Si Di said anxiously, "Teacher, this represents the efforts of several generations. How can we just shut it down?"
Lou Gao snorted and walked inside with his hands behind his back. "Efforts? Ask Tai Tan. Ask Tang Hao. Who among them still cares about this place? They saw through it long ago. The Blacksmith Association stopped being the Blacksmith Association it once was a long time ago."
"Then let it close. When we have the ability to protect it someday, we can reopen it."
Si Kai and Si Di fell silent.
Si Long was silent for a long while before finally raising his head and saying seriously, "I won't close it. Even if Spirit Hall comes, I'll stay here."
"I'm not leaving either," Si Di said.
"Me too," Si Kai added.
Lou Gao looked at them, a hint of surprise showing in his small eyes.
He walked over to the three of them. "Aren't you afraid Spirit Hall will come back to settle the score? When that day comes, no one will be there to shield you anymore."
"We're not afraid."
"The Association is our home. As long as we're here, the Association will remain."
Seeing their determined expressions, Lou Gao smiled in gratification. "Good. Since all of you have decided to stay, then from today onward, Si Long, you'll be the president."
Si Long froze and hurriedly waved his hands. "Teacher, how can that work? How am I qualified...?"
"If I say you can do it, then you can."
"I've been obsessed with blacksmithing. I spent more than half my life at the forge and never paid attention to the Association's miscellaneous affairs. I'm not suitable for this. You'll be the president."
"Besides, I have other things to do."
Si Long asked curiously, "What other things?"
Suddenly, Lou Gao