four hundred and twenty-one

to ask, "What's wrong with you"His eyes betrayed his concern as he scanned her up and down, as if trying to figure out what was wrong. Lin Meng was surprised by the concern in his voice. She politely...Lin Meng took two kids to see Xiao Yi, Rong Ling would definitely follow. Xiao Yi suddenly appeared, and he had obviously been observing his wife for a long time. For this opponent who had always impressed him, he naturally needed to seize the opportunity to observe him, while simultaneously issuing a warning, also must be made.

Lin Meng brought Xiao Yi a pot of soup she had cooked beforehand. It was filled with several Chinese medicinal herbs, all very good for the health. Of course, she had called Xiao Yi beforehand to make sure there were no taboos. Xiao Yi was naturally delighted. A woman taking the trouble to cook for a man already shows that she has him in her heart.

As for Rong Ling who came with Sui Lin Meng, he saw him and wasn't surprised at all. If he were Rong Ling, he would definitely want to keep his wife close and safe, ensuring nothing unexpected would happen.

"I had a bit of an issue yesterday and was busy dealing with it, so I didn't have a chance to come see you." Lin Meng apologized, asking him, "How are you doing today!"

"Not bad."

Xiao Yi replied, naturally knowing what had happened yesterday. He had always known that Rong Ling was not a simple person and it was impossible for him to remain so unknown, let alone be suppressed by others his whole life; coupled with the fact that he himself had used the Golden Cicada Shedding Its Exoskeleton tactic, hiding his name and identity, effectively preserving his strength, so from the beginning, he suspected that Rong Ling had hidden his strength in some way.

The timing of Rong Ling's exposure was rather coincidental, happening just as something happened to Lin Meng. After he saved Lin Meng, it seems this man has also been put under pressure. From what his subordinates observed about his residence, my arrival indeed caused him a great deal of stress. Of course, the fact that he protected his house so tightly also indirectly shows how much he values Lin Meng!

This---

Sighing, Xiao Yi's heart was in a mess. He actually hoped Rong Ling was a jerk and ignored Lin Meng, but the reality wasn't like that. So, the better Rong Ling treated Lin Meng, the more he should see it!

However, I don't want things to be too easy for him!

"I heard things aren't going so well at your company, I think you should stay and manage it." He was speaking to Rong Ling. "As for Xiaomeng, you don't have to worry, her safety is guaranteed by me. As for her feelings—"

Xiao Yi let out a low chuckle, with a hint of mischief in his smile.

"The human heart, you see, is not something you can control just by constantly watching it!"

Lin Mengsheng paused for a moment, turned his head to look at Rong Ling, seeing that his expression was as usual, he calmly poured out the soup and filled a large bowl, bringing it to Xiao Yi's front.

Drink it while it's hot, don't be a smart aleck. You're not that kind of person!

Xiao Yi took the big bowl and laughed, "Not that kind of person, then what kind of person Xiaomeng, you know me best!"

Lin Meng smiled and didn't answer. "Drink it quickly!"

In his eyes, he was surprisingly gentle. To Lin Meng, Xiao Yi was probably like a good friend, closer than most, but still far from love.

Xiao Yi took a sip of soup and laughed with delight.

"Delicious! Xiaomeng specially made this love soup for me. Mmm, it's really tasty!"

"You're taking this too far, aren't you" Rong Ling finally spoke up, after enduring in silence for so long. "You're just picking scraps from my plate, look how smug you are!"

Xiao Yi's face shifted slightly, while Lin Meng seemed a little anxious. She turned her head and gave Rong Ling an unhappy look.

Xiao Yi looked hurt, staring at Lin Meng with some resentment. "I drank it, I really got lucky!"

"You're listening to him talk nonsense!" Lin Meng rolled her eyes. "This soup was made especially for you. No one else has had a sip!"

Rong Ling added, "So-called 'picking up leaks' means Mengmeng made the soup, I've had plenty, and now you're just getting in on it this time. Is that right, Youyou!"

The little guy immediately nodded in agreement.

Xiao Yi didn't have any other emotions, he was still very happy. "I see. But being able to join once is good enough. Besides, we have plenty of time ahead of us!"

He glanced at Rong Ling with a knowing look in his eyes.

Rong Ling's heart tightened, the temperature in her eyes dropping a few degrees. As she walked into Lin Meng's presence, she simultaneously gave Xiao Yi a cold stare.

