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nTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

nIt had drizzled last night, and hints of fog drifted throughout the air, thin and white.

nIt was five in the morning, just after dawn, and the air was slightly cold.

nFu Chen was holding a brush and copying scriptures on a piece of golden Xuan paper. A bronze incense burner was beside him, with smoke curling upward, filling the room with a sandalwood fragrance.

nBeside his hand were a purple clay teapot with white steam wafting out of the mouth and half a cup of tea.

nThe old gramophone was playing ‘Snow in June’:

n“Snowflakes fly in the summer of June; My son will come back alive…”

nSomeone knocked on the door softly. Without looking up, Fu Chen said, “Come in.”

nShi Fang pushed the door open and entered. “Third Master, something happened.”

n“What?” Fu Chen put down his brush and placed the copied scripture aside. When the ink was dry, he turned around and turned off the gramophone.

n“Early this morning, when the first batch of pilgrims entered the mountain, there were members of the Huang family, and they brought a group of reporters to the entrance of Ciji Monastery. They cried loudly about returning their child. It’s already all over the news.

nShi Fang passed his phone over. There was a video taken by a spectator.

nFu Chen raised his hand, picked up the purple clay teapot, poured a cup of tea, and watched the video with his expression as usual.

nThe video took place where pilgrims prayed for blessings. The woman was sitting on the ground and howling while crying.

n“… This monastery is a place that eats people. They stole my child and even hid him away, refusing to let us see him. There’s no justice in this world.

n“They’re bullying us outsiders just because they have money and power in the capital. People can’t live like this anymore.

n“It’s said that monks are merciful. I see a group of jackals, tigers, and leopards living in this monastery. They eat people without spitting out their bones. My son must have suffered greatly here.”

n…

nThere were many monks around. They usually meditated and recited Buddhist scriptures, so they had never seen such a scene before. It was obvious that they were at a loss for what to do. The surroundings were in chaos, and even the incense burner had been overturned.

nShi Fang swiped his phone. “The main reason is that we didn’t clarify it yesterday. Now, public opinion is one-sided. People even went to the police station to cause trouble and wanted the police to investigate this matter thoroughly. Look at these comments.”

nFu Chen took a sip of tea and looked at the comments.

n“Is it so difficult for us ordinary people to seek justice?”

n“The trending searches went down so fast yesterday. It’s indeed the rich and powerful. We’re not allowed to talk about them.”

n“If they’re innocent, why don’t they dare to stand out? Up until now, they haven’t even said a word. They must be feeling guilty.”

n…

nShi Fang frowned. “Third Master, are we still not taking action? How could this matter have blown up so much?”

n“Someone wants to take the opportunity to step on our Fu family.” Fu Chen chuckled.

nOld Master Fu had three sons and one daughter. At present, only the eldest son of the Fu family was in the political scene. In order to avoid suspicions of being biased toward his family, he didn’t stay in the capital to hold a post. After the party adjusted officials next year, there was a high chance that he would return to the capital and enter the leadership group.

nCountless people were staring at the Fu family.

nShi Fang nodded. “That’s true. If there’s no one backing it, this TV station probably won’t dare to broadcast this openly.”

nAfter all, this involved the Fu family and Old Master Fu, so the topic was sensitive.

n“I’ll go check immediately,” Shi Fang said and prepared to leave.

n“There’s no need for you to check. I have a more suitable candidate. This person doesn’t want to be discovered by us, so he’s naturally hiding very deeply.” Ever since the incident happened, Fu Chen had been neither surprised nor perturbed, remaining completely unmoved. He really could sit still.

n“Okay.” Shi Fang nodded.

n***

nChuanbei Jing family…

nAt six in the morning, the morning sun rose. Jing Hanchuan was wearing a simple white shirt with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He scooped out the freshly fried egg pancake from the pan and put it on a plate.

n“Sixth Master, you have a call.” Someone appeared at the kitchen door.

nJing Hanchuan picked up a cloth at the side, wiped his hands, and took the phone. “Help me scoop out the porridge.”

nThe man nodded and entered the kitchen.

nSixth Master really lived too meticulously. No one outside would have expected him to cook breakfast personally.

nJing Hanchuan looked at the caller ID and sat on the sofa, frowning slightly.

nIt was Fu Chen.

nThis fellow never contacts me unless he needs something. Besides, it’s early in the morning, so it’s probably nothing good.

nHe answered the phone. “Hello.”

n“I need your help with something,” Fu Chen said bluntly.

