Chapter 334: 334: Changes in Wind and Cloud (6) Safely Arrived in Jin City
Chapter 334: 334: Changes in Wind and Cloud (6) Safely Arrived in Jin City
Translator: 549690339
“I might be a little less cavalier with giving orders in the future,” Jun Mingyu laughed brightly.
It seemed he genuinely enjoyed it.
Song Zhizhi watched Jun Mingyu.
She whispered, “Your brother?”
Jun Mingyu’s smile faded from his lips.
He replied, “Yes.”
“So, Qian Guanshu and your brother, the eldest son of the official family, Jun Minghan, are having clandestine meetings,” Song Zhizhi directly asserted.
Jun Mingyu looked at Song Zhizhi, neither confirming nor denying at that moment.
It had to be said, Song Zhizhi really knew how to focus on the crux of the matter.
Song Zhizhi, seemingly lost in thought, asked, “Can we infer that Ye Taiting’s death has something to do with the eldest son of the official family?”
Jun Mingyu simply looked at Song Zhizhi.
Meeting his gaze, Song Zhizhi said, “What is your brother’s purpose in wooing the Commercial Management?”
“What do you think?” Jun Mingyu countered, not seeking to hide anything. “Since ancient times, the Commercial Management and the official family have been two separate entities. My father had planned long ago to make the Commercial Management his, but he has been thwarted by various constraints. On the one hand, the Commercial Management has a long history in Yanshang Country and its own power base. The economic lifeline is in their hands, and any backlash from them could jeopardize the whole operation of Yanshang Country–a loss outweighing the gain. On the other hand, the Commercial Management enjoys a high status in the public’s eyes. My father’s unjustified endeavor to seize control of it would mean defying the people’s will, possibly threatening his own rule. Therefore, my father always intended to achieve his goal through behind-the-scenes maneuvering.”
“So, is your brother acting in line with your father’s wishes?”
“Approximately, but also maybe not. It’s not that I’m concealing something, but I genuinely don’t know,” Jun Mingyu replied. “You must know that although I’m technically the third son of the official family, I don’t hold a legitimate position since my mother wasn’t my father’s legal wife. The scandal back then nearly ousted my father from power, and my mother committed suicide. My father was never fond of me, but for humanitarian reasons, he kept me by his side.”
The ruler of the official family confessed to his unfaithfulness in his love life, apologized, and acknowledged his wrongdoing amidst public criticism.
In the end, the matter was settled with the mistress committing suicide and the legal wife granting forgiveness.
Jun Mingyu continued, “So, I don’t have much insight into what my father and brother are plotting. You should also know that the reason I was exiled to the borderlands was because my father didn’t want me engaging in politics. He pushed me aside to clear the way for my brother.”
Song Zhizhi nodded.
“However, it’s not hard to deduce that my brother is colluding with the Commercial Management behind the scenes. Over the past few years, the official family has been watching the Commercial Management like a hawk, and they naturally sense the official family’s ill-intentions. Men as cunning and crafty as Ye Taiting or Qian Guanshu would naturally make behind-the-scenes alliances to better protect themselves. To put it plainly, my brother needs the support of the Commercial Management to win further favor from my father and ultimately inherit his rule. And the Commercial Management, by ingratiating itself with the official family, seeks to secure its own place in Yanshang Country. Although these two colossal entities seem to exist independently, their secret cooperation is essentially a win-win scenario–and that’s apparent even to ordinary people, let alone individuals like them!”
Song Zhizhi hadn’t expected Jun Mingyu to suddenly reveal so much.
All along, she had thought that they were hiding from one another, that each was simply trying to figure out the others, and doing the best they could in their respective roles.
But now, he had suddenly bared all to her.
Jun Mingyu seemed to grasp her thoughts, “After all, I am the one who needs Ji Baijian’s help. So, I need to make my sincerity apparent. After you go back, I hope you can convince Ji Baijian to assist me earnestly.”
Song Zhizhi didn’t reply.
Jun Mingyu, of course, did not press. He said, “I won’t disturbed you further. I will come to pick you up tonight.”
“Thank you.”
And with that, Jun Mingyu left.
He wasn’t one to drag things out, even though he generally gave an impression of being unhurried, taking everything in stride.
Song Zhizhi watched Jun Mingyu’s retreating figure.
That man had spoken casually about everything, but the situation was probably much more complex than she imagined.
Having borne the stigma of being the illegitimate son in the official family for all these years, getting to where he was now must not have been easy.
Yet, he didn’t seem…brutal.
Instead, he was cultured and gentle, appearing harmless.
But in the end…
In the complicated family environment of the official family, no one could be truly harmless.
Deep into the night.
Song Zhizhi snuck out of Jinghe Village with Wang Erjia’s small truck.
Wang Erjia’s fish pond was built with Song Zhizhi’s help, and even the technique for raising fish for profit was conceived by her. Now, with the proceeds from the fish sales providing a decent livelihood, Wang Erjia was deeply grateful to Song Zhizhi. So, to help her escape and keep her secret was a simple matter for him.
After Song Zhizhi left.
