"Mr. Ji Xun, we are about half an hour before we arrive in Black Gold City, I haven't been back for a long time, and I am still looking forward to it. By the way, have you been here before? ”

"Nope."

"Ah, then I can show you around. Black Gold City is the largest city-state in western Wadona County and the largest high-burning coal mining area in the entire Federation. Rich is quite rich, but there is dust and soot everywhere. Although I grew up here, I still don't like the feeling of being gray when I go out. ”

“.”

On a whimpering train in a dark wasteland.

In the luxurious VIP car, the orange light of the crystal lamps illuminates the entire carriage.

Ji Xun and Song Yu were eating lunch leisurely.

is about to go home, and this chaebol lady also enthusiastically introduces her hometown.

Ji Xun was also interested in listening to it, and nodded from time to time.

He put a piece of meat in his mouth with a fork and looked out the window at the plain.

Far away, the lights on the horizon could already be faintly seen.

He sighed in his heart that the Federation was really too big.

Seven days ago, they had returned to the town of Bolton, which had been sacrificed by blood.

Then I took the locomotive for nearly two days before arriving at a nearby parrot town with a train.

After that, they changed by train seven times, passing through dozens of large and small cities, until now another five days had passed, and they were about to reach their destination Black Gold City.

Although Ji Xun knew that the territory of the Federation was very large, he had only been in Innocence City before, and he was surprised by this vast area for the first time when he came to the rich ore layer.

Because it's a cave world, there's no boundary.

The lords are expanding and opening up new wastelands all the time, and their territories are changing all the time.

Even the Federal Archives Office does not have accurate data on the size of the country.

It is said that there is still a ten-day trip from Black Gold City to Dragon City, the capital of the Federation.

And not only is it a vast land, but the population of the Federation is so large that there is no accurate figure at all.

The permanent population of Black Gold City alone exceeds one million.

There are countless such confederations of cities.

Ji Xun also understood why there were so many people in a place of exile like Innocence City, and there was a steady stream of new people to replenish it.

Ji Xun looked out the window and was slightly distracted.

At this time, the exclusive maid of the carriage added dessert after dinner.

Song Yu happened to be introducing the Black Gold City with great interest, and also introduced: "However, although the city is dusty, there are also a lot of delicious foods. For example, Rory's pastry shop, Fillo's fried fish, and the mashed potatoes at the forest wooden house have been super loved since I was a child. Ji Xun, you must try it. ”

After all, Black Gold City is too far away from Dragon City, and in the eyes of many big nobles, it is synonymous with remote nouveau riche.

In the past few days, Song Yu also felt that Ji Xun was not familiar with many things here, so he explained it in detail.

Ji Xun smiled slightly when he heard this: "Okay." ”

"Let me think about what else I have to eat"

At this time, Song Yu thought of something, blinked, a touch of banter flashed in his smart crystal eyes, and said: "Oh, there are also famous songs and dances in the Black Gold City and the Federation!" The most famous 'Royal Song and Dance Troupe' in the entire federation was originally from Black Gold City. ”

Saying that, she seemed to feel that there were all kinds of musical and dance dramas, and added a focus that was often heard in the topics of male students in the college: "If it is a 'charm special' at midnight, there are still many good-looking young girls~"

"Oh? Charm Session. What is it? ”

Ji Xun glanced at her when he listened, revealing a strange expression.

I guessed a few points.

The experience of life and death has always been the most direct way to quickly bring the relationship closer.

This girl has not been polite at all since she came out of the Mithril Mine.

After speaking, he is completely like a close friend who can say anything, and he has lost the reservedness of a lady before.

Any business secrets, any family secrets, she can tell Ji Xun.

In the past few days, I have become more and more familiar with each other day and night on the road.

It is generous, cheerful and elegant, like a rose in full bloom.

"This. It's just that the upper class society is very popular and glamorous. ”

As soon as these words were spoken, Song Yu looked at Ji Xun's gaze, and he was still a little weak after all, "However, I. . . I haven't been there either. ”

She stuck out her tongue and added, "I've heard it too." The older brothers and adults in the family loved to go. But if Ji Xunling is interested, I. We can go check it out. ”

"Huh"

Ji Xun listened and smiled.

Listening to this description, it looks like an adult theater.

This was not strange to see in the Wind Moon Field of Innocence City for a long time, and he didn't feel any curiosity.

But the "Royal Song and Dance Troupe" also has this kind of performance?

This is the second time he has heard the name.

