Chapter Twenty-Seven: Forgive Where Possible

Jinfo Mountain, located in Nanchuan District, Chongqing, is a national nature reserve known for its breathtaking beauty—a veritable paradise on earth.

Near the mountain stands a rustic courtyard built of grey bricks and tiles. The yard is filled with flowers and plants, and a side hall has been converted into a small shrine where an elderly man, well into his seventies, spends his time chanting scriptures.

Outside the shrine stand two men. One is Huo Kun, whom Nie Yunyang had previously beaten into a severe injury; after a few days in the hospital, he has nearly recovered. The other is a middle-aged man with a refined, scholarly appearance and a gentle smile.

The courtyard sits in a remote location, accessible only by a single path. Strangers are not permitted to intrude. Every day, besides praying and chanting, the white-haired elder either sleeps or wanders the mountains, chatting with tourists who come to visit.

When the elder emerges from the shrine, Huo Kun and the middle-aged man approach him with deep respect. "Master Xue!" they say in unison.

"Xiao Kun, have you recovered from your injuries?"

Xue Zhehan wears a flat-top haircut and sports long, tiger-like whiskers. Despite a slight stoop, his frame is far sturdier than that of the average man his age. He possesses a benevolent, Buddha-like countenance, yet every gesture carries an aura of formidable power.

Huo Kun looks ashamed. "Master Xue, my skills were inferior. I have brought shame upon you."

"Mu Bolin is dead, and that matter is closed. There is always someone better, and experiencing a setback is not necessarily a bad thing. No one’s life is always smooth sailing. Remember, the higher you climb, the harder you fall," Xue Zhehan says with a chuckle, appearing remarkably amiable.

The local village children call him Grandfather Xue, and few seem to know his true identity—he is a man whose mere stomp in Jinfo Mountain would strike terror into the hearts of power brokers across the Southwest. Even though this white-haired elder has been away from the business world for years, the elites he once cultivated are now the very titans who rule the landscape.

"Master Xue, the matter you asked me to investigate has some leads," the middle-aged man says. "However, that young man has no ties to Cao Weihua; they are not relatives."

Xue Zhehan frowns slightly and sneers, "No ties? A man who can make Cao Weihua bleed so much money cannot be an ordinary person. First, he gifts me a Wei-Jin era ink painting, then pulls out a Qing Dynasty double-dragon vase with floral patterns?"

"My incompetence, Master Xue. Please punish me," the middle-aged man says, lowering his head in trepidation. "This Nie Yunyang is from Chongqing, raised in an orphanage. After high school, he went to Mount Longhu, where he met Cao Weihua. As for his relationship with Mu Bolin, we haven't been able to determine it, other than knowing Mu Bolin hired him to protect his daughter."

Xue Zhehan ponders this. "Do you know who Nie Yunyang’s master was?"

"A Heavenly Master from Mount Longhu who has since passed away," the man replies.

Xue Zhehan smiles faintly. "A disciple of a Heavenly Master, then. Good, very good."

"Master Xue, what should we do next?" the man asks.

Xue Zhehan thinks for a moment. "Forgive where you can. Since Mu Bolin has passed, there is no need to pursue his faults; death settles all debts. Besides, I have accepted Cao Weihua’s gifts, so I must honor his conditions."

"I understand," the man says.

"Stay out of the business between Nie Yunyang and Mu Qingyao. As for others who wish to target them, that has nothing to do with us. However, whoever is interested in Xinhai Technology should take it; we shouldn't let outsiders profit." With that, Xue Zhehan walks toward a nearby wooden cabin.

...

In Yubei District, at the Rongchuang Rose Garden, Sun Yufan and Han Fucheng are discussing the Mu family, though their expressions are grim.

"Damn it, what is Nie Yunyang’s background? Is he looking for death?" Sun Yufan asks, fuming.

Han Fucheng sips his red wine. "His background is unclear. All we know is he’s from Chongqing. How he met Mu Bolin is unknown, but he does have some connection to Cao Weihua."

"Cao Weihua? The Chairman of Jinchuan Trading?" Sun Yufan asks, his brow furrowed. He is a bold and calculating man who enjoys a life of excess, but he has thrived in the mountain city by leaning on powerful figures.

Han Fucheng nods. "Exactly. That guy keeps ruining our plans."

"Anyone who blocks my path to wealth, I will destroy. So what if it’s Cao Weihua? Find someone to take him out. I’ll take responsibility for the consequences," Sun Yufan says.

Han Fucheng sighs. "Mu Qingyao has decided to liquidate and reorganize Xinhai Technology. This is very disadvantageous for us."

"Hmph, as long as we can seize the assets that old man Mu Bolin left behind, a little money is nothing. More importantly, I’ve had my eye on Mu Qingyao for a long time. Since she escaped death in Zhen'an, we’ll find a way to abduct her. Mu Bolin humiliated me deeply back then; his daughter will pay that debt." Sun Yufan wears a cruel, sinister grin.

Han Fucheng sets down his glass. "Do whatever you want with Mu Qingyao, I don’t care. I just want that Nie Yunyang. You don’t know—that brat humiliated me in front of the board. If I don’t tear him to pieces, I won't be able to vent my hatred!"

"Once I’ve swallowed Xinhai Technology, you can deal with Nie Yunyang however you like," Sun Yufan replies.

...

At the Chunyang Old Tavern, Nie Yunyang, Mu Qingyao, and the others have finished their meal and are preparing to head back—not to Jinke Jiuqu River, but to Longhu Huamanting. Compared to the Mu family villa, it is safer there. More importantly, Nie Yunyang and Tan Weibo have matters to attend to.

After driving Mu Qingyao back to Longhu Huamanting, Nie Yunyang advises, "Rest early tonight. We have a lot to do tomorrow."

"What about you? Aren't you staying with me?" Mu Qingyao asks.

Nie Yunyang shakes his head. "Tan and I have some things to handle. Chen will stay here to protect you."

"Then come back quickly. Stay safe," she says.

Nie Yunyang exchanges a few words with Chen Jiong, urging him to ensure Mu Qingyao’s safety.

Once they leave the residential area, Tan Weibo asks with a cryptic smile, "Going to take out Sun Yufan and Han Fucheng now?"

"No, we’re going for a late-night snack," Nie Yunyang replies.

Tan Weibo is confused, staring at Nie Yunyang. He truly doesn't understand why they would be eating now.

Nie Yunyang glances at the tail following them and smiles. "Some people are a bit too bold. We need to help them sober up."

"Haha, you kid, you always talk in riddles." Tan Weibo cracks his knuckles, eager for what’s to come.