Chapter 222 221: Evil Relatives

Mu Lin fell silent.

'This is heartbreaking.'

'Life on the mountain was never this complicated.'

Lao Xiang continued his tearful plea, "I don't dare ask for anything else, but can you help me get some money back for her? At least enough for the kid to afford college..."

Once she's in college, she can get a part-time job to support herself. It shouldn't be a big problem then.

Lao Xiang gripped Mu Lin's hand. "I know you're a good person. Please, I'm begging you to help..."

'I've got more money than I know what to do with,' Mu Lin thought. 'Why don't I just give her the money myself?'

'But Hong Rui's tragedy is clearly because of those bastard relatives. It doesn't matter how much money I give her. As long as those leeches keep bleeding her dry, it'll be useless.'

'I'll have to take care of those bastard relatives first.'

"Get up. I'll handle it," Mu Lin said calmly.

'Lao Xiang has had it rough, too,' Mu Lin thought. 'To go to such lengths for his deceased friend.'

A man should not kneel so easily, but Lao Xiang didn't hesitate for a moment for Hong Rui's sake. What more needed to be said?

"Thank you! Thank you!"

Snot and tears streamed down Lao Xiang's face, a sight that made Mu Lin's heart ache even more.

The security captain said nervously, "Mu Lin, it's probably best not to get involved. People like that are a nightmare to deal with. Once you're mixed up with them, it can turn into a huge mess."

Mu Lin just smiled. "It's nothing. You don't have to worry."

"Lao Xiang, wait here a moment. I'm going to go delegate some work, and then we'll set off." Mu Lin quickly turned and headed for the special group's office.

When Chen Xi saw Mu Lin, he was surprised. "Brother Lin, what's up? Why the rush?"

Mu Lin said, "I have to go away for a while. While I'm gone, I need you all to focus on completing these project proposals."

Chen Xi looked at the memo pad Mu Lin handed him. It listed several projects Zhou Qianfan had deemed suitable. As long as Chen Xi's proposals were approved, the projects were theirs.

Chen Xi glanced at the list, then looked up at Mu Lin. "Brother Lin, these projects are huge. Are you sure the special group can handle them? I'm not sure we have the ability."

Mu Lin said, "Just make sure the proposals are solid. As long as you can pass the initial review, the project is yours."

Chen Xi nodded, a look of sudden realization on his face. "I get it!" 'Mu Lin must have already greased all the wheels. Why else would he be so confident?'

"Alright, I'm heading out on a long trip. Don't go slacking off just because I'm not here. I'll be checking your work when I get back."

Chen Xi nodded repeatedly. "Don't worry, I'll keep them in line!"

Mu Lin shot him a sideways glance. "I think you're the one who needs watching! Zhou Yu, you keep an eye on him for me. Don't let him stir up any trouble."

Zhou Yu gave a little hop, her chest wobbling like jelly, and snapped a salute.

"Don't you worry, Brother Lin. I'll get him sorted out. I guarantee I'll supervise Brother Xi and make sure he finishes the proposals!"

Mu Lin nodded at her words. "Then I'm off."

Zhou Yu suddenly called out again, "Brother Lin, where are you going? Will you be gone long?"

Mu Lin replied, "I'm not sure how many days it will take right now, but I have to go."

With that, he disappeared from the office.

Zhou Yu stared blankly after Mu Lin's retreating figure, looking utterly lost and dejected.

The other two felt the same way, and were too lost in their own disappointment to notice hers.

"Alright, let's get going." Mu Lin returned to the guardhouse and said to Lao Hong, "Lao Hong, where's your car?"

Lao Hong was taken aback. "A car? Sir, you must be joking. It's not easy for folks like us to earn money. How could we afford to waste it on a car? Besides, we all live in the dorms. There's nowhere to park it!"

"So you don't know how to drive, then?" Mu Lin asked.

"Definitely not."

Mu Lin sighed. It was a long way to Songyang. 'What should I do?'

Then he had an idea. He spotted Lin Shishi hanging out at a snack stall across the street.

Mu Lin snapped his fingers, and Lin Shishi noticed him at once.

Mu Lin beckoned to her, and she ran over, her steps light and quick.

"Brother Mu! You were looking for me?"

"Do you know how to drive?" Mu Lin asked.

Lin Shishi blinked, taken aback for a moment. She'd passed her driving test right after her college entrance exams; she was a very good driver.

"I do. What's on your mind, Brother Mu?" 'Finally!' Lin Shishi thought. 'A chance to be useful.'

