"Thank you for your concern, sir."
Duan Zhuo'e was completely oblivious to Tang Yingchang's odd expression, his own face full of gratitude.
Xu Ke felt a pang of guilt, but he accepted the thanks with a composed expression. "You're too kind."
As he spoke, Duan Chongfeng's voice drifted from the inner room. "I've said it before, just call me Uncle Xu. Doesn't 'sir' feel a bit impersonal?"
The sound of his voice had barely faded when he appeared before them. He first greeted Tang Yingchang, who responded with a slight nod.
At the same time, Duan Zhuo'e looked toward Xu Ke.
Xu Ke nodded. "Call me whatever you like; I don't mind."
"Alright then, Uncle Xu!" Duan Zhuo'e called out eagerly.
Xu Ke smiled.
"You've really reached the Innate Stage, kid!" Duan Chongfeng exclaimed, patting Xu Ke's shoulder. He could still feel the powerful aura that Xu Ke inadvertently revealed despite trying to conceal it, and it gave him a twinge of envy.
