Su Li turned and went downstairs, carrying in the bamboo basket he had left on the steps.
Saina hurried over and stared at the red fruits in the basket.
"Su Li, these fruits are so pretty, so bright red." Saina picked one up, wiped it with her sleeve, and took a bite right away.
The juice burst in her mouth, and Saina's eyes lit up.
"So sweet! Way sweeter than the wild fruit on the mountain behind our village!"
Watching her act so easily impressed, Su Li reached out and pinched her cheek.
"Have some dignity. The mighty Elven Merchant Association, a federation giant with tens of millions of people, comes to our door bearing a basket of lousy fruit. Stingy as hell."
Elena came downstairs, having changed into the newly bought white silk nightgown.
Its neckline plunged outrageously low, leaving a dazzling expanse of snowy whiteness exposed to the air.
As she descended the stairs, her astonishing curves bounced up and down.
Su Li glanced over a couple more times. This woman truly had gifts bestowed by heaven.
Elena walked into the living room, sat in a mahogany chair, and naturally crossed her two long, fair legs.
"These aren't ordinary lousy fruits. They're called Bloodline Fruit, an elven specialty. They contain a trace of aether. Ordinary people can eat them to strengthen their bodies, while first-rank knights can use them to nourish their meridians a little."
Elena picked up a fruit and tossed it in her hand.
"But for the three of us, all second-rank, these really are just snacks."
Su Li pulled out a chair and sat down.
"Tell me, then. What exactly is the Free City-State's setup?"
Su Li rested his elbows on the table. He needed information.
Although he was now second-rank, when all was said