ATLAS TRANSLATES

It was late October, and the weather had grown colder.

At the Gao family residence.

Today, Mu You Jun hadn’t planned on going to the Mu family home.

However, when she heard that Mu Xian Guang had come out of the prayer hall, she decided to get ready.

“Are you going with Jia Chen?” she asked, putting on her newly tailored clothes and fastening a string of jade beads around her neck.

Gao Yi picked up his coat. “Today I’m taking Jia Chen to the theater.”

Nearby, Gao Yi’s assistant glanced at Mu You Jun.

That look made Mu You Jun feel instantly uncomfortable. While the Mu family used to be on par with the Gao family, they had gradually faded from these social circles. The Gao family had grown increasingly disapproving of Mu You Jun’s status.

Considering the Gao family’s daughters — one married into the Jiang family, while another married Xu Jue Ling — it was clear that Gao Yi’s marriage to Mu You Jun would have ended years ago if not for their son, Gao Jia Chen.

—

Early that morning, the Mu family’s business car arrived at Shanhai Apartments.

Wang, the assistant, was driving, with Xiao Jie in the passenger seat. As they drove into Building 5 of Shanhai Apartments, Xiao Jie couldn’t help but notice the security guards standing straight at attention by the entrance.

“What is it?” Wang asked.

“These security guards,” Xiao Jie replied, “they look like they’re from special training camps.”

Wang, unfamiliar with such matters, didn’t inquire further.

At Building 5, Ji Heng had already come out, handing a plain, moss-green cape to Tang Ming to bring up to Bai Lian.

“Just you alone?” Xiao Jie and Wang both got out of the car, opening the door.

“Yes,” Ji Heng held his pipe, eyes downcast. “They’re still studying. They’ll just come for the meal, skip the ceremony, and arrive later.”

Xiao Jie remembered that Bai Lian’s friends were all from either Jiang University or the Communications University. They were indeed dedicated students.

—

Upstairs.

Tang Ming brought the cape to Bai Lian, then went to the fifth floor to find Ning Xiao.

“Study God, are you here?” he called out as soon as he left the elevator. With both neighboring apartments empty, he treated the place like his own home.

Ning Xiao’s door was open. He was on the phone, with Wang You Feng speaking unhurriedly on the other end: “What’s the rush? I’m already in Jiang City. What time will you arrive? I’ll have someone deliver it to the main gate.”

Tang Ming and Ning Xiao had always been looked after by Ji Shao Jun and Shen Qing. When Wang You Feng learned of today’s event, he had someone bring a gift to Jiang City.

“Eleven o’clock,” this was the time Jiang Fu Li had specified, and it would likely be accurate.

After Ning Xiao finished his call, Tang Ming asked curiously, “What gift did your uncle prepare for Uncle Ji?”

For Ning Xiao, he had given an entire house without blinking.

In Tang Ming’s memory, only Jiang Fu Li spent money so freely.

As for what gift… even Ning Xiao didn’t know.

—

Around ten o’clock, at the Mu family residence.

Traditional red lanterns hung from the ancient doorways.

The house manager, leaning on his cane and wearing a festive long robe, welcomed Mu You Jun.

Her arrival drew attention from the Mu family members, all aware that she was now the Gao family’s main wife, and her son Gao Jia Chen showed great promise.

The Mu clan patriarch and others lined up to chat with her.

After greeting Mu You Jun, the house manager spoke up, “Mr. Shao Jun is already at the ancestral hall. Patriarch, uncles, would you like to move to the main hall?”

Today’s events were overseen by Mu Yi Ning.

Most people at the ancestral hall would give her face. The Mu clan’s patriarch used to be Mu Xian Guang, but twenty years ago he passed the position to a branch family member. Second Uncle Mu and Third Uncle Mu were also from branch families.

Ji Shao Jun’s return had injected fresh blood into the Mu family.

“I heard Director Dong is coming today?” Mu You Jun remained seated, keeping her eyes lowered while drinking tea.

The Gao family’s butler stood behind her, not saying a word.

Before coming back, she had inquired about Ji Shao Jun. For decades he had been an art teacher in Xiangcheng. Though his methods seemed quite decisive like the Mu family’s style after his return, his comeback had disrupted some people’s interests.

“He’s coming with Miss Ren,” the house manager considered briefly. Among today’s guests, only Director Chen and Dong Chuan could make her move from her seat.

