Chapter 297: Tools

Even Zu An, with his thick skin, was dumbfounded by what he heard. This woman was simply too audacious.

Just then, Zheng Dan suddenly covered her mouth and chuckled, "Of course, I was just kidding with you. You didn't actually take me seriously, did you, A'Zu?"

Zu An sighed, "I really did take you seriously. My heart is completely shattered now."

"But I don't see any sadness on your face," Zheng Dan thought, deciding she needed to re-evaluate him. Everyone used to see him as a naive, innocent virgin, but after several interactions, he showed no trace of innocence. Instead, he seemed like an old hand, experienced with many women.

"That's just because I'm a bit reserved; my emotions don't show easily. If you don't believe me, you can put your ear to my chest and listen to the sound of my heart breaking," Zu An said, pointing to his chest.

Zheng Dan scoffed. Of course, she wouldn't lean in to listen to his chest. Sensing that he was gradually taking control of the conversation, she quickly changed the subject. "A'Zu, what did you actually come to see me about this time?"

Zu An silently regretted the missed opportunity before replying, "Miss, you should be well aware of why I'm here. If this market strike escalates too much, it won't look good for anyone."

Zheng Dan smiled and shook her head. "I don't understand what you're talking about. I've heard a little about the market strike, but what does that have to do with our Zheng family? Is the Chu family trying to frame innocent people?"

Zu An remained unfazed. "Dandan, we're so familiar with each other, let's not be strangers. Look, I'll be direct: release your family's steward later. Also, please help dissuade the striking merchants and the salt workers who are storming the yamen."

A satisfied smile appeared on Zheng Dan's face. Only then did she say, "Maintaining the stability of Mingyue City is an undeniable responsibility for every citizen of Mingyue City. As one of the four great families, our Zheng family naturally has a duty to help."

"That's excellent," Zu An said, letting out a long breath of relief.

Zheng Dan blinked her large, sparkling eyes. "Just so we're clear, I'm only willing to help because of you, A'Zu. You owe me a huge favor for this."

Zu An chuckled, leaning closer to her. "A debt of gratitude can never truly be repaid. How about I repay you with my body instead?"

Zheng Dan's heart skipped a beat. She quickly stepped back a few paces, blushing as she scoffed, "You're annoying!"

"I'll repay this favor next time I get the chance," Zu An said with a laugh, waving goodbye to her before striding out, still chuckling.

Watching his unrestrained figure depart, Zheng Dan lightly bit her lip. For some reason, his mischievous charm didn't repulse her at all; instead, it brought an inexplicable sense of novelty and anticipation.

"Oh, I must be crazy," Zheng Dan murmured to herself, covering her slightly flushed cheeks.

Just then, Zu An suddenly stopped, turned around, and asked, "Dandan, do you know the leader of the Giant Whale Gang?"

Zheng Dan's delicate body trembled. She quickly replied, "How could I possibly know them? Why do you ask?"

"No reason, just asking casually. I just heard that person is extremely mysterious, so much so that no one knows if they're male or female. I thought you, Dandan, with your extensive knowledge, might know something," Zu An said with an innocent smile.

Zheng Dan composed herself and softly replied, "I'm sorry to disappoint you, A'Zu, but I truly don't know about that. I suppose hardly anyone in Mingyue City does."

"I'm quite curious about that gang leader," Zu An said. "I hope I get a chance to meet them someday."

A peculiar smile suddenly appeared on Zheng Dan's beautiful face. "I believe you will have the chance to meet."

Zu An nodded. "Hmm, I think so too."

Watching Zu An's figure gradually disappear, a hint of suspicion crossed Zheng Dan's brows. Could this guy have found out something? But how could he possibly know?

After Zu An exited the main gate, Chu Chuyan quickly approached him. "Well, how did it go?"

Zu An shook his head, a solemn expression on his face. "Zheng Dan insisted that the market strike had nothing to do with them and said she couldn't help, unless..."

"Unless what?" Chu Chuyan pressed.

"Unless I leave the Chu family and become a son-in-law in the Zheng family," Zu An stated earnestly.

Chu Chuyan's expression turned cold. "You agreed?"

"Didn't I come out to ask for your permission?" Zu An chuckled.

Chu Chuyan's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint appearing in them. "Are you feeling very proud right now? So many women like you?"

Zu An's face stiffened, and he quickly said, "Absolutely not. There may be many out there, but you're the only one for me."

Chu Chuyan's expression had just softened, but then she heard him continue, "Though you clearly said you wouldn't mind me seeing other women before."

Chu Chuyan: "..."

This guy truly has a restless heart!

"Let's go. We'll think of another way," Chu Chuyan said, turning to leave.

Zu An leaned in beside her and said, "Actually, I wouldn't mind making a sacrifice. It's all for the Chu family, after all."

"Hmph, I bet you're just after Zheng Dan's beauty," Chu Chuyan snorted resentfully. "I refuse to believe there's truly no other way!"

"Hey, you've just recovered from a serious injury, don't overexert yourself," Zu An quickly said, seeing her irritated expression. "Zheng Dan has already agreed. As soon as we release Steward Hou Yun, they'll rein in their people."

Chu Chuyan abruptly turned to face him.

"What's wrong? Surprised?" Zu An asked with a smile.

"You actually lied to me!" Chu Chuyan thought, annoyed by how much she had just fumed. She immediately started chasing him, hitting him.

"I was just trying to test how important I am to you."

"Ow, gently, gently!"

Hearing his loud cries, Chu Chuyan's face flushed. She couldn't help but recall how she had similarly pleaded with him just last night, and she no longer had the heart to hit him.

Seeing her stop, Zu An, worried she might continue, quickly said, "Wife, I think the Zheng family is heavily involved with the illegal salt trade."

Chu Chuyan rolled her eyes. "Do I even need you to tell me that? Last time you went to investigate illegal salt, she came out to block your way, and then the Zheng family's steward was caught at the docks. Even a blind person would know they're colluding with the illegal salt trade. It's just a pity we can't find proof."

She couldn't help but worry. Dealing with illegal salt alone was already difficult; now, with the Zheng family backing it, and the Zheng family also being related to the Sang family by marriage, it seemed almost impossible to eradicate the illegal salt trade.

Having managed the Chu family's affairs for so many years, she was well aware that the family's income had sharply declined in the past two years due to the rampant illegal salt trade. If this situation continued, the Chu family, burdened with immense debt, probably wouldn't last much longer.

Just then, Zu An added, "Zheng Dan probably knows the leader of the Giant Whale Gang!"

"What makes you say that?" Chu Chuyan asked, surprised.

"I deliberately tested her just now, and her reaction was a bit strange..." Zu An recounted what he had observed.

Chu Chuyan's eyes lit up. "It seems we have hope of solving the illegal salt issue! From now on, you find a way to get close to Zheng Dan, even if... even if you have to sacrifice a little of your 'male charm,' I... I won't mind."