Chapter 44: Encountering a Scoundrel (4)

Wen Lan recalled and guessed correctly—it was Yin Guanghong.

“Oh? Still acting tough?” Yin Guanghong now shifted into the typical spoiled rich brat role. He shook the coin pouch tied to his waist and began circling Wen Lan in a lewd and sleazy manner, grinning as he said, “But I like that. I love fiery little peppers the most—spicy and thrilling.”

Wen Lan nearly gagged. Little pepper? Did he think she was a vegetable? Damn it, even if she were a vegetable, she wouldn’t let this pig take a bite.

“Lord Yin, you still into this kind of thing?” His lackeys, well-acquainted with his habits, saw that he was taking his first steps toward harassing another decent woman and knew right away he was up to no good.

But the person in front of them was a guy—albeit a very effeminate-looking one.

Could it be that their boss liked men too?

“He’s a guy,” someone reminded kindly.

“So what if he is? Guys can’t be asked their names?” Yin Guanghong’s greedy gaze continued to roam all over Wen Lan.

He’d seen many women before, but never one this beautiful and fiery.

He had to get her.

“Little brother, just tell me your name and what village you’re from, and I’ll waive today’s collection fee,” Yin Guanghong said, patting Wen Lan lightly on the shoulder as he leaned in, his face almost brushing against her nose.

Wen Lan immediately sidestepped to avoid him.

But she also knew—today she was alone, while Yin Guanghong had brought a whole gang. If she tried to resist him by force, she’d only end up suffering.

More importantly, if she offended this bunch, it would be hard for her to come back to the market and do business in the future.

And she might end up dragging the hunter into trouble too, disturbing his peaceful life. Who knew where she might get sent back to after that?

It wasn’t worth the risk.

After weighing the pros and cons, Wen Lan decided to play the beauty card—get through today, then figure things out later.

She gave Yin Guanghong a faint smile and softened her tone. “Lord Yin, to tell the truth, I’m indeed not from Yushou Village. I came here today to help my big brother sell some mountain goods. I arrived late and haven’t sold anything yet. Once I make a sale, I’ll definitely pay the fee.”

“Hey, I wasn’t asking about the collection fee. I’m asking your name.”

“I’m Wang Daniu.” That name packed a punch.

Yin Guanghong didn’t believe her, but he had no way to prove otherwise, so he pressed on, “Which village?”

“Wangjia Village.”

Wangjia Village was on the other side of Yunzhong Mountain, more than twenty li away from here. Wen Lan didn’t believe Yin Guanghong would go that far just to verify her story.

But unexpectedly, that same busybody who had been watching the whole scene piped up again. “I’m from Wangjia Village. We don’t have anyone named Wang Daniu, and I’ve never seen you before.”

“Bro, this has nothing to do with you. Could you go mind your own business somewhere else?” Wen Lan glared at the nosy man and rolled her eyes in annoyance.

“Lord Yin, look! This guy’s acting shady!” The busybody even had the nerve to accuse her first.

Wen Lan’s temper flared again. She stormed over and shoved the nosy man aside, shouting at the top of her lungs, “Shady? Shady, your ass! I’m talking to Lord Yin—who the hell are you to butt in?”

“Hey! Did you just push me?!” The busybody, a head taller than Wen Lan, raised his arm to retaliate.

A street fight was about to break out, but just as the busybody swung his arm down—

He suddenly screamed and fell to the ground, clutching his wrist.

Wen Lan quickly turned to see who had stepped in.

It was the hunter.

“B-big brother?”