Wang Jin gave Yuan Heng a sweet smile, picked it up, took a sip, and squinted his eyes in satisfaction.
Xi Ning watched this, a trace of approval showing in his eyes. He picked up his chopsticks and eagerly took a bite.
The flavors were blended perfectly. The seafood had an excellent texture, with no fishy taste at all, much tastier than some fish slices Xi Ning had eaten before.
Xi Ning kept reaching with his chopsticks. Yuan Heng also started picking up food for Wang Jin.
This was the first time the three of them had eaten together around one table. In the original owner's memories Wang Jin recalled, this was also the first time the two brothers had shared a meal since their father passed away many years ago.
Perhaps also remembering this, Xi Ning's expression grew even softer, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously held a faint smile.
Seeing this, a trace of cunning flashed in Wang Jin's eyes: "Brother, actually, Brother Heng has other ideas for the future. He doesn't necessarily have to be the deputy city lord."
"Oh?" A flicker of interest showed in Xi Ning's eyes, signaling them to continue.
Wang Jin blinked at Yuan Heng, prompting him to take over.
Yuan Heng understood, put down his chopsticks, and was just about to speak solemnly when suddenly someone rushed in through the door.
That person seemed very anxious, not even bothering with proper etiquette. He gave a rough bow, walked to the city lord's ear, and whispered something. Xi Ning's expression changed dramatically. He put down his chopsticks and stood up abruptly.
Wang Jin and Yuan Heng were startled and also stood up.
Xi Ning said: "Yao'er, Yuan Heng, there is an urgent matter in the city I need to handle. You eat first. I must leave now."
With that, without waiting for Wang Jin and Yuan Heng to respond, he hurriedly left.
Wang Jin frowned: "What matter is so urgent?"
"Should I go and take a look?" Yuan Heng asked.
Wang Jin thought for a moment and shook his head: "Better not. If brother finds out you followed him, he'll definitely overthink it. Let's eat first."
Wang Jin picked up a piece of fish for Yuan Heng: "Brother Heng worked so hard cooking. We have to finish it all."
Yuan Heng's expression softened considerably. Wang Jin paused and said: "Earlier, I wasn't stopping you from talking about building the city. It's just that for now we only have an idea and a location. I'm afraid brother might not agree. How about we act while looking for an opportunity to tell him, okay?"
Yuan Heng knew that if not for the interruption earlier, the ger would have already broached the subject with Xi Ning for him. Although he felt the ger's approach wasn't entirely necessary—that Xi Ning was also a reasonable person who wouldn't disagree as long as he demonstrated his capability—still... seeing the ger strategize for him like this, Yuan Heng felt warmth in his heart. It was as if someone was carefully cradling his heart, afraid of letting it get cold or hurt.
Yuan Heng softened his voice and said: "I'll listen to whatever you says."
That beastman was clearly a powerful being. A single glance from him could make people submit and fear him outside. But before him, he was like a large domesticated animal, docile and gentle, making Wang Jin's heart flutter uncontrollably. Wang Jin broke into an especially bright smile, so sweet one might feel overwhelmed just seeing it.
Wang Jin continued in a soft voice: "Also... Brother Heng, about the Pan Shulin matter, please don't interfere either, okay? Let brother handle the capture. Once he's caught, he will naturally ask me how to deal with him."
"..." Yuan Heng fell silent this time. Wang Jin looked up and saw the beastman frowning tightly, seemingly not particularly willing.
Wang Jin also understood what the man was thinking. He had previously complained to this man, asking him to help deal with Pan Shulin later. Yet now he was telling him not to get involved.
He knew Yuan Heng wanted to vent his anger for him... But that Pan Shulin was still the acting Incense Hall Master of Ning'an City after all. He should be dealt with by Xi Ning first...
Wang Jin trusted in Xi Ning's ability. After all, he was the city lord and would surely be able to capture Pan Shulin. In terms of cunning, Pan Shulin was definitely no match for Xi Ning.
Wang Jin pondered for a moment and suddenly had an idea. He looked up at Yuan Heng and said: "Brother Heng, how about this: give brother two days. If he can't capture him by then, you step in. If he can capture him, we'll directly demand him back. I want to deal with him personally. You'll have to help me then; I can't lift him alone, nor can I throw him into the sea to soak by myself."
Two days. If Pan Shulin had no outside help, Wang Jin believed he could definitely be captured within that time.
"..." Hearing this, Yuan Heng hesitated slightly, looked at the ger gazing at him with hope, and sighed quietly in his heart.
How could he not listen to his own ger's words? Yuan Heng pressed his lips together and said: "Alright. But you must promise me that during these two days, if I am not by your side, you must have a beastman servant with you wherever you go."
He was worried that Pan Shulin, in desperation, might directly seek revenge on the ger.
Hearing this, Wang Jin was taken aback and instinctively asked: "Will Brother Heng not be by my side these two days?"
Previously, the man had always stayed with him, going nowhere except for hunting. Now that the city had ample food and drink, there was naturally no need to hunt. The man could stay with him like before.
Hearing this, Yuan Heng said: "For the sake of the little one in your belly, don't we need to speed up the city building? I need to go out to find some helpers. I'll be back by evening."
Find helpers? Back by evening? Are the helpers in Ning'an City?
Wang Jin looked at Yuan Heng in astonishment, wondering if the man actually had allies within Ning'an City as well.
Perhaps Wang Jin's surprised expression amused Yuan Heng. He let out a light chuckle and said: "Ger, you didn't really think I could build a city all by myself, did you?"
Well, not exactly. I just hadn't pieced it together yet. What kind of helpers did he know here in Ning'an City? How come I didn't know anything about them?
No comments:
Post a Comment