Chapter 238: Goods and the Imperial Family

"Ah Ming, let me introduce you. This is Xia Sheng, a business tycoon," Li Wuyang said as Li Wuming approached.

"Tycoon? He's just an ordinary businessman with a stench of copper," Xia Yu quickly replied with a smile, then, with a serious expression, extended his hand to Li Wuming and said, "Hello, I'm Xia Yu."

"Hello, I'm Li Wuming!" Li Wuming said, showing a rare smile as he shook hands with Xia Yu.

Although Li Wuming's smile seemed somewhat stiff due to its rarity, his sincerity could be felt through his tone.

At this moment, Li Chunqiu walked over with Yan Hong. Seeing that Xia Yu and Li Wuming had already met, a smile appeared on his face.

"Xia Sheng, I wanted to introduce you, but since you already know each other, I won't need to say much, haha!" Li Chunqiu said cheerfully.

He then turned to Yan Shining and said, "Yan Hong's health has improved a lot. Just continue with the medication and treatment."

"Thank you, Dr. Li!" Yan Shining said gratefully.

"Come on, don't just stand there. Let's go inside and sit," Li Chunqiu invited, leading everyone into the inner room and personally making tea.

Even though it wasn't the first time, Xia Yu couldn't help but admire Li Chunqiu's tea-making skills. His movements were as smooth as flowing water, and the tea he brewed was exceptional. Compared to Xia Yu's own superior tea-making skills, Li Chunqiu's technique was in a league of its own.

"Excellent tea!" Xia Yu sighed contentedly after taking a sip.

Li Chunqiu smiled gently, stroking his snowy beard. "Xia Sheng, this is wild tea that I personally picked and roasted. There's quite a lot of it. Take some with you when you leave."

"That would be great. I won't be polite," Xia Yu said with a smile.

Li Chunqiu nodded, pleased that Xia Yu was so open about it.

After drinking tea and chatting for a while, Xia Yu put down his cup.

"Master Li, the main reason I came this time is to let you know that I'll be going abroad in a few days. Yan Dage will accompany me, so during this time, I'll have my driver bring Yan Hong over. Please take care of him."

Xia Yu said earnestly.

Yan Shining also looked at Li Chunqiu with a pleading expression.

"This is a small matter. No problem at all. You can rest assured that I will take good care of him," Li Chunqiu said, stroking his beard and nodding gently.

After expressing their gratitude to Li Chunqiu, the group continued to chat, and the conversation eventually turned to Li Wuming.

"Li Erge, where were you working before? I've known your family for a while, but this is the first time I've met you."

Xia Yu asked Li Wuming, trying to sound friendly and avoid any formality by addressing him as "Second Brother."

To be honest, Xia Yu was quite curious about Li Wuming. Although he was younger than Li Wuyang and Yan Shining, his martial skills were the strongest, and such a highly skilled person naturally intrigued Xia Yu.

Li Wuming smiled and said, "I've been honing my skills in Southeast Asia."

Seeing that Li Wuming had only briefly mentioned his past, Li Chunqiu took over and explained to Xia Yu, "Xia Sheng, don't take it the wrong way. His personality is like this. His talent surpasses his elder brother, and he's obsessed with martial arts. I suggested he go to Southeast Asia to challenge various experts and improve his skills through practical experience. He came back after gaining some insights."

"Oh, I see!" Xia Yu responded with an understanding expression.

"So, how long do you plan to stay after returning?"

"It depends on him. However, my advice is for him to relax as much as possible. Martial arts training requires a balance of relaxation and tension, and since he has broken through, he should take the time to consolidate his progress."

Li Chunqiu smiled as he stroked his beard, clearly pleased with his second son.

At this point, Li Chunqiu, who had been observing Xia Yu, grew a bit serious and asked, "By the way, Xia Sheng, will you be taking only Yan Shining with you abroad?"

"No, there will be a secretary and an old subordinate of Yan Dage's, so four of us in total."

Xia Yu casually shared his plans, not keeping any secrets.

Li Chunqiu nodded silently, glanced at the quiet Li Wuming, and, under Xia Yu's puzzled gaze, said, "Xia Yu, why not let Ah Ming come along with you? It would be good for him to see the world and also help protect your safety."

Upon hearing this, Li Wuming looked calmly at his father and then at Xia Yu, before looking away to show that he had no objections.

Xia Yu was both surprised and delighted. He looked at Li Chunqiu and asked, "Master Li, are you suggesting that?"

Li Wuming's abilities were exceptional, and having him as a bodyguard would be more than enough. Xia Yu had previously thought of recruiting Li Wuming but hesitated to bring it up. He didn't expect Li Chunqiu to offer him so directly.

Of course, Xia Yu didn't suspect any ill intentions from Li Chunqiu. After spending so much time with him, he knew that Li Chunqiu was genuine and sincere. Xia Yu felt reassured about him.

"Xia Sheng, aside from practicing martial arts, Ah Ming doesn't have many other skills. He needs to find something to do. If you don't mind, you can have him as your bodyguard. Yan Shining's energy is limited, and he might not be able to manage everything alone."

"How could I possibly mind? I'd be more than happy to have him!"

Seeing that Li Chunqiu was serious, Xia Yu quickly agreed, saying so without hesitation.

Li Chunqiu smiled and nodded, then turned to the unperturbed Li Wuming and said, "Ah Ming, from now on, you will follow Xia Sheng. Make sure to protect him as best as you can."

Li Wuming nodded and said firmly, "Understood, Father."

"Second Brother, I'll be relying on you in the future. Please take care of me!" Xia Yu said to Li Wuming with a smile, feeling quite elated to gain such a top-notch bodyguard.

"Don't worry!" Li Wuming said to Xia Yu with a determined look.

"Boss, congratulations!"

Seeing this, Yan Shining also congratulated Xia Yu with a smile.

He wasn't unhappy about it. He highly recognized Li Wuming's strength. Honestly, since that time, Xia Yu hadn't encountered any particularly dangerous situations. He could manage on his own, but going abroad, he wasn't sure what challenges might arise. Having an additional helper was definitely welcome, so he was genuinely happy for Xia Yu.

After chatting a bit more at Li Chunqiu's house and discussing the departure time with Li Wuming, Xia Yu, Yan Shining, and Yan Hong left.

Li Chunqiu and his two sons sent them to the door and watched as their car drove away from the clinic.

Li Wuming withdrew his gaze and finally couldn't help but ask, "Father, why?"

He didn't understand why his father was so favorable towards Xia Yu.

Li Chunqiu glanced at him and said, "To master both literary and martial skills, one must serve the imperial family. With your extraordinary talent, you would have been a fierce general in ancient times. However, times have changed. In the modern era, using your skills in the military isn't as practical. Being a bodyguard is a good choice. You can't spend your entire life finding people to spar with and staying home otherwise."

Li Wuming nodded silently, agreeing with his father's viewpoint.

"Since you're going to invest, you must do so when others need it, to show its worth. Just at this moment, Xia Sheng needs it."

"This time abroad is a golden opportunity, a chance for Xia Sheng to leap into greatness. As the saying goes, fortune and misfortune are intertwined. No one can predict the outcome, but Xia Sheng's future is indeed limitless. Investing in him now will ensure that you, and even future generations, can be at ease."

Li Chunqiu looked up at the starry night sky and spoke softly.

"Father, I understand. I will do my best to protect Xia Sheng's safety," Li Wuming said with determination, making a firm decision in his heart.

Li Wuyang patted Li Wuming on the shoulder, and everything was left unspoken.