Chapter 293, Not Lacking Suitors
She bought the house next door?
When the renovation was going on, he had speculated about who might move in.
Perhaps some local aristocrats or leaders of big merchant guilds.
But he didn't expect it would be the wood elf hostage he rescued a while ago.
This area is indeed quite nice.
But Shanella is the president of the largest cross-sea merchant guild among the wood elves. Why would she choose to live here?
"What's wrong? Do you know her, Master?" Minnie asked softly, noticing his expression.
Andviel also looked over in confusion.
Wu Heng replied, "I just thought of someone who looks a bit like what you described."
"Is she from the Guild too?" Minnie asked further.
"Not from the Guild. During a previous mission, I rescued a wood elf hostage who looks similar to what you described." Wu Heng explained.
"Oh, so should we go?"
"Do you want to go?"
Minnie gently shook his arm, saying, "Not really. I just feel it's good to get to know the neighbors. It might be easier to connect in the future."
"Yeah, you're right. Let's get ready and attend her banquet tonight," Wu Heng said.
"Yay!" Minnie cheered.
She pulled Andviel to go downstairs to pick out their outfits.
Wu Heng arranged the skeletons guarding the residence and went to his room to find his formal wear.
The last time he rescued her, they had met briefly.
Given her high status, maintaining a friendly relationship as neighbors wouldn't be a bad thing.
Especially since things were a bit chaotic in the Yeko Kingdom.
Maybe he could use his connection with the wood elf to procure some needed goods.
...…
In the room.
Wu Heng put on a blue embroidered noble suit.
Andviel gently adjusted his collar, saying, "You look great, Master. You really suit these noble outfits."
"You both look great today too," Wu Heng said, rubbing her head.
Andviel smiled, hugging his waist and leaning her head against his chest.
Tap, tap, tap~!
Minnie came running up in a dress, holding her skirt, "Master, are you both ready?"
"Let's go and bring the prepared gift."
"Okay!"
Wu Heng led the two downstairs, accompanied by four skeleton attendants, and headed to the neighboring house.
...…
He knocked lightly on the door.
A middle-aged woman opened it.
She glanced at Wu Heng and the two maids, smiling, "You must be Deputy Steward Wu Heng. The lady has prepared the dinner; please come in."
"Yes."
The woman seemed to be the housekeeper.
Normally, housekeepers are mostly men.
But some women, for convenience, also serve as female housekeepers.
Wu Heng nodded and led the maids and attendants into the courtyard.
Unlike his barren yard, this one had flower beds filled with blooming plants and green leaves. Though the flowers weren't blooming yet, it seemed they had been growing for some time.
The group looked at the courtyard arrangement, their expressions slightly puzzled.
This place was just occupied today; how did the plants grow so quickly?
They followed the female housekeeper into the mansion.
The mansion doors opened, revealing a white stone floor, elegant decorations around, and a crystal chandelier overhead, adorned with illuminating stones.
The three of them widened their eyes.
So wealthy!
The illuminating stones on the chandelier and the surrounding decorations were probably worth more than the house itself.
Tap, tap, tap~!
Footsteps sounded.
A tall, curvaceous figure slowly descended the stairs.
Wu Heng looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly.
As expected, it was Shanella, the wood elf he had rescued from the amber.
Her skin was white as jade, her eyes deep and bright, with the proud demeanor typical of elves. Her gray-blue hair was tied up, and she wore an off-shoulder purple body-hugging dress.
She descended gracefully, her figure enchanting.
Her gaze swept over everyone present.
Finally, it landed on Wu Heng, her expression softening as she said gently, "Deputy Steward Wu Heng, I didn't expect you lived next door."
"Lady Shanella, it's good to see you again." Wu Heng greeted her with a human gesture.
Minnie and Andviel also greeted her, handing their gifts to a nearby attendant.
Shanella smiled, "It seems we are indeed quite fated."
"It's an honor to know you, Lady Shanella."
"Oh, really? Then I'll take that as the truth," Shanella's bright eyes brushed past his gaze before she continued, "Come on, dinner is ready. Let's chat while we eat."
The three of them followed her to the dining room.
The long dining table was already filled with a sumptuous spread.
