The Crazy Son-In-Law

Xiao Shun’s aim was quite straightforward. Firstly, “Starline Health” was about to go public in Harrow, and relying solely on Yang Tiancai and Song Linger to produce the medicinal pellets was proving to be a challenge. Secondly, with the establishment of the “New School Society,” Xiao Shun was planning to set up a pellets exchange by the end of the month to strengthen existing member ties and attract those still on the fence.

The role of Ning Zhiyuan and his disciple in all this was self-evident. They were, quite transparently, needed for their labor. Yet, they showed no resistance; instead, they were eager to learn Xiao Shun’s valuable methods of pellet refinement-a win-win situation.

So, when Xiao Shun inquired if they were settling in alright, their answers were remarkably in sync, their smiles matching.

“We’re very comfortable,” they laughed.

“That’s good to hear,” Xiao Shun smiled slightly.

“Mr. Xiao, I have a question,” Ning Zhiyuan interjected.

“Please, feel free to ask,” Xiao Shun replied humbly.

Ning Zhiyuan nodded, then voiced his confusion, “Last night, my disciple and I attempted to create ‘concentration pellets’ following your formula and insights, but why did we end up with a batch of failed pellets?”

Xiao Shun didn’t immediately answer. After a moment of thought, he had a theory.

“The issue likely lies with the control of the furnace’s flame,” he suggested.

“The flame?” Ning Zhiyuan was taken aback.

Xiao Shun nodded, “Yes. Linger and Tiancai succeeded in a short time because of their seamless cooperation with the flames. You and your disciple probably don’t often refine pellets together, right?”

Ning Zhiyuan had an epiphany, his face tinged with embarrassment. “I am ashamed… Despite my years in this profession, I missed such a crucial detail.”

Seeing his master’s regret, Hu Bugui quickly blamed himself, “Master, my understanding of the flames is only superficial; otherwise, you would have noticed this issue.”

Xiao Shun then handed Hu Bugui a thread-bound book. Ning Zhiyuan’s eyes twitched when he recognized the title: “Ember Heartforge.” The book had been lost for over a century, and many alchemists lamented its absence as it could have spared them much trial and error. Now, it was given to Hu Bugui for reference, astonishing Ning Zhiyuan.

Unaware of its importance, Hu Bugui, seeing his master’s expression, quickly thanked Xiao Shun.

“Thank you, Mr. Xiao!”

Xiao Shun waved it off, “No need for thanks. Copy it and then return it to me.”

At the prospect of returning the book, Hu Bugui was stunned, but before he could protest, Ning Zhiyuan smacked the back of his head.

“Heh, I’ll have this kid copy it immediately!”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Ning Zhiyuan dragged his disgruntled disciple back to their room. Once inside, Hu Bugui complained, “Master, why did you hit me?”

Ning Zhiyuan glared at him, “Foolish boy, did you think to keep that book for yourself?”

“It’s just a book, isn’t it?” Hu Bugui muttered, but as he opened the book, he couldn’t take his eyes off the pages.

Seeing his disciple’s rapt attention, Ning Zhiyuan chuckled, “Now, tell me, is it worth it?”

Hu Bugui was astounded, “Mr. Xiao trusts us enough to lend us such an important book!”

He paused, then hesitantly suggested, “Master, since Mr. Xiao trusts us so, perhaps we should tell him about… that matter.”

Before he could finish, Ning Zhiyuan cut him off, “It’s not yet time. The Azure Bloodroot is of great importance. Even though Antarctia has vanished, caution is paramount.”

Hu Bugui fretted, “Has the golden Buddha not surfaced yet?”

“No news yet,” Ning Zhiyuan shook his head, his gaze deep. “Moreover, possessing the golden Buddha isn’t extraordinary. It’s the Dark Gold within it that’s the source of all strife. I hope it never appears.”

If Xiao Shun had overheard this conversation, one could only imagine his expression. The Dark Gold was long gone. But unfortunately, he was currently in the living room, chatting casually with Wen Yao.

“You’re leaving?” Xiao Shun asked.

“Yes,” Wen Yao nodded lightly. “Now that my illness has been cured, it’s time for me to return.”

Xiao Shun regarded the now radiant Wen Yao and nodded.

“Sister, why go back to a family that doesn’t appreciate you? Stay here; it could foster our relationship,” he playfully suggested.

Yang Tiancai, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, approached Wen Yao with a sly smile, “Why return to a place where you’re not welcomed? It’s better here, and it helps us grow closer, doesn’t it?”

Wen Yao smiled, now accustomed to Tiancai’s flirtatious banter, “Mr. Xiao has been a great help to me, and I wish to repay him by contributing to his enterprise. I plan to return to persuade the northern cultivators to join the New School Society.”

As she spoke, Wen Yao stole a glance at Xiao Shun, her heart fluttering like a startled fawn. She quickly suppressed the romantic notions stirring in her heart, her expression tinged with melancholy.

During their time together, Wen Yao had developed affection for Xiao Shun. The kindness of someone who helps you when you’re at your lowest is rare and precious. Although she longed for more, timing, circumstances, and the feelings of others were not in her favor. Above all, he was married.

All she could offer Xiao Shun in return was her effort to expand the New School Society’s reach in the north.

Of course, this was also her chance to settle scores with the Wen family for their past mistreatment. Now that she had recovered, it was time to settle old grievances.

Lost in thought, Wen Yao was brought back to the present by Xiao Shun’s words, “If you encounter any difficulties, you can always contact me.”