Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 949: A New Era

When Grandpa Song announced the closure of the “Gate of Life,” workers immediately started welding it shut behind the Commerce Building. The "Gate of Life" was first opened by Song Tianyou on the day the Chinatown Commerce Association was founded, and now he was personally shutting it down.

As the true master of Chinatown, he clearly held that authority.

Outside the association, the crowd's faces darkened. Though the "Gate of Life" had changed significantly over time, it still served as a quick and accessible lifeline for many in need. For instance, even though loans from the "Gate of Life" now came with interest, the rates were still lower than those of private lenders, and the entry requirements were less stringent than those of banks.

Despite the changes, residents accepted it because it remained within a manageable scope for them. Particularly with Bai Shuitang, a close relative of the Song family, as the head of the Commerce Association, the “Gate of Life” symbolized the Song family’s support.

Bai Shuitang had carefully gauged the people's tolerance, gradually shifting the "Gate of Life" to a more sustainable model without losing the support of the Song family. He succeeded partly because the Song family’s focus had shifted away from Chinatown, which Song Tianyou had initially established as a pet project. Moreover, after Song Ying took over the Song Dynasty Group, her outlook on Chinatown diverged from her grandfather's, seeing the “Gate of Life” as fostering dependency among a new generation of residents.

Bai Shuitang exploited this, ensuring his tactics went unnoticed for a long time.

But the visit by Song Haoran and Luo Qiu to Chinatown revealed its decline, which led Song Haoran to rekindle an interest in its revival.

"The 'Gate of Life' may be closed, but in its place, the Commerce Association will establish a special department," announced Song Tianyou at the microphone. "This new department will inherit the function of the 'Gate of Life' while implementing a transparent qualification review and assessment process to help those in need fairly."

As he finished speaking, the atmosphere shifted. After delivering these key announcements, Song Tianyou stepped off the stage and, with Uncle Wu accompanying him, returned to the Commerce Building. Meanwhile, a public relations employee from the Song Dynasty Group took over the explanation.

"Now, let me detail the specifics of this new department and our hiring guidelines for its staff,” the PR representative said, smiling.“Hiring? What do you mean?”

“Does that mean we could be considered for jobs in this new department?”

The microphone crackled as the PR rep replied, “As some of you guessed, we’ll be hiring locally while also appointing internal supervisors from the Group. Here’s the breakdown…”

While the explanation continued, inside the building, Song Tianyou quietly watched the welding of the “Gate of Life.” As the last section was sealed, he smiled, remarking, “Doesn’t this feel like the end of an era?”

Uncle Wu chuckled. “But it’s also the start of a new one.”

…

Watching the speeches below through the blinds, Luo Qiu was joined by Song Haoran, who approached with a glass in each hand. Lately, dressed in a more serious, executive style, Song Haoran seemed more reserved than before.

Luo Qiu glanced briefly at Song Haoran's chest and accepted the glass.

"Interested in this kind of gathering?" Song Haoran asked, parting the blinds for a look.

"A little…” Luo Qiu murmured. “These situations tend to bring a calmness over people. A kind of cautious anticipation, maybe even an awakening from a certain numbness."

“Isn’t it more pitiful?” Song Haoran’s perspective differed. “Whether it’s the 'Gate of Life' or this new department, people will always rely on someone else to solve their problems.”

Luo Qiu merely smiled in response.

Song Haoran liked this gentle smile; it seemed to soothe any restless thoughts.

Shaking his head, Song Haoran added, “Well, at least there’s hope for improvement. We can’t expect everything to change overnight, right?”

Taking a sip, Luo Qiu looked surprised. “Is this…?”

“Grape juice.” Song Haoran winked. “It’s working hours, no drinking allowed… or Song Ying would chew me out.”

But Song Ying wasn’t here—she was currently in Bai Shuitang's office, sorting through his belongings. The Song family hadn’t announced Bai Shuitang’s death, merely saying he’d resigned due to health issues. Until an official successor was named, Song Ying’s secretary, Su Mei, would act as the interim head of the Commerce Association.

And right on cue, the room door opened as Song Haoran mentioned Song Ying.

She entered, frowning slightly at the two lounging inside.

“It’s just grape juice,” Song Haoran smiled.

Rolling her eyes, Song Ying stepped in.

Song Haoran, in a playful attempt to charm her, said, “Little Ying, you look stunning today. This black outfit gives off such an enchanting aura… You should wear black more often; it’s got this mysterious vibe, don’t you think, Luo Qiu? Too bad she’s my niece, or I’d be tempted myself!”

Song Ying, dressed in an unusual black suit, looked more composed and formal than usual.

“Song Haoran! You’re such a shameless uncle!” she yelled, throwing a compact mirror at him.

Luo Qiu, enjoying their banter, smiled softly.

“Mind if I go for a walk downstairs?” Luo Qiu asked suddenly.

This paused Song Haoran and Song Ying’s playful quarrel as they looked over. Luo Qiu added, “Just thought I’d walk around a bit. We’re leaving soon, and I don’t know when I’ll be back next.”

