ATLAS TRANSLATES

Bai Lian had warned about Wang Youfeng’s grandmother’s illness during New Year. Ning Xiao had also been spending less time doing homework lately.

She looked at this message, paused, rested her elbow on the counter, and started thinking about Wang Youfeng’s problem.

“Well,” Xu Nanjing leaned against the wooden counter, thinking briefly, “…like having another mother?”

His voice was soft, but Ming Dongheng bringing tea and Xiao Bingwen nearby both heard it.

Not to mention Xiao Bingwen, even Ming Dongheng was particularly surprised.

Bai Lian was sensitive to the word “mother.” She didn’t look up, casually tapping her phone screen with her fingertip, but her lowered hand tensed slightly, “Better not.”

She picked up the tea Ming Dongheng brought over, taking a casual sip, her expression lazy.

Nearby, Jiang Fuli came down with a violin.

Bai Lian stood straight and reached out, “Give it to me.”

Jiang Fuli’s expression didn’t change, but his stern face showed some frustration as he handed the violin case to Bai Lian.

He walked Bai Lian back.

After they left, Xu Nanjing leaned against the counter and looked at Ming Dongheng, clicking his tongue: “Little sister Bai Lian is quite interesting.”

Ming Dongheng gave him a look but said nothing.

Xiao Bingwen finally asked slowly, “Nanjing, did you mean just now…”

“Doesn’t my mom always want a daughter?” Xu Nanjing walked back, sat on the sofa, and poured himself another glass of water, “She’s definitely my mom’s ideal daughter.”

Speaking of which, Xu Nanjing thought his mom was quite weird. He’d only known Bai Lian for a few days, and though they were already “life-and-death” friends, to suddenly ask if she’d mind having another mom…

Wouldn’t Jiang Fuli kill him if he heard this?

Looking down, he sent a message to Gao Yan: [I’ll think of another way.]

Across from him, Xiao Bingwen was startled – the Xu family wanted to make Bai Lian their goddaughter? He slightly looked up towards outside…

That Miss Bai just now, did she not know who Xu Nanjing was?

“Let’s go to the bar tonight,” Xu Nanjing put his feet up, looking at Xiao Bingwen, “We’ll check things out.”

Beside them, Ming Dongheng reminded, “Take some bodyguards with you.”

The only bar in Xiangcheng worth Xu Nanjing’s time was the Blue Dragon Bar.

Xu Nanjing naturally knew this. Black Water Street didn’t belong to domestic forces. In Jiangjing, families that could match the Xu family could be counted on one hand, but internationally they were just ordinary.

In the Black Water Street area, only those ancient families operating internationally had any say.

“Little Ming,” Xu Nanjing smiled at Ming Dongheng, “You’re becoming more and more thoughtful.”

**

At Ji Heng’s place.

When Bai Lian returned, Ji Heng was video calling Ji Shaojun.

“I know, buying a house,” Ji Heng turned on the courtyard lights. Ji Shaojun was urging him to buy a house quickly, and he replied casually: “You haven’t met anyone?”

On the phone, Ji Shaojun’s face was a bit blurry, “No.”

Ji Heng could understand – their branch wasn’t really significant.

Seeing Bai Lian return, Ji Heng gave her the phone, “Your uncle and aunt.”

Seeing Bai Lian appear on screen, Shen Qing snatched Ji Shaojun’s phone, “Ah Lian, you’re back so early today?”

“Came back for dinner.” Bai Lian put her backpack aside, talking unhurriedly with Shen Qing.

After Shen Qing and Ji Shaojun left, she came back much earlier than usual.

In Jiangjing.

The residence where Ji Shaojun was temporarily staying had an aged feel, with quite large rooms.

In the outer hall, Butler Lou flipped through some documents, then casually put them aside, “What are they doing?”

“Making a phone call.” Xiao Jie stood to the side, speaking respectfully.

