Trafford's Trading Club

635: Chapter 48: Gan Jing Tainted 635: Chapter 48: Gan Jing Tainted Da Zhe had heard this voice before.

The voice of the young man willing to offer him hot tea, a place to stay, and trust.

Without even thinking, Da Zhe grabbed this key… and as soon as it rested in his palm, a surge of scorching energy burst forth!

A radiant light erupted from the center of his fist, instantly piercing through the surrounding darkness.

The key was no longer an ordinary key; it stretched, transformed, and morphed into the shape of a sword. “Indeed, Zhan Lu suits you.

It likes you very much…

When you were willing to take the place of Sister Lin’s child, it already liked you and wanted to help you.” “Luo…

Luo Qiu?” Da Zhe gripped the Zhan Lu tightly in his hand. “However, you cannot withstand the power of Zhan Lu.

If you use it, you will die, truly die; your soul will even disperse, leaving no trace of your existence…

Are you willing to accept that?” “It doesn’t matter.” Da Zhe said calmly.

He suddenly took a deep breath, wielding the ancient sword that endowed him with infinite strength, charged forward.

With a horizontal slash, the arms dragging Sister Lin’s son’s soul, Da Tou, and Master Jin were instantly severed! —How I wish, that day, I could have replaced you. —If I were given another… another chance to start over —If not, then this time, no matter what… —At least let me, save you.

A multitude of harrowing cries rang out.

The pitch-black surface of the water churned wildly, yet a magnificent beam of light burst forth from the water’s surface, soaring skyward with an earth-shattering aura!

Accompanied by the shattering of all blackness in that instant… and their incredibly harrowing cries. …

As if nothing had happened.

Yet, many people were lying on the ground, whether they were police officers or those who had been controlled, all had collapsed densely in the corridor.

Da Zhe even saw Master Jin and Da Tou lying on the ground…

They seemed to have merely passed out.

Everyone here had simply fainted.

Yet the Zhan Lu Sword in his hand appeared remarkably unassuming and calm, an endearing sensation even seeped into his thoughts.

Da Zhe stared dazedly at a faintly glowing orb floating before him.

This was…

Sister Lin’s child.

Da Zhe didn’t even need to ask anyone; he could instinctively feel it.

He wanted to reach for it, but suddenly furrowed his brow, his hand subconsciously touched his abdomen…

A small knife was still lodged there, stabbed by someone under the control of a ghost.

Blood rapidly stained his palm, Da Zhe merely glanced at it indifferently, then reached again to grasp the light orb but quickly withdrew his hand.

Instead, he set down the Zhan Lu Sword with the other hand, but just as he was about to let go, Luo Qiu’s voice sounded behind him. “Da Zhe, once you let go of the Zhan Lu Sword, you won’t hold on…

Are you sure you want to let it go?

If you don’t, you might manage to endure a bit longer.”

Da Zhe’s shoulders trembled, but he didn’t turn around.

He took a deep breath, looked at his blood-stained hand, and softly said, “The other hand… this hand, too filthy, not good.”

Then he abandoned the Zhan Lu Sword, and with clean…

Gan Jing’s hand, he gently picked up the small soul-light ball, softly saying, “Come, I’ll take you back, to see your mom, okay?” —I’ll take you home.

Even if the voice behind continued to sound, perhaps out of goodwill, perhaps as a reminder, Da Zhe at this moment turned a deaf ear… perhaps not intending to listen.

He could feel his body constantly on the verge of shattering, his steps as grueling as climbing a mountain covered in knives, yet incomparably determined.

The Zhan Lu Sword discarded on the table, at this moment, began to tremble wildly, floating momentarily but seemed to be restrained, seemingly unwilling, but ultimately slowly reverted to the form of a key.

Because it was merely an item—stored within the inventory, hidden in the club’s warehouse, passed down, and now belonging to the new owner’s possession.

No matter how much it wanted to leave, it couldn’t break free from the rule of being in the hand of the owner to whom it was bound. “Da Zhe can’t control your power; just using it once is already his limit.”

Luo Qiu expressionlessly grabbed the key back into his hand.

He commanded those who had fainted to stand back up with their eyes closed, returning each to their original position, and also had Master Jin and Da Tou sit on the chairs in the hall.

The owner snapped his fingers one last time… and this place resumed its original operation.

Everyone, seamlessly continuing what they were about to do the previous moment.

Except Master Jin and Da Tou, who now looked at each other with bewilderment… … …

Passersby seemed unable to see his presence.

Even a person like this, with wounds bleeding, his body pixelating, continually splitting and recombining, back and forth… went completely unnoticed.

For Da Zhe, his focus was solely on the direction ahead, yes, there was only that one path he wished to tread completely.

The old man guarding the community seemed also not to see such a frightening figure walking past him, approaching the base of one of the buildings.

