After chatting with Xiao Zhan and the others for a while, Ya Fei prepared to take her leave. Xiao Yan, who had remained silent until then, also showed the enthusiasm of a host. Under Xiao Zhan's approving gaze, he escorted Ya Fei out of the family.
After exiting the family's main gate, Xiao Yan showed no intention of returning. With his hands clasped behind his head, he walked beside Ya Fei, his eyes narrowed, lost in thought.
Walking with Xiao Yan, Ya Fei felt a little nervous. Her delicate hands were tightly clenched, covered in sweat. She possessed an exceptionally sharp memory. At the auction last time, she had coincidentally seen the hands of the mysterious black-robed alchemist—fair and full of vitality, like a young man's. Moreover, on that fair hand, there was a black ring identical to Xiao Yan's. With this coincidence, and considering why that mysterious alchemist had taken care of the Xiao family, some questions almost slipped out of her mouth.
Gently biting her lip, Ya Fei secretly glanced at the young man beside her. The young man wore an inexpensive blue robe. His physique was strong, his face handsome. Although a little immature, the faint smile on his face made him seem far from an ignorant youth.
After carefully observing Xiao Yan for a moment, Ya Fei still found it hard to believe that the person at the auction house, whom she and Gu Ni had treated with such reverence, was merely a handsome young man of only about seventeen.
"Had enough looking?" Just as Ya Fei let out a helpless, bitter laugh, the young man beside her spoke indifferently.
Slowing her steps, Ya Fei sighed softly, "You... Should I call you 'Old Master,' or 'Little Brother Xiao Yan'?"
Xiao Yan frowned, then suddenly tilted his chin to one side, "To there."
Ya Fei followed his gaze, her face involuntarily flushing. It turned out that the place Xiao Yan pointed to was a famous dating spot for lovers in Wu Tan City.
Hesitating slightly, Ya Fei was about to suggest another place, but Xiao Yan had already swaggered in and sat down on a stone bench under the shade of a large tree.
Regarding his actions, which were contrary to his respectful demeanor in the family, Ya Fei could only shake her head helplessly. This transformation of identity was too quick, wasn't it?
She moved her steps slightly, slowly walking forward, and sat down opposite Xiao Yan. Her pair of captivating beautiful eyes carefully scrutinized the young man before her.
"You recognized me?" Reaching out to pluck a leaf and put it in his mouth, Xiao Yan asked indistinctly.
Ya Fei's delicate hand brushed away a leaf that had fallen on her head. Her casual grace made a man not far away stare intently. She pursed her red lips and said with a bitter smile, "Actually, I'd rather believe I guessed wrong."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed, and his teeth fiercely bit into the leaf.
"You're not planning to kill me to silence me, are you?" Seeing Xiao Yan's expression, Ya Fei said with a sudden hint of fear, though a trace of amusement flashed in her beautiful eyes.
"I'm planning to rape you, then dump your body," Xiao Yan said maliciously.
Hearing these somewhat crude words, Ya Fei's face flushed. She glared at him charmingly, snapping, "Where did a child like you learn such wicked things?"
Pouting, Xiao Yan twisted his waist. Since his identity had been recognized, he would no longer beat around the bush. "The black-robed man who discussed business with you before, that was indeed me."
"But the alchemist, that's not you, is it?" Ya Fei's eyes flickered as she smiled. She wasn't an idiot; she knew Xiao Yan's strength very well. Even if he was an alchemist, due to his own strength, he couldn't possibly refine a medicinal pill like the Qi Gathering Powder.
"Men don't like women who are too smart," Xiao Yan said with a pout, glancing at Ya Fei, who had already guessed eighty to ninety percent of the truth.
"That's just the thought of a few vulgar men," Ya Fei frowned, a hint of disdain in her voice.
Rolling his eyes, Xiao Yan didn't dwell on this boring topic with her. He casually said, a leaf in his mouth, "You should know why I'm looking for you. My identity, try to keep it a secret. This will benefit everyone."
Licking his lips, Xiao Yan glanced at the alluring beauty in front of him:
"Of course, don't take this as my weakness. Otherwise, you'll lose more than you gain."
"Do I look like the kind of stupid woman who's big-chested and brainless?" Ya Fei innocently waved her hand.
Xiao Yan stared intently at her surging chest for a moment before nodding, "Your chest is indeed very big. Unfortunately, whether you have a brain or not, we'll have to see your future performance."
"..."
Being taken advantage of by a teenager several years younger than her, Ya Fei could only shake her head with a wry smile. Not to mention Xiao Yan's dual identity, just his youthful appearance made it difficult for others to dislike him.
"So, what about our cooperation?" Ya Fei looked at Xiao Yan with a hint of nervousness; this was the question she most wanted to ask.
"As before, you refuse to supply medicinal ingredients to the Jia Lie family, and I'll give you five Qi Gathering Powders as compensation." Xiao Yan shrugged, his faint voice making Ya Fei exhale a breath.
"Ah, I'm really looking forward to our cooperation." Ya Fei generously extended her hand and smiled calmly.
Xiao Yan reluctantly nodded and took her soft, jade-like hand, but to Ya Fei's surprise, he let go as soon as he touched it.
Looking at the unpredictable actions of the teenager in front of her, Ya Fei couldn't help but sigh, "It really makes people wonder if you're really only seventeen years old. I find myself constantly being led by the nose by you."
Ignoring this topic, Xiao Yan waved his hand, stood up, and walked out, saying as he went, "From now on, when we meet, we should still use our previous attitudes, so as not to let others see any flaws."
Smiling and nodding, Ya Fei softly said, "When you're free, you can invite that alchemist to be a guest at the Mi Te Er Auction House. We will always welcome him."
Slowing his steps, Xiao Yan rubbed his nose and vaguely said, "We'll talk about it when I'm free." Waving his hand again, Xiao Yan left decisively, without any hesitation.
Standing there, watching the teenager gradually walk away, Ya Fei smiled bitterly and shook her head, muttering, "He's truly a little imp. I don't understand why the Na Lan family's girl broke off the engagement with him. Alas, Na Lan Su will probably regret it so much that he'll spit blood later."