Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 900: Chapter 144: Becoming a Butterfly

Airport.

The man hurried along, quickly reaching the service desk of a certain airline company. The staff woman sitting there showed a polite, professional smile.

But in an instant, the staff woman’s expression turned hollow… The man approaching, her only impression was his delicate beauty, and the pair of beautiful pearl earrings dangling from his ears.

“I need a ticket for the fastest night flight out of here,” the delicately beautiful man quickly said at this moment.

“Alright, please wait a moment…” she responded mechanically.

Watching the staff woman busily operating the keyboard, Xitacil finally let out a breath of relief… He didn’t know what would happen in the manor after he left, but undoubtedly, this would surely attract the attention of the Thirteen Clans.

Even though surveillance had relaxed in recent years, it still persisted… Basically, every location has one of the Thirteen Clans’ inspectors.

These inspectors directly handle incidents caused by vampires losing control due to their frenzy, which result in panic… He remembers that this area is overseen by an inspector named Ivan.

This guy, in terms of age, is a young vampire. But his bloodline is too good; he’s a direct descendant of a Blood Prince from the Thirteen Clans—of course, there are many direct descendants of the Blood Princes.

Despite being young, there’s no doubt that Ivan, as a direct descendant of a Blood Prince with his pure bloodline, possessed the ability of the fifth generation upon birth, and was even called peak fifth generation two decades ago.

Not to mention powerful Ivan, even Xitacil can’t beat Karen; where would Xitacil dare to linger?

What’s more, there’s the unreasonable and terrifying Luo Qiu… Xitacil naturally knew what choice to make.

As for whether the True Blood plan had already failed… for vampires with their long lives, they could always restart the plan with another few decades; finding talent for research is abundant, after all, humans in this world are still quite easy to tempt…

“Sir, your ticket is ready.” The staff woman now smiled, sliding the ticket out.

Xitacil revealed a more relaxed smile, casually picked up the ticket, and intended to pass through security… But at the moment of turning, Xitacil inexplicably felt a chill.

It was as if something in the darkness was watching him, as if hated by destiny, making him feel anxious, dizzy, and his fingers tremble…

“Damn it…”

Xitacil cursed under his breath; this feeling came quickly and left quickly, but disappeared in an instant.

His mind finally calmed down, but he dared not linger any longer, quickly blending into the crowd to pass through security, getting ready to board the plane.

…

…

The injuries are indeed severe… For Ivan Hessenba, this was the most serious injury he had ever received since he could remember, and it happened in an instant.

He struggled to climb up, but found that all his bones were shattered, making self-healing impossible in a short period.

Of course, it’s not that being heavily injured meant he couldn’t fight back… Vampires have their own unique abilities; some excel in speed, some in strength, and others have special powers.

For example, his ability is very versatile, namely telekinesis.

However, at this moment, even just trying to use a bit of his telekinesis causes his head to feel like it’s being stabbed with countless needles, incredibly painful.

He started questioning his life… Had he neglected his training recently, or was it because he hadn’t fought for too long, or was this youth standing before him actually disguised as a Blood Prince level or equivalent powerful monster?

“Who are you?”

After struggling to no avail, Ivan Hessenba finally had to reluctantly raise his head. There was a hint of fear in his eyes, along with humiliation.

“Arex,” Luo Qiu suddenly said.

Hearing this name, Ivan Hessenba was stunned… He felt he had heard the name somewhere, but couldn’t remember.

Not just Ivan Hessenba, Zhong Luoyue also slightly paused, but she quickly concealed the surprise on her face.

Although she didn’t know why Luo Qiu used this strange name, clearly he didn’t want to expose his identity… Facing a transcendent opponent, Zhong Luoyue felt she couldn’t be of much help, but she could assist if necessary.

So, in an instant, she changed from surprise to alarm—making people think she was alarmed at Luo Qiu revealing his ‘real name’, then ‘worryingly’ looking at Ivan Hessenba.

As for Queen Elizabeth, she had just gotten up from the ground and hadn’t heard Luo Qiu’s ‘self-introduction’.

“I remember now… Your Excellency Arex,” Ivan Hessenba was now somewhat recovered.

His self-healing ability was indeed more outstanding than Karen’s; despite his shattered bones, he could now barely stand. However, his concerns had become even more serious.

