Chapter 36: Earned another 600 million; her bank card balance now tops ten billion!

"Little Ning, didn't I tell you that at the hospital?" Zheng Lao joked, "A young girl like you, how can you be more forgetful than this old coot of mine?"

Joking aside, the old professor still patiently recounted once more how Xiao Qidi was gravely wounded and captured, the enemy turned him into a Human Stick, and later was rescued by the ruling forces of Xuan Guo and replaced with a puppet.

Ning Jingli's heart went cold…

That secret history still exists!

Even after she put in so much effort and spent so much money, Xiao Qidi still hasn't changed his miserable fate?

But that doesn't make sense.

The fifty thousand Yu Guo troops that invaded Xi Tun Guan were clearly already wiped out by Xiao Qidi.

Unless…

"Grandpa Zheng, do you know exactly when he was captured at Xi Tun Guan?"

"The secret history records only that it happened when he was eighteen, severely wounded and captured in some battle; as for the exact time or which battle, it's unknown."

The old professor's answer confirmed Ning Jingli's own suspicion.

Sure enough, wiping out those fifty thousand enemies didn't mean everything was fine; the Xi Tun Guan area behind must still see fighting!

Half the year has already passed, meaning the war that caused Xiao Qidi's incident and the slaughter of all seventy thousand civilians in Xi Tun Guan will occur in the remaining half of the year.

On the other end of the phone, Zheng Lao became emotional as soon as the secret history of Xiao Qidi was mentioned.

He said that if that incident hadn't happened, Xiao Qidi could have achieved the great unification of the Huaxia nation.

With his brilliant talent and grand strategy, he could definitely seize more territory.

That would essentially solve, at its core, the future misdeeds of certain neighboring countries.

In our ancient history, the countless invasions and tramplings of Huaxia by foreign tribes would never have occurred.

Even in modern history, the blood‑soaked history of other nations invading our lands and slaughtering our compatriots would not exist.

Countless compatriots who died tragically and sacrificed martyrs could all have survived…

Even now, many countries still eye us like tigers, ready to meddle.

They devise every possible scheme to harm and suppress us, attempting to crush our resurgence; the enemy's wolf‑like ambition has never vanished from ancient times to the present.

After hanging up, Ning Jingli thought of two solutions.

One is to keep Xiao Qidi here and wait for the next half‑year to pass.

If the first plan fails, then the second—exert every effort to shield him; no matter how many wars break out later in Xi Tun Guan, we must help him win.

We also have to develop the whole area of Xi Tun Guan and Lin Xian Village.

This costs a lot.

Ning Jingli opened her phone and checked the balance on her bank card.

The original 850 million had been spent on material transport, buying villas, cars, and various other things, leaving less than 700 million.

Seeing that there's still a lot left.

Yet it's been less than half a month, and most of the supplies sent to Lin Xian Village are still basic.

Even if we soon start our own factory for production, we can greatly cut the cost of buying ready‑made supplies.

But… to support the survival and development of seventy thousand people and ensure Xiao Qidi wins battles, half a year would require about 700 million, which is tight.

Ning Jingli grew worried.

Buzz—

The phone vibrated.

She pulled it out, saw it was Wu Sanye calling, and answered immediately.

"Miss Ning, the Golden Silk Nan Ebony Wood sold!" Wu Sanye's voice rang excited over the phone, "After tax, 1.5 billion!"

"Subtract the 800 million I already paid you before, there's still 700 million left."

"As agreed, 70% of the 700 million goes to you, which is 630 million; I'll transfer it right now!"

The bank SMS followed immediately.

Ning Jingli opened it and saw a transfer of 630 million.

Account balance: 1,331,580,943.56.

"Miss Ning, you received it, right?" Wu Sanye asked.

Ning Jingli's heart raced, "Yes, I got it."

Wu Sanye added, "I'll get back to work then; your huge pile of antiques hasn't been sorted yet, I'll report the progress later."

"Alright… thanks for your effort, Third Uncle."