The next morning.
Jun Mingyu seemed to avoid everyone’s gazes while delivering breakfast to Song Zhizhi’s residence.
Li Sheng, who had been observing Jun Mingyu all along, smirked coldly when he saw this.
It seems that Song Zhizhi has indeed come back, and she is really very smart.
She sent a message to Ye Wenhan, “I just saw Jun Mingyu going to Song Zhizhi’s place with breakfast.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Keep watching to see if Song Zhizhi leaves, don’t alert her. Report to me immediately with any movements.”
“Yes,” Li Sheng quickly replied. She then said, “the celebration banquet is tonight. Jun Mingyu will not leave until after the banquet, so I deduce that Song Zhizhi will go with Jun Mingyu tonight.”
“Alright, I see.”
Ye Wenhan put down his phone and respectfully said to his father, “It’s almost certain that Song Zhizhi is back. She probably wants to use Jun Mingyu to help her leave.”
Qian Guanshu sneered, “Song Zhizhi is indeed very smart.”
“Even the smartest will still fall into your trap, dad,” Ye Wenhan flattered.
Qian Guanshu showed a disdainful look, “She’s still a rookie.”
“So what do we do now? We can’t openly confront Jun Mingyu, right? Jun Mingyu has built up her own power over the years. If we make any moves, what if we really get investigated?”
“Of course we can’t go head-to-head with officials, but official-to-official fights are acceptable.” Qian Guanshu seemed to be in a better mood, probably because he was pleased with finding Song Zhizhi’s whereabouts. He told Ye Wenhan, “It’s a good thing that I’ve taught you for so long. At least you know we can’t confront officials directly!”
“I know you are disappointed in me but don’t worry, I will work ten times harder than anyone else. One day, I will not disappoint you.”
“If that’s how you think, then I won’t have to worry so much.” Qian Guanshu said with relief. He then muttered, “Since Song Zhizhi is in Jinghe Village, and since the officials have been asking me to find Song Zhizhi, I have found her. How they seize her from Jun Mingyu is their business. I just need to tip them off.”
Ye Wenhan looked at his father.
His father directly made a call to the other side, and he was extremely respectful, “Young Master Jun.”
“Speak.” The voice on the other end sounded displeased.
Yesterday, his father had called him in for questioning—asking if the matters in the Nanyun District were related to him?
He naturally denied it. Even though his father didn’t say anything in the end, he couldn’t help feeling disgruntled towards him.
He had been suppressing his rage, but this call from Qian Guanshu seemed to fan the flames, resulting in his cold reception.
He had never expected to be outplayed by a mere common woman!
Song Zhizhi had successfully caught his attention.
“I know where Song Zhizhi is.”
“If you know, then bring her back to me now!” Jun Minghan said furiously.
“I don’t have the ability to do that.”
“What do you want to say then?” Jun Minghan asked.
Qian Guanshu replied directly, “Song Zhizhi is now back in Jinghe Village, in other words, she’s back with your brother, Jun Mingyu. It’s clear that Jun Mingyu has been protecting her. I can’t take Song Zhizhi away from him.”
“Song Zhizhi has returned again?” Jun Minghan sounded a tad incredulous.
“The most dangerous place is the safest.”
Jun Minghan nodded, understanding the logic immediately.
“Alright, I understand.” Jun Minghan abruptly hung up the phone.
His lips curled into a cold smile.
What was the reason for dealing with Ji Baijian?!
Wasn’t it just to suppress Jun Mingyu?
Jun Mingyu has been trying to win over Ji Baijian, right?
Whatever Jun Mingyu wants to do, he will make sure … to thwart him!
The celebration banquet of Jinghe Village.
It’s held within a folk village of Jinghe.
The folk village has already become a nationwide internet celebrity spot.
There are still quite a few people coming and going, but it has to be said that it’s indeed very unique.
All the members of the project department have put on their formal attire, looking like a banquet of high society.
Jun Mingyu was toasting everyone present.
Li Sheng was one among them. Holding a wine glass in her hand, she made some flattering comments and then regretfully said, “It’s a great pity that Manager Song is not here. For the development project in Jinghe Village, from the initial accidents we encountered when we first arrived, it’s really taken us a long time to transform Jinghe Village into what everyone and even more are hoping for. As it turns out, the biggest contributor is not present.”
A smile crossed Jun Mingyu’s lips.
It seemed as if he was always laughing, appearing warm and polite.
He said, “I tried persuading her as well, but she had to go back home due to some family matters.”
“I know, it’s just a pity,” murmured Li Sheng.
Jun Mingyu remained silent, smiling.
Li Sheng then took the initiative to further the conversation.
Just then, the previously buzzing hall suddenly fell quiet.
Jun Mingyu’s gaze shifted.
Inside the vast open air garden of the folk village, a man appeared.
Jun Mingyu’s smiling eyes seemed to deepen at the sight of this.
He put down his wine glass and walked over to the man.
At that moment, everyone was gazing at this man, a man who could only be seen on TV. Now, he had suddenly appeared before them in the flesh.
Jun Mingyu walked up to him, “Big Brother.”
