and managed to squeeze out a sound with mixed feelings.

"You're awesome."

What does "牛逼" mean?

"..." He Ye clutched his chest, struggling to breathe, and quickly waved his hand, "Never mind, never mind, don't talk to me."

Connie, still wanting more, said sullenly:
"And I don't think I was to blame last night."

So why are we bringing up last night again?
"What do you mean now?" He Ye turned to look at him.

Nicole looked up seriously and said:
“I’ve always been incredibly lucky, but ever since I met you, sir, all that luck has vanished! So I have reason to suspect that meeting you used up all my luck! That’s why I’m so unlucky now…”

"So you're just going to cling to me now?" He Ye pinched her nose in annoyance, making her squeal with delight.

I wondered why this conversation felt so familiar.
"Say what you will!" she turned her head and hummed.

The joking conversation ended quickly, and the matter of getting rid of her remained unresolved, so it had to be put on hold for the time being, because at this moment, the bar owner, who was circling around with a big bird, had already walked over.

“Leon, right? My name is Perkins, and I own this bar. I’m very happy to have recruited someone as talented as you!”

“Hello, Mr. Perkins.” He Ye shook hands with him.

His hands were damp, after all, he had just come out of the restroom.

Perkins then sat down opposite him, pursing his lips as he pondered how much to ask for, since a lead singer and guitarist like him was truly hard to find.

“We pay weekly, settled every seven days. We’re tentatively offering you 1500 crowns. How does that sound? After all, you said you wanted room and board included.”

Perkins tentatively suggested that the resident band musicians would only need to play for a few hours each evening, and would also have a day off. The price he offered He Ye was the highest among the bands that didn't yet have a name.

He Ye thought it was pretty good.

However, seeing Nicole Griffiths standing beside him, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back, He Ye added a few more conditions.

"Well, my friend also wants to work here. Do you think she'd be okay? Whether it's odd jobs or guard duty, she'd at least have something to do."

He Ye pointed to the girl next to him.

Perkins stroked his chin and looked her over. Actually, Big Bird Bar didn't need many people anymore, but considering the way He Ye blinked when she spoke, he understood the implication.

"We are currently short of waiters for odd jobs and errands, but the weekly wage is only 500 kronor. Of course, room and board are included."

Perkins said.

He Ye readily agreed and shook hands with him.

Next came the simple signing of contracts. Both of them signed three-month trial contracts, with no insurance coverage, which was common knowledge in this other world.

Then the owner, Perkins, left happily, leaving the two people in the store huddled together, chatting idly to pass the time while waiting for someone to come and pick them up and explain the start-up procedures.

"Sir, what piece were you playing inside? I noticed everyone I saw praising your music!"

"Want to hear it?"

"think."

"I'm bored, I can play for you."

He Ye took the guitar off the stage, sat down in a chair, placed the guitar across his lap, and casually strummed the strings, letting the melodious music echo in the quiet bar.

The sun was shining brightly outside, and the girl beside him had bright eyes.

~~
The simple chords were enough to make this guy completely infatuated. Looking into her eyes, He Ye felt a kind of admiration and couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction—the feeling of being able to show off.

Humans are indeed social animals. Even if we don't need to rely on others, we can still experience all sorts of emotional fluctuations because of them.

Just then, footsteps came from the stairs.

Yawning, Brooke, wearing a nightcap, casually walked downstairs. Then he heard He Ye's guitar playing and saw him slowly strumming the strings in the sunlight, his black hair covering his eyes. In that instant, he thought this friend was really cool.

"Whoosh~ Welcome to Big Bird Spin! I hope this is the starting point of your new life."

Brooke walked up to him, his usual sycophantic demeanor returning, and said gently.

He Ye felt as if he had forgotten something again at this moment, and simply grasped the outstretched hand he saw. Fortunately, he quickly remembered his current situation: the rogue henchman, the arrest warrants flying everywhere, and that insignificant sigh of melancholy.

"...How did I end up here?"

He Ye murmured wistfully.

"What are you saying, bro?"

At this moment, Brooke turned around, scratched his frizzy hair, and waved, saying, "Hurry up and catch up. I'll take you two to choose rooms. Just leave that broken guitar there! Grab your luggage and hurry up!"

"I'm coming!"

"Sir, I can't lift my suitcase! I haven't eaten all day and I'm so hungry I have no strength! Help me!"

"Oh, here it comes, here it comes..."

With a hint of helplessness in his voice, he walked up the stairs to the arranged staff room, which was also a new beginning. The storm of the wanted notice would not subside for two or three months, and a man who yearns for freedom would not be confined to one place for too long.

A new life will always begin.

Volume 1. The Retired Spy and the Rats (The End)

　Volume One is now complete. Thank you to all the readers who have made it this far.

　　The plot of this volume is structured in episodic form, revolving around two main characters. The other characters who appear are there to set the stage for the story to come, while also introducing the world and the characters. The overall tone is one of sunshine under a gray backdrop.

　　Every character who appears in this volume will be mentioned in later stories, and may even have a connection with them.

　　A variety of interesting characters will appear next.

　　If you enjoyed the story, please vote and leave a comment to show your support. Thank you!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)