Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 1245: Chapter 86:

Xiangjiang, Wangge, a private lounge.

A few youths in black suits were guarding an elderly man. They weren’t standing too close, knowing the old man disliked having people overhear his calls.

The lounge had three floors, and this was the top one. A man with a three-inch scar on his face frowned as he walked up the stairs, noticing the elder was still on the phone, and glanced at the youths.

The youths simultaneously greeted respectfully, “Brother Jian!”

The middle-aged man… Brother Jian nodded, “Uncle Qi hasn’t finished his call yet?”

The youths shook their heads… Brother Jian frowned but patiently waited by the stairs.

After a while, the elder known as Uncle Qi slowly turned around.

“Alright, you send me some data…”

Seeing that Uncle Qi finally ended his call, Brother Jian quickly stepped forward and approached Uncle Qi—Uncle Qi spoke directly: “Ah Jian, help me find someone, the data will be sent to you later.”

Brother Jian was momentarily stunned, thinking, “Uncle Qi, did something happen?”

Uncle Qi shook his head, “No, it’s my mainland goddaughter asking for help to find someone.”

“Goddaughter?” Brother Jian opened his mouth, having been with Uncle Qi for a while now and knowing Uncle Qi had children, yet never heard of any goddaughter outside, especially in the mainland.

Uncle Qi smiled casually, “It’s from nearly twenty years ago. Back then, a Thai master predicted that I would face calamity twenty years later and needed to dispel it. Not long after, I went back to the mainland and sponsored some pretty girls to study. Wouldn’t you know, it really worked; I had a good fortune for ten straight years since sponsoring those girls.”

“So miraculous?”

“In this world, where can you say for sure, believe it or not, just consider it as doing good deeds to accumulate virtue! Look at me now, isn’t life going well?” Uncle Qi lit a cigar and smoked slowly, “These girls benefit me, especially this goddaughter, who is even more… Enough, let’s not talk about that. What’s the situation downstairs?”

Brother Jian sneered, “Six nations vying for power, if not for the dozen cops watching outside, Dutch Boy would have started chopping!”

“Dutch Boy is very popular these days.” Uncle Qi said half-jokingly, “He handles everything well and knows how to show us respect. This time, White-head Kun crossed the line not just by violating boundaries but also targeting his wife, which is too much.”

Brother Jian said, “Dutch Boy and White-head Kun are fighting to be ‘the ones in charge’, with the chaos amongst the seven factions outside, several old uncles seem unable to sit still… Uncle Qi, White-head Kun is from your background, today Dutch Boy is bold enough to come looking for you, clearly taking you for granted, should I…”

Brother Jian made a throat-slitting gesture.

“What good does taking out Dutch Boy do us?” Uncle Qi shook his head, “Business has become increasingly difficult over the years. If it weren’t for Dutch Boy’s connections in Europe, collaborating with foreigners to launder money, do you want me, an old man, to sell durians at the market?”

“But…”

“I know your intentions, but Dutch Boy is sure to become the ‘person in charge’ this time.” Uncle Qi sighed, “What happens in the underworld should stay. This time White-head Kun betrayed his brothers, even if he’s from my background, I can’t help him… So, tell Dutch Boy that I won’t intervene in his affairs with White-head Kun, just make sure things are handled well with no loose ends.”

“I know what to do.” Brother Jian nodded and then glanced at the staircase entrance, suddenly sat down next to Uncle Qi, and whispered, “So… What about over in Macau?”

“How did Mr. Ho talk about it?” Uncle Qi’s gaze sharpened.

Brother Jian whispered, “Mr. Ho said he already has someone in mind, and doesn’t plan to use Young Master King this time.”

“That old fox.” Uncle Qi snorted lightly, “Without him, I’m still capable, aren’t I?”

Brother Jian reluctantly said, “But without Mr. Ho’s support, it’s difficult for us to get a spot to compete.”

Uncle Qi said calmly, “Don’t worry, I’ve already found a contingency plan. Next month, take Ah King to Malaysia, I’ve already negotiated with the casino there, Ah King will represent them to compete in this ‘gambling tournament’. They say it’s hosted in Britain this time, if time is tight, don’t come back; just head over directly.”

