A furious blush consumed Chu Chuyan’s cheeks. Countless people had praised her beauty over the years, but most of them did it in an indirect manner. This was the first time someone had so directly and passionately complimented her, and it left her a little self-conscious.

Meanwhile, Qin Wanru’s frown only deepened. This fellow sure has a slippery tongue. The more I look at him, the more hateful he becomes.

Chu Zhongtian coughed lightly. “It’s impolite to speak at the dining table,” he reminded Zu An.

Zu An decided to rein himself in for now, and the five of them continued their meal in silence. It didn’t take long for them to finish up, and the servants quickly entered with saltwater for them to gargle their mouths with while they whisked away the plates and utensils.

Zu An was puzzled at this new development. Food was usually sent to his room, but today, he had been called over to the main table to eat together with the rest of the family. Was this a sign that he was starting to be accepted by them?

While he was pondering this, Chu Zhongtian suddenly spoke up. “Chuyan, how was your trip to Luling?”

Zu An was taken aback. Were they going to talk business in his presence? Had they truly stopped viewing him as an outsider?

“I investigated the matter, and it appears the goods were intercepted by the Blackwind Stockade. I swept the area with my men, but it...