Chapter 40: Shrouded in Mystery

Chapter 040: Enigmatic and Mysterious

Chen Hao had always considered Hu Chunlin a commendable man—steady in handling matters, decisive, and loyal. For this reason, Chen Hao regarded Hu Chunlin as his trusted confidant, even planning to promote him to deputy hall master. However, with the incident involving Huang Tianba, the matter had yet to be resolved.

"Chunlin, do your best. You've worked hard on this affair. Once everything is settled, you'll be promoted to deputy hall master," Chen Hao spoke with earnest gravity. Although each hall master had the authority to choose their own deputy, Huang Tianba had previously advised against appointing someone to that position lightly.

Hearing his big brother’s words, Hu Chunlin’s face was radiant with joy. “Thank you for your guidance, big brother. I will work diligently and never let you down!”

“Good. Now, tell me, have the other halls shown any unusual behavior, especially the Azure Dragon Hall?” Chen Hao asked with concern. Ordinarily, there would be no need for such suspicion among brothers, but this time, Chen Hao felt something was amiss, so he had to remain vigilant. Moreover, Hua Qiang had always struck him as somewhat strange.

Hu Chunlin pondered, then replied slowly, “There’s nothing odd from the Azure Dragon Hall. However…” He glanced around, feigning caution. “However, I think I saw Master Hua and Master Zuo meeting today, and they seemed to be chatting and laughing together.”

“Zuo Huan?” Chen Hao frowned. The fourth brother, Zuo Huan, seldom mingled with the others, and relations between him and Hua Qiang were known to be strained. There was no reason for them to meet, let alone in such a friendly manner.

“But I can’t be certain it was Master Zuo—he just looked somewhat similar,” Hu Chunlin added slyly. The world is full of coincidences; let him puzzle over it, Hu Chunlin thought with secret satisfaction.

“All right, you may go now,” Chen Hao waved his hand. Hu Chunlin quickly took his leave, a triumphant smile on his lips, which Chen Hao—lost in thought—failed to notice.

“Well done, Chunlin. It seems placing you in the Vermilion Bird Hall was indeed a wise decision. Do your best, and I promise you’ll be rewarded.” After leaving Chen Hao, Hu Chunlin glanced at the five men nearby, took a phone from his pocket, dialed an unfamiliar number, and reported everything to the recipient.

“Yes, big brother, I’ll work hard and never let you down,” Hu Chunlin repeated, his face brimming with delight. This was his moment to shine. In the future, he’d surely secure a place in the Justice Sect, and those who once looked down on him—he would trample them beneath his feet!

“Right, that’s settled. I’ll hang up now. If there’s any news, inform me promptly. Also, make sure your side is ready as planned. Tomorrow morning, after Huang Tianba’s burial, we’ll hold a meeting—everything will come to light then,” the man said with a sinister tone, as if everything was already within his grasp. Yet he never guessed that the call was being monitored.

“Brother Long, it seems there’s something off about this man, but who is he?” Zheng Yi asked, his eyes sharp and hands deft—an expert at gathering material and surveillance. Such tasks were child’s play to him.

“Zheng Yi, I know you’re slow, but I didn’t realize you were this slow. We just need to get our hands on useful evidence; the rest is up to Brother Feng and the others to handle, right, Brother Long?” Zhang Wei, with a long face, looked at Ma Long.

“Cut the chatter. Keep monitoring closely, and make sure everything is ready. Tomorrow, we’ll hand it all to the boss. The boss is clever, thinking up this plan,” Ma Long chuckled, surprised by his leader’s resourcefulness.

“Yes, yes, big brother!” Zhang Wei received a hard slap on the head from Ma Long. Zheng Yi and the others snickered quietly—so much for being sly!

The next morning, Huang Shan hurried from the provincial city with her secretary to bid farewell to her brother. Both Huang Shan and Huang Wei wore dark clothing, with white flowers pinned to their chests. Only then did Ye Feng notice the striking resemblance between the two sisters.

To ensure smooth proceedings, Ye Feng wore a wireless earpiece. “Hello, what’s the situation ahead? Is it clear to proceed?”

“All clear, you can go!” came the reply from the team leading the procession. Ye Feng relayed this to Chen Hao, who waved his hand, and the convoy moved toward the cemetery in grand procession. Huang Tianba’s influence in You County was immense, so his funeral became a major event—the streets were lined with stationary vehicles.

Even the county party secretary and the county magistrate came in person to pay their respects. Wen Biyun was also present. After asking Ye Feng a few questions, she quietly stepped aside. She knew Ye Feng’s responsibilities were heavy, and she couldn’t cause trouble. Moreover, thinking of how Huang Wei had lost her father, Wen Biyun felt an inexplicable sadness.

“Manager Wen!” Seeing Wen Biyun arrive, Huang Wei mustered a faint smile and greeted her. Wen Biyun hadn’t intended to exchange greetings, but seeing Huang Wei take the initiative, she responded with a few polite words.

Wen Biyun meant to say just a few words, but Huang Wei seemed genuinely fond of chatting with her and showed real concern, which made Wen Biyun feel a bit strange. “Miss Huang, please accept my condolences.”

“Thank you, Manager Huang. By the way, may I call you Sister Yun?” Huang Wei looked at Wen Biyun with hopeful eyes. How could Wen Biyun refuse now? She nodded in agreement.

“Sister Yun, I was in the wrong before. I sincerely apologize and hope you won’t be angry with me. Also, my family’s recent troubles require Ye Feng’s help—hope you don’t mind,” Huang Wei said with a mischievous smile.

“No, not at all,” Wen Biyun replied, though her heart was uneasy. Of course she minded. Did Huang Wei know she thought of that rascal every night? Whenever she went to work at the hotel and entered her office, memories of happiness with Ye Feng at that desk flooded her mind.

Watching Wen Biyun and Huang Wei conversing and laughing, Ye Feng felt a surge of inexplicable joy. The scene before him was dazzling—if he could win the hearts of all these beauties, wouldn’t that be delightful? Meanwhile, high above in a distant building, a telescope carefully observed every detail unfolding below.