My Years in the Jianghu with the Prince: A Time of Unethical Conduct

Chapter 139, Recollection Part 6 – Approach and Name Change

The guard's sudden change in attitude caught the leader of the caravan off guard.

"please."

When the other guards also made gestures of courtesy, the leader was taken aback. Not daring to be negligent, he immediately led everyone in the caravan forward without stopping.

The group slowly passed through the villagers who were watching the commotion.

Throughout the short journey, Xie Yan did not look up, but she could clearly feel a gaze fixed intently on her.

The gaze was sticky and disgusting, constantly scanning his face.

Like a venomous snake lurking in wait, it followed him like a shadow, as if it would devour him whole at the right moment.

Xie Yan lowered her eyes, concealing the emotions within them.

Although he did not disguise himself, the scar on his face was so hideous that people would avoid him at all costs. Most people would not only not look closely, but would sometimes feel disgusted.

But Wang Youdao looked at him with the eyes of someone looking at a rare and precious treasure, and even... there was a strange excitement about it.

If this person doesn't have unusual taste, then... what other secrets does he have that no one knows?

Finally, the convoy stopped.

As soon as everyone got out of the car, Wang Youdao's personal guards immediately stepped forward and led them to the porridge distribution area.

Of course, this doesn't apply to Xie Yan, since he's currently just a hitchhiker and these things are none of his concern.

However, although Xie Yan was "not interested" in Wang Youdao, Wang Youdao was very interested in her.

After learning the purpose of the convoy, Wang Youdao intentionally or unintentionally steered the conversation toward Xie Yan.

"Gentlemen, you've come out to do business, and the journey has been fraught with danger, with many mountains and rivers to cross and many places to sleep in the open. Why are you bringing a child with you? That's so dangerous."

"Could it be your own child? You must have gone through so much trouble."

"kindness?"

The leader of the convoy was a chubby middle-aged man who looked like a well-traveled and experienced person.

He followed Wang Youdao's gaze to Xie Yan, who was still obediently staying in the car, and shook his head with a smile.

“Master Wang, you misunderstand. We just met this child on the road. We took pity on him and gave him a ride.”

"Oh? This child isn't a member of your family?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Youdao seemed to have thought of something, and a glint of light suddenly flashed in his eyes.

"Yes."

The leader nodded, completely unaware of Wang Youdao's attempt to change the subject, and continued, "Alas, this child has truly had a hard life."

He said that both his parents died and he was raised by relatives from a young age.

“At first, the couple who were relatives treated him fairly well, but after they had their own child, they gradually neglected the child. They used to beat and scold him, and he often went hungry.”

"Not long ago, the child finally couldn't take it anymore and managed to escape. He then met us, so he begged us to give him a ride to the city to find a good job to support himself."

"It is so."

Seeing the leader let out a long sigh, a hint of reluctance seemed to appear on Wang Youdao's face as well.

But the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly, before quickly returning to their normal shape.

"Then this child is truly pitiful. Does that mean he has no other relatives besides those two?"

"Exactly."

The leader nodded, his expression still carrying a hint of sympathy.

Then Wang Youdao sighed and finally revealed his true purpose: "In that case, why not let this child come with me? My family is large and prosperous, so having another person to feed is no big deal. It will also give this child a place to stay."

"This……"

The leader was clearly surprised by Wang Youdao's sudden remark and hesitated for a moment.

Wang Youdao said sincerely, "Alas, Brother Liang, look, although this child has escaped, he has no relatives or friends, and he has such a horrifying scar on his face. It will probably be difficult for him to find a good livelihood."

"……really."

Upon hearing this, the leader also felt that there was some truth to it.

Seeing this, Wang Youdao quickly seized the opportunity and said, "I can find him a sweeping job here, which is simple and easy."

“What Master Wang said seems to make some sense.”

The leader seemed to think the suggestion was good and agreed.

He turned to look at Xie Yan: "If this child can gain the favor of Master Wang, that would be the best thing."

"I'll have someone go and fetch him right away."

A moment later, Xie Yan was brought in front of Wang Youdao.

Wang Youdao's eyes had returned to normal. He looked at Xie Yan with a kind and gentle smile on his face.

It was as if the disgusting gaze Xie Yan had felt earlier was just his imagination.

"Come on, kid."

The leader pulled Xie Yan over and introduced him, "This is Master Wang. He heard about your situation and plans to find you a job in his mansion so that you can live a peaceful life."

Xie Yan blinked, momentarily unable to react.

He got close to Wang Youdao so easily? He hasn't even done anything yet, has he?

Seeing him standing there in a daze, the leader quickly urged him on.

"Quickly, hurry up and kowtow to Master Wang to thank him properly."

"There's no need for kowtowing."

Wang Youdao waved his hand, stepped forward, and smiled as he reached out his hand, seemingly wanting to pat Xie Yan's head.

Just as she was about to touch him, Xie Yan bowed deeply in gratitude, subtly avoiding her touch.

Seeing his reaction, Wang Youdao smiled, but his face did not show any displeasure.

"My household happens to be short of a cleaner. From today onwards, you will work hard. I guarantee you will have no worries about food and drink, and you will no longer have to live in fear like before."

"Child, lift your head, what's your name?"

Wang Youdao stared intently at Xie Yan's raised face, a barely perceptible hint of tension in his voice.

Xie Yan paused.

"Xie Yan".

The two were face to face until this moment.

Looking at Wang Youdao's face, he felt a vague sense of familiarity.

"Xie Yan?"

Wang Youdao muttered something to himself, then suddenly said, "Since you've finally escaped the wolf's den, it's time to leave the past behind and start anew. How about I give you a new name?"

Not only Xie Yan, but even the leader was stunned for a moment, feeling that something was wrong.

He hesitated, but Xie Yan nodded obediently.

Wang Youdao's eyes flickered slightly, and he said almost without thinking, "Then let's call her Yu, A-Yu."

Upon hearing a familiar word, Xie Yan's heart skipped a beat.

He looked up at Wang Youdao again, and in a flash, he suddenly caught a glimpse of an identical face from his memory.