Chapter 782 - Ally
Chapter 782: Ally
Zhang Heng did not expect Gaby to bring him to Mark Reuss’s residence. The latter’s Domus was not in the gladiator school but was instead located diagonally across the street, which was a good location.
The Domus referred to the mansions of the wealthy. Unlike the modern villas, a Domus looked more like a small fortress, with a shape of a shell. There were almost no windows in this building. Unlike the kind of apartment that the ordinary people inhabited, the Domus had no balcony as well.
Zhang Heng then followed Gaby into the gate, through the entrance, and came to the front hall. Although there were no windows, it was bright enough inside the building. This is because the front hall did not have a roof. Such a design allowed the sunlight to pour into the hall and rainwater collection.
When it rained, the rainwater would flow out from the statues’ mouths on the edge of the roof, and it would fall into a square rain-bearing pond. Not only could the rain-bearing pond be used as a decoration where water would be reflected on the surrounding walls to improve the atmosphere, but it was also connected to the underground water storage tank. It would ensure that the Domus would have a water supply at any given time, unlike civilians that lived in the apartments, where they had to go out to fetch water from the wells and fountains in the city.
Zhang Heng did not expect Mark Reuss to stand in the front hall to wait for his arrival. Seeing him show up, he immediately walked over with enthusiasm and put his hands on Zhang Heng’s shoulders.
In the eyes of other Romans, this was a shocking move. It was unprecedented that the master would come out personally to greet the slave. And he just made a move that a friend would do to another friend. And the best part was there was not a hint of reluctance on Mark Reuss’s face. It meant that everything he did to Zhang Heng was natural, and it came from the bottom of his heart.
Now he looked kind and friendly. As compared to the person who looked at the slaves under his feet condescendingly on the second floor’s balcony, he was a completely different person now. But just when everyone has emerged in a harmonious atmosphere, a cold snort destroyed it.
Zhang Heng noticed the girl standing on the second floor earlier. When he walked into the front hall, her face was darkened. And when Mark Reuss placed his hands on Zhang Heng’s shoulder, the girl stomped, turned her head, and returned to her room.
“Oh, that’s my second daughter, Domar.” Mark Reuss introduced, “Don’t mind her. I have been very busy with the gladiator school and had no time to look after her. That is why she is so rude. Let’s go to the reception room.”
Gaby seemed to be a little worried about Mark Reuss’s safety. So. he said, master… Do you want to find a few more people to go with you?”
“It’s okay,” Mark Reuss waved his hand, “Zhang Heng is with us. Besides, if he really wants to kill me, with his skill, I’m afraid there’s no one here can stop him.”
Gaby bowed and said nothing after that.
Mark Reuss then smiled again, “Come. Let’s go to the reception room.”
Compared to the front hall, the lighting in the reception room was dimmer. Once Zhang Heng’s eyes adjusted to the dark surroundings, he could see the wall’s murals and the mosaic floor tiles under his feet, which were quite colorful.
Of course, the reception room’s most attractive item was the sizeable magnificent table and the chair studded with jewels. Mark Reuss was sitting on it now. He then pointed at the other stool on the opposite side.
Zhang Heng then sat on it without saying much.
“Interestingly, when I asked Gaby and slave traders, none of them remember who bought you.” Mark Reuss said as he looked towards Zhang Heng.
“So?” Zhang Heng raised his eyebrows.
“So I guess this is a good thing because it means that no one knows your past. We can work to make you look more mysterious to the audience. This is a good thing. Most women would be attracted to a man like you. However, I think you are not mysterious enough. I can ask someone to spread some rumors about you. For example, I can tell them that you are a prince from a country in the east or a general or something. After that, someone conspired against you, and you were forced to flee to Rome. Unfortunately, you became a slave later and were sold to the arena. Every woman likes this kind of story. And they would sympathize with you…”
Mark Reuss was utterly immersed in the story that he made for Zhang Heng. Halfway through, he realized that Zhang Heng wasn’t reacting. He then slapped his head and said, “Oh, did I not tell you that I wanted you to become the new trump card of Victor Arena? Do you know about Sethnets? He was the most popular and admired person in Rome when he was still in gladiator school. I can give you everything he once had. No, I can give you more than what he had and make you more famous than him.”
“And what do you want me to do?” Zhang Heng asked.
“Victories, many victories, non-stop victories,” Mark Reuss leaned back, “I have nothing to ask from you except for victory, my friend. Of course, sometimes, we will need you to cooperate with us to do some necessary promotion.”
“I am your slave. You can just order me to do those things. If it doesn’t work, you can threaten me with death,” replied Zhang Heng.
“No, no, no. I don’t treat you as a slave. You are different from those guys,” Mark Reuss said while taking out a bottle of wine and two glasses from under the table. “Anyone who knows me knows that I am very different from other masters. I respect talented people. As long as you are capable of doing something really well, I will respect you from the bottom of my heart. Not to mention, I felt how you were a little special when I saw you for the first time. I am not talking about your appearance. It’s more towards your soul. I do like you, and that is the truth. And I think we can definitely do something big together. Couple with your strength and my operation, the whole of Rome will be crazy for you.”
Mark Reuss then poured the wine into two glasses and said enthusiastically, “Try it, this is wine from Persia.”
After Zhang Heng took the cup from him and drank the wine, he continued, “Now that we are friends, you can tell me what you want and need. Women, fine wines… or anything else. As long as it is within my reach, I can satisfy you.”
Zhang Heng put down the wine glass and said, “I want to go out and get some air.”
“No problem, you can leave the gladiator school whenever you want, as long as you inform Gaby about it.” Mark Reuss nodded without hesitation. He was not worried that Zhang Heng might run away from the gladiator school. The latter had no other relatives in Rome and coupled with his unique looks and popularity, it was even more difficult for him to escape.
For now, Zhang Heng had no intention to leave this place. He wanted to get back his game items that were stored in one of the shops in Rome. At least, something good happened to him after he became famous. It seemed that Mark Reuss wanted to maintain a good relationship with him. In other words, the latter would not desire to take away what he had. Besides, Zhang Heng was getting bored in the gladiator school. After so many days, he wanted to walk around the ancient city of Rome.
“Is there anything else?” Mark Reuss asked thoughtfully.
“Also, I don’t want to date anyone.” Zhang Heng said.
Mark Reuss gradually put away his smile when he heard what Zhang Heng said. A look of embarrassment appeared on his face.