Meeting Elder Yang

As Shen Jingchuan left the police station, he knew perfectly well that although he had been released, the police were still suspicious of him, and he would definitely be on the surveillance list for the foreseeable future.

Instead of going straight home, he went to a large supermarket and filled his cart to the brim with rice, flour, cooking oil, frozen meat, fresh vegetables, and ready-made dried goods. He planned to travel to other worlds frequently during this period, and stockpiling enough supplies would save him from attracting attention by going out too often.

I had just carried the last bag of things into the house when my phone rang. It was Elder Wen calling.

"Little Shen," Elder Wen's voice on the other end of the phone carried a hint of concern, "I heard that everyone involved in that kidnapping case has been apprehended? Are you alright on your end?"

"Thank you for your concern. The case is closed, I'm fine."

Shen Jingchuan wiped his hands and took over the conversation:

"Oh, Elder Wen, I've been busy with Meng Ke's affairs these past few days and forgot to tell you—the wild ginseng you requested has been found. Two of them, and their age and quality are better than the previous ones."

Elder Wen's voice immediately lit up. "Oh? You really found them? And two of them?"

His surprise was palpable even through the receiver; he exclaimed repeatedly:

"Oh, what perfect timing! I was just worried that I couldn't get one for each of Elder Yang's two old comrades-in-arms, this is just perfect!"

Little Shen, we don't live far apart, I'll come over and get it from you right now.

Shen Jingchuan quickly said, "No need, no need, please don't go to all that trouble. I'm young and quick on my feet, I'll deliver it to you right away. The usual place, that courtyard?"

"Yes, it's still there."

Professor Wen hung up the phone and turned to look at the three elderly people sitting in the living room.

Sitting in the very center is Elder Yang, who is eighty-two years old. Ever since he started taking the wild ginseng that Shen Jingchuan found, he has a rosy complexion and a straight back, and looks like he is only in his early sixties.

Sitting to his left and right were his two comrades-in-arms— Elder Li and Elder Wang, who had fought alongside him in the same trench. They were about the same age, but Old Elder Yang was not as physically strong. Seeing that his old friend was getting stronger and stronger, the two had long been considering having him.

But knowing that such things are rare and hard to come by, they felt bad about troubling their old comrade. Unexpectedly, the old comrade couldn't stand by and watch and offered to help them look for it. Today, the three of them happened to be having tea and chatting together.

Professor Wen walked over with a smile:

"Little Shen just said he found two wild ginseng roots, and their age and quality are even better than the ones he gave to Elder Yang last time. He'll bring them over now."

"Oh?" Elder Li's eyes lit up immediately, and he stood up, gripping the sofa armrest. Elder Wang followed suit, his face full of joy. "This lad is really capable."

Elder Yang rubbed his fingertips against the teacup and began to speak:

"This kind of wild ginseng of exceptional quality is so rare that even money can't guarantee you'll find it. The fact that he's been able to produce it repeatedly is quite remarkable."

Professor Wen nodded and continued, "He specifically asked me to procure a full set of professional outdoor protective gear in order to find this ginseng. The place where he's harvesting ginseng must be extremely dangerous."

"Tsk, they took a risk to find this for us."

Elder Li sighed:

"Just giving money isn't enough. This isn't a relationship that money can buy."

"That's right."

Elder Yang smiled faintly:

"I had someone investigate. This young man is in the jade and antique business and comes from a very wealthy family; he has a net worth of several hundred million. The reason he's going to this trouble isn't entirely for the money; he's genuinely giving me face."

He looked up towards the courtyard gate and gave the order:

"When they arrive, a few of us will go to the door to greet them. They've taken a risk to do this for us, we can't put on airs."

"Of course, of course." Elder Li and Elder Wang nodded in unison.

Less than fifteen minutes later, the sound of a car approaching came from the gate.

All four of them got up and walked to the courtyard gate. As soon as Shen Jingchuan opened the gate, he saw four elderly people standing on the steps waiting for him. The one in the lead had a familiar face; he was the same person he often saw in news reports.

He was slightly startled, but showed no sign of it on his face, and quickly stepped forward.

"You must be Little Shen?" Elder Yang extended his hand first, his tone friendly. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I've been wanting to thank you in person for a long time, and I'm so glad to finally meet you today."

"Elder Yang, you're too kind." Shen Jingchuan quickly extended his hand to shake hands, his attitude respectful yet relaxed. "It was just a small errand I ran; please don't take it to heart."

His gaze swept over the two elderly people beside him, and he roughly knew who they were—those who could stand shoulder to shoulder with this man must be of considerable status and importance.

Elder Yang led him up the steps, pointing to two elderly men beside him. "These two are old comrades who fought alongside me in the same trench. This is Elder Li, and this is Elder Wang."

Elder Li and Elder Wang had already stepped forward and extended their hands one after the other. Shen Jingchuan quickly bowed and shook hands with them in turn.

"Young man, thank you so much."

Elder Li's hands were rough and strong, and his tone was very sincere:

"We all know that these century-old ginsengs are extremely rare, and finding them requires venturing deep into the mountains and taking risks. It's kind of you to go to such lengths."

Shen Jingchuan quickly said:

"You two are too kind. The fact that the three gentlemen are in good health is not only a blessing for their own families, but also, to be honest, a blessing for the country. It is my honor to be able to help in this way."

The three exchanged a glance upon hearing this, and then burst into laughter. Elder Yang pointed at him, shaking his head with a smile:

"You, Little Shen, you're quite the talker for your age. Come on in and have a seat."

Shen Jingchuan greeted Professor Wen again and entered the living room. The furnishings were simple yet elegant, with no luxurious items. A staff member quietly brought over a teacup, but Elder Yang took it from him, picked up the purple clay teapot on the table, and personally poured Shen Jingchuan a cup of hot tea.

Shen Jingchuan hurriedly stood up:

"Elder Yang, this is too much trouble. I can do it myself."

"Sit down." Elder Yang pressed his shoulder, his tone calm. "You risked your life for us old men; what's a cup of tea? If anyone should thank you, it's us thanking you."

The tea was poured into the cups, its delicate aroma spreading. After everyone sat down, Elder Yang casually asked, "Is everyone at home doing well?"

Shen Jingchuan paused for a moment, then answered frankly, "To be honest, my parents passed away early, and I've been living alone all these years. I'm used to it."

A hint of apology flashed across Elder Yang's face. "We were being presumptuous; we shouldn't have brought this up."

"It's alright, it's all in the past." Shen Jingchuan smiled, his tone calm.

"By the way, I've heard some things about that girl, Xiao Meng."

Elder Yang put down his teacup and looked at his face:

"Regarding the kidnapping case, they said the perpetrators have been apprehended? But I've also heard that you're involved in another case recently, and the police have summoned you for questioning?"

Shen Jingchuan pondered for a moment, then cut to the chase and said directly:

"Here's what happened. The three men who kidnapped Meng Ke were all from a security company under the Brilliance Group. The second young master of that family is named Huang Zeyu. He had harassed Meng Ke before, and we suspect that he was the one who orchestrated this. However, we didn't get any concrete evidence, so the case was closed as if it had been committed by those three men."

A few days ago, a murder occurred at Brocade Garden Private Kitchen. A gangster died, and Huang Zeyu also disappeared at the scene. The police investigated me and asked me to come in for questioning and give a statement.

Elder Yang didn't respond immediately. His eyes, which had seen through the world, looked at him quietly, his gaze deep and penetrating, as if they could see into one's heart. The living room fell silent for a moment. Elder Li and Elder Wang, holding their teacups, didn't say a word, but sat calmly to the side.