CHAPTER 300: CHAPTER 288 HUA MUYUN’S CONCEALMENT

Autumn is a season of harvest, a season of abundance, and the onset of autumn in Yanjing is a bit chilly. The wind sweeps by occasionally, stinging the skin with tiny grains of sand, leaving nothing but a fleeting pain.

In a small coffee shop, a few tables of patrons sit scattered around, occasionally turning their heads to look at a man, puzzled by his dazzling and striking appearance.

Hua Qingyi, seemingly accustomed to such attention, casually stirs his coffee. He doesn’t particularly enjoy the taste, but having woken up too early, his mind is a bit foggy, and in such dry weather, he really has no interest in being active.

The door swings open, the wind chimes jingle with the breeze, and Hua Qingyi looks up with a charming smile that could melt hearts, "Brother! Over here."

People can’t help but marvel, wondering if handsome men’s friends are always handsome too! They quietly speculate about the relationship between the two, as after such a long wait, it’s always disheartening to be greeted not by a beauty but by another handsome man.

"Oh! One black coffee!" Xiao Lin calls out to the boy as he sits down in front of Hua Qingyi, "You really came early. So, is the training over there that relaxed now?"

He picks up the day’s newspaper and browses through it, noting the lack of reports on the HTC4 variant virus, but his attention is drawn to the frequent actions of some Japanese companies in the country.

"Brother, did you call me out this early just to let me appreciate your elegant newspaper-reading pose?" Hua Qingyi grumbles, glaring at the top of Xiao Lin’s head. Returning to the Dragon Soul days is tense yet exciting; it hasn’t completely overturned his lifestyle, but there’s definitely a lack of sleep.

"Look, I even have dark circles!" Hua Qingyi, seeing Xiao Lin ignore him, starts to act cute like a child.

"What do you think of the upcoming elections in Japan?" Xiao Lin flicks the newspaper, cleverly dodging Hua Qingyi’s attempt to lean in. He bristles slightly, as without the goosebumps, Hua Qingyi would likely be sprawled on the floor by now.

"Japan, with the backing of the United States, is making some rather foolish moves; it’s kind of amusing." Hua Qingyi isn’t particularly interested in politics, preferring to occasionally watch the news to keep abreast of domestic and international trends. As someone from the independently-operating Dragon Soul, politics are just a side interest. "Brother, the old man wants to have dinner with you." [Apologies for the inconvenience of avoiding real place names, as per Qidian’s current restrictions.]

"Has Uncle Hua missed me?" Xiao Lin squints his eyes, smiling innocently.

"Is that what you’ve been waiting to hear?" Seeing that mischievous grin, Hua Qingyi could tell Xiao Lin wasn’t up to anything good. Glancing out the window, he curiously asked, "Did you bring your car?"

When it came to his beloved car, Xiao Lin put on a long face. He wasn’t sure if he had spoiled Xia Xue too much or what, but she had long set her sights on his precious car, sweet-talking him into lending it to her for a few days. He couldn’t help but worry about the lifespan of his darling car. "No!"

Hua Qingyi didn’t say much more; when it comes to matters between men and women, it’s better for outsiders not to get involved. Lian Shan flashed a smile that only a man could understand, "Sister-in-law’s driving skills are pretty good." He burst out laughing, seizing the rare chance to tease Xiao Lin and making the most of it.

"Seems like you’re pretty idle at Dragon Soul, huh?" Xiao Lin gave him a side-eye, speaking with annoyance.

"Come on, brother, I was wrong, isn’t that enough?"

The two of them quipped back and forth as they walked out of the coffee shop, heading towards West Mountain.

West Mountain lies on the outskirts of Yanjing, with an enchanting scenery and a majestic view. From the top of West Mountain, one can overlook most of Yanjing City.

This was Xiao Lin’s third visit to West Mountain, always lamenting his lack of time to properly explore its sights. The sports car gradually pulled into the courtyard, and a man in his thirties stood at the entrance, impeccably dressed in classic attire, leaving no room for any slack.

"Brother Luo, when will I see someone else standing here!" Xiao Lin got out of the car, teasingly.

"Does Young Master Lin not wish to see me?" Secretary Luo smiled warmly at Xiao Lin, "It’s been a few days, and you seem even more spirited."

"Well, well, Brother Luo, that’s not fair at all. Here I am, such a big person standing here, being completely ignored!" Hua Qingyi sulkily walked behind the two, hooked an arm around Xiao Lin’s neck, attempting a sneak attack. But Xiao Lin swiftly turned and blocked his path, effortlessly tossing Hua Qingyi’s six-foot frame aside, "How many times have I told you, don’t go for me from behind, why don’t you learn?"

Xiao Lin clapped his hands and, not paying attention to Hua Qingyi, reluctantly followed Secretary Luo into the villa.

"Uncle Hua!" Xiao Lin respectfully called out.

Hua Muyun was sitting on the sofa watching the news when he saw Xiao Lin come in and waved at him, "You’re here! Your Aunt Hua is still cooking; let’s have a good chat, just the two of us."

Hua Qingyi didn’t come in with them, and Xiao Lin understood that it was to give him and Hua Muyun some time alone. Secretary Luo had already slipped away unseen, causing a subtle heaviness to settle in Xiao Lin’s heart.