"No trouble at all, no trouble. Being able to have a sip of soup with Miss Ning is already better than all the exhausting buying‑selling I did before; I'm thrilled, hahaha."

After the call ended, Ning Jingli let out a long sigh.

It seems money won't be a worry; 1.3 billion should be enough, and there are still many antiques to sell.

Feeling a bit relaxed, she finally couldn't resist sleepiness, went to the warehouse, laid out a mat, set an alarm, and went to sleep.

Before she knew it, night had fallen.

Ning Jingli was woken by the alarm at eight, and hurried back to the dormitory.

Xiao Qidi had just woken up as well, preparing to put on his tattered clothes and armor.

"Are you heading back so soon?" Ning Jingli asked.

Xiao Qidi said, "I've rested enough; it's time to go back. Thank you, Miss Ning, for your hospitality."

Ning Jingli's head shook like a rattle, "No, no, you should rest a bit more."

Xiao Qidi frowned, "How long should I rest?"

"Umm…" Ning Jingli grinned, "Half a year, how about that?"

Xiao Qidi: …

Ning Jinli tried the first approach, saying, "Look, after this battle, the rest can be left to the Xi Tun Guan commanders and the Village Chief of Lin Xian Village to handle; you don't need to worry."

Moreover, I will continue to supply them with materials.

You can stay here with peace of mind, live a better life; if you ever want to go back, I'll accompany you occasionally to take a look—how does that sound?

She finished speaking, gazing at him with eyes full of expectation.

These reasons should be sufficient enough, right?

However, Xiao Qidi didn't even think, shaking his head: "Miss Ning, your kindness is appreciated, but although this place is wonderful, it is not my Xuan Guo; as a ruler of a state, how could I abandon my people?"

Ning Jinli scratched her head, "I'm not asking you to abandon your people; just stay half a year, okay?"

Xiao Qidi refused bluntly, "No."

Having no choice, Ning Jinli said, "In the coming half year, you will meet with an accident, a serious one!"

Xiao Qidi narrowed his eyes slightly, "How do you know?"

I… Ning Jinli wrinkled her nose, "I am a Fairy, I know everything."

Xiao Qidi chuckled lightly, "Miss Ning, I won't regard you as a true Immortal like the soldiers and common folk do; I know you are also human."

Ning Jinli sighed helplessly, "Alright, I'll tell you the truth: in a sense, although this place is not your Xuan Guo, it is still our shared country."

Xiao Qidi's face showed a doubtful expression.

Ning Jinli then roughly explained to him, telling him this is the world over two thousand years later.

Therefore, she can know through historical records that he will encounter an accident.

After hearing that, Xiao Qidi fell silent directly.

One could see his pupils trembling, yet his expression remained unreadable.

Ning Jinli added, "Perhaps this situation exceeds your understanding; you might not believe it, or… find it hard to accept? After all, you are a person from over two thousand years ago…"

Xiao Qidi spoke softly: "I am an ancient person, but not a fool."

Ning Jinli stuck out her tongue, "Hehe, I didn't mean that; so, do you believe me?"

Of course I believe, Xiao Qidi said, the people here have the same skin and hair color as I, share a common language; although the script has changed greatly, one can see it is of the same lineage.

I just never imagined that after over two thousand years… the world could become like this.

Hearing this, Ning Jinli was overjoyed.

While pondering, Xiao Qidi asked, "How long did my Xuan Guo exist?"

Ning Jinli replied in surprise, "I thought you would ask whether Xuan Guo had continued to this day for thousands of generations."

Xiao Qidi said, "Although lasting for thousands of generations is every monarch's wish, it is absolutely unattainable; nothing can exist forever."

Ning Jinli was surprised again, realizing this young monarch was far more enlightened than she had imagined.

She pursed her lips and smiled, "Xuan Guo, let me think… it seems that after you hold it for another ten or twenty years, it will be gone."

Xiao Qidi's face stiffened, his tall body swaying slightly, as if he could hardly stand.

Ning Jinli had merely intended to tease him, not expecting the blow to be so great.

