Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 985: Chapter 29: Deskmate

A well-known paparazzo, Han XX, appeared at the airport and brought with him a vague terrorist attack event, which quickly spread across the internet.

There were various opinions, with some saying it was to retaliate against society, others claiming it was supported by a cult, and some suggesting that Han XX initially intended to make a big news story but ended up losing himself in it.

However, what exactly happened wasn’t important for the Song family members—because of the tight schedule, not long after waking up in the morning, Mr. Aqi arranged for the Song family members to board another flight.

The Song family’s destination this time was the ancestral tomb near Mount Tai, so the final stop of this journey, which started in South America, was Jinan.

…

Song Ying, who had just woken up and was too sleepy, intended to put on an eye mask and sleep as soon as she boarded the plane, but an incident on the plane immediately wiped away her sleepiness.

“Luo Qiu? How come you’re here…”

Inside the cabin, a young woman was casting a surprised look—so surprised that she covered her lips with her hand slightly out of composure.

She was a typical eastern woman whose appearance wasn’t hers alone, and she was as comforting as a lotus flower.

Mr. Aqi said this was the old lady’s granddaughter, and she would be partaking in the following itinerary as well.

In fact, this plane wasn’t a regular flight; it was the Zhang Family’s… private jet.

“Oh… what a coincidence.”

Suddenly, the surroundings seemed to fall into silence.

…

After a moment of silence, Luo Qiu managed to squeeze out a sentence to keep the situation from being too quiet.

Luo Qiu indeed felt surprised—the woman greeting him was, in fact, an old acquaintance of his.

Back in school, she was another student in their class.

Initially, Luo Qiu thought the Zhang Family was merely a low-profile wealthy family, but gradually, his perception changed. By now, he understood that even as a family left with only two women, the Zhang family was still one of the notable families of the time.

Luo Qiu didn’t comment much on Zhang Qingrui’s abilities, but the old lady behind the Zhang Family was probably a woman of great strength, right?

Seeing Luo Qiu on the plane made Zhang Qingrui lose composure for a moment, but being personally taught by Zhang Li Lanfang, she quickly regained her calm, suppressing the diverse thoughts in her heart, and smiled, “Yes, really what a coincidence. It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

The phrase ‘a beauty’s smile’ seems to describe a woman like Zhang Qingrui well.

Anyway, Song Haoran found it pleasing and couldn’t help but compare her with his niece.

Song Ying, suffering from severe insomnia, had noticeable dark circles and looked quite haggard. Well… her hair didn’t seem thoroughly combed either, with some strands sticking out.

“It has been a while.” Luo Qiu nodded, “Let’s go inside first.”

Behind him were others from the Song family waiting, such as the butler Uncle Wu and the bodyguards for this trip.

Once everyone was seated in the lounge of the private plane, Song Tianyou chuckled and said, “You must be Qingrui, right? Sister Li often mentioned you to me, saying you are as lovely as an emerging lotus and mentally sharp. Now that I see you, indeed, indeed. Seeing you reminds me of Sister Li’s beauty that once captivated the capital, truly nostalgic.”

“Old Master Song overrates me.” Zhang Qingrui appeared modest and courteous in response to Elder Song’s praise, also appearing graceful and poised.

This further garnered everyone’s favor, especially since Zhang Qingrui, when quiet, was as serene as a secluded orchid, undeniably pleasing to the eye.

“Hello, I’m Song Ying, pleased to meet you, Ms. Zhang.” Suddenly, Miss Song Ying politely greeted.

Song Haoran glanced over, slightly surprised.

This girl… when did she fix her makeup?

At this moment, although not meticulously prepared, Song Ying looked much better than her bare face right after waking up.

What Song Haoran found hard to comment on was… her makeup skills were indeed impressive.

Perhaps it’s a woman’s natural talent?

“Zhang Qingrui.” Ms. Zhang reached out her hand.

The two briefly shook hands, then smiled and sat down—though it was a bit cramped, leading Song Ying to discreetly step on Song Haoran’s foot afterward.

Reluctantly, Young Master Song rubbed his nose, looking at Song Ying’s ‘kind’ smile, he stood up and said, “By the way, is there anything to drink here? How about some wine?”

“It’s morning; drinking wine isn’t good.” Zhang Qingrui smiled slightly, “If you don’t mind, how about I brew some tea for everyone instead?”

