Dragon Raja: Lu Mingfei Returns from Japan

The Valentine family? Or the Solomon Temple, the largest mixed-race power in Europe?

The other person turned their head, and a pair of extremely deep and calm blue eyes, visible through the hole in the mask, glanced at Aki indifferently, as if they could see through what Aki was thinking at that moment.

Aki was somewhat taken aback by the look, but the mysterious girl didn't say anything. She simply turned around and crawled out through the hole in the ventilation duct.

Aki hurriedly followed, and upon reaching the entrance, she discovered that the ventilation duct was almost flush against a section of the wall. Someone had dug a path through the wall. Those below would likely have missed it without careful inspection.

The narrow entrance was just wide enough for one person to climb through. After squeezing into the opening, Aki finally couldn't help but ask, "Where does this tunnel lead?"

"Oh." The other person paused. "This road leads to a nearby sewer."

Was it always there?

"Of course not, I dug it up."

Aki was suddenly speechless at this answer and didn't know how to respond.

She actually dug this tunnel? Who would be so bored as to dig a tunnel in the wall? Or has she and her backers been eyeing this place for a long time? But whatever the case, her execution is astonishing. Most people would only think of sneaking in from the art museum above, who would think of digging a third way out?

No wonder Norma didn't tell her there was another route here; after all, even Norma couldn't possibly know that there was a secret passage dug out by someone else.

For the rest of the journey, Aki didn't say anything and just obediently followed the girl, crawling along. This distance wasn't long, about a kilometer, when Aki saw the light source getting closer and closer.

The mysterious girl jumped down from the exit first. When Aki climbed to the cave entrance, she carefully observed the surroundings and only jumped down after confirming that there were no ambushes around.

As a long-established capitalist country, Portugal's sewer system is generally well-organized. Of course, the stench of various filths is unavoidable, but there are still small paths along the sewage rivers for municipal cleaning staff to walk on.

“Just keep walking straight ahead, and you’ll see a manhole cover. Climb up the ladder, and you can leave this place. The manhole leads to a park that hardly anyone goes to, so you won’t be seen climbing out. There are also public restrooms in the park where you can wash up,” the mysterious girl said.

"Aren't you coming out with me?" Aki asked.

"I have other things to take care of," the girl said, her voice flat and even.

"I have one more question."

"explain."

"Why are you helping me? And why did you appear at such a convenient time?"

Another long silence followed. It was unclear whether the other person was pondering the answer or simply didn't want to answer. After a while, the mysterious girl finally spoke, "I've thought about it, and I don't think I can answer that question."

Aki noticed that the other party said they couldn't answer, which meant that the forces behind them didn't want her to know too much.

Seeing the girl's response, Aki didn't ask any further questions. Although she had many doubts, she had just received help from the girl, and asking for too much would be too greedy.

"In that case, I'll be going now." Aki nodded, smiled, and said, "Anyway, thank you for your help. If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't have been able to escape."

The mysterious girl shook her head: "No need to thank me, I'm just carrying out a mission."

Aki suddenly felt that the mysterious girl in front of her seemed to be a person who was not good at talking. Every time she tried to start a new topic, it was ruthlessly cut off by the other party's cold answer. Since things had already come to this point, Aki did not rack her brains to find a new topic. After thanking her again, she parted ways with the other party.

Aki took out her phone. It was 1 p.m., and four hours had passed without her realizing it. She tried to contact Norma and her mentor, Professor Mance, but there seemed to be no signal in the sewers.

After walking for about a kilometer, Aki indeed saw the manhole cover the mysterious girl had mentioned. As she climbed up the ladder, she was still worried that there might be a bunch of ambushes waiting for her up there.

However, after climbing out, Aki realized she had been judging others by her own standards; it really was a secluded park. The other person had genuinely come to help her escape.

"But who exactly is the other party?"

Aki was becoming increasingly confused.

……

At the same time, at the Valentine family's manor, Lu Mingfei and his group had finished lunch and were just walking out of the gate.

Although the afternoon's plan was for Su Xiaoqiang to take Lu Mingfei to visit various tourist attractions in Gullão, since this place was once a central city of Portugal and has not suffered much war damage in modern times, so there are still quite a few historical buildings preserved, it was more like a date for a lone man and woman to go sightseeing rather than taking a friend who had come from afar.

Today, Su Xiaoqiang wore a Portuguese-style dress, the hem of which reached just above her ankles, revealing a pair of white sneakers. With her hands behind her back, she took small, quick steps on the country path, her head constantly looking down at her toes. This little gesture, somewhat like Liu Miaomiao's, was just to hide her slightly erratic heartbeat.

Lu Mingfei walked on the outside of Su Xiaoqiang, looking at the little fairy who kept her head down. Of course, he was no longer at a loss for topics. After all, having returned from the world of Japanese light novels, even if he hadn't eaten pork, he had seen pigs run. It was just that it was rare to see the little fairy shy, and he suddenly had a mischievous urge to look at her cute appearance with her slightly blushing face a little longer.

