Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 951: Chapter 195: Era

When Old Master Song announced the cancellation of the ‘Gate of Life,’ people immediately began using tools to weld shut the ‘Gate of Life’ behind the Chamber of Commerce building.

The ‘Gate of Life’ was opened on the day Song Tianyou announced the formation of the Zhonghua Street Chamber of Commerce, and now he personally announced its cancellation.

As the actual owner of Zhonghua Street, he obviously had such authority.

The crowd gathered in front of the chamber started to look upset—even though the ‘Gate of Life’ had changed drastically compared to before, it still remained the quickest way for some to solve their difficulties.

For example, even though borrowing money through the ‘Gate of Life’ now involved interest calculation, it was still much lower than private loans outside, and the threshold wasn’t as high as the banks.

Despite the change, the ‘Gate of Life’ still fell within the residents’ acceptable range for offering help. Therefore, many silently accepted these changes despite their opposition.

Especially since the president of the Chamber of Commerce was Bai Shuitang, an in-law of the Song Family, he essentially represented the Song Family in the eyes of the Zhonghua Street residents.

Bai Shuitang was indeed very clever, having figured out the limits of what people could accept, and gradually changed the nature of the ‘Gate of Life,’ while managing to scheme under the Song Family’s nose.

Several factors contributed to Bai Shuitang’s success. On one hand, the Song Family’s focus was never really on Zhonghua Street—Zhonghua Street was the product of Song Tianyou’s momentary interest.

On the other hand, since Song Ying took over the Song Dynasty Group, her view of Zhonghua Street differed from Song Tianyou’s ideology—she didn’t agree with such methods and thought it fostered a new generation of Zhonghua Street residents’ laziness.

Bai Shuitang understood Song Ying’s mindset, allowing him to operate underhanded schemes for such a long time.

It was only when Song Haoran visited Zhonghua Street with Luo Qiu did Song Haoran witness a bit of the street’s decline, sparking his sudden interest in reviving Zhonghua Street.

“Although the ‘Gate of Life’ is canceled, in its place, the Zhonghua Street Chamber of Commerce will establish a special department.”

Song Tianyou tapped the microphone in front of him, “The newly established department will replace the original functions of the ‘Gate of Life.’ At the same time, the department will conduct qualifications audit and evaluation for those seeking help. We will carry forward the significance of the ‘Gate of Life’ in a more fair and open manner.”

As soon as Old Master Song finished speaking, the atmosphere around noticeably changed.

After announcing these two matters, Song Tianyou stepped off the stage, accompanied by Uncle Wu, returning to the Chamber of Commerce building. Naturally, someone took over Song Tianyou’s speech, an employee from the Song Dynasty Group’s public relations department.

“Now, let me explain the specific details of this special department and the recruitment criteria for its staff.” The public relations employee smiled at everyone.

“Recruitment? What do you mean?”

“Does that mean, the staff for this department will be selected from us?”

The microphone buzzed again, and the public relations employee smilingly said, “As you guessed, the department will recruit from among you, and there will also be supervision dispatched internally from the Group. The specifics are like this…”

The explanation gradually faded, while inside the Chamber of Commerce building, Song Tianyou silently watched the welding work on the ‘Gate of Life.’

When the last spot was welded shut, Song Tianyou suddenly chuckled, “Doesn’t it feel like the end of an era?”

Uncle Wu also laughed, “But it’s also the dawn of a new era.”

…

Through the Venetian blinds on the window glass, Luo Qiu watched the speech below the Chamber of Commerce building.

At this moment, Song Haoran approached Luo Qiu with a glass of wine. The young master of the Song Family, dressed in executive attire these past few days, looked slightly different than before, seeming more serious.

Luo Qiu quietly glanced at Song Haoran’s chest, then reached out to accept his goodwill.

“Are you interested in this kind of scene?” Song Haoran also opened the blinds slightly, taking a glance downstairs.

“More or less, there’s some expectation…” Luo Qiu said softly, “People are probably more quiet in such situations, feeling uneasy, or gradually waking up from a certain numbness.”

“Shouldn’t it be pitiful?” Song Haoran seemed to have a different opinion, calmly saying, “Whether it’s the ‘Gate of Life’ or this new department, they always want to entrust everything to someone else.”