“Does Ms. Zhang also have knowledge of the tea ceremony?” Song Tianyou asked with interest.

This was actually a good opportunity to evaluate a young member of the Zhang family—common practice among such families.

If the younger generation can shine before the elders, it naturally puts everyone at ease—since worldly wealth and power aren’t fixed but have a next-generation inheritance.

The fate of a family future, whether prosperity or decline, depends significantly on whether its younger members are outstanding—Elder Song knew his own retirement was imminent and soon he would likely spend his remaining days leisurely… it’s ultimately a necessary stage of life.

Yet he was concerned about the Song family’s foundation, wishing for Song Haoran and Song Ying to truly mature while also hoping to find his brother’s descendants.

Similarly, with his long-standing ties to Zhang Li Lanfang, he didn’t want the relationship to sever when the Song family passed on to the younger members. Hence, evaluating Zhang Qingrui was necessary.

Perhaps, Sister Li had similar thoughts, deliberately sending her granddaughter to see whether the Song family’s offspring had any exceptional qualities of their own.

These considerations happened within a blink.

Zhang Qingrui smiled faintly at this moment, “Though I’ve studied it, I’m far from excellence; at most, it’s for personal enjoyment. I hope you all won’t laugh.”

“That’s fine; brewing tea requires heart,” Elder Song said calmly. “Someone with a heart can turn stagnant water into living water. A pot of tea requires only living water.”

“Then I’ll give it a try,” Zhang Qingrui nodded and glanced at Luo Qiu unintentionally.

She noticed that Luo Qiu now seemed to pretend he wasn’t there, gazing through the window at the blue skies and white clouds outside.

Zhang Qingrui smiled slightly.

She was actually quite accustomed to Luo Qiu’s absent-minded behavior—throughout more than a year of school, Luo Qiu was often in this state, never taking the initiative to say anything to her.

Going to school and leaving after, the two maintained a relationship of nodding acquaintance for more than a year—this was quite inconceivable for Zhang Qingrui, but at the same time, it was the reason why she inexplicably felt at ease with this classmate who was right next to her.

Perhaps the sun and moon in his heart don’t shine on those around him?

She recalled once encountering Luo Qiu on a plane—beside him was a woman whose presence overshadowed hers.

He said that she was someone who stayed with him for a long time.

…

Old Master Song was a very astute person… he noticed small gestures quite clearly—for instance, Song Ying just stepped on Song Haoran, or the side glance from Zhang Qingrui at this moment.

Then, he chuckled and suddenly said, “Luo Qiu is a relative I just reacquainted myself with recently. So, Ms. Zhang, do you know him?”

Zhang Qingrui slightly parted her lips. Although she had some guesses about Luo Qiu, she was still somewhat surprised to hear about his relationship with the Song Family—the most important thing was, despite forgetting the events on the Mongolian grasslands and having no memory of the underground palace concerning Cai Wenji and Zhang Jiao, she recorded it all and sent it to her ‘future self’.

She knew Luo Qiu was not an ordinary person, but it was hard to have a direct concept of how exactly.

Being a mysterious figure within the city and also part of the family system… indeed, he was adept at hiding.

“Luo Qiu and I, well, we’re old classmates.”

Thus, this pleasing Ms. Zhang began to make tea as she spoke about the past when she and Luo Qiu were in a class with only two people.

Listening to this, Luo Qiu realized that time had indeed passed quickly… although recalling that period remains vivid, there now seems to be a somewhat awkward feeling between them.

“Oh? Really, that’s quite a destiny.” Old Master Song’s eyes brightened slightly.

He believed in fate; otherwise, he wouldn’t have so much respect for Mr. Blind. At the same time, he’s a Buddhist follower, so he values fate greatly.

So, at this moment, Old Master Song looked at Luo Qiu, “Luo Qiu, why don’t you introduce this Ms. Zhang? I’d like to hear about her from you.”

“A very nice person.” Luo Qiu looked towards Zhang Qingrui, suddenly remembering that day when the underground palace collapsed, she stood on the edge of that massive pit, arms extended facing the wind, and with a slight smile, said: “Are you still in school?”

“Yes.” Zhang Qingrui nodded gently, “I’ve already discussed with my family; everything will be addressed after completing my studies.”

