Shen Rongqing found herself momentarily speechless, prompting He Jiaqing to turn to Feng Chongli and inquire, "Senior, do you possess a method to dissolve this curse?"
Feng Chongli indeed had a means; he had previously employed the 'settlement by goods' technique to incinerate his own IOU.
"I am certainly capable of this, but I must first ascertain a crucial detail. Is it you, or is it Miss Shen, who is requesting my assistance?"
"If the request originates from you, then I am still indebted to you. Should I succeed in breaking this curse, how much of that debt would be considered settled?"
He Jiaqing felt caught in a predicament. Feng Chongli had immediately brought up financial matters, showing no regard for sentiment or propriety.
He Jiaqing had intended to distribute some of Zhang Gunli's assets to garner favor, but the thought of Feng Chongli utilizing Shen Rongqing's IOU to clear his debt with He Jiaqing left him feeling as though he would incur a significant loss.
It could not fully offset the entire debt, but precisely how much could it account for?
After a period of deliberation, He Jiaqing recognized another pressing issue: Shen Rongqing kept her gaze lowered, her expression unreadable.
She was seemingly waiting for He Jiaqing to determine her monetary value, gauging her worth.
He Jiaqing quickly responded, "Senior Feng, Rongqing is as dear to me as a sibling. Whatever price you name will be acceptable."
Feng Chongli cast a glance at Shen Rongqing, who lowered her head and softly murmured, "Thank you, Senior."
"So, is this your personal request to me?" Feng Chongli sought confirmation once more.
Shen Rongqing offered a nod.
Feng Chongli's tone remained even as he stated, "Feng never operates without compensation. Even if Miss Shen herself makes the request, I must still levy a fee. I shall charge Miss Shen one Ocean Dollar."
Shen Rongqing regarded Feng Chongli with palpable surprise.
He Jiaqing was also taken aback, but after his initial astonishment, he swiftly bowed and expressed, "Thank you, Senior."
Feng Chongli disregarded He Jiaqing, addressing Shen Rongqing directly, "One Ocean Dollar. Do you have it readily available? If not, we can discuss payment terms at a leisurely pace."
The room was replete with Ocean Dollars; the very currency He Jiaqing had used to settle Feng Chongli's debt was piled high on the floor.
Yet, Feng Chongli's gaze remained fixed solely on Shen Rongqing, utterly ignoring the surrounding wealth.
Shen Rongqing's personal quarters had been altered by He Jiaqing, resulting in the removal of many of her personal effects, including her IOU.
She searched her person thoroughly for an extended period, finding only a small amount of loose currency within her pockets.
She presented all the banknotes she possessed to Feng Chongli. He counted out five hundred Huan Country banknotes and returned the remainder to Shen Rongqing.
Shen Rongqing attempted to refuse the returned money, but Feng Chongli stated with gravity, "Miss Shen, were it not for your courageous actions, which were instrumental in setting up this entire scheme, targeting Zhang Gunli would not have been nearly as straightforward. Logically, I should not be charging you for this Ocean Dollar.
However, this transaction is a matter between yourself and Young Master He, and I should not interfere. I requested one Ocean Dollar, and you did not attempt to negotiate; therefore, I shall accept this one Ocean Dollar. This is simply adhering to the principles of commerce."
Securing the banknotes within his chest pocket, Feng Chongli retrieved the Contract Book. Pinching it firmly between his index and middle fingers, he applied pressure and swiped.
The Contract Book ignited, swiftly crumbling into ash.
Shen Rongqing hastened to offer her profuse gratitude. Feng Chongli waved his hands dismissively, stating, "Our accounts are settled, neither party owes the other. I bid you both farewell."
Feng Chongli then departed.
A profound sense of relief washed over Shen Rongqing, her heart feeling significantly lighter.
He Jiaqing remarked, "Rongqing, this success is largely attributable to you. If there is anything you desire, simply voice it, and I shall grant it."
What did she truly desire?
At this moment, Shen Rongqing's heart yearned for Ma Wu.
She solely desired this man, this man who had been willing to risk his life for her.
However, she could not articulate this longing aloud.
"Jiaqing, I am aware of the animosity between yourself and Li Qi, and I understand that this situation will inevitably ensnare Ma Junyang. I have but one request.
Should Junyang ever fall into your hands one day, I implore you, for the sake of our sibling-like bond, to spare his life."
He Jiaqing nodded and replied, "Ma Junyang and I also share a connection; he provided significant assistance in today's endeavors. I shall not forget this favor, so you need not worry about him. Let us now discuss the reward you are due."
Shen Rongqing shook her head, stating, "This is my sole request. I desire nothing else."
...
"You truly do not want it?" Ma Wu gently touched the River Snail Shell.
The River Snail Girl shivered twice and responded, "No."
Ma Wu chuckled softly, remarking, "You yourself said you did not want it, so do not come to regret your decision later."
The River Snail Girl retorted indignantly, "We shall address any potential regrets when the time comes."
Within Greenwater City, Ma Wu and Shen Rongqing had orchestrated quite a spectacle; indeed, news of his supposed demise had already begun to circulate.
He wasn't genuinely deceased, of course. This carefully crafted deception was meant to lend credibility to his absence. Now, while the aftermath of recent events remained unsettled, Ma Wu sought refuge at the Soda Kiln. His intention was twofold: to evade further complications and to visit a trusted confidant within Inner State.
Having engaged in dozens of exchanges, Ma Wu found his courage fortifying. However, the River Snail Girl found herself increasingly strained in her defense. Seizing a momentary lull, she posed a few inquiries.
"What was the name of that large carp who stood guard at the gate earlier?"
The River Snail Girl let out a dismissive sound. "How can you refer to it as merely a 'large carp'? Your words lack refinement. Its name is Yu Songkai, and he holds a position of considerable standing among his kind."
"A figure of standing? Then why would he be guarding the gate?"
The River Snail Girl twitched her antennae. "There is more to the story, though the complete details elude me."
Ma Wu pressed further. "And do you, yourself, possess standing among your own people?"
"Naturally, I hold a significant position!" The River Snail Girl declared with evident pride. "If I lacked influence, would I have dared to engage in such a substantial transaction with you, granting you an entire New Land?"
Ma Wu inclined his head. "Given your status, might I be so bold as to inquire your name, Miss?"
A flicker of surprise crossed the River Snail Girl's features. "What do you mean? My name is Luo Lijun! After all that has transpired, you truly do not recognize me?"
Ma Wu offered a gentle smile. "Miss, you are not Luo Lijun."
A hint of irritation tinged the River Snail Girl's tone. "What precisely are you trying to convey?"
Ma Wu's conviction was unwavering. "Your visage, your form, your voice, and even your very demeanor bear an uncanny resemblance to Luo Lijun.