r18novel Chapter 163 Taking care of just one husky is exhausting enough!
Chapter 163 Taking care of just one husky is exhausting enough!
He took out his phone and dialed Chu Zihang's number.
The phone rang a few times before being answered, and Chu Zihang's calm and steady voice came from the other end:
"Hey, Mingfei."
However, in stark contrast to this calmness was the background noise on the other end of the phone.
With Lu Mingfei's hearing at this moment, he could clearly distinguish Xia Mi's highly recognizable and cheerful voice from the noisy sounds.
I could vaguely hear Xia Mi talking happily in the distance.
"This is delicious, boss! One serving of this glutinous rice ball, please!"
"Senior brother! This candied apple looks so pretty! Let's buy two!"
It seems the two of them were quite 'enjoying' this mission.
"Senior brother, sorry to disturb your 'mission'." Lu Mingfei's lips curled slightly upward, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.
"There's something important to discuss. It's a big case in East China that involves Japan and the Snake Clan. Old Wang specifically asked me to go and oversee things. How about it? Would it be convenient for you to come with me?"
Chu Zihang hardly hesitated:
"Okay. What do we need to prepare? When do we leave?"
Of course he had to go; he still had a long-standing obsession that he hadn't been able to resolve.
His father...and Odin!
Like lava that has not yet cooled, it is always surging in the shadows, and perhaps the land of cherry blossoms holds the clues.
"We'll discuss the details on the way. Bring Xia Mi back as soon as possible; we might leave first thing tomorrow morning."
"Understood. We'll return tonight."
Chu Zihang readily agreed, and then calmly told Xia Mi on the other end of the phone, "Mission changed, prepare to return."
Lu Mingfei could almost picture Xia Mi puffing out her cheeks and complaining, and couldn't help but smile.
With Chu Zihang around, he felt much more at ease.
After all, it's an external brain...
Fingel, who was next to him, was finally awakened by the knocking and talking. He sat up groggily.
Upon hearing keywords like "Japan with Cherry Blossoms" and "female secretary" (the latter being clearly something he made up in his head), he instantly perked up:
"Japan with cherry blossoms? Junior brother, you're going on a paid trip? Take me with you! My Japanese is fluent, I can be your translator and bodyguard!"
Lu Mingfei glanced at him: "Besides 'arigatou' (thank you) and 'kawaii' (cute), do you know any other Japanese phrases? You're not even as good as me. And a bodyguard?"
His gaze swept over Fingel several times, looking him up and down.
"I think you want to work as a bodyguard in Akihabara or Kabukicho."
He paused, thinking that although Fingel was eccentric, he always had a knack for unexpected talents at crucial moments, and his strength... well, he wasn't exactly a liability. Having another helper would be good:
"Alright, you're in. Hurry up and get ready, we might be leaving soon."
"Order!"
Upon hearing this, Fingel attempted a somersault... but failed, as the curved surface under the recliner effectively absorbed his force.
Then he scrambled to his feet and rushed back to his room, probably to rummage through his precious camera and "battle gear".
Ling quietly cleared away the dishes. After hearing Lu Mingfei's arrangement, she merely glanced at him indifferently, without asking any further questions or requesting to go along.
She simply said softly, "Be careful."
Lu Mingfei felt a warmth in his heart and nodded:
"Okay, I'm leaving the house to you. Keep an eye on Gu Nan, don't let her tear the house down."
That's right, he didn't plan to bring Gu Nan this time. Although she would definitely make a scene with Lu Mingfei over this, one Finger was already enough to deal with.
Not to mention bringing along another husky.
It's not like we're going to fight the Dragon King...
The next morning, at Beijing Capital International Airport.
Lu Mingfei looked at the lineup in front of him:
Chu Zihang, with his expressionless calm and efficient packing;
Beside her was Xia Mi, who seemed reluctant to part, but whose eyes were actually shining with curiosity about "where her senior brother was going on a business trip";
And Fingel, wearing a floral shirt and sunglasses, looking as if he were really on vacation in Hawaii.
Ling and Gu Nan didn't come over. Gu Nan went out and stayed up all night yesterday and is still catching up on sleep. Ling is taking care of her at home (and is also worried that she might come over as soon as she wakes up).
Standing beside him was an unofficial secretary dressed in a suit.
"I said, Xia Mi and Ling will stay."
Lu Mingfei rubbed his forehead.
Upon hearing this, Xia Mi immediately released Chu Zihang's sleeve and stood still, blinking her big, mischievous eyes as she gave Lu Mingfei a crooked salute:
"Reporting to the team leader, I'll just see my senior brother off to the security checkpoint! I absolutely won't follow him! I promise I'll go home and guard the house!"
After saying that, she secretly made a face at Chu Zihang.
Chu Zihang glanced helplessly at Lu Mingfei, shook his head slightly, indicating that he couldn't do anything about her.
Lu Mingfei was too lazy to bother with such a trivial matter and waved his hand dismissively.
"Alright, alright, that's enough. Zero's waiting for you at home."
His last sentence was addressed to Xia Mi, carrying a hint of a reminder.
After saying goodbye to the (seemingly) well-behaved Xia Mi, Lu Mingfei, Chu Zihang, Finger, and the secretary boarded a direct flight to Tokyo through the VIP channel.
Inside first class, Fingel expertly ordered champagne and began studying the airline meal menu.
Lu Mingfei and Chu Zihang sat side by side, exchanging information in hushed tones about the case and the situation with Sakura.
"The Snake Clan refused to cooperate, and their attitude was very subtle."
Chu Zihang looked at the city skyline gradually shrinking outside the window and said,
“Since the change of the head of the Yuan family, they have become much more cautious in their contact with the outside world. They couldn’t possibly be unaware of this large-scale trafficking of hybrids.”
“Yes,” Lu Mingfei leaned back in his comfortable chair, but his eyes sharpened.
"Either they have internal problems and their control has weakened; or they themselves are involved; or... they know who the buyer is and they can't afford to offend them."
"Regardless of which one it is, we need to figure it out," Chu Zihang concluded.
That's right, their main mission this time is investigation and deterrence.
Then report the truth about the Sakura Country and the case.
The rest can be left to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
After all, the Japanese have been quite hostile towards China since 45. Giving them a warning and getting some benefits along the way is not a psychological burden for Lu Mingfei.
The plane roared as it climbed, plunged into the stratosphere, and flew steadily toward the island nation to the east.
Three hours later, the plane landed smoothly at Narita Airport.
As he passed through customs, Lu Mingfei keenly sensed several gazes fixed on him.
Clearly, the Snake Clan already knew they had arrived.
Lu Mingfei had no intention of hiding his whereabouts this time. They were here to intimidate, so what was the point of sneaking around?
A convoy of black luxury cars came to pick him up. Since it was not an official visit for Lu Mingfei, no national flag was displayed.
The man leading the group was a young man dressed in a black suit, who was meticulous in his appearance. Although his attitude was respectful, it still showed a hint of aloofness.
"Team Leader Lu!"
He bowed, his voice steady.
"I am Ryuji Saeki, the head of the action team of the Executive Bureau. I have been ordered to receive you all."