Chapter 484: 484

Chapter 484 I’m Glad You’ve Introduced Yourselves

Zhang Heng and Holmes shook hands . The latter didn’t let go right away, though . “You’ve lived at sea for a long time . Seaman? Nomore likely someone who makes decisions on board… the captain or the chief mate? But that was probably a long time ago . Hmm… Interesting . You shouldn’t have been occupying such a high position at your age .

Forgive me—I don’t know much about the politics of the East… You’ve experienced war, more than once, and have seen blood . But you’re not a soldier . This is starting to get interesting . You’re trained in archery . I must say, you are quite the jack-of-all-trades, you’ve been to many places before… Are you a traveler? Last but not least, I hope that I would have a chance to hear you play the piano!”

“Wow! That’s very impressive . Did you just deduce all of that?” Zhang Heng asked . “just a little parlor trick . If I told you, it wouldn’t be impressive anymore . Also, do pardon me, if I should have offended you,” Holmes smiled amiably . Despite the friendly gesture, Zhang Heng could sense the underlying smugness and condescension in his tone, qualities he was so famously associated with . Chronicling someone’s entire life in the first meeting was in itself not a very polite thing to do .

Even though he did ask for Zhang Heng’s pardon at the end, it sounded more like an appropriacy rather than an apology . It was probably a common fault in all geniuses since time immemorial . They often placed themselves in the center, acting recklessly, and almost never taking the feelings of others into consideration .

Sherlock made a move to withdraw his hand but Zhang Heng didn’t let go . “Lacks knowledge in literature, philosophy, and astronomy, and extremely limited understanding of politics, but profoundly knowledgeable in chemistry, a serious bias in botany, knows nothing about gardening, but is extremely well-versed with all kinds of taboos, which you, unfortunately, happen to subscribe to . You should stay away from them… . With your willpower, I believe it is possible . You are good at identifying soil, possess a wealth of but unsystematic knowledge of anatomy, and you’re skilled in boxing, fencing, and Bartitsu .

You have a brother who is a government official; he is smarter than you, but you hate admitting it . Your grandfather was a country squire, but the family fortune declined . By the way, I also hope to hear you play the violin, on the premise that you play it properly, of course . Otherwise it would just sound like an animal howling . ” Zhang Heng said all that in one breath . This time it was his new flatmate’s turn to stare . The detective turned to the landlady .

“Did you tell him everything about me?” he asked Mrs . Hudson . The latter shook her head . “I have no idea what is it that you do all day in your room, Mr . Holmes, but I only hope that you do not turn the room into a mess again . ”

“Ha!” Holmes frowned as if pondering on a problem . After a minute, he said, “… about my knowledge in chemistry—you were able to tell from the reagents on my hands . As for the violin, you felt the callouses on the tip of my fingers when we shook hands, and I just mentioned that I’ve just been to a concert, so it’s not that difficult to tell . As for my fencing skills, my épée is on the balcony .

You must’ve seen it when you were downstairs . The boxing, on the other hand… I used to do it but some of the habits remained . That’s not too surprising . The Bartitsu aside… how were you able to deduce my accomplishments in various disciplines? It’s no secret, and after we’ve lived together for a while, you’d be able to tell . But this is our first time meeting each other . And my brother-I almost never mention him . Even Mrs . Hudson doesn’t know he exists . What about my late grandfather? How did you know?”

“Arthur Conan Doyle told me . Don’t take it to heart . ” Zhang Heng smiled and finally withdrew his hand . “Arthur Conan Doyle? Who is he?” A look of confusion crossed Holmes’ face . “I don’t remember having such a friend . ”

Mrs . Hudson, who had been listening by the side, said, “I’m glad you’ve introduced yourselves . Although, it is but slightly strange, because most people introduce themselves, not… But, oh, never mind, what’s important is that you’ve gotten to know each other . I’ll bring some refreshments so you can continue your conversation!” “That’ll be wonderful!” Holmes had clearly taken an interest in Zhang Heng . He removed his hat and coat, hung them on the rack, then settled down on the sofa where he produced a pipe and began filling in the tobacco .

“Mr . Zhang Heng, I must admit that you’re far more fascinating than I imagined . I hold certain old-fashioned stereotypes about Orientals . In fact, I was worried that you would move out within two days like my previous roommates, but now I am sure that we will get along very well . ” “Mr . Holmes, I also find your observation and deduction skills absolutely intriguing, and I hope to learn from you . ” Zhang Heng made himself comfortable on the sofa opposite the detective . “Onteresting . There are indeed many people who come to my doorstep for help—whether it be a private detective or the police officers in Scotland Yard—whenever they encounter difficult and complicated cases which they cannot solve by themselves, seeking for my counsel on the evidence they’ve collected . But they only want to eat the fish… you’re the first one who actually wants to learn how to fish . ”

Holmes paused for a moment . “I don’t mind sharing the skills I’ve unearthed, but some things are easier said than done . It would take a lot of practice . There had been people who had shown interest in learning from me but they always end up giving up in the end . But you’re different . You already possess excellent observation skills . Very well, perhaps you’ll be a quick study . ”

“I know I have made it very clear on the advertisement, but for the caution, I feel it best that I go through everything again . The two of us will be renting the flat, and we’ll be splitting the rent . We’ll each have a bedroom to ourselves, and since I was the first to move in, I have already selected my room . But I can assure you that your room is just as comfortable . We’ll share the sitting room, but I have precedence when I need to work . Sometimes I will conduct experiments in my room, and maybe play the violin-I hope you don’t mind . Oh, you can inform me in advance if you have any habits or hobbies . ”

“Just one-I hope that you don’t play your violin in the wee hours of the morning . ”

“A reasonable request . I will do my best to keep that from happening . ” Holmes sounded sincere but noncommittal . He obviously did not trust himself to keep the promise and was prepared to renege .

“Then I have nothing else . ”

“Very well, then let us toast to our co-living . ” Holmes then shouted into the kitchen, “Mrs . Hudson, we changed our minds! We won’t be having an afternoon tea—it’s time to drink! Could you please bring my treasured bottle of Port to entertain our mysterious Oriental guest?”

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