Shen Yuan slipped effortlessly through the crowd, moving as if he were gliding across water. His refined presence and gentle force naturally opened a path before him, making it easy to approach the scene at the center of attention. It was his first sighting of the famed "Little Medical Fairy," and he felt an inexplicable pull to see her up close.
"Hey, wait!" someone shouted just as he reached the front. Shen Yuan turned, meeting the annoyed glares of onlookers he'd breezed past. His confident stride and ease had stirred the disapproval of those waiting patiently.
"What's with all the noise? Can't you see the Little Medical Fairy is busy tending to the wounded?" a mercenary barked at the restless crowd. Murmurs died down as the mercenary's rough voice and stern expression reminded them of the healer's purpose. Still, a few who had been rudely bypassed by Shen Yuan couldn't let it go, muttering complaints and casting hostile looks his way.
"Who does this pretty boy think he is, teaching us how to act?" grumbled one man from the back. "Looks like he's asking for trouble."
Unperturbed, Shen Yuan chuckled and turned to face them, calm and collected. "My friends, crowding the entrance does nothing for this shop's business. How about stepping back and letting those in need be seen?"
The hostile crowd snorted in derision. "Oh, we'll see about that!" someone sneered, fists clenching. They weren't used to being ordered around by someone who looked like he belonged in a painting rather than a brawl.
But Shen Yuan didn't flinch. A calm confidence settled over him as he took a small step forward, allowing a faint green light to shimmer around his fists—a signal that he was more than willing to back up his words with action. Without warning, he launched a smooth, powerful punch into the air, sending several men flying backward as his fighting spirit coursed forward.
The crowd gasped as the challengers hit the ground, knocked out before they even knew what had happened. Shen Yuan's skill was as formidable as it was effortless, and those who hadn't yet stepped forward quickly retreated, eyes widening with fear and respect. Even the surrounding mercenaries, initially set on watching the show, took a step back, murmuring to one another in awe.
"H-He's a Master Fighter!" someone whispered, the words causing waves of astonishment to ripple through the crowd. In Qingshan Town, even a decent fighter was rare, but a Master at his young age? It was unheard of. The mercenaries exchanged looks, realizing that Shen Yuan was someone worth respecting—or at least not provoking.
Amidst the murmurs, Shen Yuan turned back toward the Little Medical Fairy, now fully able to see her clearly. She was delicate and graceful, her every movement precise and calming as she tended to the wounded. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her serene, focused expression that drew him in. When her eyes briefly met his, he sensed a glimmer of curiosity in them.
The Little Medical Fairy's gaze lingered on Shen Yuan, her expression softening with what seemed like interest. Her gentle, almost ethereal aura made her appear like a figure from a dream. Unintentionally, her lips curled into a faint smile, as though caught off guard by his poise and handsomeness.
"That young man…" she murmured quietly to herself. "So composed, so different…"
She wasn't one to be swayed easily, yet something about Shen Yuan caught her off guard. It was rare to meet someone who exuded such natural charisma. She reminded herself that she wasn't one to fall for appearances, but still, she felt a small tug of admiration.
Noticing her attention on him, Shen Yuan offered her a warm smile and a slight bow, adding a respectful air to his charm. The Little Medical Fairy, unable to hide a slight blush, stepped forward, her melodic voice breaking the silence.
"Good sir, is there something you need?" she asked gently, her voice carrying a soft, soothing tone that seemed to ease everyone around her.
Shen Yuan nodded, matching her politeness. "I've just arrived in Qingshan Town and am in search of a place to stay. I thought perhaps you might know of a good recommendation?"
Her eyes lit up, and she nodded with a warm smile. "You're asking the right person. I know the area well. There's an inn nearby, right beside my herbal shop, Wanyao Zhai. If you like, I could show you the way."
The words left her lips before she'd fully thought them through. She felt a pang of embarrassment—she usually didn't offer to help strangers in this way. But something about Shen Yuan's composed, reassuring presence made her feel at ease, as though he was someone worth trusting. He seemed surprised but pleased by her offer, and he bowed slightly, his calm demeanor unchanging.
"Thank you, that's very kind of you," Shen Yuan said, his voice steady and respectful.
In the midst of envious stares and murmurs from onlookers, the Little Medical Fairy turned, gesturing for Shen Yuan to follow. As they walked side by side, they drew countless admiring glances. Shen Yuan's noble and serene aura harmonized with the Little Medical Fairy's quiet beauty, and more than one passerby commented on what a "perfect match" they seemed to be.
Unfazed by the attention, Shen Yuan kept his gaze forward, though he was aware of the hushed comments and whispered admirations surrounding them. The Little Medical Fairy, too, kept a calm face, but Shen Yuan could tell she was unused to walking in public with a stranger by her side.
"May I know your name?" she asked, turning slightly toward him as they continued down the busy street.
"Shen Yuan," he replied smoothly, his voice warm and measured.
The Little Medical Fairy seemed to turn the name over in her mind, murmuring it quietly. "Shen Yuan…" She nodded thoughtfully, as though testing its sound, her gaze meeting his for a moment longer.
They continued to exchange light-hearted conversation, speaking of simple topics, yet there was a shared ease between them. Before long, they arrived at the inn, and the Little Medical Fairy gestured toward it. Shen Yuan gave her a gracious nod of thanks, ready to part ways, when she suddenly paused, as if remembering something important.
"Shen Yuan," she called softly, her voice taking on a hopeful tone. "Tomorrow, I'm leading a group into the Warcraft Mountains to gather medicinal herbs. Would you be interested in joining us?"
Her invitation surprised him, and he took a moment to consider. The task sounded dangerous, yet he saw a glimmer of concern in her eyes that intrigued him.
"Your company would provide added safety," she continued. "The journey can be perilous, and…well, it's rare to meet someone of such strength here in Qingshan."
He thought of her earlier kindness and nodded. "I'd be honored to join you."
A smile spread across her face, soft and grateful. "Thank you. Then I'll see you tomorrow."
With a final, respectful nod, Shen Yuan turned and entered the inn. As he disappeared from view, the Little Medical Fairy remained, watching his retreating figure. Something about him lingered in her thoughts, stirring a faint feeling she couldn't quite name.
In a soft whisper to herself, she said, "I hope…you'll truly come tomorrow."
The faint blush on her cheeks deepened, though she didn't quite understand why.