Seeing Shi Chun appear here, the genteel Gong Shaoci had a flash of vigilance in his eyes, concerned that Shi Chun might come to report him. Had he not been worried about causing a big issue that would reach this place, he might not have let go so easily back then.

In fact, he had just been severely scolded by his father for acting without thinking.

Was it really necessary? He was feeling quite resentful from the scolding.

He maintained his composure outwardly, greeting the mother and daughter duo.

Shi Chun, who had just complained about him, graciously clasped his hands and smiled in apology, "Brother Gong."

Gong Shaoci smiled and nodded in acknowledgment, asking, "What brings you to me, Brother Chun?"

Shi Chun said, "After you left earlier, I regretted it quite a bit. Upon reflection, Brother Gong's character is undoubtedly impeccable; the buyer is sure to inform Brother Gong, and Brother Gong would surely keep my secret with discretion. I came to apologize to Brother Gong, hoping you won't take it personally with me. If Brother Gong is still interested in the buyer, we can discuss it amicably."

Lan Qiaoyan, holding her teacup, interjected lightly, "Oh my, what buyer and seller talk are you having here, playing riddles in front of me?"

Miao Yilan instinctively glanced at her mother, pursing her lips. Earlier, Shi Chun spoke so clearly; how could her mother not know?

Shi Chun also glanced at Lan Qiaoyan with some surprise.

Upon hearing this, Gong Shaoci breathed a sigh of relief; if the mother and daughter duo didn't know, it meant Shi Chun hadn't babbled indiscreetly. He then elegantly smiled and said, "It's nothing much, just that 'Desolate Broken Blade.' I went to buy it from Brother Chun but was late. I wanted to persuade the buyer to let it go, but Brother Chun is very principled and kept his lips sealed. While I'm helpless, I am also quite impressed."

Seeing him complimenting Shi Chun like that, Lan Qiaoyan continued sipping her tea and observing the situation, murmuring an "oh," placing down her teacup. Her face bore a smile, yet she said nothing further; only in her glance towards Gong Shaoci, unwittingly, was there a hint of depth.

Having spoken all that needed saying, Shi Chun no longer wished to delay and straightforwardly announced, "Brother Gong, you overpraise me. The buyer is none other than the shopkeeper of my lodging inn."

Gong Shaoci was slightly shocked upon hearing this, "That's no small amount; a mere inn shopkeeper can muster that much money?"

Shi Chun touched his mouth corner, "I'll admit, I'm surprised too, but the money is real enough. I won't go against money; if the payment wasn't there, I wouldn't sell it off the moment I got my hands on it."

Having said that, he clasped hands towards the group again, "Mingshan Sect is still waiting for me to leave; if there are no other instructions, I shall take my leave now. Hope we shall meet again someday."

Naturally, there were no other instructions; Gong Shaoci, in high spirits, encouraged him to contact him when he came to Shambhala, offering him hospitality.

Whatever disagreements he had with Shi Chun, he truly put them behind him.

It was also an unexpected delight for Shi Chun; he truly hadn't anticipated Lan Qiaoyan's feigned ignorance, yet it came at such a crucial and timely moment that it resolved the conflict between him and Gong Shaoci.

And when Gong Shaoci turned to see off the guest, he inadvertently saw Miao Yilan pocketing the metallic heart on the coffee table.

Actually, Miao Yilan was eager to put it away, not wanting him to see it, but couldn't do it in front of those who had gifted it, unaware that Gong Shaoci still caught sight of it.

The metallic heart was no stranger to Gong Shaoci; he instantly guessed who had given it to Miao Yilan. Moreover, seeing her hurried manner in keeping it, his eyes once again clouded with gloom.

Having secured the buyer's information, he needed to return swiftly to report to his father, so after a few courteous exchanges, he bid farewell.

With the door closed and no outsiders present, Lan Qiaoyan remarked, "Peace at last; tidy up, and once Shaoci returns, we should leave too."

Miao Yilan approached her, asking, "Mother, why did you help Shi Chun cover up earlier? Wouldn't it have been better for them to confront each other directly? True or false, a face-to-face would reveal it."

Lan Qiaoyan, while tidying up her favorite decorations that she always took wherever she went, responded lightly, "It's not a definitive issue; what can a confrontation reveal? One side claims being right, the other too. By neither listening nor believing, didn't they say lots of people were present at the scene? Just let your father investigate it and find out easily.

Moreover, you already knew there could be a confrontation. Do you think Shi Chun didn't anticipate it before coming? Is it possible Young Master Nan can't get in touch with Gong Shaoci? Too straightforward, knowing your relationship with Gong Shaoci, yet speaking so openly. Having known him for years, this is not his usual style; that guy is hinting, seemingly wanting to tell us something."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.