Fiona never expected to be played so thoroughly by Xu Feng.
As someone who never had much experience in forging a growth-type weapon, she was definitely in a predicament.
It was just a shame that she had already given her words out and charged 50 gold coins, believing that the latter could not have so much given his pathetic equipment.
Who would have thought it was a wolf in sheep's clothing?
With a deep breath, Fiona explained, "I accepted your commission, but I don't know when I can complete it, Lin Feng. Aside from the necessary materials, growth-type weapons are hard to be birthed and the possibilities are very low."
Given the nature of a growth-type weapon and its amazing features, not many blacksmiths could forge one in their lifetime.
In fact, a blacksmith being able to produce any growth-type equipment was the main separation and difference between a pinnacle blacksmith and a great blacksmith.
Anyone could become a great blacksmith after years of honing and forging.
However, to become a pinnacle blacksmith, one must be able to create one growth-type item in their life.
This was also something Xu Feng understood very well but was still willing to risk it. In life, if you never risk anything, then you will never achieve anything big.
"You can rest assured that I can wait however long you can succeed, Fiona." Xu Feng replied confidently.
"The day you succeed is the day I'll need to congratulate you on your new blacksmith status." He added, clearly having full trust in her ability.
Though the truth was that he already knew Fiona was going to become a pinnacle blacksmith in the future anyway thanks to his cheat knowledge.
So to be precise, he wasn't really risking it, but placing a guaranteed bet that would give him great return value.
Naturally, Fiona was kept in the dark from his inner thought process and merely thought he was just an optimistic fellow regarding her ability.
"Although I can't guarantee when I can forge one, I'll try my best," Fiona said and took out 25 gold coins from the pouch. "And until then, I'll only take half of the money as a deposit and you can give me the other half once I complete the commission."
"Oh, Fiona is truly an honest blacksmith." Xu Feng retrieved the 25 gold coins and commented. He wasn't going to be a hypocrite and reject her goodwill.
Not to mention, having 25 gold coins now was better than having it later.
After all, with the return of 25 gold coins, there would be more things he could implement and increase its value further. By then, when Fiona finally succeeded, 25 gold coins would be nothing more than a droplet in an ocean.
Sometime later, Xu Feng finally decided to bid his farewell.
"Our time might be short, but it was truly a fortunate event. My friend here will continue to wait for your father's return, but there's something else I need to do." Xu Feng calmly said.
"You're leaving already?" Zhao Kai was stunned, clearly not ready for his departure despite knowing it was coming.
Truth be told, he had a lot of fun playing with him and not having to worry about real-life matters. They used to play a lot in the past as well, but their game time was shortened as they grew older.
How rare was it that the two of them got to game together?
"Stop acting like I'm going somewhere far away," Xu Feng rolled his eyes. "You can still message me, and I'm just going to be busy with other tasks."
"Right… but it still leaves a bitter taste."
While Zhao Kai sighed at their short gaming time, Fiona kept her gaze on Xu Feng, looking him up and down.
"Are you seriously leaving with those shabby gears of yours?" Fiona questioned solemnly.
"I mean— this is a blacksmith store and if others see you leaving in such gears. My reputation would take a massive hit." She added, giving her reasoning.
However, Xu Feng was able to discern her true motive. Reputation was never something of her concern. It was clear that she wanted to offer him some upgrade gears in return for his great trust in her.
"The staff and some equipment that you lent us earlier… I supposed it could be a gift, right?" Xu Feng quickly said, revealing his intention to keep the equipment.
Previously, Fiona had permitted them to be in the Storage Room to gather some equipment to borrow as assistance in their mission.
And now that the mission was completed, they were supposed to return them, but how could Xu Feng be willing to?
"I knew you were one sly cunning four-eyes, but to think you even have your eyes on them." Unamused, Fiona gave him a very unfriendly gaze.
"Haha, those equipment are just going to turn rusty and dusty in the Storage Room anyway." Xu Feng chuckled softly, walked behind her, and massaged her shoulders.
"I'm just doing justice to the equipment that you forged and showed them the daylight."
'S-So shameless!' Zhao Kai, who witnessed the current scene, was completely baffled by Xu Feng's action. He was even more shameless than the time when he went to hug the thighs of Fiona.
However, what made him more aggrieved was the fact that Fiona seemed to buy Xu Feng's curry favor tactic over his.
"Hmph, at least you know what to say properly, Lin Feng." Fiona snickered and pointed at her right shoulder. "Massage here harder. It's kinda sore from hammering all day long."
"My pleasure," Xu Feng smiled and increased his right-hand strength, satisfying Fiona.
"You have a knack for soothing that aching spot of mine." Fiona complimented.
As the scene continued further, Zhao Kai was stunned on the spot, seemingly in disbelief at what the hell was going on.
'Weren't you suffering from some backlash? And weren't you two discussing some commission? How did it suddenly turn into a massage session?' Zhao Kai exclaimed inwardly, wondering if he was dreaming.