She hurriedly brought a chair for him to sit.

Xiao Qidi's eyes were gloomy with sorrow: "I… I am so inadequate? My Xuan Guo actually fell in my hands? In vain I had aspired since youth to someday unify the realm…"

This young monarch now appeared as if he might shatter entirely.

Ning Jinli felt heartbroken and quickly explained, "No, no! Xuan Guo didn't disappear because you unified the other Six Nations! You achieved great unification and established the Xuan Dynasty!"

Xiao Qidi's pupils dilated sharply, "Is that really true?!"

It couldn't be truer! Ning Jinli nodded vigorously like a pecking chicken, If you have time, I can teach you to use a phone to search online; you'll see for yourself.

Then, how long did the Xuan Dynasty last? Xiao Qidi asked eagerly.

He thought, since he would someday unify the realm, the Xuan Dynasty ought to last a long time, right?

Ah, this… Ning Jinli gave a dry cough, Cough, it's rather short, ruined by one of your sons.

…

Xiao Qidi's silence was deafening.

Ning Jinli comforted, Nevertheless, later generations all inherited the foundation laid by the Xuan Dynasty; even if the Huaxia people changed dynasties, those emperors still honored you as their ancestor.

Xiao Qidi's lips moved slightly, wanting to ask further for clarity.

Ning Jinli quickly changed the subject, About these, when I have free time I'll gradually help you understand; for now, the main issue is that you will meet with a serious accident.

Then she recounted that secret history to him in full.

After listening, Xiao Qidi pondered a moment and said, I understand; if I am defeated, I will certainly take my own life before capture—thank you, Miss Ning, for the reminder.

Ning Jinli was full of question marks.

No, what kind of brain circuitry does this kid have?

Ah, little brother, she said with an exhausted expression, propping her elbow on his shoulder, I've said all this just to persuade you to avoid it, not to tell you to commit suicide; if you stayed here with me for the coming half year, nothing would happen.

Xiao Qidi sprang to his feet.

Ning Jinli's elbow slipped, and she nearly fell.

Miss Ning, Xiao Qidi said with clasped fists, if I were to let myself flee like this, it would be better to die on the soil of Xuan Guo; your kindness is appreciated, farewell!

Why are you so obstinate… Ning Jinli gripped his hand tightly.

But then she thought, if he lacked this stubborn streak, how could he achieve great things?

Instead, she felt even more pity for him, and couldn't blame him further.

It seems the first approach has failed.

Ning Jinli said, You may go back if you wish, but it's time for dinner now; would you join me for a meal before leaving? Rest your spirit, eat and drink well, then you can do things better; besides, at least for the next few days the enemy states won't launch another attack so quickly.

Xiao Qidi's tense cheeks relaxed a fraction, and he gave a soft hum.

Ning Jinli happily took out from the cabinet the modern clothes and socks she had bought for him that morning, saying, Put these on; otherwise, wearing that tattered armor you'd go out and not even get into the restaurant. Oh right, I had a set of clothing, bullet‑proof suit, and armor custom‑made for you; I'll send them over when they arrive.

I'll go out first; call me when you're done changing.

She waited outside the dormitory door for a moment, then hearing Xiao Qidi say he was dressed, she pushed the door open and entered.

When she saw Xiao Qidi appear before her in modern casual suit, she froze.

Xiao Qidi's expression was a bit unnatural; he lowered his head to look and asked, "Do I look bad?"

"Good heavens!" Ning Jinli exclaimed, "If you were ugly, there would be no handsome men in the world—don't you know how handsome you are?"

A faint sign of a smile struggled to appear at the corner of Xiao Qidi's mouth.

Ning Jinli stepped closer, tiptoed to adjust his collar, and said, "Just wearing a casual suit makes you look this good; if you wore formal attire, I can't even imagine how handsome you'd be."

But you should let your hair down; that hairstyle from your era doesn't really match this outfit.

Xiao Qidi silently watched her patiently adjust him, and his brows unconsciously relaxed.

