bookbashuk Chapter 331 Heading to the Beautiful Country
Chapter 331 Heading to the Beautiful Country
In mid-October, the autumn winds began to blow.
Professor Yu led a team, including Ming Xiangyang, Shen Li, and two other assistants, to the United States for academic exchanges.
On the eve of their departure, Lu Cheng's brows were full of worry as he repeatedly instructed Shen Li: "The situation in the United States is complicated and not as stable as it seems. Take Zhao Qing and the others with you and make sure they are safe."
Shen Li nodded in agreement, her tone firm: "Yes, I understand, I will pay more attention."
In the end, Shen Li chose Zhao Qing and Feng Ye to accompany him.
There was a clear limit to the number of people in the team; if there were too many, it would be impossible to report them. She could only include two people in the team and publicly claim that they were accompanying security personnel.
Coincidentally, Ming Xiangyang also brought two trusted confidants. Shen Li had met those two men twice before, so they were somewhat familiar with each other.
The group of nine, all traveling abroad for academic research, all arrived by plane.
The school reimbursed the expenses for Professor Yu and his group of five, while Ming Xiangyang and Shen Li each had to bear the costs of their own security personnel, for which neither of them objected.
Having weathered past storms, Shen Li now values her safety more than anyone else.
After the plane landed in the United States, there were already people waiting to greet me at the airport.
Most of the people traveling together felt unfamiliar with this foreign land, and the language barrier made them even more anxious. It was only when someone knowledgeable took the lead that they felt a little more at ease.
But this awkwardness had nothing to do with Shen Li—she spoke fluent English and, having frequently traveled to the United States for business in her previous life, she exuded no sense of alienation whatsoever.
Due to the significant time difference between China and the United States, the first priority upon arrival was to rest and adjust to the time difference before proceeding with other matters.
The next day, the translator in charge led them to the partner college. The daily schedule was monotonous but tight, with most of the time spent in class.
Although it can be tedious and boring, it's not entirely without reward. However, the truly valuable information requires careful discernment from the vast amount of leftover content. The truth is mixed with the falsehoods, and the quality varies greatly, which puts a great test of one's discernment.
This immersive learning experience lasted for a whole month.
The nine people lived together in a villa, and they were inseparable in almost every aspect of their lives, from eating and drinking to daily routines.
There were only two women in the group, Shen Li and Feng Ye. Since rooms were in short supply, the two naturally ended up sharing a room.
Feng Ye is an outstanding cook, but everyone else is not used to the local Western food. They can tolerate it once in a while, but they find it hard to swallow after eating it every day. So, the job of cooking every day naturally falls to Feng Ye.
On the evening of the month-long study and discussion session, Professor Yu convened a small debriefing meeting with everyone.
"What are your thoughts on this month-long exchange and learning experience?" he asked softly, his gaze sweeping over the group.
Shen Li did not speak first, but one of Professor Yu's assistants spoke first, his tone earnest: "I have benefited greatly. Many questions that had puzzled me for a long time have suddenly become clear after this month of discussion and exchange."
Professor Yu nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this: "That's good. The research direction I proposed this time is crucial to the future development of related fields. I brought you all here to broaden your horizons and accumulate experience, hoping it will be helpful for your future experimental research."
Shen Li chimed in at the opportune moment: "Thank you, Professor Yu, for your thoughtful arrangements. We have indeed learned a great deal."
Ming Xiangyang remained silent throughout, simply listening quietly.
"Let's rest for another day tomorrow, and then set off back home the day after tomorrow," Professor Yu finalized the return trip.
Shen Li looked up at him, her tone calm: "Professor Yu, you should go back first. I want to stay a few more days. I have some personal matters to take care of here."
Professor Yu immediately frowned, his tone filled with worry: "That won't do. What if you encounter danger while you're alone abroad?"
At this moment, Ming Xiangyang suddenly spoke up, his tone calm: "Don't worry, I'll stay here and wait for her. We have four security guards with us, so there won't be any security issues."
Professor Yu was still somewhat hesitant until Shen Li solemnly assured him again: "Professor Yu, I have friends here. I'm just staying to meet with them and handle some minor matters. I will absolutely not take any risks on my own."
He reluctantly nodded in agreement.
Actually, Shen Li didn't want Ming Xiangyang to come along, but judging from Professor Yu's attitude, even if she brought two bodyguards, the other party would definitely not feel at ease if Ming Xiangyang wasn't there.
That evening, Shen Li called Jerry and arranged to meet the next day.
She had originally planned to take only Zhao Qing and Feng Ye with her, but when she went downstairs the next morning, she found Ming Xiangyang already waiting in the living room with two trusted men, staring intently at her.
Shen Li sighed helplessly and could only acquiesce to the fact that everyone was going together.
Seeing her come downstairs, Ming Xiangyang familiarly pushed a breakfast in front of her and asked in a natural tone, "Where are you going today?"
That unyielding look clearly showed that she was determined to follow.
"I made an appointment with a friend," Shen Li replied casually, picking up her cutlery.
"I'll go with you." Ming Xiangyang's tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
Shen Li looked up at him, a hint of mockery in her eyes: "What if I say no?" She wanted to see how he would react.
Ming Xiangyang met her gaze and said earnestly, "I'm worried about you going alone. If you insist on not letting me come, I'll secretly follow behind to make sure you're safe."
Shen Li pursed her lips, inwardly criticizing his stubbornness, but finally relented: "Alright, let's go together. He's a businessman with a wide range of interests; you might even find an opportunity to collaborate."
After the six finished breakfast, they set off. Since one car wasn't enough for everyone, they had to split into two.
They could have shared a car with three people, but Ming Xiangyang insisted on sticking to Shen Li's side. In the end, it became four people in one car: Shen Li, Ming Xiangyang, Zhao Qing, and Feng Ye. Ming Xiangyang's two bodyguards rode in another car by themselves.
Upon arriving at the Western restaurant where Jerry had arranged to meet, Shen Li gave her name, and the waiter led the group to a private room.
Two security guards in black suits stood at the door of the private room, looking vigilant.
As Shen Li pushed open the door, she saw Jerry wearing a sharp, custom-made suit, leaning against the table waiting. His eyes lit up instantly when he saw her come in.
"Wow, Ms. Shen, it's only been a few years, but you've become even more charming." Jerry walked up to her with a smile, his tone warm, and reached out to give her a hug, even with a hint of wanting to kiss her cheek.
Shen Li had a faint smile on her lips, but in her heart she thought to herself: Maybe she's pregnant.
Before she could react, Ming Xiangyang had already stepped forward, subtly stopping Jerry, and said in fluent English, "We Chinese are not used to this kind of greeting etiquette."
Jerry's enthusiasm was abruptly interrupted, and a hint of displeasure flashed across his face. He turned to Shen Li, his tone tinged with complaint, "Ms. Shen, who is this annoying guy?"
"My friend," Shen Li explained casually.
"Boyfriend?" Jerry raised an eyebrow and asked, his eyes full of inquiry.
Shen Li shook her head: "No, we're just ordinary friends."
"It's good that he's not my boyfriend. This guy is such a spoilsport." Jerry pouted, clearly having a strong aversion to Ming Xiangyang.
Ming Xiangyang, however, paid no attention to his attitude and simply stood quietly beside Shen Li, his eyes warily surveying the environment inside the private room.
After the three of them sat down, Shen Li got straight to the point and explained the purpose of his visit to Jerry.
As soon as he finished speaking, Jerry and Ming Xiangyang both showed expressions of shock.
"What? You want guns? But you can't bring them back from there, so buying them would be useless," Jerry said, looking puzzled.