Da Zhe arrived at Sister Lin’s doorstep and, as he was about to knock, paused, using his hand to brush back his hair, tidying his clothes a bit. “Who is it?” “Sister Lin… it’s me…

Gan Jing.” “Hold on!

Hold on!

I’m cooking, just a moment!”

Sister Lin touched the wall, making her way to the door step by step, and with some difficulty, she opened the door. “Gan Jing!

You’re here to see Sister Lin again?

Why didn’t you notify me in advance?” ——Sister Lin, I brought your son back. “I… didn’t we agree last time… that I would come to your place for dinner…” “It’s not even time yet!” Sister Lin was taken aback, then smiled and said, “It’s only Saturday.

But it’s fine that you’re here, I’ll go downstairs and get some BBQ for you later!” “No… it’s fine… fried eggs, are just fine.” ——I brought him back… “What’s wrong with you?

You look so tired?” Sister Lin reached out to hold Da Zhe’s arm, “Gan Jing?

Are you feeling unwell?

Why is your hand so cold?” “Maybe it’s a cold…” “Come on, come in first, don’t just stand there.

Sit down, sit down!

Be careful… take it slow.” Sister Lin helped Da Zhe, and he managed to sit down smoothly. “It’s just a slight cold, why are you making it seem like I’m a patient.” Da Zhe used the last of his strength to appear energetic. “A slight cold is still an illness!

Silly boy!” Sister Lin smiled, “Just sit here, I’ll finish cooking in no time!”

Sister Lin walked into the kitchen.

Da Zhe clutched his abdomen, then unzipped his jacket, and a glowing orb slowly floated out, drifting into the kitchen.

It hovered beside Sister Lin, like a joyful sprite…

Da Zhe’s face had a difficult smile. ——Sister Lin, I… “Dishes are ready, it’s time to eat!” Sister Lin carried the dishes and felt her way out of the kitchen, in the past, Gan Jing would have come up to support her immediately, but this time he didn’t.

Sister Lin couldn’t help but feel strange and continued to call out, “Gan Jing?

Gan Jing?

Gan Jing?” “I’m here…

I… just fell asleep for a bit.”

Da Zhe propped himself up and slowly sat down at the dining table.

Only then did Sister Lin’s face break into a joyful smile, and she sat down as well, “Why don’t you rest here for a bit after the meal?” “No need…

I’ll leave shortly.” Da Zhe smiled and said, “I came this time to say goodbye.

I’m about to go work in another place again.” “So soon?” Sister Lin paused with her chopsticks, “You just came back a few days ago, and now you’re leaving again…

Alright, you have a busy job, I won’t nag you.

How long will it be this time?” “Indefinitely, maybe a bit longer this time.” ——Actually, I really want to tell you…

Sister Lin nodded, “It’s okay, however long it takes is fine, you’re doing good deeds, Sister Lin supports you!

A thousand percent support!

Come on, don’t just sit there, eat.” “I may have to leave soon, but before leaving…

I wanted to see you.” ——Actually, I’m the one who… “Ah?

Really, you’re in such a hurry, you came all this way, a call would have sufficed.” Sister Lin shook her head and then served some fried eggs with a spoon, “Eat more, you’ll need the energy later.”

Da Zhe took the bowl with tears streaming down his face and choked out, “Sister Lin, actually I…” “Ah?

What’s wrong?

Are you feeling unwell?” Sister Lin tilted her head, leaned in closer, “What do you want to tell me?”

The soul-light ball at this point slowly floated beside Da Zhe, stopping on his hand…

Gradually, it transformed into a phantom, and a pair of tiny hands clasped his palm.

It gently shook its head at him.

Da Zhe moved his lips, looking into its eyes, seemingly understanding its intention.

Da Zhe took a deep breath and finally said, “I wanted to say… if every day, at every meal…

I could eat the dishes you make… that would be wonderful.” “Oh dear, you scared me, I thought you were going to say something serious.” Sister Lin sighed in relief, “So you’re just teasing Sister Lin!

If you really crave it, next time you come back, tell me in advance so I can prepare more delicious food for you!

Don’t eat fried eggs every time!” “I’m sorry!!!” Da Zhe knelt on the ground, leaned against Sister Lin’s knees, and cried in agony, “I’m sorry!

Sister Lin, I’m sorry…

I really, truly am sorry to you!” “Gan Jing!

What’s wrong with you?

What happened?” Sister Lin frantically felt for Da Zhe’s shoulders, “Speak properly!

Why are you crying child?

Did you suffer outside?

Don’t cry, don’t cry, it makes me sad to hear you cry.” ——At that time I let go…

I could have brought your child back. ——But I let go…

I chose to save my brother. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” “Gan Jing?

Don’t cry?

If you keep crying, Sister Lin will cry too.

Child?