I don't know what you're doing now, but I advise you, anything related to illegal activities, you'd better not do it. After all, you have a criminal record!

"Rong Ling!" Lin Meng shouted loudly, calling out his name with great displeasure at what he had just said.

Xiao Yi's face also darkened. As soon as he spoke, blood was blocked in his throat. This sharpness was indeed the style of Rong Ling.

He coldly retorted, "The one with a criminal record is already dead from the explosion. Now, I am a fresh start, so please don't bother yourself."

Unless you change your appearance, if anyone wants to bring up the past, there will be some trouble, won't there Her voice trailed off slightly, rising in pitch as she looked at Xiao Yi with a playful smile.

This kid, his tail wasn't cleanly severed and he still has the guts to fight him over women Isn't this guy just tired of living!

He reached out to embrace Lin Meng's waist, but she pushed him away. She was angry.

Then Xiao Yi countered, "That sounds quite interesting. I'm not afraid of trouble by nature. If anyone comes looking for it, let's have some fun!"

After finishing his words, he glared provocatively at Rong Ling. That look was telling Rong Ling, "Go ahead and use whatever tricks you have, I'll gladly fight back."

A smell of gunpowder suddenly arose.

"That's enough!" Lin Meng shouted abruptly, standing up with a surge of inexplicable energy. "You two, shut up!"

She wasn't a feared mob boss, nor a revered head of state. But she had this ability to silence both of these men at the same time!

"Don't ever mention the past again!" She glared at Rong Ling, then at Xiao Yi. Her beautiful face now wore an air of unyielding determination!

This time, the two men looked just as indifferent, seeming to not agree with that very much.

Lin Meng grabbed Rong Ling's hand with one hand, holding it tightly. With her fingertips, she squeezed his palm forcefully. She said to him first, "Rong Ling, Xiao Yi is my friend and he saved my life. You are not allowed to speak ill of him or cause him trouble!"

Looking back at Xiao Yi, she said, "A-Yi, you saw it now, Rong Ling is my husband now, I even gave him a child. So, if you truly consider me a friend, please accept my husband!"

In short, you two, get along well, don't make me caught in the middle!

After speaking, her bright eyes looked at the two men in turn, a warning glint in them. The two men were visibly affected, the hostility on their faces dissipating somewhat. She then softened her expression, her voice a mixture of command and plea.

"Sure"

This push and pull, which man can stand it!

Two men locked eyes, their gazes meeting in a spark of unknown energy that crackled and flashed between them. The air thrummed with unspoken tension, leaving it unclear who held the upper hand. However, after breaking eye contact, they both nodded to each other.

Lin Meng immediately relaxed her brows and said with joy.

"Isn't that great! You two, being friends is the best idea!"

Friend!

Both men wanted to raise their eyebrows in question, but they restrained themselves and just inwardly scoffed.

Friends!

Next life then!

But the word "friend" is inherently ambiguous. At this time, these two people were thinking that their paths wouldn't cross, but with Lin Meng present, anything was possible. It could turn from impossible to probable. After that, the two of them would help each other out, saying, "We're not friends," but any response from the outside world would have to be――baloney!

Of course, that's a later story.

To get to the point, Lin Meng eventually persuaded Rong Ling to leave. As he had just become CEO, and with so many people watching his every move now that the company was in this state, he really did need to stay put as Xiao Yi had said. Besides, she also had some things she wanted to discuss privately with Xiao Yi.

But obviously, Rong Ling was not quite at ease.

"Come with me, and I'll bring you to see him tonight!"

"No, I still have things to do this evening!" She grasped his large hand and chuckled softly. "Rong Ling, what are you afraid of!"

He raised an eyebrow, as if instinctively revealing a retaliatory look after being caught out.

"Ah Yi is just someone who's got a sharp tongue, but actually they're very well-behaved!"

Rules!

Rong Ling can't quite believe it!

That rule-abiding person, back then, was able to take people away from him. If it wasn't for the Silver Wolf Gang dragging him down, this little woman might not be with anyone else right now. Thinking about this, he felt a bit upset inside.

He's got designs on you, you need to stay away from him!

Warned her in a serious tone.

"He just saved my life, you want me to stay away from him!" Lin Meng shook her head in disagreement.

"Rong Ling, trust me!" She tiptoed and kissed him softly. "I promise, I'll be very good."

