Qianye looked around the living quarters, unceremoniously claiming everything Zhang Xuance had brought here. He picked up some seasonal fruits and stuffed them into Little Zhuji’s hands, giving her something to munch on as he opened the gates and let Ji Rui in.

Ji Rui had stood outside for an entire hour, but there was no impatient expression to be seen. His face was full of smiles when he saw Qianye, and it seemed like the man wanted nothing more than to bow and scrape at his feet.

Qianye was no longer giving Ji Rui any face. As an old friend and longtime subordinate, the hot-headed Guan Zhongliu wore a sour expression despite knowing how powerful Qianye was.

Qianye ignored the second-in-command and nodded toward the city lord. “Come in.”

Guan Zhongliu wanted to follow in as well, but fortunately, Ji Rui was able to read body language quite well. “Go back, I need to speak to the sire about some things.”

Guan Zhongliu nodded reluctantly.

Frowning, Qianye shouted, “Hold it!”

Guan Zhongliu turned about. “What?”

Qianye...