ATLAS TRANSLATES

The director was relying on past ties to say those words to Old Lady Li.

You could tell he wasn’t joking.

He even explicitly mentioned Chen Gang’s name.

Old Lady Li put down her grandson and abruptly stood up. Her voice was still a little hoarse. “Are you serious?”

She wasn’t without perception either. Just from this afternoon’s few girls, from head to toe, there was hardly anything she approved of.

The director didn’t offer any further explanation, directly hanging up the phone. He was at his wits’ end himself.

“Granny, the password…”

Old Lady Li was also a little panicked. She no longer cared about her grandson, instead calling Chen Gang directly.

**

Heishui Street

Upon receiving Ming Dongheng’s call, Director Chen terminated what he was working on and erupted in fury, “How is this possible? Is Xiangcheng full of useless people? Not only are they encroaching on someone’s turf, but now they’re even protecting each other layer by layer to this extent?”

“When the cat’s away, the mice will play,” his subordinate said helplessly.

This kind of situation was not an isolated case.

He gave two examples to explain.

“Forget about concealing Jiang Shao’s identity, but Young Master Jiang’s watch was personally crafted by Jiang Shao with the Jiang family emblem on it. Could they not even recognize that?” Director Chen slammed the car door furiously. The ferocity on his brow was very evident. “Just based on that watch, in all of Jiangjing, only Jiang Shao could have made it. They sure have good eyes!”

Director Chen was this furious not just because they had offended Jiang Fuli.

Moreso it was due to his anger at the corruption from top to bottom.

He had been demoted here where everything was peaceful and even Heishui Street had not had any major incidents.

Director Chen had thought his main task was just Heishui Street, then helping the Chen and Jiang families make connections and living the high life while waiting to be recalled and promoted.

Who knew all the peace was just a surface act.

It was all just a show Xiangcheng put on for him.

It was even possible that before they had arrived, Xiangcheng had already started putting on this performance.

If not for today’s incident, he still would not have known that while superficially peaceful, Xiangcheng was rotten to the core.

“There’s no solution for it,” the subordinate driving said, looking at the rearview mirror to placate Director Chen. “You also know that Young Master Jiang and Young Master’s identities are highly classified. Not just Xiangcheng, even in Jiangjing there are scarcely a few people qualified to meet Jiang Shao directly. To expect Xiangcheng’s people to recognize them at a glance really is asking too much.”

But Director Chen was right about one thing.

The watch Jiang He had was indeed rare, the only one of its kind in all of Jiangjing.

No wonder it attracted disaster.

They really did have an eye for valuables, and just happened to target Jiang He.

Seeing the black-faced Director Chen in the rearview mirror, the subordinate secretly wiped away sweat.

He just didn’t know how they were going to withstand Director Chen’s wrath.

**

“Is it really okay for us to just leave like this?” Shen Qing followed them out the police station gates.

She still felt it was fantastical.

She subconsciously looked back at the solemn and majestic gates.

In the sunset overhead, only half the sun remained. It was a bright red that was nearly non-glaring, but Shen Qing still felt lightheaded.

…Just leaving like this?

“It’s fine,” Ming Dongheng saw that Jiang Fuli was quite respectful to Shen Qing, so he too lowered his stance. His gaze was icy as he glanced back once more before saying, “You can leave assured, they won’t dare look for you again.”

“That’s good then.” Shen Qing let out a breath.

When Bailian came out, she immediately saw the two people squatting across the way. Xiao Qi stood expressionlessly behind the two, head raised looking at the sky.

She paused, tilting her head to look at Jiang Fuli and passed Jiang He to him, “I’ll wait here for my uncle. You take Jiang He back first.”

The sunset outlined her features extremely clearly. Dressed in plain colored cheongsam, she was more unrestrained than the sunset glow.

Jiang Fuli looked at her, then reached out his hand to take Jiang He.

As a researcher, Jiang Fuli’s hands could definitely be described as works of art, with clearly defined joints and a faint cold jade-like chill.

But the slender fingers wrapped around Jiang He’s arm were even more smooth and coldly pale, making it difficult to imagine these were the hands that had played the surging song of thousands of horses and soldiers.

When he took Jiang He, the cold paleness was unavoidably touched.

He let go immediately. It wasn’t as chilly as his own palm.

Jiang He gripped Bailian’s sleeve tightly, unwilling to let go.

Jiang Fuli coolly looked at his tightly shut eyes.

“Little Jiang bird?” Bailian tugged her sleeve, then softly coaxed, “Sis has something to do now. Let go first, I’ll come see you tomorrow morning, okay?”

Jiang He’s long eyelashes quivered before his fingers loosened.

Only then did Jiang Fuli coldly take him into his arms. “No need for Ming Dongheng to send you back?”

“No need.” Bailian languidly smoothed out her sleeves and skirt.

After Ming Dongheng drove off, the three people across the way cautiously came over. “Sis.”

“Mm,” Bailian stood against the sunset. She lazily introduced to Mao Kun, “My aunt.”

