Chapter 18: Chao Feng

As recorded in the book, the Racing Horse travels ten thousand li during the day and five thousand li at night, and it can even walk on water.

Sure enough, its reputation is well-deserved.

In just half an hour, it had completed two-thirds of the journey and arrived in town.

Watching the proud and haughty Racing Horse strutting alongside her, then resuming its leisurely pace, Chen Xin chuckled. Was it waiting for her to get off the road without provoking it?

The Racing Horse, on the other hand, felt wronged. Where was the so-called precious horse? It felt deceived by this woman.

“If I’m not mistaken, you’re the Racing Horse, right?” She patted its head and said.

The Racing Horse snorted proudly, indicating that Chen Xin was right. With a faint smile, she said, “How about considering being my mount? I’ll give you enough freedom, won’t force you to do things you don’t like, and you can gallop freely with me. No one will dare to lay a hand on you.”

In this era without cars or airplanes, Chen Xin believed that having a good horse was essential. Moreover, this Racing Horse was so spirited; she had no reason to pass it up. But it had to be willing to follow her.

Hearing this, the Racing Horse seemed to consider it for a moment, then turned its head and rubbed against Chen Xin’s chest. It felt that this woman was a good person, and it would be foolish not to accept such good conditions. It had seen too many companions abused by humans when they were dissatisfied. Recognizing her as its owner wasn’t bad.

“Hehe…” The Racing Horse’s actions made Chen Xin stop and chuckle softly.

Stroking its head, she said, “Then I’ll give you a name. ‘Racing Wind, Racing Breeze,’ how about calling you ‘Chao Feng (Gust of wind)’? What do you think?”

The Racing Horse seemed very satisfied with the name Chen Xin gave it and neighed happily.

But this frightened the surrounding people, fearing that the horse might go mad and charge at them.

Seeing this, Chen Xin continued to lead it forward and said, “From now on, I’ll call you Chao Feng.”

“Chao Feng, let’s go find someone ahead.”

Walking alone in the sparsely populated town, Chen Xin saw a woman in a purple robe standing at the place where she bought the hairband yesterday. The woman had a delicate face and was looking around.

Suddenly seeing Chen Xin approaching from a distance in her purple robe, the woman smiled and quickly walked up to greet her. When she reached Chen Xin, she said, “Miss, what brings you here? Do you need something from me?”

Thinking that there was still a lot of work to do at home, the woman didn’t want to delay too long.

Chen Xin didn’t mind and smiled lightly, “Let’s find a place to talk. I believe you’ll be interested.”

The woman nodded in agreement without hesitation and followed Chen Xin.

Suddenly, Chen Xin asked, “My surname is Chen, and my name is Xin. What’s your name?”

“I’m Xian Xiaoxiao.”

At this moment, Xian Xiaoxiao realized that Chen Xin was different from them. She looked like the kind of rich and powerful young lady they couldn’t compare to. How could she have had no money to give yesterday? She might have made a fool of herself in front of others. Her tone immediately became a bit reserved. What could she want from her?

“No need to be formal, just relax. Let’s talk inside.” Gesturing to the Fragrant Restaurant they visited yesterday, Chen Xin signaled Xian Xiaoxiao to follow her and let Chao Feng do as it pleased.

Sitting down in the same elegant room as yesterday’s “Rose,” Chen Xin poured tea and asked the person opposite her, “Have you had breakfast?”

Xian Xiaoxiao smiled awkwardly, “My home is in Xianjia Village, and it’s too far to walk. I didn’t have time to eat.”

Chen Xin had asked because she thought about it. She took every word spoken by people she met for the first time seriously, even if they seemed practical. She wasn’t afraid of being deceived.

To Chen Xin, this was both an advantage and a disadvantage.

But for Chen Xin, who was adept at handling people, it wasn’t a problem.

Thinking of this, she called out to the waiter outside the door, “Waiter, bring a bowl of white porridge and some dumplings.”

Then she asked in a gentle voice, “Do you want to live a worry-free life of clothing and food?”

