Chapter 136: Chapter 129: West Mountain Hua Muyun
Hua Muyun did not live in the Hua Family house and rarely stayed in the main building of the Yanjing Municipal Committee. Although it was his territory, he preferred living on West Mountain, and so did Qing Yi.
West Mountain is at the edge of Yanjing’s suburbs. The scenery here is enchanting, offering a panoramic view of the mighty Yangtze River. From the top of West Mountain, one can overlook most of Yanjing City. At least half of Yanjing City’s higher-ups reside here, making it a dwelling place for the city’s elite. There are rumors that the dormitories of the Municipal Committee and the Municipal Government are planning to move here, with the original buildings intended for commercial use.
Xiao Lin had visited West Mountain twice. The first time was when he came to pick up Qing Yi for Dragon Soul. The second time was after Qing Yi was expelled from Dragon Soul when Xiao Lin came to visit him. It was during this occasion that Xiao Lin got acquainted with the Hua Family, including the old master.
Xiao Lin highly appreciated the scenery of West Mountain. Leisurely, he arrived at the foot and drove up, finding no security guards nearby.
Of course, if you think there’s no security force here, you’d be gravely mistaken. The people living on West Mountain, about twenty families, are all either wealthy or noble, each with their luxurious villa. Regardless of whether they’re present, the defensive capabilities of these villas are not something an ordinary community can compare to.
Although West Mountain doesn’t prohibit citizens from going up and playing around, it has somehow become an unspoken ’forbidden area’ for the general public. There’s no official regulation; it happened spontaneously.
There are only two villas at the top of West Mountain. Hua Muyun resides in one of them. The other villa is also inhabited, but it seems not by the owner. Even Hua Muyun is unclear about the residents, but that’s simply because he doesn’t wish to investigate. Those who live here keep their identities very secretive, and it’s rare to see the owners of these adjacent villas interact.
Upon reaching the top of West Mountain, Hua Muyun had already arranged for someone to receive guests. A young man in a suit, around thirty-five years old, stood next to two elderly women, who, relying on their experience and age, asked, "Secretary Luo, who is important enough to have you stand here in welcome?"
It’s no wonder these two elderly ladies were curious. Secretary Luo is Hua Muyun’s secretary and a close confidant. Before joining Hua Muyun, Secretary Luo was merely a junior leader. In just seven short years, he climbed from a regular position to a deputy director level, a path it would take others a lifetime to travel, yet he only needed seven years. Without genuine capability, even Hua Muyun could not have promoted him this quickly, averaging a promotion every two years.
Faced with the two elderly ladies, Secretary Luo was modest and dared not put on airs. Having worked nearly forty years in the Hua Family, such characters, even as ordinary helpers, commanded respect. With a faint smile, he replied, "A very significant guest. Secretary Hua is unavailable now and asked me to help with the reception!"
Xiao Lin’s silver sports car slowly arrived at the villa gate. As soon as his car appeared, the gate gradually opened, presumably due to Hua Muyun’s prior arrangements for a reception.
Xiao Lin glanced at Secretary Luo standing beside him, recognizing him as a familiar face. In both previous visits to the Hua Family, it was Secretary Luo who had received him. However, this time he appeared more composed compared to the spirited Secretary Luo of the past.
"Brother Luo, sorry to trouble you again!" Xiao Lin smiled gently at Secretary Luo as he got out of the car. This was his third encounter with Secretary Luo, whom he held in high regard for his genuine and enthusiastic demeanor.
"Two years have passed, and Young Master Lin has become even more charismatic. While I, Brother Luo, seem to have lost my youthful zest and energy!" Secretary Luo replied with a humble smile.
The two elderly women also recognized Xiao Lin. Although his previous visits to the Hua Family lacked great fanfare, the Hua Family’s regard for him was the highest among all guests they’d seen. The Hua Family treated him like one of their own, with exceptional closeness, especially the third-generation standout Qing Yi, who affectionately called him brother.
"Uncle Hua and Aunt Hua are really too courteous. I’ve come several times now; there’s no need to meet me at the gate. Just opening the door for me to enter directly is enough!" Xiao Lin said to Secretary Luo with a chuckle.
"Wasn’t it always just opening the door and letting you in directly?" Secretary Luo replied jokingly.
"True!" Xiao Lin laughed lightly.
"Alright, come on in now. Madam Hua has prepared plenty of delicious dishes waiting for you!" The tone couldn’t conceal a trace of envy. In all of Yanjing City, apart from the closest few, probably no one else besides Xiao Lin could savor the dishes cooked by Madam Hua.
Xiao Lin was quite at ease with this; he nodded as he was led into the villa by the two elderly women. Secretary Luo did not follow; he came to greet Xiao Lin as per Hua Muyun’s instructions but had no intention of staying for the meal. Watching Xiao Lin enter the villa, Secretary Luo was the first to leave.
