Mu Hanqi was by no means the only princess of the Murong royal family; given the family's size, there were many princesses under its wing.
With large families branching out, over the years, only Mu Hanqi had ranked highest among the princesses due to her beauty. Although she rarely returned to Jinling, she had a group of loyal admirers there.
Many of them were sons of magnates, corporate heirs, and family successors. As long as they could latch onto the grand vessel of the Murong royal family, it would significantly aid their careers or futures.
Therefore, many people wished to catch a glimpse of the princess's elegance. However, Mu Hanqi had been absent for the past three years.
It was unknown how much turmoil the ancestral worship ceremony next month would stir.
The elder prioritized only power.
Having weathered decades, he steadfastly believed in one principle: as long as one reached a position of absolute control, a single word would bring immeasurable wealth, or even have others willingly offer it, begging to be accepted.
The elder personally arranged her marriage, aiming for a strong alliance, expanding influence and power, deepening personal ties, and reinforcing the Murong royal family's dominance in Jinling.
Reality was harsh, but it had to be admitted that for those at the very top, she was merely a number.
"But... I've already established a relationship with Ye Longlin."
Mu Hanqi's eyes gradually lost their luster. She sat on a stool, lost in thought.
However, a glimmer of light began to appear in her eyes, and a smile bloomed on her lips.
"Hi, Mu Hanqi, what are you worried about? He's the only Heavenly King in the world. Once he intervenes, even grandfather will have to compromise, hehe."
Indeed, Ye Longlin was the world's sole Five-Star Heavenly King. If he personally stepped in, even royal families would have to bow their heads.
Furthermore, the concept of a royal family no longer truly existed. So-called royal families were merely systems established by families that gained the consent of all other families, not official government approval.
In the past, recognized entities were truly called royal families. Now, as long as a family reached a certain scale, it could be called a royal family.
The Tian family in Qing City could also be considered a half-step royal family.
This meant they were only half a step away from becoming a royal family.
The ancestral worship ceremony was next month. It was uncertain how many people from the Murong family would attend.
The phone rang again, causing her heart to tremble. However, when she picked up the phone, she realized it was Ye Longlin.
The call connected.
"Come downstairs."
Mu Hanqi quickly responded, "Oh, okay."
After calming her emotions, she greeted Lin Tianai, signed all the necessary documents within two minutes, and hurried downstairs.
Lin Tianai stood in the office, watching the Maybach commercial vehicle below, and sighed deeply.
"So be it. From now on, we part ways. You go your own grand path, and I'll build my business empire.
From now on, there will be no more intersection."
"Next month, I have to go back to Jinling for the ancestral worship ceremony. After the New Year, I'll come find you."
After getting into the car, Mu Hanqi spoke, offering him a heads-up.
Ye Longlin, who had already met Murong Yuze, nodded. "Mhm."
He was aware of the engagement arrangements and intended to give her a surprise, hence his calm demeanor.
Knowing Ye Longlin's nature, she sighed deeply, wondering what she would face next month. Most likely, if she didn't say anything, Ye Longlin wouldn't find out.
Never mind, if things truly got out of hand, it wouldn't be too late to tell him then.
"We're heading to Qing City tomorrow."
Ye Longlin played with the Dragon Ring in his hand, speaking calmly.
There were still a group of S-class war criminals in Qing City. If all went smoothly, all S-class war criminals could be apprehended there, and there wouldn't be many left.
"Okay, I heard the hot pot in Qing City is delicious. I want to eat my fill then, hehe."
Mu Hanqi's eyes were full of longing.
Despite being a small rich woman, she had traveled very little across the land.
If she had the chance, she wanted to travel all over the country, to see what the land her man protected with his life looked like.
Ye Longlin saw through her thoughts, rubbed his eyelids, and a resolute glint flashed in his eyes.
If, at that time, you are still waiting for me.
This King will march north!
If your Murong royal family dares to pressure her, don't blame this King for grabbing your Murong elder by the head and asking, "My woman, is she someone your Murong elder can lay hands on?"
Royal family?
Heh.
Who dares to call themselves king in front of Ye Longlin?
In this world, only Ye Longlin was officially recognized, bestowed the title of Heavenly King and the rank of Five Stars!
"Boss, we've arrived."
Yuan Gang spoke, and as he looked up, he saw the First People's Hospital.
The inpatient department.
Four people stepped forward. The Dragon Guard stationed at the entrance immediately saluted upon seeing Yuan Gang.
"General Yuan."
"General Yuan."
Yuan Gang nodded, then respectfully addressed Ye Longlin, "Boss, Xiaoxiao is inside. You go see her first, and I'll go get the reports."
In front of outsiders, he, Yuan Gang, was merely a subordinate.
Two police officers let them pass directly, not daring to check them.
Someone that even Yuan Gang called "Boss" was not someone they could afford to offend.
In the ward, Xiaoxiao's eyes were covered with bandages, and an IV needle was inserted into the back of her hand, receiving fluids. The television in the room was playing; although she couldn't see the picture, she could hear the sound and imagine what was being shown.
"Xiaoxiao."
"Big Brother!"
Ye Longlin walked to Xiaoxiao's bedside, sat on a stool, and squeezed her little face.
"Big Brother, the doctor examined Xiaoxiao last night. I smelled the disinfectant. The last time Xiaoxiao went into the operating room, she also smelled disinfectant. Xiaoxiao was very brave. The nurse also came to chat with Xiaoxiao, so Xiaoxiao isn't lonely."
Xiaoxiao said this bravely while lying in bed.
Ye Longlin's eyes were filled with heartache, pained by all she had endured and her unusual maturity.
Having fought overseas for many years, he had never witnessed such a depraved scene!
Indeed, he had killed many child soldiers overseas, but those children couldn't compare to children in the country.
Those children were already using guns and killing at twelve or thirteen years old, while children in the country were unarmed and still had to suffer such pain, which was truly unacceptable.
"Xiaoxiao, can Sister stay with you for a while? Brother needs to use the restroom."
Ye Longlin said, holding Xiaoxiao's hand. Outside the window, Yuan Gang was pacing with the reports.
"Okay, Xiaoxiao will be very good."
"Boss, the doctor said if Xiaoxiao can get a suitable cornea, she can regain her sight. However, due to the long time elapsed, the success rate of the surgery is only sixty percent, and the remaining forty percent cannot be guaranteed."
Ye Longlin looked at the report and then asked, "Have Tian Shishi's whereabouts been discovered?"