OFTLHFRO C151

Chapter 151: It’s a Gold Mine!

In the main hall, a relatively young couple sat together, several people standing behind them. Like the couple, these attendants wore white robes, half-masked faces, and few but evidently valuable adornments.

Luo Mingchen brought the children forward, with Ziyan carrying the boy’s gold and silver treasures.

At the entrance, all those inside looked over simultaneously.

From their eyes, it was clear they belonged to the same clan as the boy.

Upon seeing the boy, the seated pair’s gazes flickered slightly but were firmly restrained.

Luo Mingchen looked around puzzled. This didn’t seem like a reunion between family.

Even easygoing Huo Xiang sensed something amiss and asked, “Baozi, don’t you recognize them?”

The boy: “…I do.”

The seated man said, “Name your price.”

“Hmm?”

After a moment, Luo Mingchen understood, feeling troubled. “We just passed by and saved him. If you’re his family, take him back. As for board and lodging, he gave our daughter a gem, consider it debt settled.”

The boy glanced uncertainly at Luo Mingchen, hesitated, then took a few steps toward his parents. Seeing no objection, he quietly sighed with relief and hurried to them.

The couple exchanged a glance. The woman rose and said, “I am Zhu Ruo. Thank you all for saving my son Fei’er. Since the gem was a gift, the board and lodging naturally must be paid.”

Though Luo Mingchen knew this of course, he still felt uneasy inside but calmly said, “It’s nothing. Think of it as making friends. Our kid enjoys playing with him. We’re poorer than your Wolf King’s Fort, but we can manage to feed a kid for a few days. If nothing else, take him home.”

Even with low emotional intelligence, the couple sensed Luo Mingchen’s displeasure.

Huo Xiang didn’t quite understand social etiquette and asked, “Baozi had amnesia, right? Did he remember upon seeing his parents?”

Huo Yuhui glanced at his brother silently holding Huo Xinyue’s hand.

Hearing this, Lan Fei stepped forward, bowed, and spoke, “Sorry, we lied earlier. One must be cautious when away from home. Please forgive us.”

Luo Mingchen didn’t want to be too harsh to a child who was naturally reserved and saw caution as wisdom, responding, “Understood.”

Huo Xiang was confused.

So, the new little companion wasn’t amnesiac but cautious of strangers and spoke no truth because of that?

Seeing Luo Mingchen’s different demeanor toward these people than toward usual outsiders, the couple was momentarily speechless.

Huo Yan noticed his husband’s slight anger. “Since you are his family, take him home soon.”

Ziyan stepped forward, handing over the bundle. “These belong to the young master. Please inspect them openly. If anything’s missing, it’ll be easier to tell.”

Lan Yiheng remarked, “No problem. If you like these things, feel free to take them all.”

Just then, Zhu Ruo pinched him.

Lan Yiheng looked puzzled, not understanding his wife’s gesture.

Before Luo Mingchen spoke, Zhu Ruo explained, “My husband means the gratitude gift must be given. If you don’t want the gold and jewelry, tell us what you want. Wolf King’s Fort will try to meet your needs.”

Watching this, Xiao Lin was frustrated; those were people from Wolf King’s Fort!

Such great favor—the value was at least a gold mine!

With Zhu Ruo giving face, Luo Mingchen didn’t shut the door. Considering relations between Hancheng and Wolf King’s Fort, cooperation was inevitable in the future.

Thinking this, Luo Mingchen sat with his children. “Since you’re here, let’s chat.”

Lan Yiheng and Zhu Ruo also took seats.

Xiao Lin thought Luo Mingchen had finally gotten wise, but he said, “We need several looms and spinning wheels. Does Wolf King’s Fort have these?”

With a few, the rest they could manage themselves.

Xiao Lin sighed.

So all the effort to deliver the letter and token was just to ask for a few looms?

Honestly, he couldn’t understand.

The couple, expecting two gold mines, just said nothing.

Zhu Ruo didn’t know if Luo Mingchen was pretending dumb or serious.

Seeing their silence, Luo Mingchen recalled Huo Yan saying Wolf King’s Fort was very rich, yet stingy to the point of not giving looms.

“Can we buy a few?”

Zhu Ruo smiled. “You misunderstand, sir. We’re just a bit puzzled. Whatever you request, we will have sent upon our return. Anything else?”

“I want to discuss business. The vegetables aren’t ready. Later, perhaps.”

He glanced at Huo Yan to add something.

Huo Yan said timely, “We hope Wolf King’s Fort and Hancheng can cooperate amicably.”

Zhu Ruo was unfazed. “Naturally. Wolf King’s Fort treats every country equally and welcomes trade.”

Huo Yan wasn’t seeking promises but knew these two. If a proper deal were made, they would profit.

If not, Wolf King’s Fort would not tolerate them just because they saved Lan Fei.

Luo Mingchen and Huo Yan didn’t intend to profit. With business settled, they concluded.

Before leaving, Lan Fei took three large diamonds out of the bundle for the three siblings.

Huo Xinyue looked up. “Daddy, is brother going home?”

Luo Mingchen smiled. “Yes, he’ll come back to play when he can.”

The last sentence was just to comfort the boy.

Even with repaired roads, Wolf King’s Fort was a day and a half from Hancheng, a bit far for children.

Maybe today was reluctant; in a few days, the kids might forget.

But Huo Xinyue took it seriously, gazing at Lan Fei eagerly and took out a lollipop from her pocket to offer. “Brother, next time, Xinyue will treat you to candy.”

Lan Fei accepted seriously, “Okay.”

Huo Xiang was reluctant to part with the diamond.

He wanted pretty stones but not if they were parting gifts.

Huo Yuhui was calm.

He knew no one was with anyone forever; as friends, they’d meet again without fuss.

Seeing their son gave gifts, the couple was at once surprised and relieved.

If he truly endured hardship here, he wouldn’t send them gifts.

After seeing Lan Fei’s family off, Luo Mingchen noticed Xiao Lin’s pained expression.

“Brother Xiao, are you all right?”

“…Mingchen, do you know how rich Wolf King’s Fort is? Lan Yiheng is the city lord. Giving away two gold mines is no big deal, but you want a few looms?”

Luo Mingchen: “…”

Was it too late to regret now?

Xiao Lin stared at Huo Yan with distress. “You don’t know? Then how do you know about Wolf King’s Fort? One gold mine would feed us for years!”

Huo Yan paused mid-sip. “What did you say?”

“I said you’re clueless!” Xiao Lin was furious. “Last time, I just casually found some things for city folk, and they gave a huge box of gold and jewels.”

Huo Yan’s expression turned serious. “Did you say gold mine?”

Xiao Lin sighed. “Such a favor surely means a gold mine.”

“So it is a gold mine.”

Xiao Lin felt dazed. “Are we even talking about the same thing?”

Luo Mingchen saw Huo Yan looking over, thought for a moment, and understood. “It’s a gold mine!”

Xiao Lin was utterly confused: “…”