Dragon Raja: Lu Mingfei finds a Freylian

"Is cooperation feasible?" Frilian asked the core question directly.

"Cooperation? I think it's a good idea." The vice principal's answer was surprisingly straightforward. "Cooperating with a local power like the Zhu family can't hurt. Although they seem to have declined a bit now, they are still a large and powerful family with deep roots in the southwest. They can handle many things that other colleges can't handle themselves. It's about sharing resources and getting what we need."

"Besides, Lu Mingfei is Ang Re's darling right now, like a precious gem. You're conducting this collaborative exploration with the Zhu family in the name of the academy, and the academy will definitely provide the necessary support and endorsement. Don't worry about equipment, intelligence, or post-analysis. Just think of it as an off-campus internship. After all, we can't really let the two of you kids go into the lion's den alone, can we?"

"I understand," Frillie said, getting the answer she wanted.

“Oh, right,” the vice principal added, “when dealing with the Zhu family, be polite, but also be wary. These old families have a lot of intricacies involved. But with you here, I’m not too worried about that silly boy Lu Mingfei getting taken advantage of. Alright, I have another potion. Uh, the alchemical reagent is almost at a crucial stage, keep in touch!”

Communication abruptly stopped.

Frillie put away the communicator, looked at Lu Mingfei, and briefly relayed the vice principal's words.

After listening, Lu Mingfei touched his nose and said, "Even a skinny camel is bigger than a horse, and Angers' favorite food is really the vice principal's choice of words."

His face flushed slightly, but he felt much more at ease. With the college's support and the vice-principal's endorsement, the reliability of this collaboration had increased significantly.

“So,” Lu Mingfei looked at Frillie, “what do you think?”

Frillie thought for a moment and replied, "It's feasible."

Lu Mingfei took a deep breath and made a decision: "Okay, then we'll reply to Zhu Ling'er that we'll accept this cooperation."

Chapter 234 Reply

In their hotel room, Lu Mingfei and Frilian briefly discussed their collaboration with the Zhu family to explore the ruins. Vice Principal Flamel's endorsement undoubtedly added a layer of security to the matter, while the potential benefits of the "Soul-Suppressing Jade" for Lu Mingfei, and the possible gains from exploring the unknown dragon ruins, ultimately tipped the scales in favor of accepting the invitation.

With so many benefits, I had no choice but to agree.

Lu Mingfei took out the simple business card Zhu Ling'er had given him and dialed the encrypted number on it. The phone was answered after only two rings, and Zhu Ling'er's clear and gentle voice came from the other end, carrying the expected calmness.

"Good evening, Mr. Lu."

Sure enough, she wasn't surprised that she agreed to cooperate, since cooperation is mutually beneficial and no one dislikes a win-win situation.

"Miss Zhu, good evening." Lu Mingfei cleared his throat, trying to make his voice sound as calm as possible. "Regarding your previous proposal, I have discussed it with Frilian and also given a preliminary report to the academy. We agree in principle to cooperate with the Zhu family to jointly explore the ruins in Kunming."

A very soft sigh, as if a sigh of relief, came from the other end of the phone, and then Zhu Ling'er's voice was filled with a more obvious smile: "That's great. Mr. Lu is indeed a straightforward person. With your and Miss Frilian's strong support, this exploration will definitely go much more smoothly."

"Ms. Zhu, you flatter me," Lu Mingfei said politely. "Specific details of the cooperation, such as the schedule, personnel allocation, resource allocation, and security measures, still need to be discussed further."

“Of course,” Zhu Ling’er replied. “I will arrange for someone to draft a preliminary cooperation agreement as soon as possible and send it to you both for review. At the same time, we will also share all the non-core information we currently have about the ruins with the academy. When would be a convenient time for you two to travel to Kunming?”

Lu Mingfei glanced at Frillie, who nodded slightly to indicate that she had no objection. "We need a little more time to take care of some personal matters here, and we can probably set off in three or four days."

“Alright, then let’s set it for four days from now,” Zhu Ling’er decided readily. “I will send someone to pick you up at Kunming Changshui Airport and arrange accommodations for you both. We can discuss the details in Kunming.”

