Unconventional [Rebirth] - Chapter 91

Rong Jing-tang lowered his head to unfasten the button at his wrist, casually folding his sleeves up twice. “Oh, that?” he said nonchalantly. “That’s a trap.”

“Those medicinal herbs were part of a batch of Western medicine the government investigated a few years ago. The ingredients are… very problematic.” Rong Jing-tang’s voice was light and calm, but his words left Jiang Rui stunned.

Jiang Rui remembered those herbs. In his previous life, that batch of expired medication had caused a massive scandal. They weren’t particularly rare or expensive, but because of that, they were sold widely. This resulted in a nationwide outbreak of a condition nicknamed “Zombie Disease,” for which there was no known cure.

But why would Rong Jing-tang hand such a batch over to Xiao Lu-nan and Zhou Yong-ping?

Jiang Rui was quick-witted; after a moment’s thought, he understood. People often spoke of collusion between officials and businessmen. Although Jiang Rui didn’t yet know the full extent of the Rong family’s influence in the current political landscape, their network was clearly vast and intricate.

By mentioning those herbs and involving Zhou and Xiao in the deal, Rong Jing-tang was actually “paving the way” for them. By handing over a “problematic” batch to the authorities, they would gain powerful friends in the government. This would help the two men, who were currently confined to local influence, expand their reach. Even if it was just out of respect for Rong Jing-tang, their path forward would be much smoother.

Having unraveled the strategy, Jiang Rui looked at Rong Jing-tang, pursed his lips, and whispered a soft “Thank you.”

“Are you planning to let the government handle this mess?”

“Mm.” Rong Jing-tang closed his eyes, leaning back against the seat to nap. He only gave a slight nod in response to Jiang Rui’s question.

If giving the herbs to Xiao and Zhou was meant to help them, then giving them to Wang Cheng-hui was essentially helping him find an early grave.

Jiang Rui thought for a moment before placing his hand gently on Rong Jing-tang’s arm, shaking it slightly. “I know how severe the consequences are if those drugs hit the market, but…”

A faint smile played on Rong Jing-tang’s lips as he patted Jiang Rui’s hand. “We won’t create unnecessary bloodshed. Be good; leave this matter to me.”

Jiang Rui’s face flushed. The way Rong Jing-tang looked right now… it truly made one’s heart race and one’s mind wander…

Ahem.

Jiang Rui coughed twice and turned his head toward the window, pretending to admire the scenery.

The car arrived at the Rong estate. After it came to a complete stop, Jiang Rui opened his eyes. Beside him, Rong Jing-tang had already stepped out, his jacket draped over his left arm. Following behind, Jiang Rui watched Rong Jing-tang stride into the manor. He narrowed his eyes, thinking that Rong Jing-tang in black was incredibly handsome.

“What made you decide to wear black today?” Jiang Rui asked with a smile as they entered the house.

The unique structure of the traditional courtyard house kept the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. Stepping inside, they were met with a comfortable, crisp chill that was instantly refreshing.

Rong Jing-tang draped the jacket back over his shoulders and extended his arms toward Jiang Rui. “How do I look?”

Jiang Rui laughed. “Is there anything you wear that doesn’t look good?”

Rong Jing-tang went silent for a moment. “Does it look more steady than usual?”

Jiang Rui blinked at this unusual behavior. After a pause, he said, “Much more steady. I have to say, black really carries a certain authority.”

Rong Jing-tang finally looked satisfied.

“Did you dress like this just to see Wang Cheng-hui?” Jiang Rui’s lip twitched.

“Wang Cheng-hui?” Rong Jing-tang looked surprised, then realized. “Oh, no, not him.” He poured two cups of tea, offering one to Jiang Rui. “What do you think… your second uncle and aunt’s impression of me is?”

Jiang Rui choked on his water, coughing as he looked at him in disbelief. “You dressed up just to see my uncle and aunt?”

Rong Jing-tang nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “When meeting elders, it is naturally better to look reliable.”

Jiang Rui didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but he was deeply moved. He never expected such an answer. A man as proud and busy as Rong Jing-tang had made such meticulous preparations just for a brief meeting with ordinary people.

“You didn’t have to do that…” Jiang Rui wanted to say more, but that was all that came out.

Rong Jing-tang naturally wrinkled his nose before turning to sit back down. Jiang Rui smiled and walked over to the table. “I need to head out again. Will you be alright here tonight… by yourself?”

Rong Jing-tang gave a casual hum of agreement without looking up.

