Chapter 785, Isn't It a Bit Too Early?
The setting sun spilled light and shadows through the open door.
Wu Heng stood in place, holding the bouquet he'd prepared, feeling a little uneasy.
This felt even more nerve-wracking than facing a Hero.
The elf sisters stood at the doorway—Sheila Grey in a pale green house dress, Shiyali in a blue long dress, her draped hair tied back.
Wu Heng handed the flowers over, forcing a smile onto his face.
Sheila Grey shot him a glare, then pulled Shiyali forward and took the flowers, keeping one for herself and placing the other in Shiyali's arms. "At least he has a conscience—knows you like flowers."
Wu Heng pulled out two beautifully decorated cakes. "I made these myself. Try them."
Shiyali gave him a glance. Her cold eyes held a barely noticeable softness as she said, "Come in. Dinner's ready."
"Alright." Wu Heng carried the cakes inside.
The two bouquets were placed in vases in the living room.
Then the three of them moved to the dining room. The table was already covered with prepared dishes.
Sheila Grey sat in the middle, motioning for the others to sit. She scooped up a piece of cake with a silver spoon and held it to Shiyali's mouth. "Ah~! Try it. Wu Heng made this just for us. He knows he messed up. Forgive him, alright?"
Shiyali looked at Wu Heng, then opened her mouth and ate the cake. She chewed softly.
The atmosphere in the dining room eased the moment she took a bite.
Sheila Grey turned and pinched Wu Heng's thigh. Wu Heng winced and quickly said with sincerity, "Shiyali, I'll treat both of you well."
Shiyali raised her head and met his gaze. "Do you really think you can reach level 18?"
"I do."
Shiyali said, "Humans and elves have vastly different lifespans. Even if you reach level 18, it only extends yours a little."
"Alright, Wu Heng has confidence. Let's eat first," Sheila Grey interrupted.
Shiyali said no more. The three of them began to eat.
The mood was a bit subdued—unlike the relaxed tone of earlier meals.
Sheila Grey carefully tasted every dish. Only after confirming it was safe did she let Wu Heng eat.
She was afraid her cunning sister might have spiked something to get rid of the mage.
The meal finished in a slightly awkward atmosphere.
...
After dinner—
Knock knock knock~!
The courtyard gate sounded. Sheila Grey glanced at the kitchen, then at Wu Heng. "I'll go check. You two don't fight, alright?"
Saying so, she headed out.
Wu Heng stayed in the living room. Shiyali came out of the kitchen and glanced toward the courtyard.
"Come help me with the dishes."
Wu Heng stood and went over to help carry the dishes into the kitchen.
While cleaning up, Shiyali smiled. "You weren't scared off, were you?"
"Just a bit stunned," Wu Heng said, placing the dishes on the counter.
Shiyali said, "What else could I do? You're with my sister now. I don't want to lose you either."
Her expression turned serious. "Whether you reach level 18 or not doesn't matter. Just make sure you treat both of us well. You promised just now."
"I'll treat you both well for the rest of my life," Wu Heng promised.
Shiyali's smile grew brighter. "You said it—I'll remember."
Wu Heng shrugged. "Well, I'm human. Life's not that long anyway."
"You said you could reach level 18!" Shiyali raised her voice.
Wu Heng laughed. "Don't worry. I'll become a Hero one day—and make sure you two become Heroes too."
"I believe you. Sheila does too." Shiyali smiled and leaned in, her damp hands at her sides. She looked up slightly, their eyes meeting.
Wu Heng gently lowered his head and kissed her cool, cake-flavored lips.
"Wu Heng, Shiyali?" came a shout from the living room.
"In the kitchen!"
Sheila Grey rushed into the kitchen and saw Wu Heng helping clean.
"Wu Heng, go sit in the living room," Shiyali said.
Wu Heng returned to the living room. Sheila Grey asked, "Everything alright?"
"All good. Shiyali forgave me." Wu Heng added, "What did the Guild want?"
