After receiving Cocolia's orders, Bronya ran out of the office, overjoyed. She couldn't wait to spread this news to every corner of Belobog!
Belobog was saved!
After watching Bronya leave, Cocolia proactively walked over to Fu Zhu. They locked eyes for a moment before she voluntarily lowered her head.
"Here, please allow me to sincerely apologize to the esteemed Nameless. I have trampled upon your genuine intentions with the most despicable methods. How this sin should be repaid is entirely up to you, but please, save Belobog!"
"Oh, that's hard to say..."
Fu Zhu, who had just promised to save Belobog, suddenly changed his attitude. This made Cocolia, head still bowed, instantly anxious. She hurriedly looked up.
"You..."
Before she could speak, she saw Fu Zhu smiling, rubbing his fingers together.
Cocolia immediately understood. The heart that had been hanging in suspense instantly settled.
If Fu Zhu demanded nothing, she would actually be more worried. After all, having been the Great Guardian for so many years, she no longer believed in selfless kindness in this world.
"Please state whatever you desire. As long as Belobog possesses it, it can be yours!"
"Really?!"
Before Fu Zhu could answer, Xing eagerly poked her head out from behind Cocolia, walked over to stand beside Fu Zhu, and asked Cocolia excitedly, "Really, anything?"
Cocolia smiled and nodded. "Naturally."
"Then can we have Bronya?!"
"Huh?" Cocolia blinked, somewhat bewildered.
Even Fu Zhu beside her was baffled. What do you want Bronya for? Ask for something valuable!
Like diamonds, or Netherite Ingots!
Although Cocolia didn't quite understand, her gaze involuntarily fell upon Fu Zhu.
Previously, her daughter had been completely obedient to her. But after just one day apart, she suddenly trusted Fu Zhu and his group unconditionally. Could it be... her daughter's first awakening of love?!
And Fu Zhu, facing her initially unreasonable self, had given her chances repeatedly. Could it be because he fell for Bronya at first sight?!
The more Cocolia thought, the more convinced she became. But just to be safe, she decided to ask.
"May I ask why?"
Seeing her ask, Xing rubbed her temples with a troubled expression and sighed.
"My bro has been feeling some burning desir—"
Smack!
Fu Zhu's reflexes were lightning fast. Before Xing could completely ruin his reputation, he clamped a hand over her mouth, shook his head seriously at Cocolia, and explained.
"Don't listen to her nonsense. We don't engage in human trafficking. Just exchange these items for diamonds or emeralds. Of course, there's a size requirement – at least as big as a pigeon's egg. And I prefer diamonds."
Fu Zhu only planned to collect some emeralds in case they might be useful in the future.
"Is that so..."
Cocolia sighed, slightly disappointed.
"I understand. I will issue the orders immediately."
..........
Meanwhile, after relaying Cocolia's orders to all departments in Qlipoth Fort, Bronya excitedly burst into Serval's workshop where Dan Heng and the others were hiding, sharing the good news.
"Dan Heng, March, Seele! Fu Zhu and the others succeeded! Your wanted status has been lifted!"
Upon hearing the news, the trio let out small cheers. March 7th asked joyfully, "Where are Fu Zhu and Xing then?"
"They're in Qlipoth Fort discussing other matters with my mother! Let's hurry over!"
"Let's go, let's go!"
The group excitedly left the workshop and headed towards Qlipoth Fort. However, as soon as they reached the plaza in front of the fort, they found it packed with people, including numerous dignitaries from Belobog.
"Why are there suddenly so many people here?"
March 7th stood on her tiptoes, desperately craning her neck to see the front of the crowd. Unfortunately, limited by her height, she couldn't see clearly what was happening, only managing to glimpse people gathering around a figure wearing a brown robe.
Bronya also stood on tiptoe, peering inward, but couldn't see clearly either. "I don't know. Maybe it's because the propaganda department spread the news?"
After watching for a while, just as March 7th and the others were about to bypass the crowd and head towards Qlipoth Fort, several people descended the fort's stairs. One of them, clearly dressed as Qlipoth Fort staff, picked up a megaphone and shouted at the crowd.
"Make way for the Second Miss of the Fu family! Make way for the Second Miss of the Fu family!"
The previously somewhat noisy crowd immediately parted, creating a path for the group to walk through.
"Second Miss Fu?" March 7th scratched her head, puzzled. The title felt strangely familiar, like something a certain girl would come up with, but she wasn't sure.
Dan Heng, with his sharp eyes, noticed that among the group coming down the stairs was a grey-haired beauty adorned with jewels. Although sunglasses obscured her face, her features strongly resembled Xing!
"Looks like Xing? Should we go take a look?"
"What? Xing?!"
Hearing this, March 7th couldn't sit still. She quickly started pushing through the crowd, yelling apologies as she squeezed her way in.
She needed to know right now how her best friend had suddenly become a young miss!
March 7th and the others pushed through the crowd to the very front, finally getting a clear view of what was happening. Fu Zhu stood there, clad in a brown robe, hands tucked into his wide sleeves. Beside him was a sign.
The sign read: One Diamond (Emerald) for one Potato (Carrot, Wheat Seed).
And beside Fu Zhu stood Xing, dressed in a luxurious gown, bedecked in sparkling jewels, wearing sunglasses.
Seeing this scene, March 7th's eyelids instantly drooped. Hands on her hips, she asked Xing irritably, "What are you doing now?"
Xing glanced up at March 7th and the others, seemingly nonchalantly raising her left hand, which was covered in enough blinding jewelry to stun someone.
"Oh, isn't it Little San~ Still haven't paid your respects to me, the Second Miss of the Fu family~"
March 7th's eyelids drooped further. With a blank expression, she walked forward, grabbed Xing's cheeks with both hands, and started pulling them outwards.
"Ow ow ow! Little Marchy, be gentle!"
March 7th ruthlessly pulled at her cheeks, huffing, "You're the Second Miss Fu, well I'm still..."
March 7th suddenly trailed off. It seemed she didn't have any status to one-up Xing with. How annoying!
The 'considerate' Xing helpfully added, "The First Madame Fu?"
"Pfft, pfft, pfft!"
March 7th's face flushed red. She increased the pulling force slightly and retorted coquettishly, "Don't talk nonsense outside!"
"Oww oww, so can I say it at home?"
Even the usually calm Dan Heng couldn't help but chuckle watching the two mess around. He then looked at Fu Zhu, who was busy trading with a group of dignitaries, and asked.
"And what's with Fu Zhu's outfit?"
Xing pried March 7th's hands away, rubbing her reddened cheeks, her voice slightly muffled.
"Bro said he used to get ripped off by the villager merchants all the time, so today he wants to cosplay as a rip-off merchant and scam others. What was it called... Because I got soaked in the rain, I have to tear up everyone else's umbrella?"
Dan Heng: ?