Dragon Raja: Lu Mingfei finds a Freylian

Kotaro Fuma (Fuma Clan): The leader of the ninja clan, whose aura almost blends into the background, and who is taciturn.

The patriarch, Tachibana Masamune (of the Tachibana family), and the young master, Minamoto no Chisei (of the Minamoto family), need no introduction.

The initial meeting was solemn yet slightly tentative. Zhu Ling'er remained composed and respectful, bowing to each of the family heads in turn, and communicating in fluent Japanese or Chinese, demonstrating the excellent upbringing and demeanor of the Zhu family heir.

“Miss Zhu has come from afar, and I imagine you must be curious about the Inuyama family’s businesses. If you are interested, I can arrange a tour for you,” Inuyama He said, extending a friendly gesture first.

“Thank you very much, Head of the Inuyama family. Ling’er is indeed very interested in how the Snake-Headed Eight Families integrate ancient traditions into modern business. I will definitely take the opportunity to visit them,” Zhu Ling’er replied politely.

Sakurai Nanami also spoke up: "Finance and law are the cornerstones of modern families. If Miss Zhu has time, you are welcome to visit our Sakurai family office."

“Excellent! This is exactly what the Zhu family wants to learn. Family asset management and international legal compliance are our current key areas of focus,” Zhu Ling’er immediately seized the opportunity to learn.

Genichiro Ryoma adjusted his glasses: "The Ryoma family's workshop involves some confidential matters, but I can open up the basic management procedures to you."

"I understand. Ling'er will strictly abide by the confidentiality regulations and focus only on the management system and learning the spirit of craftsmanship," Zhu Ling'er earnestly promised.

During the first week, under Yuan Zhisheng's arrangement, Zhu Ling'er systematically visited the core industries and daily operations of each of the Eight Snake Clans. She didn't just observe; she also carefully recorded and reflected on the details.

At the Inuyama family's upscale restaurant, she observed how they integrated their intelligence network into their seemingly ordinary service, and quietly asked Inuyama He, "Mr. Inuyama, how do you ensure the effective filtering and prioritization of information while maintaining service quality?"

Inuyama looked at her appreciatively: "The key is people. Well-trained 'ears' and 'eyes' are more reliable than any equipment. We have an old but effective system for screening and passing on information, and we can have our subordinates show you the simplified process later."

At the Sakurai family's law firm, she discussed family trusts and cross-border asset allocation with Sakurai Nanami.

“Ms. Sakurai, I see that you have used very advanced blockchain technology to ensure the security of contracts, while at the same time preserving the traditional seal culture. This combination is amazing.”

Sakurai Nanami nodded: "Tradition fosters trust, while technology enhances efficiency. The key lies in finding a balance, and having absolutely loyal and professional talent. Your Zhu family has deep roots in China, so perhaps you could consider establishing a similar 'tradition-technology' dual-track system."

Outside the Ryoma family's secret workshop, she discussed research and development project management with Ryoma Genichiro.

"Mr. Longma, how can we incentivize our R&D staff while ensuring the confidentiality of our core technologies?"

Genichiro Ryoma answered meticulously: "Layered authorization, modular R&D. The core is controlled by absolutely loyal family members, while top talents are attracted to the periphery, and they are incentivized with projects and results, rather than by contact with the core. Director Gen has also applied this management system very well in the Executive Bureau."

Yuan Zhisheng spent most of the time by her side. He didn't talk much, but he was meticulous in his arrangements and observations. He discovered that Zhu Ling'er was not a casual visitor, but an communicator who could ask insightful questions.

On one occasion, on the way back from Ryoma's house, Genjiro spoke up, unusually, saying, "Miss Zhu's adaptability and learning speed are impressive."

Zhu Ling'er gazed at the fleeting Tokyo nightscape outside the window and said softly, "Yuan-jun, you flatter me. It's just that I bear the expectations of my family and dare not slacken my efforts. Besides,"

She turned her head and looked at Genji with clear eyes. "The eight families of the Snake Clan, though different in style, all have a deep love and responsibility for their families, which moves me deeply. Just like you, Genji, you clearly dislike these tedious administrative affairs, but for the sake of the family, you still do them meticulously."

