Chapter 33: A Rare Moment of Leisure

Over the decades, Old Master Wei has built up a vast network of connections and resources, giving the Wei family immense influence in Chongqing. While they may not rival the municipal government, no one dares to offend them lightly.

By the same token, the people who associate with the Wei family are all powerful figures capable of turning the tide with a wave of their hands; naturally, they look down on small-timers like Han Fucheng. In other words, how much value could Han Fucheng possibly offer the Wei family?

Sun Yufan was able to cling to the Wei family’s coattails thanks to his father’s connections; the Wei family never mistreated the veterans who had worked for the family’s cause. Over the years, Sun Yufan had thrived in the Mountain City with the Wei family’s backing. He was a man who knew how to show gratitude, visiting the elders of the Wei family every few days and sending gifts during festivals. Consequently, as long as Sun Yufan didn't go too far, the Wei family usually turned a blind eye to his actions.

However, Wei Mingyan despised Sun Yufan, so he had suppressed the news of the recent incident to keep the Old Master in the dark. Nevertheless, the investigation had to proceed; after all, the disappearance of Sun Yufan concerned the Wei family’s reputation. As for whether the culprit could be caught, that was left to fate.

After Sun Yufan’s death, Nie Yunyang felt a weight lifted off his shoulders. Half of the Mu family’s crisis had been resolved, and recently, Han Fucheng had been keeping a low profile, unable to stir up much trouble. Nie Yunyang had delegated the task of protecting Mu Qingyao to Chen Jiong, while he and Tan Weibo spent twenty-four hours a day tailing Han Fucheng to map out his daily routine. Yet, Han Fucheng had rarely shown his face in the past few days, either staying at his club or hiding at home, not even visiting the golf course. It was as if he were spooked by the slightest rustle of leaves.

Since Nie Yunyang returned to Chongqing, Yin Min had only seen him once. Whenever she called afterward, Nie Yunyang would claim he was too busy to spend time with her, leaving her filled with resentment. It happened to be the weekend, and when Yin Min called again, Nie Yunyang dared not brush her off, lest she truly get angry.

When Nie Yunyang drove to Chongqing University, Yin Min was already waiting at the school gate. As the campus beauty of Chongqing University, she was well-known to many. Upon arrival, Nie Yunyang happened to run into Xiao Kai. Although Xiao Kai’s confession to Yin Min had been rejected that day, the two remained friends. Yin Min and Nie Yunyang were walking side by side when they bumped into Xiao Kai, who had just returned from a meal with classmates. The scene was somewhat awkward, especially with the Porsche 911 parked nearby, causing many students to cast disdainful looks at Yin Min.

Nie Yunyang signaled for Yin Min to get in the car first, then hooked his arm around Xiao Kai’s neck and pulled him aside, laughing, "So you’re Minmin’s good friend, Xiao Kai?"

"That’s right. What do you want?" Xiao Kai asked in return, his tone icy. Last time, when he had confessed to Yin Min, it was this man who had stepped in and made him lose face in front of everyone.

Nie Yunyang took out a cigarette, lit it, handed one to Xiao Kai, and asked, "You like Yin Min?"

"My business is none of your concern. Even if you’ve won over Yin Min, there’s no need to show off in front of me," Xiao Kai replied, taking the cigarette and drawing on it fiercely.

Nie Yunyang raised an eyebrow. "Kid, you’ve got quite a personality, don't you?"

"What, are you going to beat me up?" Xiao Kai asked, his expression fearless.

Nie Yunyang burst into laughter. "You think I’m Yin Min’s boyfriend?"

"Isn't that obvious? I’ve never seen Yin Min act so intimate with any other man," Xiao Kai said.

Nie Yunyang flicked the ash from his cigarette. "You’ve misunderstood. I’m Yin Min’s cousin."

Hearing this, Xiao Kai froze, a massive wave of shock crashing through him. A flurry of emotions—hesitation, annoyance, surprise, and joy—flashed across his face. After a long moment, he regained his composure and, like a chameleon, adopted a fawning expression: "So you’re her cousin! Please forgive my blindness, I didn't realize. Please, sir, don't hold a grudge against me."

"Now you can answer my question. Do you really like Yin Min?" Nie Yunyang asked.

Xiao Kai nodded vigorously and said sincerely, "Cousin, my dear brother, I’ve liked Yin Min for two years. I think of her day and night, heaven is my witness."

"Yin Min is a good girl. During her university years, she only wants to focus on her studies and doesn't want to date. You should understand what I mean. However, if you show that you are capable, I might be able to help you," Nie Yunyang said.

Xiao Kai was overjoyed and patted his chest in assurance. "Brother, whatever you need me to do, I will give it my all."

"Very well. From now on at school, help me look after Yin Min. Take down my phone number, and if anything happens to her, notify me immediately," Nie Yunyang instructed.

Xiao Kai looked serious. "Don't worry, brother. At the very least, within the school, no one will dare to bully Yin Min."

"Good. Remember what I said, but don't let Yin Min know. You go back to what you were doing; I’m taking her out," Nie Yunyang said.

Watching him walk away, Xiao Kai called out, "Brother, drive safely!" The nearby students looked at each other in confusion—what on earth had just happened?

On the way to the shopping mall, Yin Min sat in the passenger seat, pouting and staring straight at Nie Yunyang. Nie Yunyang felt a bit uneasy and couldn't help but ask, "Minmin, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Be honest, what did you just say to Xiao Kai?" Yin Min asked.

Today, she wore light, elegant makeup and a white dress, exuding the freshness of youth. Nie Yunyang thought for a moment and said, "I warned him not to harass you on campus so it doesn't affect your studies. I told him if he’s truly sincere, he should wait until after you graduate to pursue you."

"Really?" Yin Min looked skeptical; she clearly didn't believe this explanation.

Nie Yunyang grinned. "Of course it’s true. When have I ever lied to you?"

"Brother Yunyang, ever since you came back to Chongqing, you’ve only seen me once. You’ve been busy ever since—what exactly have you been doing?" Yin Min asked.

Nie Yunyang continued driving while answering, "My little princess, your brother is pushing thirty. If I don't work hard and earn some money, how will I ever afford to get married?"

"Then where do you work, and what do you do?" Yin Min pressed.

Nie Yunyang sighed. "I’m an assistant to a company executive. I’m up early and home late every day, doing endless chores, working myself half to death. This Porsche belongs to my boss. I barely managed to get some time off today to come and keep you company."

"Brother Yunyang, I misunderstood you. Once I graduate, I’ll definitely work hard to help shoulder the pressure," Yin Min said.

"You silly girl, don't let your imagination run wild. Just study hard; I’ll cover your tuition and living expenses."

"Wuu wuu, Brother Yunyang, I can work part-time to earn money. I don't want you to suffer so much."

"You’re a girl, why would you need to work? I’m your brother, and naturally, I have to take care of you. Unless you don't acknowledge me as your brother, you’d better study obediently!"

Startled by Nie Yunyang’s stern tone, Yin Min quickly said, "Brother Yunyang, I was wrong."

"That’s more like it. Even though I’m tired, I earn a decent living, so you don't need to worry," Nie Yunyang said.

With red-rimmed eyes, Yin Min bit her lip and whispered, "Brother Yunyang, you’re so kind."

"Minmin, although we aren't siblings by blood, Yin Zhen and I are like brothers. When away from home, it’s only natural that I look after you," Nie Yunyang said.

Yin Min could no longer hold back, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "Brother Yunyang, I..."