Volume One, Chapter 23: Their Relationship Was Always One of Utilization

“By the way, Donglai, is your father not here?” Seeing Pei Donglai nod, Xu Shiyou secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Before coming, he had read Pei Donglai’s file and knew he was from a single-parent household, raised only by his father.

“Alright, I have some wine left, not much, but you should take it home and try it. It has a unique flavor. You’re busy, so I won’t keep you.”

This time, Li Tianchou had learned his lesson. Shortly after the car set off, he borrowed the driver’s phone to contact Luo Jun.

The commander at the city gate led two battalions’ officers straight to the county office. Upon arrival, dozens of personal guards stood armed and vigilant at the entrance. The main officers of the two battalions reported their identities, and the gatekeepers didn’t stop them, but led the party of more than twenty directly into the main hall.

“Master, Mu Tian can’t fly anymore.” Lin Mu Tian had noticed this as well and spoke to Xiao Yue.

The squad of local militia was led by a Martial Captain, ranked eighth, deputy commander of Nanyang’s militia, surnamed Guan. Due to the pockmarks on his face, everyone called him Captain Big Pock or simply Commander Guan. He brought over a hundred men. Normally, law enforcement and tax collection wouldn’t be their responsibility, but since someone had made a request, he brought his men along.

Meanwhile, Luo Ping had already used his skills to arrive outside the auction hall, standing before Shangguan Yu and the others.

Gao Chong meticulously organized the soda-making technology, including equipment blueprints. He intended to hand them to his third uncle for factory setup and production. Additionally, Gao Chong handed over the boiler and steam engine designs, free forging and air hammer techniques, as well as ore selection methods and equipment. These blueprints and processes had cost Gao Chong dozens of days.

“Enough, you needn’t concern yourself with this matter. Whatever he likes to do, let him. Tonight, my only task is to get engaged to him and put on the ring, nothing more.” Su Yan spoke with a calm chill, while Su Rui was so angry she scratched her ears, punched the wall, stomped her feet, yet dared not do anything.

Han Dian and Han Qing, who had followed their father in the army, had met Zheng Ding a few times though not well acquainted. Seeing the severed head, they vaguely recognized it. Yet, with blood and dust covering it and the twisted expression, they dared not be certain. As for the others, they couldn’t tell if they were genuin