n“Tell me.” Jing Hanchuan was speechless. This person is really not polite at all.

nFu Chen briefly explained his thoughts to him.

nJing Hanchuan picked up the fish food on the side, pinched some of it, and threw it into the fish tank. He watched the goldfish open their mouths to eat it and smiled lightly. “You haven’t done anything all this time because you want to see if there are any forces behind them.”

n“There are thousands of tutoring centers in Beijing. It’s abnormal for them to be able to go straight there.”

nThe couple didn’t have any connections in the capital. Although Huai Sheng looked a little similar to his biological father, he was still childish and still had baby fat, so they didn’t really look like a father and son. It shouldn’t have been information provided by bystanders.

n“Do you think someone is using this to deal with your family?” Jing Hanchuan rubbed the fish food with his fingers while pondering.

n“That group of people has already caused a ruckus in the monastery. It’ll definitely be our family next.”

n“I’ll help you investigate.” Jing Hanchuan had already guessed Fu Chen’s request before he even asked.

n“Thank you.”

n“Miss Song should have left you a lot of coconut cakes. Give them to me.” Jing Hanchuan smiled.

nFu Chen pursed his lips. This person agreed so readily just for a few cakes?

nJing Hanchuan hung up the phone and immediately instructed his subordinates to get to work.

n“Sixth Master, there are people who want to deal with the Fu family?” Everyone was surprised. “After Old Master Fu retired, the Fu family has been very low-key.”

n“Although Old Master Fu is kind to others, it’s inevitable that he will have opponents. Besides, the tallest tree in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. If it’s piled up on the shore, it will definitely be turbulent…” Jing Hanchuan sneered and said the last sentence faintly.

n“When one does something greater than others, others will surely find fault!”

n***

nSomething happened at Ciji Monastery, and Master Pudu immediately rushed back to the monastery. Today was the last day of the National Day holiday, and Song Fengwan had to return to school today. The evening self-study class would start at seven sharp. After she had lunch, Fu Chen sent her back to school.

nSong Fengwan called Hu Xinyue in advance. She didn’t say that she had arrived a day early, and Hu Xinyue was even preparing to pick her up at the airport.

nAs soon as the car entered the campus, Hu Xinyue sent her a message saying that she and Miao Yating were already waiting for her at the entrance of the dormitory.

nIt was Song Fengwan’s first time living on campus, and Hu Xinyue was a very enthusiastic person. During the National Day period, she had even helped her air her bedding in the sun.

nFu Chen watched the three girls enter the dormitory before turning the car around to go home.

nAs soon as he arrived at Yunjin Prime Manor, he saw the car of the old residence parked in the courtyard. He quickly entered the house and saw Old Madam Fu pulling Huai Sheng out.

n“I just wanted to call you.” Old Madam Fu smiled. “I’m going to watch opera and bringing Huai Sheng along to join in the fun.”

nFu Chen had already spoken to the Fu family yesterday. Old Madam Fu was worried about Huai Sheng and wanted to take him out to relax.

nHuai Sheng was carrying a small backpack. He had cried all day yesterday, and his eyes were still swollen today.

n“Do you want to come along?” Old Madam Fu smiled.

n“You go ahead. I still have to go to the company.” The senior executives of the company would be holding a meeting to discuss the new district project in cooperation with the Duan family.

nHuai Sheng was a sensitive person to begin with. If everyone was staring at him and accompanying him now, the pressure in his heart would only increase. It was better to be normal.

n“I’ll bring Huai Sheng to the old residence for dinner tonight.” Old Madam Fu patted his little head.

n“I’ll get Qian Jiang to send you two back, and he can bring Huai Sheng back later. It’ll save you a trip.” With Qian Jiang following them, Fu Chen felt at ease.

n“Sure,” Old Madam Fu readily agreed.

n***

nThe Pear Garden…

nIt was Huai Sheng’s first time here. At this moment, the Beijing opera had yet to start, and the audience was sparse. There were only about twenty people in the audience, and they were all very familiar with Old Madam Fu. They all smiled and came over to greet her, and they couldn’t help taking a few more glances at Huai Sheng.

nThey felt that the Fu family was really bold.

nRumor had it that the Fu family was abusing their power to bully others and obstruct a mother and son from seeing each other. They might even have broken the law. But she actually dared to bring the child out to watch opera?

n“Grandma, what is that?” Huai Sheng was attracted by the stage, so he naturally didn’t pay attention to everyone’s strange gazes.

n“That’s called a yueqin. When they perform later, it will be in charge of the accompaniment.” Old Madam Fu smiled and looked at the programs today.

