Chapter 739: Eaten by Wild Beasts

Chapter 739: Devoured by Beasts

Xingxing didn’t have to look to recognize the owner of the voice.

It was Pang Jinkang.

Although Pang Jinkang’s behavior of camping out at the inn was hardly gentlemanly, given that Anjiang Prefect was likely connected to the southern barbarians, Xingxing had to tread carefully.

Moreover, she might even be able to fish for some information from him.

Xingxing turned around, putting on just the right look of surprise, and looked at Pang Jinkang: "Young Master Pang? What brings you here?"

Pang Jinkang eagerly stepped closer, his face slightly flushed: "Yesterday, I hit it off right away with Brother Feng. Though he went to visit friends today, I thought I might still have a chance to see him again—perhaps take him out for a bite or something."

Not daring to admit his ulterior motives toward Xingxing, Pang Jinkang could only half-heartedly speak of his "friendship" with "Brother Feng."

Xingxing naturally saw through it. However, she pretended to fully believe his words, her face showing realization and gratitude: "Young Master Pang is too kind. My brother is visiting friends, and it’s uncertain when he’ll return. There’s no need for you to wait for him."

Pang Jinkang nodded awkwardly, his gaze falling on the ornate box in Xingxing’s hand.

"What’s this?"

Xingxing replied, "I just went out to buy some jewelry."

Pang Jinkang nodded in understanding, then hesitantly asked, "Speaking of which, Miss Feng, I’ve been meaning to ask something, but I was afraid it might be too personal..."

Normally, if it were her usual self, Xingxing would have snapped, "If you think it’s too forward, then don’t ask."

But things were complicated, so she merely smiled gently and said, "Go ahead, Young Master Pang."

Only then did Pang Jinkang carefully ask, "I noticed that Miss Feng doesn’t have a maid attending to her. May I ask if there’s some particular reason for that? Or is it due to other circumstances?"

Xingxing and Yu Yonggui had already prepared an answer for this.

"Actually, I did bring a maid when I first set out, but she was too delicate for travel. She fell ill along the way, so I sent her back home," Xingxing explained with a smile. "I figured that since I have servants at home, it’s enough. Traveling is also meant to toughen oneself, so I decided not to bring a maid."

Truth was, she didn’t bring a maid because searching for Wei Shiyan was hush-hush business—the fewer people involved, the easier it would be to act.

Pang Jinkang, however, immediately jumped in, "Miss Feng’s resolve is admirable, but someone like you really shouldn’t be without a maid to attend to you. —Baise!"

He called out, and a maid stepped forward from among his attendants.

Pang Jinkang said, "This maid of mine is hardworking and dependable. How about letting her help you out during your stay?"

Xingxing smiled. "I appreciate Young Master Pang’s kindness. But I’ve already promised my father that I’d take care of myself during this journey with my brother and not slow him down... Otherwise, how could I convince him to entrust me with part of the family business in the future?"

She deliberately mentioned "family business," hinting that her actions were also about securing a share of the inheritance.

Among wealthy families, it wasn’t unheard of for daughters to inherit part of the estate—though rare, it did happen.

Hearing this, Pang Jinkang immediately felt he understood.

He quickly said, "Ah, it seems I was inconsiderate."

With that, he waved his hand, and the maid retreated.

However, after this exchange, Pang Jinkang felt that he had grown closer to "Miss Feng"—after all, she had even let him in on something as private as "family business."

Pang Jinkang was delighted and immediately invited Xingxing to join him for lunch.

Xingxing thought for a moment. Having just turned down her maid, it would seem rude to refuse the meal as well, so she nodded in agreement.

This absolutely thrilled Pang Jinkang, and he quickly sent his servant to reserve a table at the finest restaurant in Anjiang.

“There’s still some time before lunch. How about we grab some tea first?” Pang Jinkang suggested.

Xingxing smiled and agreed.

Pang Jinkang was walking on clouds!

The best restaurant in Anjiang was the sole four-story structure in the small town.

Pang Jinkang had reserved a private room on the third floor.

However, as Pang Jinkang led Xingxing upstairs, they encountered a middle-aged man in dark blue robes descending the stairs.

Pang Jinkang paused briefly before bowing respectfully to the man and greeting him, “Good day, Uncle.”

At the word “uncle,” Xingxing’s pulse quickened slightly.

But she showed no outward reaction, simply standing properly with lowered eyes like a proper young lady.

The man in dark blue robes recognized Pang Jinkang and exclaimed, “Oh, it’s you, nephew. Coming for tea too?”

As he spoke, his gaze casually swept over Xingxing.

Pang Jinkang answered with some embarrassment, “Yes.”

Seeing Pang Jinkang’s demeanor, the man assumed Xingxing was someone he fancied and didn't suspect anything. He chuckled, “Ah, I see.”

Pang Jinkang then exchanged pleasantries with the man. “Uncle, any news about that little thief from your household?”

The man in dark blue let out a long sigh. “That scoundrel is crafty and elusive. After all these days, there’s still no trace of him.”

Pang Jinkang comforted him, “The mountains teem with predators—wolves, tigers, and leopards. Perhaps he was eaten by one.”

The man seemed to share the same thought. He nodded and patted Pang Jinkang’s shoulder. “Let's hope you're right, nephew. You and your friend go ahead and enjoy your tea. I have matters to attend to, but I’ll meet with your father another time.” He grinned knowingly, emphasizing the words “your friend,” clearly teasing Pang Jinkang about his relationship with Xingxing.

Pang Jinkang could only bow again. “Farewell, Uncle.”

The man in dark blue left with his attendants, still chuckling.

Xingxing remained composed, but inside, she was seething.

Once they reached the private room, Pang Jinkang suddenly noticed Xingxing's expression had cooled. Assuming she was offended by his uncle’s teasing remarks, he hurriedly apologized, “Miss Feng, please don’t take offense. My uncle is a bit rough around the edges. He didn’t mean to slight you.”

But Xingxing was actually angered by the comment about the thief being “eaten by beasts.”

Her tone was cool. “You're too kind, Mr. Pang. Your uncle seemed quite courteous to me.”

Pang Jinkang fidgeted nervously. “No, it’s just that my uncle grew up beyond the frontier and only returned to Anjiang as an adult. His manners are still influenced by those from the borderlands. The customs there regarding men and women differ from ours, so… so…”

He stumbled over his explanation, his face flushing red.

Xingxing, however, became intrigued.

Beyond the frontier?

She allowed a trace of doubt to show on her face. “...Really?”

Seeing that his explanation was working, Pang Jinkang eagerly continued, “I swear it's true! I wouldn’t dare deceive you, Miss. My uncle’s mother is from Anjiang, but his father was from Xiyi, so he spent his childhood beyond the frontier. After his father passed away, he moved back to Anjiang with his mother.”