Dragon Raja 4; Chapter 126: Mr. Shao’s Summer (4)

Dragon Raja 4

Everything was about to end. Even though she was still unwilling to accept it, she had to admit that they had found no evidence to prove the existence of the Chu Zihang that Lu Mingfei described. In fact, the logic of the whole situation was already clear. Lu Mingfei had pieced together a version of Chu Zihang from the stories of three different people, but the real Chu Zihang—or Lu Mang—had died at the age of fifteen. When Lu Mingfei first came to her, Nono had seen that his mental state was unstable. She should have followed the College’s instructions, kept him calm, and found a way to notify the College. But she had been moved by the kid’s emotions and had found herself somewhat standing on his side. Adding to that, Finger’s reckless behavior—knocking her out with a bottle—led her to board this sinking ship.

Nono had many brothers—let’s not talk about the distant ones, but even Shao Gongzi was right in front of her. However, she had to admit that Lu Mingfei was somewhat different from the others. At several key points in her life, whenever she had to make a choice, if Lu Mingfei was an option, she somehow always ended up choosing him.

She kept telling herself that it was all for the sake of loyalty, that she prided herself on being a righteous person, and that helping Lu Mingfei had nothing to do with romantic feelings.

After Tu Xiaojiao left, Nono felt she had figured it all out—this matter needed to be wrapped up quickly. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be good for anyone. And just when she was ready to end things, Shao Gongzi returned, rambling on about random topics. She was so irritated she wanted to punch him, but then, out of nowhere, Shao Gongzi told her the story about the dumb monkey. That story hit her like a ton of bricks. It wasn’t that the story was particularly touching, but because when Shao Gongzi was telling it, she didn’t see him at all. Instead, it was as if Lu Mingfei were sitting in front of her, speaking softly.

She suddenly recalled what Susie had once told her: “The way you act can easily be misunderstood. You’re beautiful, arrogant, and carefree, but not everyone’s like you. Don’t give people hope that’s bound to fail.”

Nono didn’t have the time to ponder why Shao Gongzi suddenly said something that belonged to Lu Mingfei. She just wanted to get up and leave as fast as possible because she couldn’t handle the sadness in those words.

At that moment, the waiter arrived with her order, placing a monkey plushie on the chair beside her. “Let it keep you company while you eat.”

Nono looked at the waiter in surprise. What? Can everyone read minds? I’m just sitting here eating hotpot, and you already know I’m thinking about some monkey?

“It’s so lonely to eat hotpot alone. Our boss says that every person who eats hotpot alone has a story.”

“I can eat just fine, alright? What’s wrong with me eating a whole hotpot by myself? Am I short on money for a pot?” Nono finally understood she had overthought it.

She waved the waiter away, then stared silently at the monkey. The monkey stared back at her, its puffed-up mouth as if it had something to say.

Annoyed, Nono wanted to throw it away, but when she reached out, she inexplicably sighed and patted the monkey on the head. “I’ve really fallen for your nonsense!”

She downed the glass of Erguotou in one go, lowered her head, and repeatedly banged it against the table. “Chen Motong, oh Chen Motong, you really are an idiot. You’ve messed up everything.”

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, at the abandoned factory district, the office manager of Huan Ya Group stood by the collapsed pit, making a phone call.

The man, with his eight-pack abs, was indeed a formidable figure. Even in the storm, he didn’t use an umbrella, his muscular frame like a steel tower.

“Chu Tianjiao’s base has been destroyed, but fortunately, Miss Chen is unharmed. The invasion of the Nibelungen continues,” the office manager said, looking up at the dark sky. “Should I intervene?”

“What good would you be? You couldn’t even beat Chu Tianjiao!” The voice on the other end was impatient. “Alright, alright, keep yourself alive. I might need you for something in the future.”

“Yes, Boss! By the way, the bank came to collect the debt again today. Do we need to arrange repayment?”

“That piece of land is almost worthless. Go ahead and pay them back.”

“Huan Ya Group owes about 1.7 billion to six different banks. How should we allocate the repayments?”

“Pay it all. You handle it, then come to London to report back to me.” The boss hung up the phone.

Eight time zones away, it was still early evening in London. The setting sun cast its golden light over Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus, where a silver Rolls-Royce was parked.

A girl with long black hair and a black skirt sat in the back seat, wearing a pair of navy half-frame glasses and munching on potato chips.

The more anxious she was, the more furiously she ate potato chips. Judging by the rate she was going, her anxiety had clearly peaked. But after a moment, she calmed down, picked up her phone, and dialed a number.

“Busy on a date? Can you spare a moment to chat?” she asked as soon as the call connected.

“Not sure if it counts as a date. Some art dealer invited me to his gallery for dinner tonight. I’m still deciding what to wear.”

“Call him now and tell him you’re not interested. Then get ready to catch your flight in an hour. ‘Ancient City’ is about to be opened, and I need you there.”

“The heavy equipment the boss left behind—make sure it’s loaded onto the plane,” the person on the other end replied before hanging up.

Raindrops pattered against the window. The hospital room was dark, and Lu Mingfei lay quietly in bed while Finger sat by his side.

The night had grown late, and the hospital was about to lock its doors. Finger tucked Lu Mingfei in, saying, “Junior brother, you just rest up here. I’m heading back to sleep. Your senior and I talked it over—we’ll take you out of here in three days.”

“The airport is closed. How are we leaving?” Lu Mingfei suddenly spoke. “If we’re leaving in three days, shouldn’t you at least get me discharged?”

“Whoa, you scared the hell out of me!” Finger said. “Why are you speaking so fluently all of a sudden?”

For the past two hours, Lu Mingfei had been staring at the ceiling, unresponsive, as often happens to patients under sedatives—eyes open but mind elsewhere.

“I’ve had too many sleeping injections. I’m developing resistance. I was thinking about something earlier, so I didn’t talk.”

“There’s still one highway open, and we’ve got a car, don’t we? Your senior said she’ll get your discharge papers when we’re ready to leave. You’re not exactly stable right now, so it’s better to stay here.”

“How’s Senior?”

“She’s still not giving up, running around everywhere in the last bit of time we’ve got. She’s actually pretty good to you, though she won’t admit it.”

“Senior has always been good to me. You’re good to me too. The three of us are good brothers.”

“I’m not used to you talking like this!” Finger said, patting his forehead. “You’re suddenly not snarky at all. It’s kind of scary!”

“Everyone has their serious moments, right? I’m even the president of the Student Union now. I can’t always be unserious.”

“Yeah, you’re still young, not like the headmaster, who’s got the right to mess around.” Finger grinned.

“Give my regards to Senior.”

“You really can’t stop thinking about her, can you? Tell her yourself. We’ve got a long drive ahead, plenty of time.”

“It’s not about not being able to forget. When the monkey is young, it just wants to be with Tang Sanzang. But when it grows up, it has to defeat all the demons to make sure Tang Sanzang gets the sutras.”

“What nonsense is that? You’re really not well!” Finger patted him on the shoulder. “But I’ve got to say, you’re pulling it off. I’m kind of impressed.”