"Grandpa, Mr. Lin really is something. I do admire him… he's quite different from the others I've met." He Ling's cheeks flushed as she spoke, her ears slowly turning red. "But… I'm not that kind of woman, and besides, it's way too early to talk about marriage."
He Tianchi's expression turned serious. "Ling'er, you know me—I'm not someone who'd sacrifice your happiness for some petty gain."
"At our level, it's not unusual for someone to have multiple wives. I won't say more, but you should think this through carefully. You're proud and picky. Someone like Mr. Lin doesn't come around often. If you don't seize this chance, you might regret it for life."
"You might never meet someone more outstanding than him."
He Tianchi spoke from the heart. Lin Chen was no ordinary man—he was the young master of the Dragon Temple, born under a lucky star. If the He family could form a connection with him, they'd rise to new heights. And his granddaughter would live like royalty.
He Ling was already exceptional and his chosen successor, but her only weakness was that she lacked martial strength. He was getting old and might not be around for much longer. If she didn't have a powerful ally, she could be outmaneuvered—or worse.
Though their interaction had been brief, he could tell that He Ling had feelings for Lin Chen. But knowing her shy nature, if he didn't give her a nudge, who knew how long it would take for her to act.
"Grandpa! Please, just stop. I see Mr. Lin as a friend, nothing more. Don't worry about it, okay?" He Ling quickly ended the call, flustered.
She'd only met Lin Chen the day before, and while it was a stretch to say she had no feelings for him, she couldn't call it love. It was more admiration and curiosity.
She knew her grandfather well. For him to be so in awe of someone meant that person was extraordinary. Lin Chen was a mystery she wanted to understand.
As she pocketed her phone and turned to walk into the office, the sudden wail of sirens outside caught her attention.
"Hmm?" She hurried to the window and looked out, then rushed back inside.
"Mr. Lin, a squad of armed security police just arrived downstairs. I'm not sure what's going on—do you want to hide for now?"
Lin Chen smiled calmly. "No need. If they're here, it means the Liang family made a move."
He stepped out of the office. "You go handle your work. I'll take care of this."
As he approached the elevator, the doors opened, revealing over a dozen security officers in full tactical gear. The moment they stepped out, they faced Lin Chen directly.
He Ling didn't leave. She followed closely behind Lin Chen and quickly stepped forward to confront the officers.
"Officers, may I ask what this is about?"
The lead officer showed his ID. "This is an official security operation. Please step aside."
At his signal, the officers surrounded Lin Chen. The captain drew his gun and aimed it straight at Lin Chen's head.
"Lin Chen, we have confirmed your criminal activity. You've been classified as an extremely dangerous fugitive. Get down on your knees, hands on your head!"
Lin Chen didn't flinch. They were clearly here for him—but they were underestimating him.
"A fugitive? Are you sure you're not mistaken?"
The officer sneered. "Mistaken? We have proof—you were at Longxing Hotel last night. Don't try to deny it."
"Deny it? No—I was there," Lin Chen replied coolly.
Of course the authorities had eyes on the hotel. They'd seen him carrying Murong Qingcheng out.
"Good, then come with us! The incident at the hotel left dozens dead and injured. You killed Liang Haoming! No one can protect you now."
Lin Chen's voice turned cold. "I don't need anyone to