https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-676-The-Reappearance-of-the-Arrogant-and-Arrogant-Jin-Banhua/12811593/
Chapter 677: The Crew Assembles
Chapter 677: The Crew Assembles
Yun Conglong took a deep breath, settled into his seat, and looked away.
On the other side, seeing that Ding Feng had handled Jin Banhua, Hai Kuotian hurriedly called everyone to start the feast.
Chu Liuxiang had many questions for Jin Banhua, but with outsiders present, he didn't feel it was the right time to ask.
However, Hu Tiefeng glanced at Hua Zhenzhen, his words laced with a subtle reminder, "Why have you brought a little maid with you this time? The world of the jianghu is dangerous and full of risks."
Hua Zhenzhen smiled softly, "With my lord protecting me, I have nothing to fear."
"True, as long as you stick close to Jin Banhua, you don't need to worry about anything," Hu Tiefeng scratched his head, still a bit puzzled. "Have we met somewhere before?"
Hua Zhenzhen blinked her large eyes, changing the subject, "Have you ever been to the capital, Master Hu?"
"Never! The capital is full of rules that can scare anyone to death. Why would I go there?" Hu Tiefeng waved his hands, dismissing his doubts.
However, ever since he heard that Jin Banhua was from the capital, Gou Zichang kept glancing at Jin Banhua and Hua Zhenzhen, his eyes filled with a mix of wariness and curiosity. Although this suspicion slightly subsided, it never fully disappeared.
Jin Banhua, of course, felt these gazes, but he didn't seem to care.
Gou Zichang was the culprit in the theft and murder case involving royal tributes in Kaifeng. He knew the court would send people to investigate him, so when he heard Jin Banhua was from the capital, he became cautious.
Since he was also skilled at disguise, even though Jin Banhua and Hua Zhenzhen were well-masked, he didn't fully relax.
On the other side, Yun Conglong took a few bites of his food but couldn't hold back any longer. He asked Wu Weiyang, "Wu Bangzhu usually dominates the Huai River. What brings you to the Yangtze today?"
Wu Weiyang's eyes narrowed, "I was invited by Young Master Ding. Does Yun Bangzhu have a problem with that?"
Yun Conglong's pupils constricted.
Although this Wu Weiyang looked exactly like the real one, Yun Conglong was now certain that this was an impostor.
Wu Weiyang and Yun Conglong were friends, and even if they unexpectedly met due to various reasons, Wu Weiyang would never have such an attitude.
Yun Conglong glanced at Jin Banhua, his eyes flickering with a deeper meaning.
Jin Banhua nodded nonchalantly, as if it were nothing.
Hua Zhenzhen admired Jin Banhua. If they had brought a little red or Qu Wu, they would have been exposed by now.
Seeing Jin Banhua's hint, Yun Conglong drank a couple more cups of wine and then excused himself.
He had delivered the message and the people, completing his task.
As for continuing to drink with these people or even visiting Bat Island again, even with his smooth-talking and excellent acting skills, Yun Conglong couldn't manage it in his current state of anxiety.
Seeing Yun Conglong leave, Ding Feng gave Wu Weiyang a meaningful look.
Wu Weiyang laughed heartily, stood up, and bowed to the group, "This is still Yun Bangzhu's territory. Since he finds me disagreeable, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to stay longer."
"Today, I've met several heroes, fulfilling my wish. I'll take my leave now!" With that, Wu Weiyang hurriedly left the building.
...
Yun Conglong and Wu Weiyang's departure left the room a bit quieter.
Ding Feng laughed, "It's getting late, and the dishes are cooling. This place is no longer suitable for a feast. Fortunately, Chief Hai's ship is nearby. I wonder if Chief Hai is willing to host us again?"
Hai Kuotian laughed heartily, "Brother Ding, you make me sound too stingy. If you all are willing to grace me with your presence, even a ten-day feast would make my humble abode shine!"
Although Gou Zichang and Xiang Tianfei were still competing.
Although Jin Lingzhi and Hu Tiefeng were still bickering.
Although Ding Feng and Chu Liuxiang were still exchanging sharp words.
The group, each harboring their own thoughts, still boarded Hai Kuotian's ship.
Hai Kuotian and Xiang Tianfei went into the cabin to arrange the food and drinks. Jin Lingzhi and Ding Feng also moved a bit ahead, perhaps to have a private conversation.