"Okay, thank you, Ms. Zhu."

"Mr. Lu, you're too kind. I look forward to working with you both," Zhu Ling'er said, then politely ended the call.

After hanging up the phone, Lu Mingfei felt the burden on his shoulders grow heavier, but at the same time, he also felt a faint excitement about facing unknown challenges.

He looked at Frillie: "All done. We'll go to Kunming in four days."

Frillie nodded, her eyes calm, as if Lu Mingfei had simply decided on the destination for their next walk.

She was always indifferent, but she was quite curious about what was inside the ruins and what the ancient alchemy techniques of this world were like.

Meanwhile, in another, quieter, independent courtyard belonging to the Zhu family's property in the ancient town.

After ending her call with Lu Mingfei, Zhu Ling'er gently placed her phone on the desk covered with Xuan paper. She wasn't wearing her stage costume or everyday clothes, but only a silk moon-white nightgown. Her long hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Her face, free of all makeup, appeared exceptionally beautiful and gentle under the soft light, lacking some of the aloofness of her stage persona and gaining more of a relaxed and genuine homeliness.

This study is antique in style, with bookshelves lining all four walls, filled with thread-bound ancient books and scrolls, and the room is filled with the scent of ink and a faint sandalwood fragrance. Slightly out of place in this solemn atmosphere, there are a few soft cushions and a low couch covered with a soft blanket scattered in the corner.

Xiao Yun, the maid who had removed her makeup backstage, was now dressed in a comfortable light pink loungewear. She knelt before a small table beside the low couch, intently peeling a plump pear with a small silver knife. Her movements were delicate and gentle, her long eyelashes drooping down, casting a soft shadow under her eyelids.

Hmph, my maid is so cute.

Zhu Ling'er walked barefoot on the cool, smooth wooden floor, silently approaching Xiao Yun from behind. She didn't make a sound, but simply stretched out her arms and gently wrapped them around Xiao Yun's slender waist from behind, resting her chin on Xiao Yun's shoulder.

Xiao Yun paused slightly, then relaxed, leaning back naturally into Zhu Ling'er's warm embrace. A sweet, shy smile unconsciously appeared on her lips. She didn't turn around, but continued what she was doing, asking softly, "Miss, has it been settled?"

"Mmm," Zhu Ling'er responded softly in her ear, her warm breath brushing against Xiao Yun's sensitive earlobe, making her tremble slightly. "They agreed and will come to Kunming in four days."

"That's great!" Xiaoyun's voice was filled with genuine joy, not only for the successful cooperation, but also for the warm embrace behind her.

She used a silver skewer to pick up a piece of the peeled and diced pear, and held it to Zhu Ling'er's lips, saying, "Miss, try it, it's very sweet."

Zhu Ling'er opened her mouth and took it in, her tongue casually brushing against Xiao Yun's fingertips. Xiao Yun recoiled as if struck by a weak electric current, her ears turning an alluring pink.

Oh, still so shy, that won't do.

"It's very sweet," Zhu Ling'er said softly, chewing on the sweet pear flesh. Her arms tightened around Xiao Yun's, and her restless hands gently caressed Xiao Yun's flat stomach through the thin fabric, with affection and tenderness.

"Miss, ah," Xiaoyun's voice carried a hint of coquettish protest, but she made no real move to dodge. Instead, she pressed her body even closer to the person behind her.

Their relationship had long transcended that of master and servant. Within this deep mansion, under the weight of family responsibilities and powerful bloodlines that Zhu Ling'er had to bear, only in front of Xiao Yun could she shed all pretenses and reveal her truest, softest, and most unacceptable side to the world.

"Don't move, be good, listen carefully, let me hold you for a while," Zhu Ling'er's voice carried a hint of weariness and dependence, "Only with you can I catch my breath."

Back in the family, every day I have to face a bunch of old men with so many wrinkles they could scare you to death, and a whole host of other troublesome things.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yun felt a pang of pain in her heart. She put down the silver knife and pear in her hand, turned around, and hugged Zhu Ling'er from the front, gently patting her back as if comforting a child. "Rest when you're tired, Miss. Don't always push yourself."