Raising her hand and putting up three fingers, she swore with the innocence of a little girl, leaving him feeling powerless. Then, with an adorable wink, she convinced him, "Besides, I have Youyou and Haohuo here with me."

Róng Lǐng was still unwilling. “Why don’t you just leave with me directly As for what he needs to take care of, I’ll get him ten or eight top-level nurses!”

Lin Meng couldn't help but burst into laughter. [..] She thought this man, so consumed by jealousy, was quite interesting.

Well, she came clean.

"I have something I want to tell Ah Wing privately, so I'd like you to leave for a bit!"

Rong Ling suddenly grabbed her hand, holding it tightly. His gaze, with an intensely piercing quality, struck her full force. Lin Meng looked up, allowing him to size her up, her eyes as warm and innocent as before.

Rong Ling looked at her for a while, and finally nodded.

She didn't know why he had changed his mind, but she pouted and looked at him playfully. "Kiss me!"

She knows how to soothe a man's heart.

He kissed her, then told her.

"I'll pick you up in the evening, don't run around!"

"Great!"

On the way back to Xiao Yi's ward from the corridor, he said to her again, "If Xiao Yi is disrespectful to you, tell me, and I'll make him pay!"

Her tone was stern, she wasn't joking!

She bit back a smile and replied, "Okay."

Rong Ling then entered the room and bid farewell to Xiao Yi, going to work. The two little ones, though reluctant, were coaxed by Lin Meng to go to another room to watch a movie first. Finally, in the bedroom, only Xiao Yi and Lin Meng remained. Xiao Yi lay on the bed, while Lin Meng sat on a chair about a meter away from the bed.

Xiao Yi saw her like this and knew what was going on.

She could get everyone else out of the way and have a private conversation with him. It shows she's interested. This girl is still as thoughtful and meticulous as ever. After being apart for so long, he suddenly appeared before her. With her personality, she definitely has a lot to ask.

"You're doing okay now, aren't you I mean, your business and all that!"

She asked in a more subtle way. Being provoked by Rongling about his past, he had a criminal record, which became a haunting shadow in her heart. She wanted to suppress it, but she couldn't. She could only ask for clarification and find peace of mind.

"No problem!" Xiao Yi answered confidently. "Everyone knows I'm dead, it was all over the papers. That happened ages ago, and the case is long closed!"

But the pictures you took back then were published in the newspaper. And some people still recognize you, right

For example, Jiang Yichen, the original person in charge of this case. Thinking of her, Lin Meng's heart tightened.

"It's nothing, in the vast world, there are many people who look alike!"

"Well..." A heavy worry clouded Lin Meng's face. "If they look alike and share the same name, it's not a simple matter. I'm afraid things might get complicated!"

Xiao Yi saw her like this, and he smiled, his mood especially good. This woman, she truly is like an uncut jade. After so many years, her essence remains unchanged, but the light she emits becomes brighter and brighter, a kind of radiance that silently nourishes everything!

"I'll play dumb and deny everything, then no one can do anything about it! This name was given to me by my parents. Even if I lose my life, I won't give up this name!"

Lost, and his roots would be gone! However, if he changed his name, he could really avoid a lot of trouble.

But you don't have to worry too much, I have an English name and usually use it when dealing with the outside world. This time, I am returning as a Chinese overseas businessperson. Even if others suspect me or try to dig up old grudges, they won't be able to do anything about it. Most of my assets are located abroad!

This time coming back, it's actually mainly for her. I'm also taking care of some old debts by the way, and incidentally, doing some investment. He's a businessman now, wherever he goes, his business naturally follows him there!

"That's it," Lin Meng chuckled softly, also understanding some of the key points.

Her smile touched the softest part of his heart, making him laugh without a hint of defense.

Aren't you curious how I escaped back then! Don't you want to know how I've lived all these years!

"Hee hee, how could I not be curious To tell you the truth, I'm dying of curiosity. But I was afraid to ask if it wasn't convenient for you to say, so I just held back...hee hee..."

She smiled again, openly admitting it.

Xiao Yi's eyes immediately softened.

To you, I have nothing I can't say!

A solemn and everlasting promise!

At that moment, his eyes were very deep, filled with an unyielding love.

Lin Meng had just caught a glimpse before she quickly looked away. She was already like this, in this life she had also decided that Rong Ling was the only one for her, so, anything else, she couldn't, nor could she bear it.

