Sterling arrived at the Commander-in-Chief's Mansion on time. Zichuan Canxing warmly received him and led him into the dining hall. Sterling found that it was indeed, as Zichuan Canxing had said, an ordinary family meal, for there were no other guests besides himself. Yet the dishes were lavish, which struck Sterling as strange. It did not fit Zichuan Canxing's habits. Li Qing, who served as an internal affairs official, had once joked to him, "Our Commander-in-Chief is the least extravagant and wasteful of all the Commander-in-Chiefs." She had implied that Zichuan Canxing could be quite stingy in certain respects. He could spend three billion without hesitation to arm a corps, yet begrudge adding even one more fish to his own dinner. "Your Highness, this is far too lavish. You have spent too much. We cannot possibly finish it all."
Zichuan Canxing said unconcernedly, "It's fine. If we don't finish it, I'll keep eating it next meal." He chuckled. "Come, come. Since you are a guest, don't be so restrained. Relax, open up your appetite, and eat your fill! Ah, you have truly suffered in the Far East these past months. Look at yourself, Sterling—you've become dark and old in just a few months."
"I am willing to serve the Family! It is my duty and responsibility as your subordinate. I truly dare not accept such..."
"Oh, didn't I tell you not to be so formal? That is the one thing wrong with you, Sterling—you are always too reserved. Tonight, you are not allowed to call me 'my lord' or 'Your Highness.' Just think of me as an elder. How about calling me Uncle Canxing?"
Sterling had been somewhat uneasy all along, but seeing Zichuan Canxing so kindly disposed, the stone in his heart finally dropped to the ground. Smiling, he