ATLAS TRANSLATES

Chen Ju used several exclamation marks to indicate his shock.

Ming Dongheng did not study this. The greatest breakthrough in his life was when he studied astrology for a period of time. However, he understood Chen Ju meaning. “Very scarce?”

“Do not belittle iridium now for seeming not that expensive,” Chen Ju shook his head. “Even if you go overseas to negotiate with those mine owners, you still can’t buy any. A rarity, you understand?”

There was a global iridium shortage, yet iridium production was especially low.

To conserve iridium, China had since stepped up iridium recycling efforts.

Chen Ju’s previous mission was to negotiate iridium trades in Continent F***. However, he did not even get to meet the mine owner. Even with sufficient funds, he still failed to successfully purchase iridium for China.

Hence he was extremely knowledgeable about this metal iridium, recognising it at a glance.

No one would casually display such a huge piece of iridium metal on their wrist right?

That chunk of iridium placed in Jiangjing University’s laboratories, the physics and chemistry departments would drive many insane!

“Two jin?” Ming Dongheng’s focus of attention was also rather odd. He looked at Bailian’s back view in astonishment.

He did not notice at all that she had two jin worth of stuff on her.

**

Across them…

Jiang Fuli was about to say something when he spotted a slowly ambling figure. He deeply inhaled.

Bailian looked at the frostiness on his face, then lowered her head watching Jiang He hugging his ears while squatting beside the rubbish bin.

Bending down, she used two fingers to pinch Jiang He’s collar, lifting him up to scrutinise for awhile before lazily speaking, “Are you little rubbish? Squatting next to the bin?”

With a few twists, Jiang Fuli restored the magic cube back to what Jiang He did previously.

Hearing her words, he inserted one hand casually into his pocket, standing tall behind Bailian. His figure was slender, light-coloured eyes narrowed as he sneered coldly down at Jiang He.

Jiang He’s eyes widened incredulously at Bailian.

Bailian released her grip, letting him down.

Jiang He clung tightly to her clothing hem without speaking, head hung low.

She also did not ask why he was squatting there. After associating together for nearly a month, she understood Jiang He had some personality issues.

Allowing Jiang He to keep holding onto her clothes, she tilted her head gazing at Jiang Fuli for quite some time.

Even when in a good mood, Jiang Fuli was hard to approach. Let alone now when he was in a bad mood.

Expressionless with eyes lowered. Even Ming Dongheng did not dare come close from afar.

She swept her casual gaze over him fleetingly, yet it left him somewhat dazed.

Just as Jiang Fuli wanted to say something, Bailian suddenly asked, “Did you not sleep last night?”

Jiang Fuli was slightly astonished.

He instinctively lowered his head to look himself over.

Even with an all-nighter, young master Jiang still looked pristine from head to toe without a speck of dust; displaying his aloof refinement.

Still exuding his elegance as per usual.

The narrowed phoenix eyes did not show the slightest tiredness either.

“Go back to sleep first,” Bailian lazily patted Jiang He’s head. Tilting her head slightly, her voice carried hints of an indifferent smile. “Leave Jiang He to me.”

She passed Jiang He’s dinner buns for him to hold himself.

As for what Ming Dongheng mentioned about Chief Chen looking for Jiang Fuli…

Bailian did not bring it up at all.

Usually during such occurrences, Jiang Fuli and Jiang He would end up giving each other the silent treatment for at least a whole day. Jiang He ignoring everyone while insisting to sit there squatting alone. He would cover his ears the moment anyone spoke to him, refusing meals or sleep.

With Jiang Fuli often busy, he still had to stare at Jiang He to eat during snatched moments. Frequently sitting beside Jiang He holding his laptop.

Both were quite perseverant in a battle of patience to see who would fall asleep first.

Without fail, Jiang He would doze off before Jiang Fuli each time.

Today was the longest Jiang He had acted out since coming to Xiangcheng. Beyond Jiang Fuli’s expectations, yet it was already familiarity from past experiences.

He probably did not expect Bailian to make such a proposition. Jiang Fuli raised his eyes a little.

A whole minute seemed to have passed before he responded in a very composed tone, “Mm.”

The three, big and small, walked towards the other side.

Bailian held her own schoolbag in one hand, the other leading Jiang He into the library.

