Chapter Forty-Five The Popular Actress Gu Feifei (Third Update)

Along a narrow path winding through the fields, two Land Rover SUVs drove slowly, one after the other. After so long living in Cloud City, accustomed to the bustle and splendor of urban life, Xia Qinghan was seized by a playful mood; she instructed the driver to avoid the main road and weave through rustic village tracks. All around them were vegetables and fruits, groves of trees lush and verdant, and the party found themselves invigorated by the fresh air.

This excursion required two vehicles: the leading car carried Xia Qinghan, Lin Dong, Jiang Yu, the elderly man in white robes, and the driver. The second car was filled with several servants, responsible for various tasks along the way.

Jiang Yu noticed that those accompanying them had bulging waists, likely concealing firearms.

A refreshing breeze blew and the scenery was delightful. In this tranquil setting, no one was in a hurry to move on. Inspired by the moment, Xia Qinghan sought out a local household, generously spending a fortune to dine in their home. The honest residents offered delicacies from the mountains, slaughtered a few free-range chickens, and cooked them over rustic stoves. The meal lacked the refinement of upscale restaurants, yet its aroma and flavor won unanimous praise.

Before leaving, the hosts refused any payment. The half-century-old gentleman, evidently well-read and cultured, spoke with elegance even over dinner. Using the excuse “Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?” he slipped Xia Qinghan’s money through the car window.

With several days still before the tournament began, their early departure was merely an excuse to enjoy the landscape along the way.

“Where are we headed?” Jiang Yu asked curiously.

Judging by the group’s demeanor, it seemed their journey was far from over.

Lin Dong answered slowly, “The border town of Liusha, where three provinces meet. Its location is peculiar, a lawless land. The locals are fierce, and in recent years Liusha has earned a reputation as a den of vice. Outlaws, foreign mercenaries, and all manner of underground organizations favor it for illicit dealings.”

“In 2008, seventy percent of smuggled firearms, narcotics, ivory, and other illegal goods circulating in China originated from Liusha. The place is a chaotic mix, even the police hesitate to interfere. So long as you have money, Liusha is paradise—you can buy whatever your heart desires.”

Jiang Yu laughed, “Now I’m intrigued.”

Lin Dong continued, “The Jiangbei tournament is privately organized, attended by tycoons and individuals of extraordinary status. Though officially illegal, the authorities rarely intervene, choosing to turn a blind eye so long as things don’t get out of hand.”

Xia Qinghan smiled, “Measured in dollars, Liusha’s annual transactions break tens of billions. This small town’s GDP rivals that of a listed company. Last year alone, the tournament prize pool exceeded one hundred million dollars. Foreign magnates travel thousands of miles to witness the spectacle.”

Even Jiang Yu was astonished—truly, the world of the elite is a tempting place.

Lin Dong chuckled, “This time, I’ll take you to broaden your horizons, to see the vibrant world of martial artists.”

Jiang Yu smiled and shook his head, suspecting he’d encounter many familiar faces on this trip.

Ma Tianzong, the richest man in Jiangbei and a rival of the Xia family, would certainly attend given his status.

It took Jiang Yu and his companions three full days to approach the tri-province border. Most of their time was spent sightseeing, not rushing the journey.

Xia Qinghan browsed here and there, accomplishing little, though losing several million without cause.

On the fourth day, they arrived at a nameless town. Apparently, there was an arrangement; after booking rooms at a hotel, they prepared for dinner and rest.

In the local restaurant, the table was laden with regional specialties. Xia Qinghan kept glancing at the time. Just as Jiang Yu was about to pick up his chopsticks, Lin Dong stopped him with a frown, “Where are your manners? We’re expecting distinguished guests.”

Jiang Yu was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

His “little teacher” was rather strict about etiquette—he carried a hint of Lin Wangtian, who himself was a rigid, meticulous man.

“Oh? Which distinguished guest is coming?” Jiang Yu asked, amused.

At this, Lin Dong’s face showed a touch of pride. “Gu Feifei, the hottest starlet in China, is Qinghan’s close friend. She’s joining us for the Jiangbei tournament. Her career has stumbled in recent years—pushed out by major figures in the entertainment industry. Lately, it’s said she’s been shelved.”

“A blockbuster film with a hundred-million-dollar investment changed its female lead at the last minute. She’s coming here, hoping to network among the assembled tycoons for her future.”

