Chapter 997 - 962: Estrangement

Xu Chunliang was initially worried that the encounter between Lin Sijin and Ye Qingya might be too sudden, but seeing that Ye Qingya had already had one chance encounter, he wasn’t as concerned anymore. However, this Xue Anning reminded him of someone, Bai Mushan’s doctoral student Xue Anliang. Judging by their names, they should belong to the same generation.

There are quite a few people with the surname Xue in this world, but not long ago in the Capital City, Liu Haiyu had told Xu Chunliang about the South Xue and North Xie families. The North Xie family is represented by Master Xie, Xie Boxiang, and the South Xue family by Xue Renzhong, who is also Xue Anliang’s father. So, could this Xue Anning be related to them?

Ye Qingya chatted with Xue Anning for a few moments and then remembered Xu Chunliang, leading Xue Anning by the hand over to them and introducing Xu Chunliang and Wang Jinwu to her.

Xue Anning was very straightforward and proactively shook hands with them. While shaking hands with Xu Chunliang, she appraised him, "Xu Chunliang, you have a strong curiosity, but your eyesight isn’t great."

Xu Chunliang laughed and said, "I’m humbled, I didn’t expect to meet a heroine."

Wang Jinwu chimed in, "I also believed there are usually not many women who pursue such adventurous work."

Xue Anning responded, "Do you look down on women?"

"No, that’s not what I meant," Wang Jinwu hurriedly shook his head.

Xu Chunliang said, "Sister Xue is an archaeology expert. If I mention a few people, would you know them?"

Xue Anning asked, "Who are they?"

"Professor Bai Mushan from the Archaeology Department of Nanjiang Normal University," Xu Chunliang subtly inquired, his real intention being to figure out the relationship between Xue Anning and Xue Anliang.

Xue Anning nodded and said, "I know him, he’s my brother’s mentor."

"Is it Xue Anliang?"

Xue Anning stated, "You know him?"

Xu Chunliang smiled, "We’re good friends," adding mental quotation marks around "good friends."

Xue Anning said, "I’ve never heard him mention you."

Xu Chunliang thought to himself, he’s my nemesis; he doesn’t even dare to look me in the eye. From the current information, it’s evident that the Xue family isn’t a regular household. Anyway, what Xue Renzhong does can’t see the light of day, and as for Xue Anliang, don’t be fooled by his PhD status; behind the scenes, he’s engaged in shady business. Xue Renzhong’s purpose in training him is to ensure he excels in the business so he can carry on the family trade.

The Xue Anning before him is also a rising star in the field of archaeology. Xu Chunliang sighed inwardly, this family is quite impressive; they’ve integrated deeply into society. He was very suspicious of Xue Anning’s motives for investigating the underwater city, possibly conducting official business for personal gain, preparing for her father’s future misdeeds. Doesn’t the archaeology department have political reviews during recruitment?

Ye Qingya and Xue Anning chatted off to the side, with Xue Anning comprehensively explaining the origins of the underwater city.

Wang Jinwu listened intently; even he was captivated, knowing the underwater city for so long but unaware of all the stories within, essentially gaining a free tour guide.

Xu Chunliang nudged him with an elbow, and the two of them went to the ship’s cabin. Wang Jinwu glanced at Xue Anning outside and said, "This woman is impressive, knowledgeable about everything from astronomy to geography."

Xu Chunliang said, "Each field has its own specialization; this is her expertise."

Wang Jinwu said, "I just appreciate knowledgeable women."

Xu Chunliang gave him a perplexed look, and Wang Jinwu grinned cheekily, "I find her quite attractive."

Xu Chunliang asked, "Don’t you think she’s a bit dark?"

"Dark but serene."

Xu Chunliang was left speechless. Wang Jinwu brought out some drinks.

Xu Chunliang didn’t bother watching him trying to impress, secretly took a photo of Xue Anning, and sent it to Xue Anliang.

Xue Anliang quickly called back, his voice tinged with tension, "Director Xu, what... what are you seeking my sister for?"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "Don’t be nervous, it’s just a coincidence we met at the underwater city. I told her we’re good friends."

Xue Anliang was silent for a while before saying, "I didn’t say anything, I haven’t mentioned anything to anyone."

Xu Chunliang replied, "It’s best not to say anything. By the way, I heard your father is quite renowned in this field."

Xue Anliang said, "My dad quit the business long ago; my sister has nothing to do with it. She’s just an archaeologist."

Xu Chunliang said, "Alright, I trust you. Any movements from Old Bai recently?"

"No... nothing, he’s been busy researching oracle bone script. Luan Yuchuan comes by often."

Xu Chunliang was satisfied with Xue Anliang’s cooperative attitude, reminding him not to give anything away.

The ship arrived at Taibaiwa, as per Xu Chunliang’s plan, they were supposed to have lunch at Taibai Residence today.

Lin Sijin also arrived at Jizhou, everything proceeded smoothly except for a minor episode. Ye Qingya ran into an old friend, Xue Anning, who offered to treat them to lunch.

Xu Chunliang intentionally asked Xue Anning which restaurant nearby had the most distinctive dishes? Xue Anning answered without hesitation, naming Taibai Residence, which perfectly aligned with Xu Chunliang’s plan. Even if they ran into Lin Sijin, Ye Qingya wouldn’t suspect him; it was all initiated by Xue Anning. Xu Chunliang was just a passive participant.