nThe first play was ‘The Legend of the White Snake’. Huai Sheng had heard this story before, but he didn’t understand what these people were singing. He just stared at their thick makeup and sleeves, watching them with relish.

nHalfway through the performance, there was suddenly a commotion outside.

nWith the opera music and singing on the stage, the argument outside wasn’t clearly audible. But suddenly, a water bottle flew from the back and hit the stage, scaring the opera performers on the stage to stop. Even the accompanying musicians were so frightened that they didn’t dare to move.

n“… Get out of my way. I know he’s inside. I must take him away today.” A high-pitched woman’s voice rang out.

nAs soon as Huai Sheng heard this voice, he was so frightened that his body trembled. His fingers slipped, his juice landed on the floor, and the glass shattered.

n“Ma’am, this is the Pear Garden. You can’t enter casually!” The Pear Garden’s security guards tried to stop her.

n“I just want to take my child away. If you dare to touch me today, I won’t let your family go,” Ma Yincui shouted fearlessly.

nThe security guards of the Pear Garden were dumbfounded. They had never seen such a rude and unreasonable person before, and they didn’t dare to deal with her directly.

nA few people pushed and shoved before entering the lobby.

nMost of the people who came to listen to opera were middle-aged people. Upon seeing this scene, they all retreated.

n“That’s my son.” Ma Yincui suddenly pointed at Huai Sheng.

n“Grandma!” Huai Sheng was so frightened that tears fell from his eyes and his face turned green. Old Madam Fu leisurely put down the cup of tea in her hand and reached out to hold his hand. “Don’t be afraid.”

n“Son!” Ma Yincui shouted hoarsely.

nThere was still a group of reporters following behind her. The cameras aimed at Old Madam Fu. She tilted her head slightly and looked at everyone.

nOld Madam Fu had followed Old Master Fu everywhere when she was young, so she had seen all kinds of scenes. Her expression barely changed as she glanced at these people indifferently. The reporters were hesitant and didn’t dare to film her directly.

nAt this moment, Huang Jianhua, following closely behind, suddenly rushed over and tried to snatch the child.

nLast night, the hospital had issued another critical illness notice. Their son really couldn’t wait anymore.

nBefore Huang Jianhua’s fingers could even touch Old Madam Fu, Qian Jiang rushed out from the side and grabbed his arm.

n“Let go!” The couple had left the police station yesterday and rushed straight to the hospital. They hadn’t slept all night, and their eyes were bloodshot. They were shouting angrily, full of fierceness.

nHuang Jianhua couldn’t break free. Qian Jiang was very strong and gripped his wrist tightly, as if he wanted to break it.

n“Ah!” The man screamed and struggled with all his might to break free. He raised his leg to kick him.

nUnfortunately, Qian Jiang was even faster. He reached out his hand to block the kick and kicked his abdomen. The couple had been staying up late because of their son in the hospital bed, so their bodies were thin. Huang Jianhua couldn’t withstand this fierce kick.

nHis body flew out and hit a table at the side.

nBang! The teacups, melon seeds, and fruit plates on the table fell to the floor.

nHe coughed violently twice. His abdomen hurt so much that he was suffocating.

n“Old Huang.” The woman rushed to her husband’s side and pointed at Old Madam Fu. “You’re too much of a bully!”

n“Since you came to look for us again today, let’s deal with this matter properly.” Old Madam Fu held her teacup leisurely and took a sip of tea. “Qian Jiang, inform Third Son to come over and…

n“Get people to seal the entire Pear Garden.

n“Without my permission, not even a fly can fly in!”

nThe reporters were dumbfounded. So fierce?

nA few people’s hearts trembled. They didn’t know what they would face next.

n***

nChuanbei Jing family…

nJing Hanchuan was preparing bait to go fishing.

n“Sixth Master, something big has happened!”

n“Hmm?” Jing Hanchuan raised an eyebrow.

n“The couple went to the Pear Garden to cause trouble. Old Madam Fu is there, so something might happen.”

nIn fact, the Pear Garden belonged to the Jing family, but not many people knew this. After all, this family had a bad reputation. If people knew that the Jing family owned the Pear Garden, they probably wouldn’t dare to go there.

nEven reporters didn’t know who the owner of the Pear Garden was. They only knew that it had always been managed by a middle-aged manager, and they had never linked the Pear Garden to the Jing family.

n“Is that so?” Jing Hanchuan narrowed his eyes. “Seems like I won’t be able to fish today.”

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