Chapter Five: The School Beauty’s Tears

Mu Bolin was a native of Shaanxi, who had come from his hometown of Zhen’an to Chongqing to make his mark. After enduring thirty years of trials and tribulations, he transformed from a greenhorn into a titan of industry. Yet, now past fifty, he found no chance to enjoy a peaceful retirement, for he had made too many enemies in the business world.

This time, the threat against him was fierce and overwhelming, leaving him helpless.

“There’s a powerful figure controlling the southwest region. You needn’t worry about anything else—just protect Yao Yao for me,” he sighed deeply, his face ashen.

Nie Yunyang keenly sensed that the storm facing the Mu family was no minor skirmish.

“Uncle Mu, rest assured. I will do everything in my power to keep Qingyao safe. Whatever troubles you face, just tell me. If I can help, I won’t refuse,” Nie Yunyang promised.

“Child, you should stay out of this whirlpool,” Mu Bolin said gravely, patting his shoulder with heartfelt concern.

After returning from the Jin Ke Jiu Qu River to his residence, Nie Yunyang lay on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Over the years, he had lived carefree on Longhu Mountain, but now, just back in Chongqing, a major problem had already arisen.

Rising, he found a book on criminal psychology in his study and read deep into the night before finally falling into a heavy sleep.

At seven the next morning, Nie Yunyang ate a bowl of spicy wontons downstairs, then drove to Longhu Huamanting, patiently waiting.

At half past seven, Mu Qingyao descended the stairs and sat in the back seat.

“Lackey, let’s go,” she said.

Nie Yunyang nodded, gripping the steering wheel tightly, pressing the accelerator, and speeding off.

On the way, he couldn’t help but say, “Miss, pay more attention to your father. He actually loves you.”

“Whatever I want to do doesn’t need your instruction. You’re just a dog my father hired—stay out of my business,” Mu Qingyao snarled, her eyes bloodshot and voice furious.

Nie Yunyang fell silent for a moment, not expecting the father-daughter relationship to have deteriorated to such a degree. Had another woman spoken to him that way, he might have slapped her long ago.

Suppressing his anger, he said, “You’re grown now; don’t always throw tantrums. Some people, once missed, can never be made up for.”

“Lackey, I’m going to fight you!” Mu Qingyao snapped, suddenly grabbing Nie Yunyang’s neck.

If they hadn’t been stopped by a red light, it would surely have ended in disaster.

Choked, Nie Yunyang forced her hands away and pinned her back into her seat.

“Stop it, or I’ll toss you out of the car!”

Seeing the murderous look in his eyes, Mu Qingyao was cowed and obediently sat down.

Beep! Beep!

Cars behind honked incessantly, urging the Audi A6 forward.

Only then did Nie Yunyang release his grip and continue driving.

At the office building, just as Mu Qingyao was about to leave, Nie Yunyang said expressionlessly, “I have something to do today. Call me when you finish work; I’ll come to get you.”

Mu Qingyao said nothing and walked straight into the company.

Nie Yunyang shook his head, parked the Audi A6, then hailed a taxi to Chongqing University.

Yin Min, the sister of Yin Zhen, had been admitted to Chongqing University last year and was now studying at the School of Foreign Languages.

After wandering around the campus for a while, Nie Yunyang finally found a student with significant influence and learned that Yin Min was in class, so he waited downstairs at the School of Foreign Languages.

At noon, the pleasant sound of the dismissal bell rang, and a crowd of students streamed downstairs, gathering more and more.

Soon, a BMW X7 pulled up, and a handsome young man in splendid clothes stepped out, holding a large bouquet of roses.

“Young Master Xiao, you look radiant today, surely you’ll win the beauty’s heart!” someone flattered.

The youth smiled confidently. “Haha, I’ve prepared for this day for so long.”

“Young Master Xiao, you’ve pursued her so long even an iron tree would bloom—this time she’s bound to say yes.”

“If you fail this time, just give up; don’t hang yourself on a crooked tree.”

“Bah, you’re such a jinx—get lost.”

The men laughed and chatted cheerfully.

Students from the foreign language department seemed to know what was about to happen and gathered, eager for the spectacle.

Nie Yunyang paid them no mind, keeping his eyes fixed on the exit of the teaching building.

Minutes later, Yin Min appeared, wearing a blue long dress. Her delicate features and tall figure were complemented by clear, sparkling eyes that shone with life.

She was not alone; several beautiful female students surrounded her like stars orbiting a moon.

Nie Yunyang was about to wave when the rose-bearing youth rushed forward—his target was none other than Yin Min, the campus belle of Chongqing University.

“Min Min, I love you. Be my girlfriend!” Xiao Kai knelt on one knee, speaking earnestly.

Under the watchful eyes of many, Yin Min was blocked and stunned, her mind suddenly blank.

“Min Min, we’ve known each other a long time. From the moment I first saw you, I decided I want to be with you forever...” Xiao Kai declared passionately.

Nie Yunyang flinched, realizing this wealthy son of privilege was after Yin Min.

But he had no intention to interfere; this was Yin Min’s matter, and she had the right to decide.

“I’m sincere, Min Min. Please say yes, won’t you?” Xiao Kai pleaded with hope.

“Say yes, say yes!” his friends and the surrounding students chanted.

Yin Min stood still, her mind in turmoil. She had known Xiao Kai for two years and considered him a decent friend.

However, as a diligent and studious girl, she did not want to waste her energy on romance and had no choice but to refuse firmly.

“I’m sorry, I can’t accept you.”

Hearing this, Xiao Kai felt as if struck by lightning. After a moment, he recovered and insisted, “Min Min, I love you. I really do!”

Yin Min frowned slightly, panicked and unsure how to respond.

Nie Yunyang pushed through the crowd and stepped forward.

“Kid, she’s already said no. Can’t you show some gentlemanly grace and stop pestering her?”

All eyes turned to Nie Yunyang.

One of Xiao Kai’s friends scoffed, “Where did this bumpkin come from, shouting in front of Young Master Xiao?”

“Watch your language. My name is Nie Yunyang,” Nie Yunyang said calmly and confidently.

The crowd burst into laughter.

Especially Xiao Kai’s friends, who mocked Nie Yunyang as a country bumpkin.

Only Yin Min, upon seeing who had arrived and recognizing him as the person she had been thinking of, was moved to tears.

“Brother Yunyang, you finally came to see me!” she cried with joy, tears sparkling like pearls falling to the ground.

Everyone was stunned, unsure of what had just happened.

Nie Yunyang strode forward, pulling Yin Min into his embrace with a smile.

“Silly girl, you’re grown up and still crying like a baby.”

Yin Min clung tightly to him, afraid it was all a dream, unwilling to let go for a long while.