Превратись в лебедя и прилети к тебе

Глава 47

This dinner was inedible; Feng Junzi had no appetite at all. While Tao Muling packed her things, Feng Junzi went into the bathroom, closed the door, and knelt before the toilet, feeling nauseous but unable to vomit. So this was the kind of person the Taomu father and son, Taomu Kenji and Taomu Shinobu, were. Feng Junzi finally understood why Taomuling had gone to America so soon after turning 18 and never wanted to go back; her choice to study psychology was probably related to her experiences in the Taomu family.

Feng Junzi stood up and splashed cold water on his face in front of the sink, then looked up at the mirror. The person in the mirror also stared back at him expressionlessly. He thought about Tao Muling's experiences, then about Lin Zhenzhen, then about the Tao Mu father and son, and that Sun Weidong. A murderous glint flashed in the eyes of the person in the mirror.

...

Feng Junzi was adept at managing his emotions. When he came out of the bathroom, his expression was normal, and he didn't bring up the unpleasant experience with Tao Muling again—it was unpleasant for both of them. When Tao Muling woke up the next morning, she was still curled up against Feng Junzi's chest, while Feng Junzi was already awake, naked, leaning against the pillow smoking. Seeing Tao Muling stir, Feng Junzi reached out and pulled the thin blanket over her bare shoulders, whispering, "You're awake."

Tao Muling opened her eyes and looked at Feng Junzi's profile, asking, "I've noticed you've been using a cigarette holder to smoke. Is this cigarette holder made of ivory?"

Feng Junzi stubbed out his cigarette and put it in the ashtray. He then handed the yellowed cigarette holder to Tao Muling: "It's made of ivory. There's a Chinese saying that goes, 'You can't expect ivory to come out of a dog's mouth.' It's a translation of the ancient saying of the sage, 'If your words are not refined, they will not go far.' I don't like being insulted, but sometimes I have no choice but to find an ivory to put in my mouth."

Feng Junzi's words amused Tao Muling. She looked at the ivory cigarette holder, which was more than an inch long, and asked, "Such a deep tooth mark, did you bite me?"

Feng Junzi: "Yes, I bite down hard when I smoke, and I often break the filter, so I use a cigarette holder."

Tao Muling nodded: "The most common abnormal personality in East Asia, a typical oral fixation. Have you ever had dreams about missing a train or being unable to enter the exam hall?"

Feng Junzi laughed: "You really can't stop talking about your profession. Do you think I'm a freak?"

Tao Muling: "A personality disorder isn't the same as what people usually call a pervert, nor is it necessarily pathological. It doesn't mean you're mentally unhealthy. It's often a psychological characteristic of a social group. If people are constantly forced to accept various ideas and beliefs during their upbringing and are frequently suppressed by various factors in their environment, it's easy for them to develop this psychological complex." Tao Muling touched the teeth marks on the cigarette holder with her finger, and continued thoughtfully, "However, there aren't many people as direct as you, which means that the rebellious characteristics in your subconscious are very obvious, so it doesn't affect your personality in a pathological form... Okay, this is too technical, I won't talk to you anymore. By the way, what were you thinking about when you were smoking just now?"

Part Four: A Pair of Chopsticks, Chapter 37: A Thread of Light Substitutes for a Peach's Reins

(I had something to do tonight, so I updated this morning instead.)

Feng Junzi closed his eyes slightly, not wanting Tao Muling to see his thoughts. He had been thinking about many things: what might happen between Tao Muren and Sun Weidong? Because when he "blackmailed" Sun Weidong, he used Tao Muren's bank account. Zhou Song, who cooperated with Sun Weidong, hadn't done anything good in the Longwangtang area, and Tao Muren's men were also active in the Longwangtang area. If they were originally in cahoots, Feng Junzi's "plot" would be exposed, but if they weren't originally related, there would probably be a good show to watch. The power of Sun Weidong and Tao Muren was something that he, a mere scholar, couldn't afford to offend. Fighting evil with evil might be the best way, which is what is commonly known as using a borrowed knife to kill. After hearing what the Taomu father and son had done to Tao Muling yesterday, Feng Junzi finally couldn't hold back his murderous intent, but he didn't want to show it in front of Tao Muling.

