CHAPTER 340: CHAPTER 340: ZHAO TING’S CLOSEST FRIEND

The aloof man glanced at Meng Yao, "Do you believe what she says? If she was truly forced, she had countless opportunities to save herself, but she didn’t. Evidently, she is willing in this entire matter."

"If you believe it, you’re bound to get bitten! Madam, you have a chivalrous spirit and a good heart, I really can’t bear to see you being manipulated! Hear my advice, send her to the authorities!"

Meng Yao sighed, "I was just playing along since the girl was so immersed in her act. It’s no fun if you expose it like this."

After speaking, Meng Yao efficiently tied the person up.

Afterwards, she led the two men, while the aloof man led the girl straight to the County Government.

Feng Zhiyuan was organizing those government officials; though they weren’t exactly respectful, with Bai Su in charge, none dared to cause trouble.

Of course, they weren’t easily intimidated either.

Once bitten, twice shy is a common affliction.

Under Zhu Fu’s indication, someone attempted to disregard Feng Zhiyuan’s orders, and ended up writhing in pain again.

Only then did they believe Bai Su wasn’t deceiving them.

"County Princess, what’s the matter?" Feng Zhiyuan asked as he saw Meng Yao approaching.

The aloof man looked at Meng Yao in surprise; this lady was actually a County Princess.

"I was just strolling around and encountered someone acting chivalrous, so I got involved. Look, I’ve brought the person to you. As for the crime, let this gentleman explain to you," Meng Yao said, "I just lent a hand."

"Madam, there’s no need for modesty. Without your help, I couldn’t have managed them on my own," said the aloof man without taking credit.

Feng Zhiyuan politely invited the aloof man aside to discuss, while Meng Yao asked Bai Su if everything was going smoothly.

"They’re all pretty scared," Bai Su replied, "Lord Feng has skills too, using both carrot and stick. Overall, it’s going quite well."

"For now, it seems smooth because those families are still watching. They’re unclear about my intentions, so they’re not making any moves. When they can’t stand by any longer, I’ll trouble you to protect Lord Feng," Meng Yao said.

"Don’t worry, Sister Meng, I will surely protect Lord Feng," Bai Su promised.

Lord Feng is a good person; he just told her about many delicious snack shops in Le’an.

He also promised to take her there to eat when things are settled.

For this reason, she must protect him well.

"Excuse me, is there anything I should know?" A voice suddenly rang out.

Meng Yao looked and saw it was the young man who almost purchased someone earlier.

Unnoticed, he quietly followed them.

"Lord Feng, this gentleman can also be considered involved in the matter," Meng Yao said to Feng Zhiyuan.

Feng Zhiyuan nodded at the young man, gesturing for him to come over.

In no time, Feng Zhiyuan understood the course of the events, but since the case involved crimes committed elsewhere, it couldn’t be immediately concluded.

And because the aloof man had followed them to several places, as an important witness holding evidence, Feng Zhiyuan needed him to stay to assist, temporarily housing him to report the case to Zong Cheng.

So he asked Meng Yao to take him back.

Meng Yao agreed, as it was on the way.

"Are you from the Capital City?" the aloof man asked on the way.

Meng Yao nodded.

"Has the Capital City changed much now?"

"I can’t really answer your question, I haven’t stayed in the Capital City for long, so I can’t say if there’s much change!" Meng Yao replied.

The aloof man smiled, "True."

"From your accent, it does sound a bit like Capital City dialect. Are you from there?" Meng Yao asked.

"Yes," the aloof man said, "but I left the Capital City several years ago and haven’t returned since."

"Then you can go back to visit when you have time."

The aloof man was silent for a while before saying lightly, "We’ll see."

It’s a place of sorrow; the person he wanted to meet is no longer there, and he really doesn’t want to return.

Meng Yao keenly sensed his mood was somewhat low, so she didn’t speak further.

Upon arriving at Feng Zhiyuan’s residence, standing at the door, they could hear Zhao Ting and Zong Cheng still intensely discussing some case matters.

Meng Yao pushed the door open, without managing to disturb the two of them.

Only when Meng Yao spoke did their discussion pause.

Zhao Ting looked up, "You—"

He wanted to ask Meng Yao where she had gone.

However, he got tongue-tied when he saw the person by Meng Yao’s side.

Meng Yao noticed his strange behavior.

"Is there something on my face?" Meng Yao asked.

"No, of course not. It’s just that I saw someone standing next to you! Who is this?" Zhao Ting quickly returned to normal.

"Oh, this is—"

Meng Yao got stuck; she didn’t know this person’s name.

"By the way, I still don’t know your name!"

"I am Xun Yan," the aloof man said.

Meng Yao was hearing the surname Xun for the first time.

Meng Yao explained Xun Yan’s purpose to Zong Cheng and Zhao Ting, and Zong Cheng welcomed him.

As for Zhao Ting, for some reason, Meng Yao always felt he was acting odd.

"Brother Zong, we’ve looked at enough documents for today. You need adequate rest with your health. Shall we continue another day?" Zhao Ting suggested.

"Alright, I’ll follow Brother Zhao’s advice," Zong Cheng agreed.

Zhao Ting walked back with Meng Yao to the next door.

He seemed a bit distracted, occasionally showing puzzlement.

Meng Yao couldn’t help but ask, "I’ve felt you were acting strangely since earlier. Is there something on your mind?"

Zhao Ting hesitated.

"Can’t you say it?"

"It’s not that I can’t say, A Yao, between us, there’s nothing I can’t say, just that I don’t know how to say it!" Zhao Ting was somewhat troubled.

Meng Yao sighed.

"Do you remember I told you before about a close friend I had? ’I’ before!" Zhao Ting emphasized.

Meng Yao understood it was when he was still a Prince.

"That was Xun Yan!" Zhao Ting said.

Meng Yao was astonished, such a coincidence?

"You said he wandered the world? And ended up in Le’an?"

"That’s not the point; the point is, his real name isn’t Xun Yan!" Zhao Ting said heavily.

Xun Yan, Xun Yan, Xun Yan?!

Meng Yao repeated the name several times.

Someone’s original name had a Yan character!

Xun!

Yan!

So, are the things she’s thinking about true?

Zhao Ting considered the person a close friend, but Xun Yan’s feelings were different.

Of course, Meng Yao couldn’t say her thoughts aloud.

Thinking is one thing.

Saying it out loud would definitely make Zhao Ting think too much.

If by accident, something goes wrong, who would she cry to?

"In this world, it’s common not to use your real name. I get that, but why use a name same as mine? Also, what’s with making oneself look so disheveled? He’s almost unrecognizably thin!" Zhao Ting muttered.

Unrecognizable? How could that be?

Meng Yao felt that Xun Yan’s appearance was just right.

He had a very unique aura.

"What are your plans, will you acknowledge him?" Meng Yao asked.

Zhao Ting waved his hand, "Of course not. ’I’ have long returned to dust and ashes! Now I’m Zhao Ting! Besides, if we were friends before, meeting anew, can’t we be friends again?"