Chapter 280: Pretending to “Coincidentally” Meet
Hearing his master’s words, Ah Zan resisted the urge to argue and simply nodded repeatedly.
“In that case, let’s leave. After all, that girl is not to be trifled with. Have you already forgotten what she did to you back in Feng City, my lord?”
It was better not to bring it up—but now that he did, Ye Lu instantly tensed. That painful experience was something he would never forget for the rest of his life.
“Ugh… but tell me, why did she suddenly come to Yueyang City? Could she actually be from the Dong Feng Kingdom? And also, why do I feel like we have some sort of fated connection? I mean, think about it—this world is vast, yet fate has brought us together again. And then there’s also—”
“My lord, didn’t you say you weren’t hung up on her?”
Ah Zan, unable to hold back any longer, cut Ye Lu off mid-sentence.
Ye Lu shouldn’t have been angry—but Ah Zan’s frank words exposed his real thoughts, making his face darken instantly.
His sharp phoenix eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer to his somewhat guilty-looking guard.
Ah Zan suddenly regretted his words.
“N-no, my lord, I understand! You are a man of honor, devoted to the princess you’re engaged to! You would never develop feelings for just any random woman! You must simply be angry—angry about the time she attacked you!”
Ah Zan flashed his most obsequious smile, hoping to placate his master.
Ye Lu’s dangerous expression softened, the corners of his lips curving slightly. With a cold huff, he finally let it go.
“You talk too much. Next time, say less.”
Seeing his master step away, Ah Zan sighed in relief and nodded fervently.
“Yes, my lord! I’ll never speak nonsense again!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the woman inside the courtyard reappeared.
Ye Lu’s eyes lit up, and before Ah Zan could react, his master dragged him into hiding.
A few moments later, Ye Lu carefully peeked out again, watching Yu Luo as she walked away.
Ah Zan, unable to resist, peeked out too.
“My lord, shouldn’t we follow her?”
Given Ye Lu’s expression, Ah Zan knew exactly what was going on in his master’s mind.
Ye Lu waved his sleeve and silently started trailing behind her.
“My lord, we don’t have to skulk around like thieves. You could just walk up to her and pretend to bump into her by accident.”
“Pretend?” Ye Lu scoffed. “This is a coincidence. Besides, I need to find out why she’s in Yueyang City. Maybe I’ll get a chance to become more familiar with her.”
Seeing Ye Lu’s hopeful and eager expression, Ah Zan’s mouth twitched.
“My lord, why do you want to get to know her? Don’t forget—you’re already engaged. Even if you could have multiple wives, that girl doesn’t look like the type to accept being a concubine. You won’t be able to tame her.”
“Smack!”
Before Ah Zan could react, Ye Lu smacked him on the back of the head.
Though it didn’t hurt much, Ah Zan knew all too well that when his master was really angry, he had much worse punishments than a light slap.
“My lord—”
Ah Zan’s pitiful expression didn’t soften Ye Lu’s mood.
“I told you already—if you don’t know how to talk properly, just say less! Must you ruin my mood with such discouraging words?”
Ah Zan sighed. “I was just stating the truth. But if you don’t want to hear it, I won’t say anything next time.”
“Hmph. Though… you do have a point.” Ye Lu touched his chin. “I already have a fiancée. Otherwise… I’d definitely consider pursuing that spitfire of a woman.”
“My lord… that’s not the issue.” Ah Zan sighed again. “The real problem is—she probably wouldn’t even be interested in you.”
“Shut up!”
Ah Zan’s straightforward words hit Ye Lu where it hurt. Unable to argue back, Ye Lu resorted to using his authority to silence him.
Ah Zan, sensing his master’s growing irritation, wisely shut his mouth.
Meanwhile, Yu Luo, accompanied by a few subordinates, walked from a quiet alley into the bustling streets.
One of her men was questioning a passerby about the way to the East Market, while Yu Luo waited on the side.
At that moment, she heard a loud commotion from a nearby tavern.
Turning to look, she saw a group of waiters pushing a man out of the establishment while cursing at him.
“Get lost! If you come back to peddle your goods here again, I’ll break your legs!”
A wealthy middle-aged man, dressed in fine clothing, strode out after them, looking arrogant and smug as he pointed at the man on the ground.
The man, clutching a bag of fruit tightly, lowered his head in silence, enduring the humiliation.
Yu Luo immediately stepped forward.
“If you don’t want to buy his goods, fine—but do you really have to shove him like that?”
Upon hearing this familiar voice, the man looked up in surprise.
His face, previously void of expression, lit up with joy.
“Miss?!”
The wealthy man scoffed, looking Yu Luo up and down.
“Heh, so you’re with this man? Well, aren’t you a beauty. If you come inside and drink with me, I might consider buying all of your fruit.”
Before Yu Luo could react, a cold voice cut in from behind her.
“Ah Zan. Take care of him.”
Yu Luo turned her head sharply—just in time to see Ye Lu issue the command.
Before the tavern owner could react, Ah Zan flashed forward and kicked him square in the chest.
The man went flying straight back into the tavern.
It was lunchtime, and the place was full of diners.
The owner’s body crashed onto a large dining table, sending dishes and bowls flying.
Some of the food had just been served—piping hot—and a few of the shattered plates cut into his back.
Face twisted in pain, the owner roared:
“YOU BASTARDS! HOW DARE YOU ATTACK ME IN MY OWN PLACE? KILL THEM! AND BRING THAT BITCH TO ME—I’LL SHOW HER WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MESSING WITH ME!”
He struggled to his feet, furious at the humiliation.
But before his men could act, Ye Lu chuckled coldly.
“Heh. What an idiot.”
“Ah Zan, cripple him. Then destroy this tavern.”
His arrogant and domineering presence was impossible to ignore.
Even Yu Luo frowned, watching him with suspicion.
