novelraw Chapter 941: How Could I Not Be Excited?
Chapter 941: How Could I Not Be Excited?
At this moment, Family Head Fang stepped forward and escorted Han Yan to the VIP room."Elder greets Young Master Mu." Once inside, Family Head Fang personally poured tea before stepping forward to salute Han Yan.
The Fang Family is currently under the protection of Han Yan. Without his assistance, the Fang Family wouldn’t know where they might be struggling now. Therefore, Family Head Fang was especially respectful towards Han Yan.
"Family Head Fang, there’s no need for thanks. I’m the one who should be apologizing for troubling you earlier, and I haven’t yet thanked you for your kindness." Han Yan referred to the incident where Family Head Fang stood firm against the coercion of the Fifth Prince and Nian An Yao, refusing to reveal his identity.
Of course, she understood that Family Head Fang did this to avoid dragging her into the mess. Although he underestimated her a bit, it was well-intentioned, and Han Yan was still very grateful.
"Young Master Mu, you praise me too highly. If I had known earlier about your capabilities and reputation, I wouldn’t have taken unnecessary action and embarrassed myself in front of you." Family Head Fang said self-deprecatingly.
When Han Yan confronted Nian An Yao earlier, Family Head Fang learned from others discussing the situation about Han Yan’s reputation. Only then did he realize that Han Yan was quite renowned in the Capital, even if not all of it was good reputation. Still, the notoriety was significant enough that even someone like the Fifth Prince dared not bully him.
Lately, he had been so focused on Fangjia Square’s matters that he overlooked news about Han Yan, becoming an uninformed frog at the bottom of a well.
"Family Head Fang’s good intention, how dare this junior mock it? I will remember this kindness." Han Yan said earnestly.
Seeing that Han Yan still maintained his humble demeanor as before, and considered himself a junior, Family Head Fang was even more moved and respected Han Yan even more.
The Fang Family lacks deep roots, and even if one day they reclaim the Sword Guard Mansion and rebuild the family, generations later they will inevitably face the fate of being devoured. Perhaps pledging allegiance to Han Yan and serving as household for generations is not a bad option.
Thinking of this, Family Head Fang suddenly recalled an ancestral decree and fell into deep thought.
"Subordinate Zhou Taian, temporarily managing Nanyan Commerce’s Fangjia Square, greets President." At this moment, a middle-aged man dressed as a merchant stepped forward and saluted.
"Housekeeper Zhou, no need for formalities, we are all family here, feel at ease." Han Yan helped the middle-aged man up and said kindly.
She still had some impression of this middle-aged man. Originally a citizen of Heishi City, he was noticed by Mu Nan and recruited into Nanyan Commerce. He had a knack for business, which was likely why Mu Nan sent him to manage Fangjia Square.
Han Yan’s identity is a secret to many in the Nanyan Commerce. Since Zhou Taian knew of it, he should be considered a trusted confidant of Mu Nan, so Han Yan was especially polite to him.
"Subordinate has a matter to report to the President." Others might think Han Yan’s tales are mostly rumors, but as a citizen of Heishi City, Zhou Taian naturally knew those were not mere rumors, and the real Han Yan might be even more formidable than the tales. Hearing Han Yan speak so amiably to him, he couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with surprise and continued.
"Speak." Han Yan said.
"Since our Nanyan Commerce has just begun to rise and isn’t very well known yet, but Fangjia Square holds a reputation, I took it upon myself not to change the name and continued to use Fangjia Square. I ask President for punishment." Zhou Taian said uneasily.
"So it was just this small matter? You’re the steward, and you can decide how to handle it. As long as you think it’s right, it’s your call." Seeing his anxious demeanor, Han Yan thought it might be a bigger issue, but upon hearing it was something so minor, she couldn’t help but find it humorous.
There’s a saying: don’t use those you doubt, don’t doubt those you use. Han Yan could never reprimand a servant for such a trivial matter. Besides, she acknowledged that she lacked business acumen and had to rely on these people to help her make money, so she couldn’t make them feel disheartened.
Seeing Han Yan so magnanimous, completely without displeasure, Zhou Taian wholeheartedly relaxed, and his resolve to serve Nanyan Commerce diligently strengthened even more.
Then Zhou Taian presented recent account books for Han Yan to review.
Though she had little interest in commerce, the growing profits made Han Yan smile with eyes almost like crescents, and she repeatedly praised Zhou Taian.
"By the way, why haven’t I seen Master Qu?" After reviewing the account books, Han Yan noticed Qu Shanling’s absence, and even during the earlier conflict with the Fifth Prince, he hadn’t appeared. She asked curiously.
"I heard... I heard the sword is nearly done, so he doesn’t dare leave and stays there every day." Family Head Fang had wanted to mention it earlier but was unsure of Han Yan’s trust level with Zhou Taian, so he hadn’t brought it up. Seeing her now asking, he replied vaguely.
"What, the sword is nearly done!" Han Yan exclaimed, jumping up.
Though Family Head Fang spoke vaguely, she understood exactly what he meant.
She had thought it would take three to five years for the Cold Sky Refining in the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond to complete, but unexpectedly it was nearly finished. For a swordsman, the sword is their counterpart. During battles, a swordsman without a sword can hardly be called a swordsman. Especially with a good sword in hand, it was beyond comparison. During this time without the Cold Sky Sword, Han Yan felt uneasy. Though she chose a sword from the ones sent by Che Xiang, they lacked quality to showcase her full abilities or enhance her combat power. Hearing the sword’s near completion, how could she not be thrilled?
Although she didn’t want Zhou Taian to notice anything amiss, Han Yan couldn’t entirely suppress her excitement, and anyone with keen eyes could see the gleam in her eyes.
She noticed the curiosity in Zhou Taian’s eyes but refrained from elaborating. Firstly, due to their limited interaction, she couldn’t fully trust him. Secondly, the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond was extremely precious; for those in the Sword Dao, it was a once-in-a-lifetime treasure. For someone like Zhou Taian, who had little cultivation, knowing such a secret could be disastrous.
It was for this reason that even Qu Shanling hadn’t informed Family Head Fang.
Fortunately, Zhou Taian was mature and discreet, aware that not everything in this world was for him to know. So he didn’t press for details, seeing Han Yan’s quick departure, he knew there was a crucial task to handle, and he specifically ordered guards to tighten security around Fangjia Square to prevent any scoundrels from tailing her.
After a few exchanged words with Zhou Taian, Han Yan and Family Head Fang hurriedly set out towards Master Qu Shanling’s old residence.