ATLAS TRANSLATES

“Xin jie,” Lu Xiaohan remembered that Principal Jian and thoughtfully said, “Lian jie knows how to play the guzheng. Let her try.”

Wen Qi took a melon seed from Jiang He’s hand, “Yes, yes, yes.”

Xin jie stared at Bailian’s face. In the sunset, her face was as lazy as flowing moonlight, beautiful but not seductive. Though her demeanor was relaxed, her every move was calm and composed, confident yet humble. She could use a spear and play the guzheng…

She felt a sense of absurdity.

This must be the Miss Bai recorded in the history books, right?

Xin jie came back to her senses, “Miss Bai, our Yan Lu has received so much kindness from you. Thank you.”

Of course, even though Bailian said she could compose music, Xin jie still wasn’t completely relieved.

She was also trying to find people in her circle.

Xin jie was also worried that a character song written in such a short time might not be up to standard. Yan Lu had good vocal conditions, but she was afraid netizens would criticize Yan Lu after she sang it.

This was something Xin jie absolutely didn’t want to see.

Bailian and Yan Lu had put so much into this character, she didn’t want there to be any flaws with it.

Xin jie didn’t put all her hopes on Bailian. She took out her phone to communicate with Director Wan, trying to use various connections, hoping to find and buy an unreleased song that fit the character.

Bailian knew Xin jie couldn’t fully trust her. Not just Xin jie, Bailian herself wasn’t certain either.

As she thought about this, she had Yan Lu hold the spear level, training her walking posture back and forth.

Yan Lu had a talent for performance. With just a little guidance from Bailian, she could express that kind of aura.

“Xiaohan,” Bailian felt she had learned it well enough, and finally leaned over slightly to ask Lu Xiaohan, “Can I take the school’s guzheng home for two days?”

Lu Xiaohan didn’t know.

“Wait a moment,” Lu Xiaohan took out her phone and found Xu Qian’s number, “I’ll ask Xu Qian.”

Xu Qian was the head of the Arts Department and had the key to the storage room.

“She said it’s okay,” Lu Xiaohan put her phone back in her pocket, “I’ll go get it for you.”

Lu Xiaohan was more familiar with Xu Qian, so Bailian continued to watch over Yan Lu here.

Next to them, Jiang He sat on the steps, looking thoughtfully at Bailian, then at Lu Xiaohan who had left.

**

Bailian carried the guzheng and brought Jiang He back with her.

Lansi sat next to Ji Heng chatting with him. Seeing the guzheng Bailian was carrying, he was very curious, “What’s that?”

“A guzheng,” Bailian unhurriedly put the guzheng back in her room, then came out with silver needles, explaining in detail to Lansi, “It’s a type of musical instrument from our country.”

Lansi had never seen a guzheng before. Curiously, he reached out and plucked a string.

“Zheng—”

The sound was like the distant cry of a lone wild goose.

He reached out again, plucking randomly. The sound was like demons running wild.

Jiang He silently covered his ears. He didn’t say anything, just stared at Lansi.

Lansi got more excited, until Bailian leisurely compared a silver needle to his head, slowly saying, “If you move again, I might prick it wrong. You could end up with hemiplegia.”

Lansi: “…”

He understood, and silently returned to the lounge chair outside, letting Bailian give him acupuncture.

After finishing Lansi’s acupuncture, Bailian returned to her room.

She put the guzheng on the table. Remembering Ming Dongheng’s matter, she took out her phone and sent Ming Dongheng a long message—

[*&?@#@……]

[Sitting in meditation requires proper breathing and inhalation, concentrating the mind to breathe with the abdomen]

[……]

After sending it, she reached out to pluck the guzheng strings.

Jiang He leaned on her desk, staring at her fingers. She only used her left hand to pluck the strings, three or four strings at once.

The light or heavy sounds didn’t form any particular melody. It was as if she was randomly plucking to hear the sounds.

It was dazzling.

Jiang He listened in amazement.

Bailian looked at him and chuckled lightly: “You’re like my Manman.”

After saying that, she wrote down a character on the notebook beside her.

Since it was her own experience, her emotions were abundant, but she was still trying to figure out how to interpret this melody.

At this point, Jiang He would go look at what character she had written.

Bailian’s writing was always upright and beautiful, simple and clear. However, when Jiang He looked at it, he who had just finished reading the dictionary started to doubt life. He stared blankly at the character Bailian had written—

A character with four and seven inside, and even a square box? Is this still a character?

He blankly sat back down.

Never learned it, never learned it at all.