Thinking of using someone else to do the dirty work, a sudden idea flashed through his mind, and he asked Tao Muling, "Your maternal grandmother was skilled in ivory carving, especially micro-carving. Have you ever heard of such a craftswoman?"

Peach Bell: "I can do more than just hear about it."

Feng Junzi was slightly surprised: "You also know this family craft? As far as I know, your grandmother didn't have time to teach it to your mother. Who did you learn it from?"

Momoki Rin: "There are quite a few people in Japan who are skilled in ivory carving, and it has been my hobby since I was a child."

Feng Junzi was silent for a moment, seemingly thinking about something important, and then said to Tao Muling, "If you have a design, can you carve chopsticks that are exactly the same as the ones your family has been passed down?"

Peach Bell: "I think it's not a big problem."

Feng Junzi: "Then I'd like to ask you to do something. I'll get you a new pair of ivory chopsticks. All you need to do is carve patterns on the handles. I'll give you the patterns."

Tao Muling seemed to have already figured out what Feng Junzi was going to do. Looking at the yellowed ivory cigarette holder in her hand, she said, "This cigarette holder should be very new, but it looks like it's been there for decades. It seems that smoking it with tobacco is a good way to age it. I'll also tell you that there's a men's perfume that can neutralize the smell of tobacco, which is perfect for you."

Feng Junzi: "Just a moment ago you were a psychologist, and now you're an antique dealer."

...

The two of them stayed in their room all day without leaving the house. It wasn't until dinner time that they ventured out to the dining room. The elevator doors opened, and Feng Junzi, arm in arm with Tao Muling, stepped inside, only to be greeted by five familiar faces—Chang Wu, Lin Zhenzhen, Yuan Xiaoxia, Xiao Zhengrong, and Xiao Yunyi. They were astonished to suddenly meet them here. Almost simultaneously, the group exclaimed, "Feng Junzi, what are you doing here!"

Feng Junzi was surprised, but Chang Wu and the others were even more surprised. After all, Feng Junzi already knew they were coming to Binghe Valley, while Chang Wu and the others never expected him to appear here. Chang Wu and the others wore expressions of astonishment, especially Lin Zhenzhen, whose eyes were wide and mouth agape, her jaw almost dropping. The five people's suspicious gazes weren't mainly fixed on Feng Junzi, but most likely on Tao Muling beside him. Tao Muling was wearing the same clothes Feng Junzi had worn when they first met on the train. She had also deliberately groomed herself before leaving, wearing light makeup, and her sexy figure and exquisite features were indeed very eye-catching.

Feng Junzi was the first to react, using his hand to stop the elevator doors from closing. He steeled himself and, still holding Tao Muling's arm, walked in, introducing her to everyone: "This is Tao Muling, a Japanese friend, whom I've mentioned before, a psychology PhD from America."

Among the crowd, Tao Muling was the calmest. She almost immediately greeted everyone with a smile: "Hello everyone, you must all be Feng Junzi's friends. Feng Junzi often mentions you. This must be Major Xiao Zhengrong. Are these two Officer Chang and Officer Yuan? This must be Miss Lin. And this little sister must be Xiao Yunyi..."

This surprised not only Chang Wu and the others, but even Feng Junzi was stunned. He knew that Tao Muling wasn't familiar with these people at all; Feng Junzi had only briefly mentioned her to them, and this was their first formal meeting. He hadn't expected her to recognize everyone so quickly. Of the five people opposite, Xiao Yunyi reacted the fastest. Hearing Tao Muling call her "little sister," she immediately smiled and said, "Sister Tao Muling, I've heard of you before! You're so beautiful! No wonder Feng Junzi hid you at home and didn't let us meet you. How did you know my name? Did Feng Junzi tell you? Has he said anything bad about me behind my back?" As she spoke, she enthusiastically took Tao Muling's other arm, pulling her away from Feng Junzi's side. The others then reacted and greeted her.

