Chapter 37: A New Journey

Chen Yunze and his associates had always been deeply suspicious of Nie Yunyang, a stranger who had appeared out of nowhere. The only intelligence they could gather was that Nie Yunyang shared a close relationship with Cao Weihua; beyond that, there was nothing particularly remarkable about him.

Yet, this Nie Yunyang had consistently involved himself in the affairs of the Mu family, surviving to this day despite the immense pressure exerted by Sun Yufan and Han Fucheng. Now that Sun Yufan had vanished and Han Fucheng had been killed, Chen Yunze suspected that Nie Yunyang was behind both incidents, though he lacked any evidence.

From his steadfast protection of Mu Qingyao during the Zhen'an trip to his overbearing and fearless conduct at the Xinhai Company board meetings—not to mention the fact that Mu Qingyao had now entrusted everything to him—what exactly was this man relying on? Was it just the backing of Cao Weihua? But Sun Yufan had the support of the Wei family, or perhaps the Jinchuan Trading Company, which hungered to swallow the legacy left by Master Mu. Another possibility remained: that Nie Yunyang’s origins were extraordinary, and he was supported by a terrifying power that no one else could fathom.

Chen Yunze’s mind raced as he processed every detail, finally arriving at a single conclusion: he must never provoke Nie Yunyang.

"Qingyao, I agree that these matters are not for women to worry about. Nie Yunyang is far more suited for this than you," Chen Yunze said.

Mu Qingyao smiled faintly. "Uncle Chen, you are right. If it weren't for Yunyang, I would hardly be able to stand here today."

"To be honest, I failed to protect Master Mu, and I am too ashamed to face you. But sometimes, one cannot fight against the tide," Chen Yunze sighed.

Nie Yunyang poured tea for Chen Yunze. "Uncle Chen, we understand your position. However, there are some matters now that require your help."

"Yunyang, just tell me what it is. Whatever I can do, I will give my all. Even if it’s something I can't do, I will find a way."

Mu Qingyao was deeply touched. "Uncle Chen, with your word, I can rest easy."

Nie Yunyang’s expression turned serious. "Uncle Chen, after Master Mu passed, he left behind such a vast legacy that Yaoyao has no interest in taking over. We originally intended to let you directors handle it, but some had ambitions too great and were determined to see Yaoyao dead. In that case, I had no choice. Yaoyao has chosen bankruptcy and reorganization, after which she will completely withdraw the Mu family from Xinhai Technology Co., Ltd. The matter is not yet over. With Han Fucheng dead, Brother Miao is in charge of business operations. However, there are certain gray areas that Brother Miao hasn't touched. You are the only one capable of cleaning up the mess Han Fucheng left behind."

"Yunyang, I understand your meaning. Miao Xingyu has always managed operations, but while the business involves gray areas, those matters were always handled by Han Fucheng and me. However, during his lifetime, Master Mu delegated most of those things to Han Fucheng, so I’m afraid..." Chen Yunze hesitated, his face troubled.

Nie Yunyang nodded. "Uncle Chen, you are the only one who can handle these things now. You will have full authority to represent the Mu family. As long as you can clean it up, money is no object."

"Since you’ve both put it this way, I will give it a try," Chen Yunze replied.

Nie Yunyang grinned. "Then many thanks, Uncle Chen. Please keep in touch with us regarding any developments."

"Very well. Let’s leave it at that." After saying this, Chen Yunze rose and headed downstairs.

Nie Yunyang let out a long breath. "Yaoyao, you can rest easy now. No one should bother you anymore, though these matters won't be settled until the end of the year."

"I understand," Mu Qingyao said, lowering her head with a blush.

Nie Yunyang continued, "Yaoyao, now that the situation is stable, there are some things I’d like to discuss with you."

"Go ahead, I'm listening," she said softly, looking up.

Nie Yunyang didn't know how to begin. He knew that if he left now, Mu Qingyao would be heartbroken, but he had his own path to follow and did not wish to remain stagnant. Finally, he spoke: "Yaoyao, everything is settled. I will have Brother Chen and Brother Tan stay by your side, but I may have to leave. Of course, if you encounter any trouble, you can contact me at any time."

"What did you say? You're leaving? Why?" Mu Qingyao asked in disbelief.

Nie Yunyang remained silent for a moment. "Last month, when I returned to Chongqing, Uncle Mu asked me to protect you, and I have done so. A man should have grand ambitions; I must embark on a new journey."

"Yunyang, I know you are a man who refuses to be mediocre. You have your dreams and your path. But you could still do what you want while staying with the Mu family. No matter what you choose to do, I will support you." As she spoke, she felt a profound sense of loss, as if she had fallen from the clouds into an icy river.

Nie Yunyang held her and smiled. "It's not as if I'm leaving Chongqing; I'm just attending to other matters. We can see each other often. I know you will support me no matter what, and there will surely be times when I need to trouble you—you mustn't pretend not to know me then."

"What are you saying? Am I that kind of person?" Mu Qingyao was almost moved to tears of anger.

"I'm just joking," Nie Yunyang said.

"Hmph, I know. You're just afraid that if you stay by my side, others will say you're a gigolo," she retorted.

Nie Yunyang stroked her beautiful cheek. "Yaoyao is a wealthy lady now. If I were to live off you, that would be my own skill; others would only be jealous."

"Shameless!" she chided.

Nie Yunyang let her go. "These days, you have to be shameless to succeed, to get promoted and a raise, to marry someone beautiful and wealthy, and to reach the pinnacle of life."

"Since your mind is made up, I won't stop you. But you must promise me: if I ever need you, one phone call and you must come, no excuses," Mu Qingyao insisted.

Nie Yunyang thought for a moment. "No problem. I listen to the boss!"

"That's more like it."

Though she was deeply reluctant, she knew she couldn't keep him. She had to let go; Nie Yunyang was no house sparrow, but an eagle meant for the vast sky, destined to spread his wings and soar.

Mu Qingyao went to her room to change for work. Nie Yunyang returned to the villa and summoned Chen Jiong and Tan Weibo to inform them of his arrangements. Once the Mu family’s affairs were concluded, if they wished to stay in Chongqing, other arrangements would be made; if not, there was nothing more to say.

After Chen Jiong drove Mu Qingyao to Xinhai Technology Co., Ltd., Nie Yunyang set out alone to find Cao Weihua. He had already made his choice.