This is what an immortal should be like

Chapter 42 Being Disliked

As his only direct disciple now, Zhuang Lin must be very concerned about Liu Hongyu.

However, after going to Zhonghai City together, Zhuang Lin realized that his worries were unnecessary. Liu Hongyu's state of mind was much more stable than he thought. Not only was he calm on the outside, but he could also feel and even see the changes in his fate.

In the Zhonghai City Funeral Home, Liu Hongyu and Zhuang Lin, along with everyone else, saw Liu Shihao's body.

Although the news had not been announced to the outside world, the arrangements for the funeral had already begun quietly and were almost ready by the time Liu Hongyu returned.

In the center of the venue is a crystal coffin surrounded by flowers. The cooling effect inside the coffin keeps Liu Shihao's body intact. Under the skillful hands of the mortician, the person in the coffin even appears to be somewhat peaceful and serene.

Liu Hongyu looked at the person lying inside through the coffin glass and reached out to touch the cold glass cover.

This strong man, this business legend who has experienced countless ups and downs in his life, is now lying quietly inside, falling into eternal sleep.

All kinds of childhood memories came to his mind, good and bad, happy and painful, as if transformed into various flavors for Liu Hongyu to taste again.

As Liu Hongyu's mood fluctuated, Zhuang Lin saw a hint of changes in his fate, but gradually, those gloomy feelings began to dissipate, and the white light slowly took over.

"Master, thank you for accompanying me on this trip!"

When he saw Liu Shihao's body, Liu Hongyu completely understood that even though his master was a great immortal, he could not do anything extra.

All traces of the soul on the corpse have almost disappeared.

Perhaps this is the era when spiritual energy is exhausted, and even turning into a ghost is not inevitable.

Zhuang Lin didn't say much. His idea was basically the same. Perhaps the trace of spirituality that remained after many people died would quickly dissipate between heaven and earth due to a principle similar to osmotic pressure.

Zhou Xianglin patted Liu Hongyu on the shoulder.

"Hongyu, my condolences!"

Liu Hongyu turned and looked at Zhou Xianglin.

"Uncle Zhou, I know you're probably very busy right now, with a lot of planning to do. Don't worry, there are plenty of people here who can help me."

"You can say that, you've really grown up!"

Zhou Xianglin was very pleased.

"Okay, I'll go take care of some things first and come back as soon as I'm done. And Master Zhuang, we'll talk again when we have the chance!"

Zhou Xianglin extended his hand, and Zhuang Lin nodded. Finally, he shook hands with the other party according to modern etiquette, and then watched the old director leave.

Liu Lei on the side took a few steps closer and whispered.

"I saw Master Zhuang was very interested in that piece of jewelry on the plane. If you'd like, I can arrange for someone to accompany you to the auction. It should still be in time. What do you think, young master?"

Liu Hongyu looked at Liu Lei and nodded to Zhuang Lin.

"Master, don't worry about how much it costs, just take it!"

Zhuang Lin was not pretentious, and there was no need for him to be polite to his own disciples.

"Okay, since you said so, I'll go over there and get the hairpin, then go back to the valley and wait for you!"

When Liu Lei heard the words "I'll wait for you in the valley", he instinctively frowned slightly, then winked at the driver beside him, who immediately moved closer to Zhuang Lin.

"Master Zhuang, please come this way. I'll take you to the auction center!"

"it is good!"

Zhuang Lin nodded and left with the others. For him, there was nothing to worry about, and nothing to feel awkward about.

Zhuang Lin was travelling in a luxury car. He also learned on the way that the person accompanying him was Liu Shihao's former personal driver, who was also one of the Liu family's most trusted confidants.

In the funeral home, Zhuang Lin was finally sent away, and Liu Lei breathed a sigh of relief.

For some reason, when that person was with the young master, Liu Lei always felt an inexplicable sense of distance from them, as if he had not "left ancient times" at all.

Looking at Liu Hongyu who was still carrying the big wooden box, Liu Lei couldn't help but speak again.