Did you get hurt?” ——If I told you… what would you do? ——I dare not think, dare not think of you crossing this hurdle with difficulty… ——I don’t want you… to go through such cruelty again… ——I wish I could confess all of this to you. “Sister Lin, I…

I’m okay now.” Da Zhe shook his head, “I just faced some setbacks, then… then have to leave again, can’t often visit you, take care of you.” “You scared me to death.” Sister Lin patted her chest and let out a breath. “I thought something happened to you.

Silly child, who doesn’t face some hardships?

Look at me, Sister Lin, haven’t I come through?

Life is long!

Why are you crying, being a grown man?

Be brave, wipe your tears, isn’t there a saying that tomorrow will be better!”

As Sister Lin spoke, she used both hands to help Da Zhe up, and Da Zhe sat down cooperatively. “Sister Lin knows you can get through it, no matter the difficulty.” Sister Lin smiled and said, “I have no family, can’t remember my husband or children, and have been lonely and suffering for a long time.

But meeting you is the greatest gift from heaven!

So, Sister Lin has considered you my son long ago.

If you ever feel unhappy or troubled, just tell Sister Lin, don’t be afraid.”

Da Zhe bit his lip tightly. “If you want to cry, come to Sister Lin.

Crying outside, how embarrassing would that be?” Sister Lin held Da Zhe’s hand. “If you’re tired, just come here, treat this as your home.

Alright, let’s eat, let’s eat.” “Okay.” Da Zhe replied softly. “Let me serve you some food.” “Mm!

Good boy.”

As Da Zhe was serving a dish, his hand holding the chopsticks suddenly disintegrated into countless particles, dispersing in the air.

Da Zhe gritted his teeth, reaching out with his other hand to catch the chopsticks, managing not to alert her.

However, his legs were also rapidly dissipating, and his body was disintegrating more thoroughly.

Sister Lin ate, unaware that the form created by the soul-light ball was embracing her from behind, slowly falling asleep… slowly disappearing. “I don’t know why, but suddenly, Sister Lin feels like the whole family is here.” Sister Lin instinctively touched her face. “Why am I crying…

Gan Jing?

Gan Jing?” “Sister Lin, I have to go…”

Bit by bit, Da Zhe’s body completely dispersed… “So soon?” Sister Lin hurriedly got up. “Let me see you off?” “No…

No need…

I’m leaving.” — Let Gan Jing forever be just a memory in your heart, just a Gan Jing…

Lin…

Mother.

Scattered in the wind, not leaving a trace. … “Gan Jing?

Gan Jing?”

Sister Lin called out several times but got no response. “Already gone?

Didn’t even say goodbye.”

She shook her head and sat down quietly, eating alone in the silent house. “Maybe…” Sister Lin suddenly put down her chopsticks. “I should knit another scarf for Gan Jing?”

It seemed she found something to do again, not feeling lonely or dull anymore, as if infused with new energy. … … … …

At the funeral, the relatives of the Luo Family, whether they could be named or not, were silent, some in grief.

It was the seventh day after Grandma Xiao Chun’s passing.

The younger ones, like Luo Shan and Luo Zheng, had mostly composed themselves.

They had to, as they were busy hosting those who came to pay their respects.

They worked from day until almost dusk, preparing meals for everyone.

In the evening, Luo Shan went to Luo Qiu’s house, knocked on the door, and it opened soon after.

Luo Shan glanced inside the living room and saw a luggage bag. “Are you leaving?” Luo Shan blinked her beautiful eyes and asked Luo Qiu.

Luo Qiu nodded, “I have a late train, the ticket’s booked.” “I see…

You’ve been here for so many days.” Luo Shan nodded. “How about I see you off?” “No need.” Luo Qiu smiled. “You’ve been busy all day.

Have a good rest.

I’ve called a Didi, it’ll be here soon.”

Just as he spoke, a black car stopped on the village road, its headlights even shining over here. “I see…” Luo Shan nodded.

In the end, she watched Luo Qiu carry the luggage bag, close the door, and leave.

Before getting in the car, Luo Qiu suddenly handed over a key, “By the way, if you have time, can you help me take care of things?”

Luo Shan brushed her hair back, accepting it with a light smile, “Sure… but I’ll charge a fee!” “Alright.” Luo Qiu nodded. “Let’s do this, I’ll transfer you something each month as a service fee.”

Luo Shan was surprised, instinctively tapping Luo Qiu’s head lightly, then realizing it was a bit inappropriate… too intimate, she quickly said, “If you pay me, I won’t take care of it for you!” “Sorry.” Luo Qiu chuckled, “Then it’s up to you.

Just this far is enough.”

Watching Luo Qiu open the car door, Luo Shan suddenly called out, “Luo Qiu!” “Is there something else?”