Jin Banhua and the others were the last to board the ship.
Hu Tiefeng looked around, smacked his lips, and said, "Grilling fish here would be great, but it's a shame Zhang San isn't here, and this isn't Jin Lingzhi's ship."
Chu Liuxiang smiled, "And if it belongs to Miss Jin, what then?"
Hu Tieshua blinked, "If this ship is hers, I'll find a way to make her compensate Zhang San."
Chu Liuxiang chuckled, "I think you should be grateful if you can stop her from doing whatever she pleases."
Hu Tieshua glared, "I'll make her do whatever I want, then I'll make her marry you. Let you suffer under this young lady's temper. If you don't die from it, consider yourself lucky."
Chu Liuxiang wasn't the least bit upset, "Fine wine is as sweet as honey, and a beautiful woman is as precious as jade. Even if you suffer a bit, it's still enjoyable... I fear that when the time comes, you won't be able to bear it."
Jin Banhua listened, recalling the argument between Jin Lingzhi and Hu Tieshua earlier. It was clear that the two were already on the path to becoming a bickering couple, just like in the original story.
However...
Jin Lingzhi had already lost her virtue to Yuan Suicheng, who didn't care for her at all. This made Jin Lingzhi fear not only Yuan Suicheng but also Ding Feng.
The noble daughter of Wanfusoushou Garden, reduced to acting subservient to a man who dared not reveal his identity.
Chu Liuxiang looked at Jin Banhua, "Brother Jin..."
But he only managed to say two words before Gou Zichang silently appeared behind them, "What are you reluctant to give up? Someone as generous as Brother Hu, what could you possibly be reluctant to give up?"
Chu Liuxiang smiled, "Even the most generous person wouldn't want to give up their wife."
Gou Zichang looked at Hu Tieshua in surprise, "I didn't realize Brother Hu was already married."
Chu Liuxiang casually deflected the question with a glance at Jin Banhua.
Jin Banhua quietly watched Gou Zichang's performance. He could portray a novice in the martial world with such skill, showing considerable talent for acting.
The laughter drew the attention of Hai Kuotian, Jin Lingzhi, and the others, who came out again.
Jin Lingzhi and Ding Feng exchanged a few words, seemingly back to normal, but a few taunts from Hu Tieshua made her flare up again. Chu Liuxiang's few words left both of them blushing slightly.
Just then, a small boat drifted over from the riverbank. A man on the bow held a white cloth with the words "Sell Myself to Bury My Friend" written on it.
None of the others recognized the man, but Chu Liuxiang and Hu Tieshua did.
"Zhang San, have you gone mad from poverty?" Hu Tieshua shouted.
Zhang San sighed, "I have indeed. I had a ship to sell, but due to bad company, it sank. Now I'm all alone and in urgent need of money. What else can I do but sell myself?"
Ding Feng's eyes flickered, "What urgent need do you have, friend?"
Zhang San sighed, "I have two friends who won't live much longer. I'm kind-hearted and can't bear to see them left to rot in the wilderness. So, I'm selling myself to get five hundred taels of silver for their funeral expenses."
Hu Tieshua gritted his teeth, "This kid really wants us dead!"
Everyone could see that the two friends Zhang San was referring to were Chu Liuxiang and Hu Tieshua. They all understood the implications of his words, but each had their own thoughts and no one spoke up.
Gou Zichang's eyes darted around as he said to Ding Feng, "Why don't you buy him, Brother Ding?"
Ding Feng smiled, "I could buy him, but..."
"I'll buy him!" Jin Lingzhi burst out of the cabin, "Five hundred taels, I'll buy him!"
Zhang San looked at Jin Lingzhi, "If you want to buy me, it'll be five thousand taels. It's more troublesome to serve a woman."
As they were discussing the price of Zhang San's sell, a raspy voice suddenly cut in.
"Are you the Fast Net Zhang San?"
"The real deal, no fakes here."
"Good, I'll offer five thousand and one taels!"
A small boat approached, and a gray-cloaked figure with a bamboo hat stood at the bow. Behind them was a young man rowing the boat.
Seeing the young man's face, Jin Banhua smiled. Ying Wanli and Bai Lie had arrived, and now the boat was finally complete.
(End of Chapter)
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