Yuan Zhisheng tightened his grip on the steering wheel slightly, neither admitting nor denying it, simply saying, "It's a responsibility."

Chapter 237 A Small Expression of Feelings

In the second week, after gaining the trust of the patriarch and other family heads, Zhu Ling'er began to participate more deeply in some of the daily management of the Snake Clan. She was allowed to sit in on the weekly joint meetings of the family heads and even express her opinions on non-confidential issues.

At a meeting, the question of whether to transform an old property in Kyoto into a high-end hotel or to preserve it as a family memorial hall was discussed. The heads of the families argued endlessly.

Inuyama He advocates for reform: "Industries need vitality to sustain the family's livelihood."

Kotaro Fuma prefers to maintain: "That is an important historical mark and should not be easily changed."

Genichiro Ryoma analyzed the feasibility of the transformation based on the input-output ratio.

Sakurai Nanami pointed out the legal and regulatory risks involved in the renovation.

Zhu Ling'er, who had been listening quietly, spoke softly under Tachibana Masamune's encouraging gaze: "Seniors, please forgive my boldness. I'm wondering if we could consider a hybrid approach? We could preserve the core of the building and the most historically significant courtyard as a memorial hall and family culture experience area, while transforming the auxiliary buildings and some areas into a limited-access, top-tier cultural hotel, without affecting the main architectural style. This way, we can preserve history, inject capital, and subtly spread the culture of the Snake Clan by selecting high-end clients through the hotel. It might even become a new intelligence hub."

The meeting room fell silent for a moment. This proposal balanced the needs of all parties and was feasible.

Tachibana Masamune's eyes lit up with approval: "Ling'er's idea is very constructive. Ahe, Kotaro, what do you think?"

Inuyama He clapped his hands and laughed, "The younger generation is truly formidable! This is a good idea; it preserves the roots while also allowing new branches to sprout."

Fuma Kotaro nodded slightly, indicating that he could accept it.

This speech truly earned Zhu Ling'er the respect of the various family heads. She was no longer just a guest, but a partner who could contribute her wisdom.

It was also during this week that Zhu Ling'er met the younger sister who was being carefully protected by Genjiro—Uesugi Erii.

It was at Genjiro's mansion. Erii, like a curious little deer, peeked out from behind the door, her red eyes pure and without a trace of impurity. She was clutching a doll tightly in her arms.

“Eri, this is Sister Zhu Ling’er, whom you have met before. She has come all the way from China and is our guest.” Genji’s voice was gentler than Zhu Ling’er had ever heard before.

Erii blinked, then held up a small notebook. On it, in childlike handwriting, were written: 【Hello, Ling'er-neechan.】

Zhu Ling'er's heart melted instantly. She softened her voice and said slowly in Chinese, "Eri, you are so beautiful."

Then, she looked at Genjiro and asked with her eyes.

Yuan Zhisheng nodded.

Zhu Ling'er took out an exquisite Chinese knot with a peace buckle from her small bag and handed it to Erii: "This is for you, Erii. It is a blessing from China to keep you safe and sound."

Erii looked at the Chinese knot curiously, then at Genjiro, who smiled and nodded. She carefully took it, a bright smile spreading across her face, and immediately wrote in her notebook: "Thank you! It's beautiful!"

Then she took Zhu Ling'er's hand and led her to her room, which was filled with all kinds of dolls and comic books.

“Eri really likes you,” Genji said to Zhu Ling’er, standing at the doorway as his younger sister excitedly showed her her treasures.

"Eri is as pure as crystal, making one want to protect her," Zhu Ling'er said sincerely.

After that, Zhu Ling'er often visited Erii in her spare time. She taught Erii how to recognize simple Chinese words, such as "brother," "thank you," and "pretty." Erii learned very diligently. They read comics together, and Erii would use a writing board to chat with Zhu Ling'er, telling her which character was a good guy and which was a bad guy.

Once, Zhu Ling'er was telling Erii the Chinese myth of "The Legend of the White Snake." When she got to the part where Bai Suzhen was imprisoned under Leifeng Pagoda, Erii's eyes reddened, and she wrote in her notebook: "Xu Xian was wrong; he should have gone to save her."