Xian Xiaoxiao didn’t hesitate and replied affirmatively, “Yes.” Then Xiao Liang wouldn’t have to work so hard with her, as long as she could make money, she wouldn’t be afraid of working hard.

“I plan to open a restaurant and want to hire you as the shopkeeper. I’ll provide food and lodging, and the monthly salary will be twenty taels of silver. Are you interested?”

“But I don’t know anything. I’m afraid I won’t do well.” Xian Xiaoxiao was a little anxious when she heard this. She really wanted this good job, but she also knew she wasn’t capable of it.

Seeing this, Chen Xin’s dark eyes looked at her, as if with a magical power. “You have to believe in yourself, do your best, and you’ll gradually realize how ridiculous your timidity and lack of confidence are.”

“Okay!”

Encouraged, Xian Xiaoxiao suddenly felt full of strength and looked firmly at Chen Xin.

Chen Xin nodded in satisfaction and smiled lightly. Suddenly, she remembered the Tiger Escort Bareau and asked, “Do you know where the Tiger Escort Bareau is?”

“I know. It’s on the mountain at the border of Yunwen Kingdom and Cangyue Kingdom. It’s past Fengxin Town and Lantian Town, then around Baoban Mountain, and there’s a small river ahead. It takes more than half a month even with a fast horse.”

The Tiger Escort Bareau was very famous in Yunwen Kingdom. Who didn’t know about it? Especially the head of the agency, who was handsome and talented. But ever since she started drinking and reveling in the red-light district every night more than ten years ago, the storytellers have been specially talking about her for half a month. Everyone speculated that she had fallen for a man. Her brother was even the prime minister’s legitimate son and was said to be very favored.

Chen Xin breathed a sigh of relief when she heard this. Fortunately, it wasn’t too far away. With Chao Feng, she should be able to get there in two or three days, at most six days round trip.

“Bang bang—”

“Guest, breakfast is ready.” After a knock on the door, the voice of the waiter sounded.

“Come in.”

Since she knew she would be leaving for a few days, Chen Xin began to sort out her plans for opening the shop. When the waiter left, she turned to Xian Xiaoxiao and said, “You eat first. Later, I’ll talk to you about what you need to do next.”

Upon hearing this, Xian Xiaoxiao quickly picked up her chopsticks and began to eat. She swallowed the dumplings without much chewing. Seeing this, Chen Xin, who was sitting back in her chair, remained calm, just propping her forehead with her hand and covering her eyes slightly. For Chen Xin, who was seeing someone eat so quickly up close for the first time, it was a bit unbearable to watch.

“Boss, I’m done.”

Swallowing the dumplings that she had barely chewed down her throat, Xian Xiaoxiao quickly put down her chopsticks and said to Chen Xin.

Chen Xin sat up straight calmly and was quite satisfied with Xian Xiaoxiao’s straightforwardness. After two years of training and cultivation, having such a trusted and talented person felt good.

“Well, next time, eat slowly and chew your food carefully. It’s not good for your health.” Although Chen Xin knew she wasn’t hungry because of work, Xian Xiaoxiao was the first person she needed and trusted in the Female Dominant Society. Occasionally showing concern could also bring unexpected gains.

“Yes.” Xian Xiaoxiao nodded gratefully, not expecting that the boss would care about her insignificant subordinate. Then she felt a little embarrassed and scratched her head innocently.

Chen Xin smiled, “I’ll be away for up to six days. First, find two-storey shops with backyards and rent them. They should be renovated according to the drawings on paper, and the quality must be good.” As she spoke, she took out one of the drawings she had borrowed from the village chief’s house and handed it to Xian Xiaoxiao. The lines were simple and clear. Even an outsider like Xian Xiaoxiao could see that if the renovation was done well, it would be very popular with men.

Then she handed her another one, saying, “This one is the style of tables and chairs. Ask the carpenter to hurry up and make them. It’s best to finish before I come back.”

“Okay.”

Listening attentively to Chen Xin’s instructions, Xian Xiaoxiao nodded and responded from time to time.

“Take care of things at home today and focus on managing the restaurant in the future. If you find the shops, you can move into the backyard first. There’s no need to run back and forth so hard.”

“Okay, got it.”