Chang Wu and the others were also planning to go downstairs for dinner, and since they bumped into each other, they joined at a table. During the meal, everyone learned that Tao Muling and Feng Junzi were sharing a room, and they all gave Feng Junzi strange looks. Feng Junzi, helpless, could only repeatedly raise his glass to cover his face with wine. Xiao Yunyi seemed very interested in Tao Muling, sitting next to her and talking incessantly. Tao Muling, always gentle, answered almost every question. The whole table was filled with Xiao Yunyi's endless chatter; if they weren't in front of everyone, she probably would have even asked Tao Muling what brand of sanitary napkins she used.

Chang Wu and the others briefly asked Feng Junzi how he had ended up at Binghe Valley. Feng Junzi didn't say much, only that he had come out with Tao Muling to relax. The atmosphere at dinner was quite good, but trouble arose again when they returned to their room after dinner—Xiao Yunyi refused to leave Feng Junzi and Tao Muling's room, saying she wanted to have a good talk with Sister Tao Muling and would stay there that night. She even brought her own things and wanted Feng Junzi to sleep alone in her room.

Xiao Yunyi was the youngest among them, and Chang Wu, Lin Zhenzhen, and Yuan Xiaoxia were too embarrassed to say anything to her. Xiao Zhengrong had never been able to control his disobedient younger sister. Feng Junzi looked at Tao Muling with a wry smile, and Tao Muling also looked helpless. Having no other choice, Feng Junzi had to stay in Xiao Yunyi's room alone that night.

Feng Junzi was quite unlucky; he had just spent a night in a boudoir with a beautiful woman, and the next day he found himself inexplicably alone in an empty room. Just as he was lost in thought, someone knocked on the door. It was Xiao Zhengrong. Xiao Zhengrong entered and said apologetically to Feng Junzi, "I'm sorry, Yunyun is such an inconsiderate girl. She disturbed your rest. I hope you won't hold it against her."

Xiao Zhengrong came to apologize on behalf of his sister, but Feng Junzi heard something strange about it. He waved his hand with a wry smile, locked the door, and said to Xiao Zhengrong, "Let's not talk about this. You've come at the right time. I was planning to go find you. I have something very important to discuss with you."

Seeing the serious tone in Feng Junzi's voice, Xiao Zhengrong asked, "What is it? Is it important?"

Feng Junzi ushered Xiao Zhengrong into the room, then took out two pieces of paper from somewhere and handed them to him: "I want to give you these two things, and I hope you will keep them safe."

Xiao Zhengrong looked at them and asked in confusion, "These look like two maps. What are you giving them to me for?"

Feng Junzi: "These are indeed two maps, one is a contour map and the other is a landmark outline map, with a small dot in the center of each map. I took these from a pair of chopsticks, and I think both maps point to the same place. Do you remember those Japanese guys we met at Longwangtang last time? This is probably the place they're looking for."

Xiao Zhengrong: "The chopsticks, the ones you took from our house? Why didn't you find the map back then?"

Feng Junzi: "Actually, the pattern on the chopsticks is a map. The pattern you see now is magnified sixteen times. It's not safe for me to keep this map with me, so I feel at ease leaving it with you. If anything happens to me in the future, the secret in the map will be up to you to discover."

Xiao Zhengrong: "An accident? What kind of accident could you have?"

Feng Junzi sighed, "It's hard to say. Your grandfather probably knows something about the origin of these two pictures. I'll tell you in detail now..."

After listening to Feng Junzi's story, Xiao Zhengrong remained silent for a long time. Feng Junzi then said, "Back then, Tao Mujianxiong secretly transported a large batch of supplies from the military camp and the palace in Changchun to Longwangtang in Binhai. Later, both the man and the supplies disappeared without a trace. These two pictures are clues left behind from back then. Your grandfather and his senior brother Feng Xingzhi both investigated this matter, but unfortunately, they came up empty-handed. Now that the old man is getting old, it's time for us younger generation to do something. Keep the pictures safe. There's one more thing I need to ask of you."