These past two days they had been sorting through Ji Heng’s accounts, extremely busy. However, Ji Shaojun and Shen Qing were beyond Butler Lou’s expectations – they stayed here the whole time, showing no interest in visiting various attractions.

“For now, let him familiarize himself with the accounts,” Butler Lou knew Ji Shaojun was an artist, and learning these things would certainly have some barriers, “If it doesn’t work out, we’ll find someone to manage it for him.”

Xiao Jie frowned – originally thinking they’d found someone to help the master, since that Mu Heng had some skills back then, but now it seemed they’d just created trouble for the Mu family.

**

A new week began, and the first and second-year students also started school.

Xiangcheng First High was much livelier than before, accompanied by the wails of all students.

Because the start of school meant beginning-of-term exams.

After school in the afternoon.

Xu Nanjing was still waiting for Bai Lian by the road. Bai Lian’s group was still moving in full force – today they needed to help Zhang’s mother move some goods first.

Seeing Bai Lian, he raised his hand, “Sister Bai Lian.”

He was wearing casual sportswear.

He’d been frequently looking for Bai Lian these past days. With his noble and handsome face, there was even a dedicated thread about Xu Nanjing on the school forum. When people learned he was Bai Lian’s brother, many girls commented in amazement that beautiful people’s family members were all beautiful.

The boys at First High were quite depressed – they’d just gotten rid of Zhang Shize, and now another outsider appeared.

Bai Lian had Wen Qi and others go to Zhang’s house first before going to find Xu Nanjing.

As she approached, Xu Nanjing saw she was holding a rolled-up stack of A4 papers.

“This is a new bag,” Xu Nanjing looked away, taking a beige bag from his motorcycle and handing it to Bai Lian, “You can use it to carry books.”

Bai Lian had no awareness of this world’s brands.

This wasn’t the only thing Xu Nanjing had given – Jiang Fuli just told her to keep them, and if she didn’t like them, sell them on second-hand websites.

“…Thank you.” She thought for a moment before taking the bag.

Xu Nanjing looked at the milk tea shop across the street, remembered something, and immediately said, “Sister Bai Lian, wait a moment.”

He moved as fast as the wind – before Bai Lian could stop him, she saw him run to the milk tea shop across the street.

Bai Lian just stood there, carelessly opening the A4 papers and slowly reading them.

“Miss Bai.” From nearby, Xiao Bingwen approached, his voice very polite.

He was looking for Xu Nanjing. These past days, following Xu Nanjing, he’d met Bai Lian several times. Though he couldn’t gauge Bai Lian’s depth, Xiao Bingwen was still quite polite to her.

Bai Lian slightly raised her head. Behind Xiao Bingwen was another young man she hadn’t met, “He went across the street, he’ll be back soon.”

As she spoke, she lazily turned a page.

“Thank you.” Xiao Bingwen said, casually glancing at Bai Lian. Her A4 papers were full of English, with a data chart in the middle.

This glance startled him – most of the English words were very technical.

Xiao Bingwen studied management and had spent several years abroad with good English, but this was the first time he couldn’t quite understand the meaning.

Could Bai Lian understand it?

Xiao Bingwen looked away and walked a few steps to the side.

“Young Master,” Xiao Yilei looked at Xu Nanjing, quite surprised, “What did Third Young Master go to do?”

Xiao Yilei was Xiao Bingwen’s right-hand man. They had been scouting the Blue Dragon Bar for several days and met some people. Today they heard a new boss was coming.

Before heading to Qingshui Street, Xu Nanjing was getting bags and going to milk tea shops.

Xiao Yilei was naturally surprised.

He looked at the girl in front wearing a school uniform, reading A4 papers, “Are we taking her too?”

“Take her?” Xiao Bingwen looked away, shaking his head, “Nanjing wouldn’t dare even with three times the courage.”

Though he didn’t understand how Jiang Fuli came to like her, these past few days he’d roughly figured out Bai Lian’s position in Ming Dongheng and others’ hearts.

