Feng Shui

Capítulo 42

"I just hope this is just a coincidence."

The prince narrowed his eyes: "Ruoya, there's a hidden meaning in your words."

Ruoya smiled somewhat sadly: "The vampires who know about that incident probably all thought in that direction, but none of them dared to say it out loud. They can only hope that it was just an accident."

The prince sighed: "I don't believe any vampire could be so ignorant."

Ruoya remained silent. Aside from a very few exceptional cases, vampires generally possessed top-tier aptitude, but that matter wasn't solely a matter of intelligence.

“By the way,” the prince asked, snapping out of his reverie, “what did you want to tell me?”

"It's about fangs." She then recounted how Feng Nian'en first met Zhou Renhou.

"It can actually sense the hunter?" The usually gentle, almost compassionate voice showed surprise, as if a god who controls all things had encountered something unexpected.

“Yes,” she explained, though she knew the prince wasn’t asking her, because she was also quite surprised. “At the time, I thought it was because Lan Ya had mentioned Zhou Renhou to him, so I did something foolish when I saw him.”

"Is it just that the feeling is more intense?" Some humans also have good intuition.

“I don’t think so.” Ruoya gave a wry smile, because the incident was unexpected, and Feng Nian’en was not outstanding in any aspect. “He doesn’t have a keen intuition in other areas.” Otherwise, he wouldn’t have almost gotten himself and Si Wen hit by a car that time.

"Are you implying that he has an exceptionally keen intuition regarding matters concerning vampires?" The prince's expression turned serious.

Ruoya nodded: "I can't be sure, but he recognized Linya's identity at a glance that time too." At the time, she felt strange, but she didn't pay much attention to it. In addition, the bar was shrouded in smoke, so she couldn't be sure. But now that she thinks about it, Feng Nian'en's expression at that time was because he recognized Xu Zuo's identity.

Vampires can certainly recognize their own kind, but generally two conditions are required. First, a long period of time must have passed; because they are of the same kind and have seen each other many times, they can naturally recognize each other. Second, there must be physical contact, causing a resonance of blood through physical connection. However, Feng Nian'en was only a rookie who had joined less than a month ago, and judging from the situation at the time, Lin Ya recognized him before he even patted his shoulder.

"Are you only sensitive to matters concerning vampires?" the prince murmured. "This situation only occurs when..." He paused, a look of fear crossing his face. "Only when..." He looked up at Ruoya and saw that even her porcelain-like face was filled with fear.

“I think,” he forced a smile, “we’re overthinking it.”

Ruoya nodded, wanting to say something but feeling as if something was blocking her throat. Vampires are fearless; they have long lifespans, lightning-fast speed, and immense strength. They never worry about money, and after many years, death is no longer a frightening thing for them. But those two words are something even vampires dare not utter.

Volume Two, Chapter Forty-Seven: Father's Last Words

"Although it was an accident, he was indeed human at first." The prince's words were addressed to Wakaya, but also to himself.

"Yes, and I was born on the same day, month, and year as Zhang Hanwen." The weak voice was still directed at both of them. However, at this point, the two vampires suddenly looked up, their eyes wide as they stared at each other.

Two years ago, a vampire named Yunya from the Ellie lineage ended his long life. According to custom, a new member was to be added to their ranks. Based on various factors, Ruoya was chosen to select a junior. She originally chose Zhang Hanwen and conducted the necessary investigation. However, just before the selection was to be carried out, Cangya intervened, and as a result, Feng Nianen, who had absolutely no reason to be chosen, unexpectedly joined the vampire clan.

At the time, they all thought it was an accident. Feng Nian'en saw the light sphere that was originally intended for Zhang Hanwen, probably because the two were born on the same day, month, and year or were often together, and their magnetic fields influenced each other. But now they began to doubt whether that was really the case.

