Chapter 40

Hu Xiaotian didn't leave. He had just managed to come out for some fresh air and had no intention of going back so soon.

Muru Feiyang couldn't easily refuse Yuan Shiqing's kind offer. After all, she had been injured this time, and Yi Yuantang had given her a lot of help. Thinking of the assistance Yi Yuantang had provided, Muru Feiyang recalled the good deed Hu Xiaotian had done for her. If it weren't for this young man's help, it would have been much harder to remove the canine-barbed arrow. Even if it had been removed, she might have lost a large piece of flesh, leaving a shocking scar. She had to admit that it was Hu Xiaotian who performed some kind of surgery to minimize the damage from the canine-barbed arrow. Muru Feiyang had carefully examined the wound on her shoulder in the bronze mirror, and it was already healing very well. Although she acknowledged that Hu Xiaotian had done her a good deed, she still didn't think he was a good person. His behavior was frivolous, and his words were inappropriate. Even if he had some talent, it was talent without virtue!

It wasn't that Muru Feiyang didn't know how to be grateful; she just didn't think she owed Hu Xiaotian anything. During the battle on Tu Street, if she hadn't returned in time and used all her strength to protect him, Hu Xiaotian would have been killed by the assassin's arrow. She had saved his life first, and then he helped her remove the canine-barbed arrow. They were even. Actually, it was this young man who had the upper hand, and he had even seen her body. Muru Feiyang felt her face heat up at this thought and glanced at Hu Xiaotian, who was chatting enthusiastically with Yuan Shiqing and hadn't noticed her. She secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Originally, Li Yifeng was supposed to join them for dinner at Yan Yun Tower, but after vomiting several times, he was too weak to walk, let alone go to dinner. Most people thought Li Yifeng had suddenly fallen ill, but only Hu Xiaotian knew the real reason.

As soon as they stepped out of Yi Yuantang's main gate, Hu Xiaotian's eight servants surrounded him. Hu Xiaotian waved his hand, signaling them to disperse. After all, with so many people, they looked like a mob wherever they went. He cleared his throat and said, "I'm going to Yan Yun Tower for dinner with Mr. Yuan and Inspector Zhuge. You can eat whatever you want."

Yuan Shiqing smiled and said, "I've already arranged a table for everyone on the first floor with Boss Song." Yuan Shiqing, being the second-in-command at Yi Yuantang, was quite generous and thorough in his arrangements.

Hu Xiaotian handed the brocade box Li Yifeng had given him to Liang Dazhuang and instructed, "Don't follow me around. With Inspector Muru protecting me, there won't be any problems."

These servants had all witnessed Muru Feiyang's skills and knew that even if they worked together, they wouldn't be a match for her. With her and Hu Xiaotian together, there shouldn't be any issues.

Muru Feiyang was extremely displeased with Hu Xiaotian's words. This young man was treating her like his bodyguard. She glared at Hu Xiaotian and, when no one was paying attention, whispered, "If anyone tries to assassinate you again, I won't care. I'll let you suffer on your own!"

Hu Xiaotian smiled and said, "Protecting the lives and property of citizens is your duty, Inspector Muru. You're so dedicated; how could you ignore my situation?"

Muru Feiyang saw the smug look on his face and felt a burning hatred.

They had just taken a few steps when a robust young man walked towards them. The young man was in his twenties or thirties, dressed simply, not very tall, with dark skin. Although he was somewhat thin, he didn't look weak. His eyes were sharp like an eagle's, and he looked intelligent and strong. He was carrying two geese, with an arrow through their necks. At first glance, it didn't seem special, but upon closer inspection, it was clear that one arrow had hit both geese's necks. If the arrow hadn't been added later, it must have been a "one arrow, two birds" shot. Hu Xiaotian had only heard of such feats in legends; this was the first time he had seen it in person.

Seeing a stranger approaching, the eight servants immediately surrounded Hu Xiaotian. Since the assassination attempt on the long street, they had become overly cautious, ready to defend at the slightest hint of danger.

