They had no money or resources now, but Zeng Fan was the magistrate of an entire county, so...
Then Zhao Sheng clasped his hands and bowed to Lu Xuan. The awkwardness vanished from his face as he spoke with brimming confidence.
"Senior, give me one day. Rest assured, I'll be able to meet your needs tomorrow."
For the first time, Zhao Sheng found Zeng Fan so pleasing to the eye. He and Qian Hao slowly walked over to Zeng Fan's side.
As he spoke, Zhao Sheng's voice even carried an unprecedented warmth and courtesy.
"Lord Zeng, everything's settled. There are too many eyes and ears here, so let's return to the county office and have a heart-to-heart talk!"
"Look at us—we came to Dengfeng County and have been occupied with official business the whole time, yet neglected you, Lord Zeng."
"To make amends, we won't stop drinking tonight until we're utterly drunk."
Zhao Sheng stretched out an arm and draped it over county magistrate Zeng Fan's shoulder as though they were good brothers who would die for one another.
"Lord Zhao, wh-what is wrong with you? Don't frighten me."
Faced with Zhao Sheng's sudden familiarity, goosebumps rose all over Zeng Fan's body. Guilt gnawed at him as he spoke in a trembling voice.
"Did this subordinate do something wrong? Lord Zhao, you are a magnanimous man—please don't make things difficult for this subordinate!"
"It's nothing, nothing!"
"I was merely moved by the moment. I hit it off with Lord Zeng at first sight, and only regret that we did not meet sooner."
"Come, Lord Zeng. We've already dealt with that thing, so there's no need for you to worry."
Zhao Sheng and Qian Hao stood side by side, hemming county magistrate Zeng Fan in between them, nearly carrying him away.