Chapter 505 - 478: Deadly Pursuit
Xu Chunliang immediately became alert when he sensed the chilling aura of murder emanating from the two men.
Black and White Duo? Back when Xu Chunliang was with the Five Poison Sect, he once took down a pair of assassins renowned throughout the Jianghu. Fate’s cycle has brought upon him another duo almost of the same style. If reincarnation truly exists, they are indeed unfortunate, as running into him means certain death.
The tall, black man revealed his right hand, which he had been holding behind his back, clutching a military knife that gleamed coldly. As he unsheathed the knife, he charged at Xu Chunliang with heavy steps that made the bridge tremble.
The white man on the right had his hands in his pockets, with his right hand creating a noticeable bulge inside the pocket. He was in no hurry to attack, intending to block Xu Chunliang’s retreat. It was clear the two men were working together.
Xu Chunliang’s heart sank. Could there be a gun hidden in that pocket?
Xu Chunliang decided to first subdue the white man and eliminate the greatest threat. He wasn’t sure if his movement speed could outrun a bullet, having never tried it before. Striking first would be an advantage. He propelled himself forward with the force of a leopard.
The white man suddenly turned around, as he heard the noise behind him. When he turned back, he saw only a dazzling flash of cold light, as a flying knife embedded itself into his right eye with incredible speed. The knife penetrated deeply, the handle disappearing into his eye socket, a testament to the powerful strike.
The white man fell flat on the ground without making a sound, dead in an instant.
Feng Mingjun, dressed in black, appeared gallantly on the bridge: "Duck down!"
Xu Chunliang complied by bending down, as Feng Mingjun swung her right hand. A cold gleam passed over Xu Chunliang’s head, and he heard the knife’s sharp whistling through the air.
An expert! Absolutely an expert!
His mother was indeed no ordinary person. Why was she here? The only explanation was she had been following him. This led him to deduce that their encounter by the Oriental Pearl was no coincidence either.
Xu Chunliang didn’t need to look to know the black man couldn’t evade the strike; the power was too great, and the speed too fast.
Hearing the thud of the body hitting the ground, Xu Chunliang realized he didn’t need to take action.
My goodness! Truly a killer without emotions!
Feng Mingjun walked over to the white man, lifted his body with ease onto her shoulder, though he weighed at least 150 pounds. She then walked to the side of the bridge and tossed him over. Below the bridge was a truck.
The cargo hold was filled with boxes to cushion the fall. After disposing of the white man’s body, she moved to the black man and said to Xu Chunliang, "Give me a hand." The black man was over 190 cm tall and weighed more than 200 pounds, making it difficult for her to throw him down alone.
Xu Chunliang helped her lift the black man’s body, and together they tossed it off the bridge.
After both corpses landed in the truck bed, the large truck slowly drove away.
Xu Chunliang glanced at the two pools of blood on the ground. Two cleaners emerged from either side, and without looking at them, began to clean the blood off the bridge.
Xu Chunliang discerned that the cleaners and the truck driver below were all organized by Feng Mingjun. She not only had incredible skills but a vast backing force—killings, disposing of bodies, cleaning the scene—all in one, perhaps even providing funeral services. It was beyond his current capabilities.
Feng Mingjun pulled out a pack of cigarettes from her bag and took one out.
Xu Chunliang lit a lighter. Feng Mingjun paused for a moment, then leaned towards the flame to light her cigarette.
The cleaners finished cleaning and quickly left, restoring the bridge to its previous quiet. The mother and son gazed at the distant, opulent night scene, as the traffic beneath them trailed streams of light. At this moment, it seemed as if they were momentarily detached from the world, treading over the night-shrouded city.
Feng Mingjun said, "A man is not guilty, but his treasures are. Some things are best left untouched."
Xu Chunliang knew what she was referring to and softly replied, "You just killed someone."
"If I hadn’t killed them, they would’ve killed you."
Feng Mingjun took a puff from her cigarette and looked at the half-moon hanging in the sky: "Don’t worry, there will be no flaws tonight. I’ll handle the aftermath. Xu Jiaxuan, that old bastard, shouldn’t have dragged you into this."
Xu Chunliang pondered internally, you don’t even know my strength. Even without your intervention, I could have killed those two assassins myself. Though clearing the bodies wasn’t as simple... it seems I’ll need to concoct some bone-dissolving fluid for such situations, to dissolve the bodies and avoid further trouble.
Feng Mingjun had no idea what he was contemplating. Thinking he was frightened by the scene, she gently said, "You don’t need to be afraid."
Xu Chunliang asked, "Could you explain this to me simply?"
Feng Mingjun shook her head. "There’s no need to explain. Knowing too much won’t do you any good. Whatever that little girl gave you, choose to forget. Pretend this never happened, and don’t contact Xu Jiaxuan again. If he asks, just tell him I took the item."
Xu Chunliang initially thought she’d demand the object from him, but it became apparent from her words that everything Feng Mingjun did was for his protection and that his solo meeting with Qian Chunyi had already aroused suspicion.
Everything that happened tonight shattered Xu Chunliang’s previous impression of his parents. They were no ordinary people; perhaps their departure back then was due to unavoidable reasons.
