Chapter 124: We Haven't Even Slept Together Yet!

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Phoebe sipped her crystal-clear red wine, which shimmered with a marvelous glow, and cast a glance at Han Shuo, speaking in a low voice.

"No... nothing at all," Han Shuo stammered, flustered.

"Then why are you drooling?" Phoebe pointed at the corner of Han Shuo’s mouth, laughing playfully.

He wiped his chin and, sure enough, found some moisture there. Embarrassed, Han Shuo said awkwardly, "Uh, it’s not drool, it’s wine—really, it’s just wine!"

"Oh," Phoebe said with amusement. "So it’s wine. You’re a grown man; how can you be so clumsy as to spill your drink? That’s truly interesting!"

Feeling that the atmosphere was somehow off, Han Shuo found Phoebe’s soft, gentle tone quite pleasant. His mind began to wander, and his eyes involuntarily drifted back toward the crack in the rockery.

"Since we started eating, you’ve looked at that crack in the rockery to the left nine times. Is there really something there worth your attention?" Phoebe’s beautiful eyes turned, settling sharply on him as she asked softly.

Startled, Han Shuo blurted out, "How did you know I kept looking there? You even counted that I looked nine times?"

At this question, Phoebe’s cheeks flushed even deeper. She let out a soft huff and whispered, "You were sneaking glances like a thief. I was sitting right across from you, so of course I saw everything. I know exactly what kind of devious thoughts were running through your mind when you were looking over there."

"Then tell me, what devious thoughts do you think I had?" Having lived through the previous moment, Han Shuo suddenly felt he had lost the upper hand. A Demonic Cultivator has never feared convention; to achieve what one desires is the ultimate satisfaction, regardless of what others think or say. Realizing this, he stopped trying to conceal his gaze and stared straight into Phoebe’s eyes with a grin.

Phoebe froze, the blush on her face spreading down to her slender, fair neck. She stammered for a long time, her face turning beet-red without managing to articulate a clear word. Her bashful demeanor was even worse than Han Shuo’s had been just moments before.

Seeing Phoebe like this, Han Shuo burst into a hearty laugh, feeling his earlier frustration and passivity vanish. "I never expected Miss Phoebe to care so much about me. You even kept count of how many times I looked—I’m truly flattered."

"Brian, shut up! I’ve realized you’re full of tricks. If I do business with you in the future, I’m sure I’ll be the one losing money," Phoebe said, annoyed and embarrassed, glaring at him with a pout.

Her comment reminded Han Shuo of the Medivh Trading Company. His playful expression turned serious as he said, "Speaking of business, I just remembered something. You mentioned the Medivh Trading Company before, saying they were your competitors, right?"

The sudden shift in topic surprised Phoebe, who looked at him in bewilderment. She nodded and replied, "That’s right. The Medivh Trading Company belongs to the Bart Trade Alliance. Lately, they’ve been coming to our Lancelot Empire to do business frequently. They don't transport their goods through imperial towns, so they don't pay customs duties. Once their goods reach the empire, they price them very low, which has had an impact on our guild."

Han Shuo smiled faintly. "Bypassing regular channels certainly allows for high profits, especially in industries banned by the empire where the rewards are staggering. The Medivh Trading Company is quite bold."

"Why did you suddenly bring them up?" Phoebe asked, puzzled.

"I have a friend in the Dark Forest who works in a... specialized industry. Recently, he intercepted a Medivh Trading Company caravan and obtained a lot of luxury goods. He wants me to help move them. I wonder if I could handle it through you?"

"If you're a bandit, just say you're a bandit—'specialized industry,' indeed. In the Dark Forest, bandits are a dime a dozen; there’s nothing strange about that. Heh, the Medivh Trading Company avoids major cities to evade heavy taxes, which naturally increases their risk. However, they have private guards, so very few foolish bandits dare to touch them. Your friend is quite something to be able to seize goods from them!"

"That goes without saying. So, do you dare to accept goods from the Medivh Trading Company?"

"As long as they aren't war supplies for sieges, our guild will take them. I hear the empire has been cracking down on that lately, so if it's siege equipment, forget it."

When Phoebe said this, Han Shuo remembered what Emily had mentioned and faintly understood something. However, Han Shuo had already promised the war supplies to Emily, and he only intended to sell the luxury goods meant for nobles to Phoebe, so he had no concerns.

"Don't worry, I won't put you in a difficult position. I've finished my meal; I'll come see you in a few days. Please help me get my business handled as soon as possible," Han Shuo said to reassure her, then stood up, ready to leave.

Seeing him about to go, Phoebe hesitated for a moment before saying with some embarrassment, "Actually, there is one thing I’d like to trouble you with."

Han Shuo looked at her in surprise. "What is it?"

"In five days, I have to attend a banquet. If I go alone, some annoying people might pester me. I’d like you to attend with me—as my boyfriend, just like last time," Phoebe said softly, casting a shy glance at him.

Han Shuo gave a wry smile and shook his head. "Forget it. I don't want to be your shield again. If I provoke someone's jealousy and they target me behind my back, I'll be in danger. Why don't you find someone else?"

"No!" Phoebe exclaimed, then explained with a pained expression, "Last time at the guild, I already introduced you to the elders. If I suddenly bring someone else after only a month, everyone will think I’m a fickle woman. That absolutely won't do!"

