Country Maiden: Fields and Fortune

Chapter 620: Chapter 620, Doubting Life (2nd Update)

"The way the young lady just made her moves was truly too beautiful, too ethereal, simply dazzling."

She knew that the young lady’s martial arts must be extremely formidable.

Duobao stood still, his pupils reflecting astonishment followed by an indescribable sense of shame.

He was well aware that when he left last year, Xie Zhinuan had not known martial arts. In just a few months, with just a few months’ time, she had subdued him with three moves. This was even while she was holding back—if she had had the intent to kill, would he not have died without even making a move?

He looked towards Xie Zhinuan’s retreating figure, her pale blue elegant dress billowing in the wind, revealing a pair of snow-white embroidered shoes.

"..."

His face flushed red, and tears gleamed in his eyes.

And in that instant, he realized that coming to Xie Zhinuan’s side to wait upon her, she might not have taken any notice of him at all. Only he was still deluding himself, thinking he was invincible, running errands for a girl of unknown identity, and had suffered humiliation.

Standing still until their figures were nearly out of sight, he quickly started following them with brisk steps.

He also did not understand why Xie Zhinuan, with her powerful martial arts skills, would opt to walk up the mountain rather than directly using qinggong? It would be so much more convenient!

But, that said, he hadn’t asked before, and now he somewhat dared not inquire.

When Duobao caught up, Xie Zhinuan did not even spare him a glance, whereas Chunyu looked at him several times, seeing his dejected demeanor, Chunyu thought to herself, "Serves him right!"

After a short while, they came out of the bamboo forest and into a valley filled with the fragrance of flowers and birdsong; a large residence lay ahead, giving the impression of stumbling upon a serene village after a long journey with no clear path.

Advancing a bit further, she signaled Chunyu to knock on the door. No sooner had they knocked than barking erupted from within, "Woof, woof, woof!"

Shortly after, someone came to open the door—a middle-aged man about forty years old dressed in blue, standing there with an air of enigmatic seclusion.

The man glanced over and set his eyes on Xie Zhinuan.

Her maid was soaked in sweat, but she herself stood there with a calm and collected demeanor, clearly showing her capabilities. The man asked indifferently, "May I help you with something?"

Xie Zhinuan smiled faintly, "My surname is Xie, and I have come to pay my respects to Mr. Gu Mingwen, Master Gu!"

Gu Chengyi looked at Xie Zhinuan, "I regret to say, young lady, that my father is not receiving visitors!"

"Is that so..." Xie Zhinuan uttered softly, pondering for a moment before speaking, "Then I apologize for the disturbance, I shall return tomorrow!"

Today’s visit was sudden, and she had arrived empty-handed, which, admittedly, was somewhat improper.

She said no more and turned to leave.

Duobao was surprised.

Chunyu was even more taken aback and hurriedly followed, "Miss, are we leaving just like this?"

Having made the arduous journey up the mountain, to descend like this seemed like a trip in vain.

"We will return tomorrow!" Xie Zhinuan said softly.

She hastened her pace.

As Chunyu descended the mountain, her calf muscles trembled and quivered, and she nearly fell several times.

Xie Zhinuan reached out to steady her, "Duobao, carry her on your back!"

Chunyu’s face turned red, and she hurriedly said there was no need.

But Duobao had already half-squatted and responded with a deep voice, "Climb on!"

After a moment’s hesitation, Chunyu climbed onto his back.

To Duobao’s greater surprise, Xie Zhinuan made use of qinggong and flew down the mountain in an instant.

Her figure was graceful, and her speed was so fast that it made his eyes ache.

"Wow..." Chunyu exclaimed, "Who would have thought the young lady’s martial arts were so impressive!"

"..."

Duobao did not respond but carried Chunyu and hurried after her.

By the time he arrived, Xie Zhinuan was already at the roadside, picking a bunch of wildflowers, and giving him an enigmatic smile.

A chill ran inexplicably down Duobao’s spine.

On the drive back in the carriage, he was still pondering over Xie Zhinuan’s mysterious smile.