Chapter 384: Deal (1) (2/2)

Dejection appeared on He Changdi’s face, as if he had finally given in to Xiao Bojian’s forceful threat.

“Alright. I’ll give you the blueprints for the snowboat. But you have to give me half a day’s time. I have to persuade the brothers who accompanied me here.”

He Changdi shut his eyes. Shame was displayed on his handsome features, along with plenty of helplessness. Seeing such a pained expression on his rival, a wave of satisfaction flooded Xiao Bojian’s heart.

“Good, at least you’ve managed to think it through, Captain He. I’ll have someone escort you back. I hope you won’t make us wait too long.”

He Sanlang left with an air of defeat. However, the moment he was sure that Xiao Bojian could no longer see his face, his gaze sharpened.

Once He Changdi was gone from the tent, Yuan Zhong’s melancholy and troubled expression faded away and he suddenly lit up with energy. He walked over to Xiao Bojian’s side and patted his shoulder, praising him, “Your idea worked, Wujing! As long as we get those blueprints and make even more of those snowboats, then the achievements of the northern border troops will be ours!”

Xiao Bojian played along and praised the general as well. After getting complimented, Yuan Zhong felt even better.

Zhang Mai and Xiao Hongyu quickly welcomed He Sanlang once he returned to the tent.

“Brother He, how did it go?”

He Changdi sat down by the table and shook his head with his brows tightly furrowed, “It looks like they won’t give in unless we hand over the snowboat.”

“Then did you agree to it?”

He Sanlang clenched his fists and nodded, “I agreed to give them the blueprints before night falls.”

Xiao Hongyu’s eyes widened in shock after hearing that. He spoke in disbelief, “Brother He, you actually agreed to it?! What if they refuse to give us the supplies after you give them the blueprints? Does this mean that our fifty thousand troops can’t do anything but wait for death?”

Zhang Mai hurriedly stopped Xiao Hongyu once he noticed how agitated he was getting. “What nonsense are you saying? Would your Brother He be so stupid?”

After he finished scolding Xiao Hongyu, Zhang Mai turned to He Changdi, “Zixiang, tell me honestly. Do you have a backup plan?”

He Changdi looked at the two men with his lips pressed together and a resolute glint in his eyes. There was no hint of the desolation he had shown back in the commander’s tent. “It’s not time yet, so I can’t tell you guys. But as long as you trust me, I won’t disappoint you!”

“Good! Since you’ve said so, this old brother will trust you!” Zhang Mai’s gaze showed the same determination. He didn’t forget to pat Xiao Hongyu’s shoulder, “Brat, did you hear that?”

Xiao Hongyu took a deep breath, but it was obvious that he still had unvoiced objections. He sat by the bed silently, unlike his normal boisterous self.

Zhang Mai shook his head, “That’s just how he is. Don’t mind him. He’ll be fine later on.”

He Changdi and the rest had been living together for a few months. He was even sharing a tent with Xiao Hongyu, so of course he knew the brat’s personality well.

He really didn’t mind it at all.