Instantly, everyone else's eyes turned to the stone.
Okay. Stone silently wiped her sweat; she didn't say anything more.
"Huo Yi, if Huo Xiaoxiao can't awaken her magical talent, can you become the heir of the Huo family?" Nana asked bluntly. In her opinion, Huo Xiaoxiao might be annoying, but her upbringing couldn't tolerate a slave's daughter inheriting the family business. "I heard that your mother came from a very lowly background. Is that true?"
How was she supposed to answer that?
Shi Tou looked up and saw that Huo Yi wasn't sitting next to them, but rather on a large rock two meters away. Huo Yi was hugging her knees tightly with both hands, her eyes were full of tears, and her lips were bitten hard, trying not to let the tears fall.
Shi Tou nudged Nana Ke, signaling her to stop talking: "That won't be the case. You yourself said that Huo Xiaoxiao's father is only 37 years old this year. He might remarry in the future, and at his age, it would be relatively easy for him to have another child. Even if he doesn't have any other children, what about the Huo family? Does that mean the entire Huo family can't find an heir?"
Nana rolled her eyes: "The Huo family is now in Huo Yuntian's hands. How could he possibly let the Huo family go to someone else? Besides, Huo Yuntian is Huo Bushan's only son. Oh, right, Huo Bushan is Huo Xiaoxiao's biological grandfather. They are the true pillars of the Huo family. They would never let those relatives control the Huo family!"
“I still think it’s unlikely. Hmm, isn’t there the Shui family too?” Shi Tou was slightly taller than Nana Ke, so she looked down at Nana Ke. She didn’t notice that Huo Yi, who was trembling beside her, was looking at her with resentful eyes.
“Although the Shui family is powerful, they can’t control this matter.” Nana shook her head. “This is, after all, a family affair of the Huo family. Now that Shui Bi has married Huo Yuntian, she is no longer a member of the Shui family. Besides, Shui Bi is the youngest daughter of the former head of the Shui family, which is the younger sister of the current head of the family. There’s a whole different level between a mother and daughter and sisters!”
"Wait a minute, Nana, I remember you said before that the Shui family only accepts sons-in-law who live with their families?" Shi Tou suddenly remembered this: "Then why does Huo Xiaoxiao have her father's surname?"
Nana looked at Shi Tou with a wry smile: "The head of the Shui family has always been a woman; she's the one who married into the family. And if a young lady of the Shui family wants, she can also marry into the family. But that doesn't mean all young ladies of the Shui family have to do so. Do you understand?"
"Oh." Stone nodded and said nothing more.
“Sister, I also think the Huo family wouldn’t let a slave’s daughter be their heir. No matter what, the Huo family is one of the six great families of the East. Even if the Huo family can afford to lose face, the other five of the six great families of the East will stop them.” It was Annie who spoke. She tugged at Cage’s arm: “Brother, if you become the head of the Kru family in the future, would you befriend a family that lets a slave’s daughter be their head?”
Cage hadn't expected this turn of events and immediately broke out in a sweat: "No, no way."
Nana couldn't stand Cage's timid and cowardly manner. She said angrily, "Cage, you're supposed to be the eldest son of the Kru family. Can't you at least act like one? Annie may be a girl and timid, but she's not like you!" Nana got angrier and angrier and couldn't help but push Cage.
Cage was suddenly pushed by his cousin and fell to the ground with a thud, staring at Nana in disbelief.
Nana saw the hurt look on Cage's face and realized she had gone too far. After all, although she was nominally Cage's cousin, she was actually just being fostered by the Kru family. She immediately felt a little regretful.
Although she is now an orphan, she was pampered and spoiled growing up, so she inevitably has a temper: "When I saw Huo Xiaoxiao get fierce just now, you weren't scared, so why are you so frightened when I say this to you?"
Cage opened his mouth, but no words came out.
When Annie saw her brother being bullied by her cousin, she didn't know what to say. She just ran over and helped her brother up, saying, "Sister, brother didn't mean to make you angry. We're just still little. When he grows up, he'll definitely be as brave as Dad!"
