Chapter 154: The Return of Old Master Chu
On February 1st, the eighth day of the lunar calendar, it was sunny.
On the second-to-last day of the official Spring Festival holiday, the peak return traffic hit C City, causing the urban transport situation to deteriorate. By the time Wan Yue and her companions arrived at their destination, they were already half an hour late compared to their scheduled time.
It was still that upscale retro teahouse owned by Wan Yue, but compared to last time, she had brought more people with her.
Wan Yue once again chose an alluring sea-style qipao, while her companions Jiang Yan and Xiao Ai wore traditional national attire. There was a hint of trying to match their outfits to the surroundings, or perhaps Wan Yue was deliberately considering the feelings of some important person she was about to meet.
Huang Yuan, who had been promoted to the position of Hyacinth/Regional Officer, finally bid farewell to his previous low-level worker style. Dressed in a formal suit and sporting a bushy beard, he looked like a pseudo-elite involved in pyramid schemes.
The elegant and glamorous attire of Wan Yue and her friends naturally attracted the attention of some tea patrons, and several eager onlookers took out their phones to snap photos as they made their way toward a luxurious private room.
Before they even entered the room, Jiang Yan had already sensed several chaotic auras, suggesting that today’s meeting was of high caliber.
At the long table in the private room, there were two groups of people seated. On the left side sat the familiar representative of the Wang family, Old Jin, along with his granddaughter Su Xiaomeng.
Directly in front of them were two unfamiliar men, one old and one young.
The older man had white hair and beard, with a gaunt face and dry hands speckled with age spots, dressed in an exaggeratedly bulky coat. He was likely the reclusive master Old Chu that Jiang Yao had mentioned.
The younger man was attired in a suit and tie, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, appearing to be just over thirty, looking cultured and composed.
Wan Yue stepped into the room nonchalantly, glancing around. She nodded in greeting to Old Jin and his granddaughter before stepping forward to respectfully bow to Old Chu according to traditional customs. Jiang Yan and Xiao Ai quickly followed suit, bowing in respect as well.
Finally, Wan Yue’s gaze settled on the young man sitting at Old Chu’s right side. Her expression gradually sharpened, a cold smile appeared at the corners of her lips. The young man she was staring at also smiled as he stood up slightly, nodding in response.
Suddenly, Wan Yue, standing in front of Jiang Yan, activated her blood boiling, emanating an overwhelming and chilling pressure that impacted everyone in the room indiscriminately.
Xiao Ai and Huang Yuan, standing beside Jiang Yan, began to shake, their faces paling as if the air in the room was being sucked out, causing a suffocating reaction.
Even Old Jin and Old Chu’s expressions darkened, while the only one showing no change in expression was probably the room’s only ordinary person, Su Xiaomeng.
Wan Yue’s beautiful eyes fixated on the young man with the gold-rimmed glasses across from her. Her cold smile solidified, and the murderous intent on her face became more pronounced as her fingers clenched tightly around her small bag.
In Jiang Yan’s perception, the mysterious chaotic aura that originally surrounded Wan Yue had been completely replaced with a raw and dreadful murderous intent. If no one intervened, it seemed that Wan Yue was about to tear apart someone’s script in this room.
“Enough, Yue girl, you’re not a child anymore!”
The white-haired old man gently rapped the table, his voice low and serious:
Today, several families are discussing important matters. If I am to take on the role of a master, then keep your temper in check!
“Hey, Aunt Yue, come sit with us.”
Although she couldn’t perceive the peculiar way of communication through bloodlines, Su Xiaomeng still sensed something was off from the expressions of those around her. After exchanging a glance with Old Jin, she hurriedly stepped forward, warmly wrapping her arms around Wan Yue’s arm to ease the atmosphere.
“Hey, Xiao Yue, sit here; it’s spacious.” Old Jin hastily stood up and pulled a chair out, “With Old Chu presiding today, I feel more at ease!”
Like a volcano erupting forth then receding like a tidal wave, Wan Yue withdrew her aura, casting an eye at Old Jin’s fake smile before rolling her eyes dramatically. Then, she took her seat directly opposite Old Chu with Jiang Yan and the others.
Now that everyone was present, I, the old man, will shamelessly start the meeting.
Old Chu scanned the room, trembling slightly as he stood up. Zhuang Jianfei quickly rose to his feet, reaching out to support him with an exceedingly respectful demeanor, more like a disciple than Wan Yue had shown.
