But seeing Chen Sheng's dead-serious expression, devoid of any hint of a joke, he found himself speechless. He was terrified that in the next moment, Commander Chen would righteously demand:
"Young Master Xu, what are you doing with my sword?"
"Since Young Master Xu... seems unable to produce any suitable 'price.'"
Commander Chen's tone grew distant, laced with undisguised disappointment. "Then I can only accept your 'kind offer' for Miss Ling'Er, however reluctantly."
With that, he made a show of leaving.
"W-wait!!"
A storm of frustration, rage, and fear threatened to tear Xu Shenzhi apart. But he was outmatched by the circumstances, and he could only swallow the humiliation, forcing the words through gritted teeth:
"Commander Chen, you... just say it! What is it you want?! Whatever I, Xu Shenzhi, possess, you can take it!"
"You're mistaken again, Young Master Xu."