Mao Kun’s group loudly called out, “Hello Auntie, I’m Little Mao.”

Shen Qing was startled.

With Mao Kun’s mop of yellow hair, he always looked a little disreputable, but compared to Ming Dongheng, Mao Kun was perfectly normal.

Shen Qing relaxed a lot. “Classmate Little Mao, you’re friends of Bai Bai too?”

“Yeah.” Mao Kun scratched his head a little guiltily.

**

Not far away.

Ji Shaojun who was on the phone walked over in this direction. From the other end of his phone came a woman’s voice, “She’s returned to Xiangcheng?”

“Ji Mulan, what’s with your tone?” Ji Shaojun frowned, admonishing.

“I left her with the Bai family because the Bai family’s business is huge. With the way she does things, who besides the Bai family could protect her? Yet she’s so good, just to satisfy a moment’s impulse she shakes the dust off and returns to Xiangcheng? Causing trouble for me everywhere. “

Ji Shaojun’s footsteps halted. “This matter has nothing to do with her…”

“Do you know better than me whether it has anything to do with her or not?” Ji Mulan interrupted him. Bailian had gotten into big trouble too many times since she was little. “You looking for me is less effective than a single sentence from Bai Qiming.”

“You’ve started a new family?” Ji Shaojun suddenly asked.

Ji Mulan went silent.

“Found your so-called true love again?” Ji Shaojun saw Bailian just up ahead not far away, standing there cleverly and neatly. He gave a cold laugh. “After this matter is resolved, there’s no need to bring up Bai Qiming again. You disappeared for over two years without a peep. Make some time to come back and see your daughter and your own dad.”

“Ji Mulan, you’re no longer that willful age of 19 or 20. Dad is getting on in years too. Don’t do things you’ll regret.”

He finished speaking without waiting for Ji Mulan’s reply, directly hanging up.

His expression was not too good.

He only had this one younger sister. Most of the time he was caught between Ji Mulan and Ji Heng. But this time with Ji Mulan leaving Bailian alone with the Bai family, it really disappointed Ji Shaojun.

Ji Shaojun had always had Ji Mulan’s number.

He just never contacted her before. Today was the first time he contacted Ji Mulan for Bailian’s sake.

He put away his phone and walked over to Bailian and Shen Qing’s side, his expression much more relaxed.

Seeing Mao Kun’s group of three by Bailian, his footsteps faltered. His gaze lingered on Xiao Qi’s face for a moment.

“Hello Uncle Ji.” Mao Kun’s group was very polite.

Ji Shaojun just gave an “Mm”, withdrawing his gaze. Very dignified.

He was not very talkative like Ji Heng.

By contrast, Shen Qing was quite chatty at the moment, insisting on having Mao Kun and the others over for dinner.

“We’ll have to decline, Auntie,” Mao Kun scratched his head. “My godfather is looking for me for something.”

Shen Qing looked at Mao Kun’s group leaving with some regret.

She had a good impression of the three, especially that Xiao Qi.

“Go buy groceries first. Dad will be here soon,” Ji Shaojun also withdrew his gaze, patting Bailian on the shoulder. “Don’t mention this matter to your grandpa. No need to make him worry.”

As for what exactly happened at the police station.

Ji Shaojun also didn’t ask Bailian, silently pondering the matter with Ji Mulan the whole time.

Today was Bailian’s second time at Ji Shaojun’s home, but her state of mind this time was completely different from last time.

In the kitchen, Shen Qing and Ji Shaojun were cooking.

On the tea table in Ji Shaojun’s living room were placed many trophies and photographs.

Bailian’s gaze fell upon the photo in the center, a photo of middle-aged Ji Shaojun together with a girl. The girl in the black t-shirt was holding a trophy, very petite, smiling brightly and purely.

She felt this person was familiar for some reason.

“These were all students he taught,” Ji Heng noted her gaze and looked down at that photo, taking a drag of his cigarette. His voice sounded muffled. “Everyone tested into Capital Institute of the Arts except for Yang Qiong.”

Capital Institute of the Arts was the best arts university among the four major cities.

In his many years as a teacher, Ji Shaojun could be said to have successful students everywhere.

Ji Heng’s gaze was distant. He didn’t continue.

Yang Qiong.

Bailian lazily leaned against the sofa, very nonchalant posture, eyes narrowing slightly. She had never heard this name before.

“Dinner’s ready, what are you two doing over there,” Shen Qing came out with a bowl of food, interrupting Bailian and Ji Heng’s conversation. “Hurry up and come help set the table to eat.”

“Oh.” Bailian withdrew her gaze.

She went to the kitchen to wash her hands and help bring out dishes.

“Don’t keep carrying stuff,” Shen Qing shooed her out. “Let your uncle carry it, he’s got thick skin, it’s fine.”

Ji Shaojun who had just picked up the soup: “……”

Really wanted to put it back down.

The doorbell rang. Shen Qing’s hands stilled. She was still rather apprehensive about the Ren family. “Bai Bai, go open the door. It should be your little uncle.”

