Chapter 1396

"Really?"

Bai Susu suddenly looked up at Lin Cheng, whose eyes were utterly sincere, as if saying, 'I've already forgiven you,' 'we're good friends again.'

"Brother-in-law, I've missed you so much—where's my sister?"

As Gong Bailiu sidled up beside him, Lin Cheng spun around and slashed his palm down onto the man's crown.

"Who the hell are you, coming over and acting like family?"

In an instant, Gong Bailiu was stunned into silence by the retort.

Who exactly is my brother-in-law? Where is he? Where is my sister?

His three great life mysteries were written plainly across his face.

"It's me! It's me!"

Realizing it, Gong Bailiu clung to Lin Cheng's thigh and wailed.

But Lin Cheng only wanted to shove this shameless bastard away—he dared call him brother-in-law, and now he was hugging his thigh? And worst of all, he was a guy! Disgusting!

"So who the hell are you?"

"It's me, Bailiu—Gong Bailiu 17!"

"Oh."

Lin Cheng's pushing motion stopped instantly as his mind rapidly recalled every memory of Gong Bailiu.

He vaguely remembered Qianhui really did have a younger brother; seeing the man's pouting, wounded expression, the slightly arrogant tilt of his face slowly merged with the memory of that same arrogant face in Lin Cheng's mind.

"So it's you? I'd have forgotten you if you hadn't spoken up."

Lin Cheng scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"What about me?" came Bai Susu's cold voice from beside him.

Lin Cheng turned stiffly—Bai Susu's face was pale, her shoulders trembling as if suppressing something.

A bad premonition flashed through him.

"How could I ever forget you? Aren't you my old customer, Miss Bai? I'd forget anyone before forgetting you, this beautiful lady."

"Heh. How could I possibly believe that?" Bai Susu's gaze was icy, cold enough to frighten someone to death.

"It's definitely your illusion!"

Lin Cheng shook his head frantically—he'd be a fool to admit it—and quickly changed the subject.

"You've come a long way—you must be exhausted. Come with me to the tavern, rest properly. This meal's on me—don't be polite."

"Hmph!" Bai Susu snorted coldly.

Though she knew Lin Cheng had clearly forgotten her, hearing him say that still warmed her heart a little.

Women are so complicated—they already know the outcome, yet still crave the words they want to hear, whether the man means them or not; first satisfy your vanity, then turn to the other members and snapped angrily:

"You all—eat your fill! Don't stop until you've eaten this guy bankrupt!"

"Yes, boss."

Lin Cheng, leading the way, nearly stumbled, his mouth twitching—then a sly smirk curled at his lips.

Want to eat me bankrupt? Go ahead—don't forget to bring your friends too.

As they entered the tavern, a young servant hurried forward.

"Take these few to a private room, then serve them the special extra-large burger and lemon water—got it?"

"Understood, Master Lin Cheng."

Lin Cheng demonstrated with his arms in the air—the servant instantly understood, nodding vigorously, eyes wide with shock as he kept glancing at Lin Cheng's group: Could these few possibly finish the custom burgers?

"If they can't finish it, force them to eat it—if they can't, come find me!"

The flicker of cunning in Lin Cheng's eyes made him relish the mockery—he couldn't miss this chance.

Think you can eat me bankrupt? I'll make sure you don't die of hunger!

"Understood."

"What were you whispering about? Where's my sister?" Gong Bailiu sidled up again, eager to know what Lin Cheng had said, while glancing left and right, searching for Qianhui.

Lin Cheng quickly waved the servant away, holding up two fingers—the servant understood and gave a thumbs-up.

"Nothing. Just treating you all to a big meal—if you can't finish it, come find me. Saving food is everyone's duty."

"Got it, brother-in-law."

Hearing there was a big meal, Gong Bailiu instantly forgot about the other person, his mouth watering. These days in the group had been brutal—they'd split a copper coin in half to make it last; if not for the occasional bandits who kindly 'relieved' them on the road, they might never have reached Stone Fortress City.

"Come with me—I'll make sure you're all stuffed! Hehe!"

Lin Cheng slung an arm around his brother Gong Bailiu's shoulders and headed toward the second-floor private room number two.

Behind them, Bai Susu and the members followed—most of the members were both familiar and unfamiliar; Lin Cheng could only look at the boss, whose meaning-laden chuckle was far too obvious.

Is this guy even reliable?

Sure, he's an eighth-rank imperial blacksmith, but who knows—he might have designs on the boss and plan to drug us all.

The members worried needlessly, but Bai Susu remained calm.

If Lin Cheng had any interest in her, would she still be wandering all over the place? She'd be thrilled—she wasn't afraid he had no feelings; she was afraid he had none at all.

Alas, the greatest tragedy in life is this: she wants him, but he sees her as a brother.

Private room number two.

"Here we are—eat and drink here. I've got some business to attend to; I'll come back after I'm done." Lin Cheng glanced at Bai Susu, who nodded.