“Okay.” Brother Jian nodded.

Uncle Qi squinted and said, “Eat or starve, it depends on this time.”

…

…

In the office, Zhong Luochen was scrutinizing the recent reports on family affairs.

Since witnessing the Transcendent side, his focus had long shifted away from the family’s power struggle… yet he hasn’t managed to extricate himself from this vortex entirely.

Especially since grandfather’s miraculous recovery last year and the allocation of substantial funds to Zhong Luochen, the voices within the family have multiplied… mostly from those close to his brother Zhong Luoyun.

No matter how many voices within the family arise, the reason grandfather won’t act on anything in the coming years is known only to Zhong Luochen, grandfather, and Grandfather Luo.

“However, Third Sister’s recent moves seem a bit odd.”

Zhong Luochen meticulously read through the data at hand… since just after the New Year until now, Zhong Luoyue’s Four Seasons Group has seen significant personnel changes, including some at the upper echelons of the Group.

These individuals were reassigned to other departments, and later some entry level guys were promoted—even Zhong Luochen understood that these newly appointed individuals are mostly linked to his brother Zhong Luoyun, and quite a few are from Zhong Luochen’s own team.

This left Zhong Luochen puzzled.

The family’s businesses and relations are as intertwined as ever. Although Four Seasons Group has always been headed by Zhong Luoyue, both he and his brother Zhong Luoyun hold shares in the group. Similarly, industries under Zhong Luochen’s name also have shares held by Zhong Luoyue and Zhong Luoyun.

What puzzled Zhong Luochen was Zhong Luoyue’s move which seemed almost like severing her own arm… not reinforcing her control but rather employing her brother’s and his own team, what kind of strategy is this?

“Pharmaceutical company…”

The report included Zhong Luoyue’s imminent plan to invest in a project in Britain. Zhong Luochen really couldn’t fathom why his third sister suddenly had interest in entering the pharmaceutical field.

The series of unusual actions by Zhong Luoyue gave Zhong Luochen, now far from the capital, a vague sense of unease.

Since taking a step into the world of Transcendent, Zhong Luochen had long abandoned family politics—successfully beating his brother and third sister, ultimately becoming the new head of the Zhong Family, no longer held his interest.

Zhong Luochen knew this must relate to the deal he once made—yet he couldn’t help but admit that the power struggles within the prominent family seemed trivial compared to the power that dictates life and death.

Especially after finding success in the lab, discovering children with supernatural abilities, Zhong Luochen felt he had found his direction—the heart that no longer stirred with worldly affairs suddenly began to beat anew.

It was merely a matter of maintaining a sense of achievement.

Yet in the face of his identity, status, and wealth as the second young master of the Zhong Family, Zhong Luochen suddenly realized that chasing a sense of achievement seemed to be a mistake—everything could be achieved so easily, he struggled to find any sense of achievement that truly satisfied him.

In the midst of contemplation, the office door was knocked, Cheng Yun entered quickly, his expression slightly unnatural.

Zhong Luochen casually closed the materials in his hand, without a hint of expression.

Cheng Yun approached, looking hesitant, then sighed and said, “Second young master, the gift you asked me to deliver was returned by Miss Mo. She also said…”

“What did she say?” Zhong Luochen’s face remained relatively expressionless.

Cheng Yun glanced at him. His second young master had always been very composed, and he had never seen Zhong Luochen visibly lose his temper.

“She said you’ve completed your course.” Cheng Yun paused, observing his boss’s demeanor before continuing, “She doesn’t plan to teach you anymore and asked you not to go over there again.”

“Understood.” Zhong Luochen nodded.

Cheng Yun expressed his indignation, “Second young master, Miss Mo really doesn’t know what’s good for her. Think about it, in the capital, so many women would die for you, yet she doesn’t even look at you!”

“And?” Zhong Luochen looked at Cheng Yun with a faint smile, “What do you intend to do?”

“Nothing.” Cheng Yun was startled, knowing the second young master never liked to use manipulation to win over women, so he quickly said, “I just think it’s unfair to you, second young master.”