"Young Master, you can take over the company without worry. Forget everything that happened before. After the funeral, I will immediately arrange a shareholders' meeting. I will also ensure the funding for all the relevant personnel and restore their identities!"

Liu Lei's ability is definitely strong, otherwise Liu Shihao would not value him, but he obviously does not want Liu Hongyu to be involved in those absurd things again.

Liu Lei's words caught Liu Hongyu's attention. At this moment, his sadness subsided and he looked at the people around him.

"I heard that everyone in the valley was classified as illegal before the plan began. So there should be a record of it, right?"

"Of course there are. The boss is here to treat you, not to harm anyone. The files have been properly sealed. They can restore their original nationality or get a suitable new identity. After all, there will be a considerable reward. We can help some people avoid unnecessary trouble!"

Liu Hongyu nodded and looked at the busy staff in the funeral home hall, then thought for a while.

"What was the master's previous identity?"

The master has been waiting for him for many years, so what is his identity? Liu Hongyu couldn't help but feel curious.

When Liu Lei heard this, he frowned slightly and told the truth.

"This is actually a bit strange. When I first met Mr. Zhuang, he was teaching at Muling Primary School, but the locals couldn't explain his specific origins.

Director Zhou and I have been investigating for a while, but we couldn't find any information about him. Yes, any information.

Not only is he an illegal resident, but other than Muling Primary School, the outside world has not yet found any traces of him. However, his demeanor and knowledge are definitely not something that can be cultivated by ordinary education. It is also an unsolved mystery to this day. Isn’t this itself very suspicious?"

Liu Hongyu didn't listen to Liu Lei's deliberately exaggerated and misleading words. He just smiled with relief. The master probably thought it was too troublesome and never paid attention to such things. For an immortal, being an illegal resident might be less troublesome.

At this time, someone came over carrying a white linen robe.

"Master, you still have to wear mourning clothes!"

Even if he didn't wear a suit, he still had to wear mourning clothes. Liu Hongyu nodded, put down the sword case and package, and began to change clothes.

Although the occasion was a bit inappropriate, Liu Lei, who had been full of curiosity along the way, finally had the opportunity to try the weight of the wooden box. While Liu Hongyu was wearing mourning clothes, he hurriedly grabbed the leather strap of the sword box with one hand and lifted it up.

But, it didn't move at all!
Hmm? Can't lift it?
The sword box originally weighed about sixty to seventy kilograms. Although it had only undergone simple rituals and training by Liu Hongyu, it contained a spiritual sword that recognized its master, so it could not be described as simply an ordinary weight.

The owner will feel even lighter if carrying it, but if an ordinary person carries it...
A person who is not resisted may feel that the weight he is lifting is about a hundred pounds, but a person who is resisted by the spirit sword may not be able to lift it at all.

Liu Lei was slightly stunned at this moment, and immediately put all his strength into pulling the leather up with both hands, and was careful not to let the package on the box fall down. When his face flushed slightly, the sword box slowly lifted half a centimeter off the ground, and then he quickly and carefully put it down.

"Boom~"

The sword case made contact with the ground, making a very subtle but dull sound.

Liu Lei was sweating all over.

My goodness, is this wood or iron? Is it so heavy?
The young master carried it all the way by himself so easily?
Is this something a normal person can do?
Liu Lei looked at the sword box and then looked at Liu Hongyu over there with surprise. He suddenly felt that the young master was even more unfamiliar. Then he looked at the package on the wooden box, and at this moment he had a strong urge to see what was inside.

But when Liu Lei's hand touched the package, Liu Hongyu, who was obviously not looking here, suddenly stretched out a hand and covered the package.

Liu Lei immediately withdrew his hand with embarrassment. Fortunately, Liu Hongyu just turned his head and looked at him without saying anything.
-
At the Jiayun Auction Center in Zhonghai City, it was actually quite late when Zhuang Lin and his driver Leng Zhiheng arrived. The autumn auction had already begun.

When they arrived at the entrance of the venue, the security guard naturally stopped Zhuang Lin and Leng Zhiheng and gave Zhuang Lin a strange look.