However, it didn't seem like a good idea for the two of them to remain silent like this. Just as Lu Mingfei was about to try and break the ice, he suddenly heard a "clattering" sound behind him. Turning around, he saw a group of horses galloping towards them.

Lu Mingfei instinctively reached out and shielded the little fairy behind him. After the horse team left and the dust settled, Lu Mingfei coughed a few times and fanned the dust in front of him.

"Speaking of which, is your area famous for its horses?" Lu Mingfei suddenly asked. "I saw people racing horses outside when I was at your house this morning."

Su Xiaoqiang peeked out from behind Lu Mingfei's shoulder, revealing half of her slightly flushed face.

“It’s alright, there is indeed a large horse market for purebred Lusitano horses here.” Su Xiaoqiang pursed his lips and said, “But normally there aren’t this many people riding horses. It’s mainly because it’s St. Martin’s Day recently, and Gulegon has a tradition of horse racing on St. Martin’s Day, so there are so many people riding horses around during this period.”

"St. Martin's Day?" Lu Mingfei looked thoughtful, as if he had heard the term somewhere before.

Oh right, Charlotte mentioned it on the train to Guglielmo.

“It’s a holiday in Western Europe,” Su Xiaoqiang explained. “Saint Martin is one of the most famous representatives of Western European monasticism. Legend has it that he once encountered a beggar on the verge of death in a blizzard during his journey. Without hesitation, he tore his coat in half to save the beggar who was about to die of hunger and cold. That night, he dreamed that Christ was wearing the half of the coat he had given to the beggar.”

"I see." Lu Mingfei nodded.

Since this was a local custom, Lu Mingfei naturally couldn't criticize these people for violating public order and good morals by racing horses on the road. However, this little episode successfully broke the silence between the two. Once they had something to talk about, the atmosphere between them gradually became more lively.

Actually, in Lu Mingfei's previous life, although Chen Wenwen was always following him around, Su Xiaoqiang was the girl he got along with the most. The two of them would start exchanging sharp and witty remarks as soon as they met, and they wouldn't stop until one of them had a clear winner.

Looking back now, Lu Mingfei suddenly wondered if there was a hint of a love-hate relationship between him and the Little Heavenly Maiden. If he had been bolder back then and switched his focus, maybe he could have won her over?

However, this idea was just a fleeting, joking thought in Lu Mingfei's mind.

After all, that was a long time ago. Now he has been reborn back to his high school days, and the little fairy who used to bicker with him every time they met is by his side.

There's no need to dwell on the past, because now there's ample opportunity to cherish the people in front of you.

……

Chapter 215 The Little Fairy's Gift

Due to the influence of the Mediterranean climate, November in Portugal, although it should be autumn, presents a summer-like weather – humid, hot, and with occasional long stretches of rain.

This summer-like phenomenon falls around the time of São Martin's Day, which is why November in Portugal is also known as the São Martin summer.

Because the climate is very similar to summer, many flowers that should have withered in autumn are able to regain their vitality during this period. This magical phenomenon is especially evident in agricultural towns like Gulegon, which are far removed from modern life.

Walking along the street, vibrant flowers of unknown names were everywhere. Men and women dressed in traditional costumes strolled along the street, and horses galloped past in the middle of the road, giving Lu Mingfei the feeling of being transported back to Europe hundreds of years ago.

It must be said that although Gullango is not a large place, it has quite a few attractions. From medieval cathedrals to well-preserved Central European gardens, it has everything. The areas in front of these attractions are crowded with tourists who clearly came from out of town, as their trendy clothing is noticeably out of place with the locals.

Lu Mingfei glanced at his own clothes and realized that he was actually one of these outsiders. In fact, his attire was even less down-to-earth than theirs.

He and Su Xiaoqiang are now strolling in Charles Reilworth Gardens, which, according to the little fairy herself, is one of the most representative gardens in the area. The sprinklers are swirling in the hands of an old farmer wearing a cowboy hat, and small rainbows are reflected in the garden under the sunlight.

Although the little fairy was initially hesitant, once a suitable topic was started, communication became much easier.

Although the young starlet has a more oriental appearance, she truly possesses an exotic beauty when dressed in Portuguese traditional clothing. The white, long dress, with its full, rounded hem, accentuates the girl's beautiful silhouette. It's a pity that not many people have seen the young starlet's different styles of beauty.

Lu Mingfei stood by the flower bed, carrying the large and small bags that Xiaotiannv had bought, watching her help an elderly Portuguese couple take photos.

Did they say anything to you just now?

As the little fairy waved goodbye to the old couple and walked towards him, Lu Mingfei asked.

He saw that after the little fairy finished taking the picture and handed the camera back to the elderly couple standing in front of the flower bed, the elderly couple seemed to say something to the little fairy. Then the little fairy glanced in his direction and immediately shook her head and waved her hand.

Su Xiaoqiang stiffened, and said somewhat guiltily, "No, I didn't say anything... You must have misunderstood."

"Oh..." Seeing that the little fairy was unwilling to talk, Lu Mingfei didn't ask any more questions.