After a while, Bailian wrote down a few more characters. He couldn’t believe it and went to take another look. Good heavens, this time there was nine, four and three in one character, and even a “big”?! Jiang He stood up and silently moved outside to watch Ji Heng teach Lansi how to play Five in a Row.

Lansi couldn’t beat Ji Heng. Seeing Jiang He, his eyes lit up. He told Ji Heng to move away, wanting to play chess with Jiang He.

Jiang He had never played Five in a Row before, so Ji Heng took his pipe and explained the rules to him.

Three minutes later.

Lansi: “…?”

Again.

Two minutes later.

Lansi: “?”

Again.

One minute later.

Lansi: “(Smiles)”

Jiang He put away the white chess pieces, finally feeling some confidence.

He sat on the stone stool and poked at his watch, sending a message to Jiang Fuli.

Jiang He first tested cautiously: [,]

On the other end of the phone, Jiang Fuli was still in the laboratory. He had to go see Zhang Erbi with Bailian early tomorrow morning, so he needed to hurry and deal with the lab today.

The B-zone lab was kept at a constant temperature year-round. To avoid bringing contamination into the lab, everyone inside wore lab coats.

He stood in front of the detector, leaning slightly to look at the dark matter particle mass and scattering cross-section diagram on the instrument.

Several people stood behind him. He Wen was particularly excited, “The anti-coincidence detection sensitivity is much higher. Many international labs have called to inquire about ours…”

Jiang Fuli turned his head slightly. His cold gaze was hardly blocked by his gleaming glasses. His slender, cold white fingers took the document He Wen handed over.

He didn’t say anything, just raised his hand slightly.

The others understood immediately and could leave.

The phone lit up. Jiang Fuli picked up the phone. It was a comma sent by Jiang He.

Jiang Fuli: [?]

Confirming that Jiang Fuli had time now, Jiang He went to secretly take a photo of Bailian.

Jiang He: [[Image]]

Jiang He: [,]

Jiang Fuli walked towards the D-zone rest area while opening the image to look. The image showed a line of neat characters, though calling them characters wasn’t quite accurate.

Seeing this line of characters.

Jiang Fuli’s footsteps stopped. The assistant following behind him was almost startled by Jiang Fuli’s sudden stop.

He stepped back several steps, then secretly looked up, secretly observing.

Jiang Fuli’s fingertip lightly tapped this line of characters.

After a long while, he finally replied to Jiang He unhurriedly—

[Little illiterate]

[This is simplified notation]

Behind him, the assistant strangely saw that Young Master Jiang’s mood seemed to have improved somewhat. It couldn’t be said to be much better, but compared to usual, there was a bit more humanity and worldly flavor.

The assistant was greatly encouraged: “There’s an international lecture at Jiangkai University. The Research Institute asked if you have time to go back and give them a lecture?”

Jiang Fuli tilted his head slightly. He was wearing a white lab coat, extremely cold and aloof. His tone was light and breezy, “No time.”

After all, he still had to go to prison to teach a big idiot.

If he couldn’t teach him, Bailian might doubt his teaching ability.

**

The next day.

Early in the morning, Bailian got up to find Zhang Shize.

Jiang He had to go to Ji Shaojun’s new home with Ji Heng, so he wasn’t in a hurry to get up and was still lying in bed.

Jiang Fuli’s car stopped at the entrance of Qingshui Street right on time.

Bailian got in the car. She lazily fastened her seatbelt.

There was a faint, cool scent in the car.

Bailian had written the musical score until 9 o’clock last night. Afraid of disturbing others’ rest, she didn’t continue. Writing the score was a temporary decision that took up more than three hours of her time.

She had her own schedule every day and was very self-disciplined. After finishing the score, she only started her daily plan.

Completing the plan was three hours later than usual.

As a result, she didn’t sleep until after 3 am.

And got up after 5 am.

Because Zhang Shize had to start labor at 7:30, they needed to arrive early to start tutoring.

Jiang Fuli drove steadily. Bailian fell asleep halfway through. She was usually very guarded, but today she was perhaps too tired, or perhaps felt relaxed here.

Jiang Fuli turned down the spring-like guzheng music in the car a little.

When the car slowly stopped at the prison gate, Bailian still hadn’t woken up. Jiang Fuli looked at the time. It wasn’t yet 6:30. He didn’t wake her, just turned off the engine and opened the window, turning to look at her seriously.

It was early, and the morning sun hadn’t even had time to show itself. Only a wisp of cool breeze brushed across her face.

Bailian had casually tied up her hair again today. Loose strands were gently blown by the wind. Black hair strands were blown from her side face to the tip of her nose, stopping there and not moving, swaying lazily.

