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"Sure. The reason I'm going to Africa this time, like you, is because of the jade pendant." Zhang Qiu turned to Lucia and said in English, "Lucia, can you hand me your jade pendant?"
"Okay." Lucia smiled as she took out the jade pendant. Zhang Qiu received Lucia's pendant and combined it with the White Tiger pendant, producing a clear and beautiful sound that echoed in the room.
Bai Jingwei looked at the two jade pendants in Zhang Qiu's hand in surprise and asked, "Is there a second one of this kind of jade pendant?"
"No, there are three. I am going to Africa to find the third jade pendant."
Zhang Qiu did not want to hide the information about the other two pendants. Bai Jingwei had his considerations, and Zhang Qiu had his own. Rather than letting others constantly think about the jade pendant in his possession, it was better to choose a partnership. After all, having a medical professor conduct research and help people did not contradict the original intention of being the heir of the White Tiger. Zhang Qiu considered that in Africa, being isolated and helpless, having Bai Jingwei as a partner could yield considerable benefits. Additionally, in the capital, Bai Jingwei could also restrain those War Maniacs, allowing himself to focus on matters in Africa.
Bai Jingwei was deeply shocked. Even after years of following leaders and traveling extensively with countless resources at his disposal, he still could not imagine that such a marvelous thing existed in the world. The jade pendant in Zhang Qiu's hand was not just one piece but three; this was simply unbelievable. Bai Jingwei pondered that since Zhang Qiu had one jade pendant and the foreign girl accompanying him had another, they must be meeting with the holder of the third jade pendant in Africa. If only... Bai Jingwei had a bold idea.
Bai Jingwei returned the jade pendant to Zhang Qiu and warmly invited him and Lucia to sit down while urging the staff to bring drinks. Zhang Qiu returned the pendant to Lucia and raised his hand to stop Bai Jingwei, saying, "Professor Bai, there's no need for all this trouble. We have already reached a consensus; our priority now is to get us to the airport."
"Alright, that's no problem at all. Which country are you heading to?"
"Tanzania Kingdom."
"I know that place; it's currently in turmoil." A barely noticeable smile appeared on Bai Jingwei's lips; the chaos conveniently provided justification for his bold idea.
"I'm aware of that; we are prepared." Zhang Qiu raised the contract in his hand and continued, "The third point is clear: during our actions in Africa, you need to provide assistance when necessary."
Bai Jingwei immediately replied, "I believe it's very necessary right now. From the moment you set foot on Tanzanian soil, danger will accompany you. I have decided to send K with you to Tanzania Kingdom; he has served in special forces and has an excellent record. With him around, I can rest assured about your safety."
"I need to think about it."
"Alright, I'll give you some time."
Zhang Qiu took Lucia aside to communicate in English and asked for her opinion. Lucia found it hard to understand the relationship between Zhang Qiu and Bai Jingwei, asking, "I really can't figure you two out; you seem like friends, yet not quite."
"Nineteenth Century British Prime Minister Palmerston once said a famous line: there are no permanent friends, nor permanent enemies, only permanent interests. The bond between me and them is our shared interests."
"Now that you mention it, I’m starting to understand," Lucia nodded lightly, glancing at Bai Jingwei. "If that's the case, why do you still choose to cooperate? Even without them, it wouldn't hinder us."
"There’s an old saying in China: it's not the thief that steals you're afraid of, but the one that keeps an eye on you. This jade pendant in my hand has more than one force watching it; I want to use them to balance out another group. Additionally, Professor Bai's goal is medical research. I don’t care if he’s doing it for the old leader or someone else; the contract clearly states that the research results belong to all humanity. As the Jade Pendant Heir, being able to contribute to humanity in peaceful times is my way of doing my part."
Lucia looked at Zhang Qiu, her gaze shifting, bright and complex. A faint smile remained on her face as she blinked and said, "Suddenly, I feel like you're quite great."
Zhang Qiu smiled back and replied, "We are great."
"However," Lucia still couldn't trust Bai Jingwei like Zhang Qiu did. "I have to suspect that their purpose in sending someone with us is to monitor us."
"You’re right. If he sends someone, they will definitely report our movements back to him; I have no doubt about that. However, we don’t have any secrets to hide. On the contrary, if his people come along, we will have help. Special Forces are the most powerful presence; with K's assistance, we can achieve twice the result with half the effort. Fortune and misfortune depend on each other; let’s take a chance!"
"I like your adventurous spirit; it’s just like a Western cowboy," Lucia said with a radiant smile.
Zhang Qiu and Lucia returned to the sofa. Bai Jingwei, who was drinking tea, put down his cup and silently stared at Zhang Qiu.
Zhang Qiu said, "Professor Bai, I agree to let K join us, but I must be the commander of this team. No matter when or where or under what circumstances, it can only be me."
