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Four o’clock in the afternoon.

Chang’an, International Conference Center.

The closed-door seminar of the "Western Photovoltaic New Energy Cluster" is nearing its end.

In the large circular conference hall, the atmosphere is solemn and warm.

Leaders of the provincial and municipal governments, representatives of the national grid, experts from TY Precision, and representatives from several leading domestic investment institutions sit upright and focused.

Under the watchful eyes of the audience, Lin Muxue holds the microphone, standing at the podium, delivering a summative statement.

"...Thanks to the provincial and municipal governments for their detailed introduction. Rongliu Capital believes that the ’Western Photovoltaic New Energy Cluster’ is not only a transformation of the energy structure but also a cornerstone for future data computing power centers..."

Upon finishing her speech, she slightly nods.

"Clap clap clap—" Thunderous applause erupts in the conference hall.

Subsequently, several other representatives speak in turn.

The meeting concludes successfully, and everyone stands to leave.

Vice Mayor Li does not rush to leave but rather approaches Lin Muxue with an elder-like warm smile on his face.

"President Lin, you’ve worked hard these past two days. Your speech was excellent and insightful."

"Mayor Li, you’re too kind."

The two exchange pleasantries for a while.

Vice Mayor Li then meaningfully says, "President Lin is from Zhou County, Chang’an. If your family ever encounters any difficulties in the future, feel free to contact me directly."

"Thank you for your concern, Mayor Li. Everything is good for now."

Lin Muxue understands that this gesture of goodwill naturally comes because of Miss Ouyang.

Yet, nonetheless, a direct promise from a hometown official is enough to make her feel immensely emotional.

...

Under the enthusiastic farewell of the provincial and municipal leaders and numerous executives, Lin Muxue boards the familiar Bentley once again. The car door shuts, sealing off all external exchanges and compliments.

She leans tiredly against the soft leather seat, letting out a long breath.

Truth be told, while Xue is an expert at maintaining appearances, she still struggles when it comes to the specific work.

She takes her phone out from her bag and glances at it, her eyebrow raising almost imperceptibly.

On the screen are several missed calls from her parents.

Since two days ago, in that luxurious house at "Swan Bay."

That perfect display may have let her vent her pent-up frustrations, easing years of resentment considerably, but ultimately, reconciliation was not complete.

During these two workdays, she has immersed herself entirely in this billion-dollar investigation and truly hasn’t contacted her parents.

After hesitating for a moment, she breathes lightly and dials her father Lin Baoshan’s phone number.

"Beep beep—"

After a brief two rings, the call is almost immediately answered.

"Hello? Xue?"

Her father’s voice comes through, filled with a tone of flattery and cautiousness.

"Dad, it’s me. Just finished the meeting."

"Ah! Ah! Finished busy? That’s great!"

"Mm. Is there anything you need?"

"No, no big matter..." Her father pauses on the other end, asking, "When are you leaving?"

Lin Muxue replies calmly, "Tomorrow afternoon’s flight. I have very important work back in Yan City."

This is indeed true.

The global shareholders’ meeting of Smile Holding will take place next Monday in New York.

As Tang Song’s personal assistant, she will certainly have to attend.

And before that, she has to accompany Tang Song to France to inspect the much-anticipated Tang Jin Manor.

The thought of Tang Jin Manor makes her heart surge uncontrollably, brimming with endless anticipation.

That’s a world-class private territory, Tang Song’s true core harem.

She has already calculated a hundred times in her mind how she might have a small building of her own in that private territory belonging to Tang Song.

That would be a symbol of identity and status.

On the phone, her father pauses for a moment, then asks in a near-pleading tone: "Xue, do you... do you have time tonight? Your mom and I would like to see you."

Lin Muxue presses her lips together, not answering immediately, instead asking: "Aren’t you going to the construction site today?"

"No." Her father’s voice lowers further, "It’s because you’re in Chang’an, I thought..."

Lin Muxue’s chest rises and falls slightly, her emotions complex.

Her father, Lin Baoshan, is actually just over 50 this year, in rural areas, far from being an age of retirement enjoyment.

He’s always worked odd jobs on construction sites in Chang’an and takes care of the family’s few acres of land, without social security, struggling hard to support the family, not willing to rest even during holidays.

Since childhood, she hasn’t spent much time with her father.

Not as much as with her mother.

"Xue..." In the earpiece, her father cautiously calls again, fearing she’ll impatiently hang up.

Lin Muxue closes her eyes briefly, then says: "I’ll go to my brother’s place later, having dinner at his house tonight."

"Ah?! Great! Great!" Her father’s voice immediately fills with joy, "I’ll have your mom prepare a few more dishes!"

"Mm."

Ending the call.

Lin Muxue lets out a long breath, instructs the driver to change the destination.

Her gaze shifts to outside the window.

The Bentley is driving past the moat, the majestic ancient city walls appearing desolate yet grand in the setting sun.

...

Meanwhile.

In the south suburb, Ruixiang Garden District.

The small living room of Lin Muchuan explodes.

Wang Suxia excitedly spins in place, handing her grandson to her daughter-in-law Peng Xiaomeng, "Xiaomeng, you take care of the baby first, I’m going downstairs to buy some things. Xue loves stone bread and Qiong-guo sugar."

While she talks, she swiftly puts on a cotton jacket.

She then shouts at Lin Baoshan, who is still dazed: "Oh dear! Why are you still standing there? Move! Move! Quickly go and sift through the walnuts we brought from the hometown, crack them open, Xue loves them, and also heat up the date bread we steamed a few days ago!"

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