Hidden Assassin 296

## Volume Three, Cohabitation Era – Sixth Volume, Azure Sky Below, Section 296: Swinging

2013-02-08

The machine room was teeming with people. The giant electronic time board constantly refreshed, and the voice of the announcer, speaking in standard Mandarin, rang out. It was followed by an equally fluent English translation. At 2:40 p.m., another plane arrived from Hong Kong, landing on time at Jiang Hai.

A new batch of passengers exited the airport from the arrival gate, escorted by four men in suits, either staff or bodyguards. Two women walked out from a special passage, leaving the airport hall. One was a middle-aged woman, probably in her late thirties. By her side, the young woman, still appearing youthful and beautiful, was undoubtedly the center of attention. However, the woman was wearing a wide-brimmed baseball cap, paired with oversized sunglasses that concealed half her face. Her long, black, and silky hair cascaded down her back, and she wore loose, casual clothing. With her head down, she walked forward while pulling down the brim of her hat, clearly adopting a low-key attitude. Even in the crowded airport, however, as the group quickly walked by, the girl’s appearance still attracted some attention, sparking a few brief discussions amongst those nearby.

“Wow, that mm is so beautiful…” (Mm is a popular term for girls in Chinese web novels, often with a cute or endearing connotation)

“She has four bodyguards, huh, she’s probably some rich tycoon’s daughter. Don’t even think about it.”

“A beautiful woman is what every gentleman desires, let’s see if we can find out anything.”

“I think that beautiful woman looks a bit like Fang Yusi.”

“No way… where, where?”

“She’s gone… I think it’s impossible, Fang Yusi is in Hong Kong right now. If she were coming to Jiang Hai, it would cause a huge sensation…”

“That’s true…”

Fang Yusi had been a red-hot star for the first two years of her career, experiencing a slump the year before last and last year, only to be resurrected by a meticulously crafted music album that brought her fame back. The outside world praised her as a former teenage idol finally reaching maturity after two years of introspection, now poised to compete for the top spot in the Chinese music scene. Her fame and influence continued to rise steadily. If she was indeed coming to Jiang Hai, there would inevitably be a massive promotional campaign. The group outside the airport had already boarded two cars that were waiting for them.

Sitting in the back seat, the young woman in casual clothes removed her sunglasses and tossed her baseball cap aside. Taking a rubber band, she swiftly tied her long hair into a ponytail. Appearing before them was Fang Yusi’s beautiful and refreshingly youthful face. Although her personality wasn’t exactly pleasant, she did possess the necessary qualities to become a popular idol.

“The rooms at the Golden Canary Hotel are already booked. It’s not far from the Jiang Hai municipal government, which makes it convenient for the reception and dinner for Mr. Fang later tonight. Yusi, should we head over now?”

Sitting beside her in the back seat was her aunt, Fang Shujuan, who also served as her manager. She closed the car door, asking habitually as she motioned for the driver to start the car. However, Fang Yusi, while tying her hair into a ponytail, waved her hand, “We’re not going to the hotel yet. We’re going to the Huang family. If the information is correct, they’re currently holding a funeral. We should go pay our respects… Arriving right after getting off the plane will also leave a good impression. Liang Ge, do you know where the Huang family lives?”

“I do,” the driver in the front gave an OK sign. The two cars slowly pulled away. Her aunt, however, stared at her niece with a puzzled look, her eyes expressing confusion and a desire to speak but hesitating.

“Actually… according to the news, that Huang secretary is definitely going to be convicted. The Huang Group is now in a state of disarray, and many of the branches under the Huang family’s name in Jiang Hai are declaring bankruptcy. Yu Xiaoman was so happy to terminate her endorsement contract with them. I really don’t understand why you’re so eager to endorse for the Huang family, as if you’ve found a treasure, and you’re even lowering your price. You know, ordinary top-tier actresses would probably command much higher fees for endorsements, even from Fortune 500 companies…”

“Ah, Aunt, just relax, I have my own plans.” Since Yu Xiaoman’s endorsement contract with the Huang Group had expired a few days ago, and Fang Yusi had taken the initiative to contact them about an endorsement deal, her aunt had repeated these words at least ten times. Fang Yusi simply smiled, “It’s always better to offer help in times of hardship than to add flowers to a blossoming tree.”

