Chapter 058
Nangong Iren
Iren didn't know why he woke up a bit late this morning. Actually, it couldn't be called too late because, before six o'clock, he was already waking up. It's just that Iren had intended to wake up at half-past five in the morning. Opening his eyes when it was almost six o'clock, as it was now, was certainly a bit of a disappointment for himself. Moreover, all his friends were already awake.
"Why didn't anyone wake me up?" Iren looked at his friends with a bit of annoyance. They were all sitting at the dining table.
Yihshyong laughed. "You slept so well. Of course, we couldn't bear to drag you out of dreamland." He looked at Jenqyih. "Don't you think so too?"
Jenqyih just nodded when he heard Yihshyong's words.
"We all have a clock. Why don't you set the alarm?" Yihshyong turned to Iren.
"Did Shyongge need to set the alarm to wake up?" Iren asked.
Yihshyong shook his head.
"I'm like that too," said Iren. "I haven't set the alarm in a long time. Because I usually wake myself up at the time I set."
"But this time, you didn't wake up automatically." Yihshyong chuckled.
"Maybe because I'm exhausted," said Iren.
"It's a small matter." Shannchyuan opened his mouth. "We don't need to extend it."
"Are you all full?" Iren asked. He had not followed in the footsteps of his friends yet, namely sitting in the dining room.
"Don't be disappointed. We haven't started breakfast either," Shannchyuan said. "Chioujen is preparing breakfast for us."
Iren looked around. One friend, Chioujen, wasn't there. There was a sweet aroma of the dish being cooked. Iren walked into the kitchen. He saw Chioujen was frying rice.
"Fried rice again?" The words automatically came out of Iren's mouth.
"I haven't cooked fried rice in a long time." Chioujen turned his head when he noticed Iren's presence. He was busy stirring the rice in a large frying pan.
"Yesterday morning, we ate fried rice," said Iren.
"Yesterday, Shinnshiow made it. It definitely didn't taste the same as my fried rice." Chioujen chuckled.
Hopefully, Chioujen's fried rice is better than usual.
Iren took the glass. He opened the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of boiled water, which was freezing. After that, he took the bottle and the glass into the dining room. Their dining room was between the living room and kitchen. Iren sat on one chair there.
"Why did you only take one glass?" Jenqyih asked.
"If Yihge wants to drink, you can take the glass yourself. The kitchen isn't far." Iren's voice was a bit harsh.
Jenqyih just smirked. He got up and started walking leisurely, not to the kitchen but to the living room. There he turned on the television set. While sitting, he watched television.
"Dahge, did you sleep well last night?" Iren asked.
"Not bad! At least I feel refreshed now," replied Shannchyuan.
"Someone's coming!" Jenqyih shouted from the living room.
"No need to shout like that," said Iren in a loud voice.
"You shouldn't shout either. My ears hurt to hear that kind of sound," said Yihshyong, who was sitting right next to Iren.
"Sorry!" Iren laughed. "Is the gate still locked?"
"Ah! Sorry, I forgot to open the padlock." Shannchyuan stood up. He prepared to leave the house and unlocked the gate.
Iren held Shannchyuan from getting up. "Dahge doesn't need to come out. Let me do it." Iren got up from his chair and walked into the living room. He took a pile of keys that were on the television set. After that, he immediately opened the living room door and hurried towards the gate of their house.
"Sorry, the gate is still locked," said Iren to the newly arrived guest.
Huh? What time are we going to leave? It's still early in the morning, but this kid has appeared.
"It's okay, Uncle! I am the one who came early," said the guest.
Iren quickly opened the padlock attached to the gate. After opening the gate, Iren invited the guest to enter. "Please ask your driver to come in. It's a pity that he has to wait in the car so early in the morning!"
Their guest nodded. He gestured to the driver, who was still in the car. After the driver got out of the car, the three of them entered the house together.
"Tsaehorng has come," shouted Iren.
Tsaehorng waved at Jenqyih, who was still watching television. Shannchyuan and Yihshyong had risen from their seats. The two walked into the living room to greet the people who had just entered the house.
"You came so early. Aren't we going to leave at eight o'clock?" Shannchyuan asked.
"At half-past five in the morning, two of my assistants appeared at the exhibition hall. After spending about ten minutes in the bathroom, I gave some directions to the two of them. Less than half an hour later, I had delegated all the tasks. I waited for a while for my driver to arrive. As soon as the car was ready, I' would go straight here." Tsaehorng explained the things he did that morning.
"You showered early in the morning," Shannchyuan said.
"That's right, Uncle. I'm used to taking a shower early in the morning," said Tsaehorng.
"Then you are already similar to the people from Yeuandong." Shannchyuan smiled so widely.
"So, today, three of your assistants are on duty at the exhibition," said Yihshyong.
"Today, there are five people in all, Uncle! The other two will arrive a little later. Probably around ten o'clock."
"Breakfast is ready!"
From the living room, they could clearly hear Chioujen's words.
"Let's have breakfast first. You haven't eaten, have you?" Shannchyuan said to Tsaehorng and the driver.
"Thank you, Uncle!" Tsaehorng laughed.