Xiao Zhengrong: "What is it? Tell me, as long as I can help."

Feng Junzi: "I need a military map of the Longwangtang Jinsha Village area, preferably centered on the turbot fishing grounds. I'm afraid only your Pingyou Port base has this kind of thing. I don't know if it violates any rules. Whether you help me or not, I hope you won't tell anyone about this for the time being."

Xiao Zhengrong pondered for a moment, then looked up and said, "I can help you find the map. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Part 4: A Pair of Chopsticks, Chapter 38: When Illusion Becomes Reality, Reality Becomes Illusion

Before updating, let me answer a few questions from the book review:

Why are there no virgins in Master Xu's stories? Haha, maybe I have a virginity complex? Or did the author arrange it this way on purpose for the plot? (unugy <7-30 06:47>)

A: The protagonist I'm writing about is a gentleman in the world of courtesans, not a lecherous womanizer. If everyone in the story is a virgin… ugh! I can't imagine. Let me think about this. I'm still not entirely sure if Xiaowei in "Ghost Alley" is a virgin, but Qin Xiaoya isn't, Han Shuang isn't, and neither is Tao Muling. However, Liu Ke'er in the next book, "The Goddess's Heart," will definitely be a virgin; I can guarantee that. (Sigh)

Wouldn't writing two books at the same time be a bit slow? Also, wasn't Feng Junzi portrayed a bit too powerful in *Shenyou*? He seemed much more powerful than in this book; he was even more powerful in middle school! (Feng Hua Jue Dai <7-29 19:12>)

A: Feng Junzi is the protagonist of *Ghost Stock*, but not the protagonist of *A Journey to the City*. He's an important character in that novel, though. That novel is very long, and we've only just begun… Feng Junzi's ending in *A Journey to the City* is dramatic, subtly echoing the theme of the entire book, but we can't reveal it yet. There's a ten-year time gap between the ending of *A Journey to the City* and the beginning of *Ghost Stock*. The two works don't contradict each other; you'll understand when *A Journey to the City* reaches its final chapter.

Has the author published articles on the website for quitting pornography? (mxmin <7-29 20:13>)

A: No, I've never even heard of this website.

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38. When illusion becomes reality, reality also becomes illusion.

After Xiao Zhengrong left, Feng Junzi sat alone in the room, lost in thought. After a long while, he took off the jade pendant he always carried and whispered a few words. As Feng Junzi moved, Ya Zi's figure appeared in the dark room: "You called me? Is there something you need?"

Feng Junzi looked at the ghost and said, "I have something to ask you. Why did things happen like that in the hot spring yesterday?"

Masako's answer surprised Feng Junzi: "You haven't let me show up these past few days, so I don't know what's been happening outside. Hot springs? What are you talking about?"

Feng Junzi: "Yesterday I went to a hot spring, which I think is the same hot spring you and Feng Xingzhi went to back then. I also found the cave from back then. There's a big rock next to that hot spring facing the valley entrance, isn't there?"

Masako seemed a little excited: "Yes, that's it. You found it? What happened?"

Feng Junzi: "I went with Tao Muling, and what happened was just like what happened between you and Feng Xingzhi at the hot spring back then. Only the times have changed, and the two people have changed."

Masako sighed: "I understand. You suspect that I have been secretly influencing your minds. But this has nothing to do with me. The you in the hot spring is the real you, and Momoki Rin is also herself. This is between the two of you."

Feng Junzi: "I just think it's too sudden."

Masako looked at Kaze Junko: "Suddenly? Is that really what you think? I thought it should have happened a long time ago."

Feng Junzi changed the subject: "You heard what Xiao Zhengrong and I were saying just now? What are your thoughts on that?"

Masako: "I'm probably the only one in this world who knows what you're planning to do, but it's too dangerous. You're caught between two evil forces, like walking a tightrope."

Feng Junzi: "I have no other choice. After all, I am not Feng Xingzhi of that time, nor do I possess such extraordinary skills. I do not have the strength to face these things on my own. By the way, Yazi, do you still remember the place where you and Feng Xingzhi were killed sixty years ago?"

