Chapter 840: Chapter 839: Defying Fate
Third Lady Xiao lounged in the cabin room, her fingers lightly tapping on the beauty couch draped with a white tiger skin, contemplating Wufuâs words.
"Big Leader." Xiao Qiang walked in.
"No tails following, right?" Third Lady Xiao asked with a half-smile.
Xiao Qiang blushed and shook his head, sitting down.
"Others might follow us, but this Prince of Beiyan? Since he took the initiative to do business with us, he naturally wonât go back on his word and tail us," Third Lady Xiao said with a smile.
"I thought to be cautious, after all, those who are officials and kings love to present one face but act another," Xiao Qiang said sheepishly.
Third Lady Xiao had her thoughts, her smile faded slightly, and after a while, she said, "There are always exceptions."
"The Big Leader seems to trust them."
Third Lady Xiao pulled over a welcoming pillow to lean on, took a sip of wine from the small table, and said, "Over the years, if nothing else, Iâve developed courage. But when it comes to judging people, I might still miss it."
Xiao Qiang refilled her wine and carefully asked, "Is the Big Leader talking about that little girl?"
"Isnât it so?" Third Lady Xiao chuckled, "Iâve been at sea for years and seldom been inland, so I didnât know that todayâs girls have changed."
Originally thought to be a delicate and harmless girl, but after conversing, it became clear that she too wasnât to be underestimated.
A girl no older than fifteen saying such things, telling her to grow strong and suggesting she plan ahead?
At that age, shouldnât she be embroidering or studying music and paintings in her quarters?
"The Big Leader once said that people around that lord are not simple. I guess those who can stay by his side must have some unusual skills!" Xiao Qiang deliberated and said.
"Youâre right," Third Lady Xiao said, "After such a great storm, to still remain calm is indeed unusual."
"Then whatâs the Big Leaderâs intent?"
Third Lady Xiao pondered for a moment, then said, "Even if they donât say it, Iâm thinking about this: how long and how far can I keep leading the Skull Gang."
"Big Leader!"
"Over the years, many children have joined the gang, Xiao Qiang, your son is only two this year, right?"
Xiao Qiang was taken aback, nodded, and when he thought of his son, a warm look appeared in his eyes.
"Xiao Qiang, do you want your son to grow up to be a pirate?" Third Lady Xiao asked. "Even though our Skull Gang isnât bad now, the dream of becoming the greatest on the sea is still far away. I truly donât know if I can protect the little ones. Xiao Qiang, while we adults are the main force, the hope lies in the next generation."
Xiao Qiang understood her meaning and said, "Big Leader, a personâs fate and birth are unchangeable. No matter their background, itâs destiny for the little ones."
"No, I donât believe in fate!" Third Lady Xiaoâs eyes sparked with determination, "I donât want to see us as a fearsome pirate generation after generation."
"Then, what does the Big Leader want?"
"If thereâs an opportunity, I want to change fate," Third Lady Xiao said, "I want to see if the heavens have truly destined us to be pirates, destined our descendants to be despised sea thieves."
Xiao Qiangâs heart stirred; if possible, who would choose to be a thief?
"Whatever the Big Leader plans, my brothers and I will follow to the death!" Xiao Qiang said resolutely.
Third Lady Xiao nodded, tilted her head back, and drank the wine in her hand down to the last drop, a glimmer of resilient coldness passing through her eyes.