After dealing with the Chu Family and Shen Qianhao, Lin Mu told the Spirit Seer to return directly to Suzhou. He would follow a few days later.

For the next few days, Lin Mu needed to spend time with his family. He would soon be reporting to the Southeast Military Academy, and the journey was long. Besides, he had a mission to carry out there, which meant he wouldn't be able to return for quite some time. He took this opportunity to arrange some matters.

The first was Boheng Pharma. The company had been developing rapidly. Under the meticulous management of Su Ke'er and Liu Zijian, its performance was soaring, and several of its newly developed products received unanimous market praise. Moreover, the Jiangbei area managed by Liu Zijian had gained significant fame. Numerous powerful companies had already sent representatives to discuss collaborations. Lin Mu left this entirely in Liu Zijian's hands, trusting his brother completely. Furthermore, with the support of the "Five Dragons and Six Phoenixes" and the presence of the Crane Immortal Sect, no one in Jiangbei dared to offend Liu Zijian.

Of course, as a quid pro quo, Lin Mu gave Liu Xiaolin a choice: whether to forgive the Crane Immortal Sect or to ignore them was his decision to make. That very night, Liu Xiaolin and Liu Su from the Crane Immortal Sect returned to Jiangbei together. As for the series of assurances from the Crane Immortal Sect, Lin Mu acted as if he hadn't heard them. He would neither distance himself from the sect nor actively try to win them over. He believed that after the last incident, the Crane Immortal Sect was capable of making the right decision.

The second matter concerned the Qin Corporation. Qin Luoli had already begun gradually moving the Qin Corporation's industries to Jiangling, establishing it as the company's new foundation. However, for some of the Qin Family's elders, River City was their home, and they were reluctant to leave. This included the Old Madam, who also voiced some objections. Left without a choice, Qin Luoli could only return to River City personally to try to persuade the Old Madam to move to Jiangling. After all, the abundance of Spiritual Energy in Coiling Dragon Bay made it the best option for the Old Madam's health. Lin Mu had no objections to this. Within the Qin Family, the Old Madam doted on Qin Luoli the most, so if she was the one doing the persuading, the chances of success would be much higher.

「The next morning」

Lin Mu saw Qin Luoli off, and the two parted reluctantly. Qin Luoli knew that once they separated this time, it would be a long while before they could see each other again. But she understood that Lin Mu was no ordinary person; everything he did was to provide them with a better life.

Looking at the man standing in the doorway, Qin Luoli's gaze grew even more determined.

I will work even harder to catch up to you!

In the past few days, Lin Mu had shared some things with her. Qin Luoli was touched by his honesty but also shocked by his true identity. Since they had gotten together, she had never discussed business with him. Proud people have strong self-esteem, and this was especially true for Lin Mu. That was why she had entrusted Coiling Dragon Bay to him, hoping he could build his own accomplishments and stand beside her as an equal.

However, she had never imagined that Lin Mu's true strength would so far exceed her imagination. He was the Master of the Three Rivers and Chairman of the Jiangling Chamber of Commerce. Half of the most powerful figures in Handong Province had to address him respectfully as Young Master Mu. His ability to turn the tides with a flip of his hand was especially gratifying for Qin Luoli, but also somewhat disheartening.

She, too, was a proud and confident person. But as time went on, it felt as though her own presence was diminishing. The gap between them grew wider, and she sometimes felt she wasn't worthy of him. These were words the world had once used to describe Lin Mu, but now their roles had reversed. This left Qin Luoli feeling somewhat defeated, yet also defiant.

I have to catch up to Lin Mu! I refuse to be just the woman behind him! I will let the whole world know that I, Qin Luoli, am worthy of Lin Mu! So, after I return to River City this time and bring the Old Madam to Jiangling, I will begin the next step of my plan. Wherever Lin Mu goes, I will go!

...

After seeing Qin Luoli off, Lin Mu received a call from Li Dajiao, who said that for the past two days, members of the Chamber of Commerce had been calling nonstop, anxious to meet their new chairman. There was an uneasy tone to their words. Hearing the unusual note in Li Dajiao's voice, Lin Mu knew there must be more to the story.

He agreed to meet without hesitation. Since he was going to be away from Handong Province for a while, he couldn't leave any loose ends.

Once I've dealt with the matters here, it'll be time to set off.

「Jiangling Sports Stadium」

This was Lin Mu's destination for the day.

When Lin Mu arrived, Li Dajiao was waiting at the entrance. The sight of him made Li Dajiao let out a long sigh of relief.

"Chairman, everyone has arrived."

Lin Mu was surprised. "What's wrong? And why are we holding the meeting in a stadium? Today is supposed to be my formal inauguration as chairman."

"Chairman, you'll understand once you go inside," Li Dajiao sighed, seeming unwilling to say more.

Lin Mu nodded and entered the stadium with him. The Jiangling Sports Stadium was massive and fully equipped with all necessary facilities. Inside, there was a huge soccer field where a game was currently underway. Quite a number of people were already seated in the stands.

Upon seeing Lin Mu enter, some stood up and greeted him respectfully.

"Good to see you, Young Master Mu!"

"Hello, Mr. Lin!"

"Hello, Chairman!"

Lin Mu nodded, signaling for everyone to sit down, but his gaze fell upon a young man in a floral shirt who remained seated. The man was in his early twenties and exuded an air of arrogance. From his attire, he clearly came from a prominent family. While everyone else was standing to greet Lin Mu, the young man didn't rise or even glance his way, keeping his eyes glued to the field.

"Great!"

Just then, another goal was scored, deciding the match. The young man laughed loudly and pointed at a player on the field. "Number Seven isn't bad. Have him play a game with me later."

Only after saying this did the young man turn to look at Lin Mu, his eyes filled with disdain. "So, you're Lin Mu?"

"Insolent! Who are you to address Young Master Mu by his name?!"

"Kid, aren't you getting ahead of yourself?!"

As soon as the young man spoke, several people in the crowd began to berate him.

Li Dajiao's expression changed, and he quickly intervened, "Zhu Qi, this is the Chairman of the Jiangling Chamber of Commerce. I suggest you show some respect."

"Show some respect?" Zhu Qi scoffed coldly. "Since when does a kid like this get to be the chairman of the Jiangling Martial Arts Association and the Jiangling Chamber of Commerce?

"Do you all think that just because my dad is dead, any Tom, Dick, or Harry can take his place?"

Zhu Qi's words made everyone's expression shift. Clearly, this Zhu Qi was someone of significant status.

"Chairman, Zhu Qi's father was Master Zhu," Li Dajiao explained quietly at his side. "In name, his father was the vice-chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, but in reality, he was responsible for all of its affairs. It was only after Chang Wei's senior disciple killed Master Zhu that we jointly nominated you for the chairmanship.

"Zhu Qi is here to claim the chairman's position for himself."

Lin Mu raised an eyebrow. So, he's here to usurp my position?

Zhu Qi looked at Lin Mu coldly. "Kid, you heard him. Scram. There's nothing for you here."

"Of course, if you still want to fight for the chairman's seat, don't say I didn't give you a chance," Zhu Qi said with a sudden laugh. "Let's play a game of soccer. If you win, I'll give you a chance. How about it?"

Lin Mu shook his head. "Sorry, I'm not good at soccer."

"Then what are you good at?" Zhu Qi said arrogantly. "Name anything. I'll take you on."

He was brimming with confidence, as if certain he would win no matter what Lin Mu chose.

"I'm quite good at kicking people."

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