The interior decor of the villa wasn’t overly luxurious but rather dignified, with rosewood sofas and chairs exuding a classic and elegant charm. Hanging prominently in the central hall were five bold words: "Serve the People," inscribed by none other than the current top leader of Huaxia. It’s a rare honor, with fewer than three such pieces nationwide.
Wearing an apron, Madam Hua walked out—a middle-aged noblewoman in her forties, her face lightly adorned. She epitomized luxury and elegance. Even with an apron on, her aura of nobility was unmistakable.
"Xiao Lin is here, come in, come in, it’s been almost two years since you last visited!" Madam Hua said with a warm smile as she saw Xiao Lin enter the hall and walked out of the kitchen.
"Aunt Hua looks younger and younger. Two years ago, you looked like you were forty, but now you look no more than thirty-five or thirty-six!" Xiao Lin said with a cheeky grin, his words full of affection.
"When did you learn to be so slippery, like my son, with your slick tongue?" Madam Hua said, but the smile on her face showed she was pleased with Xiao Lin’s compliment. "Xiao Lin, sit down for a bit. There are still two more dishes to finish. Your Uncle Hua should be back soon!"
"Aunt Hua, do you need any help from me?" Xiao Lin smiled and asked.
"No need, just don’t make a mess!" Madam Hua laughed and turned back to the kitchen.
Xiao Lin shrugged his shoulders. Although what Madam Hua said was true, it was a bit harsh. After all, he’s managed to spend more time in the kitchen recently, and buys breakfast every day, a big improvement since before when he never touched any chores.
Twenty minutes later, before Madam Hua finished cooking, Hua Muyun entered the hall with a smile, seeing Xiao Lin sitting in the living room, he smiled and said, "Have you been waiting long?"
Hua Muyun looked noticeably older than Aunt Hua, his temples had strands of gray, and although he had a good spirit, his skin was a bit wrinkled. He looked like a middle-aged man around fifty, even though he was only forty-eight. Compared to Aunt Hua, who looked like she was in her mid-thirties despite being forty-six or forty-seven, someone who didn’t know might think they were an odd match.
"Uncle Hua, you’re back!" Xiao Lin stood up. He was well-prepared for the time it took Aunt Hua to cook and didn’t feel it was long. He had great respect for Hua Muyun, who was honest and devoted to public service, so much so that he had visibly aged from the efforts despite not even fifty years old yet.
At that moment, Aunt Hua came out of the kitchen with the last dish and smiled at Hua Muyun and Xiao Lin, saying, "Old Hua, you’re back just in time, dinner’s ready!"
Having dinner at the Hua Family home, Xiao Lin felt completely at ease. After a pleasant meal, Hua Muyun stood up and said, "Xiao Lin, would you like to join me in the study for a couple of chess games?"
"Sure!" Xiao Lin didn’t refuse. Hua Muyun’s chess skills were as bad as his own. The two of them, both being poor players, would be evenly matched, making for an interesting game. Besides, Hua Muyun inviting him to the study for chess was likely about Hua Qingyi. Xiao Lin wondered if Hua Qingyi had mentioned anything to Hua Muyun.
Aunt Hua, being understanding, smiled and said, "Go ahead, I’ll make you both a pot of tea!"
Hua Muyun’s study was decorated in the same vintage style as the hall, elegant without being overly luxurious. The two set up the chessboard and began their match.
After Aunt Hua brought the tea, Hua Muyun took a sip and then spoke first, "You’ve learned to be crafty now. How’s Xiao Yi’s injury?"
"I picked that up from you. Xiao Yi seems to be doing well in Jingji. As for the injury, I’ve seen it, and there’s nothing serious!" Xiao Lin replied with a smile, thinking that it was wise to please him by playing it down.
"Thank you!" Hua Muyun said sincerely. If it hadn’t been for Xiao Lin’s support, Hua Qingyi wouldn’t have been able to return to Dragon Soul.
"It’s really because of Xiao Yi’s abilities. Capturing the Middle Eastern gentleman was something he did on his own. Even without me, he would have managed to get back to Dragon Soul!" Xiao Lin replied, attributing all the credit to Hua Qingyi, knowing that staying in Dragon Soul for two years would make capturing the gentleman plausible.
Hua Muyun naturally appreciated Xiao Lin’s help. Many prestigious families would love to have their children join Dragon Soul and couldn’t, let alone Hua Qingyi, who had been expelled. Xiao Lin’s support was significant, and lifting his teacup, he said, "Regardless, if it were only up to him, he might have been stuck like that for the rest of his life!"
"Uncle Hua, why are we so formal here? If you really feel bad, I do have something I want to ask for your help with, if you’re willing?" Xiao Lin said, getting to the purpose of his visit.
Hua Muyun looked at Xiao Lin with surprise, intrigued by what it could be that Xiao Lin couldn’t handle himself.
"Tell me, what is it?" Hua Muyun smiled and said, "I’m curious what you couldn’t manage, that you think I can help with?" (To be continued. If you like this story, please visit Qidian () to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)