Tsaehorng's driver said nothing. He just smiled.
They all walked towards the dining room. Apart from Yihshyong, they all promptly sat down on the chairs there. Iren saw Yihshyong headed straight for the kitchen. Maybe he wanted to help Chioujen serve their breakfast. In an instant, the dish was served on the table.
"Besides the usual seasonings, what spices did you add?" Yihshyong's face brightened as he ate Chioujen's fried rice.
"Isn't it good?" Chioujen asked back.
"Not bad. But just a little different," said Yihshyong.
"Is this not to Shyongge's taste?" asked Chioujen.
"I think this is very good." Yihshyong smiled. "Next time, you have to do something like this again."
"Okay! Shyongge, please, just say it when you want to eat fried rice like this."
"Where did you get this recipe from?" Jenqyih asked. "I remember you saying you've only been working hard the past few months."
"For the past few months, I've only focused on work. I rarely socialize. But two weeks ago, there was a friend of mine, whom I once told you about, who really likes to enjoy food. So he gave me some spices commonly used as food ingredients in Yuehjao," Chioujen said.
"It tastes pretty good," said Iren.
Culinary from Yeuandong usually used a lot of spices. So for those from Yeuandong, the taste of added spices like that was by no means a stranger thing. Among the people eating, perhaps only Tsaehorng's driver felt a little uncomfortable with the dish. Iren realized it when he noticed the expression on the driver's face.
Tsaehorng looked at the driver, who was eating slowly. The driver, noticing Tsaehorng was watching his eating, increased the speed he ate.
"Sorry! My driver is from a place where its type of cuisine doesn't use a lot of spices."
"It's okay," Chioujen said. "Everyone has their own taste."
"Sorry, Sir," said the driver. "Today, I'm a bit unwell, so any dish tastes a little bitter."
"You didn't say you were sick," said Tsaehorng.
"I am okay, Sir. Maybe I'm just tired. I'll be fine later," said the driver.
"What's your name?" Shannchyuan asked.
"Juger Chiouwoei," said the driver.
"Juger? Wow!" Yihshyong said.
Juger was the surname of one strategist who lived in ancient times when their ancestors still lived in the old world. According to the saga, Juger, who was this strategist, was a very genius person. Not everyone with the surname Juger was indeed a genius, but that's the impression people get when they hear the name "Juger."
"I'm not smart, Sir," Juger Chiouwoei laughed politely. It was obvious that he had guessed what the people there had in mind. Maybe he was used to such situations.
"You can drive a car, can't you?" Shannchyuan asked Tsaehorng.
"Of course, I can, Uncle," replied Tsaehorng firmly. "Why would Uncle ask like that?"
"If you don't mind, later, after this, you're the one driving the car. Let your driver rest here for a few hours."
"Okay, Uncle! I will." Tsaehorng nodded.
A beeper sounded. Tsaehorng took the pager from his shirt pocket.
"Ouch!" He shouted when he read the message displayed on the pager screen.
"What's wrong? Do you suddenly have a business you need to attend to?" Shannchyuan raised his eyebrows.
"No, Uncle. But there are some documents I need to sign quickly," said Tsaehorng.
"Didn't you say you've delegated everything earlier?" Jenqyih tilted his head.
"That's right, Uncle. But there are always unexpected things like this."
"So what? Should you go now?" Yihshyong's voice sounded a little worried.
"No, Uncle. My assistant will come here with the documents."
"Then that's fine. There's no need to rush. We still have a long way to go." Iren was relieved.
"That means everything is still under control." Shannchyuan nodded with a smile.
Done eating, Shannchyuan and his friends took turns showering. Except for those who were taking a shower, everyone was sitting in the living room watching television. Every now and then, they talk or comment on the television programs they watch.
Meanwhile, Tsaehorng waited for his assistant to arrive. But this time is not the same as yesterday. Tsaehorng had to wait quite a while.
"Your assistant took so long," Jenqyih said.
"They have to wait for the documents to come first, Uncle," replied Tsaehorng.
"They don't have the documents?" Iren asked.
"The document was sent to my parents' house. So, earlier, when I got the news via pager, the document was on its way from my parents' house to the painting exhibition. My parents' house is far from here, so it did take a while. As soon as the documents arrive at the exhibition venue, my assistant will immediately bring them here."
Tsaehorng explained the situation. Jenqyih and Iren nodded when they heard that. After waiting for some time, Tsaehorng's assistant finally appeared. Like yesterday, he came on a motorbike.
"Who's the other person?" Jenqyih asked when he saw that Tsaehorng's assistant had not come alone.
"They are both my assistants, Uncle," replied Tsaehorng.
The two assistants of Tsaehorng looked in stark contrast. One person wore a blue shirt, while the other wore a red one.
Tsaehorng then signed the documents they brought with them. The documents clearly have nothing to do with painting exhibition activities. As Tsaehorng had explained during their meeting a few days ago, apart from painting, Tsaehorng also had other activities. Activities that were related to commercial business activities.
"After this, you must fax these documents directly to them. After that, send some of these originals to that place." Tsaehorng gave his assistants additional instructions.