Zhu Ling'er gently explained, "Xu Xian wasn't bad; he just loved Bai Suzhen too much, which is why he was deceived. Later, their son was very capable and rescued his mother. You see, love and hope will ultimately triumph over everything."

Erii nodded, seemingly understanding, then wrote: "My brother will protect me too."

“Yes, your brother loves you very, very much,” Zhu Ling’er said affirmatively.

Seeing the genuine joy his younger sister felt when spending time with Zhu Ling'er, Yuan Zhisheng's trust and affection for Zhu Ling'er grew stronger day by day. He would even occasionally talk to Zhu Ling'er about his troubles, about his responsibilities to his family, and his uncertainty about the future.

“Sometimes, I feel that this Tokyo Tower is too heavy.” During a late-night conversation, Genjiro looked out the window and rarely revealed his true feelings.

Zhu Ling'er poured him a cup of tea and said softly, "Yuan-kun, a tower is a tower because it can bear weight. You are the pillar of the Snake-Headed Eight Families. But even pillars need rest. Our Zhu family also has an ancient motto: 'Cultivate oneself, regulate one's family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.' Only by cultivating oneself can one bear the burden of the family. Occasionally putting down the burden and looking at Erii's smile is also part of the cultivation, isn't it?"

Yuan Zhisheng remained silent for a long time, then picked up his teacup and softly said, "Thank you."

In the last two weeks, Zhu Ling'er had fully integrated into the life of the Snake Clan. She would practice with the younger members of each clan in the mornings, occasionally sparring with the younger members of the Wind Demon Clan, but only to a limited extent. She participated in the progress management meeting for a non-core technology project led by Miyamoto Shio, offering several suggestions on optimizing communication processes, which were adopted by Miyamoto. She also assisted Sakurai Nanami in compiling an investment risk assessment report related to the Chinese market, and her profound understanding of the Chinese context greatly impressed Sakurai Nanami.

Her relationships with the heads of the families also grew increasingly harmonious. Inuyama Kakai would have tea with her and chat about the similarities and differences between Chinese and Japanese cultures. Ryoma Genichiro made an exception and took her on a tour of the non-core assembly line. Even the most taciturn Fuuma Kotaro nodded at her after one morning exercise and said, "You are very good."

Her relationship with Genjiro and Erii was more like that of family. They would have dinner together at Genjiro's mansion, with Erii sitting in the middle, her brother on her left and her older sister Ling'er on her right. Erii would try her best to express herself using newly learned Chinese vocabulary mixed with Japanese and writing on a whiteboard, and the features of Genjiro's face softened considerably.

A month passed in the blink of an eye. On the eve of her departure, the Snake Clan held a farewell banquet for Zhu Ling'er. All the clan heads attended and presented her with parting gifts.

Inuyama He presented a beautiful Nishijin-ori kimono from Kyoto, saying, "I hope Miss Ling'er will remember the beauty of Japan."

Ryoma Genichiro presented him with a specially made self-defense pen: "This is just a token of my appreciation; I hope you stay safe."

Sakurai Nanami sent a carefully compiled summary of a financial risk management framework: "I hope it will be helpful to Mr. Zhu."

Miyamoto Shio gave him a small encrypted communication device that he had personally improved.

Fuma Kotaro presented her with an antique shuriken pendant, symbolizing protection against evil.

Tachibana Masamune presented him with a kanji character "絆" (bond) written in his own hand: "May the friendship between the Zhu family and the Hebi-hachi family last for generations."

What touched Zhu Ling'er the most was Erii's gift. Erii held a huge panda plush toy in her arms and placed it in Zhu Ling'er's hands. A note in her little notebook read: "Ling'er, don't forget Erii."

It was followed by a crookedly written Chinese word for "friend".

Zhu Ling'er hugged Erii and the doll tightly, her eyes moist: "I will never forget that Erii is my best, best Japanese friend."

Genjiro escorted her to the airport and handed her a long, rectangular wooden box: "This is a replica of the tsuba (guard) of my sword, 'Spider Cutter.' In times of crisis, with this, you can command a portion of the Snake Clan's forces in Japan."

This gift is incredibly valuable; it represents Genjiro's absolute trust and the promise of the Snake Clan.

