Chapter 524 Mutual Testing
Zhang Jiucheng took the item, opened it, and saw it was a jade pendant. Its style was ancient and simple, seemingly possessing a sense of age.
Zhang Jiucheng said: "Chengwen, this jade was worn by the famous poet Li Dabai in ancient times. It has the words 'Dabai Cheng Yun' (Dabai Rides the Clouds) on it."
Lu Chengwen was greatly surprised: "That's a cultural relic!"
"Hahaha! Yes. According to law, most cultural relics must be handed over to the state. But this jade is our Yu family's (error in original, should be Zhang family based on context, or Zhang Jiucheng is referencing a gift from Yu family) heirloom, so private retention is permitted, but buying, selling, and trading are not allowed."
Lu Chengwen said: "Uncle Zhang, this gift is too valuable, she's just a child, can't accept it!"
"Eh? I already know, you dote on this little sister, love her very much. Today I see the child happy, like her from the bottom of my heart. This jade, I'm giving it to her!"
Lu Chengwen and Junshi both felt this matter was very strange.
The private collection certificate and related documents for this jade were all legitimate. This jade was indeed an antique, its origin as Zhang Jiucheng said. Its historical value truly far exceeded its intrinsic value.
But it made no sense!
Such a precious item, such a precious cultural relic, their old Yu (or Zhang) family heirloom, given to Xiao Houzi?
Of course, anyone would understand, if not for Lu Chengwen, who is Xiao Houzi?
This was ostensibly a gift for Xiao Hou Hou, but actually to curry favor with Lu Chengwen.
The key was, this matter wasn't right!
Zhang Jiucheng was still shouting and killing yesterday, wishing he could flay Lu Chengwen alive!
How come today he comes to the door saying nice things, praising from outside to inside, wishing he could even praise Lu Chengwen's family trash can.
And even took out this family heirloom jade pendant to give to his little sister.
So proactive, unreservedly showing goodwill, admitting defeat. Why!?
Lu Chengwen smiled, holding Zhang Jiucheng's hand: "Uncle Zhang, no merit, no reward. Moreover, Chengwen offended greatly a few days ago, truly ashamed to accept. How about this, let's eat and chat first."
"Good!" Zhang Jiucheng didn't waste words: "Then put the thing here first."
"No no no, you keep it safe first, keep it safe. This way please!"
...
Lu Chengwen led Junshi to sit down.
Zhang Jiucheng, with Zhang Ningxin, sat opposite Lu Chengwen.
The four chatted happily.
Junshi smiled and toasted: "Today Lu Mansion has joy, Zhang family head does not disdain the trouble, comes to visit as a guest, Lu Mansion is honored by your presence! I toast Mr. Family Head, also Miss Ningxin! May Lu and Zhang families eliminate misunderstandings, join hands forward, form a Qin-Jin alliance (strong alliance), and seek common prosperity!"
"Good!" Zhang Jiucheng was very happy: "Boss Lu's heroic spirit! Junshi's literary talent is outstanding! You two are a perfect match! Please!"
Zhang Ningxin said: "Junshi Zhuge is indeed a dragon among men, words sincere and earnest, and logic clear. To seek common prosperity, indeed need to form a Qin-Jin alliance; and to form a Qin-Jin alliance, of course need to join hands forward; for Lu and Zhang families, to join hands forward, the first thing to do is eliminate misunderstandings!"
Zhang Ningxin raised her red wine glass, smiling: "The greatest meaning of this glass of wine is, drink it, misunderstandings are gone; drink it, friendship arrives."
Lu Chengwen raised his wine glass: "Cheers!"
At this point, the situation was already half clear.
At the very least, firstly, the Zhang family indeed came to solve problems, and their posture was very low.
Under words that preserved face as much as possible, every sentence exuded full sincerity, even eagerness to repair the relationship as soon as possible.
However, what made Junshi and Lu Chengwen unsure was: Why!?
No reason at all!
These two... completely unreasonable!
Something must have happened, or there was another conspiracy behind this matter.
Not only were they confused, Zhang Jiucheng and Zhang Ningxin were also full of doubts.
What exactly is Lu Chengwen's relationship with the Jiang family?
He's laughing and joking on the surface, respectful and polite, but is he actually still thinking of destroying the Zhang family?
Who here will be the contact person between Lu Chengwen and the Zhang family?
This time, if the relationship with Lu Chengwen cannot be repaired, it's equivalent to coming in vain!
The Zhang family's fate is still like duckweed in the sea, more ominous than auspicious.
If Lu Chengwen really has connections with the Jiang family, then for the Jiang family to destroy a family like Zhang, they almost don't even need to think.
They just need one look, naturally someone will come do the job.
And at that time, the Yu family absolutely cannot protect themselves.
So today must make peace with Lu Chengwen!
At all costs!
Lu Chengwen said smilingly: "Uncle Zhang, you specially came to Xuecheng, wouldn't be just to drop by my place for a visit, right?"
"Hahaha!" Zhang Jiucheng said: "Uh... Chengwen, the conflict between you and the Sun family, I have responsibility."
Finally getting to the main topic.
Lu Chengwen and Junshi looked at each other, both smiled, silent.
Zhang Jiucheng continued: "I was also muddle-headed for a moment. Because I lost face, afraid the Zhang family couldn't establish itself in the Jianghu, thus resorted to this poor plan. Chengwen, you are a big figure, managing a hundred-billion group, probably wouldn't be endlessly hostile with an old man like me who's about to enter the grave, right? Hahaha..."
