Chapter 696

Yan Capital, Red Star Neighbourhood.

This was a little known neighbourhood that had a rather ordinary name to boot. However, it would be clear upon closer inspection that this was a gated community that was heavily guarded right from the entrance all the way to the interior. It was clear as day that ordinary citizens would never be able to enter these premises.

It was a gated community that was home to the family members of many important leaders of the nation. Furthermore, those who qualified for homes in this gated community had to at least be the third-in-command of an entire province. This was vastly different from the leaders of any city, town or village, who, whilst important, didnt hold true power and clout in their hands.

On the other hand, provincial level leaders were the ones who could be said to control the nation. Even the third-in-command of an entire province was a man who could easily change the direction of development of an entire province, affecting millions of lives at once.

The gated community was a development that sported many blocks of low-rise developments that sat on large pieces of land. The landscaping was incredibly well done, and the entire community looked almost like a garden in the middle of the city. One would even be greeted by the melodious chirp of birds each morning.

The 12th floor of Block 8 was where Mi Changqiu, the current Second Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Energy, had his residence. He was currently in his sixties, and he resided together with his son and daughter, who were both civil servants serving in the armed forces as well. Both his son and daughter already had a family each, but they still continued to live together under one roof to prevent their parents from feeling lonely.

It was currently 7.00 p.m. He had no other meetings to attend to in the evening, and he was thus home early from his work commitments. His wife, Zhu Lanyu had already prepared stewed chicken for the familys dinner, and she promptly called everyone to the dining table for their dinner.

Mi Changqiu tapped on his phone as he slowly made his way to the dining table excitedly. His son, Mi Gaozhu, frowned at him, Dad, how many times have I told you not to use your phone at the table? Its going to give you indigestion. And your digestive system is already poor to begin with.

Got it. Mi Changqiu enjoyed the occasional nagging borne out of concern. At 67 years of age, he felt incredibly blessed to be surrounded by his family, and he smiled radiantly and kindly. That said, anyone who knew how this old man was at work would know that he wasnt someone to be messed with. At the very least, they would appreciate that Mi Changqiu was a man of incisive perception and decisiveness.

Just then, his cellphone suddenly rang.

Mi Changqiu frowned deeply. He had just picked up his chopsticks. As a high ranking government official, he had made it a point to set an unwritten rule that nobody was to call anyone else during mealtimes. After all, everyone was already busy enough during the day, and nobody wanted to be thinking about national affairs even during their mealtimes with their loved ones.

Thus, he was initially going to reject the call and continue with his meal, when he suddenly caught a glimpse of the name of the caller. At once, his hands trembled, and the chopsticks fell to the table. Without any hesitation, he grabbed the phone and answered the call.

And as soon as he did, a young voice spoke from the other end of the call, Mr Mi, its been 30 years, hasnt it?

Silence.

The entire table turned and stared at Mi Changqiu in surprise. The old man who was usually bubbly and jovial was actually quivering at the lips and holding his phone incredibly tightly.

Who is this? His daughter Mi Lan whispered in astonishment, Its been a long time since Ive seen dad so excited. Could it be a certain leader of the nation?

Mi Gaozhu shook his head. It was just then that Mi Changqiu finally sighed softly, I didnt think you were still alive After losing contact with you all this while, Id thought that--...

He choked up. It was at that moment that something occurred to Zhu Lanyu, and she, too, gasped in horror.

Youre coming to Yan Capital? Good. Ill have someone pick you up right away. Its not too convenient for me to leave my post right now.

What?! Really?!! Are you absolutely certain?!

Then, there was a protracted period of silence during which it was obvious the voice on the other end of the line was speaking. Mi Changqius face flushed with joy, Good. Ill immediately send someone down Tomorrow? Thats fine. Its a little late to be making arrangements tonight anyway. Alright, Ill take leave of absence from work tomorrow morning and await your arrival at home. Rest assured, nobody else will be here apart from my family. My son and daughter are around as well. Youve seen them before

As soon as he was done with the call, Zhu Lanyu immediately asked with a quiver in her voice, Mr Qin?