“Who are you trying to impress?” Her aunt’s questioning gaze returned. “Where did you get the inside scoop, that the Huang family’s situation has a chance of turning around? Even if there is a chance, the Huang Group is not a good company. With your current fame, even Fortune 500 companies would chase after you to endorse their products… Or did you fall for someone in the Huang family? No, that’s not right, the Huang family is now…”

“Oh, Aunt, please stop speculating, okay? Calm down, calm down, when have I ever done a business deal that didn’t make money?” Fang Yusi laughed, “Anyway, you just leave the Huang family matter to me. The worse their situation, the more desperate they are, the more leverage I have.”

Last year, she got the songs from the Concept Music Group. After careful packaging, promotion, and hype, she launched a major comeback, becoming one of the most successful examples of a comeback in the entertainment industry. However, she kept the details of “Concept” a secret, even when people around her asked how she got in touch with the band. She remained tight-lipped about it.

This cautious attitude was partly due to her agreement with Jia Ming, who had explicitly asked her not to reveal any specific information. If someone close to her let slip the details, then more singers might go to the school to bother him, and who knows, perhaps he might even punish and silence her, this talented composer and lyricist. Even though the members of the band were still minors, every song they wrote could become a classic. If he were to disapprove of her later on, he could easily use his music to elevate most singers to stardom. That would be terrifying.

On the other hand, while Fang Yusi hadn’t yet turned twenty-three, she had already been battling in the muddy waters of the entertainment industry for five or six years. Driven by self-interest, she couldn’t be entirely sure of her aunt’s loyalty, even to her own heart. Her rushed trip to Jiang Hai was partly due to the presence of a bigwig like Fang Zitian, but deep down, her main purpose was to curry favor with Jia Ming. The Huang family’s current predicament was undoubtedly the best opportunity.

The Concept Music Group had basically disappeared from the public eye since the second half of last year. They only released three songs through Mr. Huang’s studio, all of which were given to the stars who seemed “most suitable” to sing them. Despite her ample assets, Fang Yusi was not stupid. She knew that her previous gold-digging image had alienated the young men and women of the Concept Music Group. Gu Jia Ming, that boy, had said that he would only write one song. Even if she begged him, she wouldn’t get another. However, the Huang family situation presented an opportunity.

Moreover, the success of her last album had made it easier for her to get good songs. Even if she couldn’t truly move those kids, doing something for the Huang family this time would be a good way to repay them. It would prevent even a group of youngsters from thinking that she only cared about money.

As her thoughts drifted, she recalled her former boyfriend who had written songs for her. If her status had been as stable as it was now, maybe she would have had the ability to make choices about many things. The two of them, perhaps, wouldn’t…

She leaned against the window, silently observing the scenery outside. Spring clouds hung in the sky, and the car steadily drove towards the Huang family residence in the city…

*********************************************

Around the same time, Jia Ming sat in his small room at the Huang family villa, holding a newly bought juice box and reading manga. His left index finger gently rubbed his forehead. Since the beginning of the year, even without encountering supernatural powers, he would get these headaches every few days. For Jia Ming, although the pain was bearable and even enhanced his abilities during such times, it was pain nonetheless, unpleasant and annoying. Of course, it was difficult to tell whether his frown was due to the throbbing headache or the other figure in the room.

Dressed in an expensive and stylish casual outfit, Tian Yu Zhengze was sitting in a corner of the room, curiously flipping through Jia Ming’s elementary school textbooks. He had encountered this man when he went out to buy juice earlier, and the man followed him back in. For the two of them, who both belonged to the dark world, coming into contact with each other’s private lives was quite risky. Even a casual probe could trigger a conflict. However, it didn’t really matter to Jia Ming. Both of them understood the significance of this information, so they each went about their business.

The room wasn’t large, just a bed, a desk, and a chair, a simple setup. It mostly reflected Jia Ming’s monotonous childhood before he turned ten. There were still some trinkets and toys he collected before his rebirth on the desk, and some useless textbooks from elementary to middle school were piled in the corner. Tian Yu Zhengze didn’t have much space to sit, so he just squatted near the pile of books, took a bite of the red apple in his hand, and flipped a page.

