Elder Xiao's Gift
"How did you know where I am?" Chen Ling directly threw out his question.
On the other side of the phone, Lu Xun's voice paused for a moment.
"Actually, I don't know your location... However, when I was in the Exploration Team, I saw that you took special care of Yang Xiao. Plus, the Research Institute side told me that Yang Xiao didn't return at all, but went missing. I was thinking if you two might be together... So, I just made a call to try my luck."
"..."
Lu Xun's observation was much sharper than Chen Ling thought. But his whereabouts being found wasn't a big deal to him either. If Lu Xun and the others really wanted to be detrimental to him, he could disappear into the vast crowd at any time.
"What is it that you're looking for me for?"
"Director Chen... Mhm, because I don't know your true identity, I'll temporarily still call you Director Chen." Lu Xun spoke after weighing his words, "Please believe me, I have no malice... If possible, I hope we can meet."
Chen Ling's eyebrows slightly raised. "My background is unknown, aren't you afraid that I'm some evil person?"
Hearing this, Chen Ling fell into deep thought.
To be honest, he was naturally interested in the Nine Monarchs themselves. Since he could enter the Timeline Save File, he naturally had to contact the Nine Monarchs as much as possible, to see if he could learn some information related to another era... And Lu Xun himself was the person who assembled the Nine Monarchs, having a special identity. Being able to meet him was naturally a good thing.
He didn't hesitate for too long before straightforwardly agreeing:
"Alright, are you coming to find me? Or am I going to find you?"
"If possible, please come find me." Lu Xun paused for a moment. "My current situation is somewhat special, and I can't leave easily... I'm truly sorry."
Immediately after, the other side of the phone gave an address, which Chen Ling secretly memorized in his heart.
"There is also an unreasonable request. When you come, it's best to avoid surveillance and the attention of others. I believe this isn't a difficult matter for you."
To Chen Ling, this was naturally not difficult. Even if Lu Xun didn't bring it up, he would have done so anyway... After all, modern society was full of "eyes" everywhere. With Chen Ling's identity, he definitely had to be careful.
But the more he listened, the more confused Chen Ling became in his heart. He couldn't help but ask:
"What exactly is the situation over there with you?"
"It's a long story... Wait until you arrive, and we'll talk in detail."
"... Alright."
After hanging up the phone, Yang Xiao couldn't help but ask.
Chen Ling briefly recounted the content of the conversation, and Yang Xiao's brows instantly furrowed tightly...
"Something happened on Old Lu's side? How could this be..."
"This phone call was also made from a public phone." Chen Ling sensed some communication messages and spoke in a deep voice, "It seems, rather than an invitation, this is more like a call for help."
"I'll go with you." Yang Xiao said without hesitation. "Old Lu has been my good friend for many years. With him encountering danger, I cannot sit back and watch..."
Chen Ling didn't refuse. After all, he wasn't familiar with Lu Xun. With Yang Xiao present, he could be considered to have someone who could speak up for him. After all, what with him protecting Su Zhiwei and battling wits and courage with the Path of the Sovereign faction, Lu Xun might not necessarily believe it if he said it himself.
"I'll also go together." Su Zhiwei walked over from the side.
Hearing this sentence, Yao Qing, who was taking care of his grandmother next to them, perked up his ears and looked over eagerly. It seemed he wanted to open his mouth to urge Su Zhiwei to stay, but after struggling for a long time, he still silently closed his mouth.
"Dr. Su, you should stay."
"Why?"
"You are Ying Fu's primary target. Once exposed outside, it will attract endless pursuit and killing... Now that 'The Hunter' has been dealt with, you have also completely escaped their sight and are safe. There's no need to return to the public eye and take risks."
Su Zhiwei opened her mouth, seemingly wanting to say something more, but eventually still fell into deep thought.
After an unknown amount of time, she nodded:
"Alright... You're right. If I act together with you now, it will only bring you greater risks."
Su Zhiwei was ultimately someone who put logic first. Although she wasn't afraid of danger, she definitely wasn't willing to cause trouble for Chen Ling and the others. Just as Chen Ling said, right now, hiding peacefully in a place and not casually showing her face was the best choice.
"I'll leave you a phone number. If you need my help later, find me anytime." Su Zhiwei took out her phone.
"No problem."
Actually, Chen Ling asking Su Zhiwei to stay had two more layers of consideration. First, if Su Zhiwei stayed, then Xiao Chunping could protect her. This was a Sixth Stage expert, which was already quite rare in this era. Su Zhiwei staying was definitely safer than following him. As for the second...
Chen Ling took a deep look at Yao Qing, whose eyes were full of excitement in the distance, and sighed heavily in his heart.
Chen Ling knew about Yao Qing and Su Zhiwei's future. These lovers would experience too many hardships and twists and turns. At least in this relatively peaceful era, let them spend more time together... It could also be considered leaving them some beautiful memories.
Chen Ling and Yang Xiao tidied up a bit, and then bid farewell to Yao Qing and the others.
"Little friend Chen Ling."
Supported by Yao Qing, Xiao Chunping walked over slowly.
Chen Ling looked back doubtfully, and saw Xiao Chunping take out a handwritten directory from somewhere and hand it to Chen Ling.
"This is..."
"Little friend Chen Ling, you should keep this thing." On Xiao Chunping's wrinkled face, a kindly smile curved up.
"I ah, am getting old, and can't be of much help to you... However, in this circle, I still have some connections.
This directory is a roster of friends I got to know when I participated in several intangible cultural heritage exchange meetings in the past. They are special just like me... On this, the cities they roughly reside in and their contact numbers are marked. If you encounter any trouble you cannot resolve, just call them directly.
As long as you mention my name, they will sell you some face and lend a helping hand."
Chen Ling looked at this directory in his hand, his eyes full of surprise... He absolutely didn't expect that before leaving, he could still receive such a gift.
What directory was this... This was completely a modern random summoning guide ah!
"Many thanks, senior!!" Chen Ling solemnly put away the directory and bowed deeply.
After bidding farewell once again, Chen Ling and Yang Xiao passed through the ruins of the museum and walked straight to the roadside.
Chen Ling waved his hand to stop a car, then skillfully opened the door, transferred money, asked the person to get out, and then slammed the accelerator to the floor, roaring away amidst the car owner's dumbfounded face!
Yang Xiao was already accustomed to Chen Ling's actions. He very naturally sat in the passenger seat, buckled his seatbelt, and looked towards the direction of the museum through the window:
"The museum is already destroyed... Can they still stay here?"
"Just now I heard them say they still have a house in the suburbs and will go there to recuperate for a while."
"That's alright."
While driving the car, Chen Ling suddenly spoke:
"So, this Lu Xun... exactly what kind of person is he?"