Jiang Fuli stood by the car with one hand still casually pocketed. His tall figure elongated by the morning rays. His cold yet striking looks seemed even harder to approach awash under the golden glow.

He watched until both of them entered the library before retracting his gaze and getting into the car to flatly order, “Go back.”

Chief Chen had already planned to reveal the subsequent matters.

Yet unexpectedly, Jiang Fuli said to head back.

Settling into the passenger seat, Chief Chen instantly turned to Ming Dongheng pleading for help.

Seated at the driver’s seat, Ming Dongheng was also very astonished, afraid he misunderstood Jiang Fuli’s intention. “Returning to the estate?”

“Mm,” Jiang Fuli leaned against his seat, long legs gracefully crossed. Eyes slightly shut, seemingly resting them. Face obscured amidst the shadows as though napping.

Neither Ming Dongheng nor Chief Chen dared to speak further.

They assumed Jiang Fuli would have something to say upon returning.

But who knew he directly went upstairs… to sleep?

“Huh? Did Miss Bai not tell Young Master about it?” Chief Chen looked at Ming Dongheng completely confused. “How could Young Master go to bed?”

Let alone Chief Chen, even Ming Dongheng who followed Jiang Fuli for years now was very surprised.

A workaholic, Jiang Fuli studied while still dealing with Jiang family matters amidst the instability in the past. There were records of him not sleeping for four whole days consecutively before.

Although Jiang Xizhou now handled Jiang family affairs on his behalf, with his various laboratories still at key stages, Jiang Fuli was perpetually busy.

Only when Jiang Xizhou truly could not resolve some Jiang family issue would he seek out Jiang Fuli.

Pulling an all-nighter then settling other stuff the next day was commonplace for Jiang Fuli.

Chief Chen had contacted Ming Dongheng early in the morning today to look for Jiang Fuli. Clearly something needed discussing. It was impossible Jiang Fuli could not tell.

So…

Precisely what did Miss Bai say?

To make Young Master go for a nap?

Ming Dongheng scratched his head, unable to figure it out. Since Jiang He did not sleep the entire night before, he did not sleep as well to accompany Jiang He.

Indifferently, he allowed Chief Chen free rein.

Not daring to defy orders, Chief Chen could only silently sit alone in the grand hall.

**

Grade 12 students were under immense stress.

Lu Xiaohan originally intended to go mountain climbing.

In the end, no one climbed up because no one in class wanted to climb mountains. They only wished to sleep or laze around instead.

Hence she could only bring her assignments to do in the library with Bailian.

Upon reaching the second floor, she immediately spotted Ning Xiao seated opposite Bailian with Tang Ming beside him.

As Class 11’s top student, Tang Ming was someone Lu Xiaohan frequently saw on the school’s honour roll.

Of course, compared to Tang Ming…

How did that perpetually lone ranger school idol end up getting along with Bailian?

Ning Xiao lifted his head to nod at Lu Xiaohan in acknowledgement and greeting.

Lu Xiaohan was over the moon to be shown favour as she sat down beside Bailian.

The school idol actually greeted her?

She hurriedly responded before exchanging WeChat contacts with Tang Ming, only pulling back her line of sight then to talk to Bailian.

That was when she noticed the child beside her, Jiang He. Expressionlessly immersed in reading a large dictionary, with long curled lashes.

“Who’s this cute kid? His lashes are gorgeous!” Lu Xiaohan softly exclaimed in excitement.

Across them, Tang Ming gazed at Lu Xiaohan with extremely complex emotions.

Cute huh.

Wait till he makes you question life later.

Bailian took out her biology textbook and notebook. Slender fair fingertips pressed the page corner as she started explaining unhurriedly, “His name’s Jiang Little Bird¹.”

“Jiang Little Bird?” Lu Xiaohan believed it wholly.

Jiang He once again shot Bailian an incredulous look.

If Jiang He was a normal child, he would surely loudly refute and introduce himself properly.

Too bad he was not —

Jiang He could only silently flip his dictionary to the page with the “crane” character.

“See,” unrushed, Bailian calmly tapped that “crane” character with her pen tip as she turned to Lu Xiaohan. “This bird.”

Cradling her face, Lu Xiaohan looked at Jiang He. “Although the name is weird, it’s so cute!”