“I’ve been in contact with the Yan Huang Jue Xing people. I’ve been looking for over a day, but I haven’t found any trace of that shorty yet. Compared to the three rookies from the other night, the other three seem to be smarter. They probably have their own ideas, either hiding or running away, even though they were brought to Jiang Hai by that shorty. But Cui Guohua is confident that those foreigners will be found sooner or later. This is China after all.” (Yan Huang Jue Xing literally means “Yan Huang Awakening,” a term referring to Chinese people who have awakened to their own potential and are striving for a better future. In this context, it likely refers to a Chinese organization or group. The shorty is likely referring to the leader of this group.)

“The real situation,” Jia Ming took a sip of juice and flipped a page of the manga, “What about Pei Luo Jia?”

“I’ve been closely monitoring them for the past few days. They’ve been quiet as usual. Ever since they were hit in America last Christmas, the Japanese branch has been a lot calmer.” Tian Yu Zhengze frowned, picked up another math textbook, and continued talking, “But you need to be careful. You’ve dealt them enough blows over the years. They will definitely try to take revenge when they find an opportunity.” (Pei Luo Jia is a name for a fictional Japanese organization, perhaps a criminal syndicate or a group of assassins.)

“Yuan Lai Chao Chuang has backed down twice under my hand, and with all the other things that have happened, they shouldn’t dare make any rash moves as long as I’m in Jiang Hai, and the international situation doesn’t change…” Jia Ming paused, “After all, there’s Jian Suyan.” (Yuan Lai Chao Chuang is a name for a Japanese historical figure, a powerful leader who founded a dynasty. In this context, it’s likely a name for a powerful figure or organization.)

Tian Yu Zhengze glanced at him, “It’s not impossible that someone figured out your identity.”

“My background is clean. Who would believe that a child could kill the Da Nei Chang Du? If I were a naturally evolved being, humph…” (Da Nei Chang Du is a term referring to the head of the Imperial Guard in the past, a powerful figure within the Chinese royal court. In this context, it likely refers to a powerful organization, possibly a government agency.)

“That’s true…” Tian Yu Zhengze took a bite of the red apple, flipped open another book, then frowned, “You’re a genius. I’ve got to admit, this room is a bit too simple for a genius, but I noticed…”

He held up the textbook and smiled at Jia Ming, “It’s like you suddenly became a different person from winter 1991 onwards.”

The manga book was flipped to the last page. The room fell silent. Jia Ming’s eyes finally looked at the pile of textbooks. It wasn’t surprising that someone like Tian Yu Zhengze would notice. The subtle changes in his handwriting since his rebirth, his notes in class, his selective wrong answers to certain questions, all these would be noticed by a meticulous professional. However…

“In November 1991, two Pei Luo Jia assassins came to Jiang Hai to pick up a target. I ran away from home that day and ran into them. Then they died. My life changed from that day on… If that hadn’t happened, we probably would have become enemies in the future.”

While casually talking about this matter, Jia Ming took out another manga book and opened it. Tian Yu Zhengze whistled and threw the book back onto the pile. He stood up, feeling a sense of relief, but he probably wouldn’t be able to get any more information. Although they seemed casual, they were both subconsciously keeping their distance. He walked around the simply decorated room, sighing, “It seems this family isn’t very kind to you…”

“At least they put food on the table,” Jia Ming said calmly, looking at the manga.

“If you asked, I could bring in a few hundred million in orders to help them out. The Dragon Hall family has convenient connections in this area. It would just mean slightly less profit. If I speak, they won’t refuse.”

“Eat your apple.”

“Ok…”

A few hundred million in business went ignored. Tian Yu Zhengze just shrugged indifferently. At that moment, there was a knock on the door. “Hey, Gu Jia Ming, everyone’s playing cards. Come out and join us!”

