Chapter 657, Say Hello
Wu Heng glanced at Sheila Grey. Her face seemed even more flushed.
After a moment's thought, he said, "Forget it, just joking."
Shiyali's eyes swirled mischievously, then she leaned in to whisper to her sister.
Wu Heng leaned forward, trying to eavesdrop. Just as he caught a syllable, they pulled apart.
Shiyali stood up and moved behind Wu Heng. "Don't move—we're settling the bet."
As she spoke, a pair of cool, soft hands covered his eyes.
His senses instantly heightened.
He faintly heard Sheila Grey get up and move to his side.
Then, a soft, warm touch landed on his left cheek—followed by the same on his right.
The kisses were brief, but the moisture lingered.
"Shiyali, what are you doing?"
"I'm part of the bet too!"
The hands released. Sheila Grey stood to the side; Shiyali remained behind.
Seeing Wu Heng's gaze, Sheila Grey looked shy, eyes darting away.
Shiyali smiled. "Well?"
"Doesn't count—I didn't feel it," Wu Heng immediately said.
"What? We went that far!" Sheila Grey exclaimed.
Wu Heng replied, "I wasn't ready. We need to redo it—at least five seconds."
Shiyali scooted up beside him and said, "One last time. No cheating."
"You're really agreeing to that?" Sheila Grey widened her eyes.
Wu Heng nodded. "Deal."
"Close your eyes yourself."
Wu Heng obediently shut his eyes.
Once again, gentle, moist sensations landed on each cheek.
This time it lasted longer—he could clearly feel the lip prints, the breath, and the sisters' rapid heartbeats.
After about five seconds, the warmth faded.
Sheila Grey, blushing, shouted, "There! Now we don't owe you anything."
Wu Heng smiled. "You don't—but I scored big."
Sheila Grey rolled her eyes, but a smile crept onto her face.
Shiyali was more open, gazing at him tenderly.
After dinner—
The three of them chatted a while longer.
Perhaps due to the bet, the conversation felt a bit stiff.
As night fell, Wu Heng stood to leave.
The sisters saw him to the gate and waved goodbye.
The street was brightly lit. Many residents were still outside cooling off.
So there was no real danger.
He stopped to watch a bard's performance under a streetlamp before heading home.
...
Back at his place—
After a quick shower, Wu Heng went to bed.
That dinner had truly been dreamy.
He hadn't expected the sisters to fulfill their wager in such a way.
He and Sheila Grey had both been appointed deputy stewards of Gold-Silver Island, and survived many life-or-death moments together.
They shared a bond of trust as teammates.
Wu Heng could also tell Sheila Grey didn't dislike him—last time when he saved her, she hadn't even reacted when he grabbed her ass.
But what about Shiyali?
They hadn't known each other long—only through Sheila Grey.
There wasn't much of a personal connection.
Yet she seemed more forward.
"Well, it's not like I'm losing anything."
Wu Heng muttered, then let it go and rested.
...
"Extra! Extra! Latest issue—regional news, opera listings, new detective chapter...!"
The newsboy's loud cries woke Gold-Silver Island.
Bards and residents rushed over, surrounding him to buy the newest issue of the "Gold-Silver Express".
Merchants who'd recently arrived also brought outside news.
Some were trying to replicate the "Gold-Silver Express" model—collecting regional info and serializing stories in the corner.
Of course, the stories were different—they didn't want trouble.
But clearly, no one succeeded. Their printing couldn't keep up, and the stories weren't as compelling.
After a couple issues, they vanished.
Meanwhile, the "Gold-Silver Express" continued publishing with consistent popularity.
Merchants kept comparing, trying to figure out what made the difference.
...
Smack!
At the Golden Sail Tavern, Saban slapped the counter.
Animatedly, he recounted the latest story. Patrons listened intently. Even the bartender and waitresses leaned in by the pillars.
"Watson, there's a footprint here, and a round mud print. More over there—clear evidence."
"I checked and said, 'That doesn't look like a footprint.'"
"Right. It's a stump mark. Next to it, a thick boot print with a broad iron heel. It must be a man with a wooden right leg!"
...
"A pirate! I know one with a wooden leg! Could be him," a patron guessed aloud.
"This story takes place before the Lord arrived—he's not the only one with a wooden leg!" someone rebutted.
"No arguing! Keep it down or you're out," barked a nearby dwarf, signaling the bard to continue.
Saban resumed his tale.
In the story, Wu Heng brought out a tape measure and magnifying glass to examine the scene.
Meanwhile, the local guard captain, Ethelney Jones, insisted that Sedious had argued with and killed his brother, then fled with the jewels.
After explaining his theory, Captain Jones moved to arrest Sedious for questioning.
...
"Sedious cried, 'I knew this would happen.'"
"'Don't worry. I'll prove your innocence,' said Wu Heng."
"Captain Jones scoffed, 'Save the speeches, big talker.'"
"Wu Heng smiled and said, 'I'm not just talking. The killer is Jonozan Smough—a middle-aged man with dark skin, once a prisoner. He has a wooden right leg, and the left boot has a rough square toe with iron nails in the heel.'"
...
The crowd furrowed their brows.
Did they miss something?
How did he suddenly name the killer and describe him so precisely?
But everyone knew—
The best part was coming. Wu Heng would make a shocking yet logical deduction.
Just as the crowd leaned in—
Saban bowed slightly. "That's all for today. Wait for the next issue."
The tavern fell silent—then erupted.
"Another cliffhanger? Damn it..."
"My heart hurts. Someone go beat up the writer!"
"The plot crawls, but they sure mastered cliffhangers."
...
Island Lord's Manor.
Wu Heng remained unaware of the complaints outside.
He walked upstairs into the radio room, picked up the mic, and said, "Wen Mansa, can you hear me?"
A woman's voice replied, "Please wait, sir. I'll fetch the lady."
Soon, Wen Mansa's gentle voice came through. "Come on, say hi to Daddy."
A baby's cooing sounds echoed through the receiver.