Han Shuo remained hesitant, looking troubled. Phoebe stared at him for a moment and said petulantly, "If you don't agree, I won't be very diligent with my work. It wouldn't be strange if the things you asked me to handle get delayed for ten days or half a month."

This was not what Han Shuo wanted to see. Upon hearing this, he truly had no choice but to nod helplessly. "Fine, fine. Just don't blame me if I embarrass you."

"That's more like it. How could you let me bring someone else to the banquet? Aren't you worried I might get taken advantage of?" Phoebe asked, a faint smile returning to her face now that he had agreed.

"Aren't you afraid I'll take advantage of you while I'm at it?" Han Shuo retorted, rolling his eyes.

At these words, Phoebe's beautiful face turned red again. She turned her head away, unable to look at him, and whispered, "I'm not afraid. You've already taken advantage of everything you could anyway."

Han Shuo felt a stir in his heart. Seeing the flush on her neck and ears from behind, he blurted out impulsively, "Not everything—we haven't slept together yet!"

The moment the words left his mouth, Han Shuo realized what he had said. Before Phoebe could speak, he stood up and walked quickly toward the exit, saying hurriedly, "I'm full, I'm heading out. I'll be back in five days."

"You foul-mouthed, wretched scoundrel!" Phoebe had never expected him to say such a thing. She was instantly enraged and cursed at his retreating back. Only after he had vanished did she let out a soft, stifled giggle. "Damn him, to think he’d dare say such things to me. Hmph, he's getting bolder and bolder!"

Leaving the Boost Trading Company, it was just past noon. Counting the days since his last report to Dark Veil, it had been nearly a month, so Han Shuo hired a carriage to head toward the Dark Veil stronghold.

A block away from the base, he got off the carriage, released his three demonic spirits to scout the perimeter, and walked toward the manor alone.

"Boss, you're finally here! I’ve been counting the days; I knew you were due to report in. I specifically swapped my shift just to wait for you and bring you into the organization," the thief Chester popped out the moment Han Shuo arrived, whispering excitedly.

"Uh, why do you call me 'Boss'?" Han Shuo asked, looking at him with confusion.

"I’m going to follow your lead from now on, hoping you’ll give me some pointers. Naturally, I have to show you respect," Chester said as if it were obvious.

"That title doesn't sound right. Let’s stick to how we addressed each other before. But don't worry, if there are any good missions, I’ll be sure to ask for you to join," Han Shuo said.

Thrilled by the promise, Chester eagerly led Han Shuo inside, chatting incessantly and asking where he had been and if he had gone on any missions.

Han Shuo casually fielded Chester's questions as they moved deeper into the Dark Veil stronghold. This time, he felt no surprise as he navigated the familiar path to Candida’s room.

"Hmm, you really came. I thought Emily was lying to me," Candida said without looking up, sitting in a dim corner and studying a magic vial.

Surprised that Emily had mentioned him, Han Shuo stood there in silence, not knowing what she might have said.

After a moment, Candida set the vial aside and, with her perpetually gloomy face, said in a low voice, "Emily said she ran into you in the Dark Forest by chance and was very impressed by your conduct and ability. It truly surprises me; I never expected someone as picky as Emily to evaluate you so highly. It seems you do have some unique qualities."

*No kidding,* Han Shuo thought with a smirk, *Emily is my woman, of course she said nice things about me.* He kept his expression neutral and said, "It’s been a month since my last mission. I’m here to report in as per the rules, and to see if there are any other assignments."

Dark Veil generally didn't interfere in personal matters, so Han Shuo didn't offer an explanation regarding how he knew Emily. Since Emily had already spoken, she must have covered whatever needed hiding. As long as Han Shuo didn't talk too much, there wouldn't be any trouble.

Candida nodded. "Emily praised you and specifically requested that you join her for the mission she is handling. You will share in the credit. What do you think? You are my subordinate; even Emily cannot use you without your consent, but if you are willing, that is a different matter."

Given his relationship with Emily, he had no reason to refuse. Furthermore, her mission involved moving that batch of goods through the Forest Trolls—a process he was already inadvertently entangled in. If this could be formalized as a mission to earn credit, it was even better.

"No problem, I’m willing to help her complete the mission," Han Shuo agreed without hesitation. He paused and added, "The thief who brought me here, Chester, is very sharp. Can he participate as well?"

"The mission belongs to Emily. Whether or not to add another person is up to her; you should ask her directly," Candida replied coolly. She paused, then continued, "Emily is the younger sister of Emias. Her status within Dark Veil is not low, so interacting with her will indeed be beneficial to you. However, Emily’s real-world identity is somewhat complex. Be careful so you don't give people something to use against you."

Emias was one of the three leaders of Dark Veil, responsible for monitoring and investigating the empire's high-ranking nobles and officials. He was a powerful political figure who operated in the open. Han Shuo had never expected Emily to be his sister.

Additionally, Candida’s hint that Emily’s other identity was "complex" made Han Shuo curious about what she truly meant.

"So you didn't know these things. I'm just giving you a heads-up so you can be careful. Well, that’s all. She has already pulled your file to review, so she will be able to find you easily. Come see me again once you and she have completed the mission," Candida said, watching Han Shuo.