**

The first and second-year students were back, so there were many people queuing to buy milk tea.

Yang Lin stood at the cashier, her head wrapped in bandages. But these injuries were already routine for her, so she hadn’t missed any classes or work.

Yang’s mother came in to buy milk tea with a boy and a girl, immediately seeing Yang Lin at the counter, “Are you okay?”

The news about Yang Jianping had spread through the apartment building.

“What would you like?” Yang Lin didn’t look at her, asking coldly.

Beside Yang’s mother, the girl looked at her mother irritably, “Hey, what did you come here for?”

The little boy stepped on the girl’s shoe, then made a shooting gesture at Yang Lin, very arrogantly, looking like a spoiled brat, “Kill the ugly duck.”

He was halfway through his “pew” sound.

When someone picked him up.

“What are you doing?” Seeing her son picked up, Yang’s mother was very nervous, quickly going to block this tall person, protecting her son.

Xu Nanjing glanced at Yang’s mother, very gently shrugging: “Your son? Sorry, I thought he was an orphan.”

Nearby, First High students laughed.

Yang’s mother felt embarrassed, didn’t buy milk tea anymore, and left with her son.

“Two milk teas,” Xu Nanjing then half-leaned on the counter, speaking unhurriedly, “What your deskmate usually drinks.”

Yang Lin didn’t speak, making two identical cherry milk teas.

Xu Nanjing took one cup, left the other on the counter, smiling, “Thanks for the service.”

He turned back, gave the milk tea bag to Bai Lian, and looked at Xiao Bingwen, “Why did you come looking for me?”

“It’s about the company advisor thing,” seeing Xu Nanjing didn’t seem to mind Bai Lian hearing, Xiao Bingwen spoke directly, “I want to find Professor Huang…”

Bai Lian showed no interest in listening. She waved to Xu Nanjing, “Thank you.”

Then turned and walked towards Zhang’s house.

After Bai Lian left, Xu Nanjing sat on his motorcycle, looking up at Xiao Bingwen with crossed arms: “Then finding me is useless. Although I’m also from Jiangjing University, I later transferred to economics. Try asking Brother Jiang.”

Xiao Yilei beside Xiao Bingwen: “…”

Who would dare ask him?

**

The apartment block street.

Yang’s mother quickly received a call from her current husband. On the phone, his voice was particularly sarcastic: “Did you give her money? Don’t forget our son needs to get married in the future.”

They family of four returned because they heard Xiangcheng was developing. With rising property prices, they only bought an 80-square-meter apartment in the apartment block area. Since Yang’s mother returned, her husband had been very concerned about the Yang family situation.

Yang’s mother abandoned Yang Lin when she left, and naturally felt guilty all these years.

After her husband’s words, she stammered, “She’s about to take the college entrance exam…”

“So what?” Her current husband became alert, “Anyway, don’t bring her back, and don’t give her a penny. A gambler’s daughter – Tianbao is going to study at Northern City University in the future, don’t let her corrupt him!”

After leaving for so many years, Yang’s mother had no feelings for Yang Lin except guilt.

After her husband’s words, she realized they would rely on Tianbao for their retirement. After weighing everything, she said: “I understand.”

**

Several Class 15 students were moving flower pots and goods in Zhang’s backyard.

Zhang’s father wasn’t home again today, probably on another business trip after the New Year.

Zhang’s mother brought out lots of snacks and cola for the students, “I told you, there’s not much cargo today, you didn’t need to come…”

When Bai Lian arrived, most of the moving was done.

She moved the last box of flowers from the truck to the backyard.

Xu En’s call came at the right time, his voice carrying a smile, “Ah Lian, recently those people haven’t been investigating your grandfather’s information anymore. Maybe we were wrong.”

“Thank you.” Bai Lian took scissors, cut open the box’s tape, revealing lots of fresh flowers inside.

