Chapter 010: Temptation

Feng Botao drove straight to Dahongmen, overwhelmed with emotions along the way—after decades of searching, he suddenly had a lead on his long-lost brother, which filled him with immense excitement, making it difficult for him to contain his feelings. Back then, he was just a little over two years old. Fortunately, he had been fostered in the home of a local underground party member in the county, and did not become separated from his parents.

Qianru, I am your mother

The two brothers were having a conversation when suddenly the phone rang loudly

Beside them, Feng Bolin's wife, Song Yuzhen, brought a plate of chilled watermelon and said with a smile, "Bolin, have some watermelon; it's too hot today. I just took it out of the refrigerator."

"Brother Peng, I toast to you." Jiao Nianbo raised his glass and clinked it with Peng Yuanzheng's. "By the way, Brother Peng, what brings you back to Beijing, and where are you staying?"

Indeed, Feng Qianru's expression suddenly changed, and her delicate lips twitched involuntarily for a moment. She abruptly raised her head to gaze at the composed Peng Yuanzheng, her eyes shimmering with an extremely shocking brilliance.

Feng Bolin nodded solemnly, "Alright, elder brother, I will head over right away"

Mom, is Dad at home

"You go ahead, I will stay at home and keep watch." Song Yuzhen gently nodded in agreement.

Feng Qianru's identity is an unspoken taboo among this group of students. Peng Yuanzheng did not ask, and Jiao Nianbo and others also avoided the topic.

Feng Botao's home

He slowly took out a small package wrapped in red silk from his backpack, then carefully opened it to reveal the dragon-patterned jade pendant that concerned his father's fate and identity, gently placing it on the table, "This is the pendant."

Qianru has never told a lie. She is currently having a meal with this young man... Feng Botao pondered for a moment, "This matter is of great importance, Berlin. I think this: you should go in person and try to meet him—I will go to Dahongmen immediately to report to Dad"

Berlin, do not make it public for now; let's clarify the situation before we proceed, " Feng Botao advised.

Thank you, sister-in-law!" Feng Bolin said with a slight bow and a smile. He held great respect for his elder sister-in-law. This was because Song Yuzhen had a calm demeanor, was very magnanimous, and possessed a particularly strong capacity for tolerance, unlike his wife Zhang Lan, who was sharp-tongued and mercenary, failing to win the favor of the Feng elder couple

Several team members were waiting with Peng Yuanzheng in the private room, but Feng Qianru had not appeared, reportedly having gone to take a shower and change clothes

Yet this brilliance was quickly concealed by her. She slowly sat back down, gazing thoughtfully at Peng Yuanzheng, listening to the crowd's various opinions about the jade pendant, but did not interject.

"I am temporarily staying at a classmate's house." Peng Yuanzheng smiled faintly, his voice very calm, "I have a little item at home that my mother says is an antique. I came to the capital to find an expert to appraise it and see if it is genuine"

Feng Qianru greeted everyone to take their seats and also ordered a few bottles of beer

"Hehe, what kind of master am I? Please don't say that; it would only make people laugh at me. I just learned a little bit when I was young and have been practicing on my own without giving up. " Peng Yuanzheng casually laughed it off, brushing it aside.

Thank you

Peng Yuanzheng decided to test Feng Qianru immediately

I am here, currently speaking with your uncle

Mom, please have Dad answer the phone right away

At this moment, Peng Yuanzheng almost wanted to take a bite out of Jiao Nianbo, as this fellow was simply too agreeable, too cooperative, and too adorable. Just when he was troubled about how to find an opening from Feng Qianru, he began to help by sounding the gong in support.

Feng Botao paid no attention, continuing to speak with his younger brother while walking over to answer the phone. However, when he picked up the call, his daughter hurriedly said a few words on the other end, and his expression suddenly changed dramatically

"Antiques, huh? If they are truly antiques, Brother Peng, you could strike it rich. What is it? Please show us something interesting," Jiao Nianbo asked curiously.

All the dishes were served when Feng Qianru arrived late. She had changed into a white tracksuit, her long, jet-black hair damp and held up by a butterfly hairpin, her delicate face flushed, adding a touch of elegance and charm.

As soon as Feng Botao's words fell, Song Yuzhen was taken aback, her mouth agape, while Feng Botao stood up abruptly, exclaiming, "Is it true?"

After a few drinks, Jiao Nianbo chuckled and said, "Peng Ge, I really didn't expect to see you again at school, and I certainly didn't expect that you are still a master of Tai Chi... When did you learn Tai Chi? I never saw you practice it while we were in school."

Feng Botao's expression was serious as he slowly put down the receiver and shook his head. "Yuzhen, Bolin, just now Qianru mentioned in the call that she has an alumnus who produced the recognition certificate left by Dad for the second son back then, that piece of Qing Dynasty dragon-patterned jade pendant."

Peng Yuanzheng sat there, his gaze fixed intently on Feng Qianru, observing the changes in her expression

Moments later, she suddenly chuckled softly and said, "Coach Peng, I happen to know an antique expert. How about I help you make an introduction?"

A crowd gathered around, leaning down to take a look

As everyone chatted and laughed, they quickly became very familiar with one another. They were all young, of similar ages, and alumni of the same university, making it easy to break down any barriers. Moreover, with Peng Yuanzheng's decades of life experience from past and present, he intentionally sought to build a harmonious relationship with these university students, leaving no room for difficulty.

Peng Yuanzheng looked back at Feng Qianru, who was smiling calmly, and said, "That sounds great, thank you."

The hand holding the telephone receiver trembled slightly

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In fact, if it were not for their shared interest in Tai Chi and the upcoming performance at the school anniversary gala, ordinary university students like Jiao Nianbo would not have the opportunity to sit together with Feng Qianru. However, despite her noble status, Feng Qianru does not carry herself with much pretension towards them; it is merely the intangible aura of a high-born princess and the elegance that emanates from her every gesture and movement.

Song Yuzhen furrowed her brows and said, "What’s wrong, Old Feng? Has Qianru encountered some trouble?"

Feng Bolin nodded and hurried away

After Feng Bolin left, Feng Botao let out a sigh and gently said to his wife, "Yuzhen, you stay at home and keep an eye on the phone. I will go and tell Dad about this matter right away. After so many years, this is the first time we have a lead on the second child. I believe Mom and Dad will be very happy."

The restaurant was booked by Feng Qianru, a luxurious star-rated hotel located on the west side of the east gate of Jinghua University, where a private room was reserved. It was evident that this meal was to be hosted by Feng Qianru

Feng Bolin, who is about to be promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed as the Chief of Staff of a certain group army, has returned to Beijing from the troops and is on leave. He has come to his elder brother Feng Bolin to discuss some matters.

Putting down the watermelon plate, Song Yuzhen went to one side to answer the phone

"You are welcome. This jade pendant of yours must be an antique; you should take good care of it." Feng Qianru raised her wine glass and said with a deep gaze, "Coach Peng, I toast to you!"

Hearing her daughter's voice sounding somewhat urgent, Song Yuzhen frowned slightly, but she picked up the phone and shouted towards Feng Botao, "Old Feng, Qianru is looking for you, saying there's an urgent matter!"