Encountering someone familiar

### Chapter 2: Encountering Someone Familiar

**Translator:** Dragon Boat Translation

**Editor:** Dragon Boat Translation

In the fantastical world where Xia Xibei was reborn into her second life, there existed animal trainers and royal botanists. Those who mastered both skills were known as naturalists.

Perhaps due to her memories from her past life, she possessed a strong mental power that allowed her to become a rare naturalist.

Although her abilities in this field were almost nonexistent after being reborn, controlling a handful of feral cats and dogs was still an effortless task.

Xia Xibei was unfazed by the screams echoing behind her. She continued walking forward, her steps steady and unhurried.

As she passed another alley, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence.

“Catch him! He’s just ahead! Don’t let him escape!”

Xia Xibei frowned. She had no desire to get involved with these people. Quietly, she changed direction, slipping away unnoticed.

As she neared a bamboo raft, the sharp, metallic scent of blood suddenly hit her nose.

Before she could react, a hand shot out and yanked her into the raft.

“Shhh...”

A deep voice rumbled softly, and before Xia Xibei could utter a word, she was pulled into an embrace, her mouth covered by a large hand.

A masculine scent mixed with the sharp tang of blood filled her nostrils.

The sound of hurried footsteps outside grew louder—they were closing in on their location.

Xia Xibei’s anger flared, but she knew she couldn’t let those people get too close. If they did, they might assume she was in cahoots with the man.

Her brows furrowed slightly.

“Over there!”

A shout rang out, followed by the sound of footsteps retreating in another direction.

Using her abilities, Xia Xibei had sent the feral cats and dogs to create a diversion, leading the pursuers away. However, as the tension eased, a wave of dizziness suddenly overtook her.

She would have collapsed onto the ground if the man hadn’t caught her.

However, their stance was somewhat suggestive.

Xia Xibei was quite slender but not short, standing at nearly 170 cm.

The man, on the other hand, was taller. She could sense his energy enveloping her, causing her to shiver. He also had a robust build with a broad chest.

Earlier, when Xia Xibei had been pulled in, she hadn’t struggled; instead, she chose to keep her distance.

Now, she felt too weak to stand from her exertion. All she could do was lean on him, and there was hardly any space between them.

The awkward position made Xia Xibei feel both embarrassed and irritated, especially since the man's body felt different now.

It felt as if time had stopped while they were intertwined.

Realizing the situation, she pushed herself against the man's chest.

"Hey!"

The man let out a grunt, noticing the fresh blood on his stomach.

Thud!

The bamboo raft hit the ground with a sharp sound, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Xia Xibei finally laid eyes on the man.

He was tall, around 185 cm, with a lean build, angular features, deep-set eyes, and thin lips. His expression resembled that of a ruler surveying the world with disdain.

Unfortunately, the blood stains and chaos around him distorted that image.

When Xia Xibei got a clearer look at the man’s face, her expression shifted.

Qiao Yanjue. He was commonly referred to as Master Jue!

The Qiao family was well-known for their influence in the region of Hua, and he was a prominent figure in the business world.

Sure! Here’s a rewritten versi

Whenever Xia Xibei considered Qiao Yanjue's connection with a particular individual, she wished she could have turned back the people pursuing him.

Xia Xibei looked at Qiao Yanjue, hesitating.

"I don’t recognize you," she said, her expression unyielding.

Naturally, Qiao Yanjue felt disbelief. He sensed that the young man wasn't being truthful.

Yet, he had little time to dwell on it as his condition worsened.

His body trembled. Without hesitation, Xia Xibei stepped forward, offering her support.

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