Many of the dishes Wu Heng had never seen before; those he did recognize were alchemical delicacies, considered quite luxurious.
The wealthy sure know how to live.
After some polite exchanges, they sat down to eat.
The wood elf was elegant and poised, even chewing her food slowly and gracefully.
Wu Heng took a simple bite and looked up to see the wood elf across from him resting her chin in her hand, gazing at him affectionately.
"Um, Lady Shanella, why did you decide to buy a house here?" Wu Heng tried to steer the conversation.
"Well, I didn't have a place on Gold-Silver Island, and I liked it here, so I bought it," Shanella answered with a smile.
"So, Lady Shanella plans to stay on the island long-term."
Shanella raised her eyebrows, asking, "Not happy to have me as a neighbor?"
"No, it's a good thing to have you as a neighbor."
Shanella smiled, winking at him as she sipped her fruit wine, leaving a faint lipstick mark on the rim of the glass.
"Sister, how did the flowers in your yard grow so fast?" Minnie asked.
"We've developed a potion that accelerates plant growth. I'll have some sent to you; just dilute it in water and sprinkle it on the soil," Shanella replied with a smile.
"Oh, that's too kind!"
"It's just some potions; they're not too precious," Shanella said, her gaze falling back on Wu Heng, "Deputy Steward Wu Heng, where are you from?"
"A small town in the Yeko Kingdom."
"Oh, the Yeko Kingdom—a lovely place."
They continued eating and chatting, asking each other questions about things they were interested in.
The wood elf didn't seem to show any animosity toward Wu Heng's identity as a necromancer.
Instead, she seemed overly interested.
Her questions were about his origins and past life.
Such inquiries didn't touch on his safety but gave the impression that she was very curious about him.
As if they were things one would ask during a date.
After dinner,
They chatted for a while longer in the drawing room.
As night fell, they bade farewell to the wood elf and left.
Shanella had someone deliver the potions and waved goodbye to them.
...…
Back at his place.
Minnie patted her stomach, saying, "Sister Shanella is so nice, pretty, gentle, and rich."
"It's our first meeting, and we're guests; of course, she would be gentle." Andviel, now in her home attire, continued, "Does she have a crush on Master? I felt like she looked at you differently."
"Maybe she's just overly enthusiastic. Given her status, she's well beyond the level of a socialite and must have plenty of suitors," Wu Heng said as he changed clothes.
At most, they were just fond of each other's company.
Someone like her, with her looks and status, certainly didn't lack admirers.
"What if she really wants that? Would you marry her as your wife?" Minnie asked.
"Elves live for hundreds of years, and it seems she already has a husband."
"Oh."
After changing his clothes,
They enjoyed tea in the living room for a while.
Before going to bed, Wu Heng practiced his sword in the courtyard.
Seeing him go out, the two girls also changed into training outfits and joined in.
They returned inside late at night to rest.
...…
The next day, early morning.
Andviel went to work at the Guild, and Wu Heng tidied up briefly, then opened a realm gate on the fourth floor, heading to the zombie world.
He pulled back the curtains and glanced outside.
A long convoy was parked along the roadside.
Survivors from the auto repair shop were scavenging nearby.
Wu Heng went downstairs, and Li Yanhong got off the bus, walking straight over.
"When did you get here?"
"Just arrived. I've assigned everyone their scavenging areas," Li Yanhong replied.
Wu Heng nodded, "Follow me inside."
"Oh, okay!"
Following Wu Heng, she entered the hotel.
Li Yanhong's eyes widened.
The hallways on both sides were packed with various goods.
Crossbows and leather armor—it was the most they'd ever brought in.
"So much!"
"This should be enough for you to trade for a while. Let me know if you need more equipment," Wu Heng said beside her.
"This is more than enough for trading with the nearby survivors."
Wu Heng nodded and didn't say much more.
Li Yanhong took out her radio, "Have everyone return and start loading the goods here first."
All the scattered teams returned.
They were also surprised at the sight of the packed weapons and armor and began loading them onto the trucks.
...…
Suddenly, Qi Hancai's voice came over the radio.
"Sister Hong, a convoy is approaching from the road ahead, followed by a large horde of zombies. There are two confirmed second-tier 'Tanks' among them."