“I’ve heard of your name, great Excellency Arex,” Ivan Hessenba adjusted his breathing and said, “I heard about it from His Royal Highness the Blood Prince of my family.”

“I see.” Luo Qiu nodded.

Anyway, Luo Qiu didn’t know if Arex actually knew this inspector’s Blood Prince, but in times like these… pretending to know is better; since there’s no one to actually recognize him, just nodding will suffice.

“I sincerely apologize for offending you, Your Excellency Arex.”

At this moment, Ivan Hessenba appeared even more humble, as he began to recall some of the legendary figures that even the Thirteen Clans often had to avoid.

For example, the last Dream-Eating Tapir in the world, Arex, occasionally mentioned by the blood prince of his clan. Capable of manipulating dreams, devouring them, elusive, and making it impossible for people to distinguish between dream and reality, he’s a terrifying creature.

It is said that Arex even consumed the dreams of the blood princes of the Thirteen Clans, yet over the years, the princes remained silent…

“Oh… it’s okay, I’ve been emotional these past two days.” Luo Qiu shook his head.

Ivan Hessenba had an urge to spit blood at such a response… What kind of ghost is ’emotional’, and only for the past two days??

Ivan Hessenba decided to ignore this remark, then tentatively asked, “Your Excellency Arex, may I know why you are here?”

“I was invited to attend an event here, then some things happened in between… Hmm, actually, there’s nothing happening now,” Luo Qiu said with a slight smile.

The smile made Ivan Hessenba feel a chill down his spine. He recalled what Queen Elizabeth had said, “I didn’t expect Elizabeth to be friends with you, Your Excellency Arex. I solemnly apologize for this offense… Elizabeth, I’m sorry I hurt you, I’ll send you a ten-year supply of pure blood as compensation.”

“So much!” Elizabeth exclaimed, her mouth agape.

Previously, she received a half-year’s supply, stretched over three years… often having to seek help from the Dark Merchant Xitacil.

This sudden ten-year supply made her feel like she struck it rich overnight.

Damn half-blood!

Ivan Hessenba did not reveal his thoughts, but his demeanor became increasingly friendly. Intelligent people know how to adapt to circumstances; at this moment, yielding to preserve himself seemed the best course of action for him… The behavior of someone who, knowing they can’t win, still tries to bring in their family to suppress the opponent in an attempt to regain some face was simply foolish.

But without a doubt, he had completely remembered the name ‘Arex’.

He didn’t think the other was trying to deceive him… because in his mind, a strong person would never resort to deception — my name will scare you to death, my name represents my will… That’s probably the mindset of such a strong individual.

Ivan Hessenba smiled at Elizabeth, thinking to himself that she was really lucky.

He recalled how Elizabeth was nervous at first, claiming the other was her friend, hoping for leniency… This despicable half-blood still did not know what kind of fear her ‘friend’ evoked among the blood princes of the Thirteen Clans.

At this moment, Ivan Hessenba’s mind completed the picture: This despicable half-blood, unknowingly, somehow won this strong person’s favor, thus fortunately gaining a massive backing — unaware of the situation.

Moreover, as long as this terrifying Dream-Eating Tapir remained, there seemed no opportunity to further investigate the incident… Ivan Hessenba quickly made his decision.

“I just remembered something important I need to do.”

His injuries seemed to have recovered somewhat, and he now exuded a composed demeanor: “Elizabeth, if you see Lady Eve, please have her return to the clan promptly to explain the illegal embrace. As for this newborn, you shall oversee it for now.”

Without waiting for Elizabeth’s reaction, Ivan Hessenba hurriedly bid farewell to ‘Your Excellency Arex’, transformed into a bat, and flew into the night.

“He… He probably thought of many strange things just now.”

Zhong Luoyue wasn’t very familiar with Vampire World affairs, but she was obviously familiar with weighing pros and cons, clearer about the reason for his attitude shift towards Elizabeth.

“Perhaps he is someone with an active mind,” Luo Qiu casually remarked.

At that moment, a rumbling sound approached from the distance. Looking up, those were helicopters racing through the night sky. Luo Qiu suddenly said, “Let’s stick to the original plan.”

What plan?

Zhong Luoyue was taken aback but quickly realized what Luo Qiu was referring to: feign ignorance and blend into the crowd, quietly being a bystander.