She just raised an eyebrow – of course no one was investigating anymore, because they’d found what they were looking for.

“Do you and your grandfather need anything lately?” Xu En asked a few questions, then remembered something, “Also what’s your uncle busy with? I called twice but he didn’t answer.”

“It’s fine, he’s just a bit busy lately.” Bai Lian was very calm.

With her saying this, Xu En didn’t pursue the matter about Ji Shaojun.

Bai Lian hung up the phone just as Zhang’s mother brought her a can of cola.

“Auntie,” Bai Lian opened the cola one-handed and took a sip, “Zhang Er… Zhang Shize did something good in prison, got his sentence reduced by one and a half months.”

She and Jiang Fuli went to tutor Zhang Shize every week.

But Zhang’s mother could only visit him once every two weeks, so she didn’t know this news.

“Really?” Hearing news about Zhang Shize, Zhang’s mother instinctively looked up, “He did something good, what did he do?”

There was a riot in prison during New Year, and Zhang Shize beat down the leader, suppressing the riot. Apparently he gained quite a few followers inside.

However, Bai Lian didn’t tell Zhang’s mother these details.

“He helped the warden catch someone.” Bai Lian avoided the main point.

She knew how weak Zhang Shize was – he must have suffered quite a bit in there. Bai Lian didn’t think much of it, but she knew Zhang’s mother couldn’t bear to hear about it.

“Good… good…” Zhang’s mother wiped her eyes, “I’ll go tell Yan Lu this good news!”

One and a half months less meant he would be out even sooner.

**

This weekend, all of Xiangcheng First High had beginning-of-term exams.

All three grades together.

Internal exams at Xiangcheng First High weren’t as strictly following college entrance exam procedures.

Saturday was Chinese, Math and English, Sunday morning’s last exam was still comprehensive science.

Bai Lian still only brought two pens.

She ranked first in the final exams – all the high school third year teachers knew her name, and her looks were easy to recognize. The exam seats were arranged by grades, so she was in the first exam room, first position.

Almost as soon as the comprehensive science exam started, the supervising teacher stopped beside her.

Looking down at her test paper.

Bai Lian’s test papers were always the teachers’ favorites in terms of presentation. Now even Lu Lingxi started disliking Ning Xiao’s papers, not to mention others, especially Wen Qi and his group trying to look cool by writing in fancy fonts.

They’d been scolded by Lu Lingxi multiple times.

In the two-plus hours of the exam, Bai Lian still finished Physics first, then Biology, and finally Chemistry.

From the final exams until now had been over a month. She usually did more Chemistry and Biology problems – for these two subjects, she hadn’t even written problems on the Jiangjing app.

To the point where when Tang Ming and Ning Xiao had problems they couldn’t solve, they would ask Jiang Fuli, getting his disdain several times.

The exam ended at 11:30, Bai Lian handed in her paper at 11:00.

Others in the exam room were quite numb to this.

Most teachers at First High knew about Bai Lian’s weakness in Chemistry and Biology. As soon as she handed in her paper, two teachers went to look at her answers, but couldn’t tell much.

Because one was an English teacher and one was a Math teacher.

At Xiangcheng First High’s gate, a sapphire blue car had long been waiting at the intersection.

When Bai Lian opened the car door, he was somewhat surprised, slightly tilting his head, his cold white skin more prominent in the sunlight: “So early?”

“The questions weren’t hard, I did what I could.” This time it was Xiangcheng First High’s own questions, not half as difficult as the joint exam, so Bai Lian did them easily.

Jiang Fuli’s slender fingers rested on the steering wheel as he started the car, driving toward home.

Today was a rare day off – Ji Heng went fishing with Director Chen, and Chi Yundai wasn’t around either.

So Jiang Fuli took Bai Lian to his place for lunch.

Bai Lian’s hand lazily rested on the car window as she looked down at messages on her phone.