Jia Ming frowned slightly. These people usually wouldn’t include him in their activities, so why were they being so enthusiastic today? Then he realized. Lingjing and Sha Sha had said they wanted to accompany him to the funeral, but they weren’t direct relatives. They were still in school, and they would be away for a few days. Lingjing, who usually managed the family finances, took out two thousand yuan and stuffed Jia Ming’s wallet. Although he was used to being frugal, the Huang family was a big family after all. They were used to seeing others toss around hundreds and thousands without a second thought. Now that they were nearing adulthood, Lingjing understood Jia Ming’s casual attitude towards small matters. She simply took a couple of thousand and put it in his wallet, lest he was in a pinch and refused to take out his card to go to the bank, creating more trouble that would leave everyone in an awkward position.

Jia Ming didn’t really need the two thousand, but he had just bought a juice box and was spotted by some of his cousins. Even though the Huang family was in dire straits, two thousand yuan wasn’t a big deal. It was still money, and they probably wanted to drag him out to bleed him dry. He simply replied, “No, I have something to do.”

“Hey! It’s not easy to find people at this time. Don’t spoil everyone’s fun, alright… Oh, hello, you’re looking for Jia Ming too?”

The person outside had only said half of his sentence when another person arrived. Then, a female voice rang out, “Jia Ming, open the door.” Meanwhile, Tian Yu Zhengze smiled and opened the door, glancing at Ya Han, who stood elegantly outside, and greeted the tall man beside her, who looked rather unpleasant, “Hey, want to play cards? I’m in.”

Tian Yu Zhengze’s aura was one of sunshine and friendliness, inspiring trust, but his demeanor also exuded his extraordinary nature. The tall man had been frowning and sounding unhappy. He was startled when he saw a man like this emerge from Jia Ming’s room. He couldn’t help but stammer, “Ah, okay, okay… who are you?”

“My name is Tian Yu Zhengze, Jia Ming’s friend. I’m from Japan.” Tian Yu Zhengze smiled as he introduced himself, “Jia Ming and I are both members of the Ghibli Anime Fan Club. I came to visit and also brought some manga for him. You know, he only likes the fun stuff. But I prefer card games. Of course, I don’t understand the rules in China very well. You can guide me. By the way, brother, what’s your name?”

He said he was Japanese, but his tone and pronunciation were unmistakably Chinese. The tall man didn’t have time to react before Tian Yu Zhengze pulled him away amicably, “Ah, my name is Huang Jianpeng, uh…”

“Heh, Jianpeng, a good name. By the way, don’t mind if I call you Jianpeng. My Chinese name is Lin Zhengze. You can call me Zhengze… Oh, forgot to mention, Teacher Zhang, we’ll see you later.” (The name Zhengze is a common Chinese name, so it’s likely chosen as an easy-to-remember name for a Japanese character.)

Their voices faded quickly. Ya Han looked at them with a slight frown, then walked inside and closed the door. “How does he know me? Tian Yu Zhengze… Oh, I heard my dad mention him before. He’s apparently a double PhD from Japan and also the heir to a big corporation… How do you know him?”

“He said it himself. Anime Fan Club. There are more of them in Japan.” Jia Ming sat in the chair and smiled.

“Cut it out, I don’t believe you…” Ya Han rolled her eyes and glared at him, then shook her head, “Forget it… When I saw him open the door, I was wondering when you would start dating… By the way, that Huang Jianpeng of yours is a bit of a bad sport. He cheats at cards. Will Tian Yu whatever be okay?”

“Tian Yu Zhengze is one of the most powerful assassins and supernatural beings in Japan.”

“Then forget it, good for him. He deserves it.” Ya Han was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing.

She tossed her handbag onto Jia Ming’s bed, then casually removed her black coat and threw it on top of it. She was about to sit on the edge of the bed when she saw Jia Ming smiling and opening his arms, his eyes twinkling. Ya Han smiled and stood still, “What?”

Jia Ming just casually spread out his arms.

“Tell me what you want, how am I supposed to know?”

“Come here.”

“Tsk… You think I’m your pet?”

Although she said that, after a brief standoff, Ya Han still walked over and sat on Jia Ming’s lap. She took off her black-rimmed glasses, revealing her intelligent eyes, then she kicked off her high heels with a click, curled her legs up onto Jia Ming’s lap. Her white stockings covered her smooth, delicate legs. When her white dress was lifted, it revealed her smooth and delicate legs. She sat on the large chair at the desk with Jia Ming, practically snuggled into his arms, rubbing her legs and ankles, humming contentedly. Her face relaxed.