Luo Qiu merely smiled.

Song Haoran liked such a smile from Luo Qiu, pure and simple, seemingly sweeping away the troubles in people’s hearts.

Song Haoran shook his head, “Alright, ultimately, there’s still a chance for improvement. We can’t expect everything to change completely at once, right?”

Luo Qiu smiled and took a sip from his glass, then wondered, “This is…”

“Grape juice.” Song Haoran blinked at this point, “It’s work hours; we can’t drink alcohol… Otherwise, we’d be scolded to death by Song Ying.”

But actually, Song Ying wasn’t there. She was in Bai Shuitang’s office, sorting through some of Bai Shuitang’s belongings—the Song Family hadn’t announced Bai Shuitang’s death, merely saying he resigned due to health issues.

Until a formal president of the Chamber was appointed, Song Ying’s former secretary, Su Mei, would temporarily act as the president.

And at this moment, as if on cue, when Song Haoran mentioned Song Ying, the door to the room was knocked.

Song Ying stepped in, glanced at the two who appeared particularly idle, frowned slightly.

“This is grape juice.” Song Haoran smiled as he said.

Song Ying rolled her eyes, then walked in.

The Young Master of the Song Family at this point began to flatter, “Little Ying looks beautiful today, hmm… You have a charming aura. You might consider wearing more black clothes, it gives a sense of mystery…”

As he spoke, Song Haoran suddenly placed his arm over Luo Qiu’s shoulder, the serious demeanor vanished into thin air, grinning cheekily, “Don’t you think so, Luo Qiu? It’s a pity she’s my niece, otherwise, I’d want to court her too.”

Song Ying was indeed wearing a rarely-seen black suit, offering less of her usual energy, but gaining a sense of solemnity.

“Song Haoran! You damn uncle!!”

The Young Master destroyed both his seriousness and Song Ying’s solemnity. Song Ying swung a makeup mirror over.

Always enjoying their antics, Luo Qiu smiled slightly at this moment.

“Can I go for a walk?” Luo Qiu suddenly interjected.

Song Haoran and Song Ying, who were almost caught in their antics, both looked at Luo Qiu. Luo Qiu said, “I just suddenly wanted to go for a walk. We’re leaving the day after tomorrow; next time I don’t know when I’ll be able to come.”

“Oh, no problem then.” Song Ying instinctively said, “But Grandpa said it’s almost time for dinner. It seems like we reserved a spot at a time-honored restaurant here… How about taking a walk after dinner?”

“No worries, I’ll be there before dinner.” Luo Qiu smiled, then walked towards the door.

“I’ll have Song San accompany you.” Song Haoran suddenly said.

“I should be fine on my own.” Luo Qiu shook his head, “If Mister Song San follows, won’t it be even more noticeable?”

“Hmm… Alright, be mindful of the time.” Song Haoran nodded, “If there’s anything, just give me or Little Ying a call.”

“Uncle…” Song Ying still frowned slightly.

The safety issue with the Song family is a very important issue. She did not approve of Song Haoran’s casualness in this matter. Unexpectedly, Song Haoran smiled and said, “If it’s Luo Qiu, my intuition tells me there shouldn’t be any problem.”

“You really…” Song Ying rubbed her forehead, “Fine, if you say so.”

Her uncle, who often talked about his so-called feelings, was someone with great luck. His feelings often turned out to be accurate… This had become a mystery within the village.

“But not for too long! You only get an hour at most, understand!” Song Ying now addressed Luo Qiu sternly,

Luo Qiu nodded, observing Song Ying with open attention, causing Song Ying’s gaze to narrow, “Anything else!”

“No,” Luo Qiu chuckled, “I just think you look pretty today.”

“Is…that so.” Song Ying hummed.

“Then I’ll be going. You can let Old Master Song know,” Luo Qiu said in greeting, before heading out and closing the door.

Song Haoran’s eyes seemed to curve down, “Is…is that so…hmm. Oh dear, it seems our Song family’s food chain has unknowingly reorganized~”

“Song—Hao—ran!!!”

