Pretending To Be A Boss

Tang Xian wasn\'t surprised that human words came out of the bird\'s sharp beak.

Unlike parrots, mynas are an enhanced existence; they speak not only human languages but also those of various beasts.

"You catch a fish, and I might consider cooking it for you."

"You catch a fish, and I might consider not telling that silly fox you\'re human."

The myna cocked its head and scrutinized Tang Xian from its perch on the tree branch.

Tang Xian became interested.

This bird actually had another name, the "Gossip Bird" or "Troublemaker Bird."

They were proficient in various languages and loved stirring up trouble between creatures that couldn\'t understand each other, given that miscommunication was inevitable.

But if even a mosquito could be seen through, how much more a bird?

Tang Xian also sized up the bird.

Stats surfaced in his eyes.

Gender: Male.

Good-Evil Value: 29.

Greed and Lust Index: 55.

Favorability: 4 (strangers).

Financial Assessment: 0 (penniless).

Favorite Thing: Beautiful female bodies.

Thing Hated: Cat-eared bats.

Thing Feared: Cat-eared bats.

Current Sincerity Level: 10 (blatantly honest).

Charm Value: 17 (unremarkable).

Current Luck Value: 19 (slightly unlucky).

Current Needs Analysis:

[Extort the human in front of me (35%)]

[Curry favor with that fox (40%)]

[Stir up trouble between the human and the fox (20%)]

[Other (5%)]

Tang Xian couldn\'t help but laugh.

Many people have unique ways of seeking help, often using methods of blackmail and extortion to ask for it.

Luckily, Tang saw himself as someone happy to lend a hand; he loved being extorted the most.

It just so happened that he needed a translator in the mines, and here someone provided himself for the job.

"Actually, I also detest cat-eared bats."

The myna made a "Gaw!" in surprise, uttering its natural call.

How did this human know it hated cat-eared bats?

"Those creatures are bloodthirsty, not to mention they have ears just like cats. For someone like me who naturally loves petting cats, it\'s downright disgusting. At the age of fourteen, I came across information about these creatures, and it almost made me quit my habit of petting cats."

"Yes, yes, they\'re so annoying. Ah, but wait, don\'t change the subject, you crafty human."

"But cat-eared bats taste really good, did you know? Their wings are stronger than those of regular bats, and there\'s more meat on them. The flesh is tender, and whether you have it in a hot pot or fried with some hot sauce, it\'s incredibly delicious."

The myna\'s head lifted slightly, as if it was swallowing saliva.

"You surely want to eat cat-eared bats too, right? They live in the same places as you do, mostly in deep mountains or tree holes, and they often bully you, don\'t they? If you couldn\'t speak their language and constantly flatter them against your will, you might already be dead, right?"

"Gaw!"

Could this human tell fortunes?

"It\'s horrible, but sadly you don\'t know how to deal with cat-eared bats, but I do. Think about it, why would a nine-tailed fox choose to get close to a human like me? I know a lot of things, not just how to cook cat-eared bats, but also what they\'re afraid of."

"All you have to do now is catch a fish for me, and I won\'t just treat you to grilled fish, I\'ll also tell you how to deal with cat-eared bats."

The myna\'s eyes swiveled.

"Deal, a deal." With two flaps of its wings, it flew towards the river.

Watching the myna fly away, Tang Xian\'s eyes gleamed with anticipation as he started to scheme.