"Still about the pills. The store is still open—we need more patrols," Sheila Grey said.
Wu Heng thought for a moment. "Just for another day or two. Let's pause sales tomorrow. Once we make some adjustments, we'll resume."
"Why pause?" Sheila Grey asked curiously.
The pills were working so well. She was curious why he'd stop.
"First, I need to repackage them. Second, safety. I'm worried someone might tamper with them—damage the reputation."
After all, it was medicine. If someone swapped one or two pills…
It could be fatal.
Sheila Grey didn't fully follow, but she understood the intent. "Alright. I'll add more guards tonight. We won't need to move people to the central district tomorrow."
"Okay," Wu Heng nodded.
He looked at Sheila, then toward the kitchen, and said, "I'll head back. Once Shiyali's cooled off, come have dinner at my place. Been a while since we ate together."
"We'll see. Talk later."
Wu Heng got up to leave. He called toward the kitchen, "Shiyali, I'm heading back. I'll come visit again in a couple of days."
Shiyali came out of the kitchen. "Mm. Go ahead."
Wu Heng walked into the courtyard. Sheila Grey followed.
Before he left, she said, "I know my sister likes you. Things are good now. We can all be together—but you have to hit level 18. Got it? I'm not living with a ghoul."
Wu Heng wrapped his arm around her waist. "Don't worry. I'll hit level 18—and love you both well."
"Ugh~! So cheesy." Sheila Grey shivered.
Wu Heng kissed her and said softly, "I'm off. I'll come see you both in a few days."
"Okay."
They parted, and Wu Heng walked out the gate.
Sheila Grey returned to the room and saw Shiyali arranging the bouquets into different vases.
She looked to be in a great mood.
"He's gone?" Shiyali turned and asked.
"He's gone," Sheila Grey said, sitting down. "So how are we explaining this to Mom?"
"You figure it out. This was your idea," Shiyali replied. "She said in her last letter she's coming to visit soon. You'd better come up with something."
Sheila Grey grabbed a piece of cake and began nibbling. "You figure it out! You're the older sister."
"Now you remember I'm the older one?"
"Doesn't matter. You figure it out."
"No, you figure it out."
"Let Wu Heng figure it out..."
"Then go call him."
...
Leaving the steward's estate, the streetlamps lit up.
Groups of residents filled the streets to cool off and watch performances under the lamps.
Besides bards telling stories, there were also small shows. It felt like a huge market—lively and bustling.
Wu Heng walked through the crowd and returned to the Island Lord's Manor.
The maids were gaming in the media room. Wu Heng entered the radio room.
He began contacting Shanaila.
Soon, her voice came through. "I'm here."
"How's Netalei City?"
"Same as before—nothing's changed," Shanaila replied.
"Any news from the investigation team?"
"No. Their intel hasn't leaked, and it's not convenient for us to dig around," Shanaila said helplessly.
Wu Heng said, "No worries. If something major happens, we'll hear about it."
"Mm," Shanaila answered briefly and said no more.
Wu Heng explained the tablet sales situation.
Shanaila wasn't surprised by the hype. "Your improved pills are the most successful product yet. They'll dominate the market eventually. But be careful—at that price, plenty of people might want you dead."
"That extreme?"
"The market is a battlefield. You're safe on Gold-Silver Island. Anywhere else, just your first few products would've gotten you imprisoned or forced into a slave contract," Shanaila said sternly.
"Scary," Wu Heng muttered. "Those alchemists clinging to overpriced low-level potions don't deserve sympathy. We're doing the right thing—helping more regular people."
Shanaila sounded surprised. "You're actually sticking to your principles... Hmm. I have to admit, you sounded kinda charming just now—like a real grown-up."
Wu Heng ignored her comment.
He continued, "I'm planning to pause sales and tie the pills to myself to boost reputation."
Then he laid out the full plan.
Shanaila fell silent.
After a long pause, she finally said, "I don't oppose you preparing for the future, but don't you think this is a bit early? You're only level 15. Making big moves now will draw unwanted attention."