"Same place, same time—don't be late!" Wang Xuan replied decisively.
Qingmu's eyelids twitched with unease. Old Chen had made it clear: he absolutely wouldn't allow anyone to come and "pay their respects" in the hospital tonight. No more long lines of people touching him; he threatened to "come back to life" if that happened!
After hearing Qingmu's message, Wang Xuan sighed. "Old Chen, after all the storms you've weathered, the majestic presence you had at the Pamir Plateau, and now you're shy? It's not like a few touches will cost you an arm and a leg." Qingmu was speechless; after two nights of being poked and prodded, who could blame Old Chen for being upset?
"Fine, the time is still early. Let's set another meeting when things are quieter," Wang Xuan suggested.
As the sun rose, painting the sky in red hues, the outskirts were shrouded in a light fog. The estate, with its many trees, had an ethereal beauty under the glowing sky. After breakfast, with nothing to do, Wang Xuan decided to take Old Chen's fishing rod to the pond at the back of the estate.
The place was lively with guests arriving for the "conference." Rather than listening to the noise inside, he thought it better to fish for Old Chen, who was stuck in bed.
The pond wasn't small, connected to a nearby river, and it was teeming with wild fish. Wang Xuan found a good spot, held the fishing rod with one hand, and took photos with the other, sending them to Qingmu, hinting that Old Chen could use some entertainment while lying there alone.
Upon seeing the photos, Old Chen was immediately irritated. "Can you even fish?" He imagined Wang Xuan treating the prized rod like a spear, splashing water everywhere as he clumsily speared fish.
Old Chen's heart bled; that rod was a rare collector's item gifted to him. How could a novice misuse it like this? He resolved to "educate" Wang Xuan later on how to respect fishing.
As Wang Xuan fished, he noticed a gathering of people around him. He sighed, realizing that peace was fleeting. Time was precious, and he wanted to enjoy it before heading into the deep space, uncertain of what awaited him.
The newcomers appeared relaxed, some walking near the pond, others photographing water birds, and some even fishing. It seemed like a bigshot was about to arrive, so they were getting ready. Wang Xuan frowned; these were not ordinary folks, but elite, well-trained individuals.
Fishing enthusiasts were meticulously preparing their spots, and photographers wielded expensive cameras. The Tai Chi practitioners looked like seasoned health enthusiasts. About twenty individuals appeared to be casually mingling, but their positions and distances suggested careful coordination, ready to spring into action if necessary.
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At his age, Wang Xuan had reached the sixth stage of the Golden Body Technique, strengthening not just his physique but his mental prowess. He sensed the subtle movements and intentions of those approaching.
He noted that while they seemed powerful, there was no intent to harm. They were likely there to protect or escort someone important.
Just as he thought someone significant would arrive, five or six more groups appeared, further heightening his alertness. Soon, in the thin morning mist and rosy dawn, several figures emerged, radiating youthful energy.
"Is that Big Wu? Is she arguing with someone?" Wang Xuan was surprised to see Big Wu among the newcomers.
It appeared he had been overthinking it; the others weren't there for him. Big Wu was in a heated discussion with several people, and they hadn't approached him yet.
"Then again, it doesn't seem likely that Big Wu and her friends would warrant this level of protection. They must have stumbled in by accident," Wang Xuan speculated, deciding to ignore them and continue fishing—and spearing, sending more pictures to Old Chen to keep him entertained and to raise his blood pressure.
"Hm, Big Wu's here." Wang Xuan pretended not to notice while continuing his antics.
"Little Zhong, don't go too far…" Big Wu's voice carried over, and Wang Xuan realized the person she was arguing with was formidable, showing no fear of Big Wu. Could it be a member of the Zhong family, the same one who had sent him gifts the previous night?
He frowned, pondering Big Wu's intentions. Why was she arguing with Little Zhong? This was unusual, especially since she had previously disrupted their attempts to connect.
He suspected Big Wu might be using the situation to her advantage, perhaps trying to leverage the conflict to benefit him.
Wang Xuan abruptly discarded the precious fishing rod and prepared to leave. With so many important figures and "thoughtful" youngsters gathering, he had no desire to get entangled in the drama.
"Little Wang！" Big Wu called out as she approached the reed pond, waving.
Wang Xuan sighed, then walked over with a smile, getting a clear look at the group of young people with her. There were both Eastern and Western faces, four tall young men, and three vibrant young women.
Big Wu and one girl stood out the most, their styles strikingly different. The morning sun highlighted Big Wu's impressive curves, while the other girl, plain-faced yet stunning, exuded an innocent charm reminiscent of a fresh high school graduate.
"Wow, what a contrast," Wang Xuan thought, appreciating their beauty. The girl introduced herself as Zhong Qing, her name intriguing him.
"One look at her, and you're hooked for life," Big Wu chimed in teasingly. "But don't be fooled—Zhong is not as sweet as she looks!"
Zhong Qing smiled and corrected Big Wu, explaining that she often played tricks on people, admitting her fear of Big Wu's temper. Wang Xuan sensed a deeper strength in Zhong's words despite her innocent demeanor.
Big Wu smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "Just recently, Zhong was plotting something regarding you. She's been trained to strategize by the Zhong family, so watch out!"
Wang Xuan was taken aback—not by Zhong's possible schemes, but by Big Wu's unexpectedly combative energy. It was clear she was ready for a showdown, and he couldn't help but wonder what had stirred her up.