Luo Shan moved her lips, then smiled slightly like a spirit softly smiling in the breeze, “Next time you come back, let’s make osmanthus syrup together?”

Luo Qiu nodded, then got in the car… the car didn’t stop, and drove off the village road immediately.

Luo Shan only breathed a sigh after completely losing sight, glanced at the key in her hand, then smiled slightly, feeling a bit light-hearted, she planned to go back and make herself a cup of hot tea with osmanthus syrup.

Next time… …

The car quickly drove out of the village road and then got onto the road leading to the high-speed rail station.

At this moment, the driver in front suddenly asked, “Aren’t you going to stay a few more days?

I think Luo Shan seems quite reluctant for you to leave.” “No need.” Luo Qiu smiled and said, “It’s not like I won’t come back…

But what about you, have you sorted out your stuff?”

The driver nodded and said calmly, “I told Master Jin, Da Tou and the others that I plan to go on a trip to relax, not sure when I’ll return.

Besides, I gave a sum of money to Da Tou, so he can take good care of Sister Lin…

As for Xiao Yu Cheng, I sneaked into his home, as well as his brother-in-law Director Cheng’s home, found a lot of useful stuff, and gave it to Master Jin, asking him to help report it.

Master Jin seemed quite happy, said that people need to know that even though he is retired, he’s not someone to be messed with.

I heard Xiao Yu Cheng was taken away by someone from the city today, and so was Director Cheng.

By now, they should be interrogating him in the city.” “I didn’t ask about that.” Luo Qiu shook his head.

The driver was silent for a while, then sighed and said, “Actually, I quietly went to offer incense to Grandma Xiao Chun, and also took a look at Tingting and the child…

I have no more regrets.”

From the angle of the rear-view mirror, the driver looked quite young, probably just in his early twenties.

Around his neck hung a simply styled, not even well-made grey scarf…

Under the scarf, a key hung from a silver chain.

The key can transform into a sharp weapon at will… a treasured sword known as the Divine Weapon: Zhan Lu. “Well, from now on, please work hard.” Luo Qiu smiled slightly, looking out of the car window.

But at this moment, the driver suddenly said, “I…

I actually took the soul of that child and…” “Then let’s extend the tenure a bit longer.” Luo Qiu responded calmly, “Being a Black soul envoy isn’t fun work, you might end up resenting me someday…

By the way, shouldn’t you be watching the road ahead while driving?

Dangerous driving isn’t a good idea, I know this all too well.” “I understand.” The driver nodded, “From now on, Wei Dazhe, is your sword… my master.” …

As lines from the TV transmitted, Sister Lin suddenly yawned, then drank a sip of water, and began picking up the knitting needle again.

The new scarf had already started, but she knitted slowly, so she had to knit gradually.

Once it’s done, should she try knitting a sweater?

Sister Lin pondered, several times she’d bumped into Gan Jing, thinking he wasn’t fat, but quite sturdy, so she might be able to handle the size well?

Sister Lin smiled.

At this moment, a flap by the window, then it felt like something suddenly jumped onto the sofa, startling Sister Lin.

But then, suddenly, a cat’s meow was heard, and something leapt into her, playfully burrowing into her embrace. “Where did this little kitten come from?” Sister Lin held up the leaping kitten, “How did you run into my place?

Where’s your owner?” “Meow——!” “You have nowhere to go?” Sister Lin asked. “Meow——!”

Of course, Sister Lin couldn’t understand what the cat was saying, but an affectionate feeling made her reluctant to part with it, perhaps it was a stray cat?

She didn’t feel anything like a pet collar on the kitten. “Then stay here with me.” Sister Lin smiled, holding the little kitten, softly stroking it, “Hmm… from now on, your name will be Little Gan Jing, okay?” “Meow——!” “Such a good child.” … …

Late at night.

The motorcycle sped along the mountain road, ridden by a young man.

He wasn’t even wearing a helmet, and his face was flushed.

He had just been drinking, and was quite excited, twisting the throttle for even more speed.

The effects of the alcohol were too strong, he was a bit confused, the motorcycle suddenly rushed towards the road’s railing, throwing him into the air.

The joy turned to sorrow.

The young man’s body rolled all the way down, finally with a splash, fell into the reservoir here…

The icy water of the reservoir immediately sobered him up.

The young man struggled, trying to swim to the edge…

Actually, he was a pretty good swimmer, often sneaking to this place to swim.

But this time, something grabbed his feet, pulling him fiercely into the water!

Like arms… many, many arms!

The young man struggled in pain, the icy water pouring into his mouth and nose, ultimately dragging him entirely into the water… consumed completely by the cold and darkness.

The water surface returned to calm.

A crooked warning sign at the edge still read: Dangerous reservoir, no swimming.

So, who will be the next drowning victim?

Is it you? ￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS: Timidly… asking for votes and rewards (squatting down and drawing circles on the ground)