These words carried a hint of sarcasm, clearly indicating that he also harbored his own dissatisfaction with the Hualan Empire.

From this perspective, sending his two daughters to study under Xu Shi was not only farsighted, but perhaps also showed a certain ambition.

"Since that's the case, of course I can't refuse. We're friends, after all."

Xu Shi's smile widened. He liked the other party's straightforwardness. "Let me make you another promise. No matter what happens between me and the Empire, Silver Pine Island and our Night Sin City can maintain this relationship. Once the shipping route is stable, Brother Pan can also send others to our place for exchanges."

The truth is, he couldn't be happier that Pan Cheng had such thoughts, because he had already used this place as a forward base for his overseas expansion, and giving the other party such convenience would definitely be a win-win situation.

"However, I must warn you that following us may not be an easy thing; you might suffer a lot."

"I'm not afraid!"

Pan Feng was the first to speak up, and even patted his taciturn sister next to him, "Xiao Ling won't be afraid either, right?"

"Uh-huh!"

Xiaoling nodded vigorously.

"That's good."

Xu Shi was very satisfied with their attitude. "Then I only have one condition."

"What do you say, Brother Xu?"

“I would like to call this relationship ‘studying abroad’, and since it’s about studying, it needs to be called that.”

Xu Shi smiled and called out, "Wuyou! Xia Wuyou!"

"Here I am, here I am, what are you shouting for... what's wrong?"

Xia Xiaomao was packing her things when he called her over, and she was completely confused.

"Here, I've found you an apprentice."

Xu Shi pointed at Pan Feng, "From today onwards, the two of them will be master and disciple. What do you think, Brother Pan?"

"That would be perfect."

Pan Cheng had no objection to this.

"Then... Master, please accept this disciple's bow!"

Pan Feng had no objections. In fact, over the past few days, she had already regarded Xia Wuyou as her master. What Xia Wuyou taught her was much more useful than the guidance that Luo Yu had given her in his spare time.

"Ah, you don't need to kneel down so formally..."

Xia Wuyou was still a little unaccustomed to it, so she quickly helped her up. "You can just call me sister, I don't really care about that."

Actually, what she really wanted to complain about was that she had yet another nickname for herself...

"Yes, Master! Yes, Master!"

Pan Feng responded happily.

"And Miss Xiaoling..."

"Master, Master..."

He didn't even need to say it; Pan Ling had already followed her sister's example and bowed to Xu Shi.

If she were to choose a mentor, it would naturally be Xu Shi; she had already learned a great deal from him last night.

Although she was a little afraid of Xu Shi, she didn't dislike him overall.

"Great, this makes us even closer relatives!"

Seeing this, Pan Cheng laughed heartily and dragged over a box as he spoke, "Here, since that's the case, shall this be Brother Xu's tuition fee?"

Upon opening it, it was found to be completely filled with gold and silver coins.

The people on Silverpine Island don't use currency; they're more accustomed to bartering. But it's different in the Imperial capital; gold, silver, and copper coins are the mainstream form of trade.

As the island's owner, he would naturally have some reserves.

"Brother Pan, what are you doing?"

Xu Shi waved his hand, "We're brothers and friends, this wouldn't be fun."

Goodness, not only did you pioneer the idea of ​​studying abroad, but you've also already planned to give gifts to your teachers, haven't you?

“This is different; each matter is a separate issue.”

Pan Cheng's attitude was firm: "You'll be taking care of these two brats a lot in the future... Even brothers should keep clear accounts, right?"

"...Okay, okay."

Seeing this, Xu Shi could only reluctantly accept it, without telling him that he actually didn't need it...

"Oh, at least one thing on my mind has been put to rest."

Pan Cheng breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, it's getting late. Shall I see you onto the ship?"

"You should come back to visit your parents more often in the future."

The two women bid a reluctant farewell to their daughters.

"Don't worry, sisters-in-law, we'll have plenty of time to talk in the future."

Xu Shi smiled and said, "Putting everything else aside, I'm afraid we'll be back in a while, and our base station still hasn't been repaired."

Hearing him say that, the two mothers felt much more at ease.

"I'd appreciate it if you could take good care of them."

Pan Cheng nodded and shook hands firmly with Xu Shi. "And, Brother Xu."

"Bon Voyage!"

They've stolen another potential member of the protagonist's harem, kidding, kids have their own way of handling things (lol).

Xu Shi:

As soon as I sat down, Brother Pan and his wives kowtowed to me.

Feng and Ling, please give me another bow.

The entire Pan family kowtowed.

Luo Yu respectfully kowtowed to me! (buhi)

End of this chapter