Chapter 7: What a Shocking Name

Upon seeing someone dare to flirt with her young mistress, Zhixiang's expression tightened. She clenched her fists, ignoring the group of thugs, and prepared to fight at any moment.

Sensing the dangerous and tense aura emanating from Zhixiang, [Dongfang] Xuan-yin waved his right hand backward, signaling her to remain calm. Understanding his young mistress's intent, he maintained his stance, standing beside Tao Qianyu and remaining vigilant. These ugly fellows were truly an eyesore.

The man who looked like a wall of flesh felt an unbearable itch in his heart the moment he saw the dazed, beautiful youth before him. Too beautiful—simply top-tier. He had been hunting for so long, and today he had truly hit the jackpot. The greed in his eyes was undisguised, filled with a determination to have what he wanted; he would destroy anyone who stood in his way.

"Little beauty, you look unfamiliar; you must not be from this city. This young master shall fulfill the duties of a host and take you around to enjoy the sights and experience the local customs of our Heavenly Phoenix City. What do you say?" After speaking, he thought himself quite dashing, waving the folding fan in his hand with a smile that was, uh, like a big gray wolf pretending to be a little lamb—full of ill intent.

Judging by the reaction of the surrounding crowd, Tao Qianyu knew that this ugly, fat fellow was definitely a man of many crimes. Since she hadn't found Dongfang Xuan-yin yet, she set him aside for the moment and rubbed her stomach; she was getting hungry, and someone had to foot the bill for this meal. When it came to money, Tao Qianyu was famously stingy in the manor, nicknamed the "Little Money Grub"; she would never spend an extra cent if she could save a single tael.

Under the guise of the virtue of saving money for her household, Tao Qianyu decided to deal with this fat patron who had delivered himself right to her door. Judging by their clothing and bearing, the money they earned was certainly not clean.

"This person..."

"I am Zhen Yingjun." Finally, the little beauty had acknowledged him! At this moment, anyone who didn't introduce themselves would be a fool. But why was the little beauty smiling so happily? Ah, right, he must be infatuated with him! In the past, everyone who saw him would either cry or run, acting as if they were dying; now, he had finally met someone who could recognize a gem of such quality. It felt as if he could see the youth throwing himself into his arms in the next moment. This beautiful vision made his face bloom with smiles—cough, just a "chrysanthemum" smile.

The scene was somewhat bizarre: one ugly, one beautiful, both dressed in white brocade robes and holding fans. It was like a "before and after" plastic surgery comparison. The two of them laughed until they were out of breath.

The onlookers from a distance were somewhat bewildered. Had the villainous Zhen had a change of heart today? Usually, he would just snatch people away; they had never seen such a harmonious scene, let alone one filled with laughter and conversation. Everyone was mesmerized! Curiosity is human nature, and curiosity drove them to continue watching.

Tao Qianyu, of course, had no idea what was going on in their heads, but that name was simply too ridiculous. She couldn't take it; she had never seen such an obvious contrast in her life. Encountering such a ridiculous thing as soon as she hit the streets today was making her intestines knot from laughing.

Zhixiang's lips twitched slightly. That name... sigh, she didn't know how anyone could be so "talented."

She tugged at Tao Qianyu's sleeve. "Young Master, be dignified. Stay calm."

"Cough, um, I lost control a bit. What was I saying just now?"

Laughing so hard, she actually lost her train of thought.

"Zhen Yingjun. I am Zhen Yingjun. This little beauty must also think this name is extraordinary, right? You may call me Young Master Zhen." If someone were to call him "Handsome Brother," how intoxicating would that be! A male with feminine features—he was practically a "temptation."

"That name is far too grand; this young master is not mentally prepared for it. Furthermore, the 'little beauty' is quite unsuitable for this young master. Although this young master is handsome, I hope I do not hear such feminine titles again."

Tao Qianyu retracted her smile like a changing face and spoke seriously.

Zhen Yingjun hurriedly agreed. Just kidding—he had coaxed him into a good mood first. Once he brought him home and played until he was bored, let's see if he still dared to give him attitude. No one had ever dared to treat Zhen Yingjun this way. Although the little beauty was blunt with him, it had a certain charm, like a little chili pepper. It was intoxicating; he wanted to take him away immediately and press him beneath him. He had grown tired of the usual conquests; the taste of a willing, soul-merging union... Zhen Yingjun was so excited he could hardly stand it. Therefore, he needed to put more effort into this little person!

"I have yet to ask the young master's name..."

"Seeing as your sincerity is somewhat adequate, this young master is hungry. There is a tavern ahead. Today, I will give you the chance to treat me to a meal. Let's talk while we eat."

Having said that, without waiting to see if the other party agreed, he walked toward the tavern on his own. The group of ferocious thugs automatically made way. Strangely enough, their bodies reacted naturally, yet they felt a chill just from Tao Qianyu's indifferent glance. Several thugs glared unhappily at Tao Qianyu's retreating back.