Yes. Mi Changqiu gazed blankly at the ceiling, obviously overwhelmed by emotions, Its him Thanks to him back then--...

Zhu Lanyus eyes also turned red. At once, their sensible children patted her on the bank to console her, and she managed to explain herself, Back then, during the cultural revolution, you were still a mere civil servant back then. Your leaders had sent us to the outskirts to support the border efforts. I wasnt used to the climate, and even got bitten by a poisonous snake. Back then, we still had to care for Gaozhu and Little Lan. If not for his help at that time we wouldnt be living in such a nice place today

Mi Gaozhu desperately searched through his memories of the past, and then finally gasped in shock, Uncle Qin?

However, Mi Changqiu simply responded with a peculiar expression on his face, Perhaps if youre even prepared to call him that right now

Mi Gaozhu: ???

Whats he doing here in Yan Capital? Zhu Lanyu collected herself and sighed with great emotion, Back then, didnt he say that he probably wouldnt contact us unless something huge happened? Then, a few years ago, he asked old Zhang of Insignia Province to deliver a memorabilium to us to remember him by. Who wouldve thought there would be a day when we would see him again?

Perhaps Hes looking for our help? Mi Lan raised a brow in doubt. She knew how important her father was. Back then, when he first took on his ministerial role, numerous people who purported to be their relatives, including long-lost ones, suddenly started getting in touch with him, looking for help. This was also something that families of influence like theirs were the most afraid of.

He did say that he had something he needed help with Mi Changqiu responded.

Mi Lan shrugged, Ive got a vague impression of him. He doesnt seem like a bad person, and we do owe him a favor. If this is really something that we can help with, Id be happy to look further into it.

Youre overthinking things. Zhu Lanyu began to ladle out the soup on the table with a chuckle in her voice, You can rest assured that the help that hes seeking isnt the kind that youre thinking of right now.

Thats right Mi Changqiu smiled, Hes not the same kind of person as us

Then, with a voice that was practically inaudible to anyone else but himself, he added, In fact I cant even be sure whether hes human or not

Finally, he turned to address everyone once more, Id like everyone to take leave of absence from your work tomorrow. Stay home, and dont go anywhere else. Also, youre strictly forbidden from disclosing any of your interactions with Mr Qin, including the fact that youd even met him!

..

The next day, 9.30 a.m. A black Audi was parked right outside the hotel where Qin Ye was staying. The police officer in charge of fetching Qin Ye gave him a curious look.

A teenager holding a dog He looks fairly decent, but does that alone justify Mr Mis orders to pick him up and escort him to their home? And in Mr Mis personal car no less? Also, whats with the sword on his back? Why does he need to carry around a prop if hes simply paying Mr Mi a visit?

What is this? Battle Through the Heavens?

Qin Ye and the police officer had some casual chatter along the way, and they even stopped by a service area for lunch. All in all, it took them a total of three hours to travel all the way into the Red Star Neighbourhood due to the traffic conditions of the roads in Yan Capital.

Mr Qin, Mr Mi is upstairs. I trust theres no need for me to accompany you to the door. As the police officer took his leave and drove the car away, Qin Ye turned his attention to the luxurious apartment in front of him and sighed softly, You reap what you sow. Had I not been so diligent in sowing these seeds back then, would I be reaping the benefits of my hard work now?

Unable to restrain itself any longer, the Harken bit down hard on Qin Yes arm, causing him to jolt right back to his senses. The Harken rolled its eyes, If youre talking about your monthly wages of 3,000 RMB sustaining your life back in Eastsea City, and perhaps your past as a part-time boyfriend cum social escort, then I suppose you may as well also say that the rest of the world is also leading a rather blissful life.

Qin Ye: ... What Im trying to say here is that had I not crossed paths with these people in the past, my life would have been even worse than it is right now. Do you know what kind of terrible invention the identification card is?! Its a good thing Id sowed all those seeds back then

The Harken couldnt resist the urge, ... So, you planted a seed that finally bore fruit. Today is a great day? [1]

Qin Ye: (!!! (TL: This was literally what the author wrote)

No How can this be! Thats not possible! This is absolutely unbelievable!