"Let’s go to the study for a game of chess."

It seemed like the room Xiao Lin spent the most time in during his visits to the Hua Mansion was the study. Like the living room, it was designed with a scholarly elegance, the air filled with a gentle floral scent.

"Uncle Hua, is there anything wrong recently?" Amidst the floral fragrance was a hint of herbal aroma, a form of long-term scent therapy, commonly used for soothing the brain nerves.

"Nothing serious, just that the national affairs have been too cumbersome lately, both domestic and foreign difficulties!" Hua Muyun waved his hand dismissively, always cautious when it came to such sensitive topics.

"Uncle Hua, are you referring to the policy issues of the current election?"

"Xiao Lin, Qing Yi was able to rejoin Dragon Soul thanks to your help. Uncle Hua sincerely thanks you," Hua Muyun expressed his gratitude.

"It’s nothing, he performed excellently."

"I heard you helped Lao Long and the others find some good backups? Each one is quite skilled."

"Uncle Hua is well-informed. This time, I met an expert in Weizhou City. I’m not sure if Uncle Hua remembers this person?" Xiao Lin took out his phone, displaying an image to Hua Muyun and fixed his gaze on him.

"Oh? What kind of person makes our Xiao Lin so interested!" An elderly face silently gazed into the distance, fingers holding the pipe-smoking forcefully and resiliently. Hua Muyun glanced at the image, shook his head: "There are many such elders in Yanjing. Where did you get this photo, joking with your Uncle Hua."

"I visited a village affected by the HTC4 variant virus. This elder’s name is Miao Yikun. Look closely, Uncle Hua."

Hua Muyun picked up the phone again: "I don’t have any impression."

"He knows about Dragon Soul, knows Lao Long, knows our Xiao Family." Xiao Lin was somewhat excited, which was unlike his usual composure. After speaking, he intensely focused on Hua Muyun and said, "I want to know!"

"Oh?" Hua Muyun smiled, his palms a bit sweaty: "Xiao Lin, I indeed don’t know this person. What do you want me to do?"

"He doesn’t exist in the Dragon Soul system. I’d like Uncle Hua to help find him." Xiao Lin pushed a box towards Hua Muyun: "This is the chemical analysis data of the HTC4 variant virus."

"Hahaha, quite a gift." Hua Muyun’s face showed a trace of ecstatic delight, laughing heartily.

"I’ll take that as Uncle Hua agrees."

The study door was pushed open; Aunt Hua placed the fruit on the table, seeing the smiles on their faces, couldn’t help but smile at Xiao Lin saying, "What are you two chatting about, so happily? Wash your hands, it’s time to eat, and I’ve made all your favorites today."

"Thank you, Aunt Hua."

The discussion wasn’t without its gains. Xiao Lin sat in Hua Qingyi’s car, watching the scenery pass by outside. Uncle Hua clearly had something to hide. If what Miao Yikun said was true, then this was an old grudge from a previous generation, naturally not his business, but...

"What’s with the attitude coming out like this, as if someone owes you something?" It was rare to see Xiao Lin with such a melancholic expression, so Hua Qingyi was a bit more serious.

"It’s nothing, drop me off at the Red Mansion!" Xiao Lin casually replied.

"Not going directly home?" The Red Mansion was a famous street in Yanjing, colloquially known as the brothel district. Unexpectedly, his older brother was ’newly married’ and yet so restless.

"What are you thinking? I’m going to meet someone." Xiao Lin rolled his eyes.

"Hmm!"

Weaving through various brightly lit halls, suppressing the urge to hit someone from the constant tugging, Xiao Lin hesitated before a door painted in purple lacquer, then entered.

The passage was not dark; rather, it was bright, flanked by glass showcases, with various beauties standing elegantly. Compared to the outside’s gaudy figures, this place was more refined and tasteful with much higher class.

Xiao Lin furrowed his brows. What’s eating Night Eagle, choosing such a place? It was completely out of character. Had he changed during his absence?

Window number 23, he removed a tag, placed it in a box at the end of the passage, and soon a door beside him opened. Xiao Lin walked in. From start to finish, he didn’t see anyone. Such secrecy was either ridicule or unique. The place felt like a maze, where each guest had their own passage leading to their designated showcase room, ensuring no one met or recognized each other.

Night Eagle sat with his back to him in a fairly decent room, a round bed scattered with petals, pink lace decorating the room in a festive manner like a honeymoon suite. Xiao Lin had nothing to say; for Dragon Soul’s intelligence director, none of this mattered.

"Lin!" Night Eagle remained facing away from him, causing Xiao Lin to be on guard, as he unexpectedly called Night Eagle’s name.

"General!" Night Eagle stood up, turned around and saluted Xiao Lin, his eyes slightly swollen.

"Wolf Smoke?" The fact in front of him wasn’t Night Eagle personally shocked Xiao Lin. If there weren’t any extraordinary circumstances, Night Eagle wouldn’t have Wolf Smoke substitute for him. In terms of appearance and resemblance, Wolf Smoke was over ninety percent similar to Night Eagle, so Xiao Lin hadn’t initially distinguished them.

"Where’s Night Eagle?" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)