"Alright, I agree to your request," Bai Jingwei replied without hesitation.
"Then can we set off?"
"Of course."
Bai Jingwei called K over and said, "K, I need you to complete a challenging mission."
K stood at attention and replied loudly, "I guarantee to complete the mission."
"Good," Bai Jingwei nodded with a smile. K was his most trusted subordinate. "Your mission is to follow Zhang Qiu and this foreign lady to Tanzania in Africa. Throughout the operation, you must ensure the safety of both individuals. At the same time, you will accept leadership from Zhang Qiu."
K hesitated and looked at Zhang Qiu, while Bai Jingwei raised his voice and asked, "Did you hear 'Understood'?"
"'Understood,' I guarantee to complete the mission."
"Alright, you have half an hour to prepare your equipment. Gather here in half an hour."
"Yes!"
K hurriedly ran off, and Bai Jingwei waved for Zhang Qiu and Lucia, who had stood up, to sit down. "Sit for a while. When he returns, I'll send someone to take you to the airport."
Zhang Qiu and Lucia sat down as Bai Jingwei arranged for the cancellation of their previously booked tickets and rebooked first-class seats for the three of them. In Bai Jingwei's words, the fewer people who see you, the better.
Half an hour later, K arrived wearing black sunglasses, a black tank top, and black long pants, carrying an American desert camouflage bag. Zhang Qiu looked at K's strange outfit and thought that with such attire, it would be surprising if no one noticed him.
Bai Jingwei personally escorted the three of them to the courtyard where a car was already waiting. Someone took Zhang Qiu's and Lucia's suitcases and placed them in the vehicle as they both got in.
K stood outside the car, locking eyes with Bai Jingwei. Bai Jingwei quietly reminded him, "Due to time differences and communication limitations, you have decision-making authority during operations in Africa. My previous acceptance of Zhang Qiu's leadership only applies as long as it does not lead to serious consequences."
"Don't worry, Professor, I know what to do."
Bai Jingwei nodded with relief. "Get in the car, and be careful."
K opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat. The black business sedan passed through the gate, and the guard saluted the vehicle.
After a while, the sedan navigated through several congested streets and arrived at Capital Airport. This was Zhang Qiu's first time flying, following Lucia closely. K was familiar with the route and walked ahead. After checking in and handling baggage, Zhang Qiu called Jiang Xue to inform her that she had safely arrived at the airport and was about to board, reassuring her not to worry. Zhang Qiu reminded Jiang Xue once again that if her mother called asking about her, she should say that she was at her house. After hanging up, Zhang Qiu inserted the Tanzania SIM card prepared by Lucia into her phone.
"Attention passengers traveling to Hong Kong, boarding for flight KA987 is now beginning..."
The boarding announcement sounded, and Lucia grabbed Zhang Qiu's hand with a smile. "Let's go."
As the plane took off, Zhang Qiu's gaze remained fixed on the window, watching as the ground below became smaller and smaller. Gradually, she saw clouds, with golden sunlight spilling over them, as if a golden carpet was laid out in the sky.
Lucia asked from beside her, "How does it feel to fly for the first time? Are you okay?"
"It's fine; I don't feel anything unusual."
"When the plane descends, you might feel a bit uncomfortable; remember to open your mouth."
"Okay."
If first class left an impression on Zhang Qiu, it was that she slept very comfortably. After watching a movie for a while in mid-air, she fell into a deep sleep. Three and a half hours later, the plane landed at Hong Kong International Airport.
As Zhang Qiu stepped off the plane, she said, "Lucia, you were right; I felt a sharp pain in my ears when we landed."
"That's a normal reaction. You'll get used to it," Lucia said with a smile.
No matter how passionately Zhang Qiu and Lucia chatted, K remained silent, walking ahead. Lucia quietly said to Zhang Qiu, "I think this person is quite frightening."
Zhang Qiu agreed with Lucia's assessment of K, saying, "Fortunately, he is our friend and not our enemy."
"What if he becomes an enemy?"
"When friends come, there is fine wine; when wolves come, there are hunting rifles."
Lucia pondered Zhang Qiu's words and nodded, sighing, "Very profound."
"It's a line from a song, 'My Motherland.'"
After a while, Zhang Qiu found himself alone again. Night had fallen, and from above, the scattered lights formed a colorful world. When he was still in high school, Zhang Qiu had dreamed of going to Hong Kong to see where Beyond rehearsed and to visit Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery to pay his respects to Koo. He never expected to arrive in Hong Kong in this way, stepping onto this land only to pass through hastily.
Zhang Qiu closed his eyes, the music he had heard countless times echoing in his ears. Farewell, my beloved homeland; farewell, my dear ones. Zhang Qiu opened his eyes; what awaited him was an unprecedented trial or perhaps more fittingly, tribulation.
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