Chapter 498: Museum

The sky was growing dark. The vehicle slowly exited the highway, driving along the service road.

"...And that's how it all happened," Chen Ling said, his voice calm and unhurried. "In short, there's a traitor among the Nine Lords, and Dr. Su is their first target."

Chen Ling had briefly recounted the events concerning the Red Star, the regression of eras, and the internal strife within the Nine Lords. This time, even Yao Qing hadn't interrupted a single word. The hot-headed, materialistic university student seemed to have his convictions shaken after witnessing Chen Ling deal with all the pursuers on the highway in one go.

"But I don't understand... why me?" Su Zhiwei's brows furrowed deeply.

"That part is unclear."

After his words, the car gradually fell silent. Su Zhiwei seemed to be pondering her own uniqueness. Yao Qing appeared not to have fully recovered from the extraordinary scene they had just witnessed. As for Yang Xiao, he sat with his eyes closed, lost in thought.

The sun sank below the horizon. The fiery clouds were gradually swallowed by the encroaching darkness, and the light faded, but Chen Ling's eyes remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings. The good news was that since he had dealt with all the pursuers on the highway, no one else had been found trailing them so far. This meant that the net Nie Yu had cast was completely torn open by Chen Ling. Su Zhiwei was temporarily safe.

About an hour later, the vehicle slowly pulled into a parking lot. Yao Qing turned off the engine, got out, and pointed at a building silhouette against the night sky:

"We've arrived."

Chen Ling and the others got out. The surroundings seemed to be a quiet suburban area. Apart from a brightly lit highway, there were few other pedestrians. The only thing visible was the ancient-looking museum, which still held a faint trace of vitality.

Visually, it was a wooden museum resembling a traditional Chinese courtyard house. Several stout, massive pillars stood at the entrance, with a plaque hanging above them. Under the glow of the surrounding lanterns, the elegant and grand calligraphy read:

— Xiao's Suzhou Embroidery Art Museum.

The four of them stopped in front of the museum. A look of surprise appeared on Yang Xiao's face.

"This museum is huge... Does it all belong to your family?"

"Yes," Yao Qing nodded. "This museum used to be in the city center, but it was very small and couldn't display many pieces. Later, after my grandmother discussed it with the government, the location was moved here. Although it's a bit remote, the space is much larger. As my grandmother says, embroidery pieces have their own spiritual essence. Those who are truly destined to connect with them will be drawn to them. Furthermore, embroidery requires a calm mind, so being away from the bustling city is a good thing."

Yao Qing paused, then added: "Of course, don't let the quietness fool you now; it gets quite crowded during holidays!"

As he spoke, Yao Qing stepped forward and opened the main doors for everyone, which creaked softly.

Beyond the doors stood a massive screen. On its dark brown branches perched numerous lifelike birds, some poised to take flight, others preening their feathers. It was as if a warm, spring-filled tree truly stood at the entrance, even shimmering with a faint luster under the lights. Only upon closer inspection did they realize it was an embroidery piece. Infinitely delicate silk threads were woven together, resembling satin, capturing every detail and nuance of light and shadow with exquisite skill.

In the corner of the embroidery, a signature was clearly visible:

— Xiao Chunping.

"This piece is..."

"My grandmother embroidered this when she was young," Yao Qing said proudly. "Someone once offered seven million to buy this screen, but she wouldn't sell it. What's more, a quarter of the works in this museum are my grandmother's creations. The rest are either famous embroideries from much older eras, or lost treasures my grandmother personally purchased and brought back from overseas."

Chen Ling walked past the screen. Beyond it lay a collection of works meticulously preserved under glass cases. Some were displayed in the center of the room, others hung on the walls. Connecting corridors on both the left and right led to other themed embroidery exhibitions. There were at least a hundred pieces, by a rough estimate.

Chen Ling's gaze fell on one of the walls. He even saw several pieces embroidered by Yao Qing, although they were displayed in a relatively inconspicuous spot. Still, this was enough to prove his genuine skill.

Although Yang Xiao didn't necessarily understand art, he was very respectful. He quietly looked at each piece, one by one, though it was unclear what he gleaned from them.

"How has Teacher Xiao's health been lately?" Su Zhiwei paused in front of several embroidery pieces for a moment, then turned and asked.

"Quite good, just some old ailments," Yao Qing said, glancing at his watch. "At this time, she should still be in the embroidery room. Come on, I'll take you to meet her."

Yao Qing led them through the corridor on the left, heading directly towards the rear area of the museum.

It was already late at night, and the museum had long since closed to the public. In the vast museum, there were no other figures apart from the four of them. Only beams of spotlights illuminated the embroidery pieces on both sides, displaying a dazzling array of subjects and patterns, as if they were walking through a world of silk embroidery.

A few minutes later, Yao Qing stopped in front of a door. The door wasn't fully closed; it was slightly ajar. Light spilled out from the gap, falling onto the dimly lit floor tiles. Occasionally, faint shadows could be seen shifting.

"Grandma, look who I brought back!" Yao Qing called out, then pushed the door open.

As the door opened, a small room, several dozen square meters in size, appeared before them. The room was clean and tidy, mostly filled with cabinets and boxes. In the center stood a wooden frame holding an embroidery piece. A white-haired elder was standing in front of the embroidery, wearing reading glasses. Hearing Yao Qing's voice, her hand, holding a needle and thread, paused slightly. She turned her head, squinted, adjusted her reading glasses, and a kind smile appeared on her wrinkled face.

"My dear grandchild, why are you home so late today... Oh?"

Xiao Chunping's gaze swept past Yao Qing. Seeing Su Zhiwei beside him, a flicker of doubt appeared on her face. She then took a step closer, squinting intently to get a better look...

"This... isn't this Zhiwei?"

"Teacher Xiao, long time no see. How have you been lately?" Su Zhiwei politely bowed slightly.

"Very well, ha ha ha... very well indeed." Xiao Chunping took Su Zhiwei's hand and patted it gently, seemingly delighted. "Our Zhiwei has grown up, you're so beautiful..."

"Thank you, Teacher Xiao."

Xiao Chunping held Su Zhiwei's hand, like a long-lost elder, and chatted merrily for a long time. Only then did she turn her gaze to the two people behind them.

Yang Xiao was visibly a little awkward. He stood at the very edge of the group and, seeing Xiao Chunping's gaze sweep over him, smiled apologetically. Chen Ling, standing behind Su Zhiwei and Yao Qing, also wore a polite smile.

Xiao Chunping's eyes landed on Chen Ling's face, and she suddenly froze. Then, her brows involuntarily furrowed. The smile on her lips gradually faded.