The time of the city

Chapter 175 First Meeting with Hao Qingqing

Wu Kang led Nan Feng to the largest horse farm in City A. Inside the farm, purebred horses were galloping freely on the pasture, and the dust raised by their hooves looked like light smoke in the sunlight.

"Afeng, that is Hao Qingqing, the most beloved sister of Zhao Jianzhi, the new heir of the Zhao family, one of the four major families." Following Wu Kang's finger, Nan Feng saw the girl with a slender figure standing in the middle of the horse farm.

She was wearing a khaki riding suit, and her slim breeches outlined her straight legs. Her curly hair was tied into a high ponytail, and she jumped and rose with the horse's body.

Her facial features were bright and beautiful, and she could be seen at a glance throughout the entire racecourse. Seeing Nan Feng looking at Hao Qingqing, Wu Kang continued.

"Now that the Ni and Lin families have united, and Lengshi is also strongly supporting them, they are gaining momentum and pressing the Qiao family step by step. Our situation is extremely unfavorable. Therefore, my adoptive father hopes that you can marry Hao Qingqing, win over the Zhao family as an ally, and gain their support."

Nan Feng stared at the girl in the horse farm, but a chaotic stream of fragments surged in his mind for no reason. Blurry faces swayed back and forth, as if trying to piece together something, but he couldn't see clearly.

Nan Feng clutched his head as a sharp pain hit him. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead, his face filled with agony. Seeing this, Wu Kang quickly pulled two pills from his pocket and stuffed them into Nan Feng's mouth, gently stroking his back. After a moment, the pills took effect, and Nan Feng's headache was much relieved.

Wu Kang spoke again, "The task given by my adoptive father today is to establish contact with Hao Qingqing and make her feel good about you." He sighed heavily, his face filled with worry. "Some time ago, the Qiao family was framed by Ni Jiamu, and the stock price plummeted. The shareholders were all asking my adoptive father for an explanation. Then you were kidnapped by a rival family, and my adoptive father almost lost his life trying to save you. Ah Feng, you can't let my adoptive father down."

Nan Feng lowered his eyes, remained silent for a moment, and nodded lightly: "I understand. If the marriage can help the Qiao family rise, I will listen to grandpa's arrangements in the future." After saying that, he straightened his clothes and stepped steadily into the horse farm.

Hao Qingqing had just pulled the reins and dismounted to rest, her cheeks flushed and beads of sweat glittering on her forehead. Nan Feng approached, a smile playing on his lips, and politely praised her, "Miss Hao, I just saw you riding a horse. Your horsemanship is truly exceptional! That horse you're riding is a genuine Arabian thoroughbred, with incredible explosive power and endurance. It's beyond the reach of ordinary people."

Hao Qingqing's eyes lit up, and she patted the horse beside her and asked happily, "So you know horses too?"

Nan Feng smiled modestly, "I only have a superficial understanding." He then extended his hand, "Qiao Feng, nice to meet you."

Hao Qingqing smiled and extended her hand back, "I've heard for a long time that Qiao's company has a business prodigy named Qiao Feng. He's often seen in the news and is considered a 'hot commodity' in our upper class circles. Today I finally get to meet him in person."

After saying that, she looked at Nan Feng beside her, and suggested with great interest, "Mr. Qiao knows so much about horses, so his riding skills must be even better. Why don't we have a competition?" Nan Feng did not refuse and happily agreed.

The whistle blew, and Nan Feng mounted his horse. He wore a white shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and black breeches accentuated his tall figure. He gently pulled the reins, his legs clamped lightly around the horse's belly, and the horse galloped off like an arrow.

His back was straight and his eyes were fixed on the front. He rode very fast and the wind blew the loose hair on his forehead, making him look even more handsome.

During the fierce battle, Hao Qingqing's horse was suddenly frightened, its front hooves raised wildly, and the neighing sound spread throughout the entire horse farm. It also ran faster and did not obey commands, causing Hao Qingqing to be on the verge of falling.