After Ning Jinli finished adjusting, she stood beside him, took out her phone, and opened the front camera.

"Come on, little brother, let's take a photo together to commemorate your first time wearing modern clothes."

Click—

The photo was taken, and before Xiao Qidi could even glance at it, Ning Jinli pulled him out the door, saying, "Let's go, let's go—I'll take you out for a big meal, sis!"

When Xiao Qidi got into her Mercedes G-Class, he looked left and right, then couldn't help asking, "Miss Ning, this car is quite special—without any livestock pulling it, it can actually move."

Ning Jinli drove while giving him a rundown of the basics.

She also told him there are many types of automobiles, each serving different functions.

After hearing the gist, Xiao Qidi said, "If soldiers and common folk could also use trucks, it would be handy for reinforcing the city walls."

"Exactly!" Ning Jinli nodded.

"I've been so busy I forgot—when you were building the walls of Lin Xian Village earlier, I should have sent some trucks over; they'd be far faster than hauling earth and stone by hand. I'll buy you trucks later, teach you how to drive them, and they'll be really useful when we reinforce the walls with steel and cement."

As Ning Jinli's thoughts on this topic unfolded, she also mentioned excavators, tractors, and the like to Xiao Qidi.

She spoke enthusiastically, completely unaware that a van had been tailing her since she left the factory gates.

Over an hour later.

She brought Xiao Qidi to an upscale ancient‑style theme restaurant.

The whole restaurant resembled an ancient manor.

Inside, the decor and utensils were all imitation‑ancient, and every staff member wore historical costume.

She had specifically chosen this place; although it doesn't match the Xuan Guo era, it still offers an ancient ambience that should help Xiao Qidi adapt more easily.

"Huh? There are real horses tied up in the stables over there." Ning Jinli pointed out the window beside their seat.

Xiao Qidi looked over, a hint of liking showing on his face, and said, "Not bad—tall and well‑proportioned, with a long neck and limbs, glossy coat, spirited eyes; it's a fine horse."

"You have good eyes, sir," said a nearby server. "It's a top‑bloodline racehorse, but its temper is too explosive—no rider can handle it. Our boss bought it and put it here as a mascot."

"During your meal, you may go to the outside of the stable railing to admire it or take photos, but please don't get too close, or it will become agitated."

Hearing that, Xiao Qidi became even more interested.

Through the window, he stared from afar at the jet‑black war horse.

The war horse seemed to notice him too, raising its head and letting out a loud snort in his direction.

"I'll go to the restroom," Ning Jinli said, standing. "If the dishes arrive, you can start eating."

She left her seat, followed the server's directions, winding around in a big circle, and finally found a secluded toilet at the back of the restaurant.

To preserve the ancient atmosphere as much as possible, the restaurant sacrificed much convenience in the restroom layout.

Just then, three men wearing Ya She Mao caps arrived near the restroom, standing on a necessary path, smoking and staring at the toilet door.

These were exactly the people who had gotten out of the van that had been tailing Ning Jinli.

Originally they had planned to wait until midnight to move in on the factory.

But seeing Ning Jinli drive out in her car, a few of them couldn't wait any longer, so they simply kept following, looking for a chance to act……

……

Back at the dining table, Xiao Qidi found himself liking the horse more and more the longer he looked at it.

Recalling how Ning Jinli had taken photos with her phone earlier, and that she had bought him a phone which he was carrying, he pulled it out intending to photograph the horse as well.

At that moment, a notification tone sounded.

He opened it to see that Ning Jinli had sent him their joint photo.

In the photo, Xiao Qidi had a look of not having reacted yet.

Ning Jinli's head lightly rested on his shoulder, her smile blooming like a flower, her crescent eyes sparkling.

Xiao Qidi stared at the photo, his gaze lingering on Ning Jinli's face, and unconsciously the corner of his mouth turned up in a faint smile.

Afterward, Ning Jinli sent another voice message.

He tapped to open it and held the phone to his ear.

"Little brother, your clueless look is so cute, hehe… ah! What are you doing? Don't touch me! Help——"