The guests had dispersed.
Only He Dali and Lu Chengwen remained.
It was practically spelled out.
No matter how foolish He Dali was, he could see that Lu Chengwen's intentions were crystal clear.
He wanted to win him over and show off his strength.
But He Dali knew perfectly well that he could not give him an answer. He could not betray his family just because Lu Chengwen had saved his life, treated him well, was handsome, had plenty of women, had money, and knew how to get things done...
So at this moment, He Dali was not foolishly basking in the vanity and satisfaction of receiving exceptional hospitality from someone important. Instead, his heart was heavy, and the pressure on him was immense.
How was he supposed to conduct himself in the future when he could not repay such a favor?
Lu Chengwen smiled.
"Dali, I consider you a brother, so I will never make things difficult for you."
He Dali hardly dared meet Lu Chengwen's eyes. "Senior Brother, you're joking... you're joking."
Lu Chengwen said, "Let me put your mind at ease. I saved your life and treated you well not so I could hold it over your head and morally coerce you. You are a gentleman, a good man who knows shame and understands right from wrong. I would never force you to betray your family, plot something improper, or put you in an impossible position. If I did, I'd be nothing but a hypocritical scoundrel."
He Dali looked up at Lu Chengwen in astonishment.
He could not understand it.
Saving his life might have been a moment of compassion—perhaps Lu Chengwen was simply a good man. But after receiving such extraordinary hospitality and being treated so well, could Lu Chengwen really want nothing in return?
Lu