Chapter 126: The Visit
Chapter 126: The Visit
Several days had passed, and it was the first rest day after the start of the new school year. Chen Chuan returned to his aunt's house.
Nian Fuliu was at home, sitting in his armchair, listening to the radio, and reading the newspaper with his legs crossed. His two cousins were playing happily beside him.
Chen Chuan greeted them and went to get himself a drink.
Nian Fuliu glanced at Chen Chuan and then at Yu Wan. He patted his chest and said, "I'm out of cigarettes. Yu Wan, go buy me a pack."
Yu Wan looked at him and said to Chen Chuan, "Look at that, your uncle is acting like a big shot now that he's the squad leader."
Nian Fuliu sighed, "It's just a pack of cigarettes. What's the big deal? Even if I were the squad leader, I could only have one pack a day..."
"Okay, Squad Leader Nian. I'll go buy some for you."
After Yu Wan left, Nian Fuliu put down the newspaper, shooed his cousins into their room, and turned to Chen Chuan. "Little Chuan, I heard that you took down that Makar person? Were you at the scene when the shooting happened?"
"Yes, Uncle. It was a school-organized event. I was there when the shooting occurred. I wonder how Director Liu is doing?"
Nian Fuliu replied, "There's no need to worry about them. The officials at the Government Hall only go out wearing protective gear. Director Liu was just startled and is fine. It's the brothers at the Patrol Bureau who are busy dealing with this matter..."
Chen Chuan learned from Nian Fuliu that there had been multiple attacks that day, apparently to divert the Patrol Bureau's forces. He asked, "Uncle, what will happen to those Makar students?"
"How will they be dealt with? They'll be processed as normal fugitive exiles," Nian Fuliu answered.
"Fugitive exiles?" Chen Chuan was surprised. "Aren't they exchange students?"
Nian Fuliu explained, "The authorities have discovered that these individuals are not exchange students but a group of Makar exiles. The genuine exchange students claimed that they were attacked upon entering Dushun and were replaced by these exiles for the exchange activities at Wu Yi Academy."
"Is that so..."
Chen Chuan paused for a moment. Based on the behavior of Teacher Duma and the students, they seemed like genuine students and teachers who had undergone extensive combat training. Otherwise, Wu Yi Academy would not have been unable to distinguish them.
Chen Chuan guessed that this might have been a deliberate switch by the Makarans to avoid trouble and maintain a positive diplomatic relationship with Dushun. On the surface, it appeared that the Makaran exchange group was the wronged party, as the exiles had already been stripped of their citizenship and were no longer considered Makarans.
However, no one was foolish enough to be fooled. The truth should be easily discernible to those in power. If the Makarans had intentionally arranged this, the relationship between Dushun and Makara might remain intact on the surface, but privately, it would never return to how it was before.
Chen Chuan asked, "Uncle, what about the student who fled with the item that day?"
Nian Fuliu replied, "Currently, their whereabouts are unknown. They were likely picked up by someone. This resistance organization has caught the attention of the Government Hall. It's possible that they took advantage of the chaos caused by Fang Dawei's group and have emerged again."
As he spoke, Nian Fuliu took out a half-empty pack of cigarettes, lit one, and took a puff. He sighed, "The higher-ups issue orders, and the Patrol Bureau's brothers have to run around. They've got their work cut out for them."
Chen Chuan thought to himself, 'Well done, Uncle. Now that you're in a high position, your mindset has truly changed.'
After a few puffs, Nian Fuliu suddenly remembered something and glanced outside. He quickly stubbed out the cigarette, opened the window for ventilation, and then turned to Chen Chuan, speaking seriously. "You must not tell your aunt that you were at the scene. It will only worry her."
Chen Chuan smiled and assured him, "Don't worry, Uncle. I won't tell Aunt about this."
After lunch at home, Chen Chuan planned to meet Cheng Zitong's master's niece, a senior sister named He Nan.
Although Chen Chuan had never met this senior sister, he had worked with her disciple, Lin Xiaoti, during his assignment with Master Cheng.
Since this wasn't an assigned task, Chen Chuan didn't call for a commission company vehicle. After a phone call, he took the tram from the city center to He Nan's residence in the southern part of the city.
The training hall was located on the bank of the Bai River in the southern part of the city. Willow trees lined the riverbank, and the willow buds added a touch of color. As Chen Chuan approached the training hall, a servant-like figure emerged and respectfully said, "You must be Young Master Chen. Miss He is waiting for you. Please follow me."
Chen Chuan thanked him and followed the servant inside. Although it was a training venue, the path leading to the hall was paved with smooth pebbles, and flower racks and potted plants lined both sides, creating a hidden sense of vitality.
Upon reaching the outer hall, Chen Chuan was greeted by a pleasant fragrance that seemed to permeate his heart. Through the carved flower screen, he could see a woman trimming flowers, and a long sword hanging nearby within reach.
The servant entered and spoke to her. She put down her work, washed her hands in a nearby basin, dried them, and smoothed her hair before walking out.
Chen Chuan observed her as she emerged. She was a beautiful woman in her early thirties, with curved eyebrows and an intellectual and elegant demeanor. Her hair was styled in a coiled bun, and she wore a modified white training uniform that accentuated her waist.
If not for her rhythmic movements and the subtle hint of power with each step, one might not guess she was a warrior based solely on her appearance.
Chen Chuan bowed respectfully and said, "Are you Senior Sister He?"
Senior Sister He smiled, "Indeed, I am Senior Sister He. You're Master Cheng's student, yet so young. Don't be as rigid as him." She approached Chen Chuan and extended her hand for a handshake, "Xiaoti mentioned you to me. She said Master Cheng's student is a handsome young man. Yes, you're quite impressive. Please come in and have a seat."