Previously, the Black Dragon Society assassinated important external agents of the Wang family in C City, and later colluded with outsiders to ambush our Hiders’ Alliance in East China, showing rampant arrogance. If measures are not taken, everyone’s lives will be unstable in the future.
Jianfei was relatively familiar with S Province, having invested considerable energy and time gathering intelligence on the Black Dragon Society. That Boss Qian was reportedly planning to come for you in prison, likely to be released within a year or two.
If he reaches the rank of count and we then try to suppress the Black Dragon Society, it will probably become much more difficult. The alliance unanimously agrees with Jianfei’s opinion to prioritize striking at the Black Dragon Society in S Province!
Old Chu’s expression was extremely grave; although it seemed his time was drawing to a close, his long-standing reputation still held considerable weight.
Zhuang Jianfei, with the other two elder council members still in a dormant state, you can now persuade the entire Hiders’ Alliance. Your influence is ever-increasing… if I ever decide to deal with you, would that mean opposing the entire Hiders’ Alliance?
Wan Yue busily groomed her nails, displaying a distinctly urban, petty demeanor that Jiang Yan found amusing, while Xiao Ai and Huang Yuan couldn’t help but twitch their lips several times.
“Sister Wan, I know you’ve always had a grudge against me. Even if I have ten mouths, I couldn’t explain some old grievances…”
Zhuang Jianfei smiled bitterly and shook his head repeatedly, personally standing to fill Wan Yue’s tea bowl with a little water, speaking respectfully and plainly: “This large-scale strike against the Black Dragon Society received unanimous agreement from several elder council members. I’m merely responsible for gathering intelligence.”
Hehe, grievances between us?
Wan Yue stood up slowly, seized her teacup, and smashed it on the floor. She glared coldly at Zhuang Jianfei, yelling: “I only have resentment towards scoundrels like you; there’s no kindness!”
After saying that, Wan Yue directly grabbed her small bag and left her seat, coldly looking at Old Jin and the others: “You all discuss, then report the results and plans back to me. I’m just a petty woman, afraid of making a scene that could upset the three families’ harmony!”
Today was unlucky; I thought I’d have some civilized discussions, but I ended up with a mix of…
Having said that, Wan Yue shifted back to a respectful expression, gave a slight bow to the seated Old Chu, and then left without looking back. Jiang Yan and the others exchanged glances and could only follow.
As the last one walking out, Xiao Ai couldn’t help but take one last look at Old Chu, showing a hint of regret, before quickly lowering her head and exiting.
This… Old Chu, Elder Zhuang, what do you think…
At this moment, Old Jin felt immensely awkward, finally spreading his hands with a distressed face toward the unflinching Old Chu.
Forget it, Yue girl has that temper—she’s bound too tightly by emotional ties. However, the old man still understands her; she knows how to manage herself in major matters but can’t overcome her mental barriers.
Old Chu gently waved his hand, sighing: “Since she doesn’t want to sit with Jianfei to discuss business, then don’t force her. Originally, she could only help support with manpower, while the matters related to people are better managed by the Wang family.”
Over at the Zhou family, this time primarily in East China, we continue to clear out other black blood clans along with the Hiders’ Alliance. We can’t provide much help regarding S Province, but we can offer some materials.
The investigation into the core stronghold of the Black Dragon Society in S Province will rely on the cooperation of both families. If any discoveries are made, don’t alarm the snake for now; if we strike, let’s hit them where it hurts!
Old Chu confidently laid out a series of proposals, Old Jin and Zhuang Jianfei exchanged glances and nodded.
…
You haven’t seen your ancestral lord in many years; you don’t need to follow along. You can go talk to him if you want.
Arriving at the parking lot, Wan Yue suddenly stopped, turned back to Xiao Ai: “After all, you are still Old Chu’s direct descendant. You don’t have to accommodate me. Jiang Yan and I will head back first and let Huang Gu wait for you here.”
“Sister Wan, since I chose to follow you, I won’t think too much. Ancestral grandpa actually doesn’t mind me being with Hyacinth because, in his eyes, you and Hyacinth are both his lineage.”
Xiao Ai lowered her head, her voice very cold; this had always been her nature.
Some things Xiao Ai wouldn’t say, and Wan Yue had never stated—Xiao Ai’s qualifications were truly poor. Even with her so-called direct lineage status, she was probably insignificant in the Chu family. Wherever she went, no one paid her any mind.