Nana remained silent with a cold face. Shi Tou thought for a moment, realizing it wouldn't be good for things to remain so tense: "Weren't we discussing the Huo family's affairs? Why are you two arguing? Oh, right, I know!"
Shi Tou suddenly slapped his forehead: "Hitting someone is a sign of affection, scolding someone is a sign of love, right?"
Instantly, Nana's expression twisted, while Cage and Annie looked completely astonished.
"What's wrong? You're cousins, and your mothers are sisters, right?" Shi Tou pondered. If this were in his previous life, this kind of relationship would definitely not allow them to be together, but in this situation, it shouldn't matter too much, right?
“No, my mother is my sister’s mother’s cousin.” Annie probably wasn’t confused enough, so she added another sentence, and immediately, Stone’s eyes began to shine.
“Great! How about I be the matchmaker?” Thinking that there might not even be a matchmaker in this world, Stone added, “I’ll be the introducer, Nana, you and Cage can get engaged first.”
"Serena Beth!!!" Nana finally broke her silence and jumped up.
Shi Tou immediately turned and ran. What a joke! She was already furious. If he didn't run, was he supposed to wait to be chased down and killed by her?
Distracted by the stone, Cage wasn't so embarrassed anymore. Yes, embarrassed, but he wasn't really angry with Nanako. Ever since his mother decided to bring Nanako home, she had a serious talk with Cage and Annie. He felt only sympathy and admiration for his cousin, who was of noble birth, incredibly talented, but whose life had been filled with hardship.
"You brat! I'll tear your mouth apart for talking nonsense!" Nana shouted as she chased after the stone.
Stone, meanwhile, kept running and causing trouble.
"What do you want?!"
The two were playing around when suddenly, a scream came from not far away, and the direction was clearly the location where the Blood Pearl Fruit had been found.
Huo Xiaoxiao stood there, frozen in place.
-----
It's past midnight, time to go back to work tomorrow, I feel like dying...
☆, Chapter 117 The Tragic Show-off Milk
"Milk?!" Upon hearing Huo Xiaoxiao's voice, everyone rushed over. Unexpectedly, Shi Tou suddenly exclaimed in surprise, and before anyone else could react, he hid behind Lin Qi.
Hehe, well, she didn't say anything.
Lin Qi was about to ask a question when Shi Tou suddenly blurted out something, silencing him.
"This is my Blood Pearl Fruit. Are you trying to rob me?" Lin Qi could remain silent, but Huo Xiaoxiao couldn't. She knew this Blood Pearl Fruit was crucial to her future. Huo Xiaoxiao put her hands on her hips, glaring angrily, and shouted, "Get out of my way!"
Dali Terunsu squinted at Huo Xiaoxiao with a dangerous look: "Where did this little brat come from? It's not your place to talk, adults are talking!"
Huo Xiaoxiao was so angry she almost fell backward. She stomped her foot hard and glared back at Lin Qi.
Lin Qi finally came to his senses, and before he could even settle scores with Shi Tou, he strode forward, blocking Huo Xiaoxiao behind him: "Young Master Terunsu, may I ask what brings you here?"
"I found a Blood Pearl Fruit, it's that simple." Terunsu's gaze fell undisguisedly on the small red fruit next to Huo Xiaoxiao.
"That's mine!" Huo Xiaoxiao jumped up and pounced on the Blood Pearl Fruit. "Nobody's allowed to take it!"
Terunsu was so startled by Huo Xiaoxiao's actions that he almost jumped up as well, but when he saw that Huo Xiaoxiao was only protecting the Blood Pearl Fruit and not eating it, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief. However, at the same time, a question crossed his mind.
Lin Qi frowned as he sized up Terunsu. The Eternal Night Mercenary Group was originally one of the top mercenary groups in the Mercenary Association. Even though the Beth family's all-out suppression had led to a large loss of elites, their foundation was still much better than that of the Starshine Mercenary Group.
