Unconventional [Rebirth] - Chapter 22

Since Rong Jingtang discovered someone had targeted Jiang Rui, he had been keeping track of the latter’s whereabouts. However, his men suspected that Jiang Rui had undergone some form of training, as his five senses were acutely sharper than ordinary people’s; he would be discovered upon the slightest close approach, making close tailing difficult.

He knew that Jiang Rui had not left Xiang City, yet he had not expected Jiang Rui to return to the Rong estate after spending a few days in the city.

This was unlike Jiang Rui’s usual style of doing things.

Rong Jingtang considered for a long time, ultimately deciding not to interfere with him. The Rong estate, after all, did not lack a guest room, and he could stay as long as he wished. As for his purpose in returning, given Jiang Rui’s temperament, if he did not want to say, any question would only receive a perfunctory answer.

Speaking of which, among those by his side or among his enemies, Jiang Rui was the only person who had dared to give him a perfunctory answer over the years.

Jiang Rui had carefully studied this type of Spirit-Confusing Formation and knew its consequences. Upon re-entering the Rong estate, he felt discomfort all over his body.

With his current ability, it was not easy to pinpoint the array’s core. Fortunately, Miao Xuan had located it during its previous investigation, confirming the core was Rong Jingtang’s study.

Uncle Cheng was initially puzzled by Jiang Rui’s sudden return, but seeing the gift box Jiang Rui carried, he suddenly realised, “So, Young Master Jiang went to the city to buy a gift for the Master! I thought you were returning to Qing City.”

Jiang Rui: “…” This was truly a beautiful misunderstanding.

Uncle Cheng was immensely happy for Rong Jingtang, saying with near-excitement, “The Master is in his study. I will take Young Master Jiang over right now. You wouldn’t believe it—the people rushing to send gifts to the Master are as numerous as crossing carp, but few of the Master’s friends send him things. They all think our Master lacks nothing and feel that the Master would look down on ordinary items. In truth, the Master is not as particular as they imagine…”

All the way to the study, Uncle Cheng spoke to Jiang Rui about how much the Master lacked friends, and how easy-going and approachable he was, much like a parent trying to find a friend for their introverted child.

By the end of it, Jiang Rui almost felt that he should get along well with Rong Jingtang, shake hands, and become good friends from now on.

Fortunately, it was only ‘almost.’ Jiang Rui was not truly brainwashed. This was also thanks to Master Rong’s deep-seated image as an aloof, distant figure; a ‘male god’ should still be viewed from afar.

The study door was not closed. Jiang Rui looked inside from the exterior and saw Rong Jingtang resting his head on one hand, eyes closed, though he was not sure if he was asleep or not.

Thinking that this study was the core where the Spirit-Confusing Formation’s effect was the strongest, and seeing Rong Jingtang’s pale complexion and obvious fatigue, a wave of unjustified anger welled up in his heart.

It was fortunate that Rong Jingtang had met him, and it was a coincidence that he had stayed at the Rong estate, which led to the discovery of the problem. If there had been one less coincidence in this sequence, the problem with this residence would likely have been hard to uncover! And what would the fate of Rong Jingtang be with such a malevolent person by his side? Did he even need to consider it?

Jiang Rui calmed his mind and knocked on the door.

Rong Jingtang slowly opened his eyes, looking towards the doorway with a touch of bewilderment, like someone just awakened from sleep who had not yet fully registered his surroundings.

Jiang Rui was thoroughly captivated by this foggy-eyed look. Where was the aloof Master Rong he knew! Did he know that this appearance was simply inviting mischief!

However, Rong Jingtang quickly cleared his mind, checked the time, and showed a slight surprise in his eyes. He then restored his usual indifference, clasped his hands, and rested them on his chin. This simple gesture, performed by him, was especially elegant and beautiful.

“Please come in.”

After entering, Jiang Rui followed the instruction and sat on a golden-silk nanmu armchair not far from Rong Jingtang. Seeing the dark circles beneath the other’s eyes, he could not help but say, “Work is endless, Master Rong. It would be better for you to rest more.”

“I know,” Rong Jingtang nodded.

Jiang Rui recalled his previous cold attitude toward the man due to the business matter. Speaking these words now made him feel somewhat awkward, so he cleared his throat twice and got straight to the point: “Regarding the business matter, I overreacted. Later on, I thought it was no big deal. However, buying too many of those flowers and plants is useless and a waste of money. I’ll replace the batch for you when the effect of the ones you currently have wears off. As for the honey, I still have quite a bit in stock. Have someone come to fetch it another day. You don’t need to pay for it; it’s nothing valuable.”

Rong Jingtang looked at him without speaking.

Jiang Rui continued, “Oh, by the way, I came across two good pieces of jade in the city these past two days and personally carved a pair of Pixiu. My craftsmanship is merely average, and I carved them in a hurry. Just place them on your desk as a trinket, I suppose. I know you have many valuable items, so this gift from me is just a token of my regard; please don’t despise it.” With that, Jiang Rui opened the gift box and arranged the pair of Pixiu according to a specific orientation.

Fearing that Rong Jingtang might move them casually, Jiang Rui added, “The placement of Pixiu is quite particular. Do not move them unless you have to, or the feng shui will be disrupted.”

Rong Jingtang remained silent, letting him arrange them.

After positioning the Pixiu, Jiang Rui stood up and said, “Your study is quite nice. You have a lot of things. Do you mind if I take a look…”

As he spoke, Jiang Rui walked in the specified direction to the confirmed array node, and with his hand behind his back, he lit the talisman in a position unseen by Rong Jingtang. The array talisman burned and disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving no ashes.

Rong Jingtang watched him walk back and forth in the study without asking a single question.

The instant Jiang Rui set up the Tongming Huixin Formation, he clearly felt the vague pressure that had been in the study completely dissipate, replaced by a relaxed feeling of mental clarity and calmness.

“Are you done?” The previously silent Rong Jingtang suddenly spoke up and asked.

Jiang Rui wiped the sweat from his brow, unconsciously nodded, and then realized something was amiss. He quickly looked at Rong Jingtang, finding that the other man was leaning back in his chair, leisurely staring at him.

Jiang Rui’s expression immediately became sheepish.

Rong Jingtang pointed to the chair, motioning for him to sit down.

Jiang Rui steeled himself and walked over to sit.

“Now, can you tell me what exactly you were doing just now?” Rong Jingtang’s tone was extremely polite.

Jiang Rui knew he definitely could not hide the fact that someone had secretly tampered with the residence from Rong Jingtang; in fact, he absolutely had to inform him, as only the other man would know who had set up this scheme. They could also take precautions as soon as possible.

Weighing his words carefully, Jiang Rui began to explain the matter to Rong Jingtang from beginning to end, though he naturally omitted that he had not understood feng shui or array formations beforehand.

Rong Jingtang did not comment on anything else upon hearing this, only saying, “You are not old, yet you know quite a lot. Cultivation, carving, and even proficiency in feng shui and array formations. Is there anything you don’t know?”

Jiang Rui felt that the other man’s focus was skewed. Should he not first consider who had attempted to harm him? Why was the conversation fixating on how many skills he possessed?

“Those things are not important. The key is, Master Rong, do you know who set up the Spirit-Confusing Formation in this residence?” That is the person who wants your life! Could you pay a little more attention?

Rong Jingtang nodded: “Naturally, I know.”

“Then you…” Jiang Rui could not understand the other man’s line of thinking.

“Isn’t it because I have you? He is not worth worrying about.”

Jiang Rui: “…”

Master Rong, have you perhaps misunderstood something?