The last time was, a hundred years later, the Hong Building opened.

If it was really a song and dance troupe performance of that grade, he would really have a little interest.

“.”

Song Yu looked at him, "You haven't been there, and you still take me?" The suspicion chuckled,

There is always an unconvincing energy in my heart.

Her eyebrows moved slightly, and she complained in her heart why she had a weak heart just now?

It's normal to be in high society, okay.

Like a rebellious girl looking forward to the unknown, she puffed out her cheeks and groaned for a moment, and then said seriously: "Hmm! If you have the chance, be sure to check it out! ”

It seems that after experiencing the adventure of life and death, she feels that she also has some kind of "courage" that cannot be explained.

Why can't I go and see it?

“.”

Ji Xun looked at her serious appearance and smiled without saying a word.

That's not what he was thinking, though.

It's about how long can you stay?

His instincts told him.

He couldn't have stayed long in this wonderful time travel.

And as the body's "weak state" gradually recovers, this feeling becomes stronger and stronger.

Just as he was distracted, Song Yu on the side seemed to notice that he was a little melancholy, and asked, "What's wrong?" ”

Ji Xun shook his head.

Song Yu's eyes lit up and he said, "I send you a lot of times to get distracted." ”

Ji Xun explained: "Hmm. Thinking about things, a little distracted. ”

At this moment, a whining whistle was heard outside the carriage.

The train pulls into a bustling station.

Black Gold City, arrived.

The carriage door opened, and Song Yu seemed to be a qualified tour guide: "Welcome Mr. Ji Xun to my hometown, Black Gold City!" ”

As she spoke, she naturally grabbed Ji Xun's arm and prepared to lead him down.

But as soon as she opened the door and looked at the group of people who picked up the car outside the door, this Miss Song family immediately shrunk her neck and let go of Ji Xun's arm like an electric shock.

She tried her best to hide the shyness on her cheeks, and beckoned the group of people in front of her: "Aunt Rosie, Uncle John, Cousin Alice, Aunt Eight, why are you here?" ”

Ji Xun listened to this series of names of seven aunts and eight aunts, his expression remained the same, but he smiled in his heart.

The group probably heard something.

Originally, it was the job of a servant to pick up the car.

But at this moment, the Song family came with a lot of relatives.

Although they are not big names, it can be seen that they are very enthusiastic about Song Yu, and they are shushing for warmth.

"Oh, Uncle heard you went to Burton? There's a war going on over there, it's too dangerous, and it's good to arrange for servants to do this dangerous work."

"I heard from your mother that you were assassinated by a bandit? Oh my God, it's horrible. Xiaoyu, don't go to those remote countryside next time, the law and order are too chaotic. But it's good to come back safely."

"I've heard there's something wrong with your Rose Chamber of Commerce? What the hell is going on, tell Aunt Seven, I'll help you decide! ”

"Xiao Yu, your cousin Harlan just came back from the Federal Military Academy a few days ago. I heard that you were coming back, and he said that he hadn't seen your cousin for a long time, and asked you to go to the show tomorrow."

“.”

Don't look at these guys dressed properly upper-class gentlemen and ladies, but in front of the Song family, they are also second-rate rich people.

And in the face of interests, those who can pull down their faces will get more benefits.

After all, they all know that Song Yu is a kind girl.

Just say something nice and you'll be easily convinced.

It's like her aunt Mera, but isn't she thick-skinned and takes advantage of her?

It's not too late to know now.

Oh, I heard that the fat woman is dead, and there is no better news than this.

There was such a big incident in Bolton Town, not only within the Song family, but even the Dragon City Federation Council was disturbed.

Although the vampire thing was blocked by the people of Bureau X.

But something else came out.

Because of the need to investigate the pollution, Bureau X and various forces investigated the relevant personnel involved in Bolton City in detail.

This will inevitably find out about people, transactions, accounts, and so on.

It doesn't matter if you don't check.

This investigation, the investigators were surprised, the Rose Chamber of Commerce is so rich?

In the past few days, the existence of the "Rose Chamber of Commerce" has also quietly emerged in the field of vision of the upper class through various channels.

Those businessmen of the older generation couldn't understand why those low-level people who they regarded as "poor ghosts" could squeeze so much oil and water.

But the fact is that this "Song Yu" is now the most famous young rich man in Black Gold City.

And the Song family also got the news as soon as possible.

The older generation in the family who originally ignored Song Yu suddenly woke up.