Joining the vampire clan was an accident, being sensitive to vampire matters was a coincidence, and recognizing Lin Ya's identity at a glance was intuition. One coincidence, two coincidences, three coincidences, plus these thirteen murders, made them think of that ancient legend.

Ruoya's lips twitched as if she wanted to say something, but before she could speak, the prince shouted, "Don't say anything!"

Ruo Ya licked her lips, her porcelain-like skin now covered with a bluish tinge, making the beautiful woman under the lamplight seem frightened.

"No way, that kind of thing is just a legend!" The domineering tone was less about persuading the other party and more about persuading himself.

We're just legends among humans. Wakaya thought to herself, but didn't say it aloud. Knowing it was escapism, she didn't want to admit that such things truly existed—though she'd never seen one, it was an absolute terror and taboo for them, just as humans feared demons.

"I'm sorry," the prince said, realizing he had been too agitated. "I lost my composure."

“No,” Ruoya forced a smile, not taking the prince’s sharp tone to heart. “You’re right, that kind of thing is just a legend. I was overthinking it.” Then, she deliberately spoke in a relaxed tone, “And even if it really exists, it won’t be Fang. It’s not that Cangya has bad taste, but that guy’s aptitude is really not that great.”

The prince smiled gently and said, “I don’t think it’s a matter of aptitude, but rather that our dear boy is rather introverted. Nowadays, most people his age are quite lively.”

"The worst part is that this guy has no ambition. If he hadn't become a vampire, I doubt he would have ever been able to get married."

"Hehe, how can you make such a prediction as a senior? I heard that the girl you chose before really liked him."

"But you can't expect the woman to take the initiative in everything, you know that Eastern women are generally more reserved."

The two vampires engaged in a conversation far removed from their own personalities, as if hoping to dispel the suspicions creeping into their hearts by using Feng Nian'en's ordinariness. However, after a few sentences, they simply couldn't continue. The room, now silent, became as still as a sealed coffin. The two vampires stared at each other, frozen in place, a bitter smile appearing on their lips simultaneously.

“Then I…” Ruoya stood up from her chair, “I won’t bother you any longer.”

Volume Two, Chapter Forty-Eight: Father's Last Words

"Go and rest."

Ruoya turned and walked away, her usually light steps now seeming heavy. As she reached the door, she suddenly heard the prince's usual compassionate voice: "From now on, I'll have to trouble you."

The woman's body stiffened for a moment, and as she turned the doorknob, she uttered a sigh:

“I know, I will… watch over him.”

"Don't mention this to anyone else yet. I might have to temporarily revoke Cangya's status as the eldest son's relative." His voice was filled with helplessness, but his tone left no room for argument. Whether it was true or not, at the moment, the fewer vampires who harbored such suspicions, the better. Besides, Cangya's personality had always been rather radical, and if things were really as they suspected, it was hard to guarantee what the consequences would be.

"If that's really the case, I hope you... can take a more tactful approach."

"I'll try." He could almost hear the raging brat roaring. If he hadn't been so soft-hearted and only given him six months of confinement, he might not be having this headache now.

Ruoya nodded, said nothing more, opened the door, and quickly left.

The fruitless conversation ended there, and neither Prince Ellie nor Ruoya changed their attitude towards Feng Nian'en afterward, at least not outwardly. As for the thirteen lives, although Prince Felt appeared indifferent in the meeting room, he later sent Sa Ya as his representative to negotiate. In the end, the two factions divided the entire city in two, each responsible for searching half of it, hoping to find vampires who had fled from other places.

On the other hand, human secret police and hunters were also mobilized in large numbers, but their targets were not only the perpetrators of this incident. Thus, on a moonless night, the secret police paid the price of three deaths and five injuries in exchange for the life of a vampire and the left arm of another vampire who was traveling with him.

Both vampires were of the Philt lineage. When Prince Philt finished listening to his blood-soaked subordinate's fragmented report of what had happened, he was immediately enraged and wanted to take revenge on the humans. If it weren't for the obstruction of other vampires and the personal persuasion of the elders of the Kalarima Treaty Association, a war between humans and vampires might have begun.