After all, it is normal to see many people wearing luxurious or various designer dresses at such a relatively grand occasion, but a person wearing ancient costume is still a bit too unique.

However, Leng Zhiheng just came up to them and said a few words, then showed them a business card. One of the security guards immediately took the business card and left.

After a while, a woman in a suit with elegant clothes came jogging with the security guard.

Leng Zhiheng leaned over to Zhuang Lin and said, "Our Liu Group owns shares in Jiayun Center!"

Zhuang Lin understood, the money ability is indeed amazing!

Although she was also surprised by Zhuang Lin's attire, the woman did not show it. She came over and exchanged a few polite words before immediately taking the two of them into the venue.

Of course she also wanted to shake hands with Zhuang Lin, but before Zhuang Lin extended his hand, Leng Zhiheng glared at the woman and glared back.

Inside the auction hall, the auctioneer is passionately presiding over the auction.

"Three million, sir, three million. Is there anyone else bidding? This porcelain vase is a rare and unique piece. Is there anyone else bidding? This sir is bidding three and a half million."

"five million"

"Okay, five million for this gentleman!"

The auctioneer was extremely excited and aroused the emotions of the whole audience.

At this moment, the door at the back was unexpectedly opened. The auctioneer frowned and looked over. Others also turned around or looked sideways at the door, only to see Leng Zhiheng and Zhuang Lin, led by a woman in a suit, walking into the venue.

In particular, Zhuang Lin was dressed in ancient costume. He walked with a calm gait and his sleeves fluttered gracefully. He was incompatible with the whole atmosphere, yet there was an indescribable harmony between them, which made many noble ladies in the venue's eyes light up.

"Sorry to interrupt, but we've temporarily arranged for this distinguished guest to join the auction. Here's your number!"

The female manager personally handed over the number plate and waited until Zhuang Lin sat down before apologizing to everyone else and leaving.

There were a lot of people talking about it. Some of them were mainly discussing Zhuang Lin's appearance and clothes, while others were staring at him.
But some people recognized Leng Zhiheng, who was Liu Shihao's personal driver!

Anyone who joins the auction midway must be someone important!

The auctioneer was also stunned for a while, and then he used the hammer to knock "bang bang" to guide the venue to quiet down.

"Alright, everyone, be quiet. The auction continues. This porcelain vase. The gentleman just bid five million. Is there anyone else who wants to increase their bid? Is there anyone else?"

"Five million once. Five million twice."

"Boom~"

"Deal, congratulations sir!"

The auctioneer had tried his best to control the atmosphere, but many people were paying attention to Zhuang Lin at this moment, especially those noble ladies who were not just supporting characters. Stimulated by the novelty and special demeanor, they all wanted to get closer to take a closer look.

This also resulted in this collection, which could have been sold at a higher price, being picked up at a relatively low price.

Of course, Zhuang Lin noticed the gazes of the people around him, but he didn't care. What he wanted was the hairpin to further verify his judgment, which was already 80% to 90% likely.

The subsequent collections came up one by one, some of which caused competition, while others simply failed to sell.

Finally, what Zhuang Lin was expecting appeared.

Someone carried a tray onto the auction table. The auctioneer gently pulled open the red cloth with a smile, revealing the true appearance of the collection underneath: an exquisite ancient hairpin.

As soon as he saw the hairpin, the feeling he got was far better than the pattern in the picture album, and Zhuang Lin was basically sure that it was it!

"Today's grand finale treasure is the gold and silver inlaid peacock hairpin!
Please take a look at this hairpin, which weighs 16.2 grams. It has a silver body and a gold surface, and is inlaid with gold and silver. It uses a combination of filigree and engraving techniques. From the head to the tail feathers, it perfectly presents the natural beauty of a peacock, which is lifelike and exquisite. The two gold and silver beads hanging down symbolize the birth of a peacock.
Its exquisite workmanship and superb craftsmanship represent the highest level of ancient China and are also a landmark watershed in technology and innovation.