Su Xiaoqiang recalled how the elderly couple had mistaken her and Lu Mingfei for a couple and even wished her and her loved one a long and happy life together. The shameful memory that she had finally managed to convince herself to forget resurfaced in her mind.

How do I and this guy look like a couple? Seriously...!

I clearly kept my distance from him!

Could it be... that we're still too close?

As if to distract herself from her inner turmoil, the little fairy glanced at Lu Mingfei: "You have a lot of free time, don't you? If you're so free, help me carry all my things. I still have quite a few things to buy."

Lu Mingfei picked up the bags and packages in his hands: "You've already bought so much, is there anything else you want to buy?"

“Of course.” Su Xiaoqiang introduced each item one by one, “This is a gift for Miaomiao, this is a gift for me… a gift for the old man, a gift for Uncle Li, and a gift for Chen Wenwen…”

"Even Chen Wenwen received a gift?" Lu Mingfei was taken aback.

“We’ve been eating together all the time, haven’t we? It doesn’t feel right to only give Miaomiao a gift and not her, and it wouldn’t cost much anyway. Besides, I think she’s a pretty nice person, she’s pretty and speaks very kindly, I feel like we could be friends.”

In Lu Mingfei's memory, Xiao Tiannv always seemed to be so generous. In high school, she would often treat the whole class to McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut whenever she was in a good mood. She was never stingy with anyone when it came to spending money.

Conversely, Zhao Menghua, who also came from a wealthy family, was completely different from Xiaotiannv. Although Zhao Menghua was even more adept at flaunting his wealth than Xiaotiannv, he rarely spent money on others. Only the small group around him occasionally received Zhao Gongzi's generous hospitality.

However, Lu Mingfei remembered that the two of them were rivals in love in their previous life. Xiao Tiannv never gave Chen Wenwen a good look whenever she saw her. In this life, they actually became friends, and Xiao Tiannv even took the initiative to buy gifts for Chen Wenwen. Suddenly, he felt that life was really unpredictable.

However, Xiaotiannv and Miaomiao never got along in their previous life, but they became best friends in this life. I wonder if it's a butterfly effect brought about by my rebirth.

Wait... it seems that Xiao Tiannv and Liu Miaomiao are rivals in love in this lifetime...

For some reason, Lu Mingfei suddenly felt an urge to cover his face.

Lu Mingfei listened as the little fairy recounted her story. However, even after she had finished counting everyone, including her dog, Lu Mingfei still hadn't heard his own name called.

"Wait a minute, something's not right, where's my gift?"

"Do you still want a gift?" The little fairy's bright eyes swept over them. "Didn't you fly all the way to Portugal yourself?"

Can a free gift be the same as a gift you buy yourself?

Actually, Lu Mingfei originally wanted to say, "Can the gift I bought be the same as the gift you gave me?" But after thinking about it, he immediately changed his words. After all, the previous sentence was too ambiguous, and it was a little inappropriate to say it out loud.

Su Xiaoqiang looked Lu Mingfei up and down again, then chuckled: "Oh, you really have no manners, you've even learned to fleece me now?"

"Why not take advantage of a capitalist's daughter?" Lu Mingfei said, playing along with the nonsense.

Then the two looked at each other for a moment, and then burst out laughing in unison.

This kind of interaction has indeed been absent for a long time. Ever since the two of them realized their feelings for each other, their interactions have become increasingly awkward and unnatural. They don't even know when it was last time they had this kind of playful banter and playful banter.

But this kind of mutual insults, seemingly about life and death and superiority, actually has a strange comfort and harmony. It's as if, for them, this way of getting along is normal. Forcing them to engage in those roundabout, awkward, and unnatural interactions would be a sign of something seriously wrong.

It was as if the thin membrane separating the two of them had been completely pierced by something. The little fairy, hands on her hips, waved her hand with the air of a queen: "Alright, alright, since you've been carrying my bag for so long, I'll reward you with a few gifts. What do you want?"

"Since you're already giving gifts, shouldn't you personally choose them to show your sincerity?" Lu Mingfei pressed his advantage.

Faced with Lu Mingfei's overbearing behavior, Su Xiaoqiang didn't say anything. Her beautiful eyes blinked as she looked Lu Mingfei up and down, and then her lips, which were already rosy enough without any rouge, parted slightly: "I just realized, why are you wearing such thick clothes to Portugal? Didn't you do any research before you left?"

Travel guide? There's no time to plan a trip! After rushing to Liu Miaomiao's house to visit her parents, Lu Mingfei was in a hurry to catch a plane. He was so focused on his journey that he didn't have time to check the weather forecast for Portugal.

Because Portugal and Beijing are at roughly the same latitude, Lu Mingfei simply packed a few clothes he would normally wear in autumn and hurriedly arrived in Portugal with his suitcase. He had no idea that Portugal had this so-called "Summer of San Martín".

He did bring summer short-sleeved shirts and shorts, but Lu Mingfei only brought one set. After all, he thought that even his hometown, a coastal city in the south, had cooled down. Since Portugal and the capital were at the same latitude, even if there was a late summer heat wave there, it shouldn't be too hot.