Chapter 127: Journey to the South of the Yangtze River
After Ming Cheng left, Ling Xiao finally spoke to Mu Yiren.
“Yiren, I’m going to Jiangnan for a while. Why don’t you come with me?”
“You just got back, and now you’re leaving again?”
“That’s right. There are some matters in Jiangnan I must attend to.”
“Then... you go ahead first. I’ll finish up a few contracts at the company and then come to Jiangnan to find you!”
“That’s fine! I’ll have Xiu’er protect you. You also have the jade talisman I made for you. Generally, no one can harm you easily with that.”
“Okay!”
Mu Yiren nodded.
“When are you leaving?”
“Tomorrow morning’s earliest flight.”
“I’ll see you off then.”
...
Jiangnan is beautiful, its scenery familiar and enchanting.
The river blooms red at sunrise like fire; in spring, its waters are as green as blue.
The exquisite landscape of Jiangnan signifies the abundant spiritual energy here, shaping it into a land rich with fish and rice.
As a plane descended, a young figure stepped onto Jiangnan’s soil, bringing with him a fresh vitality.
“If I remember correctly, my aunt married into Jiangnan years ago. I wonder how she’s doing now. Cousin Song Kang should have graduated from university by now, right?”
“Since we’re here, we might as well pay them a visit.”
The young man left the airport, getting into a stretch Lincoln that drew many envious glances.
“So young, already riding in a Lincoln? Must be incredibly lucky!”
“Don’t even look. Either you’re born with it, or you never get the chance your whole life.”
...
The Lincoln wove through Jiangnan’s streets, finally arriving at an upscale residential complex.
The young man stepped out, and the driver went to a nearby supermarket to buy several cases of drinks, carrying them back for him.
“Master, shall I accompany you?”
“No need. I’ll go alone. You attend to your own business.”
“Understood! Master, my phone is on twenty-four hours. Call me anytime.”
“Mm.”
Ling Xiao nodded, carrying the drinks as he walked toward the complex.
Just as he reached the gate, the security guard stopped him.
“Hold on. You’re unfamiliar here, right? You don’t look like a resident.”
“I’m here to see someone.”
“To see someone?”
Several junior guards scrutinized Ling Xiao from head to toe. Seeing the cases of drinks he carried, a look of disdain crossed their eyes.
Though not the most elite, this was still a high-end community.
Visitors without cars were already considered shabby; carrying dozens worth of drinks by hand was the height of poverty in their eyes.
“Sorry, but our community doesn’t allow outsiders to enter freely. Either your relative comes out to meet you, or you have to leave.”
Ling Xiao could easily see the contempt in the guard’s eyes.
He did not get angry.
A mere shrimp like him wasn’t worth the trouble or the loss of dignity.
Ling Xiao pulled a wad of red bills from his pocket and tossed them into the guard’s arms.
“Can I come in now?”
The guard’s eyes widened at the sight of the money!
Ten thousand yuan just handed over casually—wow, this guy was a real tycoon!
He hastily bent forward with a flattering smile.
“Sorry, sir, I was joking with you earlier. Where are you headed? I’ll help carry your things.”
“No need.”
Ling Xiao’s face was calm as he walked past him, not giving the guard an inch of respect. Yet the security guard still smiled and waved him on.
“Please, sir, have a good walk. If you need anything, just come find me!”
...
Ling Xiao paid no attention and followed the route etched in his memory straight to a house, ringing the doorbell.
“Who is it?”
A familiar female voice came from inside. When the door opened, the woman froze, then asked in disbelief:
“Xiao... is that you, Xiao Xiao?”
Ling Xiao’s eyes grew moist.
“Aunt, it’s me.”
His aunt quickly came forward and embraced him, tears streaming uncontrollably.
“My poor child, you’re finally back. I’ve been praying at the temple every few days, hoping you’d come home! Let me see—are your legs better now?”
“Yes, Aunt. I’m fine now.”
“Good, good! That’s a relief. If your grandfather knew, he’d be overjoyed! Come in quickly. Luckily you arrived early, or we would have been forced to move out.”
She called inside.
“Hey, your dad, Kang Kang, come out! Look who’s here!”
Soon two similar figures appeared—one older, one younger.
Both were tall.
The uncle was slender and wore glasses, while Song Kang was more robust.
Upon seeing Ling Xiao, both showed surprise mixed with joy.
“Ling Xiao! Is that really you? You’re back! That’s wonderful!”
“Ling Xiao, how have you been these three years? Not once did you call us. We were worried sick!”
Song Kang playfully punched Ling Xiao’s chest, immediately earning a kick from his mother.
“Stop! Don’t mess around. Xiao Xiao’s younger than you, don’t bully him!”
Song Kang laughed helplessly.
“Mom! I’m just teasing.”
Ling Xiao smiled softly.
“Aunt, it’s alright.”
“That’s no excuse. Xiao Xiao is the youngest; don’t you dare pick on him, or I won’t forgive you.”
Song Kang raised his hands in surrender.
“Looks like my own son’s become an outsider.”
The uncle patted Ling Xiao’s shoulder.
“Xiao Xiao, we’ve all been worried about you. Since you’re in Jiangnan, why not stay? I don’t have much, but I can arrange you a decent job.”
“Yeah, Ling Xiao, if you don’t want to work, you can join me in some small business. With me, you’ll never go hungry.”
The warmth of the Song family moved Ling Xiao deeply.
In contrast, his uncles from the Ling family were truly disheartening.
He smiled and nodded.
“Thank you for your kindness, but I already have a job. I came this time just to see you all.”
“Where did you find work?”
“Right here in Jiangnan, at Jiangnan University.”
“Oh, that’s great! Being around college students, you can learn a lot.”
“Mom, Dad, let’s not just stand here. It’s noon—let’s take Ling Xiao out for a good meal.”
“Good! I’ll go change.”
The family was cheerful and sincere, showing Ling Xiao nothing but warmth and acceptance, not a hint of disdain.
When they left the complex, the security guard treated the Song family with unusual kindness, even bowing to see them off.
This puzzled the Song family.
“Strange. This guard is usually so arrogant. Did he take some strange medicine today?”
Only Ling Xiao knew the guard was actually greeting him, thanks to the generous tip.
He chose not to explain.
To the Song family who treated him with genuine affection, Ling Xiao did not want to appear aloof, lest it spoil this precious family bond.