Masako: "Of course I remember. As long as you can find the vicinity of that place, I'll remember."

...

While Feng Junzi and his group were vacationing in Binghe Valley, Taomu Ren also went there to search for traces of Feng Xingzhi from years past. Meanwhile, Sun Weidong, far away in Binhai, was also busy. Based on the bank account information left by Feng Junzi, he quickly traced it back to Taomu Ren. It must be admitted that Sun Weidong's subordinates were extremely efficient, quickly obtaining detailed information on Taomu Ren. This information not only included Taomu Ren's investments in Binhai but also the Taomu family's background in Japan. According to the investigation, not only did Taomu Ren reside permanently in Binhai, but his sister, Taomu Ling, had also arrived in Binhai a month prior, and her current whereabouts were unknown. Another important piece of information was that the head of the Muzhao Group's Japanese headquarters, Taomu Ren's father, Taomu Kenji, had just arrived in Binhai a few days earlier.

After obtaining this information, the usually hot-tempered Sun Weidong calmed down and did not immediately take action against the Momoki father and son. Partly because he was concerned that Momoki Shinobu might possess incriminating evidence against him, and partly because he hadn't yet ascertained the latter's intentions. He became even more cautious after hearing that Momoki Shinobu had sent his men to operate in the Longwangtang area. His shady dealings in Jinsha Village originated from Japan, and his collaborators were a Japanese organization. He wasn't sure if the Muzhao Group belonged to a rival organization in Japan. If so, he needed to be careful.

Sun Weidong hadn't made any major moves in the past few days, only assigning people to keep an eye on the Taomu father and son. However, according to his subordinates, the Taomu father and son were very vigilant and had actually lost track of them in Binghe Valley. But there was another unexpected discovery: Taomu Jianci's daughter, Taomu Ling, was spotted in Binghe Valley with a Chinese man named Feng Junzi at the Binghe Valley Hotel. Sun Weidong, on the one hand, sent people to secretly keep an eye on Taomu Ling, and on the other hand, told Zhou Song to be careful in his activities around Jinsha Village, and informed Zhou Song of the Taomu family and Feng Junzi's situation.

Zhou Song was surprised to hear Feng Junzi's name and was reluctant to involve him in this matter. After all, Feng Junzi was his former friend, and Zhou Song didn't want such an adversarial relationship to develop. For some reason, Zhou Song didn't tell Sun Weidong about his past relationship with Feng Junzi.

...

Leaving aside Sun Weidong's activities these past few days, Feng Junzi and the others were enjoying a comfortable vacation in Binghe Valley. Tao Muren never appeared again, and Xiao Yunyi moved into Tao Muling's room and didn't move out. Feng Junzi stayed alone in Xiao Yunyi's original room until the end of the vacation. Sun Weidong's men were secretly watching Feng Junzi and Tao Muling, but Feng Junzi remained unaware. The seven-day vacation quickly came to an end, and the seven of them returned to Binhai together.

Upon returning to Binhai, the first thing Tao Muling faced was reporting to Binhai Normal University, where a collaborative project between the university and the Ganquan Branch of the Public Security Bureau would officially commence. Tao Muling had already confirmed her itinerary via fax in Bingheyu. Surprisingly, on her first day of reporting, Chang Wu drove to Feng Junzi's house to pick her up.

Feng Junzi was a little surprised to see Chang Wu at the door and asked why it was him. Chang Wu replied with a smile, "The Normal University has already prepared accommodation for Miss Taomu, and our bureau has arranged for someone to pick her up and drop her off. Originally, this was not something I, the captain, needed to do, but considering our relationship, I took on this task myself."

Feng Junzi didn't say much, just a simple thank you, while Tao Muling replied, "There's no need to arrange accommodation at the Normal University. I'm quite comfortable here and don't need to move out. As for commuting to and from get off work, I can just take a taxi; there's no need to arrange a private car."

Chang Wu noticed the hidden meaning in Feng Junzi's smile, but Feng Junzi ignored him and said directly to Tao Muling, "Just accept the arrangement for someone to pick you up. This is the treatment an American expert should receive. Besides, your current situation isn't safe. I'd feel much more at ease if you took a police car to and from the place."

