"Hmph, this fellow does have good intentions, but why was he so ruthless just now, without a hint of pity for the fairer sex, ah!" Ye Yanran had somehow returned to the corner, rubbing her panda eyes as she watched the scene from afar, pouting and muttering discontentedly.
Other people, seeing it was just a minor thief, found no excitement to behold. After quietly discussing it amongst themselves, they dispersed, although someone eventually stayed back.
"There’s nothing amiss, Mu Cheng, you should go back as well, get some rest and prepare for tomorrow’s trial." Thinking it was Mu Cheng who had stayed, Han Yan did not turn around, just waved her hand to send him back.
There was no response from behind, and when Han Yan turned back, she saw not just Mu Cheng but also a young man standing there, with Mu Cheng eyeing him curiously.
"I am Wu Qiuyun from the Wu Family of Nanxi, pleased to meet Young Master Mu." The young man bowed as Han Yan turned to face him.
Seeing his plain clothing and the dignified yet unpretentious air about him, Han Yan felt a sense of appreciation.
"You are too courteous, Young Master Wu. Do you know Wu Songxing?" Han Yan asked straightforwardly.
Wu Songxing was the Wu Clan steward with whom she had made a handsome profit during the auction for the Griffin Egg at Capital against the Zhu Family. Wu Qiuyun, also a member of a prominent family, would not likely pay a visit in the middle of the night without good reason, hence Han Yan guessed there was some connection with Wu Songxing.
"Indeed, I have heard much about Young Master Mu from Housekeeper Wu. He holds you in high regard. I was fortunate to witness your elegance today at the tavern, though I left before I could greet you. Hearing the commotion tonight, I came to see and thought it opportune to greet you," Wu Qiuyun replied with a smile.
"You flatter me, Young Master Wu. It’s best not to mention that title, as it’s nothing to be proud of," Han Yan modestly replied, genuinely embarrassed to boast of the playboy, and Mu Siyi’s infamous reputation.
"Ha, Young Master Mu, you are too modest. The world is foolish, only knowing to distort the truth. If you really were as despicable as the rumors suggest, why would you care about Mu Feng’s well-being today? If I’m not mistaken, his deep resentment towards you would have him sooner wish your misfortune. Also, the so-called thief earlier, it must have been the female thief, in trouble just for trying to help him. Despite being hated , you generously helped out, even at the risk of trouble; if this is recklessness, then I think the true scoundrel is often better than a hypocrite," Wu Qiuyun laughed heartily.
"You praise me too highly, Young Master Wu. May I know what brings you here in the dead of the night?" Despite Wu Qiuyun’s praises, Han Yan remained cautious.
Over the years, under her father’s deliberate arrangement, she had always been disguised with the halo of a wasteful playboy to deceive others. Though Wu Qiuyun spoke lightly, he wouldn’t have made such observations without paying close attention to her. As the saying goes, ’a repeated lie becomes the truth,’ staying sober while the rest of the world is drunk is easier said than done.
Besides, kindness without cause is either a trap or a ploy; she hardly thought Wu Qiuyun had come in the middle of the night simply to compliment her.
"Don’t misunderstand, Young Master Mu, I come here because there is indeed a matter I wish to discuss with you," Wu Qiuyun, noticing Han Yan’s wariness, spoke up. Googlᴇ search novel⟡fire.net
"Please, speak, Young Master Wu."