Silly girl, I’m not here for your loyalty. Go on, accompany him for a while. His time isn’t long, so don’t leave yourself with any regrets. Once Zhao Peng is promoted, find a good day and settle down; it would also make Old Chu happy.
Wan Yue ruffled Xiao Ai’s hair, causing the latter to blush slightly.
Wan Yue smiled, opened the car door. Jiang Yan, slightly confused, could only suppress her curiosity and get into the passenger seat.
As the car drove away, Huang Gu made his way to Xiao Ai, revealing a bitter smile: “It looks like Sister Wan really can’t get past her mental block with Zhuang Jianfei, but she absolutely respects Old Chu due to their master-disciple bond.”
“I understand. When I left the Hiders’ Alliance with Brother Huang, Brother Zhao, and Brother Zheng, it was also because Sister Wan once was my half-master and treated me well.”
Xiao Ai was sorting her hair, and seeing no one around, her expression began to grow shy. “Brother Huang, later can you help me talk to Ancestral Grandpa about Brother Peng? I’m afraid he won’t agree…”
Xiao Ai’s voice grew quieter, but Huang Gu shook his head, opening his mouth wide, smiling thickly.
The SUV sped down the city avenue. Wan Yue focused intently on the front, occasionally brushing back the strands of hair from her forehead, regaining the aura of the refined, elegant, and alluring leader of Hyacinth, as if the unreasonable woman from moments ago had never existed.
“Do you think I’m acting?”
With her hands gripping the steering wheel, Wan Yue didn’t move her head but casually said, “The depths of the Hiders’ Alliance are too complex; there are too many monsters and demons. Some people can’t see clearly and aren’t trustworthy.”
“Are you referring to Zhuang Jianfei?” Jiang Yan thought for a moment and directly expressed her feelings; after all, she had gotten a good grasp of the melodrama between Wan Yue and Zhuang Jianfei over the past while.
“He’s just a true opportunist… very skilled at pleasing Old Chu.”
Wan Yue replied nonchalantly, though there’s a hint of sorrow in her smile. “He let my enemy go; how could I treat him pleasantly?”
“What about Xiao Ai? Is she that old man’s granddaughter?” Jiang Yan cautiously asked again.
“I don’t know which generation granddaughter she is… Everyone calls her Xiao Ai, but I guess few know her full name is actually Xiao Ai. I almost had a serious altercation with Zhuang Jianfei in the Hiders’ Alliance back then when Old Chu was in slumber. She chose to stand by my side.”
Later, I didn’t plan to play with them anymore; Zhao Peng, Xiao Ai, Zheng Shaolin, Huang Gu, and Liang Tai all left the Hiders’ Alliance with me, marking the founding members of Hyacinth. It’s just a pity that Xiao Ai’s qualifications were too poor. Although she was only ten years younger than Zhao Peng, she had stalled in the lower-level knight realm for many years.
However, now with the Blood Secret, Xiao Ai’s growth bottleneck has likely been shattered, so she’s considered a lucky child.
Wan Yue seemed to recall a scene from twenty years ago, a hint of helplessness appearing on her face.
Jiang Yan thought for a bit but still felt there was something off: “Sister Wan, since Zhuang Jianfei isn’t trustworthy, do we still need to participate in this operation involving intelligence and joint action with him?”
“Xiao Meng, how can you truly see some people and events? Originally, I had no interest. Yet, precisely because Zhuang Jianfei wanted to do it, I became interested. I love playing with those who indulge in schemes; it’s like solving a mystery.”
Wan Yue’s words were layered, something Jiang Yan could certainly feel. However, since Wan Yue hadn’t planned to withdraw, Jiang Yan found no necessity to delve deeper into the topic.
“Jiang Yan, every era has its resolute pioneers, and it’s even rarer to find those who lack ambition and opportunism. In times of great contention, immense wealth is easily garnered while the true nature of some people becomes obscured.”
Wan Yue sighed, rolled down the car window, and the sharp winter wind rushed into the vehicle, leaving no way to dodge.
Ordinary people and bloodlines have been fighting each other for over two thousand years, but never has there been an era as treacherous as today. After driving away the Japanese bloodlines, the Chinese bloodlines still haven’t recovered, and now they’re embroiled in internal conflicts again.