What a ridiculous plan!!

…

…

Gan Hong was the first to wake up.

She felt her head was a bit groggy, a sensation she had felt once recently, but couldn’t immediately recall where.

Oh… Right, she had inexplicably fallen asleep.

And not just her, everyone around was in the dark, only a few firelights flickering. Gan Hong looked up, gazing at the night sky for several seconds, dazed.

She suddenly jumped up, surveying her surroundings.

She was still in the same room from the afternoon, but now the night sky was visible — the surroundings utterly reduced to ruins, while the room’s interior remained intact… except for the missing ceiling and everything that went with it.

“Miss Ying!”

Gan Hong shivered, seeing Song Ying lying motionless on the sofa beside her. She quickly took a few steps over, anxiously shaking Song Ying’s shoulder.

“Red…” Song Ying drowsily opened her eyes, her consciousness a blur, “What happened…”

“It’s good you’re okay, Miss Ying.” Gan Hong regained her composure at this moment, then quickly walked to Luo Qiu’s side.

Song Ying looked over in confusion, only to see Luo Qiu sitting on a single sofa, head lowered, seemingly asleep as well.

What happened?

Song Ying began to notice her current situation—a scene seemingly after an earthquake disaster!

“Young Master Qiu, Young Master Qiu, Young Master Qiu!” Gan Hong anxiously calling out before Luo Qiu.

Song Ying glanced once, then turned around, wanting to wake her secretary Su Mei.

“Young Master Qiu, Young Master Qiu, Young Master Qiu!”

No matter how Gan Hong called, she couldn’t wake Luo Qiu, which startled Gan Hong into grabbing Luo Qiu’s wrist, feeling a pulse, slightly relieved.

Song Ying then looked up at the sky.

…

She looked up because a strong light was sweeping down from above. An armored helicopter was slowly approaching, its side door open, Song Da clutching the door frame, his whole body leaned out.

“Alright, finally found Miss Ying… Thank goodness!”

With that, Song Da jumped straight down from above.

The height was at least four or five floors, yet Song Da jumped without hesitation—naturally, he appeared a bit disheveled upon landing.

Song Da quickly rushed into the room’s wreckage, looking at Song Ying concernedly, “Miss Ying, it’s so good you’re alright!”

“Song Da?” Song Ying was stunned, “How did you get here too?”

Song Da at this point said, “Miss Ying, this place is extremely dangerous, we should leave first… also, how’s our new young master?”

“Instructor Song!” Gan Hong respectfully called out, hurriedly saying, “I don’t know how Young Master Qiu is; I can’t wake him up, he seems thoroughly unconscious, but his breathing and pulse are normal, no signs of poisoning.”

“Gan Hong, lend a hand.” Song Da nodded, let people lower rescue ropes from the helicopter, lifting ‘Luo Qiu’ up.

…

…

More rescuers were rushing from the nearby city.

Digging was impossible for now, only helping those who escaped the castle collapse with injuries, the siren echoes reaching far out.

Even the vineyard inside the manor faintly heard it.

Luo Qiu glanced at the swiftly departing armored helicopter, no longer paying attention… On it was his stand-in, unconscious, saving plenty of trouble.

He quietly sat beneath a grape trellis in the vineyard—for daytime, a place he posed as Tu Shenyi playing chess with Karen Yisheer.

Before him were ‘Other Shore Flower’ and ‘Three Lifetimes.’

As for the ‘Forget Worry’ series and the notebook, he casually placed them aside.

Sitting quietly, Luo Qiu closed his eyes. After a long time, he slowly picked up some ‘Other Shore Flower,’ hesitantly holding the cup in midair.

But ultimately, he drank from the cup of ‘Other Shore Flower,’ continuing to sit quietly.

Legend says, drinking ‘Other Shore Flower’ lets you see the one you love most on the other shore.

Wind softly blew, insects chirped, after a long time Luo Qiu slowly opened his eyes.

A lonely smile hung on his face, looking up at the night sky’s Big Dipper, remembering his father’s teachings on using it for direction in childhood.

Other Shore Flower, Other Shore Flower, blossoming on the other shore, each flower gathering the thoughts of the deceased.

Under the grape trellis, Luo Qiu gazed at the night sky, and after a long while, he slowly turned around, unknowingly a beauty quietly awaited.

