Chapter 294: Tools

Despite Zu An’s usual thick skin, he was dumbfounded by what he heard. This woman was truly too audacious.

Just then, Zheng Dan chuckled, covering her mouth. "Of course, I was just kidding with you. You didn't take me seriously, did you, Ah Zu?"

Zu An sighed. "I really did take you seriously. My heart is completely shattered now."

"But I don't see any sadness on your face," Zheng Dan thought, realizing she needed to re-evaluate him. Everyone used to see him as an innocent, inexperienced virgin, but after spending some time with him, there was no trace of innocence. He seemed more like a seasoned veteran accustomed to charming many women.

"That's just because I'm introverted and don't easily show my emotions," Zu An said, pointing to his chest. "If you don't believe me, you can listen to my chest and hear the sound of my heart breaking."

Zheng Dan scoffed. Of course, she wouldn't lean in to listen to his chest. Feeling the conversation's rhythm slowly being taken over by him, she quickly changed the subject. "Ah Zu, why did you come to see me this time?"

Zu An inwardly lamented the missed opportunity before replying, "Miss, you should be very clear about why I'm here. If this market strike escalates too much, it won't look good for anyone."

Zheng Dan smiled and shook her head. "I don't understand what you're talking about. I've vaguely heard about the market strike, but what does that have to do with our Zheng family? Does the Chu family intend to frame innocent people?"

Zu An wasn't bothered. "Dandan, we're so familiar with each other, so let's not be strangers. Here, I'll be direct: go and release your family's steward later. Also, please help dissuade the striking merchants and the salt workers who are storming the yamen."

A satisfied smile appeared on Zheng Dan's face as she said, "Maintaining the stability of Brightmoon City is an unshirkable responsibility for every citizen. As one of the four great families, our Zheng family naturally has a duty to help."

"That's excellent," Zu An breathed a sigh of relief.

Zheng Dan blinked her large, sparkling eyes. "Just so you know, I'm only willing to help because of you, Ah Zu. You owe me a huge favor."

Zu An laughed heartily, leaning closer to her. "Favors are never fully repaid. How about I repay you with my body instead?"

Zheng Dan's heart skipped a beat. She quickly retreated a few steps, her face flushed, and she spat, "You're annoying!"

"I'll repay this favor next time there's an opportunity," Zu An said with a laugh, waving goodbye before walking away with a chuckle.

Watching his unrestrained back as he left, Zheng Dan gently bit her lip. For some reason, his mischievous demeanor didn't repel her in the slightest. Instead, it brought a strange sense of novelty and anticipation.

"Oh, I must be crazy," Zheng Dan muttered to herself, covering her slightly flushed cheeks.

Just then, Zu An suddenly stopped and turned back. "Dandan, do you know the leader of the Giant Whale Gang?"

Zheng Dan's body trembled. She quickly said, "How could I possibly know them? Why do you ask?"

"No reason, just asking casually," Zu An said with an innocent smile. "I just heard that person is extremely mysterious; no one even knows if they're male or female. I thought, given your extensive knowledge, Dandan, you might know something."

Zheng Dan calmed down and softly replied, "I'm afraid I'll disappoint you, Ah Zu. I really don't know this, and I doubt many people in Brightmoon City do."

"I'm quite curious about that leader," Zu An said. "I hope to meet them someday."

A strange smile suddenly appeared on Zheng Dan's beautiful face. "I believe you two will have a chance to meet."

Zu An nodded. "Hmm, I think so too."

Watching Zu An's figure gradually disappear, a hint of confusion appeared between Zheng Dan's brows. *Could this guy have figured something out? But how could he possibly know?*

After Zu An exited the main gate, Chu Chuyan quickly came to greet him. "How did it go? What was the result?"

Zu An shook his head, his face solemn. "Zheng Dan insisted that the market strike had nothing to do with them and claimed she couldn't help, unless..."

"Unless what?" Chu Chuyan pressed.

"Unless I leave the Chu family and become a son-in-law in the Zheng family," Zu An said with a straight face.

Chu Chuyan's expression turned cold. "You agreed?"

"Aren't I here to ask for your permission?" Zu An chuckled.

Chu Chuyan narrowed her eyes, a dangerous glint appearing in them. "Are you feeling very proud now? So many women like you?"

Zu An's face immediately became serious. "Absolutely not. Out of three thousand gallons of water, I only drink from your ladle."

Just as Chu Chuyan's expression began to soften, she heard him continue, "But you clearly said back then that you wouldn't mind if I found other women."

Chu Chuyan was speechless. This guy truly had a restless heart!

"Let's go. We'll find another way," Chu Chuyan said, turning to leave.

Zu An sidled up to her and said, "Actually, I wouldn't mind making a sacrifice. It's all for the Chu family, after all."

"Hmph, I bet you're just after Zheng Dan's beauty," Chu Chuyan snorted resentfully. "I refuse to believe there's truly no other way!"

"Hey, you're still recovering from serious injuries; don't overexert yourself," Zu An quickly said, seeing her irritated expression. "Zheng Dan has already agreed. As long as we release Steward Hou Yun, they will restrain their people."

Chu Chuyan whirled around to look at him.

"What, are you surprised?" Zu An asked with a smile.

"You actually lied to me!" Chu Chuyan thought, feeling quite annoyed by all the vexation she'd just endured, and started chasing him, hitting him.

"I just wanted to test how important I am to you!"

"Ow, easy, easy!"

Hearing his yelps, Chu Chuyan's face flushed. She couldn't help but recall begging him in a similar manner last night, and suddenly, she couldn't bring herself to hit him anymore.

Seeing her stop, Zu An, worried she might resume, quickly said, "Wife, I think the Zheng family is definitely heavily involved with private salt."

Chu Chuyan rolled her eyes. "Do you even need to say that? Last time you went to investigate private salt, she came out to block your way, and then the Zheng family's steward was caught at the docks. Even a blind man would know they're colluding with private salt, but unfortunately, we can't find any proof."

She couldn't help but worry. Dealing with private salt alone was already difficult, and now with the Zheng family as a backer, and the Zheng family also being related to the Sang family by marriage, it seemed almost impossible to eradicate the private salt trade. Having managed the Chu family's business for so many years, she was well aware that the family's income had sharply declined in the past two years due to the rampant private salt trade. If this situation continued, the Chu family, burdened by immense debt, probably wouldn't last much longer.

At this point, Zu An added, "Zheng Dan must know the leader of the Giant Whale Gang!"

"How can you tell?" Chu Chuyan asked, surprised.

"I intentionally probed her just now, and her reaction was a bit strange..." Zu An recounted his recent observations.

Chu Chuyan's eyes lit up. "It seems we have hope for solving the private salt issue. From now on, you must find a way to get close to Zheng Dan, even if... even if it means sacrificing a bit of your charm, I... I won't mind."