Zhu Ling'er solemnly accepted the gift and bowed deeply: "Lord Yuan, I am deeply grateful. Zhu Ling'er and the Zhu family will always be the most reliable friends of the Eight Families of Sheqi. If needed, we will travel thousands of miles to provide assistance without hesitation."

As the plane soared into the sky, Zhu Ling'er watched Tokyo gradually shrink outside the window, her hand stroking the cold hilt of her sword.

Chapter 238 The Strange Old Woman

The afternoon sun, cut into narrow strips by towering buildings, barely illuminated this old alley hidden behind a bustling commercial district. The smell of damp moss and aged wood was pungent and jarring, a stark contrast to the modern urban clamor just steps away.

Lu Mingfei, with his hands in his pockets, followed Frillie, who was walking ahead, somewhat aimlessly.

"Hey Frillian, where are we going?" Lu Mingfei couldn't help but ask, his voice sounding a bit out of place in the quiet alley. He looked at the mottled walls and closed wooden doors on both sides, feeling a little uneasy. "This place doesn't look like it sells the magical materials you want."

Where in this small town where the film and television base is located can you find any strange magical materials?

Frillie stopped in her tracks, her emerald eyes fixed on an inconspicuous corner deep in the alley.

“The energy flow over there is very peculiar,” she said softly, “very ancient and subtle fluctuations. It’s not magic, but it’s like threads that bind fate and time.”

She pointed in that direction, "There."

Lu Mingfei looked in the direction she pointed, and there was only a more dilapidated wooden door. There was no sign on the door, only a blurry Bagua pattern that looked like it was formed by natural wood grain. It was impossible to notice unless you looked closely.

He thought to himself, "The threads of fate and time? That sounds even more terrifying than failing a course."

But seeing that Frilian had already taken a step forward, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow, thinking to himself, "Okay, okay, it's my honor to accompany the academic genius, no, I mean, the great Frilian, on her investigation."

Frillie gently pushed open the door, and the hinges made a long, dry creak, as if it had been asleep for a long time.

The inside and outside seemed like two different worlds. The light suddenly dimmed, with only a few old oil lamps casting a dim yellow glow in the corners. The room was filled with the strong scent of sandalwood, old papers, and unknown herbs. The walls were lined with floor-to-ceiling dark wooden shelves, filled with thread-bound ancient books, compasses, tortoise shells, and some strange objects that Lu Mingfei couldn't name. In the center of the room, behind a dark red old wooden table, sat an old woman.

She wore a dark blue cotton jacket, and her silver-white hair was neatly tied up in a bun at the back of her head. Her face was covered with wrinkles, as if they had recorded countless stories of the years, but her eyes were exceptionally clear and deep. At this moment, she quietly watched the two uninvited guests enter without the slightest surprise.

"You've come," the old woman said in a hoarse voice.

Lu Mingfei's heart skipped a beat: "This opening remark... it feels like they already knew we were coming?"

He forced a polite but slightly awkward smile: "Hello, ma'am. We just happened to be passing by, and my friend thinks your place is quite special."

Frillian was more direct. She nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over the objects in the room before finally settling on the old woman: "Are you using methods to glimpse the trajectory of fate?"

The old woman's lips twitched slightly, forming a very faint smile. "It's not about spying, just checking the direction of the river."

She gestured to the two old wooden chairs in front of the table, "Sit down. Since you've come this far, you might as well take a look."

Lu Mingfei and Frilian exchanged a glance and sat down as instructed. Lu Mingfei felt a little uneasy: "The direction of the river? Does it refer to life? Sounds pretty sophisticated. But these kinds of mystical places are usually just scams, right? What if they pull out a QR code for me to scan at the end?"

He stole a glance at Frillie and found her looking serious, even with an academic-like expression, so he had no choice but to swallow his complaints.

The old woman didn't ask any further questions. She simply took out an old-fashioned bamboo tube from under the table, containing dozens of slender yarrow stalks. Her movements were slow and solemn, as if she were performing some kind of ritual.

“Young man, you can start first,” the old woman said, pushing the bamboo tube in front of Lu Mingfei. “Silently think about what you want to know, or think about nothing at all, just do as you please. Then, take out fifty yarrow stalks.”