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However, most of the guards were extremely reluctant. What future could there be in following a playboy? A City Lord for a father? Everyone knew that members of the Mu Branch Families eyed the City Lord's position covetously, and it was uncertain when the City Lord might be replaced. For a mere smattering of cultivation resources, risking too much for too little was not worthwhile. Moreover, the City Lord had been exiled to this small town; what if one day he was exiled to an even more remote place? Following this playboy, wouldn't their whole lives be over? If it were Young Master Mu Hanfeng, they would be eager, but as for the eldest son, perhaps not.
Those with such thoughts sometimes showed it on their faces. Yue Fanling observed all this, contemplating whom to choose and whom to avoid. While she wanted to ensure Han Yan's safety, those who desired resources but neglected Han Yan's well-being were best avoided. And those who were unwilling from the start needed no further mention.
Mu Hanyan seemed not to care about these people's thoughts. She walked directly up to Huayue and Zirong, pointing at them with her finger, "You two, follow me from now on." The names of these two had also once been the subject of ridicule, too feminine. But Mu Hanyan knew that those who mocked them were later invariably beaten up by them.
Seeing Mu Hanyan choose these two, Yue Fanling was initially stunned, then displayed an expression of realization. Just knew her precious Han Yan wouldn't choose wisely. Look at whom she picked? Two youths, thin and frail-looking, appearing to be about seventeen or eighteen years old, with lackluster abilities. Was this child choosing playmates or guards? Yue Fanling shook her head and chuckled bitterly, yet her eyes were full of indulgent affection. Playmates were fine, let the child choose her own companions.
The choice made by Mu Hanyan not only surprised and baffled the rest of the guards but also Huayue and Zirong themselves, who could not understand why the eldest son had taken an immediate liking to them.
Zirong was quick to react, giggling and replied, "Yes."
Huayue, however, was startled, then pursed his lips and said solemnly, "Yes."
"Let's go." Mu Hanyan wasted no words, leading the two along to Yue Fanling's side.
Yue Fanling blinked, looking at Mu Hanyan with a somewhat amused inquiry, "Han Yan, just these two? Really just choosing these two?"
Mu Hanyan smiled lightly, shaking her head, "No need, Mother, just these two. They are very good."
Although Yue Fanling did not understand how Han Yan ended up choosing these two who had just joined the City Lord's Mansion today, since it was Han Yan's decision, she naturally respected her daughter's choices. However, she still planned to personally choose another two reliable people for her.
"Han Yan, let Mother pick two more for you. Listen to me, if you want personal guards, they must be able to keep you safe, understand?" Yue Fanling said.
"No! Mother, there's really no need. I only want these two. The others, they aren't as good as them," Mu Hanyan spoke honestly, which was partly true and partly to increase the favorability of the two. Sure enough, a flicker of something different flashed through the eyes of the two.
"But, the capabilities of these two are too..." Yue Fanling had already noticed the limited abilities of the newcomers; merely First-level Swordsmen, how could they protect Han Yan? Her instincts urged her to refuse, but looking into Mu Hanyan's bright eyes, her heart softened again.
At that moment, someone approached.
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