“Master.”

It was the maid from the club.

Luo Qiu looked at You Ye… He hadn’t called for her arrival, but he wouldn’t reject her sudden appearance.

Luo Qiu simply gently said, “You’ve come.”

The maid softly responded, “I’ve cleaned at home, no guests for now… Also, the grapes you sent me are special, so I wanted to pick more as reserve.”

Saying this, You Ye glanced around, then smiled softly, “It seems like Master has encountered many interesting things.”

Luo Qiu abruptly stepped forward, holding You Ye’s hand, sat down, and laughed, “Want to hear them?”

She nodded.

“On Christmas 1990, he met her.”

Luo Qiu organized his thoughts, slowly recounting the story of Karen and Tu Shenyi.

You Ye wouldn’t interrupt her master’s narrative, silently listening, occasionally flipping through the notebook recording the ‘Forget Worry’ series’ methods.

“… This day, he and she were buried here.”

Luo Qiu ended the story with ‘buried.’

You Ye then placed a plate before Luo Qiu… It was from the club, on it peeled grapes, placed like round, translucent gems.

“Isn’t it too dull.” Luo Qiu humorously looked at the peeled grapes, picking one up, tasting.

You Ye shook her head, expressing concern, “Just worried Master’s missed dinner, wondering if you’re hungry.”

“These grapes have a special taste.” Luo Qiu couldn’t resist trying another.

You Ye then said, “Because these grew on the Netherworld’s edge, their taste is different from ordinary ones. But these here aren’t the original Blood Grapes… This should be by someone obtaining seeds from somewhere, grown in a human-compatible way, but its effects are much weaker.”

“Seeds from the Netherworld’s edge…” Luo Qiu nodded, thoughtful.

He recalled Xitacil’s identity as a Dark Merchant, maybe it’s Tu Shenyi obtained from Xitacil—judging by the notebook documenting the ‘Forget Worry’ series, semi-finished ‘Other Shore Flower’ etc used these grapes as raw materials.

“This winemaker is truly a genius.” You Ye softly said, “It’s a pity not meeting him.”

Luo Qiu showed curiosity, knowing You Ye wouldn’t use ‘genius’ praise carelessly—for she’s an almost omnipotent genius.

You Ye now drew all ‘Forget Worry’ series here, fingers sliding across Tu Shenyi’s notebook, lifting samples of ‘Forget Worry’ series Luo Qiu brought, blending them bit by bit.

Finally, she used the vineyard’s grapes to squeeze juice, infused it with ‘Three Lifetimes’ fragments, and soon after.

“Ingredients are ready, making it easier.” You Ye gently said, “Sadly, he mixed the proportions wrong, leading to the seventh mythical ‘Forget Worry’ becoming a bizarre evolutionary potion. But correctly proportioned, the complete product should be this.”

Strangely, after You Ye’s blending, the ‘Forget Worry’ series wasn’t its original color, appearing as water yet emitting a unique scent.

Luo Qiu curiously picked the final product, “What is this?”

The maid smiled, “Mengpo… or perhaps, Mengpo’s prototype.”

“Mengpo…” Luo Qiu was startled, “Meng Po Soup?”

You Ye explained, “If there’s True Blood, it shouldn’t substitute but be Meng Po Soup… If forgetting being a bloodsucker, probably wouldn’t need to suck blood. The power of forgetting erases instincts.”

Saying this, the maid suddenly stood, gently caressing entwined grapevines, softly singing.

It was Luo Qiu’s first time hearing You Ye’s song, not elaborate.

—Even if connected, we make a hundred-year vow.

—If someone dies at ninety-seven, wait at Naihe Bridge three years.

—Connected, making a hundred-year vow.

—In love only hoping to stay together long, waiting a thousand years on Naihe Bridge.

—Connected, we make a hundred-year vow.

—Not fearing eternal reincarnation, only wishing lifelong love.

—Connected, making a hundred-year vow.

—Not envying endless Western Heaven joy, only envying mandarin ducks not immortals.

In her song, a flashing Goddess of Light Flash Butterfly flew across the night sky, lone flying and twirling, soon another came from the castle ruins’ direction.

They intertwined, like affectionate lovers, then flew into the distance.

…

Some say every butterfly is formed from the soul and yearnings of the deceased, two… must be two people.