Of course, it's inevitable that the Eternal Night Mercenary Group will face a manpower shortage this year. And that's why this guy, Ternsue, who was originally just a low-level henchman, has appeared.
“Young Master Terunsu, we found this Blood Bead Fruit first. I remember the Mercenary Association’s rule is first come, first served, right?” Lin Qi subtly observed the people behind Terunsu.
This time, Terunsu's task should be the same as his. The difference is that on Xingyao's side, he is the only one in charge of the children's group. On Yongye's side, however, there are two people. In addition to Dali Terunsu, who is already a three-star battle qi master, there is another person that Lin Qi has never seen before.
"Really? Since you guys found it first, why didn't you distribute it immediately? Oh, I know, you must have brought a bunch of penniless guys this time, right?" Terunsu's lips curled up, revealing a mocking smile: "It's okay, they don't have money, but we do. Give me this Blood Bead Fruit, I won't take advantage of you, 1000 gold coins."
As he spoke, Terunsu took out a small silk pouch from his spatial bracelet.
So, Huo Xiaoxiao exploded: "Get lost! Who wants your stinking money? This young lady has plenty of money! You show-off, get out of here!"
Stone was about to applaud; well said, that Mengniu guy was clearly a playboy. However, Stone wasn't as fierce as Huo Xiaoxiao. She simply nudged Lin Qi's back lightly and said in a very soft voice, "Uncle Lin Qi, that milk guy just said he doesn't want to take advantage of you. Tsk tsk..."
What was originally a very innocent statement immediately took on a different meaning when it came out of Shi Tou's mouth. Lin Qi's lips twitched, and he decided it was better to ignore Shi Tou for the time being: "Young Master Terunsu, this young lady is the eldest daughter of the Huo family, and I think her wealth is definitely greater than yours."
Ternsue raised an eyebrow and said in a surprised tone, "The eldest daughter of the Huo family? You're the one whose parents are incredibly talented, but who herself is a good-for-nothing?"
╮(╯_╰)╭
Stone suddenly had a great feeling, "Young Master Milk, you're in for a world of trouble."
"Boom!" A loud noise followed. Stone looked at the spot where Young Master Milk had been standing and was immediately horrified.
"You! Cough cough cough!" To be honest, this Dali Terunsu was actually quite good-looking, tall and thin, with fair and delicate skin. Deep down, Stone thought this guy was really suited to be a gigolo kept by women. Of course, if men were interested, they could keep him too…
Okay, let's rewind to one minute ago.
Hearing what Mengniu said, Huo Xiaoxiao instantly took out an unidentified object from her spatial bracelet and then pressed it down hard! Actually, it wasn't anything special; Mengniu simply turned pure milk into chocolate milk—well, it even increased in value!
"Even if I, Huo Xiaoxiao, don't have awakened magical talent, I won't let you, a show-off, bully me!" Huo Xiaoxiao held the thing in her hand high: "Want to try some more?"
Terunsu looked at the thing in Huo Xiaoxiao's hand as if he were constipated: "This is... could it be that this is the explosive rocket launcher left behind by Princess Irene back then?"
Pfft~~~
Stone coughed up a mouthful of blood, damn it!
"Hmph, I didn't expect you, you show-off, to actually have a bit of insight? I thought you were just repeating grades at Imperial Academy!" Huo Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes at him disdainfully, but little did she know that while she was looking down on someone who had repeated a grade, she herself didn't even have the qualifications to be admitted.
Forced to transform into chocolate milk, Young Master Ternsue hesitated for a fleeting moment before finally gritting his teeth and leaving. Of course, to maintain his image as a bully, Ternsue snarled as he left, "Hmph, this time I'm being magnanimous and won't hold it against you. Next time..."
"Next time, I'll beat you into a charred roast chicken!" Huo Xiaoxiao shouted arrogantly, swinging the so-called explosive rocket launcher in her hand as she watched Terunsu and her men walk away.
