Chapter 18

When Xitu vividly described Lu Qi as a rare prodigy in the world, it was no surprise that the seven people in the main family all showed expressions of astonishment.

"A twelve-year-old boy killed Anze?" Wang Yingfu looked disbelieving. "Did Anze even use his decapitating blade? How is this possible? Even if Anze was a failure, he was still a practitioner of the Strength Technique, at the Seventh Level of Courage. He couldn't even defeat a child? Xitu, you can't be joking with me just because the young master and the young miss are here!"

Xitu hurriedly replied, "How dare I... If you don't believe me, you can ask anyone in the Northwest Household. This isn't something I could make up alone. Right... Houtu, come and meet the steward and the Sixth Young Master!"

As Wang Bo, Wang Yingfu, and the others looked over, Lu Qi walked over with his head slightly lowered.

"Wow... You're Houtu?" A voice of amazement sounded, and Lu Qi, somewhat surprised, looked up to see the young miss looking at him with curious eyes. "You're really only twelve? No way! You look older than me. I'm fourteen this year."

In the young miss's hand, the puppy also stared at him with wide, curious eyes. Lu Qi nodded, "To the young miss, I am indeed twelve, but I'll be thirteen after this winter..."

The young miss stuck out her little tongue, "You're so strong at such a young age. When you grow up, you'll definitely be as mighty as Uncle."

"Little Cousin Dier, how can you compare such a lowly slave to my father!" Wang Bo huffed. "He's just a wild child, who knows how long he'll live."

The young miss, called "Dier," seemed somewhat displeased, "Cousin, how can you speak like that? Slaves are people too. Although they are of low birth, they can also become talented. My Uncle Qingyao was a peasant slave, and now his status is no less than your father or my uncle."

Lu Qi looked at the cute girl with dimples when she smiled. A girl with such a healthy worldview was probably rare in this world.

"Your Uncle Qingyao is an exception, a one-in-a-million person. How can he be compared to a slave like him?" Wang Bo's face was stubborn, his eyes full of displeasure.

Dier seemed to have a strong will and insisted, "Who knows what will happen in the future? Maybe he..."

"Ahem..." Wang Yingfu noticed Wang Bo's displeasure. Being cunning, he knew how to smoothly shift everyone's attention and prevent the two young masters from arguing. "Xitu, is this the Houtu you mentioned? He looks like good material, but it's surprising that he could kill Anze. You didn't secretly teach him the Strength Technique, did you?"

Xitu's body trembled, and he quickly shook his head, "Steward, I wouldn't dare. Besides, I only know a little of the Strength Technique myself. How could I teach Houtu?"

Wang Yingfu glanced at a black-clad man beside him. The man shook his head and whispered a few words in Wang Yingfu's ear. Wang Yingfu then chuckled, "Without learning the Strength Technique, he could kill Anze, who was at the Seventh Level of Courage. Though he must have used some trick, it's still impressive. But he is a bit young..."

Xitu, not a fool, understood Wang Yingfu's implication and quickly responded, "He's not that young. He'll be thirteen after this winter. Other boys start hunting at fourteen, and he led the winter hunt this time, with good results."

"Oh, is that so?" Wang Yingfu's eyes flashed with surprise, and he nodded. "I think he's ready. Besides, he challenged for the position, which is in accordance with the rules..."

Wang Yingfu then looked at Lu Qi, "Houtu, right?"

"Yes, Steward," Lu Qi replied respectfully.

"The responsibility of the Northwest Household head is not light. Do you understand that?" Wang Yingfu asked. This wasn't out of concern but a routine question. After all, if the slaves in the Guojian Forest couldn't achieve something, his own life wouldn't be easy.

Lu Qi nodded, "I understand. I must ensure that the households complete the tasks assigned by the main family on time and in full, increasing production year by year, and never falling short."

"Good," Wang Yingfu said. "From today, you are the head of the Northwest Household. This position not only grants you the right to wear fine clothes and enjoy good food, but you can also be given a proper name and learn the Strength Technique. This is an opportunity not everyone has."

Lu Qi solemnly replied, "I understand. All of this is a gift from the main family. I will follow the rules and do my duty to serve the main family."