Only then did they realize that the small business chamber of commerce that they had looked down on before, and when they came back to their senses, that small chamber of commerce already had a huge amount of money that made people blush.

After greeting for a while, Song Yu broke away from the group of relatives who warmly picked up the car.

saw Ji Xun who was already waiting in the car.

She hurried into the car.

As soon as the car door closed, the world was silent.

If it had been before, she would have thought that the adults of the family cared about her.

Even if you know that they have a plan, you will feel that it doesn't matter if it's your family anyway.

But after experiencing the murder of the third uncle and the instigation of her aunt's plot, she no longer has that simple idea of these dedicated so-called family members.

Song Yu looked at Ji Xun helplessly: "I'm sorry to keep you waiting." ”

Ji Xun didn't care at all: "It's okay." ”

The two smiled similarly.

Ji Xun thought of the posture just now, and said, "But this time when you come back, you may be busy." ”

Song Yu pursed his lips lightly and bowed his head slightly: "Ah yes." Suddenly, I felt that this kind of communication was annoying. But the family can't avoid it. ”

After the battle of Bolton City, she felt as if she had grown too much.

What I couldn't understand before, now I can understand it all at once.

She didn't shy away from Ji Xun, and said helplessly: "Those uncles and aunts used to sneer and ridicule one by one when I didn't agree to the marriage and were expelled from the house, as if they felt that I didn't think about the family, and I was infringing on their interests. Wish you could tie me up and get married. But I don't understand why I want to marry to protect their interests? Obviously, wealth is created and fought for by myself, of course, I am afraid that I will borrow money from them, you know that it is difficult for the Chamber of Commerce to start, and I did find a lot of help during that time, but few of them were really willing to help me."

“.”

Ji Xun listened silently.

It's like going all the way, just being a listener.

Song Yu said again: "In the past, I needed the family's funds and channels, and I was afraid of being suppressed by those big chambers of commerce relying on financial advantages, so I wanted the family to be the confidence. Now that I have that Mithril mine, I don't have to worry about the funds, and many things can be solved with money. In the future, my 'Rose Chamber of Commerce' will not always have to ask my uncles for help."

As she said this, her eyes flashed with anticipation for a better future.

In the past few days, I have talked a lot about business planning with Ji Xun,

She seemed to have a thousand thoughts in her chest at the moment waiting to try it herself.

I can even think that if I go step by step like this, I will inevitably have a huge business empire in the future.

But it all seems to have started with those letters.

It's a wonderful fate.

Suddenly thinking of something, Song Yu turned his head to look at Ji Xun and said solemnly, "Thank you." Mr. Ji Xun, you really helped me too much."

“.”

The corners of Ji Xun's mouth raised slightly, not caring at all.

This serious atmosphere in the carriage only lasted for a second, and Song Yu laughed out loud, breaking this unnecessary life.

Her eyebrows were crooked, her clear eyes looked at Ji Xun, and she asked half-jokingly and half-seriously: "You saved my life and helped me so much, how can I thank you?" ”

Where does Ji Xun need any thanks, it is already the best arrangement of fate to meet, and said casually: "Then. Invite me to an opera and dance show. ”

Song Yu pursed his lips and smiled, and took a sip: "Okay!" ”

The steam locomotive galloped all the way through the Black Gold City.

There was a strong smell of soot in the air, which was the smell of the steam industry.

On the outskirts of the city are various mining machinery towns, which act like industrious marmots that mine ore from all directions and bring back black gold.

The inner city is lined with high-rise buildings.

It is a rich mining city, and the streets are crowded with people and a dazzling variety of shops.

Even a hundred years ago, the city was much more prosperous than the City of Innocence.

The steam locomotives on the streets converge into a stream, and from time to time there is a traffic jam.

Although the shape of the locomotive on the street is a little retro, the technical level is not much different from a hundred years later.

Even the style is pretty much the same.

Ji Xun used to often dig for machinery and equipment in the City of Innocence, and from time to time he could see a lot of old antiques from a hundred years ago that had been eliminated from the rich ore layer.

Now, those old antiques are right in front of you.

Ji Xun looked at the street scene outside the window, and suddenly really felt like he had stepped into history.

He clearly felt that he was being repelled by some kind of force.

"Is it the law of time?"

Ji Xun muttered to himself in his heart.

It is only when you understand a little bit that you will feel more and more that the law of time is mysterious and indescribable.

Not much.

The steam car was parked outside a luxurious manor.

