Chapter 736: Do Whatever You Want
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Under Akxi’s warm hospitality, everyone quickly became acquainted.

When Zhou Chao mentioned wanting to ride a horse around, Akxi’s expression turned troubled. Just as the tour guide had mentioned earlier, Akxi politely declined Zhou Chao’s proposal.

“Mr. Zhou, it’s not that I don’t want you to ride your own horses, but things have changed,” Akxi explained before Zhou Chao could respond.

Originally, Akxi owned a ranch near the tourist area, which collaborated with local herders to provide horses for visitors. It was a win-win situation: the tourist area provided the space, while the herders supplied the horses.

At first, visitors were allowed to ride the horses. However, a minor incident occurred not long after. One tourist, confident in their riding skills, decided to show off to their friends. Unfortunately, their actions spooked the horse, leading to a reckless gallop across the prairie. It took Akxi’s intervention to calm the horse down.

When the tourist dismounted, they collapsed to the ground, claiming significant psychological trauma. Consequently, the tourist area and the herders had to pay substantial compensation.

As Akxi lit a cigarette, Zhou Chao sensed there was more to the story than met the eye.

“Akxi, I’m curious. Is the situation really that simple?” he asked, drawing the interest of Si Cong and the others, who were always eager for gossip.

After a moment of contemplation and extinguishing his cigarette, Akxi seemed to come to a decision. “Although it’s been many years, just thinking about it still makes me furious.”

He proceeded to recount what happened afterward. The horse involved had been with Akxi for seven or eight years, gentle and obedient. It had never shown any aggression until that incident. Upon closer inspection, Akxi discovered faint wounds on its back, unmistakably caused by human hands.

Unfortunately, there was no way to verify the perpetrator’s identity. The incident forced the herders to band together, insisting on personally leading the horses for visitors. The tourist area didn’t oppose their decision.

Zhou Chao empathized with Akxi’s frustration. For these herders, their horses were like family, and harming one was akin to hurting a brother. Moreover, these herders held deep bonds with their animals.

Listening intently, Si Cong fell into silence. While he enjoyed adventure, he also understood the herders’ perspective. He might crave the thrill of horseback riding, but he’d never risk harming an animal.

Zhou Chao changed the subject, diverting the conversation. “Akxi, would you mind showing us your horses?”

“Of course, no problem at all!”

With that, they set down their cups and followed Akxi out of the yurt.

Once outside, Akxi raised his right hand to his mouth and let out a sharp whistle.

Moments later, there was no sight of any free-roaming horses.

Just as everyone was still in doubt, they saw Akxi raise his head and look in a certain direction. The others followed his gaze.

After a moment, four or five spirited horses appeared in the sight of everyone. In the span of about ten breaths, those horses galloped to the group’s presence.

Leading the pack was a pure black stallion, exuding a strong presence. It even approached Akxi and nuzzled him affectionately.

Akxi stroked the horse’s head, a joyful expression lighting up his face.

Zhou Chao, noticing this, raised an eyebrow in amusement. Silently tapping into his affinity with animals, the next moment, the horse that had been affectionate towards Akxi turned its attention to Zhou Chao.

“What’s going on?”

Several horses started walking towards Zhou Chao, especially the lead black stallion, paying no heed to Akxi, and nuzzled him affectionately.

This scene stunned Si Cong and the others, particularly Akxi, who couldn’t believe his eyes. How could his beloved horse be so affectionate towards someone it had never met before?

“Young Master Zhou, what… What’s happening here?” Si Cong’s expression was one of disbelief, his mind in a whirl.

Only Lin Wu, standing aside, vaguely understood that this had something to do with the boss. Though he didn’t know the specifics, he had witnessed such scenes before, leaving him utterly flabbergasted.

With a smile on his face, Zhou Chao looked at the black stallion before him. He gently placed his hand on the horse’s head, stroking it back and forth. Remarkably, the horse’s fur was indeed soft, suggesting it had some Arabian bloodline.

“It seems Mr. Zhou is quite popular!” remarked Xiao Hei beside him, his tone tinged with emotion and a hint of curiosity in his eyes.