"Ah-Yi, I'm doing well now, you can see that. You're a smart person, you should know what to do, right!"

When she looked at him with her clear eyes and softly asked, "Right or wrong" her question had already locked a place in his heart, closing the door to it.

He smiled, but didn't make a promise. He wasn't a young fool anymore; at over thirty, what could he not see through

She continued to whisper softly.

"When Rong Ling left the East Asia Group back then, he was a little down on his luck. But I felt confident that we could spend our lives together; now, he's become the president of Shuangmu Group. However, even if he never became president, I would still be happy to spend my life with him!"

She gave a little giggle and stuck out her tongue.

"You and Rong Ling are much older than me, so sometimes what I say might seem childish and immature to you. It probably doesn't sound very convincing either. But everything I say comes from the heart!"

After finishing her sentence, she looked at Xiao Yi with bright eyes. This time, there was no trace of dodging as she gazed directly into his eyes, which unexpectedly forced Xiao Yi to look away first, lowering his fox-like eyes that held a hint of charm.

"You silly girl!"

He murmured, as if admonishing her, but his tone didn't quite sound like a reprimand. This girl wasn't just telling him she was willing to share the same joys and hardships with Rong Ling. No matter who came before her, in whatever manner, she wouldn't be swayed. This was also a way of persuading this "intelligent man" not to make foolish mistakes!

She smiled, letting his words slide off her. He looked at her and dropped the subject, instead launching into a story about himself—about the past and the struggles of the last six years.

He could be completely honest with her without reservation because he trusted this girl. Just like six years ago when he made her his mute messenger, she had faithfully carried out his orders. This girl, despite her seemingly fragile appearance, was strong-willed inside. Her mouth, like that of a clam, wouldn't give way even under the torture of those twisted interrogators during the civil war period.

Back then, he had a plan to whitewash the Silver Wolf Gang. Because he was being watched by Jiang Yichen and there was a traitor within the group, he had to improvise and turn things around by using Jiang Yichen himself. He leveraged Jiang Yichen's influence to successfully make the Silver Wolf Gang a thing of the past, completing a historical transformation from black to white.

The body they finally found, supposedly his, was actually a decoy he had arranged beforehand. There are many people in this world who, for various reasons, would give up their lives for money. It was easy for him to find someone willing to be a substitute. He also had several trusted high-ranking elders who had pre-arranged stand-ins as well.

The reason why the Silver Wolf Group hasn't been able to successfully go white is largely due to some of the older members who are accustomed to violence and making money through illicit means. They are unwilling to earn money honestly and find it difficult to adapt to the humility required for legitimate business dealings. However, as long as these individuals remain, the Silver Wolf Group will never truly achieve legitimacy. He cannot directly assassinate them either, as this would cause instability and unrest. If someone were to deliberately incite trouble, it would be the loyal members who have worked tirelessly for the group's growth that would suffer the consequences!

Whitening, it wasn't just Xiao Yi's doing. As the group leader and a responsible man, he needed to take care of tens of thousands of brothers underground. He needed to ensure that the Silver Wolf Gang transformed, and his subordinates could find a legitimate path in the future. So, when he was ruthless, he directly set up a killing game against those high-level officials and elders. Once the biggest crocodile at the top died, then the small fish below would naturally be able to live in peace. What's more ingenious is that no one could blame this murder on him. That way, when he reappeared, his subordinates would still obey him!

Because he was a helpless victim from beginning to end!

A massive explosion allowed his plan to succeed. He took his trusted subordinates and secretly left the country, starting a new business there. As for his brothers back home, he had taken care of them one by one over the years. Now, those tens of thousands of brothers had all found decent jobs and were at least safe from fear and worry, living without the constant threat of instability. Most of them returned to him and joined the company he started.

Bleached, very successful!

This is also a man who has made up his mind and will definitely be able to do it!

It's just that he was a stranger in a strange land, leading a group of people to venture into another country, establishing a base there, and then successfully building his own kingdom. This isn't something that's easy at all. Lin Meng sighed, remembering the day before yesterday when she saw the doctor taking the bullet out of him and bandaging his wounds. He had many scars on his body, which she hadn't seen six years ago. She guessed they were all from his hardships abroad!

Those knife marks, bullet marks...

She sighed again inwardly, and there was a wistful tone to her voice.

"These years, you've had it rough, haven't you!"

A concerned gaze fell upon him, like a gentle wave of water enveloping his heart. It was like the amniotic fluid in the womb, granting his weary and battle-scarred soul a brief moment of peace.