Dong Chuan’s mother was also from the Jiang family. Though not a core member, anyone with that surname carried prestige.

“Mm, there’s no rush for the ancestral hall,” Mu You Jun set down her teacup. “I’ll wait here for Young Master Dong.”

The house manager looked up, about to say something to Mu You Jun, when his phone suddenly buzzed.

Checking it, he saw a message that Bai Lian was almost here.

Without saying more to Mu You Jun, he straightened up, seeming to shed ten years as he hurried out with his cane. “Miss Bai has arrived, I’ll go receive her.”

At this moment, even Mu You Jun was overlooked.

Mu You Jun rarely paid attention to Mu family matters, and this was the first time she’d heard of “Miss Bai.” With one glance outward, someone explained to her.

There wasn’t much information about Bai Lian in the Mu family, and others generally couldn’t access her records.

“The house manager rarely mentions her, but… she seems quite talented, currently at Jiang University,” the old patriarch said with a smile.

At the mention of talent, the Gao butler gave the old patriarch a glance.

The old patriarch laughed apologetically, “Look at me, talking about talent in front of Dr. Gao.”

No talent could compare to Mu You Jun’s son Gao.

Mu You Jun methodically cleared her tea leaves, neither confirming nor denying.

The old patriarch and the other Mu family uncles headed to the ancestral hall to prepare the ceremony for Ji Shao Jun. The Gao butler lowered his head to ask Mu You Jun, “Would you like to meet this Miss Bai?”

“Wait for Dong Chuan,” Mu You Jun said indifferently. Among today’s guests, only Dong Chuan was worth meeting in her eyes.

She didn’t care about the others.

—

The Mu family residence was vast.

The house manager walked past the side rooms and corridors, taking five minutes to reach the main courtyard entrance.

Nearby were Ning Xiao, Tang Ming, and Lu Xiao Han.

Yang Lin had a morning part-time job and needed to help at the laboratory in the afternoon, so she hadn’t come.

In the middle stood a young woman wearing a moss-green cape, her figure slender. She was casually leaning against the railing by the water pool, her arm resting on the cast railing, revealing snow-white sleeves beneath the cape as she spoke with the man beside her.

The man wore an extremely simple coat.

His figure was tall and slender, head slightly turned, revealing an icy jawline and half of his extraordinarily cold profile.

At eleven o’clock, the sunlight was perfect.

The winter light wasn’t harsh, but as the house manager looked at that cold profile, he felt quite dazed.

He stopped in his tracks.

As a member of the Mu family, he knew about the people from the Jiang family. He hadn’t seen Jiang Fu Li more than twice in formal settings and had never spoken with him, but he knew of his existence.

This man had led the Jiang family, which was in a similar situation as the Mu family, not only stabilizing their precarious position but making them flourish.

He had connections in both political-business circles and scientific research.

The house manager stood still, speechless, until Tang Ming turned and saw him, quickly greeting, “House Manager, are you here for Sister Lian?”

“Ah, yes, yes,” the house manager came back to his senses, turning his gaze to Bai Lian, not daring to look at Jiang Fu Li again. “Miss Bai, let me take you to see Old Mr. Ji, he’s speaking with the master.”

Mu Xian Guang was in the main courtyard, just past the pebble path and through the door curtain.

He wasn’t seeing anyone else.

The house manager left Ning Xiao, Tang Ming, and the others at the small table outside, serving them tea and snacks. And that other person…

His gaze fell on Jiang Fu Li.

Jiang Fu Li sat down casually, his long, pale fingers picking up a cup of tea, carelessly bowing his head to blow on it, elegant and noble, showing no intention of going in with Bai Lian.

Looking up at Bai Lian, he asked, “Would you like me to hold your cape?”

The room inside had heating, and Ji Heng’s cape was very warm.

Bai Lian undid her cape and handed it to him, then lifted the door curtain and walked into the hall.

—

Inside the room.

Mu Xian Guang was talking with Ji Heng. He was two years younger than Ji Heng, but his hair was completely white, his figure gaunt, with protruding cheekbones and obvious wrinkles on his face.

“I know about Mu Qiong’s matter,” Ji Heng sat beside him, slowly smoking, “But I didn’t expect you to give up like this.”