Now, a knife hangs overhead. We’ve arrived at a fork in the road; all the Chinese bloodlines cannot remain aloof and must make a choice. Jiang Yan, becoming a bloodline in this era, you might not have such good fortune.
Wan Yue turned the car towards the overpass, even managing to grip the steering wheel with one hand.
“Jiang Yan, no matter what, at any time, regardless of the directives I give, your foremost task is to protect yourself and Jiang Yao. Everything else will always be secondary, understand?”
The multiple pathways to practice given by the Wang family’s ancestor, I need to take the time to study and understand, and then I will teach you and Jiang Yao, allowing you both to acquire genuine self-defense abilities.
Glimpsing down at the gray rebar and concrete world beneath the overpass, Wan Yue’s expression remained tranquil.
My luck alongside Xiao Yao has not been great; what about Meng De’s luck… Digesting Wan Yue’s words, a strange sensation of falling gripped Jiang Yan, heavy and without support.
“Do you want me to take you to the First People’s Hospital? I don’t even know when that guy will regain consciousness… Haha, you really picked up a liability on your way back.”
The off-road vehicle descended from the overpass and soon faced a choice of routes. Wan Yue suddenly turned her head and smiled.
“Let’s call it a day… I want to swing by the club first and then buy him some clothes.”
Jiang Yan lowered her head slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed, her voice very soft.
Not long after noon, Jiang Yan returned home carrying two large travel bags, as if she had just been on a big shopping spree.
Having not seen each other for a few days, Jiang Yao was still in her pajamas, napping on the living room sofa, looking like she hadn’t slept well after a long night.
On the coffee table, there was an unfinished bowl of instant noodles and a half-eaten apple. Entering Jiang Yao’s bedroom, the computer desk was equally strewn with various snack wrappers and tipped-over empty drink bottles, with underwear scattered across the floor, and even the computer monitor had not been shut off.
Jiang Yao’s living habits alone at home had completely collapsed a few months ago, reaching a level that made Jiang Yan feel almost numb.
Facing such a defiant disregard for order and cleanliness, Jiang Yan simply sighed softly, then began tidying everything up.
“Sister, you’re back…” Probably awakened by the noise, Jiang Yao rubbed her eyes and sat up. “Where did you go the past few days? I couldn’t reach you on the phone.”
“I went out with Sister Wan and met the Duke from the Wang family, and we just happened to be having fun in Shuzhushe.”
Jiang Yan smiled, handing over a towel, “You haven’t eaten yet, right? Go take a shower and change clothes; I’ll make dinner.”
“Duke?!” Jiang Yao suddenly exclaimed, her sleepy eyes wide open as she jumped off the sofa. “Awesome, does he look like an otherworldly expert?!”
“Be polite; he’s a very kind old gentleman. He even gave us a set of multi-lineage growth cultivation methods, which Sister Wan will teach us later.”
Jiang Yan’s expression was serious as she reached out and tapped Jiang Yao’s head.
“By the way, I’m on duty tonight, so I’ll just make dinner too. Don’t play too long tonight; don’t eat anything after ten o’clock. We’ll go for a health check with Miss Su tomorrow as arranged by Sister Wan.”
After finishing, without waiting for Jiang Yao to respond, Jiang Yan returned to her room with the two large bags. A few minutes later, she came out, now changed into loungewear, and headed towards the kitchen.
Once the kitchen door closed, the sounds of pots and pans clanging could be heard. Jiang Yan would likely not emerge until at least thirty to forty minutes had passed.
The bathroom door opened, revealing Jiang Yao peeking her head out first; she glanced at the tightly closed kitchen door, then stealthily crept into Jiang Yan’s bedroom.
“Couldn’t they be out for five or six days? Ever since she got back to C City, she’s been all mysterious…and for the past few days, she hasn’t said a word about my trip with Zhong Yao, not showing any reaction…definitely something’s up!”
Jiang Yao’s eyes darted around as she started searching for clues, naturally thinking of the two large travel bags that the other brought back.
At a glance, those bags were definitely not from home. Jiang Yao looked back at the door, then quietly squatted beside the bed, pulling open the first large bag.
Inside were all sorts of miscellaneous items, including some clan secret medicine and a brand new thick file folder. However, upon seeing the complete seal, Jiang Yao still dared not open it.
Opening the second large bag, Jiang Yao was taken aback.