"To say it wasn't hard, that would be lying." He laughed nonchalantly. "But all that is in the past now."

"Well, it's gone now, that's good. It's gone."

After a moment of silence, she grinned widely, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah Yi—"

She squealed, "I'm so happy for you! You're amazing!"

His overly bright eyes caused Xiao Yi, rarely seen, to blush. A hint of shyness appeared!

A woman's admiring gaze and heartfelt praise can make a man feel lightheaded, especially when that woman is his.

"The little girl has grown up!"

More flavorful, more lethal.

She lowered her head slightly, a touch embarrassed, then regained her composure, and with a mischievous smile, asked him.

"Has it gotten better, or worse!"

Xiao Yi burst into laughter. "You know it in your heart, why ask me!"

Lin Meng giggled, like a mischievous young girl.

After laughing, she looked sincerely at Xiao Yi. "Ah Yi, if there's anything you need, or if Rong Ling can help, please tell me!"

For fear of misunderstanding him and for fear that he would be unhappy, she quickly licked her lips and said in a hurried voice, "Of course, this is between you and me. I only brought Rong Ling into it because he's my husband! His strength is there to be used, so, hehe, if there's ever anything where I can be of use, you have to tell me!"

Xiao Yi shook his head slightly.

"Hey, don't shake your head so quickly! Look down on me, do you" Lin Meng suddenly became charming, her face radiating an extremely confident demeanor. "In the investment field, I'm not bragging, I'm really good, oh. I'm already a member of AIMR, that is, the American Investment Management and Research Association. As for other things, didn't you say you want to do business in China Then you should need some bank loans or something, right In this area, I can also help out, getting a few hundred million shouldn't be a problem! And if you need to deal with the government, I can also find someone to introduce you."

Xiao Yi's mouth twitched immediately.

Lin dreamt of the situation, so she slightly tightened her small face and arrogantly raised her eyebrows. At the same time, she crossed her arms, giving off the image of a capable and decisive woman who wouldn't allow others to question her.

Xiao Yi's mouth twitched again!

Lin Meng raised an eyebrow again, "What Don't you believe me!" Unexpectedly, he suddenly grinned, laughing heartily. As he laughed, his smile seemed like that of an ordinary man, and he even began pounding the bed frame with his hands, “Dong dong”.

She blushed slightly and mumbled, "Is it that funny"

Then she pretended to be angry and shouted, "Xiao Yi, do you look down on me!"

Being called by one's full name is a warning, warning him that his actions have made her displeased. Xiao Yi received it, slightly retracted his smile, but still chuckled softly while saying...

"Little Dreamer, did you discuss this with Rong Ling!"

She paused. "Discuss what with him!"

He laughed again. "If Rong Ling knew, he'd probably be furious!"

"Why is he so angry" she wondered.

Xiao Yi immediately chuckled softly.

This idiot just blindly trusted him and readily helped him get a loan. Hundreds of millions were casually mentioned, but if anything went wrong, she would lose everything, even potentially ending up in jail. Just because of this kind of trust that allows her to "draw her sword for him," when Rong Ling finds out, wouldn't he be furious It's estimated that a jealousy storm would break out!

I believe if you tell Rong Ling this, it will definitely be a good way to stimulate him.

But, looking at Lin Meng's still unperturbed face, he decided against it. In this world, it was rare to find someone so genuine, who treated him well without any reservations. What right did he have to upset her

He was black through and through, utterly ruthless and wicked to the core. But he also had someone he wanted to protect like a precious treasure!

If she is well, then he has sunshine!

"Xiaomeng'er, be careful!"

"Huh!" She immediately sat up straight, instinctively alert. After turning around abruptly but finding nothing, she quickly surveyed the room, still not noticing anything unusual, then turned back to him with a puzzled look.

"What!" He told her to be careful of what!

He felt a twinge of sympathy for her, a pang for this "grass and trees are soldiers" mentality that came after such a close brush with death.

"It's safe here," he comforted her.

What does that mean!

She looked doubtful.

He spoke in a low voice.

"Beware of Jian Cheng's family!"

"What!"

She gasped, her eyes widening!r daughter's hand, she called two taxis and left."We can't use the driver from home, I'm afraid if she finds out, she'll stop her.""Mom, where are we going!" Bingbing asked curiously, confused why her...