"But, why are you asking me these questions, general?" He asked, leaning forward slightly, his tone casual.
Hua Ren stiffened at the question, his posture taut as though a string pulled tight.
Rowan’s blue eyes were sharp, watching him like a hawk. "Do you perhaps, know who Lim Sa Yu is?"
Hua Ren opened his mouth, his lips parting to form a response, but before he could utter a word, a loud crash shattered the tension. A table was knocked over at the side of the restaurant, porcelain bowls clattering to the floor, spilling broth and noodles everywhere.
A man in green robes stood, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword as he glared at the man in front of him. "How dare you insult me!" he bellowed, drawing his blade and lunging toward the man who had toppled the table.
Hua Ren moved before anyone could react. In a flash, his own sword was unsheathed, intercepting the attacker’s with a sharp clang.
The man in green froze, his sword locked against Hua Ren’s. His lips barely moved as he whispered, “Our leader passes word, general. He says it is done.”
Hua Ren’s eyes widened briefly in surprise before his expression smoothed over. Just how many eyes and ears did Sheng Fei have in the Kingdom? He gave a subtle nod. “Put down your weapon."
A sudden, hushed murmur spread through the restaurant.
“Oh my, it’s the Ivory Warlord!” someone gasped, their voice tinged with awe.
Gasps and whispers filled the room, all eyes now fixed on Hua Ren.
"Gosh I never knew he was so beautiful!"
"No wonder he always covered his face."
"Wow, how has anyone not snatched him yet?"
"I can’t believe an Omega is so strong..."
The man in green feigned shock, quickly sheathing his sword and bowing low. “I’m sorry, general,” he said, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear.
Hua Ren sheathed his blade as well. “Solve problems with your words, not your fists." He admonished.
The restaurant owner, a short elderly woman, shuffled out from behind the counter, her wrinkled face alight with gratitude. She clasped her hands together, bowing repeatedly. “Thank you, general! Thank you so much for your help!”
Hua Ren gave her a small nod of acknowledgment. His gaze shifted to the man who had overturned the table. "I believe you’ll pay for everything."
The man nodded instantly, bowing respectfully. "Yes, yes. Of course, general."
Rowan, who had been watching the entire exchange with a smirk, leaned back in his chair, playing with his chopsticks. His sharp eyes lingered on Hua Ren’s side profile, his mind painting a different image: Hua Ren dressed in black, his hair tied neatly up, a black veiled hat obscuring most of his face.
Rowan chuckled softly. “It’s you... isn’t it?” he murmured, his voice low and laced with amusement. "Lim Sa Yu..."
The dim lanterns of the prison cell flickered as Sheng Fei washed his bloodied hands in a bowl of water. His movements were calm, methodical, his face betraying no emotion as his subordinate stood nearby, nervously awaiting further orders.
"Clean him up and get him to Huifang," he commanded, nodding toward the bloodied auctioneer slumped in the chair. "Then tell Blaze to get the others and meet me outside."
The guards moved quickly, unchaining the unconscious man and hauling him out. As they exited the cell, they passed Qi Zhen, who strolled in leisurely with his walking stick. He gazed briefly at the auctioneer, frowning before turning his attention to Sheng Fei.
"Are you perhaps in a good mood?" The old man asked, stroking his beard.
Sheng Fei, who was now wiping his hands with a rag, paused for a moment. His mind wandered to Hua Ren—his flushed face, the way his lips trembled and a faint smile tugged at his lips before he shrugged and tossed the rag aside. "Maybe," he said nonchalantly. "Why do you ask?"
Qi Zhen hummed, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Nothing. It’s just that you didn’t break any bones this time. All I saw were flesh wounds. You’re usually... harsher when dealing with idiots like him."
Sheng Fei smirked, shrugging again. "Well, maybe I felt like trying something different today."
Qi Zhen raised an eyebrow, his smile growing sly. "You went to see him again, didn’t you?"
Sheng Fei gave a small huff of amusement, stepping past Qi Zhen toward the exit. "You know what? You’re a very nosy old man."
Qi Zhen chuckled, following closely. "I prefer to refer to myself as inquisitive. So, how did it go? You seem to be in rather high spirits. Has he accepted you now?"
Before Sheng Fei could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps drew their attention. Jade approached, her sharp deep blue eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Has who accepted you?" she asked, her gaze fixed on Sheng Fei.
Qi Zhen’s expression soured instantly. Though it wasn’t long since the rebels started living with them in the valley, it hadn’t taken long for him to notice Jade’s possessive attitude toward Sheng Fei and he couldn’t stand her. She always acted as if Sheng Fei was hers and it annoyed him.
"Who are you talking about?" Jade pressed, stepping closer when no one answered. She had known that Sheng Fei was always sneaking off somewhere but she didn’t know that it was to go and see his mate. "Is it your mate?" She asked. "He hasn’t accepted you yet? Who is he?"
Qi Zhen rolled his eyes, groaning loudly. "Ugh, enough with the questions, Jade. What are you, his mother?"
"I warned you to stop," Sheng Fei said, his voice low as he stepped toward her, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Jade faltered, her heart pounding under the weight of his Alpha aura. She took a step back, her head lowering instinctively. "I-I just—I just want to know who your mate is."
"Who my mate is," Sheng Fei replied coldly, "is none of your concern. You are my subordinate, Jade, and you will act like one. Do not test my patience."
Jade bowed quickly, her voice trembling. "I’m sorry." She turned and hurried away, her footsteps echoing down the dim corridor.
Sheng Fei sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. He didn’t want to hurt her but Jade could be very annoying and stubborn.