Chapter 283: Redemption

“Alright!” Chen Xuan’s face twitched upon hearing Zu’an’s name. The feud over his brother’s murder was already irreconcilable. But he never expected that he wouldn't recognize his enemy at the Divine Immortal Residence, repeatedly suffering setbacks at that man’s hands. A wave of anger surged within him.

Chen Xuan's rage value: 404!

Naturally suspicious, Chen Xuan couldn't help but glance at the woman. “Why did the Guild Leader suddenly bring up this person?” he asked.

The woman smiled faintly. “Mainly, I'm curious. In all these years, I've never heard Fort Master Chen publicly declare he wanted to kill someone, and yet, in all this time, you still haven't managed to kill him. Does that fellow have three heads and six arms?”

Chen Xuan grunted unhappily. “He doesn't have three heads and six arms, but he has a good wife and a good father-in-law. As the son-in-law of the Chu family, he's not so easy to kill.”

He recalled the previous times that fellow paraded through the streets, and he suspected ambushes were hidden behind him, so he merely kept tracking him in secret.

Unfortunately, he couldn't find anything.

This made him even more hesitant to act rashly.

Black Wind Stockade had been able to roam freely for so many years, not because his cultivation was exceptionally high, but because he was sufficiently cautious.

Fortunately, though he hadn't managed to kill Zu'an in the end, he had seized the opportunity to capture Wang Yuanlong.

“I know a thing or two about that new son-in-law of the Chu family,” the woman said curiously. “He not only has the Chu family's protection, but also a connection to the Brightmoon Academy. I wonder what method Fort Master Chen intends to use to kill him?”

“Once he's dead, the Guild Leader will naturally know,” Chen Xuan replied. He, of course, wouldn't reveal his plan, and a hint of wariness arose within him.

Sensing the change in his gaze, the woman smiled faintly. “Fort Master Chen, there's no need to be nervous. I was just thinking that this isn't Black Wind Stockade, after all. I'm merely wondering if you need any assistance from the Giant Whale Gang?”

Chen Xuan shook his head, saying coldly, “No need. If I, Chen, want to kill someone, I don't need anyone else's help.”

“That's good then. I wish Fort Master Chen swift success,” she said. A smile blossomed in the woman's eyes, truly enough to melt any man.

Chen Xuan stared at her intently, feeling a strong impulse to tear off her veil, regardless of the consequences. But ultimately, reason prevailed. He stood up and bid farewell, saying, “Since our previous discussion is settled, I shall take my leave.”

He had been out long enough and was somewhat concerned about developments in the city; it would be best to return early.

As for this woman, he would get her sooner or later.

“Fort Master Chen, travel safely. I won't see you off far. We'll meet again,” the woman said, curtsying slightly.

“Guild Leader Guan, being so beautiful, we are sure to meet again,” Chen Xuan chuckled, then turned and departed.

After his figure completely disappeared, the woman in red took off her veil and sneered, “A toad wants to eat swan meat!”

If Zu'an had been there, he would have been very surprised, because this woman was an acquaintance. Even more surprising was that her current attire, demeanor, and temperament were completely different from the person he knew.

Meanwhile, the Chu family members were greatly astonished when they heard Qiu Honglei's words. Chu Zhongtian exclaimed, “What? Miss Qiu knows where Wang Yuanlong is?”

Qiu Honglei smiled shyly. “I'm not entirely sure, but someone saw a person resembling Young Master Wang being taken through a certain area.”

Qin Wanru grew anxious. “If you know his whereabouts, why didn't you say so sooner?”

“Just now, there were too many people, and I was worried that if I spoke up, it would be heard by someone with ill intentions and spread,” Qiu Honglei explained, her eyes reddening as if she were frightened. “Also, I was worried about Chen Xuan retaliating later…”

Chu Zhongtian glanced at his wife, then softly said to Qiu Honglei, “Miss Qiu, there's no need to worry. We will definitely send people to ensure your safety afterward. But could you please tell us the location first, so we can rescue him before discussing anything else?”

Seeing her husband glare at her because of another woman, Qin Wanru felt a surge of anger. However, rescuing Wang Yuanlong was more important now, so she had to suppress her irritation and wait for Qiu Honglei's answer.

To everyone's surprise, Qiu Honglei pursed her lips and shook her head.

“Miss Qiu, what do you mean by this?” Chu Zhongtian asked, puzzled.

Qiu Honglei hesitated for a moment, then said, “I only want to tell Ah Zu.”

Seeing everyone's gaze turn to him, Zu'an was startled. “What difference does it make?” he asked. “Telling me is no different from telling them; I'll tell them anyway.”

“It's different,” Qiu Honglei shook her head. Her usual charming expression was now inexplicably resolute.

