Chapter 130 has really changed.
A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Zhiming's eyes.
But soon, he suddenly grinned: "Aqing, don't be so absolute, don't shut the door completely. I didn't come here on a whim; I'll be staying for a while, and we'll have plenty of time to chat. Perhaps... we'll never meet again? Maybe not. Who can predict fate?"
Qiao Wanyin's lips curled up, full of sarcasm and disdain: "Heh, you'd better get lost now, the farther the better. I hate seeing disgusting things hanging around in front of me."
A flash of anger crossed Lin Zhiming's eyes, but he still pretended to be magnanimous: "Aqing's temper is still as fiery as ever, it hasn't changed at all. She's still so stubborn and doesn't give others a way out."
He looked down at Fu Lian and said with a hint of sarcasm, "Commander Fu, let's have a proper chat another time. I've heard you're quite the big shot around here, and I'd like to learn more about you."
Fu Li'an gave him a cold glance, his voice low but not to be ignored.
“Mr. Lin, I advise you to behave yourself. Don’t forget, this is the inland area, not a place where you can do whatever you want. Some things, if said too much, may not bring good fortune.”
Lin Zhiming sensed the warning in his words and his heart skipped a beat, but his smile remained unchanged: "Thank you for the reminder, Commander Fu. I'll remember it. However... since I dared to come, I naturally came prepared."
If no one is backing him up, would he dare to step into the inland again?
Fu Li'an was just a regimental commander; in the end, he didn't have any real power.
He may be able to command a troop of soldiers to charge into battle, but he may not be able to navigate the political landscape with ease.
He wanted to show Qiao Wanyin firsthand just how powerful money could be!
Fu Li'an sneered inwardly.
He already sensed that Lin Zhiming's arrival was not a simple reunion of old friends, but a carefully planned disruption.
After Lin Zhiming left, Qiao Wanyin finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She turned to look at Fu Lian and found him with his brows furrowed and his face as cold as ice.
“Mai Dong, ignore him, he’s just a habitual liar.”
Qiao Wanyin took his hand.
"I will not repeat the same mistake."
Her voice was soft, yet firm.
Fu Li'an was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Qingqing, I'm not afraid you'll be deceived."
"What are you worried about?"
Qiao Wanyin asked in confusion, her brows furrowing slightly.
"His arrival this time was too sudden and too strange."
His eyes were sharp. "A few years ago he was a swindler who cheated people out of money, and now he's a rich man? There must be something fishy going on."
There must be some shady secret hidden behind this.
It could be an illegal transaction, a case of collusion between power and money, or even involve more dangerous forces.
Qiao Wanyin was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening.
"Yes! I also felt something was wrong. Where did he get the money? There must be something fishy going on."
"Judging by his character, he's probably done something shady!"
She grew angrier as she spoke, her tone filled with disdain and anger.
Fu Lian nodded. "I need to find out where he came from. I can't let him cause trouble on this turf."
He has a responsibility to safeguard this peace, especially for Qiao Wanyin and for those innocent children.
Qiao Wanyin nodded seriously: "Yes, then you must be more careful."
She knew that Fu Li'an was always reliable, but Lin Zhiming was cunning and treacherous, so she couldn't let her guard down.
"You should also be careful these next few days, and whatever you do, don't see him alone."
Fu Lian gripped her hand tightly, his voice low but firm.
"Fine, I can't be bothered with him."
Qiao Wanyin pursed her lips, "It's safest to stay away from people like that."
She didn't want to waste any more emotions on Lin Zhiming.
A few days later, she had almost forgotten about Lin Zhiming.
Life returned to normal, mundane and busy, but it made her feel grounded.
The mutual aid center has been very busy lately.
That afternoon, she was sitting in her office flipping through documents when suddenly there was a commotion outside.
Footsteps and whispers echoed down the corridor, interspersed with someone's exclamation.
"Director Qiao!"
Xiao Li pushed the door open abruptly, panting, "That Mr. Lin is here again!"
Qiao Wanyin frowned: "Why is he getting involved now?"
"He brought a ton of stuff!"
Xiao Li looked a little embarrassed.
“I gave each colleague imported chocolates and silk scarves as a way of thanking them for taking care of the children.”
But Qiao Wanyin knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch, and no such thing as a gift without a reason.
She sneered, "A fox giving a chicken a gift, do you think it's out of kindness?"
Lin Zhiming wanted to use money to gradually infiltrate her life and break down her defenses.
She threw down the documents, stood up, and turned to walk out.
In the courtyard, Lin Zhiming was indeed standing there, chatting and laughing with several female colleagues.
Seeing Qiao Wanyin come out, he immediately stopped smiling and greeted her in a familiar tone, "Aqing, are you done with your work?"
Qiao Wanyin's face darkened, her eyes turning as cold as frost.
"Lin Zhiming, what exactly do you want?"
Her tone was harsh, each word sharp as a knife, making no attempt to hide her disgust.
Lin Zhiming, however, feigned a wronged expression and slightly spread his hands.
"I just want to do something for this place, is that not allowed?"
He turned his head and pointed to the tall pile of gift boxes next to him, making an exaggerated gesture.
"These are all for the children."
The boxes were stacked in layers, printed with the logos of well-known international brands, making them look exceptionally high-end.
Qiao Wanyin merely glanced at it coldly, without lingering for even a second longer.
"We don't accept them."
She refused outright, leaving no room for negotiation. "The center has a rule that we don't touch anything of unknown origin."
Lin Zhiming continued to smile, as if he had anticipated her reaction.
"Ah Qing, do you have to treat me like a thief? I just want to make up for my past mistakes."
"make up?"
Qiao Wanyin's lips curled into a mocking smile.
"You hurt me so badly back then, and now you think you can just let by giving me a little gift and move on?"
Lin Zhiming sighed and lowered his voice, saying, "I know you hate me, but I've really changed now."
“I have a company and legal status in Hong Kong. I’m back here this time to invest in the mainland.”
He puffed out his chest, his tone filled with undisguised smugness.
"I want to do something practical and contribute to our hometown."
Xiao Li hesitated for a moment, but seeing the tense atmosphere, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and walk over.
"Director Qiao, Mr. Lin didn't actually do anything out of line. He just wanted to express his gratitude today..."
Qiao Wanyin's gaze suddenly turned to Xiao Li, her voice as cold as ice.
"Xiao Li, do you know anything about him?"
Xiao Li was taken aback, startled by her sudden question.
His lips moved slightly before he stammered, "Isn't he a big boss in Hong Kong?"
Qiao Wanyin snorted coldly, a hint of sarcasm appearing on her lips.
"The boss? He used to be a conman!"
Her voice suddenly rose, "She looks perfectly normal, but who knows how many wicked schemes she's hiding!"
Just then, Qiu Zishu suddenly walked over from the corridor, looking somewhat hesitant.
"Wanyin, this silk scarf..."
She handed it over hesitantly, speaking very softly.
"Lin Zhiming said it was specially for you and asked me to bring it over for you."
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