But no matter how thunder and lightning raged outside, Feng Nian'en had no way of knowing. In fact, he and Ruoya had moved out of the Prince's residence on Sunday night. Originally, Feng Nian'en was going to return to his original residence, but Ruoya's words changed his mind: "You don't want your young lady to see me living with you, do you?"

And so, the two moved into the new house, which was called the gift.

Feng Nian'en never cared much about material comforts, especially since this place was much better than where he used to live. It not only provided central air conditioning and 24-hour geothermal hot water, but even ordinary furniture was brought in as part of the house by the gift-giver.

"Just adding a few more everyday items would be enough." He was very grateful for the thoughtfulness of the donor.

Ruoya agreed with this; she didn't like overly ornate and cumbersome decorations. But just like her requirements for clothing, she might wear only one watch, but that watch had to be a top-of-the-line product. As for everyday items, she'd rather spend several hundred dollars on a pair of silver chopsticks than spend a few dollars on a dozen.

Volume Two, Chapter Forty-Nine: Father's Last Words

So, without giving Feng Nian'en a chance to object, she asked for another day off for both of them, specifically to buy chopsticks, cups, and other things that Feng Nian'en thought he could get by just going to the supermarket.

So he only heard the news, which had already spread throughout the company, in the elevator on Tuesday morning.

Zhang Hanwen joined the company!

As Zhang Jiru's only daughter, Zhang Hanwen had never shown the slightest interest in the Zhang family, and Zhang Jiru had never forced her to. Besides, her studies weren't finished yet, so why would she join the company at this time? Could it be that she really wanted to help Long Xinsheng take revenge?

Upon hearing the news, he immediately dialed Zhang Hanwen's number. After a moment of silence upon hearing his voice, Zhang Hanwen asked, "What is it?"

"I want to talk to you."

"I'm at work, so just say what you need to say."

"Would it be alright to meet you at lunchtime?"

After another long silence, Bing Xiao's seemingly indifferent voice finally came through the microphone: "I'm sorry, I have an appointment for lunch."

"What about tonight? Is tonight okay?" Although he felt a little flustered upon hearing the answer, he quickly suggested another time and added, "I really need to talk to you."

Perhaps it was this urgent tone that triggered something, because the voice coming from the receiver immediately became shrill, "You have to talk to me? Who do you think you are? And who am I to you? If you have psychological problems, you can see a doctor. I have no obligation to listen to your complaints."

"No, you've misunderstood, I didn't..." He tried to explain hastily, but before he could finish, the call ended. He immediately called back, but it was hung up after two rings, followed by a long busy signal.

He slumped down, putting his phone down. Yes, what was he anyway? Why should she even talk to him? Even if she wanted to do something, why did she need to tell him?

But—that pleading face resurfaced in his mind—"No matter what happens, please protect Zhang's family." She must have already known about that incident then. He wanted him to protect Zhang's family, even if her was the opponent. Was it because he already knew this would happen today? Had he already decided to take revenge? But why did she plead with him like that? Was it simply because she still had feelings for Zhang Jiru?

Her contradictory words and actions made it impossible for him to see which was her true intention. Should he try his best to achieve that goal or stand by and watch?

"If you can't get through on the phone, just go find them in person," said Ruoya, who had somehow already taken her seat. "The public relations department is on the eleventh floor."

Feng Nian'en glanced at her for a moment, then shook his head. He knew Zhang Hanwen's temper all too well; approaching her now would only add fuel to the fire. She wouldn't say another word except to give him a good scolding.

Ruoya didn't say much, but tossed over a cigarette and a document at the same time: "I've already arranged to meet with the company's representative at ten o'clock. You should get ready."

Feng Nian'en put down his cigarette, glanced at two pages absentmindedly, and finally looked up to ask, "Which industry do you think is better to invest in?"

