However, there was one thing He Xin could never have reckoned with: the child in Ji Rushuang's belly had nothing whatsoever to do with Meng Zhao, making this favor he was trying to sell somewhat superfluous.
"Of course. Envoy He's goodwill is deeply appreciated; I would never fail to accept it. On behalf of my wife and our unborn child, I thank you, Envoy He."
Meng Zhao's expression remained calm and his attitude sincere, without the slightest sign of displeasure. His composure ran truly deep.
This greatly eased and reassured Ji Zhenyun and Ji Rulin, the uncle and nephew, who had been on tenterhooks all along.
No matter how nicely things had been put before, the reality was that the child in Ji Rushuang's belly had nothing to do with Meng Zhao.
And for a grown man to have someone say such things to his face, bringing up the child in her belly, could easily light a powder keg and bury a massive mine in Meng Zhao and Ji Rushuang's relationship.
He had taken over another man's burden, only to be cursed to his face for it. An ordinary man truly could not endure that.
Fortunately, Meng Zhao was broad-minded enough. He appeared proper and unruffled, utterly dispelling the uncle and nephew's misgivings and leaving them no longer worried about Ji Rushuang's future life.
The group chatted idly, and Meng Zhao sampled the delicacies laid out on the table. Most were meat dishes, along with some distinctive smoked foods and rich soups. The flavors were excellent, and he ate with great relish.
Once the atmosphere had been sufficiently warmed up, Meng Zhao took the initiative to speak, carefully recounting his recent visit to Purple Butterfly, their negotiations, and the two proposals he had put forward.
He Xin never once set