Moyan
The first time Tang Fachu held the young wolf, he was bitten on the throat.
Thus, the little wolf got its name, Moyan.
Fortunately, Moyan's teeth were not yet sharp, and it was in a weakened state. Plus, Tang Fachu managed to dodge in time, so there was no substantial harm, just a slight abrasion on the skin.
"Oh, are you alright?" the wolf seller, Fat Six, apologized with a forced smile. He said, "Please forgive us, Young Master Tang. This little guy has a fierce temperament, but he's quite beautiful. He's the best-looking one here!"
With Moyan cradled in his arms, Tang Fachu leaned against the wall. He wore a sleeveless jacket with rolled-up, tattered trousers, and a crooked straw hat on his head. The green shade cast on his wheat-colored skin, his thick, black eyebrows slightly raised, and his sharp black eyes held a hint of amusement.
He scrutinized the weak yet potentially dangerous wolf in his arms.
This was a mixed-blood wolf, its brown-gray fur fluffy and unkempt, emitting a faint scent that suggested it had been specially cleaned for sale. Despite this, its emaciation couldn't be concealed. Tang Fachu, holding a stalk of grass, murmured as he felt his slightly swollen throat, "Damn, it's so thin."
They were almost chest to back as he held the wolf.
Fat Six managed to demand such a high price for such a thin wolf, which was quite audacious. Raising wolves was troublesome; Tang Fachu had seen several households give up and release them eventually. Many people just sought novelty.
The wolf yard carried a stench mixing with the heat, and cicadas cried hysterically under the scorching sun. Lush old trees stood at the entrance, their leaves curling from the heat, branches drooping dejectedly.
Fat Six wiped the sweat off his face and then rubbed his sweaty, coarse clothes. His eyes darted around as he said, "Let me tell you, this wolf was just caught a few days ago from the woods. It's tough. Its vitality is incredibly strong. I guarantee you, with its size and age, very few of these little wolf cubs can survive on their own! It must have lost its parents, leaving only itself in the litter. When we found it, it was all skin and bones... But look at it now, it has gained some flesh, hasn't it? This proves it's easy to raise!"
Fat Six was a new wolf trafficker, and Tang Fachu couldn't fathom who taught him. At this moment, his face was filled with obsequiousness, as if afraid others wouldn't know his wolf had some issues. Regardless of the future, in the present, he wasn't even a qualified businessman yet.
Tang Fachu sneered, leaning against the adobe wall. He lifted Moyan to eye level and asked, "Don't think I'm foolish. Did you give it any shots?"
Fat Six was taken aback, chuckling, "No, it's just him. He needed to be held, and all the wolves here have to be vaccinated..."
"If it can endure so many shots, why did it try to bite me?" Tang Fachu tossed the little wolf back to Fat Six and looked out with narrowed eyes. "If I take it back, once it wakes up, it might devour my whole family."
"Are you kidding?" Fat Six hurriedly held the little wolf, which was smaller than his arm in circumference. Now it seemed more spirited after being dropped. It weakly bared its teeth and whimpered, but Fat Six ignored it, rushing over to Tang Fachu. "Everyone here has to endure a couple of shots. Even dogs growl and bark when they're getting vaccinated. I have to ensure the safety of my customers. Rest assured, I won't abandon this wolf once it's sold. If there are any issues later, I'll definitely..."
"Guarantee?" Tang Fachu scoffed.
"I can't guarantee that!" Fat Six sighed, "This is just a small business, and we're just trying to make a profit..."
Tang Fachu waved his hand, picking up the nearby basket to leave. Fat Six quickly grabbed him, "Oh my Lord, let's negotiate! Let me tell you the truth. You've made a fortune buying this wolf. It's an evolved wolf..."
Tang Fachu paused, "Damn."
Interested now, Tang Fachu turned slightly, pretending not to let Fat Six see. He seemed to be coming over, and Tang Fachu, with an indifferent tone, said, "That's a female wolf. What use do I have for this male wolf?"
"Evolved male wolves can also be useful!" Fat Six blinked desperately, but Tang Fachu remained unmoved.
"My good sir, you'll see once you use it!" Fat Six slapped his thigh,"Evolved wolves are usually beautiful, and many gentlemen fancy them. Once you start using it..."
"Tch," Tang Fachu interrupted with a derisive sound, cutting off Fat Six's spiel.
Fat Six, seeing Tang Fachu stop, continued to persuade, his tone eager, "You can use it to guard your home and yard! Once trained, it can cook and clean the yard without any issues!"
"It can do everything! Not inferior to humans!" Fat Six exclaimed, his words spurting out one after another, spitting saliva into the air.
Not bothering to hide his interest anymore, Tang Fachu chuckled twice, his eyes gleaming. "How do you intend to sell it?"
Fat Six wiped his sweat, tentatively extending four fingers.
Tang Fachu shook his head.
Fat Six's expression darkened, retracting one finger.
Tang Fachu remained unmoved.
Fat Six wore a pained expression. "Oh, really can't reduce it, my lord! It took a lot of effort to catch this little guy..."
Suddenly, Tang Fachu reached out and rubbed one of the little wolf's forelegs. The leg, lifeless until then, hung limply. Now, with this rub, the drowsy little wolf let out a painful yelp.
Fat Six's face turned gray, frozen in a stiff expression.
Tang Fachu crossed his arms, c*****g his head, his smile mischievous. So, Tang Fachu took the limping wolf away, warm in his arms. The little wolf, still groggy from the anesthesia, seemed to remain in a daze, not fully awake yet.
Tang Fachu stared at the furry head of the little wolf, pondering.
"Moyan, Moyan."
Wasn't that name pretty good?