“I spent all morning running around in those high heels. I’m exhausted. You can knead them for me.”

“You don’t have to moan like that.” Jia Ming smiled, taking her foot, covered in white stockings, into his hand, gently kneading it. “And you’ve been running around all morning, won’t they smell?”

“You stink! When have my feet ever smelled? You’re the one who stinks. I haven’t even complained, and you dare… Oh, don’t mess with my hair, I just fixed it.”

“You women always tie your hair up like this, it feels like preserved mustard greens when I touch it.” Jia Ming touched her bun with a smile.

“I did it for you.” Ya Han recalled a lyric, blurting it out, then her face flushed. They were used to joking around with each other, using cheesy and suggestive words, but saying something like a confession still made her embarrassed. She then smiled and put on a stern face, “What preserved mustard greens? By the way, what do you mean ‘you women’? Lingjing and the others are still young. They wouldn’t tie their hair up for you. You heartbreaker, come clean, do you have other mistresses?”

She knew Jia Ming well enough that this was unlikely, but she still cared, so her words were half-joking and half-worried. Jia Ming laughed, “What are you talking about? Lingjing ties her hair up sometimes when she dances. She does countless little braids, then wraps them around and around, like a pile of earthworms. When I touch it, it makes me think of Buddha…”

“Tsk, you have no appreciation for beauty… Hey, don’t mess around… I’ll have to redo it later…” In a slightly complaining tone, but Jia Ming still reached out and removed the hairpins that held her bun in place. All of a sudden, her black hair cascaded down like a waterfall. The last vestiges of maturity disappeared from Ya Han, and the one in Jia Ming’s arms was a simple girl, in a white dress, white stockings, and white dress, a fragile young woman.

“I like it better this way…”

He wrapped his arms around Ya Han and said softly. She only gave a symbolic look of annoyance, rubbing her tired legs, as Jia Ming’s cheek brushed against the back of her shirt. The quiet atmosphere lasted for a long time, only to be broken by Jia Ming’s words, “I have a headache…”

“What’s wrong?” She was startled and wanted to turn around, but Jia Ming held her in his arms, smiling as he leaned against her back, “It was three days ago last time…”

“Here?” Ya Han’s face suddenly flushed red. A button on her shirt had already come undone. His hand gently explored beneath the tight white shirt. Even just by feeling, she could roughly guess what awaited her.

Because of Ya Han’s condition, and because Jia Ming’s stamina was better than the average person, after their intimacy, Ya Han tended to get tired more easily than others. Considering her health, Jia Ming was always quite restrained in his demands in this regard. However, having reached this stage of intimacy, the next step was obvious. Ya Han didn’t resist the hand that was reaching under her shirt. She only said softly, “Wait, wait…” She knelt on the chair, leaning forward on the desk, reaching out to pull the curtains in front.

They were facing the window at the back of the villa. Even though it was frosted glass that didn’t show images, it would still be possible to see the silhouette of a person if they got too close. She blushed and panted slightly as she pulled the curtains shut. When the room was plunged into darkness, she felt a chill on her lower body and her body suddenly went limp.

This intimate position was almost perfect for Jia Ming to pull down her underwear. She was sensitive by nature and easily aroused. When a warm hand covered her, she was already soaked…

“Ah… to the bed…”

“No, I want to try this way…”

“Sitting down?”

“Let the dress down, no one will see anything…”

“You… you’re kidding yourself… and… we tried this a few days ago, and I… ah… I got so weak… to the bed…”

“Heh, we’ll go later…”

“I… ah… I’ll bite your hand… or I… I’ll scream…”

“They usually use underwear on TV…”

“You’re a pervert…”

In the darkness, Ya Han sat on Jia Ming’s lap. Her white dress spread out like a lotus, swaying gently, obscuring everything. Only her ivory-like legs, covered in white stockings, were visible beneath the skirt. The white piece of cloth that had been pulled down hung on her left ankle, covered in white stockings. As the light and sweet murmurs filled the room, it swayed incessantly…

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