"Lian Qing had originally intended to wait at home for you, little friend Chengfeng. But around noon today, the Qinghe Gang had some business for him, forcing him to make a trip to Shuiyang Prefecture. That is why he is absent now."
In the Zheng Estate's reception hall, half an hour slipped by amid casual conversation. Zheng Pandao checked the time, then finally smiled and spoke to Li Chengfeng, steering the conversation to the main matter:
"I see that you deliberately chose this afternoon to come, little friend Chengfeng. Have you decided to decline the patrol duty at Treasure Fish Lake?"
Zheng Pandao looked at Li Chengfeng with a smile covering his face, but his words made Li Chengfeng raise his brows. He hurriedly stood and said:
"It is only because Chengfeng knows his abilities are lacking and fears delaying Master Zheng's important affairs that I made this choice. I hope Master Zheng will not blame me!"
"Hahaha, why would I blame you? It is merely a small request for cooperation. Refusal or acceptance are both perfectly normal—why must little friend Chengfeng be so nervous?"
Hearing this, Zheng Pandao rose with a laugh and clasped his hands to Li Chengfeng.
"Still, even if business fails, goodwill remains. At the Fish Offering Gathering, little friend gave me such face, and we have this inexplicable bond between us. No matter what, we will be friends from now on. Should you ever need anything, simply let Zheng know. I will certainly spare no effort in helping you."
Zheng Pandao smiled broadly. After speaking, he looked at him with regret and smiled. "It is simply a pity. In the end, my fortune and destiny are too shallow—I have no fate with a martial arts genius like you, little friend."
"What are you saying, Master