…

…

Luo Qiu was walking alone down the street, holding a classic Hasselblad camera. To outsiders, he appeared to be just a traveller from another country and didn’t garner much attention.

Luo Qiu rather enjoyed such leisurely times… like back before he got involved with the club.

Only back then, he didn’t have this camera in hand.

When did he start to think about capturing certain moments? Was it because keeping them in memory wasn’t enough?

The lens habitually swung from street to street end, resulting in a change of perspective.

A sturdy back entered the frame.

Luo Qiu shifted his gaze from the lens and looked directly over. The back belonged to Song Da — who was currently entering an alleyway.

Luo Qiu’s gaze moved again, spotting a sign beside the alley: Tea House.

Now, in the back alley of the tea house, Song Da lightened his steps, slowly approaching — approaching Ms. Yuna, who was feeding stray cats in the back alley.

Yet in the end, he made Yuna aware of his presence.

Song Da scratched his head a little awkwardly, his eyes flickering slightly. Yuna wanted to stand up, but her unwell body momentarily seemed to lose balance.

Seeing this, Song Da hastily rushed forward to support her.

They seemed to talk, their expressions gradually softened, sharing smiles — it’s anyone’s guess what topic they were discussing… Probably started with feeding the stray cats here.

Click.

The Hasselblad camera captured the scene under Luo Qiu’s control.

“A very beautiful soul… isn’t the master planning to make a move.”

This familiar voice suddenly appeared behind Luo Qiu. He didn’t turn but instead adjusted the lens’s focus.

“It’s not necessary for everything to be obtained to be good, leaving things naturally can be a balance. Honestly, many times, even without external influences, the potential within them will still emerge.”

The rear behind Luo Qiu suddenly went quiet.

He turned around somewhat puzzled and saw You Ye gazing gently at him.

Luo Qiu was momentarily stunned before saying softly, “I gave myself a holiday for a reason, and it seems to have worked well… have I been speaking too much, making you unaccustomed.”

But You Ye shook her head, “No, it’s just that this version of the master is more likable.”

“Is that so.” Luo Qiu smiled, then aimed the lens at You Ye, pressed the shutter, and apologized, “Though it felt a bit sneaky, I couldn’t resist. But with You Ye, it’s alright, because there’s almost no unflattering angle.”

“It’s rare to come over here…” You Ye suddenly said, “Master, can you take me for a walk?”

Luo Qiu was somewhat surprised as his mouth slightly opened.

“Can’t I?” You Ye’s voice softened.

“Why not?” Luo Qiu nodded…this seemed to be You Ye’s first proactive request, “So then we’ll stroll and report back, sound good?”

“Sure!”

…

Nonetheless, during the time walking through Zhonghua Street, they almost didn’t discuss any club business whatsoever, behaving more like a pair of travellers sightseeing together.

And the so-called report started only at the last five-minute mark.

“Summoned soul… Scathach?” Luo Qiu glanced at You Ye with surprise.

Now the two were sitting in a small park in Zhonghua Street, and the maid was holding cotton candy, pulling bits off and eating them.

This type of Hua Country snack was bought just in front of the park, a simple treat made by melting sugar into spun threads like a cloud.

“It’s likely some self-preservation measure.” You Ye nodded, “It seems Her Majesty the Queen encountered a bit of trouble afterwards. The current situation looks somewhat like a comedic monkey tied with chains in a circus.”

“Really quite the sticky situation.” Luo Qiu thought for a moment, “But this Queen of the Shadow Realm, do you know anything about her?”

“Met her, while buying spices,” You Ye smiled, “She’s a quite intelligent and graceful presence. If it’s the master, he might be quite willing to meet her.”

“Hearing you say that, I’m a little interested.” Luo Qiu nodded.

“However.” You Ye suddenly said, “Although Lucifer, being highly ranked in Hell, summoning someone like Scathach herself isn’t hard, given her current state, being able to summon Scathach remains somewhat unbelievable.”

“Oh, why’s that?”

“Perhaps the summoned side carried some intent, so when they saw the opportunity, they responded in the context of an ancient contract…”

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PS: Apologies, been quite busy these days. This covers for the 7th. Continuing to write…

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