The Jizhou Cultural and Tourism Bureau’s boat also arrived at the same time. Lu Yunqi naturally exchanged pleasantries with Xu Chunliang since he had dirt held by Xu Chunliang. Although Xu Chunliang’s demeanor indicated he had long since forgotten about that matter, Lu Yunqi still didn’t dare to slack off. If he provoked Xu Chunliang’s displeasure, he only needed to hand over the materials to end Lu Yunqi’s career.

Xu Chunliang patted Lu Yunqi on the shoulder, telling him not to be overly polite. The schedule was quite tight today, and they could have a meal together when there was time.

Lu Yunqi stopped inviting them and arranged a car to take Xu Chunliang and his group to Taibai Residence.

Xu Chunliang’s group had just arrived at Taibai Residence when they encountered Lin Sijin at the door.

Ye Qingya’s expression changed upon seeing Lin Sijin. She first glanced at Xu Chunliang, who was really baffled, thinking, "Why are you looking at me? It’s not me who invited you to Taibai Residence; it was Xue Anning, alright."

Xu Chunliang feigned surprise, saying, "Oh, godmother, what brings you here?"

Lin Sijin replied, "Having a meeting, assessing Jizhou’s traditional Chinese medicine business environment." She smiled at Ye Qingya, saying, "Xiaoya, you’re here too."

Ye Qingya responded with a nod, saying, "What a coincidence."

Xu Chunliang said, "Godmother, are you here alone?"

Lin Sijin said, "I originally had plans, but I detest those meal gatherings, so I came out alone for a walk. It’s lunchtime now, and I wanted to try some local specialties. Locals recommended this restaurant to me."

Xue Anning, unaware of the discord between Lin Sijin and Ye Qingya, quickly greeted her, "Auntie, nice to meet you. Why don’t we join together?"

Lin Sijin glanced at Ye Qingya, who remained silent.

Xu Chunliang asked, "Sister Qingya, did you and your mother plan to meet beforehand?"

Ye Qingya said, "I didn’t plan it; whether others did, I don’t know."

Wang Jinwu said, "Let’s go upstairs. I’ll take care of ordering."

Once everyone went upstairs, Xu Chunliang said to Wang Jinwu, "You order the dishes; I’ll go take a look first."

Wang Jinwu asked, "Is there some discord between the mother and daughter?"

Xu Chunliang thought, even Wang Jinwu could see it; it’s not just a matter of surface harmony with underlying discord—it’s quite apparent. Although he cleverly used Xue Anning as a cover, Ye Qingya, with her sharp insights, likely realized that today’s encounter was deliberately arranged by him.

So, sometimes being too smart isn’t a good thing.

Xu Chunliang entered the room and saw Lin Sijin seated at the head, with Xue Anning at her side and Ye Qingya next to Xue Anning.

Xu Chunliang had no choice but to sit next to Lin Sijin, saying, "Godmother, you should have informed me of your visit to Jizhou earlier. I could have made arrangements."

Lin Sijin laughed, "What arrangement? If you had known I was coming, would you have changed your travel plans?" She said while glancing at Ye Qingya.

Xue Anning, seated between the mother and daughter duo, felt uncomfortable. "What animosity do they have?" Ye Qingya was visibly unhappy.

Xue Anning excused herself to go to the restroom and signaled to Xu Chunliang as she left, suggesting he take her seat.

Xu Chunliang pretended not to see.

Since the meeting between Lin Sijin and Ye Qingya, the atmosphere had been under a cloud, and the previously lively ambiance was completely gone, with everyone becoming somewhat restrained.

Although Xu Chunliang was good at talking, this wasn’t the time for much conversation, and he could only look for opportunities to break the ice one by one.

Xue Anning initially wanted to host, but Wang Jinwu not only ordered the dishes but also settled the bill on the spot.

Noticing the subtle relationship between the mother and daughter, Xue Anning left, citing work as an excuse after the meal, as this had been pre-arranged by Xu Chunliang.

Ye Qingya quietly said to Xu Chunliang, "Let’s go back early."

Xu Chunliang replied, "Don’t. We agreed to visit my ancestral home." He then asked Lin Sijin, "Godmother, do you have time? Join us for a visit."

Lin Sijin said, "Sure, let’s go have a look."

As they walked, Xu Chunliang recounted his family’s story, though he couldn’t mention the scandalous affair between Zhou Renhe and Xu Changying. Despite omitting certain parts, the dramatic family history still captivated the mother and daughter.

Lin Sijin increasingly felt there was much to explore in the family history of Huichun Hall.

Ye Qingya listened attentively but didn’t say a word throughout. Upon reaching the ancestral home, Xu Chunliang pulled out a key and opened the door. It had been tidied up by professionals recently, although last night’s storm had left the ground covered with osmanthus flowers, filling the garden with their fragrance.

Lin Sijin, seeing the serene and elegant courtyard, praised, "What a wonderful place."

Xu Chunliang said, "My granduncle left it to me."

Lin Sijin, recalling the recent brand legal case involving Renhe Hall, asked with concern, "How is the preparation for your lawsuit going?"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "Evil won’t triumph over good; they voluntarily withdrew the lawsuit."

Lin Sijin said, "That’s great news! Does that mean there’s no issue with Renhe Hall’s brand ownership?"

Xu Chunliang said, "With godmother backing me up, who dares to challenge me?"

Lin Sijin laughed, "Don’t say that, or people will say I’m abusing my position."

Xu Chunliang turned to Ye Qingya, who had intentionally distanced herself to pretend to admire the garden, saying, "Sister Qingya, you aren’t jealous of me, are you?"