“In a while, I’ll apply to live off-campus…” Jiang Rui noticed Rong Jing-tang’s movements pause. The man looked up, staring at him intently. Jiang Rui continued, “Do you have a spare room for me?”

“No,” Rong Jing-tang said expressionlessly. He pointed to the bed, adding shamelessly, “There are no guest rooms, as you know.”

Jiang Rui shrugged. “Do you mind sharing?”

“The bed is large,” Rong Jing-tang replied subtly. “And it’s warmer to sleep together in winter.”

Jiang Rui could no longer hide his smile. “Fine. We’ll share, then.”

Outside the door, Uncle Cheng—who had been eavesdropping for a long time—silently walked away to contact a furniture store for a new bed.

Jiang Rui returned to the basement hideout. He still wanted to figure out which of the men held Jiang Xi’s “red thread of fate.” In his last life, she had met the wrong person and lived a tragic life. While he trusted Xiao Lu-nan’s brothers in terms of loyalty, he couldn’t be too careful when it came to his sister’s future.

The basement, which had been filthy a few hours ago, was now remarkably clean. Jiang Rui marveled at the “magic” of women. Jiang Xi was resting to one side. A group of men were gathered around Xiao Lu-nan, talking. Jiang Rui didn’t approach; instead, he silently scanned the room to see who was connected to the red thread on Jiang Xi’s hand.

“Cousin!” Jiang Xi’s eyes lit up when she saw him. She put down a handheld game console someone had given her and ran to his side.

Jiang Rui patted her head and smiled at her bright eyes. “Did you clean all this?”

Jiang Xi nodded shyly, looking at him expectantly for praise.

“Xi-xi did a great job,” Jiang Rui said, earning a wide beam from the girl. He looked around again but still couldn’t see the person connected to the thread.

“Where is Xiao Wu?” Jiang Rui asked a young man nearby.

“Xiao Wu?” The man looked around. “I think he went out to buy snacks for the little girl.”

Jiang Rui narrowed his eyes. Moments later, Xiao Wu returned to the basement carrying a pile of snacks. Because he looked young and had his arm in a sling, he didn’t attract much suspicion while out.

Then, Jiang Rui saw it. On Xiao Wu’s finger… a length of red thread was drifting toward Jiang Xi.

Alright. Found the one.

Jiang Rui walked over to Xiao Wu and confirmed that the red thread indeed formed a pair with Jiang Xi’s. Xiao Wu was seventeen or eighteen—a bit older than Jiang Xi, but a good age gap. An older boy could look after her. Jiang Rui’s gaze turned increasingly satisfied, looking at Xiao Wu as if he were a prized junior. Finally, he nodded in self-approval and patted Xiao Wu’s arm.

Xiao Wu was left completely baffled.

“Rui,” Xiao Lu-nan said, standing up with help before waving his subordinates away. “Is the herb business settled?”

“Mm,” Jiang Rui replied. “Someone has already mediated. He’ll find a time to discuss the details with you later.”

Xiao Lu-nan nodded fiercely. “That bastard Wang Cheng-hui… if he ever falls into my hands, I’ll make sure he regrets it.”

Jiang Rui listened with a smile. “Clean this place up and go home. Your wife probably hasn’t seen you in days, right?”

Xiao Lu-nan scratched his head sheepishly. “Heh, you know how women worry. Xiao Wu, coming home with me?”

“Whoa, big brother, no thanks!” Xiao Wu grinned. “You and sister-in-law are finally reuniting; I’m not going to be a third wheel.”

Jiang Rui sighed, then suddenly froze while looking at Xiao Lu-nan. There was a faint, clear aura mixed within Xiao Lu-nan’s presence—an auspicious, lucky glow. Jiang Rui paused and quickly performed a mental calculation.

Immediately, his face broke into a joyous grin.

Is this what they call a blessing in disguise?

Jiang Rui looked at Xiao Lu-nan, tempted to tell him, but he held back. It wouldn’t be appropriate for him to announce a pregnancy to a man in front of so many people, no matter how close they were.

Suppressing his excitement, Jiang Rui laughed and patted Xiao Lu-nan’s arm. “Lu-nan, you survived this disaster, and I guarantee you have a great blessing coming your way very soon.”

And this “blessing” was no small matter.

Jiang Rui smiled to himself, leaving Xiao Lu-nan completely confused. In the end, Xiao Lu-nan stopped trying to figure it out and ordered his men to pack up. They left the basement in small groups, dispersing toward their respective destinations.