"Finally decided to lend the money out?" She unscrewed the cap and poured herself a glass of apple juice, filling it about seven-tenths full.

Feng Nian'en nodded. Thirty million US dollars was definitely not enough to protect the Zhang family; he needed to have a much stronger force.

"Where do you want to put the money?" she asked, taking a sip of apple juice instead of answering.

"In stocks."

If you nod your head, the only way to see quick results is through things like stocks and futures. But that requires keen information, accurate insight, and a stroke of good luck.

"You've never bought stocks, have you?" The tone was casual, not a question.

Feng Nian'en nodded somewhat awkwardly. She had only recently come across terms like "index" and "limit up" in books.

Volume Two, Chapter Fifty of the Father's Last Words

"Lan Ya should be able to help you with this. Try asking him when you have time."

Upon hearing this, Feng Nian'en was no longer as surprised as he had been when he learned that Weite was Xu Zuo's business. He nodded, then looked at her hesitantly as if he had suddenly thought of something.

What do you want to ask?

"It's nothing." He awkwardly turned his gaze back to the documents, but couldn't concentrate. It seemed that every vampire did something else. Suzaku did Vitality, Lanya did stocks and securities, and Cangya—although he didn't know exactly what he did, his hundreds of millions of dollars in wealth couldn't have just fallen into his hands by chance. So what did this woman in front of him do? He felt a little curious.

However, this slight curiosity was immediately dispelled by the appearance of another woman, Zhang Hanwen—what exactly did she mean by entering the company at this time?

Zhang Hanwen didn't know what was wrong with him either. He'd heard the phrase "the hatred of killing one's father is irreconcilable" countless times in martial arts dramas, but what did twenty years of nurturing kindness matter?

She knew why Feng Nian'en had come to see her. The man she had always called a fool was not stupid at all. Even if he didn't know the inside story, he could definitely guess something from her unusual behavior.

Why join the company? He knew she had never been interested in business, so he would definitely ask this question. But how was she supposed to answer? Even she herself wasn't sure of her true thoughts. True, at the beginning, she was determined to protect the Zhang family. What did her biological father, the hatred of having her mother taken away, matter to her? For the past twenty years, it was Zhang Jiru who had loved, cared for, and raised her; he was her only father. Although she harbored resentment towards some of his arrangements, and although she sometimes felt as if she were being used, his arrangements were, in essence, good.

Although her fiancé wasn't the one she loved, he was far better than any other fiancé arranged for his children by other parents. She believed he did it because he loved her!

But slowly, she seemed to always see the sorrowful face of a down-on-his-luck man, his blank eyes staring at her. Was it a blood relation? But why did she only feel this now, twenty years later? It must be psychological, but... but that man was connected to her by blood.

What should she do? She tossed and turned all night, unable to make up her mind. She hated this feeling of cowardice; it was not like her at all.

Perhaps it's too early to think about these things; she's just a lowly public relations assistant. However, she's Zhang Jiru's daughter. With that identity, even a small achievement will be exaggerated, and a huge mistake will be dismissed as a momentary oversight. She'll rise faster than anyone else. Perhaps she can't reach that pivotal position anytime soon, but she knows the truth. She'll keep an eye on Long Xinsheng, and she'll do everything in her power to prevent the Zhang family from falling into a trap.

Of course, perhaps she overestimated herself. The man who was her brother by blood was no ordinary person, and perhaps no matter how hard she tried, Zhang's company was beyond saving. When that day came, she would have one last option: to tell the truth. Knowing the truth, her father would never allow the company to fall into the hands of others.

Then why did she join the company? Who exactly was she trying to keep an eye on?

She shook her head. The clock on the table reminded her that it was almost time to leave work. She hurriedly packed her things. She had to leave work early, otherwise Feng Nian'en would come looking for her.

It's strange. She used to resent him for not being proactive enough, but now that he's come looking for her, she's avoiding him. Maybe they're just not meant to be.