Chapter Twenty-Three: Working Together in Concert

Back inside the Land Rover Defender, Chen Jiong dialed Nie Yunyang’s number and recounted everything that had happened that day, including the meeting with the old master and the old man’s descendant.

The old master had instructed his descendant, Tan Weibo, to accompany Chen Jiong to Chongqing. The two had even clashed upon meeting, with Chen Jiong suffering a crushing defeat.

On the other end of the line, Nie Yunyang couldn't help but laugh and sigh: "Brother Chen, you brought this upon yourself."

"Let's not talk about that for now. It’s too embarrassing. I was the one who was blind and foolish enough to provoke him," Chen Jiong replied.

He felt a vague sense of anticipation about going to Chongqing; he wondered what he would achieve after moving there from Nanchang.

"Brother Chen, I won't go to the airport to wait for you tomorrow. I’ll send a car to pick you both up. We’ll discuss the specifics once you arrive."

After hanging up, Nie Yunyang felt a sense of relief. Based on Chen Jiong’s description, he could tell that Tan Weibo’s martial prowess was equal to, if not greater than, his own. After all, the old man had been a legendary figure on the battlefield in his youth, and as his descendant, Tan Weibo was undoubtedly formidable.

The night deepened, and the streetlights grew dim. Nie Yunyang sat on the sofa to rest, sleeping lightly for fear that someone might sneak into the house.

Suddenly, the living room chandelier was switched on. The bright glare startled Nie Yunyang awake. He looked up to see Mu Qingyao.

"Why are you up?" Nie Yunyang asked.

Mu Qingyao wore a black lace nightgown that revealed her delicate collarbones, fair thighs, and a glimpse of her full bosom. She sat down slowly on the sofa and said, "I can't sleep. I’ve been having nightmares lately."

Nie Yunyang remained silent. He knew well that Mu Qingyao had always lacked affection, and now that she was separated from her biological father by death, most women would have collapsed.

"There are some things I’d like to discuss with you," Nie Yunyang said.

Mu Qingyao nodded. "There's nothing else to do anyway. Let's talk."

"Yao-yao, you must understand our current situation. Why is someone hunting you down? Whether it’s a mole in the company or your father’s enemies, they are eyeing the foundation your uncle left behind. Although the situation at Xinhai Technology Co., Ltd. is not optimistic, many people see it as a piece of fat they want to bite into, and you have become their obstacle," Nie Yunyang said.

Mu Qingyao’s expression was solemn as she replied, "Yunyang, I understand all of this. The mastermind behind the scenes has been trying to swallow my father’s assets for a long time."

"There are two paths before us. First, you inherit your uncle’s legacy and refuse to give up, no matter what happens. But our enemies are powerful; Old Qiu and Chang Zhicheng have already paid with their lives, and you will be in danger too. Second, you abandon Xinhai Company entirely and step aside, letting them fight until they destroy each other. That would be safer. Which one do you choose?" Nie Yunyang asked.

Mu Qingyao bit her lip and countered, "Which one do you think I should choose?"

"Yao-yao, this decision must be yours alone; I cannot make it for you. But whatever you choose, I will support you unwaveringly. If you choose the first, I will stay by your side to manage the company, and anyone who tries to hurt you will pay a heavy price. If you choose the second, I will clear the obstacles for you so you can live a life of peace and happiness," Nie Yunyang said.

Mu Qingyao did not choose. Instead, she asked, "Yunyang, why are you so good to me?"

"I promised your uncle that I would protect you. Besides, the opposition has gone too far; how could I sit by and watch?" Nie Yunyang replied.

Mu Qingyao took a deep breath. "I choose the first path. Even if the road ahead is treacherous, I will never regret it."

"Xinhai Company was your uncle’s life work. It is only right that you inherit your father’s legacy," Nie Yunyang said.

Mu Qingyao shook her head. "You’re wrong. It’s not for my father, but for Grandpa Qiu and Uncle Chang. I cannot let them die in vain without justice."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but shed tears of grief.

Nie Yunyang was moved. He reached out to wipe the tears from her face and said, "Don't worry, they won't have died in vain. I will make the killers pay in blood!"

After talking a while longer, under Nie Yunyang’s persuasion, Mu Qingyao went back to the master bedroom, and he fell into a deep sleep until dawn.

In the morning, Mu Qingyao intended to attend the Xinhai Company board meeting, but Nie Yunyang stopped her. He wanted to wait until Chen Jiong and Tan Weibo arrived.

Throughout the morning, Mu Qingyao received many calls—not only from people like Han Fucheng and Miao Xingyu, but she also had to handle matters regarding Shengshi Advertising Design Company.

At noon, Nie Yunyang ordered some takeout. Mu Qingyao ate with appetite, showing no signs of being picky. Compared to the pampered young lady she once was, she had matured significantly.

When the Mu family driver picked up Chen Jiong and Tan Weibo, Nie Yunyang took Mu Qingyao out to the Jinke Jiuquhe villa. The Mu household had been in chaos while Mu Qingyao was away.

Forty minutes later, Chen Jiong and Tan Weibo arrived at Jinke Jiuquhe.

After hugging Chen Jiong, Nie Yunyang looked at Tan Weibo and smiled. "Brother Tan, welcome to Chongqing!"

Inside, Tan Weibo kept observing everyone in the villa, finally focusing his attention on Nie Yunyang and Mu Qingyao.

He smiled slightly and said, "When I last saw you, you had just graduated from high school. In the blink of an eye, you’ve grown so much."

"Brother Tan, I’m surprised you remember me," Nie Yunyang said.

Tan Weibo winked and laughed, "I don't have many virtues, but my memory is quite good."

This scene surprised Chen Jiong. Since last night, this guy hadn't given him a single pleasant look, so why was he being so polite to Nie Yunyang?

Nie Yunyang pulled Mu Qingyao to his side and introduced her. "This is my boss, the young lady of the Mu family. And these two are Brother Tan and Brother Chen."

"Brother Tan, Brother Chen," Mu Qingyao greeted with a smile.

Nie Yunyang gave Mu Qingyao a look and said, "Yao-yao, go change your clothes first. I have some things to discuss with Brother Tan and Brother Chen."

Mu Qingyao understood and went upstairs.

Nie Yunyang brought Tan Weibo and Chen Jiong into the living room and poured them tea. He sighed, "Brother Tan, I wouldn't have troubled the old master if I hadn't been pushed to the edge. A few days ago, I went to Zhen'an and almost lost my life there."

Nie Yunyang had spent a long time with Chen Jiong, and they were very familiar with each other; he had already told him everything over the phone.

Chen Jiong had his own reasons for coming to Chongqing, but Tan Weibo was different; he had been sent by the old master himself.

"Yunyang, since the old man sent me, he must have his reasons. Don't worry about anything. Now that I’m in Chongqing, just assign the tasks. No matter what it is, I’ll listen to you," Tan Weibo said.

Nie Yunyang smiled. "Brother Tan, Brother Chen, our most important mission now is to protect Mu Qingyao."

Tan Weibo and Chen Jiong looked at each other, both mentally prepared.

Nie Yunyang then made specific arrangements: Chen Jiong would serve as Mu Qingyao’s driver, while Tan Weibo would work with him to protect her. If necessary, they would also assist with other matters.

Once everything was settled, Nie Yunyang called Mu Qingyao downstairs. The group set off in an Audi A6 toward Xinhai Technology Co., Ltd. The struggles ahead would be incredibly brutal.