"Uncle, put the hammer down first. Let me say a few words."
Su Li reached out and moved Saina behind him, facing Old Buck directly.
Old Buck didn't put down the hammer, but he didn't actually swing it either. That was just the kind of man he was—hard mouth, soft heart. If it really came down to hitting someone, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
"Her name is Elena. She's an... old acquaintance of mine." Su Li chose his words carefully. "I met her during those years I was wandering outside. You could say we've been through life and death together. She came to Wading Village this time on serious business."
"What serious business?" Old Buck snorted.
"Business." Su Li's expression did not change. "Her family is in trade. They took a fancy to the iron ore resources here and wanted to come inspect the place. She happened to know I was here, so she stopped by to find me."
The story was fabricated with such convincing detail that Old Buck was half-believing, half-doubting, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Su Li and Elena.
"So what exactly is she to you?"
"A friend."
"A friend?" Old Buck pointed at Saina, who looked like a cat with its fur standing on end. "Would a friend make my daughter this worked up?"
Su Li opened his mouth, but for a moment, he had no idea how to smooth this over.
Elena finally spoke.
"Sir, please don't misunderstand." Her voice was kept level, stripped of its usual imperious edge. "Su Li and I truly are only old acquaintances. As for marriage... we can talk about it later. There's no rush."
Talk about it later.
Those four words made Saina's expression turn even uglier.
What did she mean, talk about it later?