Even the Harken couldnt help but feel the corners of his lips twitching, Last night, our neighbours were playing this all night at the community square for their line-dancing They really didnt hold back. This song is toxic!

Meanwhile, Qin Ye noticed that the sword on his back was attracting a lot of unwanted attention. Thus, he promptly ignored the Harken, walked straight up to the apartment and rang the doorbell.

The door opened at once. Mi Changqiu and every bit of his bodyline of prosperity stood at the door, staring at Qin Ye with complex emotions undergirding the gaze in his eyes. Several moments later, he pulled Qin Ye into a fierce embrace.

Come, come, come, please come in. As soon as Qin Ye entered the apartment, Zhu Lanyu immediately ran over and shook Qin Yes hand with gratitude, Mr Qin, back then Thank you so much!

Youre welcome. It was all in a days work. Besides, its been so long. Qin Ye smiled faintly, and then looked around the apartment, Looks like you guys have been doing well for yourselves.

Thats right. Mi Changqiu brought Qin Ye to the sofa, If not for your help back then, we wouldnt be here right now. By the way, this is Gaozhu, and this is Little Lan. Youve met them back then.

Qin Ye smiled and waved his hands.

However, he could see that Mi Gaozhu and Mi Lan were completely floored by his appearances.

WTF?!

They were completely floored.

The hazy recollection of Qin Ye in their minds had suddenly cleared up, and it matched exactly the appearances of the teenager in front of their eyes right now. But

How does one explain looking exactly the same after several decades on end?!

What the hell is going on here?!

You you Mi Lan pointed at Qin Ye with a tremor in her voice. If not for the fact that this was a close friend of Mi Changqiu and Zhu Lanyu, they would probably already have exclaimed at the top of their voices by now.

Qin Ye nodded slightly, You might not believe it, but I--...

How did you keep yourself so well-maintained?

Qin Ye:

Bloody hell.

What a waste of my expression!

Mi Gaozhu promptly cut off his sisters insipid question and frowned at his parents, What in the world is going on here?

I didnt tell you guys back then because I was afraid that you would shun him. Mi Changqiu sighed, The truth is that your Uncle Qin has already lived for over a hundred years. He doesnt grow old, nor would he die.

Mi Gaozhu and Mi Lan stared at Qin Ye, completely flabbergasted. Seconds later, they turned back to their parents, still wondering whether to believe them or not.

I still dont know whether to believe you or not Mi Lan sighed softly and slumped back into the sofa, Its almost as though my worldview built upon decades of exposure to science has been completely shattered in this instant. No wonder No wonder

She turned back with a bitter expression on her face, So I guess it was just the two of us whod been kept in the dark all this while. Well, then Uncle Qin? Is that how we should address you?

You can just call me by my name. Qin Ye sat down together with the rest of the Mi family and smiled genially, Names are but names. I dont really mind it too much. By the way, let me make a slight correction of the introduction that has been made. Im not from the mortal realm.

The Mis clearly knew far more than the average family. Mi Gaozhu was just pouring tea for everyone when he suddenly paused, and then asked cryptically, Ive heard of Emissaries of Hell taking up office here in the mortal realm before. Is that what you are?

Qin Ye shook his head, Thats just a city god. Im an official Emissary of Hell. Its been more than a hundred years since Ive taken office, and the senior management of the Special Investigations Department should have some of my particulars in their records. Furthermore, I can personally confirm that the three strongest experts here in Cathay all know of my existence.

If one were to say that the mention of the Special Investigations Department caused the family to raise their eyebrows, then the mention of the three strongest experts most certainly caused them all to shudder violently.

Just then, the dog in Qin Yes hands sneezed softly, and it rolled its eyes.

A hundred years?!

You sure know how to exaggerate!

Mr Qin, this dog of yours--...?

Its fine. Its probably just a cold. Theres no need to be too concerned about it

1. This is a reference to a song called Little Apple, a single by Chopstick Brothers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Apple_(song) https://youtu.be/QESBcjX-G9g