Jiang Yu frowned. Years ago he had taken six disciples; now, each enjoyed remarkable status—either as tycoons, military leaders, or, in Lin Wangtian’s case, even as the least successful, a Grandmaster of internal martial arts.

As the youngest disciple, with so many to look after her, how could she be reduced to seeking patrons everywhere?

“I once set a rule for them: the disciples should support one another. It seems some have forgotten their initial intentions—perhaps it’s time to tidy up the ranks.”

With this thought, a cold gleam flashed in Jiang Yu’s eyes, murderous intent evident. Moments later, he returned to his calm demeanor, picking up his chopsticks. “Don’t worry. Gu Feifei won’t mind.”

He was about to speak when the private room’s door was pushed open from outside.

A woman in a red dress entered gracefully—tall, alluring, stunningly beautiful. Smoky eyeliner accentuated her charming eyes; her features were devilishly exquisite, almost perfect. In terms of looks, Gu Feifei could rival Xia Qinghan.

In recent years, Gu Feifei had been active on Chinese screens, known for her mature, seductive persona. Her captivating charm and graceful figure made even Lin Dong lose his composure.

Among women, no style could compete with absolute maturity and dazzling beauty.

With Gu Feifei’s entrance, Xia Qinghan paled.

This woman was indeed infamous for her devilish figure—her every gesture enchanting. Yet, even with flawless makeup, she couldn’t conceal the fatigue in her eyes. Clearly troubled by recent events, she looked somewhat haggard.

Behind her followed several men and women.

Judging by their attire and bearing, they were likely sons and daughters of wealthy families.

“Qinghan!” Gu Feifei managed a smile, reaching out to grasp Xia Qinghan’s delicate hand.

Xia Qinghan gazed at her with concern. “Don’t push yourself so hard. Give yourself some space to relax. Honestly, why refuse my help? Your pride makes you see it as charity and turn away.”

Gu Feifei replied, “I want to prove with my own abilities that I’m not just a pretty face.”

Xia Qinghan sighed and dropped the subject.

Gu Feifei’s suitors were legion—from powerful officials in their forties and fifties to rich youths barely twenty. The line of admirers could stretch from here to Liusha, truly spanning generations.

Yet she remained indifferent to their affections, as if her heart had already been promised.

With everyone seated, the spacious room suddenly felt crowded.

Gu Feifei smiled, “Let me introduce everyone. This is Liu Yiyang, heir to an overseas enterprise. Here is Wang Fan, young chairman of Qiaopan Food Group. This is Li Mengxue, heiress to Chuzhou Entertainment. And…”

Those accompanying Gu Feifei were all distinguished, either wealthy or powerful.

Xia Qinghan smiled politely, introducing Lin Dong and Jiang Yu.

Upon learning Lin Dong was a martial artist, everyone’s gaze changed—even Gu Feifei was surprised. It was rare to see someone so young attain such skill.

They exchanged pleasantries, but when Xia Qinghan introduced Jiang Yu—without any background—everyone smiled, yet their eyes betrayed their distance.

Only Gu Feifei hesitated. For some reason, when facing Jiang Yu, her heart raced, overwhelmed by a sense of familiarity. Subconsciously, she felt drawn to him.

Now, with a changed appearance, Gu Feifei, for all her intuition, noticed nothing unusual about Jiang Yu.

Jiang Yu smiled and shook hands, “Nice to meet you.” Brief, polite, and quickly withdrawn.

Soon, the group fell into lively conversation. Li Mengxue, graceful and articulate, displayed the poise of a true lady.

These were the brightest of the younger generation.

“So, what do you do?” Wang Fan asked Jiang Yu with a smile.

Jiang Yu shook his head calmly. “I’m still in school, no job yet.”

A flicker of disdain crossed Wang Fan’s eyes. “Well, you’ve achieved something, apprenticed to Lin Dong. If you don’t mind, you could be my bodyguard—starting salary, a hundred thousand a year.”

The mockery in his words was evident to all.

Lin Dong replied coolly, “That won’t be necessary, Wang. My disciple’s future is my concern.”

Jiang Yu remained composed, focusing on his meal.

“Mr. Jiang, have we met before?” Gu Feifei’s voice suddenly sounded at his side.

The group fell silent, startled by her question.

Jiang Yu didn't look up, “Whatever makes you say that?”

Gu Feifei smiled seductively, her tone full of charming allure. “Because you remind me of someone I used to know.”