Lin Qi wiped the cold sweat from his forehead: "Hey, Miss Huo, can you take it easy? That's the Eternal Night Mercenary Group!"
"Lin Qi, you coward! What happened to the Eternal Night Mercenary Group? Didn't they get taken care of by the Beth family?" Huo Xiaoxiao curled her lips dismissively and casually put away the Explosive Flame Rocket Launcher in her hand.
Lin Qi was on the verge of tears. They were once the number one mercenary group in the Fallen Nether Empire! Even if they weren't as powerful as before, they were still a top-ten mercenary group. Little miss, you might not be afraid, but we are!
"Miss Huo, what were you holding just now?" Stone had absolutely no interest in the milk; she was more interested in the weapon Huo Xiaoxiao had used to ambush the milk: "What an amazing weapon! That fair-skinned milk just transformed into something amazing in an instant..."
Stone paused for a moment, then continued, "It has transformed into a lump of dung."
Huo Xiaoxiao: "..."
Seeing that Huo Xiaoxiao didn't react (actually, she didn't know how to react), Shi Tou had to move a little closer: "Miss Huo, please let me take a look. Um, just a look!"
"I'm not dead." Huo Xiaoxiao squeezed out the words through gritted teeth, and took out the thing again in an annoyed tone: "Here you go, give it back to me right away when you're done looking at it!"
Stone held the Explosive Rocket Launcher in both hands, examining it from head to toe. Hesitantly, he asked, "Is...something missing? Where are the shells?"
"Huh?" Huo Xiaoxiao was startled and stared intently at the stone. "How did you know I didn't put the cannonball in?"
Stone broke out in a cold sweat. Could she say she had seen a real rocket launcher in a movie theater before? "Hehe, just guessing, just guessing."
"You can't play with the rocket launcher. Dad didn't give me many anyway." Huo Xiaoxiao said, snatching the rocket launcher from Shi Tou's hand. "Alright, I showed it to you because you mocked Mengniu earlier. Now you can give it back. By the way, why did you call it milk earlier?"
Because not all milk is called Mengniu...
"Because he's fair-skinned and smooth-skinned, just like a gigolo who lives off women. Tell me, what else could he be but milk?" Of course, Shi Tou wouldn't reveal the real reason, but having grown up in the information age, she could easily come up with a few convincing excuses.
This reason was universally disliked, but miraculously became synonymous with Mengniu's Ternsue milk tea. The simple word "milk" was no longer sufficient to describe Ternsue. After Miss Huo's improvements, Ternsue's newly created name was—
Showy Milk...
Of course, Show-off Milk himself is unaware of this situation; he's focused solely on finding Blood Pearl Fruit. While searching, he's also wondering, "How strange, why does the yield of Blood Pearl Fruit seem particularly low this year?"
"Young Master Terunsu will probably be operating in this area as well, so we need to be careful in the future." Sitting in front of the campfire, Lin Qi solemnly warned everyone, successfully earning everyone's contempt.
"Don't you have me?" Nana said bluntly, "You can't beat that show-off Milk?"
Lin Qimo. Although Terunsu's reputation isn't great, he's still a student at the Imperial Capital Academy: "Young Master Terunsu is a student at the Imperial Capital Academy's Dou Qi Division. Although he repeated a year, it's undeniable that he's still a very excellent three-star Dou Qi master."
"Extremely outstanding? Are you kidding me?" Nana's eyes widened. "If he's so outstanding, why would he repeat a year for ten years?"
Pfft~~~
The stone spewed out another gush of energy; ten years of repeating a grade?!
"Ahem." Lin Qi was also embarrassed: "It's precisely because he repeated ten years that we say he's excellent!"
Could you be any more shameless?
Lin Qi probably realized that what he said was not convincing, so he quickly explained, "Young Master Terunsu stayed at the three-star Dou Qi Master level for a full ten years. In other words, among all the three-star Dou Qi Masters in the capital, he is indeed the most outstanding."