There weren’t many people in the direct line, and Ji Heng had always had a good relationship with Mu Xian Guang since childhood, with no conflicts.

Mu Xian Guang held a string of Buddhist beads, eyes closed, slowly turning them, “Life is unpredictable. I had Yi Ning look for you all for many years, but only got news suddenly last year.”

Of the Mu family’s vast property, Ji Heng’s portion had remained untouched.

But they couldn’t find any news about Ji Heng until last year when he came to Jiang City, and the house manager finally traced some information.

Regarding these matters, Ji Heng offered no explanation.

As they spoke, the door curtain was lifted, and the house manager softly announced, “Miss Bai has arrived.”

Mu Xian Guang’s hand stopped turning the Buddhist beads, and he opened his eyes.

Though the room was dim, Mu Xian Guang could still make out the young woman who walked in, dressed in white, her back straight. As she walked over unhurriedly, it was as if she transcended a hundred years of time.

This bearing.

Mu Xian Guang was somewhat stunned.

“Grandfather,” Bai Lian approached, greeting Ji Heng.

Ji Heng tapped his pipe, shaking out the ashes, and casually introduced, “This is your Second Uncle.”

Bai Lian looked at Mu Xian Guang, speaking composedly: “Second Uncle.”

“Mm…” Mu Xian Guang came back to his senses. He usually spoke little, but seeing Bai Lian, he couldn’t help but ask a few questions, “Sit down. I heard from your grandfather that you’re in the Tongfeng class?”

Actually, Mu Xian Guang had heard about these things many times from the house manager and Mu Yi Ning.

Growing up in Xiangcheng, without receiving elite education from childhood, yet still achieving better results than the Liang family’s descendants — Mu Xian Guang felt that perhaps without his interference, these young people would go even further.

“That’s right.” Bai Lian sat beside Ji Heng, answering calmly.

Though Mu Xian Guang hadn’t managed affairs for many years, his judgment was still sharp. This kind of presence, even Mu Yi Ning couldn’t compare.

He took out a wooden box from beside him and pushed it in front of Bai Lian, “You called me Second Uncle, and I don’t have any meeting gift prepared, but please take this.”

Bai Lian looked at the black ebony box but didn’t immediately reach for it, instead looking at Ji Heng.

Ji Heng blew out a smoke ring, “Take it.”

Alright.

Bai Lian accepted it.

—

At eleven-thirty.

Mu You Jun went to the ancestral hall with Dong Chuan and Ren Wan Xuan.

The entire registration ceremony didn’t take long.

Firecrackers and fireworks exploded outside.

Mu You Jun stayed a while longer for Dong Chuan’s sake.

After the ceremony, guests took their seats.

Guests came to congratulate the three people, and Mu Yi Ning hadn’t expected Mu You Jun to still be here. She introduced Ji Shao Jun and Shen Qing, “Sister, this is Shao Jun, and this is his wife Shen Qing. Shao Jun and I will go outside to receive people, please sit down and have some tea first.”

Mu You Jun’s gaze passed over Shen Qing. Shen Qing had always feared people with such strong presence, so she gave Mu You Jun a somewhat ingratiating smile.

“Congratulations.” Mu You Jun didn’t look at Shen Qing, briefly said these words, and covered her nose with a handkerchief.

Mu Yi Ning and Ji Shao Jun went out, leaving only Xu En, Shen Qing, and Ji Mu Lan. How could Mu You Jun lower herself to waste time chatting with them?

She indifferently withdrew her gaze and spoke to the other side, “Little Dong, Wan Xuan.”

Today she addressed Ren Wan Xuan quite affectionately, making Ren Wan Xuan feel flattered.

But Ren Wan Xuan knew she was just basking in Dong Chuan’s glory. Today, no fewer than ten people had greeted her, all clan leaders and managers.

At this moment, Ren Wan Xuan’s table was extremely lively.

Dong Chuan and Mu You Jun were the popular figures today.

“Would you like to sit with your aunt and the others for a while?” Dong Chuan lowered his head to ask Ren Wan Xuan.

Ren Wan Xuan saw the situation clearly. From the corner of her eye, she saw Ji Heng and Ji Shao Jun’s group, but didn’t go forward to greet them, just sitting at her own table.

Her relationship with Ji Shao Jun and Shen Qing wasn’t particularly good, especially with Shen Qing.