"Okay, Sir!" Tsaehorng's assistant, who was wearing a red shirt, nodded respectfully. Since the two arrived, only the person in the red shirt was always talking. Tsaehorng's other assistant, wearing a blue shirt, was silent.
"What we have to send there are the documents in this red folder, Sir!" The assistant in the red shirt opened his mouth again. He tried to confirm Tsaehorng's point.
"You're right. All these documents, you fax over there. But only the documents in this red folder that you have to send there. Remember, you have to send it by special express mail."
"Okay, Sir! We'll do our best!" Finally, Tsaehorng's assistant, the one wearing a blue shirt, opened his mouth.
Iren was surprised. That person's voice and accent were very similar to Shannchyuan's. Iren, Jenqyih, and Yihshyong looked at each other. Chioujen and Shannchyuan were not there. At that moment, Chioujen was taking a shower in the bathroom while Shannchyuan had finished bathing. He was changing clothes in his bedroom.
"What's your name?" Jenqyih asked the person in the blue shirt.
Tsaehorng chuckled. It seemed that he also realized what attracted Jenqyih to his employee.
"My name is Duanmuh Jinqkang," said the person.
"Hah?!" Iren shouted.
"Dahge, come here now!" Yihshyong shouted from the living room. His voice startled everyone present. Shannchyuan seemed to hear the scream. He opened the door right away.
"What are you shouting about?" Shannchyuan asked as he walked into the living room.
"This kid's voice and accent are exactly like yours," Yihshyong said.
"Even he is also a Duanmuh," said Iren.
Shannchyuan looked closely at Tsaehorng's assistant, Jinqkang. "Where do you come from?"
"I was born in this city. Both my parents live here. But my paternal grandparents are from Yeuandong. From childhood until five years ago, I lived with them in a small town in Yeuandong," said Jinqkang.
"Is your current assistant very busy right now?" Shannchyuan asked while pointing at Jinqkang.
"Actually, he's not that busy, Uncle. Do you need his help?" Tsaehorng lowered his voice.
"How about we borrow him for a bit?" Shannchyuan said.
Dahge is so weird. Obviously, this guy is at work.
Iren shook his head. Sometimes Shannchyuan's actions were unexpected.
"Go ahead, Uncle! I don't mind."
Iren raised her eyebrows. Tsaehorng's short answer was beyond his expectation.
"Now you go back and do everything I say," Tsaehorng said to his assistant in the red shirt.
"Yes, Sir!" said the young man in red.
"And you," Tsaehorng patted Jinqkang on the shoulder, "today, on duty here!"
"Yes, Sir!" Jinqkang replied excitedly. Maybe he's happy that he didn't have to work today.
It was eight o'clock on the wall. They're all ready. While waiting to hear from the police, they chatted. Shannchyuan and his friends asked Jinqkang many questions. At exactly eight o'clock, the pager in Tsaehorng's shirt pocket rang again. Tsaehorng read the message written on the pager's display straight away.
"Come on, let's go now!" Tsaehorng said in a loud voice. He seemed very excited. He happily let the driver sleep in their house. Iren suspected it was actually Tsaehorng's parents who insisted that Tsaehorng use a driver. They were the ones who didn't want Tsaehorng to bring his own car. This made sense because, in the past, Tsaehorng was often reckless when driving a car. The opportunity to bring a car like this was precisely what Tsaehorng had been waiting for.
The driver was resting in the bedroom. He had swallowed the medicine they gave him. If his condition had not improved by the afternoon, Tsaehorng would take him to see a doctor.
Before leaving, Tsaehorng took the opportunity to speak to Jinqkang. Witnessing that, Shannchyuan looked like he remembered something. He then asked his friends to go to the terrace in the backyard.
"What's wrong, Dahge?" Yihshyong asked.
"I told you last night that you should go to Tsaehorng's apartment to take Yinqyueh to visit her relative's house in Yuehming."
"That's right, Dahge. What time should I go there?"
"I think we should modify the plan. Right now, there's the driver and Tsaehorng's assistant. We can't just leave the two of them here."
"I see. So I have to postpone my departure. At least until you guys get back here after giving the police information."
"Right. That's what I meant. I don't know how long we'll have to be there. But I'll try to make things go faster."
"Okay, Dahge," said Yihshyong. "But what about Miss Liuchiou? Isn't she waiting for one of us to arrive?"
"I'll call her later."
Shannchyuan turned to the others. "Remember. We must not say anything that will involve Miss Liuchiou."
"Tsaehorng already knows?" Chioujen whispered.
"Tsaehorng doesn't know about the kidnapping that Miss Liuchiou witnessed. So he won't say anything about it." Shannchyuan also whispered.
"Is there anything else?" Jenqyih leaned forward.
"Of course there is. Don't forget about the secret passage in our backyard. We can't reveal that either."
Everyone nodded. Iren didn't really understand why they had to keep the existence of the secret passage a secret. After all, they would soon be out of there. So, it was no longer possible for them to use the secret passageway to commute to and from the station. However, since the other friends agreed with Shannchyuan's thoughts, it was impossible for Iren to have a different opinion either.
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