Chapter 1198: Chapter 1197: The Four Great Families of West Mountain
Ah, alright," Jiang Cheng replied.
Just then, Cloud pressed an operation button, and the indicator light on the nearby antenna flashed. From the card slot of the device emerged something resembling an Earth ID card. Cloud handed it to Jiang Cheng, "All done, you’re now officially a citizen of Kai Ao Country," Cloud said.
Jiang Cheng found Cloud quite impressive. She had forged an identity for him so quickly, and she had made such a device herself. He couldn’t help but admire the young girl’s brilliance.
"Alright. Lin, what do you think? My friend isn’t bad, right? She was a genius in our college class, easily creating all kinds of replica models. Whatever you can think of, she can make it," Zhao Shuai said.
"Yes, very smart," Jiang Cheng also had to admit that Cloud was exceptionally intelligent.
"But, Cloud, why don’t you come tomorrow? This year’s conference should be exciting," Zhao Shuai said.
"Why? Every year it’s just those scholars droning on about their research findings. What’s there to see?" Cloud said, rolling her eyes.
"Exactly, but that’s in past years. This year, if you come, you’ll be surprised. This person next to me is a real pro," Zhao Shuai said, patting Jiang Cheng.
It was at this moment that Cloud took a second look at Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng felt as if this young girl was examining him as if he were a product, making him feel uneasy.
"I don’t see anything different. Forget it, I’ll look again," Cloud said as if losing interest, no longer looking at Jiang Cheng and picking up her carving knife to start sculpting again.
"Alright, thanks a lot for today; I’m heading out now. I’ll say it again, your uncle is actually quite nice. He’d be happier if you go to the conference tomorrow," Zhao Shuai said.
"Okay, okay, got it. Take care!" Cloud replied without looking up.
Zhao Shuai then left with Jiang Cheng, "Are you two very close?" Jiang Cheng asked.
"Yeah, we pretty much grew up together. Her dad and my dad worked together too. Later, in college, we were in the same class, but Cloud was too smart and independent-minded, the teachers couldn’t keep up with her. We all thought she’d become a scientist after graduation, but who knew she’d open a tattoo shop? But I’ve always thought Cloud doesn’t follow the norm, so it’s not too surprising," Zhao Shuai said to Jiang Cheng.
Zhao Shuai checked the time, "You’ll surely meet again in the future, but it’s already seven o’clock. Should we have some dinner before heading back?" Zhao Shuai asked Jiang Cheng.
"Sure, let’s go," Jiang Cheng, feeling a bit hungry, agreed.
Zhao Shuai then drove Jiang Cheng to the entrance of a western restaurant, "This place has excellent steak. Come on, let’s go try it," Zhao Shuai said. Jiang Cheng followed Zhao Shuai inside and saw the elegant environment, completely full seats.
"Mr. Zhao, you’re here. Your reserved seat is over here." The manager personally led Jiang Cheng and Zhao Shuai to a window seat.
"Did you reserve in advance?" Jiang Cheng asked Zhao Shuai.
"Yes, otherwise, there’s no way we’d find a spot now. Rest assured, follow me, I’ll ensure you have a great time living and dining in the Imperial Capital," Zhao Shuai said with a smile to Jiang Cheng.
"What will you eat?" Zhao Shuai handed the menu to Jiang Cheng, asking.
"You’re familiar with this place, you order," Jiang Cheng said, pushing the menu back to Zhao Shuai.
"Alright, we’ll have two sirloin steaks, medium-rare, and a bottle of champagne," Zhao Shuai said.
"Lin, are you looking forward to the conference tomorrow?" Zhao Shuai asked.
"Somewhat, I’d have some expectations," Jiang Cheng thought such a conference should be looked forward to with some hope.
"Sigh, actually, the conferences in recent years have become less lively, with fewer and fewer truly contributive studies," Zhao Shuai said, unusually serious.
Jiang Cheng was just about to say something when he saw Wu Shi enter through the door—today, Wu Shan was wearing a black dress and glasses, presenting a low-key, unnoticed appearance.