'I can finally start the mission my father gave me.'

'I don't need to completely wrap him around my finger, just as long as I can secure a small place in his heart.'

"I need to take a trip. Go find us a car," Mu Lin said.

Lin Shishi laughed. "You've got to be kidding. Of course I have a car!"

"Look!"

She pointed into the distance with a smile. "See for yourself."

A very cute-looking BMW...

Mu Lin paused. "I remember you came here with your family. Where'd you get the car?"

Lin Shishi said, "Couldn't I just buy one? I even paid extra to drive it right off the lot."

Well... Mu Lin was speechless. He was completely at a loss for words.

"You're something else!"

Lin Shishi grinned. "You know it!"

Mu Lin slowly walked over.

Lin Shishi asked, "Brother Mu, where are you going?"

"Songyang."

Lin Shishi was a little surprised. She had thought he was going to Di Yang. That way, she could have brought him home for a visit, which would have been a perfect chance to get closer to him.

She hadn't expected it to be Songyang City. She didn't have any particular advantages there.

But she didn't let her disappointment show and started the car cooperatively.

Mu Lin had Lao Xiang get in the back, while he took the front passenger seat.

Lao Xiang was extremely anxious. He didn't even notice the car's luxurious interior; his mind was consumed with dread.

Every moment of delay meant Hong Rui could be in greater danger.

'Life would be unbearable then.'

Lin Shishi was perceptive enough not to ask about it, raising other topics of conversation instead.

She brought up all sorts of amusing anecdotes and tidbits.

The atmosphere in the car lightened slightly.

Several more hours passed. Eventually, even Lin Shishi ran out of things to say, and silence filled the car.

Suddenly, Lin Shishi's eyes lit up. She pointed ahead and said, "Brother Mu, look! We're in Songyang! That's the boundary marker up ahead!"

Mu Lin squinted. She was right. "So we are. Lao Xiang, where to next?"

"It's probably best to stay somewhere near Hong Rui, right? That way we can keep an eye on things."

And we can go see Hong Rui as soon as we're settled.

Mu Lin said, "I agree. Miss Lin, could you help us find a place?"

Lin Shishi pursed her lips, tapped on her phone a few times, and found a hotel.

"How about this one?"

Lin Shishi showed the phone to Mu Lin.

It was a chain business hotel, a Hilton. "This is fine," Mu Lin said without a second thought.

Lao Xiang took one look, and his face fell. "It's so expensive! Is this really a good idea?"

Mu Lin said, "It's not expensive. A better hotel means better rest. You haven't been resting well lately, have you, Lao Xiang?"

Lao Xiang sighed. "You're right. I'm always worried about the Hong Family's girl. I barely dare to sleep."

Mu Lin smiled.

"You should get some rest at the hotel. Recharge your batteries."

Lao Xiang said anxiously, "I couldn't possibly do that! Besides, I'm worried about Hong Rui. I have to keep an eye on her!"

Mu Lin looked at Lao Xiang and pointed to himself.

"Lao Xiang, don't forget I'm here! Do you really think I'd let anything happen to Hong Rui?"

"I'll resolve this as quickly as I can, so you can finally get a proper night's sleep."

Lao Xiang was still anxious, but Mu Lin's words managed to reassure him slightly. "Yes, yes."

Lin Shishi slapped her forehead. "Brother Mu, isn't the Li Group's supply of building materials cut off? Chen Xiaoyou, the biggest building materials merchant in Nanjiang, is from Songyang! You should go look for him! I'm sure he'll help you."

Mu Lin chuckled to himself. 'Isn't Lin Shishi supposed to be well-informed? How does she not know about this?'

'The Li Group's building materials will be supplied by Xingchen Building Materials from now on.'

Still, Mu Lin couldn't be bothered to explain the details to Lin Shishi. She'd find out the truth soon enough anyway.

"So, the building materials magnate Chen Xiaoyou is from Songyang?" Mu Lin showed a little surprise. He hadn't paid much attention to that detail yesterday.

"Of course! Songyang is all mountains and forests, especially forests full of mature timber. A lot of people here make money selling lumber, and the biggest one of them all is King Chen."

"King Chen's business is vertically integrated across the entire supply chain. He's the most powerful player, and many other materials merchants have to buy their stock from him!"

Realizing this was a topic where she could be useful to Mu Lin, Lin Shishi eagerly started rattling off information.

Mu Lin nodded slowly. "I see. It seems I didn't know enough about this."