Chapter 405: Taking the First Step with Ease

When Su Yan mentioned the Feng family, Zhou Xiongfeng's expression darkened slightly.

"If it is just that point, Master Su can rest completely assured. Although Kong Shan Kui is an old-fashioned traditionalist with many flaws, he will absolutely not go astray like the Feng family. Actually, there is one more thing Master Su likely does not know: lately, the heads of our three great families have already been planning an expedition to suppress the Feng family!"

Before Su Yan could even speak this time, Zhou Li lost his composure.

"Father, how could you not have mentioned such a major matter to me?"

An expedition against the Feng family would inevitably involve a fierce battle. The family would be in dire need of manpower; how could he leave at such a critical moment?

Zhou Xiongfeng felt deeply gratified knowing Zhou Li's intentions, but these were not things he needed to worry about.

Furthermore, as a father, he was also somewhat selfish. After all, Zhou Li was his only son; how could he bear to let him take risks time and time again?

"The New Year is approaching. After the New Year, I will meet with your Uncles Kong and Ma to finalize the complete plan. However, none of you need to worry; the three great families have more than enough strength to deal with a single Feng family."

They possessed this confidence. If it weren't because the Feng family still had some utility, they would have made their move long ago.

Zhou Li wanted to say something more, but he was stopped by a look from Zhou Xiongfeng.

His most important task right now was to close the distance with Su Yan and make her a member of the Zhou family.

Besides, if an accident truly occurred, he didn't believe Su Yan could simply stand by and watch, given her excellent relationship with the Ma siblings.

Though worried, Zhou Li could only shut his mouth.

Su Yan suppressed the joy in her heart. She hadn't even made her move yet, and the four great families were already beginning their strife.

"Has it been completely confirmed that the Feng family has turned traitor?"

Zhou Xiongfeng hadn't intended to say too much, but seeing that Su Yan seemed very interested, he gave an affirmative answer.

"The Feng family grew greedy; they dream every day of dominating the world. But since they lack the actual strength, it is no surprise they have turned to the path of evil."

Hearing this, Su Yan felt completely relieved.

So, she could now play the role of the mantis stalking the cicada, only to be caught by the oriole behind.

"Forget it, let's not talk about these matters. Let's just enjoy this meal happily to see you off," Zhou Xiongfeng proactively ended the topic.

Su Yan did not press further; causing Zhou Xiongfeng's suspicion now would be more loss than gain.

***

The next day.

Su Yan and Zhou Li appeared together at the railway station platform.

Originally, according to Zhou Xiongfeng's wishes, he had arranged for vehicles to drive them back directly, but Su Yan had refused.

Zhou Xiongfeng came to the station personally to see them off.

The instructions for Zhou Li had already been given in advance; now, Zhou Xiongfeng was like an ordinary, doting father, incessantly nagging his son who was departing on a long journey.

"Remember, do not cause any trouble for Master Su. Stay by her side and learn well. Not just in terms of exorcism, but also how to conduct yourself in society. Most importantly, you must take good care of Master Su."

Standing amidst the bustling crowd, Su Yan listened to Zhou Xiongfeng's words.

If he truly couldn't bear to part with him, he wouldn't have insisted that Zhou Li follow her.

"Dad, don't worry, I'll remember everything," Zhou Li promised solemnly.

Zhou Xiongfeng patted his shoulder. In truth, he knew well that his son's body was still extremely weak, and this journey was indeed a risk, but opportunities wait for no one.

In the future, Zhou Li was to become the head of the Zhou family. If he had a capable helper like Su Yan by his side, he would have no more worries.

"Alright, go on then. Have a safe trip!"

Seeing that the farewell was ending, Su Yan took the initiative to greet Zhou Xiongfeng and then boarded the train.

Zhou Li was a few steps slower than her, continuously waving goodbye to Zhou Xiongfeng.

As the train started moving, Zhou Li sat by the window, watching Zhou Xiongfeng's figure on the platform, unable to pull his gaze away for a long time.

"Is this your first time traveling far on your own?" Su Yan asked casually, noticing Zhou Li's reluctant expression.

"Ah?" Zhou Li didn't react immediately. It wasn't until he noticed Su Yan's scrutiny that he realized what she meant, and his face turned a bashful red. "No, I used to go out often."

It was just that every time he traveled, he had many attendants, whereas this time, to avoid offending Su Yan, even Zhou Chong had not accompanied him.

Su Yan smiled slightly. "Young Master Zhou needn't be embarrassed. It is inevitable to feel some discomfort when traveling alone."

Zhou Li quickly regained his composed, mature demeanor. "You don't need to call me Young Master Zhou. You can just call me Zhou Li or Xiao Li."

He was trying to win Su Yan's favor; a title like "Young Master Zhou" felt far too distant.

Su Yan replied, "I am a few months older than you, so I'll just call you by your name."

After all, they were not yet close enough to call him "Xiao Li," nor would they reach that stage.

Zhou Li caught the emphasis in her words. "Senior Sister Su is only a few months older than me?"

Su Yan countered, "Does it not seem so?"

Zhou Li hurriedly shook his head. "I didn't mean it like that. Senior Sister Su is so capable that it's truly easy to overlook your age. But looking at you now, Senior Sister Su is truly young and beautiful—more beautiful than any girl I have ever met."

He was not stingy with his praise. Although he rarely interacted with girls, as the future head of the Zhou family, his schemes were far from lacking.

Sure enough, a hint of a smile appeared on Su Yan's face.

After all, what girl doesn't like being complimented? However, this smile only remained on the surface and did not reach the depths of her eyes.

Seeing her smile, Zhou Li felt a boost of confidence. It seemed the task his father had assigned him would not be too difficult.

"You must be mentally prepared to stay by my side. No one will take care of you like they do the Young Master Zhou; you will have to do everything yourself," Su Yan's voice was soft, but her words were not vague at all.

Furthermore, she already had her own plans. Agreeing to Zhou Xiongfeng to bring Zhou Li along was one thing; whether Zhou Li had the ability to actually stay was quite another.

At this time, Zhou Li had not yet realized what he would encounter next, and he agreed very readily.

"Don't worry, Senior Sister Su. I have endured hardships and undergone rigorous training before. I don't need anyone's care!"

As if to prove his words, he straightened his back significantly.

The smile on Su Yan's face brightened a bit more, and the look in her eyes became particularly meaningful.

"With those words, I am relieved."

Zhou Li breathed a long sigh of relief in his heart. He had easily accomplished the first step in gaining Su Yan's trust.

He had previously promised his father that he would definitely make Su Yan fall in love with him within six months, but now, it seemed that might not be necessary.

(End of Chapter)