The Song family is the first family in the Black Gold City, and although they do not have the title of high nobles, they are the lords of real power.

This extremely extensive manor is the base camp of the Song family.

As soon as the car stopped, Ji Xun had already seen a large number of greeting personnel piled up at the gate of the manor.

Ten times more than the previous train station.

You can see by looking at the clothes that they are either rich or expensive.

At this moment, he chose to greet Song Yu, a junior of the Song family, and this pomp is already very outrageous.

The butler opened the door.

Ji Xun didn't like this kind of excitement, and originally didn't plan to show his face in front of people.

However, Song Yu took his arm generously: "Let's go, I'll take you to meet the elders of the family." ”

Ji Xun had no choice but to get out of the car.

As soon as the two walked out, they were immediately scrutinized by countless eyes.

When they saw Song Yu, they seemed to have seen a walking gold mine, and they were all smiling.

And when she saw Ji Xun beside her, her expression was not very good.

It seems that the melon that he hasn't picked yet, someone has already taken the lead.

The women pointed and whispered.

"Who is that young man next to Xiao Yu? Why is it so face-to-face. ”

"I heard from the people who came back that it was the secret guard arranged by the old man, what is it called 'Chaoyang'. I did a little bit of a favor in the town of Bolton before, and I was in the limelight. ”

"Oh, it turned out to be a guard. I thought it was some kind of young master. A guard also deserves to go with our little fisherman? I really can't tell who I am. ”

"I heard from the old man that this girl was lucky to find some Mithril mine, and asked the family to arrange for people to mine it. Looking at that posture, it seems that there are a lot of reserves."

"This little girl is really lucky. casually tinkered with a chamber of commerce, and found the Mithril mine. Oh, if fate had favored me so much, I would have been rich. ”

"Be careful, now outsiders are staring at this girl everywhere, and there are many people with crooked ideas. I've heard that several top aristocratic families have contact intentions. ”

“.”

Ji Xun's sense of hearing and perception is very sensitive.

These women who chewed their tongues did not seem to be afraid of being heard by him, and they spoke without concealment.

Not only those middle-aged people, but also those young eyes make people feel naked jealousy, malice and disdain.

If a vicious gaze is a sharp arrow, Ji Xun feels that he has gone this way, and he has been riddled with holes.

Song Yu sensed something very smartly, and whispered, "I'm sorry."

As she spoke, she grabbed Ji Xun's arm, as if she wanted to show her protection of her friend in this way, without needing to be pointed at by others.

Ji Xun didn't care about these at all, but looking at this move, he also smiled slightly.

Ji Xun has never liked this kind of ineffective communication.

Song Yu also knew.

After simply taking and meeting a few elders, Ji Xun was arranged to rest in the guest room as a guest.

He didn't pay any attention to the prayers.

There happened to be a bookcase in the room, so I was idle and looked through these centuries-old classics.

I also found it boring after watching it for a while.

Whether it is mechanical technology or transcendent classics, the content is not much different from that of a hundred years later.

On the contrary, some humanities-related classics can also bring a little novelty to Ji Xun.

He's looking at a book.

In the other room, Song Yu took a shower and changed into a beautiful little dress, and was putting on makeup in front of the dresser.

At that moment, a graceful and noble lady walked in.

Looking at the woman in the mirror, Song Yu greeted with a smile: "Mother, why are you here?" ”

The noble lady looked at her daughter and said, "Xiaoyu, you are too reckless. Next time, don't go to such a remote place. I heard that you had an accident, but you didn't scare my mother to death."

I've seen it before, but some of the things are hard to say, but now it's just right in private.

Song Yu knew her mother's character, and she would babble for a long time as soon as she opened her mouth, and she interrupted with a smile: "Okay, okay, okay, got it." Didn't I come back safely?"

Looking at her daughter dressed up so brightly in the mirror, the lady was happy, but she also frowned.

She asked tentatively, "Xiaoyu, I heard that you brought a friend back?" ”

Talking about Ji Xun, Song Yu was in a good mood, and a smile suddenly appeared on his face: "Yes." I thought I'd take him to see his father and mother again. ”

The noble lady looked at her expression and asked cautiously, "I asked your grandfather, and he said that 'Chaoyang' is not the family's guard. So who is he? And how did you meet? ”

"He's a good friend of mine anyway."

Song Yu thought about it, and didn't know how to introduce his friend, who he met through writing, so he could only say: "Ji Xun saved my life." And Uncle Sam, too, survived because of him. ”

“.”