Zhu Ling'er buried her face in Xiao Yun's neck, which exuded a faint scent of soapberry, and murmured a soft "Mmm." The two embraced quietly, enjoying this rare moment of undisturbed tranquility and warmth. Only their soft breathing and the faint chirping of insects outside the window filled the study.

Chapter 235 The Zhu Family

Deep in Yunnan, in the ancient residence of the Zhu family, built against the mountain and seemingly blending into the clouds, the passage of time seems slow and solemn.

The flying eaves and bracket sets, the carved beams and painted rafters, all bear witness to the family's former glory and adherence to ancient etiquette. Within this grand mansion, Zhu Ling'er grew up under an extremely strict set of rules and regulations during her childhood and adolescence.

Her father, the current patriarch of the Zhu clan, was a solemn, unsmiling middle-aged man with sharp, eagle-like eyes that seemed to see right through people. Her mother came from another secluded mixed-race family; she was dignified and elegant, but in educating her daughter, she was just as strict as her husband, even more demanding in the details.

Zhu Ling'er still remembers that from the moment she could stand up, she had to learn how to walk, how to sit and lie down, and how to bow. When walking, the stride should not be too large, and the skirt should not flutter; it should be as smooth and silent as flowing water. When sitting, the back must be straight, and the hands should be placed on the knees with the hands folded over each other without any slackening. When seeing elders, one must perform a standard curtsy, with clear rules regarding the angle, depth, and duration of the curtsy.

During meals, one must not speak while eating or sleeping; chopsticks must not make a sound when touching bowls or plates, and one must not show one's teeth while chewing. Daily lessons, besides learning to read and write—primarily ancient Chinese texts and historical records passed down through the family—include practicing calligraphy, painting, needlework, and most importantly—the family's inherited martial arts and theatrical movements, which blend unique breathing techniques with physical techniques. The father believed that theatrical training not only honed physical control but also cultivated character, concealing emotions beneath a set routine.

Little Zhu Ling'er, dressed in custom-made, far more elaborate clothes than other children her age, meticulously followed every instruction from her parents and the etiquette master like a doll. She rarely smiled, for showing joy was considered undignified; she also rarely cried, for tears were a sign of weakness. Most of the time, she simply remained quiet, her eyes clear, yet carrying a serenity and detachment beyond her years.

The vast mansion, with its pavilions, terraces, gardens, and waterside pavilions, felt more like a magnificent prison to her.

When she was six years old, a little girl from a collateral branch of the family was chosen as her personal maid; this was Xiao Yun. When Xiao Yun first arrived, she was only five years old, thin and small, wearing faded old clothes, her eyes timid, like a frightened fawn. She was brought before Zhu Ling'er, and the nanny sternly instructed her on the various rules of serving the young lady, warning that she would be punished for the slightest mistake.

When Xiao Yun first combed Zhu Ling'er's hair, her hands trembled violently, afraid of hurting her mistress and ruining her silky black hair. Zhu Ling'er looked through the mirror at the little girl behind her, who was even more nervous than herself, and remained silent, simply watching. Xiao Yun clumsily followed the techniques taught by the nanny, carefully tying the hair into an intricate bun and adorning it with pearl flowers. Afterward, she dared not breathe, bowing her head and awaiting feedback.

Zhu Ling'er looked at herself in the mirror, then at Xiao Yun behind her who was almost crying, and simply said, "It's acceptable."

Those two simple words were like a pardon to Xiaoyun, and her eyes instantly lit up. From then on, Xiaoyun became the closest person to Zhu Ling'er, and the only warm and bright spot in her dull childhood.

Xiao Yun remained steadfast in her rules, but as time went on, she gradually came to understand that this seemingly aloof young lady was not as cold-hearted as she appeared. When Xiao Yun was bullied by other older children, she would silently stand up and deter them with a single glance; when Xiao Yun was sick, she would secretly save the snacks from her own ration for her; and after being injured while practicing martial arts, she would refuse the nanny's application of medicine, allowing Xiao Yun to treat the injury with her own clumsy yet gentle touch.