Yes, he was the eldest son of the wealthy family, Jun Minghan.
He was 35, dressed in a black suit, black leather shoes, black hair carefully groomed, looking very serious.
He had a similar height and build to Jun Mingyu and even their facial features bore some resemblance. However, Jun Minghan’s presence seemed much stronger.
Standing next to him, Jun Mingyu somehow seemed inferior.
“Why did you suddenly come to Jinghe Village?” asked Jun Mingyu.
“Not received warmly?” chuckled Jun Minghan.
“Of course not,” said Jun Mingyu quickly, “I am just pleasantly surprised.”
“Father said that you have done an excellent job on the Development Project of Jinghe Village. You have transformed the poorest and most backward village in Yanshang Country into such a distinctive economic modern village. And for the first time, you have successfully cooperated with Commercial Management in our family’s project. Father is full of praise for you. He asked me to come over and congratulate you, knowing that you were celebrating tonight.”
“Thank you, Big Brother, and thank Father as well,” Jun Mingyu spoke formally.
“So aren’t you inviting me to join your celebration party?” raised Jun Minghan.
“Please,” Jun Mingyu quickly invited.
Jun Minghan’s smile deepened, his eyes sharp as ever.
One of the men standing by Jun Minghan’s side, seemingly undetectable, had already left.
Jun Mingyu saw this but feigned ignorance and continued to treat Jun Minghan warmly.
Li Sheng sneakily put down her wine glass and followed Ye Wenhan’s instruction, waiting for someone in a small alley outside the folk village.
Some burly men in black suits appeared.
Tall and muscular, incredibly strong.
Their arms were so strong it seemed like they could knock someone down with one blow.
Li Sheng was a little scared, not daring to look at the men. She could only lead them to Song Zhizhi’s quadrangle house, saying, “It’s inside, the second room on the right after you turn.”
The men forcefully opened the main gate and went straight in.
Li Sheng hid outside the quadrangle, stealing glances at the action inside.
The men, following Li Sheng’s instructions, kicked open the door to the room Song Zhizhi had been staying in. They turned on the light and the room was still.
The men searched the room and then looked at each other.
One of the men picked up the communicator on his suit. “There is no sign of Song Zhizhi.”
At this moment, Jun Minghan was in the hall, accepting the compliments from all members of the project group.
The man in the black suit next to him came closer and whispered into his ear.?
Jun Minghan’s face changed immediately.
Jun Mingyu pretended not to have seen anything.
Jun Minghan’s gaze turned to Jun Mingyu.
Still smiling, Jun Mingyu looked quite at ease.
Sensing the gaze of Jun Minghan, Jun Mingyu said to him, “Is Big Brother leaving tonight or tomorrow morning?”
“What? You want me to leave earlier?” replied Jun Minghan coldly.
“Of course not. It’s just that I haven’t seen Father for a long time. Since Big Brother made the trip today, I thought I could go back with you.”
Jun Minghan’s face cooled, he said, “I’m leaving right away.”
“Then I should join Big Brother. You wouldn’t refuse, would you?”
“Do as you like!”
Jun Minghan walked away abruptly, not even caring about the people at the celebration, and left directly.
The smile on Jun Mingyu’s face was quite obvious at that moment.
Yesterday’s news had pleased him so much. Today, seeing Jun Minghan like this, could he say that he was so delighted that he wanted to run naked?
From childhood to maturity, everything Jun Minghan did always went as he wished. This time he was so frustrated, he must be furious.
The next time he saw Song Zhizhi, he would have to thank her again!
Jin City.
Song Zhizhi finally arrived safely.
She arrived at Nanyun City late at night in Wang’s small truck from Jinghe Village. For safety concerns, she chose not to take the plane. Even though she was aware it was quite safe at the moment as the police in Nanyun City were all withdrawn and Ye Wenhan assumed that she was still in Jinghe Village and naturally relaxed the surveillance in Nanyun City, she was still worried about Qian Guanshu’s treachery, thus she chose the safer option.
This meant she had to take a train ride for eight hours.
By the time she returned to Jin city, it was already night.
The night in Jin City, with the streetlights just lit, was much busier than the Jinghe Village.
She hailed a taxi, didn’t go anywhere else but directly to the hospital.
Despite spending a long period away from Jinghe Village to arrive at Nanyun City, then returning to Jinghe Village and back again, facing numerous dangers along the way, none of that made her as anxious as the moment she arrived at the hospital.
She tried to control her emotions and entered the hospital.
The hospital was very quiet and the VIP private ward was even quieter.
Beneath the ward building, there were groups of security guards clearly not allowing anyone to approach.
Song Zhizhi walked up, “I am Song Zhizhi, could you please tell Doctor Yan Jin that I would like to see Ji Baijian.”
A security guard gave her a once-over and then walked into the building.
Not long after.
Yan Jin appeared at the front door.
He looked at Song Zhizhi, smiled, and said, “Come in. Ji Baijian has been waiting for you for a long time.”
The expression on his face seemed to suggest…
Ji Baijian could finally rest in peace now that she was back!