Before Feng Mingjun left, she looked at her son once more, her gaze extremely complex.
Xu Chunliang noticed for the first time a sense of reluctance in her eyes.
Even if Feng Mingjun hadn’t appeared, Xu Chunliang could have handled the situation last night, but if he took action, he would likely get entangled in endless trouble.
Xu Jiaxuan also didn’t call, and due to recent events, Xu Chunliang had a newfound understanding of his parents. Following his mother’s advice, it was best for him to choose to forget and pretend nothing had ever happened.
##
On the way to Nanjiang, Zhen Chun chattered non-stop, while the usually talkative Xu Chunliang fell silent, constantly recalling the scene from last night. The so-called peaceful times were just a facade; in the shadows, bloody struggles happened at any moment. His parents chose to leave back then because of their identity.
Mei Ru Xue noticed his change and thought he was feeling down because of his mother’s departure. The bond between mother and son was innate; even after more than twenty years apart, blood ties are unchangeable.
After arriving in Nanjiang, Xu Chunliang followed Mei Ru Xue to Qiao Yuanjiang’s home to pay New Year’s respects to Elder Qiao.
Qiao Rulong and Ye Qingya had arrived here on New Year’s Eve. Qiao Rulong, who rose through business to take on a government role, now worked in Hua Tou in charge of disciplinary work, and his dressing style had undergone a significant change, no longer clad in branded clothes as before.
His clothes were more traditional Chinese style, looking somewhat old-fashioned. The watch he wore was also replaced with a domestic Dongfanghong, a gift from Elder Qiao.
Xu Chunliang noticed this detail when shaking hands with him. Qiao Rulong also noticed Xu Chunliang was wearing a Panda Daytona, with a smile reminded him, "You should be more low-key after taking office in Hu Shan Town." He had also heard about Xu Chunliang becoming the deputy town chief of Hu Shan Town.
Xu Chunliang said, "Mine is a high imitation."
Qiao Rulong laughed, "That’s a reasonable explanation, but I don’t believe it."
Xu Chunliang introduced his cousin, Zhen Chun, to the couple. Zhen Chun hadn’t planned to come, but Mei Ru Xue invited her as a guest, and she felt a bit reserved in front of the Qiao Family.
Ye Qingya said, "I find your family is all high in appearance, and your cousin is really beautiful."
Zhen Chun felt shy from the compliment, "You all are the ones, handsome men and pretty women."
Mei Ru Xue said, "Let’s stop complimenting each other, where’s grandpa?"
Qiao Rulong pointed to the study and said, "He’s giving big brother a lesson, not in a good mood these days, planning to go back to Beijing with me tomorrow."
Mei Ru Xue asked surprised, "So soon?"
Ye Qingya said, "Your big brother is for work, grandpa said he couldn’t get used to staying here."
Mei Ru Xue went to the study to invite grandpa and big brother out.
Elder Qiao prepared red envelopes for Xu Chunliang and Zhen Chun, a thousand each for good luck.
Xu Chunliang had once seen Qiao Yuanjiang from afar on Weishan Island, but at that time, it was from the perspective of a bystander, at a distance. Now it was the first time he had close contact with this prominent leader.
Qiao Yuanjiang was amiable, he smiled and said, "I’ve heard about you for a long time, had no chance to meet during my last visit to Weishan Island, finally seeing you now." He shook hands with Xu Chunliang, his hands broad and warm, and as one of the main leaders of Pinghai, Qiao Yuanjiang carried no airs, and was approachable.
Xu Chunliang said, "Happy New Year, Uncle Qiao."
"The calligraphy you gave me, I’ve mounted it and hung it in the study. Qingya speaks highly of you." With Qiao Yuanjiang saying this, Xu Chunliang felt a bit embarrassed. Writing that piece was at Elder Qiao’s request, with an implied lesson for Qiao Yuanjiang.
Ye Qingya said, "Xiaoxu’s calligraphy skills are very deep, I can’t compare." She was speaking truthfully, as she wasn’t qualified to evaluate Xu Chunliang’s calligraphy.
Xu Chunliang smiled, "Sister-in-law is too modest."
Elder Qiao said, "Everyone shines in their own way, there’s no need to compare."
Mei Ru Xue said, "Grandpa is right."
Qiao Yuanjiang introduced his family to Xu Chunliang.
This visit of Xu Chunliang was purely to pay New Year’s respects to Elder Qiao. He had mentioned to Mei Ru Xue in advance that he wouldn’t be eating lunch at the Qiao Family’s place. Plus, this visit to Nanjiang also had another task, which was to take Ye Qingya to visit Pan Chengfeng.
On the way, they had already contacted Xu Ying, who happened to invite Pan Chengfeng and his wife to her tea house for a gathering, and invited Xu Chunliang and the others to join them for lunch.
Qiao Rulong always kept a respectful distance from such cultural gatherings, using the excuse of other social activities, allowing Ye Qingya to go by herself.
Thanks to the Madman on the Shore for the grand support, becoming the 22nd alliance leader of the book, and thanks to all the new and old readers for their rewards and support to Octopus!