There was a suit garment bag, a tracksuit, two sets of thermal underwear, three men’s shirts, two shoe boxes, seven or eight pairs of men’s underwear, a dozen socks, as well as washcloths and other miscellaneous items, all stuffed to the brim.
What kind of male novel is this?
Jiang Yao’s expression darkened as she directly pulled out the suit garment bag, revealing a high-quality men’s suit. Judging by the size specification, only someone over 1.85 meters tall could possibly wear it!
Hearing footsteps in the direction of the living room, Jiang Yao quickly yanked the large bag up, carefully putting things back in place, then feigning a search for something, scratching her head and looking around.
“Aren’t you supposed to be showering? What are you dawdling about in my room for?”
Jiang Yan stood at the bedroom door, wearing a bewildered expression.
“Sister, my light purple underwear is missing…Did you put it somewhere wrong while you were washing and tidying up?”
Jiang Yao’s face flushed as she intentionally bent over to rummage through Jiang Yan’s wardrobe drawer.
“Didn’t you say you disliked what I bought because it was too cheap? You forgot it?!” Jiang Yan’s face fell as she stepped forward, blocking her from opening her wardrobe. “I’ve put all your clothes in your bedroom; don’t rummage through mine.”
“Oh… then, I’m going to take a shower now.”
Jiang Yao said awkwardly with a smile, quickly exiting.
“Sigh, you’re getting lazier…”
Jiang Yan sighed. At the moment she turned around, her gaze fell again on the two large bags in the corner of the bed.
I wonder when he will use these…
Jiang Yan muttered under her breath, only loud enough for herself to hear, and walked back toward the living room.
…After a two-hour-late lunch, it turned out to be an exceptionally quiet meal.
“Zhong Jing has a lot of work on his plate now, and during the Spring Festival, he has his own family to accompany. Don’t cling to him…”
As Jiang Yan cleaned the dishes, disposing of kitchen waste and tidying up, she continued to impart her wisdom.
“It’s him clinging to me, okay? It’s as if I’m trying to seduce him!”
Jiang Yao was cleaning out the refrigerator, hearing this, turned her head to retort fiercely.
“I haven’t said anything about you two! Why are you so worked up? Did you have a fight with him?”
Jiang Yao’s reaction seemed a bit abnormal, piquing Jiang Yan’s curiosity enough to stop sweeping.
After thinking for a moment, Jiang Yan quickly stepped to Jiang Yao’s side, grabbing her arm with a serious look on her face: “From the first day of the New Year to today, you’ve only done one day of night duty; the rest of the time, you’ve been overnight traveling with him. Is he getting too hands-on?”
“He’s even more honest than you think; at least I haven’t seen him getting too close with other women. He’s an ordinary person; what capital does he have to lay hands on me… Besides, I’m on good terms with him now!”
Jiang Yao’s face soured, her tone very unfriendly.
“Why did you get so grumpy after taking a shower? Do you feel like my return is interfering with your personal freedom?”
Jiang Yan released her grip, stepping back slightly, her expression gradually becoming unpleasant.
“No, I’m going to wash the dishes.”
Jiang Yao hesitated for a moment but still held back her discomfort. Brother Zhao Peng hasn’t woken up yet. You’re busy helping Sister Kou now, definitely more so than before. I shouldn’t cling to you for everything.
After saying that, Jiang Yao walked into the kitchen.
Is she blaming me for caring less about her? She’s about to have her own house; she may even move out from here…It’s not a bad thing for Xiao Yao to lead her own independent life.
Jiang Yan suddenly felt a little disordered in her heart, though she couldn’t pinpoint why.
…As dinnertime approached, Jiang Yan slung her canvas shoulder bag over her shoulder and headed out carrying a large bag full of clothes.
“Sister, isn’t it night duty? Why are you leaving so early?”
Jiang Yao chased her to the small yard, looking puzzled.
“Sister Xiao Ai has something to do and needs to leave early. I’ll go pick her up.”
Jiang Yan didn’t look back as she walked into the alley.
That bag is full of men’s clothing… Zhong Jing has been saying Meng Huai is on a business trip out of town. Could she have met another man?
Jiang Yao’s strange feeling grew stronger, her eyes darting around in circles until she seemed to have thought of something, quickly rushing back to her bedroom and changing clothes with unprecedented speed.
A few minutes later, Jiang Yao stealthily dashed into the alley, running in the direction of where someone had just left.