Jiang He: “…..”

“Swish–“

He silently flipped to the next page.

Taking out his seven-tier five magic cube from his bag again.

Lu Xiaohan who had just stretched preparing to relax from writing a few words promptly caught sight of the rubik’s cube-like spherical object with twelve faces and twelve colours in the child’s hands. Furthermore, it was a seven-tier one. She felt dizzy just looking at it.

Then in the next moment, she witnessed —

That exquisite boy restoring one coloured face to uniformity.

Lu Xiaohan’s half-raised hand froze midair.

Opposite her, Tang Ming finally withdrew his gaze in satisfaction.

Some time later.

Jiang He fiddling with the seven-tier five magic cube lightly yawned.

Bailian tilted her head taking out milk from her bag and plugging in the straw to pass to Jiang He. She nonchalantly said, “Oh don’t, Jiang Little Bird. You can endure a lot right, don’t sleep yet. I’ll accompany you till dawn.”

Jiang Little Bird holding the milk: “……”

**

At the same time.

Ren Residence.

Upstairs.

Secretary gazed at the sulking Ren Wanxuan, softly persuading her, “Miss, I know you feel wronged. But do not throw petty tantrums before Chairman Ren. After all, you’re his only granddaughter. Please believe me Miss when I say, I most definitely stand by your side.”

“I know.” Ren Wanxuan mumbled.

If Secretary had not risked danger in the past to save Ren Jiawei, before safely handing the newly-born Ren Wanxuan over to Ren Qian, Ren Wanxuan would never have been able to be safely born.

As a heavyweight contributor to the Ren Family, Secretary still remained prudent and cautious until now rather than arrogating credit pretentiously. Everyone in Ren family including Ren Jiawei placed immense trust in him.

After reassuring Ren Wanxuan, Secretary exited the room.

Ren Qian stood at the end of the corridor. “How is she?”

“The young miss said she knows she is in the wrong,” Secretary deferentially lowered his head. “She does not wish to distress you either, feeling very remorseful.”

Only then did Ren Wanxuan emerge to apologise. “Grandfather, I’m sorry.”

It was impossible for Ren Qian to truly be angry with her. “It’s fine. Remember to apologise to your teacher later.”

Downstairs.

Ren Jiawei was making a phone call in the living room. “Oh… I see.”

Ji Shaorong sat at the side drinking tea silently.

Thus, Ren Qian took a seat on the other side staring fixedly at Ren Jiawei awaiting her answer.

Ren Wanxuan sat by Ren Qian’s side, unconsciously twiddling her fingers.

“How was it? What did Professor Gao’s teaching assistant say?” Spotting Ren Jiawei ending her call, Ren Qian promptly asked.

Ren Jiawei flung her phone onto the table. Arms crossed, her gaze swept around the room. “What Professor Gao provided were standard answers. It’s been so many years they underwent elite education. If they lose out to someone else in skills, how do you expect me to respond?”

“How is Teacher Li arranging it then?” Ren Qian cut Ren Jiawei off and lifted his head to ask Secretary instead.

“Wanhe Tower, noon, your reserved box,” Secretary checked the schedule. “You were the one who invited him. He can’t possibly not give you face. It’s just we haven’t gotten through to Miss Bai on the phone.”

The silent Ji Shaorong finally spoke up slowly then. “A-Meng’s studying diligently. She even gave the placement to someone else. I hope all of you do not disturb her.”

The rest in the grand hall were unaware of this matter.

“She relinquished the placement just like that?” Ren Qian was greatly shocked.

Ren Wanxuan also abruptly stood up.

Secretary looked at Ji Shaorong, brows deeply locked. “Mister Ji, she is your niece after all. All relatives. Why do you only help outsiders? Casually giving the placement off to someone else instead of Miss?”

Ren Qian did not interrupt Secretary.

Clearly, his thoughts aligned.

Undeniably, he greatly admired Bailian. But compared to Ren Wanxuan, she still seemed insignificant.

“First it was the book. Now, the placement,” Ji Shaorong rose to his feet meeting Ren Qian’s eyes. “What does she owe you all?”

1. Nickname Bailian gives Jiang He, because Jiang He’s name consists the Chinese character for crane (?/Hè). ↩︎