This veiled statement made the noblewoman's expression more and more uneasy.

But she also knows her daughter's character, and she doesn't want to say it, and she won't say it no matter how much she asks.

The lady just said, "It's not that the mother is talkative. But Xiaoyu, you have to be careful of some unknown people. After all, our Song family is also a family with a head and a face, so I am afraid that some people with bad intentions will deliberately approach."

Hearing that Ji Xun was not good, Song Yu interrupted his mother's words, "Mother, you think too much." Mr. Ji Xun has a very good character and is also your daughter's lifesaver. ”

Song Yu felt that she was no longer the simple little girl she was before.

She felt that her mother was right, and that she really needed to guard against those who were planning against evil.

But it doesn't have to be an outsider.

It's like my aunt who always thought I cared about me a lot, and my third uncle.

Lady: "You"

Seeing what his mother was going to say, Song Yu said in a calm tone, but said very seriously: "Mother, Mr. Ji Xun has saved me many times. If it weren't for him, you wouldn't be able to see me. ”

“.”

The lady sighed slightly.

She also heard that her daughter didn't want to talk about this topic, so she didn't say anything more.

Turning her face, she thought of something and said, "By the way, there is one more thing." The Duke of Ross and we have had a great deal of business dealings lately. Coincidentally, the third young master of Duke Rose's family is also an alumnus of your Federal College. You must know that there are several members of parliament in the Duke of Ross's family, and they are genuine high-ranking nobles. I happened to see it last time, and that Young Master He Ao is a very handsome and talented Federation general."

As soon as Song Yu heard this beginning, he knew what he was going to hear next.

She didn't finish listening, and interrupted: "Mother, nine out of ten young masters in high society are all graduates of the Federal Academy, there is no coincidence. Also, as I said, I don't want to get married. Whoever wants to be a noble lady in the family will let whoever goes. Why are you looking for me? ”

If she was willing to compromise, she wouldn't have been evicted from the house.

Compromise is even more unlikely now.

“.”

The lady also had a headache when she saw this attitude.

But the task of persuasion of the Elders lies with her.

What's more, she really thinks that the young master of this duke's family is the most ideal marriage partner, and she is both talented and beautiful.

This is also the great nobles that their Song family needs to climb.

However, before the lady could say anything, Song Yu didn't want to listen to those nagging for a moment.

She hurriedly put on her makeup and slipped out of the room: "Dear mother, I'll go find Mr. Ji Xun first." See you later~"

Ji Xun was reading a book in his room.

Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door.

"Tuk, tuk, tuk!"

"Please come in."

Then I heard a head poking in with a smile: "Ji Xun, are you resting?" ”

Ji Xun heard the light footsteps, and he had already guessed that it was Song Yu.

The girl looked at Ji Xun reading a book, and without waiting for an answer, she rushed in without hesitation, and muttered, "Ah, I've had enough." As soon as I came back, I was nagging non-stop. If I had known, I wouldn't have come back. ”

Ji Xun had expected it, and glanced up at her, "Urged to marry?" ”

Sure enough, the world is like that.

When you reach an age, you will inevitably experience it when you return home.

And Song Yu's situation is even more complicated now.

Song Yu pursed his mouth: "Yes. It's annoying. ”

As she spoke, she still looked at Ji Xun resentfully, "You are still laughing." ”

Ji Xun didn't say anything about this topic, glanced at it, and praised it instead: "The skirt is very beautiful." ”

A traditional court-style lady dress, the corset cut outlines a wonderful figure.

The makeup is light and elegant, and it is obviously dressed up.

The feeling of having a filter made her whole person seem to be glowing.

Song Yu's suddenly depressed mood was swept away when he heard the praise, he took his skirt and bowed, and smiled obediently: "Thank you~"

Now she's happy, as if a sentence is enough.

She said again: "Ji Xun, you also think it's boring to stay, right?" Let's go for a walk around the manor. ”

Ji Xun didn't feel bored, but nodded: "Hmm." ”

Song Yu walked over and helped him clean up the books on the table, as he had done many times before, he naturally and generously took his arm, and said in an uncertain tone: "That's right." Can I ask you for something, you must help me. ”

Ji Xun glanced at her, "Huh? ”

Song Yu looked at him weakly and said, "Can you accompany me to a dinner party in the evening?" ”

Ji Xun guessed something: "Urging marriage?" ”

Song Yu pursed his mouth: "Yes." ”

(End of chapter)