According to legend, this treasure may have been part of the dowry given by Emperor Taizong of Tang to Princess Gaoyang. Princess Gaoyang loved it so much that she even wore it to meet the monk Bianji.
It has extremely high artistic collection value and archaeological value."

The auctioneer's stories were so exaggerated that Zhuang Lin laughed at them. But on second thought, it was indeed legendary that the item had been preserved from the Jin Dynasty to the present day.

"Okay, the auction begins now. The starting price is five million, and each increment must be no less than one million. Please bid!"

"Five million!" "Five million, sir!"

"Six million!" "Is there a higher price, ma'am? Six million!"

"I'll pay eight million!"

"Okay, this lady has offered eight million. Is there a higher price? If eight million is enough to buy it back, I will definitely do it."

"Fifteen million!"

Leng Zhiheng's calm and powerful voice was heard, and the conference hall suddenly became quiet. Everyone's eyes turned over there again, or rather, looked at Zhuang Lin who was sitting over there.

In fact, Zhuang Lin didn't care about the bid at all, he just wanted to get it. Leng Zhiheng directly offered a high price to let people know their determination.

Now another woman holds up a sign.

"Okay, this lady is offering sixteen million, one thousand."

"Twenty million!"

Leng Zhiheng still used the same tone, and this time no one made any more bids.

Zhuang Lin was also secretly astonished. Although the time and space were different, in this society similar to the 1990s, the value of 20 million was not low!
The auctioneer was the first to come to his senses and began to shout.

"Twenty million, anyone else bidding? Two thousand once, twenty million twice~"

The estimated price of this hairpin was at least 25 million, but Leng Zhiheng was so expensive and he was Liu Shihao's driver, so everyone knew they couldn't compete with him. Fortunately, they gave him face and no one raised the price.

The auctioneer knew the outcome, but he could only conceal his helplessness and bring down the hammer with a smile.

"Dong~" "Congratulations to this gentleman for winning the grand prize—"

Just like when they came, Zhuang Lin and Leng Zhiheng took the collection and left, as if they were there just to get something, and it was even more impossible for them to have any entanglement with some of the exquisite beauties who were walking towards Zhuang Lin.

On the way back, Zhuang Lin was sitting in the back seat, looking at the hairpin carefully, while Leng Zhiheng was looking back through the rearview mirror and couldn't help but make a joke.

"Master Zhuang, others are so careful when looking at the collection, but you are just holding it like this. This is 20 million!"

Zhuang Lin smiled, a rare joke.

"Then let's go back?"

Leng Zhiheng smiled and didn't respond, but in fact he was observing Zhuang Lin every time he spoke.

Zhuang Lin put the hairpin back into the exquisite jewelry box, and then suddenly looked towards the driver's seat. This moment of eye contact through the rearview mirror made Leng Zhiheng subconsciously look away.

"Are you wary of me? Or do you have some hostility towards me?"

Leng Zhiheng frowned slightly, was silent for two or three seconds, and then immediately responded.

"Uh, Master Zhuang, did you misunderstand something? Oh, and now that we've got the stuff, do you want to go back and rest, or are you planning to go to the airport? That way, you won't miss the contract arrangements with Planning Valley. Or before that, how about I take you on a tour of Zhonghai City?"
Oh, don't worry, this antique jewelry is not included in your contract compensation!"

Zhuang Lin smiled slightly, he was being disliked!

"Are you worried that your young master's illness hasn't healed, or rather, that I'm leading him astray? You don't want me to stay by his side and want me to leave as soon as possible?"

Although Leng Zhiheng was driving, his expression was obviously more serious. Seeing that he didn't say anything, Zhuang Lin didn't ask any more questions and just smiled.

"Don't worry, I'll be leaving soon. I heard that the old Taoist priest practiced in Wangxian Temple before his death. Take me there to take a look. I have something to learn!"

After saying this, Zhuang Lin paused and added another sentence.

"I'll leave once I leave Wangxian Temple!"

Leng Zhiheng didn't make any jokes this time, he just responded with a simple "OK".

(End of this chapter)