Chapter 305: Chapter 305: Women Gather at Peach Blossom Plain
"Takeuchi Aimi?"
Lu Zheng exclaimed, "Didn’t we just see her off in the afternoon?"
"Shortly after getting off the plane, she was found dead in an airport restroom," Lin Wan said fiercely, "and the briefcase she had with her was opened, the evidence vanished."
"Damn it!" Lu Zheng couldn’t help but blurt out, feeling like it was straight out of a movie.
Lin Wan nodded, "Tokyo Airport is already pulling surveillance data, but I reckon it might be a lost cause."
Lu Zheng nodded, understanding that the surveillance at airports is one of the most extensive worldwide. If someone dared to act at the airport, they wouldn’t fear the cameras.
"Mingmei was with Interpol, so apart from the Japanese police, Interpol has also stepped in," Lin Wan continued, "Japan will handle their suspects, while domestically we’ll take over the follow-up investigation to see if we can uncover new evidence."
"Hasn’t it been cleaned up domestically?"
Lin Wan nodded, "It’s a corruption and money laundering case involving the Japanese mafia. The money flowed into our country, connecting us to some gray industries and financial crimes here."
"I don’t get it!" Lu Zheng shook his head.
Lin Wan chuckled, "Basically, it means there might be more evidence to uncover domestically."
"Got it!" Lu Zheng nodded.
"Do you know the content of the evidence Mingmei had?" Lu Zheng looked at Lin Wan.
Lin Wan nodded, "I know, but don’t worry, I’m not the only one. Several people at the liaison office and the local police know a little too. But without physical materials, it’s not considered evidence."
"Right, yes!" Lu Zheng nodded.
"I might have to travel for work again," Lin Wan said, "most of the money involved in this case circulates in the southeastern area, not in Hai City."
"Take care of yourself," Lu Zheng advised.
"No worries," Lin Wan smiled, "this isn’t the main battlefield; the main action is in Japan."
Lu Zheng rolled his eyes, "Then how did they find key evidence?"
Lin Wan, "..."
"Maybe... because they didn’t take us seriously..."
"You don’t need to report back immediately?" Lu Zheng asked, as Lin Wan would usually be called back to discuss cases immediately.
"No need, the Japanese branch just started their investigation too," Lin Wan replied, "It wouldn’t make a difference if I went back now, I’ll go tomorrow to see if there’s any progress."
"Head home..." Lin Wan sighed, losing the appetite to continue eating.
Lu Zheng nodded and drove home with Lin Wan to rest for the night.
...
The next morning, Lin Wan went to her office to continue investigating the case, while Lu Zheng returned to his rented apartment, changed clothes, and traveled back in time.
As soon as he opened his eyes, he was in an ancient forest with lush green trees.
"Meow—"
A cat’s cry, and a gray-yellow lynx leaped three feet high beside Lu Zheng, then swiftly jumped to a nearby treetop, darting into the forest and disappearing.
Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow, effortlessly jumped down from the treetop, and continued his journey.
...
A few days later...
Lingbei Dao, Yizhou, Tonglin County.
"Young Master is back?"
Entering the door, Uncle Li, Aunt Liu, and Old Huang greeted Lu Zheng, initially planning to help with his luggage, only to find Lu Zheng empty-handed.
"Young Master, take a break. I’ll fetch some water for you to freshen up." Uncle Li hurried off.
"I’ll cook!" Aunt Liu dashed into the kitchen.
Old Huang blinked, standing there in surprise.
"Alright, go back," Lu Zheng waved his hand, "Taking good care of the horse is your biggest merit."
Old Huang nodded eagerly, "Rest assured, it’s in great shape, thoroughly exercised daily!"
All was well at home.
...
After having lunch at home, Lu Zheng took a stroll next door, bringing some local specialties from Jizhou Prefecture and Jinhua County. He learned that it was a rest day, and Liu Qingyan had taken Liu Qingquan to Peach Blossom Plain for some fun.
Well, no need for more words, he decided to join in!
Lu Zheng rubbed his hands and headed to Peach Blossom Plain, momentarily stunned.
Shen Ying, Liu Qingyan, Liu Qingquan.
Xiaocui, the Eighteen Peach Blossom Celestial Maidens.
The Five Sisters of Five Beauties Manor.
Lady River God, Li Hanyu.
Luckily, Zhu Yushan was also there, otherwise Lu Zheng would’ve turned around and left.
"Brother Lu!"
Seeing Lu Zheng, Zhu Yushan looked as if he’d seen a savior, grabbing his hand tightly, "Brother Lu, we were just talking about you! Finally, you’re here!"
"Let go! Let go! Two men shouldn’t cling to each other."
"I thought you were leaving..."
Just as Lu Zheng saw the situation and instinctively turned around, Zhu Yushan darted towards him in two steps, grabbing hold.
"Impossible!" Lu Zheng replied righteously, "Seeing so many guests, I wanted to go back to prepare some food."
"Fairy Shen has prepared everything, no need for additions," Zhu Yushan said.
Then Lu Zheng was led back by Zhu Yushan.
It was early spring, the weather still chilly. Though the ladies weren’t afraid of the cold, they weren’t dressed thinly either, wearing cotton dresses and plush shawls.
Nonetheless, their beauty shone through, each distinctive like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each exhibiting unique charm.
"Lu Lang~"
"Young Master Lu!"
"Brother-in-law!"
Lu Zheng gave courteous greetings repeatedly until his face almost froze from smiling.
As he got closer, he realized there were many people, but the activities weren’t lacking either.
Shen Ying was playing mahjong with Li Hanyu, with Hu Cai Niang and Lin Jing’Er on either side. The four, being extroverted, played exuberantly, creating a lively atmosphere.
Liu Qingyan was playing chess with Lady River God, watched by several Peach Blossom Celestial Maidens who also assisted with tea service.
Xiaocui, Liu Qingquan, and some Celestial Maidens were listening to Hua Yixing tell stories. As the eldest of the five sisters from Five Beauties Manor, Hua Yixing had many stories from her experiences in and out of the mountains.
Bai Ting’Er, skilled with instruments, was performing an ensemble with some equally talented Peach Blossom Celestial Maidens. The zither strings chimed, and the Jade Flute sounded, the music melodious and uplifting, with Yu Mingxin occasionally adding her clear vocals, leaving listeners refreshed.
Looking around, it seemed there was no place to insert himself, making it clear why Zhu Yushan saw him as a savior.
"Why don’t we have a game of..."
Zhu Yushan began to suggest, but Yu Mingxin called out to Lu Zheng, "Young Master Lu, Sister Shen mentioned your zither skills are exceptional. Could you possibly perform for us today?"
Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow, noting that Bai Ting’Er, sitting at the zither, wore an expectant look.
Bai Ting’Er was a shy type, so showing anticipation was already a big deal for her.
Lu Zheng nodded and smiled, "Alright, I’ll join in for an ensemble. What piece shall we play?"
As he spoke, he removed the gourd cap on his waist, gently tapped it, and a zither box flew out.
"..."
Zhu Yushan’s hand paused halfway, speechless.