She led Chen Chuan inside and sat down beneath the flower window on an antique sandalwood chair. Someone was summoned to serve them a cup of fragrant tea.
Chen Chuan found the decor exquisite, with colors and ambiance that created a comfortable atmosphere. Every detail was carefully chosen, indicating that Senior Sister He was a woman who appreciated the finer things in life.
Heren sat with a dignified posture, her back straight and hands resting on her lap. She spoke, "Previously, Master Cheng had called me about this matter. It's been bothering Director Lei for a long time, but he's not one to ask for favors. Since he didn't bring it up, I didn't feel right approaching Master Cheng about it. Now that he's willing to help, it's truly a relief, as it resolves a concern of mine."
Upon hearing this, Chen Chuan realized that the senior sister might have misunderstood. She probably thought that Cheng Zitong was willing to help resolve the issue involving Director Lei's son, and that he, as a student, was merely acting as a liaison.
However, Chen Chuan didn't clarify the misunderstanding. Since Cheng Zitong didn't mention it, there was likely a reason for his silence. Instead, Heren's words revealed that she and Director Lei had a very close relationship, as she spoke of him with a casual familiarity.
Chen Chuan asked, "Senior Sister, when would be a convenient time to meet with Director Lei?"
Heren replied, "You're still a student with a busy schedule, so it's not easy for you to make time. Thank you for your effort, Chen Chuan. Today is a rest day, and Director Lei is at home. I've already informed him, so you can ride with me."
"Thank you, Senior Sister," Chen Chuan expressed his gratitude.
Heren smiled and said, "Chen Chuan, you've come to help Director Lei, so I should be the one thanking you."
After a brief exchange, Chen Chuan left and boarded a light blue sedan belonging to Yu Fu Lan. It was clear that Heren came from a well-off family, living in the southern part of the city and having a dedicated car and driver.
As the car drove south at a steady pace, Chen Chuan couldn't help but think of Heren. He wasn't sure why, but these thoughts seemed connected to her.
After about thirty minutes, the car reached the outskirts of Quanzhou District, almost at the edge of Yangzhi City. The area was relatively quiet, with fewer residential buildings, mostly two or three-story houses spaced apart.
Chen Chuan asked the driver, "Driver, does Director Lei live around here?"
The driver explained, "Director Lei doesn't like living in crowded places."
After driving for another five or six minutes, the car turned into a tree-lined path and stopped in front of a three-story house surrounded by a vibrant flower garden. The driver announced, "We're here."
Chen Chuan stepped out of the car and admired the garden filled with exotic flowers, their names unknown to him. They might be foreign varieties or specially cultivated.
He greeted the driver and walked along the clean path to the front steps. After passing through a covered area, he knocked on the door.
A moment later, footsteps approached, and the door opened from the inside. A man, appearing to be in his forties, wore black-framed glasses and a gray-black overcoat over a white shirt. His straight nose and square jaw complemented his handsome features.
Chen Chuan wasn't sure of his identity and asked, "Hello, is this Director Lei's residence? I'm here to see Director Lei."
The man nodded and asked, "Did she send you?" When Chen Chuan nodded, he politely said, "Thank you for coming. Please come in."
Chen Chuan observed him; Director Lei didn't seem like a typical government official but more like a teacher. He changed his shoes at the entrance and proceeded inside.
Once inside, Director Lei maintained a respectful demeanor, even towards a young man like Chen Chuan. He invited him to sit on the sofa and poured him some tea.
Chen Chuan introduced himself, "I'm Chen Chuan."
Director Lei seemed surprised and looked at him intently. "Oh? I think I've heard that name before. Five days ago, you were the one who intercepted and neutralized the Marakan fugitive, Duoma?"
Chen Chuan was taken aback, as he didn't expect the director to know about this. Government officials usually didn't concern themselves with such details. "Yes, I didn't think you'd be aware of it."
Director Lei studied him closely. "As a Wu Yi student, you weren't part of the security detail. Why did you take the initiative to get involved?"
Chen Chuan explained, "I didn't plan to intervene, but when I saw innocent civilians being shot, I couldn't stand by. Regardless of my identity, I had to act if I could make a difference."
Director Lei nodded in approval. "You have a strong sense of justice."
Chen Chuan spoke candidly, "It's not just that. I'm a native of Yangzhi City, and my friends and family live here. What if they were among those in danger?"
Director Lei's intense gaze softened, and he fell silent for a moment. Then, he said, "You should leave now."
Chen Chuan was taken aback. "Director Lei?"
Director Lei shook his head. "I've considered various solutions to my son's issue, but it's not just about whether it can be resolved. It could easily implicate others, and there might be other consequences. You're a promising young man with a bright future ahead of you. You shouldn't get entangled in this matter."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment. "Director Lei, my teacher sent me here because he trusts my abilities."
Director Lei seemed surprised, as Chen Chuan emphasized himself rather than his teacher. He adjusted his glasses and studied Chen Chuan intently. After a while, he nodded and stood up. "Follow me."
Chen Chuan followed him upstairs to the third floor. Director Lei took out a key and opened a door, speaking softly to a child huddled in the corner, "That's my son. He's afraid of strangers, so please be gentle if you have any questions."
Chen Chuan nodded and approached the child. As he drew near, he paused, and then turned back. "Is something wrong?"
Director Lei's tone was casual. "What's the matter?"
Chen Chuan glanced at the child again, but... it was just a puppet.
(End)
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