The child servant obediently held the small black dog, her innocent big eyes wide open. "Sister Rong'er, I've been in the carriage the whole time. I even saw the monkeys run away."
Needless to say, this was all thanks to Dongfang Cangwu. He had kept himself and the child servant hidden within the carriage, only revealing themselves after confirming they had escaped the surveillance of the Yan family.
Yan Jiaojiao, however, changed the subject. "Tong'er, do you want a complete name?"
She had finally managed to bring Tong'er out of the estate, but Chen Wenyu would certainly not give up on such a useful tool. It was only a matter of time before she came looking for Tong'er. Yan Jiaojiao thus decided to change the child's name.
Tong'er looked up at Yan Jiaojiao. "Yes, I do."
Yan Jiaojiao gazed into the distance, pondering for a moment. "Let's call you Dongfang Xu! I hope you will be like the rising sun in the east, forever possessing warm hope, and never have to endure a life without light again."
She also hoped that after Tong'er's dark days passed, Dongfang Xu's brilliant future would unfold.
The small black dog, which had been pretending to sleep, suddenly sat up, its eyes fixed on Yan Jiaojiao.
Dongfang Cangwu didn't understand why this child was being given his surname.
What was even more incredible was that Yan Jiaojiao had also spoken of the meaning "like the rising sun in the east," which was exactly what the person who named him had said!
Dongfang Cangwu wished he could transform into a human at that moment, just to ask Yan Jiaojiao for an explanation.
"I like this name!" Dongfang Xu exclaimed joyfully. It seemed that with a new name, he had become more cheerful than when he was just Tong'er.
Yan Jiaojiao nodded. "Alright, from now on, your name is Dongfang Xu."
Dongfang Xu truly adored his new name, his body swaying excitedly as he chanted, "Dongfang Xu, Dongfang Xu, my name is Dongfang Xu..."
Yan Jiaojiao watched him repeat it, like a little monk chanting scriptures. Suddenly, she felt a sense of familiarity and blurted out, "Actually, 'Cangwu' sounds quite nice too, meaning longevity. Dongfang Cangwu, that name sounds a bit familiar. Have I heard it somewhere before?"
Dongfang Cangwu's breathing hitched for a few seconds. Meaning longevity, that's exactly what the other person had said back then!
Perhaps it was the intensity of the small black dog's gaze, but Yan Jiaojiao subconsciously looked down at him and instantly forgot her careless remark.
"Little Black, do you like the name Dongfang Xu too?" Yan Jiaojiao teased him. "It's a pity you already have a name, you can't be greedy for more, Little Black."
The small black dog suddenly lost interest in interacting with Yan Jiaojiao again.
It must be an illusion. It had to be an illusion.
"Thump!"
A loud noise echoed, the carriage swayed, and then stopped.
Yan Jiaojiao and the others were startled. The small black dog reacted quickly, leaping onto Dongfang Xu's lap. In the blink of an eye, both the person and the dog vanished.
Rong'er watched, dumbfounded. It was the first time she had ever seen a cultivation technique that could grant invisibility without the need for incantations.
Seeing this, Yan Jiaojiao lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. She saw another carriage laden with goods parked beside them. Its rear trailer had collided with their carriage's tire, effectively jamming them together. Both carriage drivers had dismounted and were examining the situation.
"What a coincidence, young lady. I didn't expect to meet you here," a male voice said, tinged with surprise.
Yan Jiaojiao turned her head and saw Sheng Mobai.
Sheng Mobai was dressed much more low-key today, wearing a plain, unadorned robe. However, the fabric was visibly of excellent quality, making him appear exceptionally noble.
"I've been meaning to ask, which young lady of the Yan family are you?" Sheng Mobai ignored the carriage issue and immediately inquired about Yan Jiaojiao's personal affairs.
A hint of impatience flickered in Yan Jiaojiao's eyes. She glanced at the large red boxes being towed behind the carriage and retorted, "Are these the meeting gifts prepared by Young Master Sheng?"
Sheng Mobai nodded. "Indeed." He then asked again, "May I know your name, young lady?"
He was being so persistent. Yan Jiaojiao forced a smile. "The head of the family will be home by noon today. We are in a hurry to get some things done, so please, Young Master Sheng, help us separate the two carriages."
Sheng Mobai was not in a hurry. He waved his hand. "I also plan to pay a visit around noon. Since it's still early, let the servants take their time with it. I can't be of much help anyway."
Noticing a flicker of displeasure on Yan Jiaojiao's face, Sheng Mobai pointed forward. "By the way, there's a teahouse just ahead. Their crispy shortbread is particularly delicious with tea. Why don't we go sit and rest for a while?"
This dissolute young master, having only been in Kunyang City for a few days, had already figured out all the best places to eat and have fun. Furthermore, he was drinking and reveling with Yan Ruxue late at night while casually flirting with other women. What a slick, disreputable man!
Yan Jiaojiao disliked Sheng Mobai from the bottom of her heart and had no intention of going with him. She simply said, "Thank you, but no," and retreated back into the carriage.
Sheng Mobai was left standing awkwardly to the side, having been rebuffed.
Fortunately, the drivers were experienced, and it wasn't long before they had moved the carriages apart.
Sheng Mobai had wanted to bid Yan Jiaojiao farewell, but before he could speak, Yan Jiaojiao ordered her driver to speed away.
After the carriage had traveled for a while longer, Rong'er looked outside again and said, "Eldest Miss, Zhao Family Village is just ahead."
Rong'er's surname was Zhao. Her elder brother was Zhao Qi, and their family lived in Zhao Family Village, on the outskirts of Kunyang City. The village was not particularly wealthy, but it wasn't lawless either. Entrusting Dongfang Xu there temporarily should be acceptable.
As Yan Jiaojiao was contemplating this, she heard Rong'er say, "But, Eldest Miss, isn't that Young Master Sheng's carriage up ahead?"
Yan Jiaojiao immediately lifted the curtain and looked back. It was indeed Sheng Mobai's carriage!
What was going on? Was this man a phantom?
Yan Jiaojiao's anger flared. She realized that Little Black hadn't released Dongfang Xu from the barrier because he must have sensed they were being followed.
"Stop!"
Yan Jiaojiao commanded. As soon as the carriage came to a halt, she jumped out and walked briskly towards the rear.
Seeing Yan Jiaojiao approaching, Sheng Mobai also stopped his carriage, waiting with a playful grin.
"Why are you following me?" Yan Jiaojiao asked, displeased. Her imposing aura unconsciously emanated from her.
For a moment, even the cicadas by the roadside quieted down.
Sheng Mobai couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, his gaze towards Yan Jiaojiao now filled with a hint of amusement. "Young lady, I was merely worried you might get lost heading further into the wilderness, so I came to escort you for a portion of the journey."
"Get lost. Don't let me see you again," Yan Jiaojiao said coldly, dismissing him.
Sheng Mobai remained unfazed, only smiling at her. "Young lady, tell me your name, and I will promise to leave. Otherwise, I shall have to visit the Yan family and inquire about your whereabouts from others."
This was blatant blackmail!
Yan Jiaojiao's gaze towards Sheng Mobai grew even colder.