Chapter 1636: Chapter 1938: Mother and Daughter’s Night Talk
"I’ve already released the information about the Dark Pavilion through special channels. With Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion’s intelligence capabilities, I’m sure they’re already aware."
"Very good, keep an eye on them and monitor Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion’s every move. If possible, probe into the Dark Pavilion’s details," Ling Chen instructed.
Initially, he planned to directly inform Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion about the intelligence on Dark Pavilion, but after reconsidering, he felt it was inappropriate. Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion had just endured an attack; if he delivered the Dark Pavilion intelligence now, though his intentions were good, Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion would certainly suspect he had ulterior motives, perhaps trying to incite a conflict between Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion and Dark Pavilion, leading both sides to self-destruct, and allowing him to reap the benefits.
Therefore, it was more prudent to release the information through special channels, allowing him to observe in secret and uncover the Dark Pavilion’s details.
Knock, knock, knock!
As this thought passed through, there was a knock at the door outside the office. Ling Chen said "Come in", and soon the door was pushed open from the outside as Hu Fei walked in, carrying a folder.
"Fatty, why are you here?"
"Been cooped up too long at the base, came out to stretch my legs." Saying so, Hu Fei tossed the folder onto the desk, found a chair, and sat down. "The people I sent for investigation have reported back, all the materials are in there, have a look."
Upon hearing this, Ling Chen opened the folder, took out a document, and carefully perused through it. After a while, he frowned slightly, "Isn’t Netherworld Snake’s headquarters there?"
Hu Fei nodded, "That’s the investigation’s result. They searched the entire Stalactite Cave several times but found nothing. According to the data I’ve checked, decades ago, the government funded construction at the Stalactite Cave, discovering during the process a large hidden space inside, filled with tables, beds, and weapons. I think that must’ve been Netherworld Snake’s headquarters back then. But the government-appointed archaeologists believed the place was a secret military storage site from ancient times, so it became a protected tourist site now."
"So all this was just a false alarm then."
"Sort of. But don’t be too disappointed; although nothing was found there, there’s been progress in the Jin Hai City area."
Ling Chen eagerly asked, "Did you find Netherworld Snake’s secret base in Jin Hai City?"
"Correct! We’ve pinpointed the location, there’s surveillance 24/7, you can take action whenever you want."
"Not so fast, keep monitoring their movements in secret, and try to confirm how many people are in that secret base. Also, inform the front line staff to watch out for any suspicious old men," Ling Chen referred to the old man who was the black-clad assassin from that night, that man is terrifyingly skilled. To this day, Ling Chen is still unsettled by him. If that man is in the secret base, then their actions need a long-term strategy. Otherwise, reckless attack would result in immense losses."
"Don’t worry, I’ll instruct them." After a pause, Hu Fei shifted the topic, "Now that business is finished, how about we talk about something else?"
"What do you want to talk about?"
"Nanrong Wanqing," Hu Fei winked at Ling Chen.
Ling Chen rubbed his nose, turned his gaze elsewhere, and asked with a faint expression, "Why did you suddenly bring her up?"
"Did you think I wanted to? You’re not a kid, I generally avoid meddling in personal affairs, but yesterday Nanrong Hao called me, asking about you. He mentioned that recently your attitude towards Nanrong Wanqing has been cold, possibly intentionally avoiding her. I feel if you don’t want to be with her, you should just say it, as adults, breaking up is not something unacceptable nowadays. Marriage and divorce are common these days," Hu Fei said earnestly.
Ling Chen chuckled bitterly, "Things are more complicated than you think, I...I promised her mother to avoid her in the future and not meet with her."
"You mean Jiang Yue’e?" Hu Fei slightly startled, puzzled, "Why? You and Nanrong Wanqing are mutually affectionate, why doesn’t she support you two?"
"She probably thinks I’m living in danger, hence doesn’t want Wanqing to fall into the same situation. Truth be told, I can understand her point of view; as parents, no one wants their children living in danger."
"So you gave up?"
"Not giving up, just..." Ling Chen said as he felt a headache coming on, "Right now, I’m unsure how to handle it. Besides, there’s so much to deal with now, I have no time to think about romance. Let’s get through this period first."
Zhu Qing, sitting next to them, chimed in, "No wonder you’ve been working so hard lately, to force yourself not to think about this."
"Alright, both of you stop teasing me."
"Okay, okay, since you don’t want to hear it, I won’t say anymore. You’ll figure it out yourself." With that, Hu Fei stood up and walked straight out of the office.
...
Night fell.
Jiang Yue’e came to a bedroom door and knocked gently. "Come in!" Hearing Nanrong Wanqing’s voice from inside, Jiang Yue’e pushed the door open and walked in. As soon as she entered, she saw Nanrong Wanqing standing beside the balcony, gazing into the distance, seemingly admiring the bustling night scene of this unfamiliar city.
Hearing footsteps from behind, Nanrong Wanqing slowly turned her head toward Jiang Yue’e and said, "Mom, why haven’t you rested yet?"
"I came to check on you. What’s the matter? Not used to this city?"
Nanrong Wanqing shook her head, "It’s not about being unused, just...I feel uncomfortable. Although I used to travel abroad often and would return in a few days, this time it’s different; I’m here for a long stay and don’t know when I’ll return home."
"Silly child," Jiang Yue’e gently stroked Nanrong Wanqing’s hair and said, "I’m here with you, aren’t I? Besides, we’re starting a business, aiming to put Hongyu Group on a bigger stage—isn’t that exciting?"
"Mom, perhaps one or two years ago, I would’ve been very interested, but now... Nanrong Hao is the future heir of the Nanrong Family, he’s begun to grow, I feel these matters should be handled by him, not me. I’ve done enough for the Nanrong Family, it’s time I enjoy my own life."
"How can you think like that," Jiang Yue’e said with some displeasure, "You’re still young, there’s a long way ahead in your future. Whether it’s you or Hongyu Group, this is just the beginning, your glory has yet to arrive."