As Tao Muling followed Chang Wu out, Feng Junzi remembered something and called her back: "Lingdang, wait a little longer, I have something to tell you."

Seeing this, Chang Wu asked, "Is there anything else you haven't finished saying? Should I excuse myself?"

Feng Junzi: "I don't need to carry you on my back. Lingdang, when you go this time, remember to try not to speak Chinese with them. As for Japanese... forget it, just speak English."

Peach Bell: "Why? Is my Chinese bad? I'm in China, working with Chinese people, why do you want me to speak English? Isn't that ridiculous?"

Feng Junzi: "It can't be explained in a few words. You'll understand later. It is indeed ridiculous, but I'm doing this for your own good. I don't think the Normal University expected that the United States would send such a young lady like you, and I don't think the Public Security Bureau will figure out your stuff anytime soon. You, this foreign monk, should probably start reciting foreign scriptures for now."

Chang Wu and Feng Junzi had been friends for many years, and Chang Wu understood what Feng Junzi was thinking. He smiled and said, "Tao Muling, just listen to Feng Junzi. That kid's ideas are sometimes quite interesting. Our bureau's translator is ready."

Seeing this, Tao Muling nodded. Feng Junzi then asked, "Lingdang, I've never seen you write Chinese characters before. Can you write them?"

Peach Bell: "Of course, but not the simplified characters you use. I learned traditional Chinese."

Feng Junzi nodded: "That would be even better. If you give them anything in writing, it's best to use English. If they need Chinese, give them Traditional Chinese."

Peach Bell: "Aren't you just asking me to make trouble for myself?"

Feng Junzi: "This whole thing was just asking for trouble, which is why some people feel it's worth it after creating trouble for themselves. Listen to me, you won't go wrong!"

Chang Wu shook his head with a wry smile and went to work with Tao Muling, who looked puzzled.

Tao Muling became busy from that day on, while Feng Junzi found himself with some free time. However, this leisure wasn't relaxing; it was rather depressing. It was only when Tao Muling wasn't home that Feng Junzi remembered something—the stock market hadn't risen since he met Tao Muling! Since he was idle anyway, Feng Junzi decided to find something to do. Xiao Zhengrong, true to his word, obtained a military map of the Longwangtang area for him, while Feng Junzi himself found a pair of plain chopsticks at the ivory sale counter in the Friendship Shopping Mall, shaped exactly like Tao Muling's pair. Every night, Tao Muling would carve the design Feng Junzi had given her onto the new chopsticks, completing the process in about a week. The remaining task of aging the chopsticks was left to Feng Junzi himself.

Time flew by, and the duel with Momoki Shinobu was fast approaching. According to the agreement between Feng Junzi and Xiao Zhengrong, Xiao Zhengrong would act as long as Old Master Xiao gave the nod. Feng Junzi needed to consult with Old Master Xiao. When Feng Junzi approached Old Master Xiao about this, he expected to have to explain things at length, but to his surprise, the old man agreed without hesitation. The old man said, "This matter arose because of Zhengrong, so it's only right that he resolves it himself. He's grown up now and should know how to handle problems."

When Grandpa Xiao said that, Feng Junzi felt a little embarrassed: "Grandpa, I'm really sorry for causing your family so much trouble these past few days."

The old man shook his head: "This is not a matter for my Xiao family. Besides, it's hard to say who is really bothering whom. Feng Junzi, do you think you can get away with this by asking Zheng Rong to take action? Sometimes, you can't escape what happens in this world."

Feng Junzi sensed a hidden meaning in Xiao Lao's words and asked in confusion, "Grandpa, what do you mean by this?"

Old Master Xiao: "You'll understand when the time comes. What exactly is going on with that descendant of the Peach Wood family? I really want to find out."

Feng Junzi: "Will the old man be there on the day of the duel?"

Old Xiao: "It's been a long time since I've seen anything exciting, so I, an old man, will join in the fun."