“That’s quite good.” Luo Qiu nodded as well.

Zhang Qingrui said: “Not bad. Recently, I’ve met a few new classmates. They don’t know me, it feels nice… by the way, is Ms. Ren still working as a reporter? If possible, I’d like to arrange a special interview with her soon.”

“She would probably be more than happy to.” Luo Qiu chuckled without hesitation.

He knew Ren Ziling’s personality too well.

This woman likes to interview strange and peculiar news. However, she can’t continuously report this way to her editor, so if she can do interviews like The Antique Shop, a local antique leader, she would eagerly go for it, as it compensates for her usual antics at the magazine.

“That would be great.” Zhang Qingrui took out a piece of paper and pen, writing down a phone number, “I’ve recently changed my number; you can give this to Ms. Ren. She can contact me anytime; I’ll arrange the time.”

“Thank you.” Luo Qiu accepted it.

Seeing the two having an engaging conversation, Song Haoran suddenly whispered in Song Ying’s ear: “This woman isn’t simple; her means are quite advanced… You’ve got competition.”

Then, Song Haoran suddenly widened his eyes.

Because his foot was being continuously rubbed by Song Ying’s heel back and forth, Song Ying kindly asked: “Did you say something?”

Feeling that a continuous conversation between the two was somewhat inappropriate, Zhang Qingrui slightly smiled: “Speaking for so long, I haven’t served tea to everyone, please hang on a moment, let me go get some tea sets.”

“Please take your time, Ms. Zhang.” Old Master Song nodded in agreement.

During the waiting period, unbeknownst to anyone, Song Ying moved next to Luo Qiu and subtly asked, “The girlfriend you mentioned… isn’t her, right?”

“Just classmates.” Luo Qiu shook his head, then looked outside the window, “Probably classmates who can get along… back then.”

Song Ying looked suspiciously.

At that moment, the plane transmitted slight turbulence. Zhang Qingrui had just returned with the tea sets but had to put them down and said: “Apologies, I forgot the time, the plane is about to take off, let’s assign seats and fasten seat belts, shall we?”

Whether intentional or accidental, or merely a coincidence.

In the seating arrangement, Luo Qiu happened to be seated opposite Zhang Qingrui.

The two exchanged a smile, and felt no discomfort at all.

…

…

When the Song family arrived at the Magic Capital with Mr. Blind, who had separated from the Song family at Xiangjiang, he quietly arrived at Mountain Wudang.

This time Mr. Blind had Song Da and Song San accompanying him along the way.

Song Da and Song San were from Shaolin; within the martial artist circle, Shaolin and Wudang have been old rivals, with considerable historical connections. Hearing they could go to Wudang, as true martial artists, Song Da and Song San were naturally more interested, and they immediately agreed without a second thought.

However, Mountain Wudang was quite large, and the place Mr. Blind led them to wasn’t a Taoist temple… it’s said to be a place Mr. Blind used to reside.

This blind man originated from Wudang, could it be that there truly exists an immortal fate on Mountain Wudang?

Just as Song Da and Song San silently speculated, and exchanged glances now and then, Mr. Blind led them to a bamboo forest on the mountain.

Outside the bamboo forest, there was an old man with white hair, turbid eyes, standing head-on against the cold wind waiting—as if the waiting time wasn’t short, because it was evident that this old man was shivering from the cold.

At that moment, seeing Mr. Blind approaching against the cold wind, the shivering old man immediately ran forward, without speaking, he directly knelt on the ground, kowtowing: “Immature disciple Huang Qifa greets Ancestor!”

Song Da and Song San exchanged a glance; they knew the blind man had associates from his sect, and apparently, some things prevented him from returning to his sect, but they never knew that this blind man also had his own inheritance.

Ancestor and Master Uncle, after all, are not the same, martial artists clearly differentiate between the two.

“Stand up.” Mr. Blind waved his hand, allowing Huang Qifa to rise, and suddenly asked, “Have you seen anyone recently?”

Standing up, Huang Qifa was taken aback, baffled, then shook his head, “No… Ancestor, is there anything wrong?”

Mr. Blind simply faced Huang Qifa quietly for a while, then suddenly said, “Let’s go to my former residence to speak. Don’t linger here… I don’t want anyone to know I’ve returned.”