Since coming to Jiang City, she barely communicated with Ji Shao Jun and Shen Qing, and Ji Shao Jun never took her to various social gatherings. Ren Wan Xuan wasn’t without complaints about this.

“No need.” Ren Wan Xuan lowered her eyes and sat at her table with Dong Chuan.

Dong Chuan hadn’t paid much attention to Ji Shao Jun’s group either. Shen Qing and Ji Mu Lan didn’t look like they came from proper prestigious families. Seeing that Mu You Jun also didn’t want much contact with that group, he didn’t deliberately approach them. “Mrs. Gao, I heard Dr. Gao…”

He chatted with Mu You Jun, mentioning Gao Jia Chen.

The two sides were clearly divided.

The Mu clan patriarch and other elders exchanged glances. With this family not sitting together, they would inevitably have to cold-shoulder one side.

Although Ji Shao Jun had inherited part of the estate, the Mu clan patriarch and his group knew that Ji Shao Jun was from Xiangcheng, his wife from a humble background, with no backing.

As for Ren Wan Xuan’s side… not to mention Dong Chuan, just Mu You Jun alone was someone they rarely got to meet.

This required no deliberation; they knew who to greet first.

Instantly, most people went forward to network.

The Mu clan patriarch went over and congratulated Ren Wan Xuan, making a good opening, “Wan Xuan, I heard your Liang-style calligraphy is quite good, truly promising at a young age.”

“Liang-style?” Mu You Jun gave Ren Wan Xuan another look, “When there’s a chance, I’ll take you to meet Old Master Chen.”

Old Master Chen? Who was that? Ren Wan Xuan’s heart raced. Before the meal even began, she stood up with her teacup and said to Mu You Jun, “Thank you very much.”

Their table was crowded three layers deep, very lively, making Shen Qing’s side appear extremely quiet, with only two of Mu Yi Ning’s business partners talking to them, not even filling all the seats.

“That’s Dong Chuan, and Dr. Gao’s mother,” a young Mu family member lowered his head to speak with Mu Zhao, “Aren’t you going?”

Mu Zhao shook his head, “I’m hosting Mr. Xu and the others.”

He stood behind Mr. Xu and Shen Qing, asking if they needed anything.

“Fine then, it’s a rare opportunity,” the young Mu family member shrugged, “I’ll go then. I wonder how good Ren Wan Xuan’s calligraphy really is. I’ll add her on WeChat first, maybe I can even add Dong Chuan’s WeChat.”

—

Outside.

Mu Yi Ning accompanied Ji Shao Jun to receive guests, “Besides Old Chen, there are two more business partners who haven’t arrived?”

“From the Little Grape Foundation.” Ji Shao Jun stood at the entrance, and as he spoke, three people entered.

He walked forward, first greeting Director Chen, then introducing the other two, “Chairman Feng, President Liao, this is my sister.”

Xu En’s private equity was all handled by Ji Shao Jun.

Not knowing the specifics of just a private equity fund, Mu Yi Ning was just investing money to play along. But seeing the two people walking in, she was extremely shocked.

Chairman Feng was the dean of Jiang University’s Finance School and chairman of the Jiang City Business Association.

President Liao was the president of the Jiang City Chamber of Commerce and also a member of the Business Association, a graduate of Jiang University and Chairman Feng’s right-hand man.

Both were at the pinnacle of the business circle.

She had thought Director Chen’s attendance today was already icing on the cake, but she never expected that the private equity fund she hadn’t paid much attention to could attract even these two figures.

The Mu family hadn’t been this lively for a long time.

Mu Yi Ning was still shocked when her phone showed a message from the house manager asking her to wait outside – Bai Lian and Ji Heng were about to arrive.

She was surprised the house manager had informed her so early.

Mu Yi Ning came back to her senses and asked Ji Shao Jun to take the distinguished guests in first while she waited outside. “Shao Jun, please entertain the three guests first. The house manager asked me to wait here for Uncle.”

After the people went in, Wang’s assistant stood beside Mu Yi Ning and exclaimed in surprise: “Even Dean Feng came? What kind of private equity fund does Mr. Xu have?”

“Get me the private equity documents later.” Instinct told Mu Yi Ning that this fund was definitely not simple.

As the two were talking, a group of people were slowly walking over in the distance.