Zu'an looked bewildered, truly unable to figure out what the difference was.

Chu Chuyan, however, seemed to grasp something. “Why is Miss Qiu so particular about Ah Zu?” she wondered aloud.

Qiu Honglei secretly glanced at Zu'an. Then, with a shy expression, she said, “Because I like him.”

Chu Zhongtian had been drinking water and nearly spat it out upon hearing this.

Qin Wanru looked shocked, her first reaction being that she must have misheard.

Chu Chuyan's starlit eyes widened considerably as well; she clearly hadn't expected to hear that answer.

Zu'an, too, was completely flustered. What in the world was this woman trying to do?

After the initial shock, Qin Wanru was the first to recover, and her expression immediately turned cold. “Miss Qiu, do you know what you're saying?” she asked.

Qiu Honglei nodded. “I am quite clear. From the moment I first saw him, I was captivated by his talent, wit, and character. I fell hopelessly in love with him.”

Chu Zhongtian rubbed his ears. Was Qiu Honglei describing Zu'an as that image of a perfect lover? Although he hadn't particularly disliked his son-in-law, to be fair, while he wasn't the good-for-nothing everyone claimed, he was still light-years away from perfect, wasn't he?

Qin Wanru also frowned as she looked at Qiu Honglei. This woman looked quite beautiful and intelligent, but when did her eyes go blind?

Among them, Chu Chuyan was the least surprised, because she knew Zu'an's capabilities better than anyone else. But why this woman? Had she also seen his extraordinary nature at first glance? The thought of a secret she alone knew being discovered by someone else made her instinctively feel uncomfortable.

At this point, Qiu Honglei spoke again. “Of course, I know that given my status, I'm certainly not qualified to contend with Young Mistress Chu. All I ask is to be able to stay quietly by Ah Zu's side. Whether as a concubine, or even a servant or maid, I would be perfectly willing.”

Chu Zhongtian: “…”

Qin Wanru: “…”

Chu Chuyan: “…”

Qin Wanru hadn't quite recovered her wits. Was there really such an incredible live-in son-in-law in this world? He had only been married for a few days, and not only were women seeking him out, but they were also explicitly asking to become his concubine? If it were any ordinary woman, she might have simply had them driven out. But Qiu Honglei's reputation in Brightmoon City was too grand, and she was too beautiful, making it impossible for Qin Wanru to steel herself to deal with her in the usual manner. Speaking of which, why would such a beautiful woman, one whom even she admired, be interested in that fellow Zu'an?

Even Zu'an himself was bewildered. They had shared some ambiguous moments at the Divine Immortal Residence, but it was far from reaching the point of marriage, was it? Besides, weren't they both secretly plotting? Why wasn't she playing by the rules?

Chu Zhongtian lightly coughed. “Miss Qiu, you said you want to become… Zu'an's concubine?” He naturally wouldn't take her words about becoming a servant or maid seriously. Given Qiu Honglei's status, how could she possibly be a servant? But he genuinely couldn't understand. Over the years, countless powerful and noble figures had been captivated by her beauty, all wanting to take her as a concubine, but each one had been politely rejected. Everyone privately speculated about what kind of man would truly catch her eye. Among the high society circles of Brightmoon City, there was even speculation that she most likely wanted to become a main wife, and would probably invest in a promising but not yet established young talent. But after all that choosing, she ended up choosing to become the concubine of a live-in son-in-law? What in the world was going on?

“Precisely,” Qiu Honglei said, head held high, her tone firm, as if she were stating something profoundly proud.

Qin Wanru could no longer hold back. “Don't joke around! Miss Qiu is a woman of such standing; she could find any husband she desired. Why would she come to be Ah Zu's concubine?!”

Zu'an, standing by, immediately protested. What kind of talk was that? It sounded like he was trash!

Qiu Honglei smiled faintly. “Yes, there are many choices available to me, but when I choose a person, I only value talent and character. In all these years, Ah Zu is the only man who has ever stirred my heart. From the moment I first saw him, I knew he was the man destined for me.”

Zu'an thought to himself, *Nonsense! The first time you saw me, you were clearly full of schemes.*

But the others were still in shock and hadn't recovered. They were all native Brightmoon City residents, after all, and naturally knew how renowned Qiu Honglei's reputation had been all these years. No matter how much they racked their brains, they couldn't understand what was going on.

Qiu Honglei continued, “Of course, I also understand that Ah Zu's status is somewhat sensitive. Over the years, I've managed to gain a small reputation and accumulate some wealth. If Master and Madam don't mind, I'd like to redeem Ah Zu and restore his freedom.”

Zu'an was so shocked he nearly coughed up blood. Who was redeeming whom?!