Chapter 231: Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Ling Wu is currently living at Dongwan Manor, the home of his teacher, Qin Zhonglian. Ling Wu owns several properties in the Federation, but Pei Ziying and Xi Huaizhi were both uneasy about him living alone, so after some persistent pestering from his teacher, he moved here.

Xi Huaizhi parked the car in the courtyard. The moment the two of them entered the living room, they saw the Marshal drinking tea with a young man, laughing heartily from time to time as he was amused.

Ling Wu called out, "Teacher, I'm back."

The person sitting opposite Qin Zhonglian, acting as his conversation partner, leaned forward slightly. His sturdy back was wrapped in navy blue fabric, his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, his wrist bones were prominent, and his silver watch dial caught the light, giving off a cold, metallic luster.

He carried a unique scent of cologne, and his entire demeanor exuded a mature and steady air.

Hearing Ling Wu's voice, Jin Shaoyu turned his head quickly. His tall, upright frame "scooted" up from the sofa. His features were as handsome and refined as ever, only his words and actions now revealed a unique, masculine charm; he was no longer as reckless as he used to be.

He waved his hand: "Brother! Come over and sit!"

Qin Zhonglian did not like loneliness, so he simply turned Dongwan Manor into a "children's shelter," having first let Ling Wu and Xi Huaizhi move in; Shi Yu was also deeply favored by the Marshal and came and went as she pleased.

Now, a vibrant and energetic Jin Shaoyu had arrived as well.

He was overjoyed.

The Marshal stroked his snow-white beard, feeling that being with young people made him feel refreshed, as if he had become a dozen years younger.

He said affectionately, "Ah Wu, you must have been scorched by the heat outside."

"There is herbal tea on the table."

Ling Wu drank the herbal tea, tugged at his collar, and sat down beside Qin Zhonglian: "Huaizhi drove me back. The air conditioning was on in the car, so it wasn't hot."

Jin Shaoyu glanced at the tall, blue-eyed gatekeeper standing by the sofa, then said, "Brother, why didn't you let me pick you up?"

"Shao Yu, I only just found out you came to the Federation," Ling Wu said.

That was true.

Jin Shaoyu had launched a surprise attack this time without reporting it to Ling Wu in advance. He felt a bit discouraged: "Alright."

"Remember to tell me next time."

Qin Zhonglian chuckled: "Isn't it the same whoever picks you up? I just look forward to you all coming back to eat with this old man."

They finished lunch.

The sun was about to set. Ling Wu accompanied Qin Zhonglian to fish in the manor's lake. Cicadas chirped from time to time. The float suddenly sank, and Qin Zhonglian's withered wrist flicked, pulling a carp out of the water and into the bucket beside him.

Ling Wu remained sitting on the bamboo fishing chair, somewhat distracted.

Qin Zhonglian cast his line back into the water, the ripples shattering the reflection of the clouds. He gently fanned himself with a cattail-leaf fan: "Ah Wu, looking at how absent-minded you are, are you hiding something in your heart?"

"Huh?" Ling Wu came back to his senses, his palms sweating as he gripped the fishing rod. He realized belatedly what his teacher had said and tried to brush it off: "No, I was just wondering when the fish would bite."

"No?"

Qin Zhonglian looked at the shimmering lake surface: "Your thoughts are like a fish that has taken the bait; the more you try to hide them, the greater the commotion."

"I've watched you grow up since you were a child; do you think I don't know what you're thinking? Don't try to fool this old man; if you have something to say, just say it."

The setting sun dragged their shadows out very long.

Ling Wu looked up at Qin Zhonglian's profile and said straight to the point: "Teacher, I want to move out."

"Move out?!"

Qin Zhonglian repeated his words, immediately forgetting everything else. He tossed his fishing rod aside and reached out to grab his ear: "Good for you! You're just annoyed that this old man is long-winded and that I'm making you sacrifice your precious time to fish with me, aren't you?"

What could Ling Wu do?

He sighed in his heart: Here we go again.

Ling Wu hurriedly said: "Teacher, that's not what I meant..."

—"Brother!"

"What are you two doing?"

Seeing Jin Shaoyu arrive, Qin Zhonglian snorted coldly, let go of Ling Wu, picked up his fishing rod again, and pulled out the water bottle he carried with him. He took a hearty gulp, no longer sparing the two brothers a glance.

Jin Shaoyu leaned over to Ling Wu, helped him rub his ear, and whispered: "Brother, did you make the old urchin angry?"

Ling Wu: "Um... I..."

"Hey!" Qin Zhonglian began to clamor: "I am old, not deaf. Do you think you're being quiet right in front of me?"

In his youth, as a Federation Marshal, Qin Zhonglian had forged countless immortal achievements with his burning passion. He was decorated with military honors, upright and uncorrupt, and led the army to a decisive victory. Later, he devoted himself to military reform. He held high positions and performed great deeds, yet he was never arrogant, and was deeply respected and loved by the military and the people.

No one would have expected that the formidable Marshal Qin Zhonglian would be so angry at two juniors that smoke would come out of his ears.

He said coldly, bringing out the aura of a commander of three armies, and glanced at Ling Wu: "If you dare to run off without a word again, don't blame me for breaking your legs!"

Qin Zhonglian walked slowly forward, pricking up his ears to listen for movement behind him. Why weren't they chasing after him yet?

Could it be... he was too fierce just now?

Qin Zhonglian truly had no way to deal with this youngest student. His mother, Ling Tingwan, was a Federation citizen whom Qin Zhonglian had adopted and raised. She had gone to the Empire—that den of dragons and tigers—and was consumed without a trace, entrusting her child to him on her deathbed. With these layers of connections,

the Marshal felt such heartache for Ling Wu that he didn't even dare to speak a harsh word to him.

Because Ling Wu had a "prior record" regarding this matter, he could only awkwardly rub his nose.

He exchanged a look with Jin Shaoyu, and the two of them chased after him in unison.

"Teacher!"

Ling Wu followed at his side, his voice clear and resonant: "You know that's not what I meant. Even if I move out, I will come back to see you every few days. If you feel bored, there are still Huaizhi and Shi Yu and the others to keep you company; it's all the same..."

Qin Zhonglian poked his forehead: "Is that what I meant?"

"Where did your cleverness go?"

This student of his was good at everything, except that he lacked a human touch. Often, he was too self-centered, disregarding the feelings of those around him and frequently failing to appreciate others' good intentions.

He was afraid he would suffer a great loss in matters of the heart in the future.

Jin Shaoyu was still dressed in his suit and leather shoes, looking dapper. At this moment, he was holding the cattail-leaf fan that belonged to the Marshal, fanning him from the side. Combined with his attire, it looked rather incongruous...

He chimed in: "Yeah, yeah, my brother is right."

"Right your head! I'll be angered to death by you two sooner or later." Qin Zhonglian punched the top of his head, snatched the fan back, and said: "You two brothers really live up to the saying, 'Birds of a feather flock together'."

"One is stubborn and obstinate! The other is a wisecracking clown!"