In fact, Hu Xiaotian had already recognized the true strength of these servants. They were all paper tigers, looking strong but actually weak. In a real crisis, they wouldn't be much help. The incident on Tu Street was proof; if it weren't for Muru Feiyang, he would have been dead.

Yuan Shiqing laughed and said, "It's fine, he's one of us!" It turned out he knew the young man. As an observer, Yuan Shiqing also thought Hu Xiaotian's servants were overreacting. It wasn't unusual for the son of a minister to have a few bodyguards, but eight was a bit excessive and made them stand out on the street. Those who knew him would recognize him as the son of a minister, but others might think he was a prince.

The young man respectfully said, "Mr. Yuan, I just shot two geese and thought I'd bring them to you for a treat."

Yuan Shiqing smiled and said, "Zhan Peng, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Hu. He was the one who bravely helped save your father that day." It turned out this young man was the son of the old man Hu Xiaotian had saved.

Zhan Peng, hearing that his true benefactor was there, hurriedly bowed deeply, his expression full of respect. "Mr. Hu, I am Zhan Peng. Thank you for saving my father. I am deeply grateful!"

Hu Xiaotian quickly stepped forward to support him. "Brother Zhan, you're too polite. It was a small matter, no need to take it to heart."

Liang Dazhuang looked at Zhan Peng, feeling that he was familiar. After some thought, he remembered that Zhan Peng had once come to the minister's residence, bringing a wild deer as a gift for the young master, but had been turned away by the gatekeepers. Liang Dazhuang said, "I think I've seen you before!"

Zhan Peng smiled and said, "I once went to the minister's residence, hoping to thank Mr. Hu in person, but the gatekeepers suspected my identity and didn't let me in."

Hu Xiaotian turned and glared at Liang Dazhuang. Liang Dazhuang cursed himself for speaking out of turn. This matter had nothing to do with him, and he wasn't a gatekeeper, but his comment clearly made Hu Xiaotian misunderstand.

Zhan Peng handed the two geese to Yuan Shiqing. "Mr. Yuan, take these geese and stew them. When I get better game, I'll bring it to Mr. Hu's residence."

For some reason, Hu Xiaotian felt an unusual fondness for Zhan Peng. He smiled and asked, "How is your father's leg?"

Zhan Peng replied, "Thanks to your timely help, it's much better now. He's currently recuperating at my older brother's house, and Mr. Yuan says the recovery is going well."

Yuan Shiqing smiled. "Mr. Hu set the bone accurately and promptly. We brought Mr. Zhan to Yi Yuantang and applied our secret bone-healing ointment. If everything goes well, he should be able to walk in three months."

Hu Xiaotian nodded. "That's great!"

Muru Feiyang, listening on the side, felt even more puzzled. This wicked and spoiled young man actually did good deeds. If his help to her could be understood as repaying a favor, why did he save an old man he didn't know? It couldn't be simply explained by a momentary impulse.

Zhan Peng had come specifically to deliver the game and coincidentally met his benefactor, allowing him to thank him in person and fulfill his long-held wish. He was about to leave, but Hu Xiaotian warmly invited him to join them for dinner at Yan Yun Tower. This was a favor Hu Xiaotian could easily do, as the meal wouldn't cost him anything. As the son of a minister, he didn't care about the money. The main reason was that he was impressed by Zhan Peng's "one arrow, two birds" skill and wanted to get to know him better.

Talented people are always in demand in any society and are often treated with respect. Zhan Peng was a simple hunter who rarely interacted with the upper class. Deep down, he had a certain prejudice against the children of officials, but Hu Xiaotian was his father's savior and had done a great favor to the Zhan family. He couldn't refuse Hu Xiaotian's invitation, but he secretly resolved to pay for the meal later.

A poor man may be poor, but he should not lack integrity. The ancients understood the importance of face and righteousness far better than modern people.

Just saw the work reach 100,000 words and entered the Dream Cup competition. Everyone should have free votes. I haven't really asked for votes since starting the story. If you happen to have a vote and haven't used it, please vote for "Medical Empire." The voting position is below the content summary. Thanks in advance!

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