Jiang Fuli stared at that strand of hair for a long time—

It dares to challenge me? Young Master Jiang coldly reached out and put that strand of hair back where it belonged.

When it was almost 6:30, he nonchalantly woke her up. Zhang Shize felt that Brother Jiang seemed very easy to talk to today.

Didn’t scold him.

He was puzzled.

At 7:20, Yan Lu was waiting outside. She wanted to tell Zhang Shize about the news of <Da Yong>. They were entering the crew next week and wouldn’t see Zhang Shize for a long time.

Bailian went out first.

Jiang Fuli followed behind her.

Zhang Shize usually talked a lot, but facing Yan Lu he couldn’t say anything. Yan Lu herself was also cold and aloof. Last time when Yan Lu came with her parents, the two barely said a word to each other.

Jiang Fuli fell behind Bailian. When he was about to close the door.

He looked at Zhang Shize, then at Yan Lu, and suddenly spoke: “Zhang Shize, has your injury healed?”

Zhang Shize was stunned.

Yan Lu looked at Zhang Shize, then at Jiang Fuli.

“He fought with Liu Xinming last time and suffered severe internal injuries. It still hasn’t healed.” Jiang Fuli pointed at where Zhang Shize had been beaten by his fellow inmates, then elegantly left.

Zhang Shize touched his stomach, then looked up at the anxious Yan Lu.

Enlightenment dawned.

**

Ji Shaojun’s new house was in Xin’an Community.

It was on the Ring Road, not far from Qingshui Street, Building 11, Unit 101.

The community was newer, only built a few years ago. Each building had 12 floors, with a low occupancy rate. The housing prices weren’t very high, just over 3,000 yuan per square meter. Ji Shaojun and Shen Qing bought on the first floor.

When Bailian and Jiang Fuli arrived, there were already many people at Ji Shaojun’s home.

Chief Chen was studying chess with one of Ji Shaojun’s colleagues. Ji Heng was lying on the side with his pipe, giving pointers.

There were also two students at Ji Shaojun’s home, playing with Jiang He, mainly watching in amazement as Jiang He assembled puzzles and solved Rubik’s cubes.

Ji Shaorong was helping Ji Shaojun in the kitchen. Shen Qing, having just recovered from a serious illness, wore a hat on her head and was entertaining guests in the living room.

The small living room was crowded.

As soon as the door opened.

Shen Qing saw Bailian and Jiang Fuli. She welcomed the two in and closed the front door, “Ah Lian, Xiao Jiang, you two are here.”

Ji Heng, standing next to Chief Chen, instinctively looked up.

He met Jiang Fuli’s eyes.

The lively living room instantly felt as if swept by a cold wind.

Chief Chen hadn’t turned around yet. His hand unconsciously stopped in mid-air. Past experience told him that someone must have arrived.

He tilted his head slightly.

Sure enough, he saw the aloof Young Master Jiang one step behind Bailian.

Ji Heng’s hand holding the pipe paused. He looked Jiang Fuli up and down, then watched as Ji Shaojun poked his head out of the kitchen and greeted Jiang Fuli familiarly.

Ji Heng: “…?”

Who is this thing that suddenly appeared?

“Dad, this is Xiao Jiang,” Shen Qing took out two more cups and poured water for Bailian and Jiang Fuli. She enthusiastically introduced Jiang Fuli to Ji Heng, “He helped a lot when I was in the hospital last time.”

Shen Qing broke the deadlock, enthusiastically introducing Jiang Fuli to Ji Heng.

Jiang Fuli very politely greeted Ji Heng, “Hello.”

Chief Chen next to Ji Heng hurriedly moved aside, holding a chess piece.

So he’s the only one who doesn’t know him? Ji Heng looked at Jiang Fuli and grunted an “Mm”, not saying much.

Shen Qing had Jiang Fuli sit down. She herself went to busy herself cutting fruit for the two. Jiang Fuli sat stiffly on the sofa, with Ji Heng occasionally glancing at him next to him.

Both were very quiet.

Bailian lazily sat to the side doing practice questions.

Occasionally she would also recall the musical score, writing down anything she thought of.

Shen Qing brought out a new fruit platter from the kitchen, giving it to the two to eat.

Jiang Fuli was indifferent to fruit, but seeing there were cherries, he took one to try. The cherries Shen Qing bought weren’t sour.

Not bad.

He picked up two more and casually handed them to Bailian.

Then reached out to pull over the trash can next to Jiang He.

Jiang He expressionlessly turned his head to look at Jiang Fuli.

