I’m Really Not The Demon God’s Lackey

st associate professors” and “genius students”, he was confident in his specialization.

“Thank you.
It is my greatest honor to read your work.” Wilde bowed slightly and continued.
“However, having the only copy of such an important book in the hands of a pathetic old man leaves me uneasy.”

As a crafty old magician, Wilde wasn’t worried about losing the book.
However, this was a book that hadn’t been published which meant that all the things recorded inside were of an experimental nature.

Who knew what sort of unimaginable outcome might occur because of him studying it?

From the look of things, it seems as though Lin Jie took him as some sort of guinea pig…

“Old Wil, there’s nothing to be worried about.
I believe that you would bring this book even more worth.
My research only has value when it is seen by others.”

“As for it being the only copy? That’s no longer important to me.” Lin Jie smiled and gestured at the bookshelf behind him.
“I now possess an entire forest.
Besides, I can easily produce a replacement anytime.
Knowledge in one’s mind cannot be stolen while fame and fortune can be taken.
But, in my opinion, those are just immaterial.”

Lin Jie looked intently at Wilde.

Accept it, Old Wil! This is already the last of my chicken soup!

Lin Jie could sense Old Wil’s apprehension towards his research.
However, this wasn’t directed at the subject but rather, concern over what studying this might bring about.

As an empty nester, Old Wil might seem amiable, but his haughty and detached disposition had caused him to drift away from friends and family.
As a result, he regarded academics with great importance.

He needed accomplishment, fame, and fortune of this aspect to fill the void in his heart!

However, this was a morbid and bigoted mentality which distance himself further from society.
Therefore, Lin Jie decided to guide him towards once again experiencing care and concern from others!

Wilde met Lin Jie’s gaze and was momentarily startled.
He took off his hat and said, “I’ve benefited from your advice.”

His fingers holding the hat were trembling.

Fame and fortune are immaterial… Is this a warning to not divulge any of this information to others? He must have sensed that I’ve figured out his identity.

The black magician’s heart grew heavier.

Lin Jie then continued.
“Anyway, back to the topic.
Since you could understand, cough, the devil’s language, you should be able to understand this book, and if you think that it’s good, I would be more than happy if you recommend it to others.”

He revealed a polite smile that seemed full of hidden meanings.

Gazing at the book in his hand, Wilde nodded.
“Understood, I will do my utmost.”

It seems that he wants me to help propagate his work.
This must be the price I have to pay.

Wilde felt his heart lighten.

There was a price to pay after all.
Free lunches didn’t exist in this world.

Wilde would have been even more terrified had Lin Jie continued with his generosity as it would mean a heavier price to pay in future, perhaps eventually costing him his life.

Propagating the contents of this book but never divulging the identity of the author… It seems like the only way to go about it is to first study the contents and pass it on to others verbally.
I must be very prudent.
Wilde thought to himself.

“Well then, I should take my leave.”

Wilde put his hat back on, then hesitated for a moment before drawing out a jet-black stone sculpture from his chest pocket and placing it on the countertop.

“Thanks for the guidance you have given me all this time.
Please accept this small token of appreciation>