Chapter 1010: Well Met, Again
Proofreader: Papatonks
What normal merchant out there refuted a Sect Leader?
[I got Ling Yuntian’s favor from the start and I just had to miss a few beats now and then, acting like I was pushed around, and then he would’ve gotten me out of it.]
[But now that this win was too perfect, it only raised suspicion. Sigh, it all comes down to how perceptive Ling Yuntian is. But no random steward should ever be so tough…]
The more he thought the more worried he became, ending up with a sigh as he made his way back. He had really been careless just now…
“M-mister Gu?”
The sudden call snapped him out from his thoughts.
Pausing, Zhuo Fan frowned and his face fell.
Who else could it be but one of his old pals from the central area?
Freezing on the spot, he turned to find the very familiar miss of the Shangguan clan staring at him.
It also worked to make him wonder what she would be doing here of all places.
[Wasn’t she going back to eastern lands? What’s she doing here? They got their sword back so they ought to be home.]
Then it hit him, the four lands alliance. As the Shangguan clan was the leader of the eastern lands, they of course offered help to northern lands in fighting off the enemy. Them being here was natural.
Or better yet, he should’ve been prepared for it, but the sudden meet came out of nowhere, leaving him floored. With the Shangguan clan knowing everything about him, his Qian cover was bound to be blown.
Shangguan Qingyan lit up with unspeakable joy, “Mister Gu, it’s really you! I thought you looked familiar from afar…”
Zhuo Fan moved with speed and precision, landing next to her and covering her mouth.
Shangguan Qingyan jerked but then noticed Zhuo Fan’s sneaky look. There was no trace of fear in her heart, only giving a silly smile, while her eyes basked in the joy of reunion.
Zhuo Fan gave the secluded forest path a once over for anyone else being around then took Shangguan Qingyan deeper into the woods.
Now looking at her excited gaze, he rolled his eyes and let go of her, speaking in a serious tone, “How come I run into you again?”
“Yeah, what a coincidence meeting you as well, Mister Gu, ha-ha-ha…” Blushing hard, Shangguan Qingyan gave a shy smile and looked bashfully away.
Taking a deep breath, Zhuo Fan stared at her as he mulled before speaking, “Miss Shangguan, I am so happy to see you as well!”
“Really? I think so too!” Shangguan Qingyan lit up and gazed into his deep eyes with a wide smile.
Zhuo Fan rushed to settle her mood, “This isn’t the time to reminisce. I still have important things to do so I must be going.”
“So soon? But we just met!”
“Yes, the matter is urgent, ha-ha-ha…”
Zhuo Fan sighed, “Also, I’m not Gu Yifan now, so act like you never saw me. You must never ever mention anything about me to anyone or my head would roll. Are we clear?”
Shangguan Qingyan paused, then smiled, “You’re not Gu Yifan? Does that mean it’s a fake name? Then who are you? Tell me or I’m telling dad that Gu Yifan giving him sleepless nights is here, in the northern lands.”
“I gave him sleepless nights? What was he thinking about?”
Zhuo Fan’s brow furrowed, but then shook his head. This was no time to think about some random stuff. So making sure the coast was still clear, “Miss Shangguan, this is serious. I have a secret mission here that no one must know about.”
“Are you up against northern lands now? That won’t do. We’re here to help them…”
“I’m not interested in northern lands. I won’t meddle in their affairs, I promise.”
“Then what are you here for?”
“It doesn’t concern you, just promise me you’ll keep my secret, that you never saw me. Once I finish my mission, I’ll just leave with none the wiser.” Zhuo Fan vowed.
Shangguan Qingyan pouted, “You’re saying you’re gonna leave without drawing attention?”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.”
“I don’t believe it. What about me?” Grumbling with a lowered head, Shangguan Qingyan teared up, “You slip in then slip out so that not even I will be startled?”
Zhuo Fan’s face twitched and sighed.
Anyone else would be wrecked with fear from being involved with such a mastermind like him, then guilt eating them up inside from not reporting.
[But this chick is more worried about not saying goodbye when leaving.]
[Just what’s going through her head? What’s so important about seeing her before I go? It’s not like I’m taking her.]
[Just what does she get out of a fake promise?]
Giving her a long look, Zhuo Fan sighed, “Alright, I’ll drop by before leaving.”
“Really? Does that mean since only I know you came and left, then only I know what you did here?” Shangguan Qianyan grew exuberant once more.
Zhuo Fan cocked his head, “Uh, I guess. But what’s with that twisted logic? Anyone else that knew this would’ve had me exposed…”
“It’s all the same, since you can only trust me in this place. I won’t ever sell you out!” Shangguan Qingyan giggled, hugging his arm.
Zhuo Fan;s brow shook, glancing at her, “Yeah, I guess I trust you. Who else am I to trust if not the one who ran into me? Ha-ha-ha…”
[Besides, if anything happened to the miss of the Shangguan clan, it would draw unwanted attention and soon I’ll be found out. The best way to keep quiet is to silence everyone, if they were a random person that is.]
[No, young Sanzi risked his life for her. Even if she’s a nobody, I can’t treat young Sanzi’s sacrifice so frivolously.]
Zhuo Fan muled things over, settling on letting this miss Shangguan live. That meant he had to speed up his operation to minimize the already increasing risk.
“Miss Shangguan, we promised to forget about ever meeting and ever knowing each other. Farewell.”
Extricating his arm from her tight hug, Zhuo Fan gave a dry smile and ran. Shangguan Qingyan shouted after only two steps, “Gu Yifan, stop right there!”
Zhuo Fan froze, looking back with a bright smile, “What else can I do for you, miss Shangguan?”
“You still haven’t told me your real name. You’re going nowhere until you do!” Shangguan Qingyan smiled.
Zhuo Fan frowned, “Uh, my name’s Qian Fan, ha-ha-ha…”
“Fake for sure, humph!” Grumbling, Shangguan Qingyan rolled her eyes.
Zhuo Fan shrugged, “Anything I say you’ll think it’s fake so what’s the point in saying it?”
“Don’t say it then and I won’t ask again.” Shangguan Qingyan’s eyes twitched and then she grew quiet, “But, I do want to know one thing.”
“Ask away, but it’s up to you if you believe me.”
“Is young Sanzi alright?”
Ugh!
Zhuo Fan’s face fell, taking a deep breath, “He’s still alive, but unconscious. I came here to save him.”
“You sneaked into the Sea Bright Sect for young Sanzi? How are you going to save him?”
“Don’t worry about it. Just know that I must succeed.”
“Oh, I see. Then you can rest assured that I’ll never tell on you.” Shangguan Qingyan turned serious as she promised, “For you or for young Sanzi, I will keep your secret!”
Zhuo Fan smiled, “I believe you will do it for young Sanzi.”
“Then I’ll go get ready.”
“Alright, till next time!”
Shangguan Qingyan was no longer difficult this time around, watching Zhuo Fan with hopeful eyes, that he would pull through. Zhuo Fan nodded then flew away and off this island.
Shangguan Qingyan took a deep breath and had a sweet smile on her face as she went in another direction…