Beneath these strict rules, the two women, mistress and servant, developed a dependence and tacit understanding that was difficult for outsiders to comprehend. Xiao Yun's fear gradually transformed into wholehearted protection and admiration, while Zhu Ling'er regarded Xiao Yun as the only person in this cold mansion with whom she could slightly lower her guard. Their communication often required no words; a glance, a subtle gesture, was enough for them to understand each other's feelings.

The growing intimacy and ambiguity that transcended master and servant was like a secluded orchid quietly growing in a crack in the rock, blooming silently in a corner unnoticed by anyone.

As she grew older, Zhu Ling'er became increasingly beautiful and refined. In addition, her extraordinary temperament, which was a blend of ancient family heritage, high concentration of dragon blood, and unique charm cultivated by opera, made her famous in the limited circle of mixed-race people, even though she lived a secluded life.

There were quite a few self-important young mixed-race people who came to visit, either because they admired the family or with the intention of marrying into the Zhu family.

Some of these suitors feigned elegance, engaging in grand discussions in front of her to showcase their knowledge and strength; others attempted to offer rare gifts to win her favor; still others even tried to leverage their lineage to demonstrate their abilities before her.

However, Zhu Ling'er's attitude towards them was invariably one of almost bone-chilling indifference. She observed proper etiquette, receiving guests when required and returning greetings as appropriate, but her gaze remained detached, as if she were looking at a mere decoration unrelated to her. She ignored their attentiveness, disregarded their praise, and didn't even bother to lift an eyelid to their provocations. Once, an arrogant suitor attempted to offer guidance while she was demonstrating her movements, only to be instantly paralyzed by a seemingly effortless flick of her water sleeve, infused with her family's martial arts techniques, which sent him staggering backward, utterly humiliated.

She wasn't deliberately arrogant; she was genuinely annoyed. She disliked the scrutinizing and possessive gazes men cast at her, and she disliked their ostentatious or hypocritical air. She instinctively rejected intimate contact with men, and even felt uncomfortable being in the same room with them.

The family wasn't unaware of her inclinations and had offered subtle advice, but these voices gradually faded after Zhu Ling'er displayed astonishing cultivation talent and increasingly powerful bloodline strength. Faced with absolute power and value, some minor details could be temporarily set aside.

For ancient families like the Zhu family, marriage alliances with outsiders, especially with equally ancient mixed-race powers, are an important means of maintaining relationships and influence. Zhu Ling'er knew from a young age that she was engaged to Genjiro Minamoto, the future patriarch of the Japanese Snake-Headed Eight Families.

This was arranged by both sets of elders shortly after her birth.

Zhu Ling'er didn't have much feeling for her nominal fiancé, regarding him merely as another unfamiliar man she needed to treat with courtesy. When she was a teenager, Yuan Zhisheng had visited the Zhu family once, accompanying the then head of the Tachibana family.

As expected, the meeting was polite yet distant. Yuan Zhisheng already displayed the composure and sharpness of a future leader, with proper manners and extraordinary speech, but his brows carried a hint of youthful stubbornness and the weight of a heavy responsibility. Zhu Ling'er met him according to etiquette, and the two exchanged a few dry, meaningless pleasantries under the watchful eyes of their elders.

She could sense that Yuan Zhisheng was also scrutinizing her, his gaze filled with curiosity, assessment, and perhaps an instinctive resistance to this arranged marriage. Both of them were like puppets bound by their families, maintaining a facade of peace while their hearts were worlds apart.

However, that visit left Zhu Ling'er with an extremely deep impression, not from Genjiro, but from the girl beside him who was too quiet and as beautiful as a doll—his younger sister, Uesugi Erii.

Erii was younger at the time, dressed in an exquisite kimono, with rare dark red long hair and large, clear, ruby-like eyes. She hardly spoke, simply staying quietly behind her brother, curiously observing the unfamiliar surroundings and the beautiful older sister before her, who looked like she had stepped out of a painting.