Professor Ma: [145 days]

Professor Ma: [[File]]

The file contained some papers Professor Ma had selected for Bai Lian, all worthy quantum mechanics readings suitable for beginners, mainly for vocabulary building.

She leaned back, “Professor Ma sent me new papers.”

Jiang Fuli unhurriedly drove onto the main road, “Forward them to me.”

**

At Jiang Fuli’s place.

When they arrived, Xu Nanjing had just woken up not long ago. He lazily yawned and had someone make him a pot of tea.

Xiao Bingwen had been waiting for Xu Nanjing on the sofa for a long time.

Seeing the two return, Xiao Bingwen stood up nervously, “Young Master Jiang.”

Unlike Xu Nanjing, he naturally didn’t dare call Jiang Fuli brother.

Jiang Fuli casually put his keys aside and slightly nodded to him.

“Sister Bai Lian,” Xu Nanjing finished a sip of tea and greeted Bai Lian, “You didn’t go to the library today?”

Bai Lian saw Jiang He sitting on the carpet by the sofa playing with Lego. She went to sit beside him, helping him look at the instructions and handing him pieces: “Just finished an exam.”

She wore a long dress with both pens still in its large pockets.

Xu Nanjing found it strange – Bai Lian seemed able to predict Jiang He’s next move, as the small Lego piece she handed him was exactly what he needed to fill in.

“Ah…” Xu Nanjing looked at her empty hands, particularly surprised about her just finishing an exam.

“Brother Jiang,” Xu Nanjing remembered Xiao Bingwen’s matter and said to Jiang Fuli, “Do you have any contact with Professor Huang?”

He glanced at Xiao Bingwen.

Jiang Fuli bent down to hand two scattered Lego pieces to Bai Lian, his expression light, “Are you afraid Professor Ma won’t find a reason to get me into quantum physics?”

Xu Nanjing laughed, almost forgetting about that.

Jiang Fuli went upstairs to his study to print the papers Professor Ma sent.

After he left, Xiao Bingwen finally let out a breath.

Xu Nanjing watched Bai Lian play Lego with Jiang He while telling Xiao Bingwen, “Don’t think these researchers are fools. For Professor Huang, think of other ways. Or wait a few years until He Wen shows results, then put him under your company name – that’s not impossible either.”

There were only so many well-known people in Jiangjing’s research circles.

Xiao Bingwen took out a cigarette pack from his pocket, very worried: “He Wen is still too early.”

“There’s also Liang Wuyu,” Xu Nanjing glanced at him, smiling, “You can try competing with the Chen family for talent. In the future, he… won’t be weaker than He Wen.”

Xiao Bingwen nodded. Several families were competing for seedling talents. Like Liang Wuyu, who was valued early by the Chen family and entered the lab in high school. Besides him, there hadn’t been other outstanding students these two years.

“Liang Wuyu is also a third-year student, taking the college entrance exam with you, a rare genius like He Wen that appears once in ten years. The Jiangjing app…” Xu Nanjing remembered Bai Lian nearby and didn’t want to leave her out, so he started explaining the situation to her, “Never mind, you probably don’t know about this.”

The Jiangjing app required qualifications to enter.

Bai Lian handed Jiang He the Lego piece he was missing. Hearing Xu Nanjing speak to her, she lazily tilted her head, gave him a look, “Is that so.”

Then continued slowly picking out Lego pieces for Jiang He.

Xu Nanjing continued: “Professor Huang is a professor at Jiangjing University, also Professor Ma’s student. They are all pillars of Chang’an District. That underground laboratory at Jiangjing University belongs to Professor Ma. But Professor Ma has a special status – ordinary people can’t meet him, so old Xiao really can’t find anyone…”

Beside him, Xiao Bingwen couldn’t help looking at Xu Nanjing – could information about Professor Ma be casually discussed?

He watched Bai Lian slowly playing with Lego and felt relieved. He couldn’t even meet Professor Ma – how could ordinary people know the weight of this matter?