Lu Chengwen said: "Uncle Zhang, you exaggerate. In this situation, you, an elder, are still willing to step into my door, talk with me, teach this junior. Chengwen's heart is both respectful and grateful. How about this, past matters, let's let them pass. Zhang family and Lu family will be friends from now on. If the Zhang family needs any help, just ask. As long as Chengwen can do it, will definitely do my best."
"Good! Chengwen! You are a big figure, straightforward enough!"
"Mm." Lu Chengwen said: "Uncle Zhang, you speak. Do you need money, or need something done? Just say it directly."
Zhang Jiucheng sighed first: "Chengwen, I don't want your money. I just have a few questions I want to ask you."
"Please ask."
"Chengwen, I later understood some of your situation. You previously... encountered many troubles, but never killed. Why, towards Sun Zhe of the Sun family... didn't you show mercy? If Sun Zhe were still alive, this matter would be really easy to handle."
Lu Chengwen put down his chopsticks, looked at Zhang Jiucheng: "Uncle Zhang, let me tell you clearly, I was never any kind-hearted man or woman. I have kindness in my bones, but it doesn't mean I have no bloodiness (spirit/guts)."
"Since coming to this world that drives me crazy, I've always been hiding , always苟, alwayshiding, always hiding... Whoever I meet, I want to turn enemy into friend, want to coexist peacefully, even willing to cooperate with them for mutual benefit."
"But I've always been hunted, always treated as a thorn in the side, a thorn in the flesh by many big figures. Even the best-tempered person has a day when they can't hold back their fire."
Zhang Jiucheng nodded: "But the Sun family originally had no grudge with you!"
"Sun Zhe came, didn't the grudge arise then? No grudge? Precisely because there was no grudge before, that's why I'm furious. On what grounds? A mere Sun family, I, Lu Chengwen, really don't put them in my eyes."
"If I don't go to their door to dismantle their ancestral hall, their old Sun family should be secretly rejoicing. Still dare come find me!?"
"Ai!" Zhang Jiucheng sighed: "I have responsibility in this matter. They did this only because of my signal."
"Whose signal, whose order they received, I don't care. I only care about their attitude towards me. Damn it, humans and dogs alike rush onto my lawn, holding weapons yelling at me!"
Lu Chengwen got angrier as he spoke, banging the table: "He even dared kidnap my family! My little sister! This matter, who could tolerate it? Take you for example, your relative, still a girl, gets kidnapped, can you tolerate it Uncle Zhang?"
Then quickly added: "Zhang Shen'er doesn't count, she... she came with me voluntarily, and wasn't kidnapped."
Zhang Jiucheng sighed: "Sun Zhe also brought death upon himself. If it were just Jianghu grudges, as long as no life was lost, there's still room for discussion. He shouldn't have targeted your family."
"So, if you want to plead for the Sun family, I'll still give you face! I can give the Sun family a sum of compensation, but just compensation, I can afford a few coins. But, let their Sun family walk around me in the future! Don't provoke me again, otherwise I'll hit their home in minutes, make the Sun family disappear from the North Kingdom!"
Zhang Jiucheng said: "Sun family's side, I will try my best to talk. Chengwen, since you... have such a strong background, why didn't you say so earlier? If you said earlier, wouldn't all this have been avoided?"
Lu Chengwen pondered inwardly:
[So it's like this!]
[This old man got it wrong, thought I had some background... no!]
[Could he know about Shifu? Or Shishu?]
[Regardless, whether he knows about my Shifu, Shishu, or misunderstood, I must stabilize him now!]
[Even without backing, have to create one!]
Lu Chengwen had many thoughts, but his expression showed nothing, just slightly raised his eyebrows.
"My background, you know?"
Zhang Jiucheng said: "By a strange coincidence, heard a bit."
Lu Chengwen smiled: "Then you should know, I can't possibly go around using their name to talk about things. What would I become then? How would people see me?"
Zhang Jiucheng nodded, deeply agreeing with this answer.
"Then Chengwen... between us..."
Lu Chengwen smiled: "Didn't we already drink the wine to resolve misunderstandings? We're fine. Sun family, you try your best to talk. If it works out, talk. If not, forget it, I'll deal with them. Drink."
Zhang Jiucheng said smilingly: "Chengwen, allow this old man to say one more thing. You and that family... what kind of fate is it?"
[Family?]
[Not Shifu, not Shishu...]
[Which family?]
Lu Chengwen smiled, wiping his hands with a wet towel: "Not convenient to say."
"Mm, understand, understand."
Junshi narrowed his eyes, suddenly said at this moment: "Actually, with Family Head's wisdom, believe you've guessed it too."
"Uh..."
Junshi slowly sipped his wine: "That family's energy, believe Senior Jiucheng also understands, right?"
"Of course! Of course!" Zhang Jiucheng said: "Even the Yu family, one of the glorious families in the provincial capital, is their vanguard. Among the ancient martial artists in the whole country, as long as they are somewhat presentable, who dares say they don't know the Jiang family?"
Junshi was instantly confused.
Jiang family!?
That Jiang family!?
Lu Chengwen saw Junshi scared stunned, kicked him under the table.
Junshi quickly composed his expression, but his mind was already completely panicked.
Lu Chengwen laughed heartily: "Drink, drink!"
Just as Lu Chengwen was trying hard to control the atmosphere at the dinner table, under the table, a pair of feet in stockings began to rub against Lu Chengwen's calf, slowly moving upwards.
Those feet, wrapped in stockings, soft and gentle, clearly intentional.
Lu Chengwen looked over. Zhang Ningxin bit her bright red lips, resting her cheek on her hand, her pair of bright, charming eyes extremely aggressive.
She's seducing me!?