At this moment, whether to break off the engagement or not seemed to no longer matter.
"Huh?!"
Seeing Chen Yu actually agree, Su Zhan stared at him with a bewildered gaze.
"Old Chen, selling out your friends for profit."
"Look at what you're saying. If we equipment merchants don't make a profit, are we doing charity?" Chen Yu said with a smile, gently comforting him. "Besides, I haven't even cooperated with the Fourth Kingdom yet. They have expressed interest in cooperation, so what's wrong with exploring it?"
"Mr. Chen, your insights are remarkable."
Fei Kui bowed and flattered with a smile.
This was the status of an 'equipment merchant' in the underground caves. Even envoys from the Fourth Kingdom had to show due respect to equipment merchants.
Every kingdom desired national prosperity.
To strengthen a nation, in addition to focusing on domestic development, it was essential to bolster military preparedness.
"Lord Su, don't be too greedy," Fei Kui whispered. "Any kingdom is fortunate to gain the favor of one equipment merchant. To have two equipment merchants continuously supplying the nation with armaments would invite the envy of other kingdoms."
"Who would say no to more equipment?"
Su Zhan pouted, voicing the sentiment of everyone present.
Equipment was scarce in the underground caves.
Even the equipment that equipment merchants could provide was limited. No one knew the origin of their supplies, nor did anyone dare to inquire.
In the eyes of non-equipment merchants, these merchants simply possessed a batch of equipment at a certain stage.
And then they sold it!
After selling all their stock, they would enter a lean period.
Moreover, the quality and grade of equipment that equipment merchants could offer varied, which was why every power in the underground kingdoms wished to foster good relations with more equipment merchants to secure preferential access to better, higher-quality gear.
"Lord Su, that's enough."
Fei Kui smiled and whispered. Chen Yu, at this moment, narrowed his eyes and smiled.
"Everyone, let's discuss such matters later. Aren't we talking about the marriage between young Master Fei Kui and Commander Liuyue right now?"
"Speaking of which, I recall Mr. Chen saying just now that Commander Liuyue and you..."
"This is my brother," Chen Yu said, putting an arm around Hei Dou's shoulder. "I apologize, young Master Fei Kui. My brother here, you see, fell for Commander Liuyue the moment he saw her. Although we know Commander Liuyue is engaged, my incorrigible brother just won't give up. This kid is quite capable; according to him, he and Commander Liuyue have already secretly pledged their troth. The reason we want you to break off the engagement this time is actually for my brother. Ultimately, this is our fault."
Liuyue: "???"
Secretly pledged their troth? She had no idea about any of this.
It seemed she had barely met Hei Dou a few times. The only encounter was at the City Lord's mansion in the Tato Kingdom. She hadn't had any contact with him since arriving at Hezhen.
Could this be part of a plan?
Judging by the current situation, Fei Kui was indeed very polite to Chen Yu and the others. If she agreed now, perhaps he would truly back down.
But—
Wasn't this just robbing Peter to pay Paul?
"Is that so? I didn't expect Mr. Chen's brother to be so deeply in love with Commander Liuyue," Fei Kui exclaimed softly. Su Zhan also frowned and said, "Liuyue, is this true?"
Liuyue was stunned!
She didn't know if she should agree or not.
Hei Dou, however, was full of anticipation.
Being used?
He would be delighted to be used.
As long as Liuyue agreed now, he wouldn't worry about not having contact with her in the future. With his shameless persistence, he would make her yield no matter what.
Thinking of this, Hei Dou couldn't help but look at Chen Yu with admiration.
My brother's friends are the best!
"I..."
Liuyue, unsure how to answer, moved her lips. Suddenly, she noticed Su Zhan subtly signaling her.
"It is indeed so."
Seeing that Su Zhan had already indicated as much, Liuyue had nothing more to deliberate. Gritting her teeth, she agreed with a single word.
"Is that so? Why didn't you say so earlier?" Su Zhan sighed upon hearing this. "If I had known you already had someone you loved, I would have sent a letter sooner, saving young Master Fei Kui this trip. Look at young Master Fei Kui... Hey, wouldn't young Master Fei Kui think we deliberately tricked him?"
"Hm?" Fei Kui frowned and glanced sideways.
"Young Master Fei Kui, please listen to me. I was genuinely unaware of all this. I don't know how far the relationship between Master Hei and our Commander Liuyue has progressed. But rest assured, I would never trick you. Su Zhan acts with integrity and straightforwardness!" Su Zhan thumped his chest and turned back. "Liuyue, you said you and Master Hei have a mutual affection and have secretly pledged your troth. How do you prove it?"
Are you crazy?!
Liuyue, frozen in place, was filled with incomprehension towards Su Zhan.
Fei Kui hadn't even mentioned it, so why was Su Zhan so eagerly bringing it up? And how to prove it? What could she use to prove it? She had only met Hei Dou once.
Little did they know, Hei Dou was also bewildered.
What was going on?
Was this part of the plan?
"We in Hezhen act with a clear conscience, and young Master Fei Kui is standing right here. Liuyue, since you and Master Hei have secretly pledged your troth, I don't need you to do anything overly difficult. Just give Master Hei a kiss in front of all of us, and we will all bear witness."
*Bang!*
Hei Dou's heart instantly lit up. He felt as if he were floating, and fireworks were exploding in his eyes.
Such a good thing?
For some reason, Hei Dou glanced at Su Zhan again.
My brother's friends are truly amazing!
They really get things done!
Nuo Yi and the others also looked on in surprise, instinctively turning to Liuyue.
At this moment, Liuyue clenched her fists, looking at Su Zhan with disbelief. Suddenly, from his eyes, she seemed to understand something.
It was deliberate!
Su Zhan was doing this on purpose.
She didn't know Su Zhan's purpose, whether it was to secure the equipment merchant or if he had other intentions.
However, she had to make a choice now.
If she truly had to choose between Hei Dou and Fei Kui, she would definitely lean towards Hei Dou. At least she knew some of the things Hei Dou had done for her.
That's right, she was actually aware of some of Hei Dou's feelings for her.
From that day in the City Lord's mansion, to Nuo Yi and her sister mentioning her to her frequently after they arrived in Hezhen, and even the canned goods Hei Dou had them deliver to her.
She knew all of this.
It was just that she didn't have the inclination. This city had been passed down from her father to her uncle, and then from her uncle to her. Her lifelong aspiration was to protect this city well. Before eradicating all external threats, she didn't want to waste too much time on romantic affections.
But if she really had to make a choice, then she...
With mixed feelings, Liuyue pursed her lips and looked towards Hei Dou. Feeling Liuyue's gaze, Hei Dou's heart beat rapidly.
He watched as Liuyue walked towards him, closer and closer, until they stood face to face.
"It's... it's about to happen."
Hei Dou gripped his fists excitedly, swallowing.
Suddenly, he noticed the hesitation in Liuyue's eyes. Although he was eagerly anticipating the moment, Hei Dou felt a pang of heartache and slightly parted his lips.
"Maybe, let's forget it..."
"Don't speak."
A clear yet trembling whisper reached Hei Dou's ears. Immediately, he saw Liuyue cup his face with both hands and press her lips against his without hesitation.
A kiss sealed their love.