At this point, Zhao Shuai also noticed Wu Shan, "Wu Fen," Zhao Shuai called out to Wu Fen.
Wu also saw Zhao Shuai and Jiang Cheng, then walked over, "You guys are here to eat too?" Wu Fen asked in surprise.
"Yeah, but when did you come to the Imperial Capital?" Zhao Shuai asked Wu Shan.
"Just today. What brings you here?" Wu Fen asked.
"The conference tomorrow, you aren’t here for that too, are you?"
"Yeah, I’m here for that," Wu Shan smiled and said.
"Uh, are you eating alone?" Zhao Shuai asked.
"Uh..." Wu Shan frowned, "Sort of," she said.
"Then join us," Zhao Shuai said, already gentlemanly pulling out a chair for Wu Shan and calling a waiter to order another meal.
Wu Fen took out her phone to check. She also glanced outside, seemingly very restless.
Jiang Cheng always had doubts about Wu Fen’s identity. Ever since he was kidnapped by Mantasha and got out, Wu Shan had disappeared. Her current behavior made Jiang Cheng even more suspicious.
"But didn’t you say you were going home that day? Is your home in Imperial Capital?" Zhao Shuai asked, pouring a glass of lemon water for Wu Shi.
"Yeah, my home is in the Imperial Capital," Wu Fen took a sip of lemon water and said, "But later I seemed to remember, Wu Mu, you were my college classmate, right? Weren’t you a campus beauty? If I remember correctly, but why do I recall you didn’t finish and left school? Did something happen at home?"
Zhao Shuai asked, looking concerned, at Wu Shan.
"No, I wasn’t your college classmate. I’ve never seen you before, you must be mistaken," Wu Fen said, but her eyes were evasive.
"Huh? Is that so? Maybe another person, but you look so much alike," Zhao Shuai mumbled, frowning.
Jiang Cheng observed Wu’s unusual behavior and actions. Although instinctively, he didn’t think Wu was a bad person, she was definitely hiding something.
"Forget it, Zhao Shuai, you must be mistaken. Let’s eat quietly," Jiang Cheng said.
"Alright, alright, I might have some brain issue. But Wu Shi, which research institute are you from? Who are you representing at tomorrow’s conference?" Zhao Shuai asked.
"I’m not representing anyone; I’m just here for fun," Wu said, her eyes briefly flickering with a dark light.
"Okay, but I heard this year there will be representatives from the four major families of West Mountain attending. Although these families have been to the conference before, it’s rare for them to gather like this," Zhao Shuai said with a puzzled expression.
"The four major families of West Mountain? What are those?" Wu Shan asked.
"You don’t know? I can understand if Lin doesn’t know, but you shouldn’t be in the dark. It’s not only in the scientific community; very few ordinary families aren’t aware of the four major families," Zhao Shuai said, looking at Wu Shan as if she were an alien.
"I really don’t know," Wu Shan shrugged.
"The four major families of West Mountain are families wielding black technology: Hua, Qi, Yue, and Ji. It’s legendary that some of their leading figures can perform Magic and ancient Secret Techniques!" Zhao Shuai whispered.
Jiang Cheng didn’t find this statement far-fetched because, on Earth, some of his research was sometimes called Magic by those who didn’t understand it.
"Are they all in West Mountain?" Wu Shi asked.
Comments
Comment Rules
Please read and follow these rules before posting a comment. By submitting a comment, you agree to comply with all applicable rules below.
Site administrators and editors reserve the right to moderate, edit, or remove comments.
The following activities are strictly prohibited in comments and reviews:
Such comments will not make updates arrive faster. If a new chapter is available to us, we will publish it. If it has not been published, it means that we do not have it yet.
Do not flood the comment section by posting multiple consecutive comments. You may edit your previous comment to add more information, or include everything you want to say in a single comment.
Users who violate these rules may receive a warning. Repeated or serious violations may result in a temporary or permanent suspension of commenting privileges.
Commenting Suspended