The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 200 Qiao Lu visits Ye Family Village and reveals a secret

Team Leader Zhang reluctantly got up and walked towards the courtyard gate.

Outside the courtyard gate, a young and beautiful woman of mixed race walked slowly in, adding a touch of exotic charm to the tranquil village. She was tall and slender, with a shapely figure, and every step she took exuded elegance and confidence. Her waist was as slender as a willow branch swaying in the spring breeze, drawing attention wherever she went. Her legs were long and graceful, her steps light and airy, as if she were walking on clouds.

The woman's appearance was breathtaking. She possessed a delicate, picturesque face with deep, sculpted features, seemingly a fusion of Eastern and Western beauty. Her skin was as smooth as snow, radiating a healthy glow. Her large eyes, like the deep night sky, sparkled with wisdom and mystery. Her long eyelashes fluttered gently, each blink seeming to tell an endless story. Her nose was high and straight, her lips full and supple, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned, creating a captivating smile that inspired longing in all who beheld her.

She wore a simple yet stylish dress that swayed gently in the breeze, adding to her elegance and grace. Her soft hair fell smoothly over her shoulders, swaying lightly with her steps and releasing a faint fragrance.

"Qiao Lu, what brings you here?" Ye Xuehan asked with a smile.

Qiao Lu approached with a smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and concern: "I've run into some things and wanted to ask you about them. I really didn't expect Captain Zhang to be here too. What did I miss? What big thing happened? Is it related to the youth team?" Her voice was gentle and magnetic, very soothing to listen to.

Ye Xuehan gently shook her head, indicating that everything was fine: "It was just some old matters, which have already been resolved."

Qiao Lu nodded, turned her gaze to Captain Zhang beside her, and greeted him politely: "Captain Zhang, it's been a long time."

Team Leader Zhang smiled and replied, "Yes, Qiao Lu, how have you been lately? I heard you're researching new spacetime theories at Xinghai Group. Any progress?"

Qiao Lu's face showed a proud expression: "We have made some breakthroughs, and I believe we will soon find a more stable method of time travel."

Upon hearing this, Ye Xuehan's eyes flashed with surprise: "Really? That's great! This way we can explore those unknown worlds more safely."

Qiao Lu smiled and nodded: "Yes, I have been working hard. But Xuehan, are you really not considering joining us? I believe in your abilities and I'm sure you can shine in this field."

Ye Xuehan gently shook her head, a determined look in her eyes: "No, Qiao Lu. I have my own mission and responsibilities. I can't abandon all of this to pursue the unknown. Besides, I believe you can definitely find a better candidate."

Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed in Qiao Lu's eyes, but she quickly smiled again: "Okay, I respect your decision. But if you change your mind at any time, remember to come find me."

Ye Xuehan smiled and nodded: "Definitely. Okay, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's go for a walk in the village, soak up the sun, and relax."

Qiao Lu readily agreed, and the two smiled at each other before walking hand in hand into the village. Captain Zhang watched their retreating figures in silence for a long time before finally walking out of the village.

After crossing two bridges in the village, Qiao Lu and Ye Xuehan sat down in the pavilion by the bridge.

"What's wrong? What happened to you?" Ye Xuehan asked.

"Xinghai Group received a message from the future. Guess who sent it?" Qiao Lu got straight to the point.

"Do I know him?" Ye Xuehan asked doubtfully.

“We were in the same class in middle school,” Qiao Lu said.

"Su An? Shen Lixi? Luo Yifei?" Ye Xuehan guessed.

“No, it’s Ren Changxi.” Qiao Lu paused for a moment, then continued, “The Ren family is the largest shareholder of Xinghai Group. But the Ren family never interferes with the group’s operations, and Ren Changxi has not participated in any of the group’s experimental projects.”

"So you mean?" Ye Xuehan gestured for Qiao Lu to continue.

“The first possibility is that our competitors are up to something, and we received a fake message. However, after investigation, this possibility is very small. So, the second possibility is that the message is true, and Ren Changxi is very likely involved in some experimental project in the future, and we did receive her application form for participating in the experimental project internally. Because she is a shareholder's family member, she will likely have a smooth ride. But at this very moment, our founder Ning Ze was framed by his partner Qin Yu, dismissed by the board of directors, and accidentally fell into the water on his way out of the company. He is still unconscious in the hospital. Guess what the radio wave message that Ren Changxi sent from the future is?” Qiao Lu finished speaking and looked at Ye Xuehan.

"Be careful of Qin Yu? Is Qin Yu going to betray us?" Ye Xuehan guessed.

"No, the message is 'Don't let Ning Ze take power, he will destroy the whole world,'" Qiao Lu said.

"So, it's the Ren family that's trying to seize power, and Qin Yu is just a puppet," Ye Xuehan replied.

“We’ve been classmates with Ren Changxi since junior high. You should know what kind of person she is.” Qiao Lu continued seriously, “I’ve talked to her. She said the group is thriving and the Ren family has no intention of seizing power. Even if the Ren family really wanted to seize power, they have a hundred ways to do so without bloodshed. They don’t need to create a message from the future in the name of ‘Ren Changxi’. So things have come back to the first possibility.”

"You mean, someone sent this message using Ren Changxi's name?" Ye Xuehan frowned. "But what would be their purpose in doing so?"

Qiao Lu sighed: "This is also a question I've been thinking about. If this message is true, then it's a warning against letting Ning Ze regain power. But if the message is false, then who sent it? Why would he do this? Is it to sow discord, or does he have another purpose?"

Ye Xuehan was silent for a moment, then said, "What do you need me to do?"

"I don't trust anyone in the group," Qiao Lu said, then looked at Ye Xuehan without saying anything more.

"I'll think about it. I'd like to meet Ren Changxi. Can you arrange that?" Ye Xuehan asked solemnly.

“Okay.” Qiao Lu nodded.

......

After leaving Yejiacun, Captain Zhang drove directly to Shenyun Middle School in Qianmo City. Mr. Zhang, a physics teacher at the school, arrived at the school gate after receiving a phone call.

"Brother, what brings you here?" Teacher Zhang asked with a smile.

"Do you have class this afternoon? If so, please reschedule and ask for leave. Let's have lunch together," Captain Zhang replied.

"What's wrong? What happened?" Teacher Zhang's smile vanished instantly, and her expression suddenly turned serious.

"It's nothing, it's been over ten years since we two brothers have had a proper meal together. Get in the car," Zhang said, opening the car door.

......