Nan Feng saw this and quickly drove his horse closer. He stretched out his long arms, wrapped his arms around Hao Qingqing's slender waist, and held her firmly on his horse. Then he held her tightly, pulled the reins, and the horse under his crotch raised its hooves and galloped away.

Hao Qingqing leaned in his arms, the scent of Nan Feng's body permeating her nose, her heart was in turmoil, her face flushed. She looked up at Nan Feng's tense profile, and her heart was filled with ripples, and a different kind of emotion quietly took root.

Nan Feng commanded the horse to stop at the edge of the stable. Hao Qingqing blinked her watery eyes and said in a soft voice, "Thank you, Mr. Qiao, for your help. I was really scared to death just now."

Nan Feng let her go and dismounted. He then extended his hand to help her down like a gentleman, his eyes gentle as he said, "You're welcome, Miss Hao. Accidents happen on horse farms sometimes, and I'm glad you're not hurt."

Hao Qingqing straightened her messy hair and looked up at Nan Feng, a hint of shyness in her eyes: "Mr. Qiao's horsemanship is indeed superb. Even in such a dangerous situation just now, he was able to help me land safely. He is worthy of being the dream lover of all the women in City A."

Nan Feng smiled faintly, his eyes sweeping over the restless horses that had gradually quieted down. "Miss Hao, you're too kind. I just enjoy riding horses in my free time to relax and practice more. Speaking of horses, that horse was startled just now. It looked to me like it was startled by a flock of birds that suddenly took flight from the sidelines. I wonder if Miss Hao checked the harness before she mounted it to see if there were any hidden dangers."

Hao Qingqing was stunned, obviously not expecting Nan Feng to be so meticulous. She immediately called the horse trainer to check together. Sure enough, the buckle of the horse's belly strap was loose, and it was pulled wider and wider during the violent movement, causing the horse to feel uncomfortable and frightened out of control.

After the matter was settled, Hao Qingqing had a new respect for Nan Feng and took the initiative to suggest, "Mr. Qiao, although today's experience was thrilling, it's also rare to meet an expert who understands horses. There's a new teahouse over at the horse ranch, designed for riders to rest and enjoy tea. The environment is quiet, Mr. Qiao, would you be interested in joining us?"

Nan Feng nodded slightly: "I'm very happy to do so."

The two of them slowly walked to the tea room, where the aroma of tea lingered in the air. Hao Qingqing personally poured a cup of tea and handed it to him: "This is my private collection of Rain-Predawn Longjing. Mr. Qiao, please try it."

Nan Feng took a sip and praised, "Miss Hao has good taste. The tea is fresh, mellow and sweet, leaving a lingering fragrance on your lips and teeth."

During the conversation, Hao Qingqing asked curiously, "I heard that the Qiao family has been in trouble recently. Mr. Qiao must be under a lot of pressure because he's in the middle of it, right?"

Nan Feng's grip on the teacup tightened slightly, but a calm smile remained on his face. "Business is like a battlefield; undercurrents are inevitable. However, the Qiao family's foundation is still there, so Grandpa and I will do our best to deal with it."

A glint of admiration flashed in Hao Qingqing's eyes. She tapped the table with her fingers, as if weighing her words. After a long pause, she said softly, "Mr. Qiao's determination and responsibility are truly impressive. If there's anything I can do to help you in the future, I won't sit idly by."

Nan Feng's heart moved, knowing that this was a euphemism, and he immediately expressed his sincere gratitude: "Ms. Hao's kindness will be remembered by Qiao Feng."

As she finished speaking, Hao Qingqing's phone suddenly rang. She smiled apologetically, stood up, and walked to the window to answer it. After hanging up the phone, she came to her senses and smiled bitterly, "There's something urgent at home that I need to go back to take care of. I had a great time chatting with Mr. Qiao today. Can we meet again another day?"

Nan Feng stood up and sent Hao Qingqing to the door, saying softly: "Miss Hao, take care and be careful on the road. I look forward to seeing you next time." Looking at Hao Qingqing's departing back, Nan Feng's eyes were deep, but somewhere in his heart he felt inexplicably uncomfortable.