“Little brother,” a high school student next to Jiang He gently tugged at Jiang He’s sleeve, pointing at the Rubik’s cube in his hand, “Can you solve this one too?”

Hearing this, Jiang Fuli lowered his head to look at the Rubik’s cube in Jiang He’s hand, then gave a mocking smile.

Jiang He: “…”

He angrily solved that side.

The high school student was in awe.

Across from them, Ji Heng glanced over, then slowly looked away.

**

After eating, Chief Chen and Ji Heng were going to stay and play cards.

Ji Shaojun picked up a painting and gave it to Bailian, asking her to deliver it to Xu En. Xu En hadn’t come today, but his gift had arrived early.

This was Ji Shaojun’s return gift.

Bailian texted Xu En to ask. He was still in a press conference and didn’t have time, saying he’d come get it in the evening.

Ji Shaojun would surely scold her for that, so Bailian asked Xu En to send her the address.

She’d go find him later.

Xu En quickly sent Bailian an address—

[There happens to be a banquet. If you have time, you can eat a bit. There’s lots of good food]

[It’s a pity your uncle and the others can’t make it]

Shen Qing’s place was crowded.

Bailian wanted to find a place to do practice questions. Jiang He followed them back too.

Jiang Fuli drove the car directly back to the detached building where he usually stayed.

Bailian slept again on the way, feeling more energetic than before.

Ming Dongheng was sitting cross-legged on the lawn in the garden, his four fingers gathered in his palm, as still as a mountain.

Jiang He jumped out of the car, then crouched next to Ming Dongheng, looking up at him.

Ming Dongheng opened his eyes, startled. He leapt up, finding his body felt lighter, “Young Master, why are you back?”

Looking up, he saw Bailian and Jiang Fuli had also gotten out of the car.

Ming Dongheng opened his mouth wanting to speak to Bailian, but seeing Jiang Fuli, he hurriedly stood straight, resuming his usual cold and strict demeanor, “Master, Miss Bai.”

“Mm.” Jiang Fuli glanced at him.

Bailian smiled at Ming Dongheng.

Jiang He pulled at Bailian’s clothes, asking her to go see his paintings.

Jiang Fuli watched their backs, his face cold as he went to the study for an online meeting with the Jiang family.

**

Downstairs.

Upon hearing that Jiang Fuli had finally returned, Chen Jingyu quickly came over.

There was also a lady beside him.

She wore a plain colored long dress inside, with a beige coat over it. Her chestnut-colored hair was permed into lazy big waves, scattered casually behind her head.

“Goddess Yu.” Seeing her, Ming Dongheng stood up slightly, greeting her, his tone particularly respectful.

Yu Hongyi’s lips were slightly pursed, her expression rather cold. She just nodded at Ming Dongheng.

Used to this kind of attitude.

She was here representing Old Master Chen. Ming Dongheng went upstairs to find Jiang Fuli.

Not long after.

Jiang Fuli came downstairs, the air pressure slightly low. Yu Hongyi and Chen Jingyu were startled, glancing at each other before hurriedly standing up.

They didn’t expect Jiang Fuli to come down so quickly.

“Goddess Yu, it still had to be you.” Chen Jingyu said excitedly. He had come three times without seeing Jiang Fuli once.

Yu Hongyi was very surprised internally, but hearing this she just smiled.

A tall figure slowly descended the wooden stairs.

He had changed into a soft white casual outfit, but his slightly lowered face was still as cold as the gleam of a sword blade. A cold glance swept over, surpassing all frost.

Like a painting in heavy ink.

Chen Jingyu lowered his head, not daring to look: “Young Master Jiang.”

Yu Hongyi also came to her senses. She withdrew her gaze and took out a letter, “This is from the Old Master for you.”

Ming Dongheng reached out to take the letter from Yu Hongyi, holding it in his hand without giving it to Jiang Fuli.

Yu Hongyi looked at the letter in Ming Dongheng’s hand, her lips slightly pursed.

But they all knew that Jiang Fuli rarely accepted things given by others, unless they were his friends or the researchers he supervised.

Jiang Fuli nodded, indicating he knew, extremely cold.

Then he walked unhurriedly to the cabinet by the door, eyes straight ahead.

As he walked past, it seemed frost spread across the floor.

His cold white fingers pulled open a drawer, hooked out a set of keys, then half leaned against the cabinet. His slender fingertips lightly tapped the tabletop as he casually looked towards the stairs.

No one dared speak in the deathly silent hall. Chen Jingyu and Yu Hongyi glanced at each other, not understanding the situation.

Until sounds came from upstairs again.

Chen Jingyu and Yu Hongyi were both very surprised, unconsciously looking up.