So Bailian went to open the door.

Only Ji Shaorong himself came.

This was very normal.

For the Ji family’s family dinner, how could other people from the Ren family possibly come.

Even Ren Wanxuan had only gone to Ji Heng’s a handful of times that could be counted on one hand.

“No need to tell your brother about Bai Bai’s matter?” In the kitchen, Shen Qing pulled Ji Shaojun back, gazing towards the living room as she lowered her voice.

Ji Shaojun shook his head. His tone was extremely cold. “Bai Bai said it’s fine to not make a big deal out of it for now. What relationship do we have with the Ren family that we can build ties with them?”

Seeing Ji Shaojun’s attitude, Shen Qing knew he took the Ren family’s actions to heart.

“I’ll deal with you.” She gave a cold snort.

Previously, she had still been thinking of currying favor with the Ren family. But recently, it seemed she had come to see things clearly.

**

Ren Family

At dinnertime, there were only three people.

Ren Wanxuan, Ren Qian, and Ren Jiawei.

Today was Ren Wanxuan’s school anniversary celebration. Not a single person from home came, but in the past, she definitely would have gotten angry. So Ren Jiawei and Ren Qian had both brought back gifts, specially accompanying Ren Wanxuan for dinner.

Yet surprisingly, Ren Wanxuan was very well-behaved today without any anger.

“Has Instructor Gu and that senior apprentice-brother of yours returned?” Ren Qian suddenly recalled this matter and asked Ren Wanxuan.

Instructor Gu was Ren Wanxuan’s calligraphy teacher.

Very accomplished in regular script, and greatly influential in the calligraphy world. Although from Xiangcheng, she had moved to Capital City long ago and rarely returned.

When asking her to instruct Ren Wanxuan initially, Ren Qian and Ren Jiawei had spent tremendous effort.

Ren Wanxuan nodded. “Mm, they should arrive in Xiangcheng tonight.”

“Ask Instructor Gu when she’s free. I will come pay my respects,” Ren Qian spoke solemnly. “I will notify President Chen at that time.”

The entire Ren family didn’t dare to be negligent about this matter.

As the two spoke, before Ren Qian had even seen Ji Shaorong, he looked towards Ren Jiawei. “Where’s Shaorong?”

Ren Jiawei pulled out a napkin and slowly wiped her hands. “He went to the Ji family for dinner. No need to wait for him tonight.”

Going to the Ji family for dinner?

Ren Qian didn’t have any opinion about Ji Shaorong going to eat at the Ji family. He wasn’t too concerned with the Ji family.

What astonished him was the timing today.

Very coincidentally, right after Bailian’s incident, Ji Shaorong went to eat at the Ji family. This made Ren Qian think more of it.

Across from him, Ren Wanxuan also lifted her head to glance at Ren Qian.

After the meal, Ren Qian held his teacup, about to discuss Instructor Gu’s matter with Ren Jiawei as well as President Chen.

Suddenly, the servant’s voice sounded from outside. “Master has returned.”

It was Ji Shaorong.

Ren Qian’s footsteps halted. He looked outside, then suddenly put down his teacup and walked upstairs. “Jiawei, I’m a bit tired. If Shaorong has anything, have him come find me tomorrow.”

After saying that.

His figure disappeared at the top of the stairs.

Ren Jiawei looked puzzlingly at Ren Qian’s back.

“What happened?” Ji Shaorong had just returned and saw Ren Jiawei lost in thought.

“Something’s not right,” Ren Jiawei stroked her chin, lost in thought. Suddenly sitting up straight, “Did something happen at the Ji family? Or have you offended my dad recently?”

“The Ji family?” Ji Shaorong faltered. He patted Ren Jiawei’s hand. “Nothing happened. I just came back from eldest brother’s place. We’re planning to buy a zither for Bai Bai. Oh right, do you know any teachers who teach zither…”

Only upon hearing his explanation did Ren Jiawei relax.

Seeing her attention diverted, Ji Shaorong then glanced upstairs before frowning and sending a text to Ji Shaojun.

The next day.

Ren Qian got up much later than usual.

Last night, Ji Shaorong stayed overnight at the old residence with Ren Jiawei.

It wasn’t until the servant informed Ren Qian that Chen Gang had come to visit that Ren Qian came downstairs.

Right after coming down, he saw Chen Gang waiting in the hall.

Ren Qian thought of Bailian’s matter and spoke first. “Rest assured, no matter what happens, I stand on your side.”

“Uncle Chen.” Ren Wanxuan also came downstairs with her schoolbag.

Chen Gang only forced a smile. He had no mind to joke around with Ren Wanxuan. Looking only at Ren Qian, “Elder Ren, you’re the only one who can help with this matter. Can you help me contact Bailian?”

Ren Wanxuan lowered her head to slowly change her shoes.

Hearing Chen Gang say this, her hands stilled.

Ren Qian’s heart jumped. He vaguely felt things were not as he imagined. “What do you need to find Bailian for?”