Zhong Luochen said calmly, “Since the gift was returned, let it be. Contact the landlord of Miss Mo’s classroom and see if you can buy the property. Next month, find an excuse to reduce the rent by thirty percent.”

Cheng Yun opened his mouth but ultimately nodded. As a top aide, he shouldn’t question the boss’s decisions, but simply carry them out diligently.

“Go below and let Grandmaster 24 know I’ll be down soon.”

“Alright, I’ll go right away.”

After Cheng Yun pushed the door open and left, Zhong Luochen slid his chair back, then pulled out a box from the drawer—inside was a sapphire necklace.

—Mr. Zhong, you’re very nice, but I don’t like you.

Not long ago, Zhong Luochen had confessed his feelings, but was met with an extremely indifferent response… However, for the second young master of the Zhong family, it wasn’t much of a setback as he had uncovered something else.

He treated his love like an asset, using it to purchase five years of the grandfather’s life span, which didn’t mean he’d never experience feelings like love or affection again; rather, it meant he couldn’t receive love or affection in return.

He could love someone, but would never be loved back—unable to receive love.

Zhong Luochen sighed, for having sold so many things, even this type of pain was now hidden within the compartment of achievement.

He shook his head, putting the box containing the necklace back into the drawer, then tidied up his attire before taking the elevator down. Soon after, he met with 24.

…

Zhong Luochen no longer doubted 24’s abilities. Just the magical crow on 24’s shoulder had created significant trouble for several martial artists whom he considered grandmasters.

In the supernatural research lab, these days, only Zhong Luochen in front of 24 didn’t feel intimidated or nervous.

Strangely, 24 was quite easy to get along with despite having powers, hardly showing any temper. His only flaw might be laziness.

A laziness apparently contagious.

Whenever Zhong Luochen met with 24, he often felt as if he himself were about to decay.

“Your scent is fainter today.”

Upon entering, Zhong Luochen heard 24 speak a phrase that seemed meaningless.

Zhong Luochen frowned… 24 often said strange things without providing explanations.

His gaze swept over the crow beside 24 before sitting down, “Mr. Zhong asked me to find the blood of 66 virgins aged eighteen; I’ve already gathered it, just need to know when to deliver.”

“Give it a few more days.” 24 yawned, “Recently strategizing the rules of this world, my energy’s a little depleted…”

“World,” “Rules.”

Zhong Luochen astutely caught on to some mysterious elements but suppressed his curiosity, choosing just to quietly accompany 24.

24 sat hunched over, gaze scattered, looking like an empty shell… Time ticked away; after about an hour, 24 suddenly shook his head, muttering, “Really difficult; getting an official identity is this hard…”

“Idiot 24! Idiot 24!”

24 raised his hand and grabbed the crow, then casually tossed it against the wall, where it splattered like a muddy mess before slowly sliding down.

Zhong Luochen had seen this many times already and each time felt… amazed.

24 shook his head, then turned to Zhong Luochen after another yawn, “Boss, I’ve eaten your food for several days and you found me things… Speak up, do you want me to kill a few people?”

Zhong Luochen smiled, “Does Mr. Zhong only know the art of assassination?”

24 responded lifelessly, “Making people unlucky also works.”

Zhong Luochen suddenly asked, “What if it’s for Mr. Zhong to mentor me?”

24 looked up, considered a moment, then said, “You can’t learn; my curse technique is reliant on soul talent, so can barely use it now… Your world itself doesn’t have this.”

“Our world?” Zhong Luochen frowned, pondering for a moment before his eyes lit up, “Mr. Zhong… from another world?”

“0179”

“What’s that mean?” Zhong Luochen frowned again.

24 uninterestedly shook his head, “You still don’t have anything worth me telling you these things.”

“When will it be worth it?”

24 said with a deceitful smile, “I was once a State Preceptor in a country… Are you a king?”

Zhong Luochen lowered his head, lost in thought.

But 24 suddenly smiled again with malice, “Though you can’t learn it now, it doesn’t mean you won’t ever; but it involves some risk.”

Zhong Luochen listened intently.

24 narrowed his eyes, “I can alter your soul, but if it fails, you’ll die instantly… Boss, do you dare?”

Zhong Luochen immediately fell silent.