As the thought occurred to him, Mo Han felt a flicker of goodwill toward the man and spoke with a smile, "Even if we can't help much, you can still tell us about it. Then we can all brainstorm some solutions together." Seeing Mo Han’s insistence, Ma Ke finally began to recount the entire ordeal.

It turned out that Ma Ke and his companions were just a small E-rank mercenary group, operating exclusively within the territory of Tianlong City. However, because there were simply too few E-rank missions available, coupled with the sheer number of E-rank groups, the meager rewards, and the excessive time commitment, Ma Ke's group was perpetually hovering just above the subsistence line, always living day to day without knowing where the next meal would come from.

Later, they heard chatter that near Baili City, many larger mercenary corps frequently teamed up to tackle high-difficulty missions. Occasionally, these larger groups would absorb smaller ones for tasks like scouting or menial labor. This gave them the idea to try their luck in Baili City. They had arrived just a few days prior, but after scouting around extensively, they hadn't seen any major mercenary corps organizing missions. Moreover, the money they had brought was almost completely depleted. This was why they decided to try their luck at this very restaurant that evening.

The moment they entered the establishment, they overheard the Mad Bear Mercenary Group actively recruiting members for an upcoming mission. Spotting this rare opportunity for a team formation, Ma Ke, despite knowing his own group's low rank, steeled himself and approached them to inquire, hoping for a chance. However, upon seeing Ma Ke's group's rank, the members of the Mad Bear Mercenary Group not only ignored his questions but also began to mock Ma Ke’s lack of self-awareness, leveling insults and curses at them. During the verbal assault, one young man in Ma Ke’s group, Sha He, couldn't help but retort, "Even if you aren't taking us, you have no right to curse people. Spending all your time bullying those weaker than you—what kind of skill is that?"

Hearing Sha He's words, the Mad Bear members were instantly enraged and without further ado, they physically assaulted Ma Ke’s group. Naturally, Ma Ke’s men were no match for the Mad Bear Mercenary Group, leading to the scene that had just unfolded.

Hearing Ma Ke’s explanation, Mo Han suddenly understood, saying, "So that's how it is. The Mad Bear Mercenary Group was indeed going too far."

Hearing Mo Han’s comment, Ma Ke offered a bitter smile, "There was nothing we could do, really. Who told us we were weaker than them? Forget it, we just have to count ourselves unlucky."

At this point, Yun Xiang, who had been quiet nearby, spoke up timidly, "Brother Mo Han, I want to help Uncle Ma Ke. Can I lend them some money? What do you think?" Upon hearing this, Mo Han immediately smiled and replied, "Of course you can, silly girl. The money I give you is yours to manage; you have every right to decide. Why ask me?"

It turned out that Mo Han and Dali often gave Yun Xiang gold coins to buy pretty clothes and jewelry for herself. But Yun Xiang was very frugal and hated spending money, so she had been saving these coins; she likely had several hundred gold pieces tucked away. Seeing her uncle in distress now, she naturally wanted to help him.

When Ma Ke heard Yun Xiang's offer, he quickly shook his head, saying, "Absolutely not. How can I accept money from you, Yun Xiang? Your father helped me a great deal in the past; Uncle Ma Ke cannot accept this money."

Hearing this, Yun Xiang grew anxious and quickly pressed, "Just consider it a loan to Uncle Ma Ke. Look, they are all injured and definitely need proper healing. Plus, living expenses going forward—all of that requires money. Besides, while I’m with Big Brother and the others, I won't need this money right away, so please, Uncle Ma Ke, just take it."

To everyone’s surprise, Ma Ke remained resolute, stating firmly, "Be a good girl, Yun Xiang. I appreciate your kind heart and thank you sincerely, but I truly cannot accept the money. You know my stubborn nature; please don't press the matter any further."

Hearing Ma Ke’s firm refusal, Yun Xiang could only look pleadingly at Mo Han, hoping he could persuade her uncle to accept the gold coins.

Seeing this, Mo Han felt a bit stuck. Although he and Ma Ke had just met and exchanged few words, he could tell that Ma Ke was a proud and strong-willed man who wouldn't easily accept charity from others.

While Mo Han was pondering a solution, a sudden inspiration struck him. He spoke up, "How about this, Mr. Ma Ke, you were planning to team up with a large mercenary group to venture into the Magic Forest, weren't you?" Ma Ke paused momentarily at the question and replied, "That was the original plan, yes, but now I suppose there’s no hope."

Mo Han then smiled and continued, "Here is what I propose: we also happen to be heading into the Magic Forest for a mission and are short on hands. Consider this money our payment for hiring your group to accompany us. That way, you help yourselves while also helping us, wouldn't you agree?" Upon hearing this, Ma Ke immediately responded with delight, "Are you serious? But we are only an E-rank mercenary group. I know very well that we won’t be of much use inside the Magic Forest—at most, we can only help with errands and scouting paths. You are still willing to hire us?" Mo Han smiled warmly in response, "Heh, of course we need you. So, please accept this money. Look at Yun Xiang; she’s almost in tears. If you don't take it, I think she actually will cry. Heh."

Ma Ke considered this for a moment, then glanced at the anxious Yun Xiang, finally nodding his acceptance. "Since you put it that way, I thank you, young brother. We will certainly dedicate ourselves to fulfilling our duties. Please rest assured, we will give it our absolute best."

Seeing that Ma Ke had agreed to Mo Han’s terms, Yun Xiang happily exclaimed, "Then in that case, Uncle Ma Ke, you can travel with us, right?" Ma Ke smiled and nodded, "Naturally. Heh, though I worry we might cause trouble for all of you."

Mo Han and the others quickly assured him otherwise, expressing their welcome for their inclusion.

At this moment, Yan Shi, who had been standing to the side, spoke with a long face, "Boss, can we eat now? I’m starving."

As he finished speaking, his stomach obligingly let out a loud rumble. Everyone present burst into laughter. Mo Han realized how much time had passed and quickly said, "Mr. Ma Ke, you haven't eaten either, have you? Let's all go in and dine together, and then we can discuss the itinerary in detail."

Ma Ke and his men eagerly nodded their thanks.

Everyone happily walked toward the restaurant.

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