The Beauty CEO's Personal Expert

Seeing the smile on He Honggang’s face, Ling Chen felt a stir in his heart. His visitor had come all the way to East Sea City to find him, convinced that he could help. Was it because he knew about the connection between him and Ling Gengqiu? As this thought flashed through his mind, he couldn’t help but recall the night he met Chen Younian. After leaving the villa, he had waited outside for Ling Gengqiu, and the two of them had chatted briefly. Since He Honggang had been monitoring Chen Younian, perhaps he had discovered their secret meeting as well.

Seeing Ling Chen silent, He Honggang spoke, "Ever since I noticed my changes, I started paying attention to people like me. I believe I’m not alone in this world. I investigate any clue meticulously. Because Dark Pavilion and Netherworld Snake used to collaborate often, Chen Younian was the first person I discovered. But I’ve always acted in the shadows, seldom making appearances, so he doesn’t know about me."

"Over these years, I’ve been searching hard, but apart from Chen Younian, I haven’t found anyone else." At this point, he chuckled and said, "Luckily, my luck wasn’t too bad. A while ago when demolishing Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, I found some clues among the burned ruins, and thus learned about Su Cheng’en and Ling Gengqiu."

"Wasn’t Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion burned down? How can there still be clues?"

"In Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion’s Book Collection Pavilion, records of the Martial Arts world spanning hundreds of years were stored. While most were burned to ashes, a small portion of valuable records were kept in specially crafted boxes, preserving them from the flames. In those records, Su Cheng’en and Ling Gengqiu were mentioned. Of course, the records are merely records, documenting events from hundreds of years ago. However, I happened to hear about matters concerning the Su Family in Beijing. In Beijing Su’s family, there is an elder named Su Cheng’en as well. As is widely known, the Su Family in Beijing was actually established by the Old Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, Su He. Considering these points, I conducted a thorough investigation and uncovered Su Cheng’en’s secret."

"What about Ling Gengqiu?" Ling Chen inquired.

When asked about Ling Gengqiu, He Honggang couldn’t help but laugh, "To be honest, I’ve never encountered someone as interesting as Ling Gengqiu. Do you know? Among these people, I confirmed Ling Gengqiu’s identity in less than half a day. He’s registered on numerous dating and social networking sites with his real photo and name. Cross-referencing with earlier records, his identity is easily verified."

Hearing this, Ling Chen couldn’t help but curse silently. His ancestor truly was a handful, registering on so many online platforms just to meet women. It’s one thing to flirt, but why provide real information online? Didn’t he know to use a nickname?

"Ling Chen, I can’t reach Ling Gengqiu, but I know you have a good relationship with him. I’d like you to help me by passing on a message. Tell him I’ve discovered some secrets and I’d like him to help me out. Since he and I are alike, these secrets are equally significant for him." Finished speaking, He Honggang took out a pre-prepared note from his pocket, placed it in front of Ling Chen, and added, "This is my phone number. I’ll give him a month to consider. Once he’s decided, have him contact me using this number."

Ling Chen hesitated for a moment and asked, "May I ask, what secrets are you referring to?"

He Honggang chuckled and shook his head, "It’s better you don’t ask about such things. You’re not at that level yet, and knowing too much won’t be beneficial for you. Alright, I’ve said everything I needed to, please ensure to help me. As repayment, you have my favor. You can call on it anytime." After concluding, he picked up the teacup from the table.

Seeing this gesture, Ling Chen understood he was being dismissed. He stood up and left the guest room. After exiting the hotel, Ling Chen returned to his car. A while later, the passenger side door opened and someone climbed in.

"How’d it go? Why was he looking for you?"

Ling Chen handed the note over and said, "That He Honggang is looking for your help."

"Looking for me?" The person paused, puzzled, "How does he know me?"

"Oh, you’ve got some nerve asking. This is all your own doing." Ling Chen grumbled in response. The companion was none other than Ling Gengqiu. Upon learning that He Honggang was looking for him, Ling Chen had immediately contacted Ling Gengqiu, urging him to fly back to East Sea City. If He Honggang posed any threat, only Ling Gengqiu could intervene.

"So, what’s the matter? Why does he want my help?"

Ling Chen shook his head, "I’m not sure; he wouldn’t say much." Consequently, he relayed the conversation with He Honggang word-for-word to Ling Gengqiu.

"Secrets?" Ling Gengqiu murmured with a furrowed brow, "Are there truly secrets, or is it just an excuse to lure me in?"

"Bro, do you think his words are trustworthy?" Ling Chen asked.

"Hard to say. I’ve never dealt with this He Honggang before, so I can’t gauge his character." Pausing briefly, Ling Gengqiu continued, "Didn’t he mention four people? Even if I join, it’s just He Honggang, Chen Younian, and me—still short one."

"True." Ling Chen reflected and suggested, "How about I ask again?"

"Best figure it out clearly; I don’t want to end up in a trap and die unexpectedly."

Hearing this, Ling Chen laughed and teased, "Brother, you all possess immortality, how could you die?"

"Though I don’t know how to kill myself, others might. Take someone like Chen Younian, after experimenting for years, it’s improbable that he hasn’t yielded any results." At this Ling Gengqiu remarked thoughtfully, "If there really is a way to die, it might be a blessing."

"Come on! Don’t say such gloomy things; after living this long, you ought to cherish it." Saying so, Ling Chen started the car, heading directly to Dragon Tiger Hall.

In the blink of an eye, a week passed.

These days, Ling Chen mostly stayed at Dragon Tiger Hall, initially hoping to see more of Nanrong Wanqing while she was still in East Sea City. Yet she ignored him, refusing to meet regardless of the means he tried. Helplessly, he postponed it.

"Ling Chen."

At the call from outside the door, Ling Chen opened it, looking at He Ziyun, "Mr. He, what brings you here?"

"Come along with me." Without elaborating, He Ziyun headed toward the office. Ling Chen scratched his head and quickly followed him.