Chapter 134: The Ji Family in the Capital
After Lin Le left, Lingling and the others, tired of watching the dog-eat-dog spectacle between Xiangzi and Ding Jun, also left the corridor. They no longer wanted any association with despicable scoundrels like Ding Jun and Zhang Yang.
Their conversation naturally turned to Lin Le.
“This Lin Le, he’s truly extraordinary—how could he be so formidable!” Lingling exclaimed.
“Yes, and he’s only so young. Not only is he so skilled, but he’s also on such good terms with Master Gu! It’s simply unbelievable!”
“It seems this Lin Le is no ordinary person!”
Everyone felt the same way; none had ever seen anyone comparable to Lin Le.
“He certainly isn’t ordinary,” Ni Fang suddenly whispered from the side.
“What? Sister Fang, what do you mean?” Everyone looked at Ni Fang in confusion.
“Because Lin Le is the very Mr. Lin I mentioned before,” Ni Fang finally revealed.
“What?!” The group reacted strongly, eyes wide with disbelief as they stared at Ni Fang.
“Sister Fang, you mean this Lin Le is the underground leader Lin who’s renowned throughout Haidong?” Lingling asked incredulously.
“That’s right, it’s exactly him,” Ni Fang nodded.
Hearing this, Lingling felt as if she was about to lose her mind.
A blankness swept through everyone’s minds.
But soon, they all realized Ni Fang’s guess was absolutely correct.
With such skill, such intelligence, and the favor of the esteemed Master Gu himself welcoming him in person, there was no other possibility—Lin Le had to be the very Mr. Lin of Haidong!
“Mr. Lin! It really is him!” Lingling murmured dreamily, a shy flush blooming on her face like a lovestruck maiden.
Ni Fang, watching Lingling’s reaction, smiled wryly to herself.
Indeed, how many young heroes like Lin Le existed in this world? Probably none.
No wonder Lingling admired Lin Le so deeply. In truth, if it weren’t for considerations of propriety, Ni Fang herself would have loved to get closer to Mr. Lin.
Forget about the wealthy suitors or second-generation rich kids—could there be anyone with greater potential than Mr. Lin?
Meanwhile, the boys were equally stunned.
They never would have imagined that the high school student, dressed in seemingly cheap streetwear and appearing somewhat poor, was actually the legendary new underground leader of Haidong, Mr. Lin!
---
After Lin Le and Master Gu, along with Ji Xiaorui and the others, left Zijin, they paused at the gate.
“I heard from Ah Xiong that Mr. Lin has come to the capital on business. I’m not sure what for, but perhaps I, Gu Hanliang, can be of assistance?” Gu Hanliang spoke casually, though inwardly he hoped to help, hoping to strengthen their bond.
Building rapport with a master isn’t easy; fortunately, his own father had paved the way, so he only needed to proceed steadily.
“It’s nothing too important, just here to find some old medicinal herbs. An acquaintance has already contacted the Qi family’s herbal merchants, so it shouldn’t be difficult,” Lin Le explained truthfully.
“I see.” Gu Hanliang began pondering something.
“Ah, if only Ah Xiong had told me earlier that Mr. Lin was coming to the capital. Otherwise, I could have hosted a welcome banquet today,” Gu Hanliang chuckled.
“Thank you, Master Gu.”
“It is rather late now. Mr. Lin, will you have time tomorrow? I’d like to invite you to my residence for a chat.”
“I might only be free in the afternoon,” Lin Le considered.
“Alright, it’s settled then. Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll have Ah Zong come pick you up.” Gu Hanliang motioned to Zhang Tianzong, who greeted Lin Le respectfully.
“Mr. Lin.” Zhang Tianzong bowed with great respect.
Zhang Tianzong had long been by Gu Hanliang’s side, exuding an aura of reliability, somewhat reminiscent of Guo Zhao. But unlike Guo Zhao, Zhang Tianzong also carried a subtle killing intent.
Moreover, Zhang Tianzong’s martial prowess seemed at least on par with Guo Zhao’s—though this comparison was after Guo Zhao’s improvement with Lin Le’s help.
Before that, Guo Zhao’s martial skills were definitely inferior to Zhang Tianzong’s.
Though Lin Le kept quiet, he began to suspect Zhang Tianzong was no ordinary person.
It made sense—one who could assist Master Gu and become his right-hand man in the capital would naturally be exceptional.
“By the way, Mr. Lin, where will you be staying these days?” Gu Hanliang suddenly asked.
“Mr. Lin will be staying at my place these few days,” Ji Xiaorui interrupted before Lin Le could answer.
“Oh?” Gu Hanliang smiled, finding the lively Ji Xiaorui amusing.
“Sorry, I haven’t asked—who is this young lady?” Gu Hanliang inquired with a smile.
“I’m Mr. Lin’s woman!” Ji Xiaorui proudly declared, chest out, shamelessly confident.
“So she’s your sister-in-law, then?” Gu Hanliang grinned.
“Master Gu, don’t listen to her nonsense. She’s just my apprentice,” Lin Le said with a wry smile.
“Hahaha, interesting.” Gu Hanliang’s demeanor was completely different from his cold, murderous air before; now he resembled a friendly neighbor.
“May I ask your name, young lady?” Gu Hanliang, clearly amused by Ji Xiaorui, engaged her further.
“My surname is Ji, and my name is Ji Xiaorui,” she said brightly.
Whether it was Gu Hanliang’s neighborly charm or her own fearless nature, Ji Xiaorui faced him without any reserve, even more composed than Lin Le.
“Ji?” Gu Hanliang found it curious that such a girl could be so at ease with him—either she was naive or had strong backing.
He was quite intrigued to learn about the girl who was so close to Mr. Lin and also his apprentice.
“There are a few with the surname Ji in this city. Miss Ji, how does your father address himself? Maybe I know him,” Gu Hanliang asked casually, smiling.
Gu Hanliang immediately noticed the extended Rolls-Royce parked nearby where Ji Xiaorui’s younger brother, Ji Xiaohai, was waiting inside. He sensed the family’s status was not ordinary, making it possible he might know them.
“Oh, my father is Ji Ronghao. Master Gu, have you heard of him?” Ji Xiaorui answered without hesitation.
“Ji... Ji Ronghao...” Gu Hanliang’s expression flickered with surprise.
Even Zhang Tianzong frowned upon hearing the name.
“So she’s the daughter of the Ji family. I must admit, I’ve been remiss,” Gu Hanliang hurriedly said, his voice tinged with respect.
Lin Le observed both Gu Hanliang and Zhang Tianzong’s reactions carefully.
He too felt somewhat surprised.
By all accounts, Master Gu was a man of the world and would not be so easily impressed by people of ordinary standing. His reaction suggested the Ji family was no simple matter.
Lin Le recalled that Lulu had once mentioned Ji Xiaorui’s family was among the top households in the capital, but he hadn’t paid much attention before.
Now, he wondered if the reality was even more remarkable than he thought.