The moment Zhu Ling'er saw Erii, she was captivated. It was a strange feeling; Erii possessed an untainted purity, and a fragile vulnerability hidden deep within her eyes, like easily broken glass, which involuntarily stirred a sense of tenderness in Zhu Ling'er. For the first time ever, she took the initiative to step forward, offering Erii a faint yet genuine smile, and softly greeted her in her newly learned, halting Japanese: "Hello."

Erii blinked her big eyes, looking at Zhu Ling'er without responding or looking away, simply gazing at her quietly. Zhu Ling'er took out a silk handkerchief embroidered with a blue phoenix that she always carried with her and offered it to Erii. Erii hesitated for a moment, then reached out her small hand and gently touched the delicate embroidery on the handkerchief. She then looked up and gave Zhu Ling'er a subtle, almost imperceptible smile.

At that moment, Zhu Ling'er felt that this seemingly pointless meeting had suddenly become meaningful. She even thought to herself that if she ever went to Japan in the future, at least she could see this lovely younger sister more often.

Later, as a return gift for the visit to the Yuan family, and in order to deepen the friendship between the two families, Zhu Ling'er, accompanied by her family elders, visited the Hebi-hachi family in Japan.

Chapter 236 Zhu Ling'er's Internship at the Snake Clan

As dawn broke, a private jet from China landed smoothly at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. The steps lowered, and a young woman in a well-tailored, modernized Chinese-style cheongsam descended slowly. Her posture was upright, her features possessing both the gentle grace of the Jiangnan water towns and the bold spirit of the North.

She is Zhu Ling'er, from the ancient Zhu family in China. As the representative of the new generation of the family, she shoulders a special mission - to go to the mysterious mixed-race family alliance "Hebi-Hachi" in Japan for a month of living experience and exchange learning.

The Zhu family and the Sheqi Eight Families share a deep historical connection. Although separated by oceans, they have helped each other on several occasions throughout history, even when it came to matters of survival. This exchange aims not only to solidify their ancient friendship but also to allow the Zhu family to learn from the Sheqi Eight Families' advanced experience in modernizing and institutionalizing the management of mixed-race communities and balancing tradition and modernity.

The person who came to pick them up at the airport was the young master of the Snake-Headed Eight Families, the director of the Executive Bureau, Genjiro. He was dressed in a sharp black suit and stood beside the car like a silent tree, his eyes sharp and steady.

"Welcome to Japan, Ms. Zhu," he said in Chinese, his voice carrying a distinctively cold tone, though his manner was relatively gentle.

Zhu Ling'er bowed slightly and replied in fluent Japanese, her voice clear and melodious: "Young Master Yuan, it's been a long time. Thank you very much for your personal hospitality. I'll be troubling you and the Snake Clan for the next month."

She paused, then switched to Mandarin with a soft Wu accent and smiled, "You can call me by my name, Ling'er."

Yuan Zhisheng was slightly taken aback, not quite used to such direct intimacy, but still nodded and took the light luggage from her hands: "You must be tired from your journey, please get in the car first. The patriarch and other family heads are already waiting at headquarters."

The headquarters of the Snake-Headed Eight Families blends traditional Japanese and modern styles, exuding a silent yet imposing authority. Inside the quaint and elegant Japanese-style interior, Zhu Ling'er met the patriarch of the Snake-Headed Eight Families, Tachibana Masamune. He was a refined and scholarly elder with profound eyes.

“Miss Ling’er, welcome.” Tachibana Masamune smiled and spoke in fluent Chinese. “The Zhu family and we are old friends who have been through thick and thin together. Make yourself at home and don’t feel awkward.”

He then introduced each of the family heads present one by one:

Inuyama He (Inuyama family): A sprightly old man who runs the sex industry, with a kind smile but shrewd eyes.

Genichiro Ryoma (Ryoma family): In charge of high-tech and weapons research and development, he wears gold-rimmed glasses and has a serious and somewhat rigid expression.

Sakurai Nanami (Sakurai family): A capable and elegant female head of the family, responsible for financial and legal affairs, with keen insight.

Shio Miyamoto (Miyamoto family): Head of the technical department, young and somewhat shy, but with a keen eye for his field.