“Oh, no problem,” Song Ying replied, then added, “Grandpa said we’d be having dinner soon at a local restaurant. Maybe you could walk around after we eat?”

“That works. I’ll be back before dinner,” Luo Qiu replied, smiling as he headed out.

"I’ll have Song San accompany you,” Song Haoran said unexpectedly.

“I should be fine on my own,” Luo Qiu shook his head. “If Mr. Song San comes along, wouldn’t it just draw more attention?”

“Hmm… alright then, keep an eye on the time.” Song Haoran nodded. “Call me or Xiaoying if anything comes up.”

“Uncle…” Song Ying frowned slightly.

For the Song family, safety was a major concern, and she didn’t agree with Song Haoran’s casual approach. But he smiled and added, “If it’s Luo Qiu, I have a feeling it’ll be alright.”

“You’re too…” Song Ying rubbed her forehead. “Fine, if you say so.”

Her uncle was known for his remarkable luck. The “hunches” he often talked about had a strange way of coming true, becoming something of a local mystery.

“But don’t take too long! An hour at most, got it?” Song Ying said firmly to Luo Qiu.

Luo Qiu nodded and observed her openly, which made Song Ying’s gaze narrow. “What?”

“Nothing,” Luo Qiu chuckled. “You just look especially nice today.”

“Do… do I?” Song Ying huffed lightly.

“Well, I’ll head out. Tell Grandpa Song for me,” Luo Qiu said, waving before he left and closed the door.

Song Haoran’s gaze seemed to brighten. “Oh my, it seems the food chain in our Song family has rearranged itself, hasn’t it?”

“Song—Hao—Ran!”

…

Luo Qiu strolled alone down the street, holding a classic Hasselblad camera. To passersby, he simply looked like a foreign tourist, drawing little attention.

He rather enjoyed this relaxed moment, feeling like it was before he joined the club. Back then, he didn’t even have this camera.

When did he start wanting to capture moments? Was it because memory alone felt insufficient?

His lens drifted from street to street until a certain broad figure entered the frame.

Luo Qiu lowered the camera and looked directly, recognizing the figure as Song Da, who was entering an alley.

His gaze shifted and noticed a sign nearby: Tea House.

In the alley behind the tea house, Song Da moved carefully, quietly approaching a woman feeding stray cats—Miss Yuna.

But Yuna sensed his approach.

Song Da scratched his head awkwardly, his eyes shifting. Yuna tried to stand but, feeling unwell, nearly lost her balance.

Seeing this, Song Da rushed forward to support her.

They exchanged a few words, smiling as they talked, likely about the stray cats nearby.

Click.

Luo Qiu’s finger instinctively pressed the shutter, capturing the scene with his Hasselblad.

“A beautiful soul… are you not tempted to intervene, Master?”

It was a familiar voice from behind. Luo Qiu didn’t turn but adjusted the camera focus.

“This is good as it is,” he said, closing one eye against the viewfinder. “Not everything needs to be taken; sometimes leaving it as it is keeps things balanced. Many times, even without external push, possibilities within people still surface.”

Silence fell behind him.

He turned, a bit surprised, to see Yōu Yè looking at him with a gentle gaze.

Luo Qiu paused, then smiled softly. “Taking time off seems to be working; maybe I’m getting more talkative.”

Yōu Yè shook her head. “Not at all; I like you even more like this.”

“Is that so?” Luo Qiu smiled, snapping a quick photo of her before apologizing. “Though it was a bit of a sneak attack, I couldn’t resist. But it’s fine with you, as I can hardly find any bad angles on you.”

“We rarely come here…” Yōu Yè said suddenly, “Would you walk with me?”

Luo Qiu looked a bit surprised.

“Or not?” Yōu Yè’s voice softened.

“Of course.” Luo Qiu nodded; it was her first time making such a request. “How about a stroll while I catch up with you?”

“Alright!”

…

Though they walked through Chinatown, they barely discussed club matters, instead feeling more like two travelers.

The so-called “catching up” only took place in the final five minutes.

“A summoned spirit… Scathach?” Luo Qiu looked at Yōu Yè with surprise.

They were sitting in a small park, where Yōu Yè held a stick of cotton candy, tearing off pieces to eat—a simple treat bought nearby.

“Probably for self-defense,” Yōu Yè nodded. “It seems Her Majesty ran into more trouble, like a chained circus monkey forced to perform.”

“A tough situation indeed,” Luo Qiu mused. “Do you know much about this Shadow Queen?”

“I met her while shopping for spices,” Yōu Yè smiled. “She’s very clever and dignified. I think you’d enjoy meeting her.”

“If you put it that way, I’m intrigued,” Luo Qiu nodded.

“However,” Yōu Yè added, “even though Lucifer has the power to summon someone as formidable as Scathach, in her current state, it’s surprising she could do so.”

“Oh? Why?”

“It seems this summoning involves the summoned one’s own intentions. Sensing her opportunity, she responded in an ancient contract…”