The festive atmosphere of the New Year lingered in the crevices of the city, with red lanterns swaying lazily on the streets, as if savoring the clamor of the celebrations.
Fang Cheng stood in front of the clubâs floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the bustling and endless stream of cars outside, pressing the phone with the dialed number to his ear.
On the other end of the line, after a moment of busy tones, came a crisp, bell-like yet slightly weary voice:
"Hello?"
Fang Cheng was slightly taken aback, then immediately spoke:
"Lin Chuqiao, itâs me, Fang Cheng, Happy New Year! What have you been busy with lately?"
Upon hearing Fang Chengâs familiar voice, Lin Chuqiao seemed to be instantly injected with a surge of energy, her somewhat tired spirit suddenly refreshed, and she laughed lightly:
"Oh, what a rare guest today, I usually canât find you in sight, itâs rare for you to take the initiative to call me to wish me a Happy New Year."
Her laughter was filled with delight, with a hint of reproach.
Since saying goodbye after their shared adventure on Yongâan Island and returning to East Capital, both had been entangled with various affairs, living a busy life, and had not met for quite a while.
Fang Chengâs lips curved slightly, without any sense of awkwardness, he also smiled:
"I was so busy lately that I had no time to contact you, but now that Iâm done, I thought of catching up with you."
"Are you free? Letâs find a place to meet, my treat."
There seemed to be a faint sound of conversation coming from Lin Chuqiaoâs side.
After quietly speaking to someone else for a moment, she responded with a hint of apology:
"Iâm really sorry, I have guests visiting at home today, so itâs inconvenient to go out. How about we arrange for another time?"
She paused slightly as if sensing something, and keenly asked: "Do you have something on your mind?"
Fang Cheng didnât hold back, speaking candidly:
"Yes, besides inviting you, I wanted to ask you for a favor."
"I knew it."
Lin Chuqiao first chuckled lightly, her laughter coming through the earpiece without any hint of reproach, instead seeming quite willing:
"Go ahead, as long as itâs within my ability, feel free to ask, thereâs no need to be formal."
"Itâs not a very complicated matter."
Fang Cheng cleared his throat, slightly organizing his thoughts, and then explained the situation:
"Hereâs the thing, do you remember the little girl I brought to your place for medical treatment last time?"
"She has been staying at home out of school due to family reasons. I thought sheâs still so young, she shouldnât be deprived of education and delay her future, but I donât have any avenues."
"You are a college lecturer with broad connections, could you perhaps help find a suitable school for her?"
Lin Chuqiao listened quietly on the other end without hesitation, immediately responding:
"Alright, fax me her information, donât worry, Iâll get this sorted out for you before the school starts."
A warmth surged in Fang Chengâs heart, his tone full of sincere gratitude:
"Thank you, Iâll definitely treat you to a grand meal next time."
Lin Chuqiao chuckled sweetly, with a touch of playfulness, she said:
"You said it, no reneging on this, now go and prepare the documents, I still have guests here, Iâll hang up first."
"Alright, you go ahead."
Fang Cheng hung up the phone, exhaled a gentle breath, and squinted out at the skyscrapers.
Unconsciously, an image of Lin Chuqiaoâs enthusiastic, capable yet gentle demeanor emerged in his mind, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.
Meanwhile, in a high-end apartment at Cuihu Yipin.
Lin Chuqiao also stood by the floor-to-ceiling window.
After finishing the call with Fang Cheng, she put down the phone and turned to look at the guest waiting in the living room, explaining:
"Iâm sorry, a friend of mine needed a favor, so it took a bit of time."
The visitor was a man in his fifties, wearing a gray trench coat, with neatly combed back hair, and a gaze through his glasses that showed a mix of scrutiny and doting.
He gently waved his hand, smiling, and said:
"It seems I came at the wrong time today, interrupting your dating time, Xiao Chu, if youâre busy, we can talk another day."
Lin Chuqiaoâs cheeks slightly flushed, she then sat on the couch opposite.
She then resumed a dignified posture, looking seriously at the other person:
"Itâs alright, Professor, please continue."
Her tone was gentle yet firm, seamlessly transitioning from the soft, slightly coquettish woman on the phone, to a composed and elegant self with no sense of awkwardness.
The Professor nodded slightly, then continued:
"Our target this time is the long-lost Golden Benba Bottle."
"Last time, I asked you to help predict it, and the image you provided depicted the auction scene. Now, according to reliable information, itâs very likely going to appear at next monthâs international shadow auction."
Upon hearing this, Lin Chuqiaoâs eyebrows slightly furrowed, understanding what it implied.
In the undercurrents of the underground world, there existed a mysterious and notorious illegal trading platformâthe International Shadow Auction.
It forms an extremely secretive trading network, completely out of the regulatory systemâs reach, a hotbed for illegal artifacts and rare items trading.
The items handled by this auction have highly sensitive origins, including national treasure-level relics stolen from various countries, illegally excavated ancient relics, and some heirloom treasures looted after the decline of historic families.
"Do you want me to confirm the specific circulation path or whereabouts of that item before it goes up for auction?"
Considering the potential danger involved, a surge of concern filled Lin Chuqiaoâs heart, prompting her to ask once again.