Chapter 147: Return to Jianghai
A few hours later, the plane landed smoothly at Jianghai International Airport.
Stepping out of the cabin and breathing in the familiar, fresh air, Qin Feng felt a wave of relaxation wash over him.
"Let’s go, I’ll take you home."
Qin Feng called out and led the way toward the airport exit. Zhang Hu followed closely behind, pushing the luggage. The old man and Li Xiaoxiao trailed after them, gazing at everything around them with curiosity.
Qin Feng had arranged for a vehicle in advance, and a black Mercedes-Benz business van was already waiting at the airport exit. After stowing the luggage, the group drove toward the residence Qin Feng had prepared. It was a detached villa located in the suburbs, featuring an elegant environment and luxurious decor—a perfect place to live.
"Wow! It’s so beautiful!"
As soon as she stepped out of the car, Li Xiaoxiao was stunned by the sight and couldn't help but exclaim in wonder.
"Do you like it here?" Qin Feng asked with a smile.
"I do! I love it!" Li Xiaoxiao nodded excitedly.
"As long as you like it. From now on, this is your home."
Qin Feng patted her head, then turned toward the old man, his tone respectful. "Elder Li, are you satisfied with this place? If you need anything at all, just let me know."
The old man looked around and nodded in satisfaction, his dim eyes filled with gratitude. "Qin Feng, thank you so much. You are truly the benefactor of our family!"
"Elder, you are too kind. Just call me Xiao Feng from now on; this is only what I ought to do."
Qin Feng helped the old man into the villa, while Zhang Hu moved the luggage inside. To look after the daily needs of the old man and Li Xiaoxiao, Qin Feng had specifically hired an experienced nanny, Auntie Liu. She was in her fifties, with a kind face and a gentle way of speaking, clearly a warm-hearted person.
"Auntie Liu, I’ll leave them in your care," Qin Feng said after introducing her to the others.
"Don't worry, Mr. Qin, I will take good care of them," Auntie Liu promised, patting her chest.
Once everything was settled, Qin Feng prepared to leave.
"Brother Qin Feng, are you leaving?" Li Xiaoxiao asked with a hint of reluctance.
"Yes, I have some things to take care of, but I will come to see you in a couple of days."
"Okay." Li Xiaoxiao nodded sensibly, though she was clearly disappointed.
After saying goodbye, Qin Feng and Zhang Hu stepped out of the villa.
"Brother Feng, where to now?" Zhang Hu asked.
"To Yushixuan."
...
Meanwhile, in the center of Jianghai City, inside a luxuriously decorated teahouse:
"Bang!"
A burly man with a bloated, fleshy face slammed his hand onto the table, roaring in anger, "Damn it! You're telling me that brat is back in Jianghai?"
"Brother Kun, the kid is back. The information is reliable!"
Inside the private room, a scrawny man nodded and bowed obsequiously to the burly man sitting on the sofa. Zhao Kun, a notorious underworld boss in Jianghai, was puffing on a cigar, the thick smoke unable to hide the ruthlessness in his eyes. Since Qin Feng had brought down the Liu family, Zhao Kun had seized the opportunity to become the top figure in the underground, and now he even had connections with those in power.
"Damn it, that brat finally decided to crawl back! He made me lose so much face at the jade market last time; this time, I’m going to make him pay dearly!"
"Brother Kun, I heard he’s hooked up with the eldest daughter of the Bai family in Kyoto. Should we..." The scrawny man looked hesitant. The Bai family’s influence in Kyoto was immense, not something they could easily provoke.
"To hell with that! This is Jianghai, my territory!" Zhao Kun took a deep drag of his cigar, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes. "Don’t make any rash moves yet. Once I figure out his background, I’ll hit him where it hurts!"
On the other side, inside Yushixuan, warm yellow light bathed the smooth jade, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
"Qin Feng, long time no see. You seem to have become even more handsome." Lin Wanting smiled charmingly, her eyes shimmering with an indescribable allure.
"And you, as always, are just as beautiful."
Qin Feng smiled faintly. Lin Wanting was exactly as he remembered—gentle and graceful, yet with a touch of a mature woman’s charm.
"That mouth of yours is still as smooth as ever."
Lin Wanting gave him a playful, reproachful look before saying, "Come, sit down and have some tea. Taste the Pre-Qingming Longjing I just bought."
"Alright." Qin Feng agreed and sat down across from her. Seeing this, Zhang Hu tactfully stepped aside to begin organizing the newly arrived raw jade stones.
"How long are you staying this time? Are things in Kyoto taken care of?" Lin Wanting asked casually as she brewed the tea.
"Yes, it’s all sorted. I should be staying for a while."
Qin Feng took the teacup and sipped it gently. The fragrance of the tea was rich and refreshing.
"That’s good. It’s been so quiet at Yushixuan while you were away. Many regular customers have been asking for you by name to appraise their pieces," Lin Wanting joked.
"My fault, my fault. I’ll make it up to you later," Qin Feng laughed.
The two shared a smile, and the atmosphere became much more relaxed.
"By the way, do you have any plans for your return? Are you going to continue with the jade trading business?" Lin Wanting asked.
"Jade trading is just a hobby, hardly a business." Qin Feng paused, his gaze deepening. "I came back mainly to investigate something."
"Investigate something? What is it?" Lin Wanting asked curiously.
"Some old matters from the past." A complex emotion flickered in Qin Feng’s eyes.
Seeing this, Lin Wanting didn't press further, simply pouring him another cup of tea in silence.
Outside the window, the night grew darker. The neon lights on the streets flickered with colorful hues, reflecting the bustling, noisy side of the city. Suddenly, a sharp, insistent ringtone broke the silence of Yushixuan.
Qin Feng took out his phone and frowned slightly. It was Zhang Hu.
"Hello, Tiger, what’s up?"
"Brother Feng, it’s bad! Something happened!" Zhang Hu’s voice was filled with panic. "I just got word that Zhao Kun and his people seem to be targeting you..."
"That fat-headed fool Zhao Kun—he’s surprisingly well-informed."
Qin Feng hung up the phone, a cold sneer tugging at the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with frost.
"Brother Feng, are we really going? Those bastards are no good, and they definitely have weapons!" Zhang Hu said, his brow furrowed and his voice muffled.
"What are you afraid of? When have we ever been cowards?" Qin Feng glanced at him sideways, his tone filled with a mix of impatience and disappointment. "Don’t worry, those small-time thugs aren't even worth my attention."
He flicked the ash from his cigarette, his gaze turning sharp. "Since they want to play, I’ll play along with them! Send the word out—proceed according to the original plan!"
"Got it! Brother Feng, whatever you say, the brothers will follow!"
Receiving his orders, Zhang Hu immediately rubbed his hands together in excitement and turned to notify the others.