"Very well!" Seeing that Lu Qi remained calm, Wang Yingfu was secretly impressed. Perhaps the young miss was right, and this boy might have a bright future. "Before I teach you the Strength Technique, I need to give you a name. Let me think..."

At this moment, Lu Qi suddenly spoke, "Steward, I have a request."

"A request? Interesting, go on!" Wang Yingfu, hearing this for the first time, was intrigued.

"Having a proper name is something I have always dreamed of. Today, to fulfill my long-held wish, I am overjoyed. I boldly hope to choose my own name. I wonder if the steward will allow it?"

Lu Qi's words stunned everyone, and Wang Bo sneered, "Truly presumptuous. Being given a name by Steward Yingfu is a great honor. Are you dissatisfied? Where in the world does a slave choose their own name?"

Lu Qi calmly replied, "To the Sixth Young Master, I would never dare to be dissatisfied with the name given by the steward. I just want to suggest a name to save the steward the trouble. I wonder if the steward will allow it?"

Wang Yingfu's expression changed. He was willing to give Lu Qi this chance, as it wasn't a big deal. Moreover, Lu Qi was good with words, making it sound like a favor to the steward rather than a demand, which was quite comforting.

However, with Wang Bo's intervention, Wang Yingfu had to think twice. If he agreed, the Sixth Young Master might hold a grudge against him. Although he, as a steward, wasn't afraid of a powerless young master, it didn't seem worth it for a slave.

Just as Wang Yingfu hesitated, Dier spoke up, "I find this little slave interesting. I want to see what name he chooses. Uncle Yingfu, it's not a big deal. Be a good person and agree."

Dier's call "Uncle" made Wang Yingfu decide. His small eyes brightened, and he said, "Since the young miss has spoken, I'll give you this chance. Tell me your choice!"

Wang Bo, though displeased, had no choice but to accept.

Lu Qi was delighted and felt grateful to the young miss, but he kept his eyes focused, "Thank you, Steward. I want to name myself... Buqi!"

Yes, Buqi. The reason it wasn't "Qi" was that, in that moment, Lu Qi suddenly realized he was no longer the abandoned person from his past life. Dying and being reborn with his memories showed that even heaven hadn't abandoned him. In this world, he had parents who loved him, and they hadn't abandoned him. He had no reason to call himself "Qi."

Moreover, Lu Qi naturally recalled what the young miss had said. Her uncle had risen from a peasant slave to a position higher than the main family's lord. How could Lu Qi, a slave, be looked down upon by a spoiled young master like Wang Bo? Buqi was also a reminder to himself, never to give up his dignity and the firmness in his heart.

"Buqi... Never give up!" Dier's eyes lit up. "That's a great name..."

As she spoke, Dier gently tugged at Lu Qi's clothes. When Lu Qi looked over, she smiled sweetly, showing her dimples, "I didn't expect you to have such aspirations, little slave. But I support you. Maybe one day you'll become as great as my Uncle Qingyao!"

"Whimper whimper..." The blue puppy in Dier's arms seemed to support Lu Qi, barking softly.

"Ha ha..." Dier laughed happily, "You're learning to speak? I thought you were a little mute..."

It seemed the blue puppy was a recent addition to Dier's life. Lu Qi's lips curved slightly, "Thank you, young miss, and your puppy..."

Expressing his gratitude, Lu Qi quickly turned to Wang Yingfu, "Steward, what do you think?"

Wang Yingfu nodded slightly, "Since the young miss thinks it's good, then... I, Wang Yingfu, the steward of the Guojian Forest, in accordance with the laws of the Yunze Kingdom and the rules of the Wang family, hereby grant the name 'Buqi' to the head of the Northwest Household of the Guojian Forest."

Wang Yingfu's long speech strictly followed the strict rules of the Yunze Kingdom, leaving no room for error, as any mistake could be seen as a violation of the law and the family rules, punishable by blinding.

As Lu Kang and Huiniang wept with joy, Lu Qi... oh, from now on, Lu Buqi... thanked Wang Yingfu again, thanked Dier, and smoothly thanked the Sixth Young Master Wang Bo for his presence, which only made Wang Bo angrier, thinking Lu Qi was deliberately provoking him.

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**End of Chapter**