NOVEL NEXT Chapter 38 - Got Caught in Action
Qing Mu listened to Lin Qianqian’s proposal and couldn’t help but smile.
“Hehehe, you’ve got quite a plan there. You want to use me to take advantage of Underworld’s weakness and eliminate them.”
Clearly, the nature of Underworld posed a significant threat to the peace and stability of Dragon Country. There was no way Dragon Country would tolerate such an organization operating within its borders. Knowing that Qing Mu also had conflicts with Underworld, it made sense to consider joining forces.
Lin Qianqian remained composed and responded, “Qing Mu, I don’t see this as a bad thing. Based on your expression, it seems you have your own grievances with Underworld. We share a common enemy, so why not cooperate?”
“That’s a valid point, but if I were to join forces with you against Underworld, what kind of assistance or resources can you provide me?” Qing Mu inquired.
He was well aware that, despite his formidable abilities, he was still just one person. Facing an organization as powerful as Underworld left him somewhat helpless. He needed a significant partner who could provide essential support.
Lin Qianqian had received clear instructions from her father, Lin Zhendong, before coming here – do whatever it took to bring Qing Mu into Yancheng Defense Base. So, when she noticed Qing Mu’s willingness to cooperate, she became excited and replied, “Yancheng Defense Base represents the Dragon Country’s official authority. As long as you’re willing to cooperate with us, we can provide you with various forms of assistance. This could include intelligence, or we can make certain processes smoother for you.”
Qing Mu then asked, “What about a salary?”
Lin Qianqian blinked in surprise, “Huh? A salary?”
She hadn’t expected Qing Mu to make such a straightforward request. It was mainly because Qing Mu didn’t seem like someone who needed money urgently.
Qing Mu calmly explained, “My parents’ disappearance was sudden, and they didn’t leave me with any money. My living expenses are running low, and I need financial support to be able to focus on cooperating with you to deal with Underworld.”
This wasn’t a fabricated story. Qing Mu was just a university student, and he didn’t have much money at his disposal.
Lin Qianqian nodded, agreeing to Qing Mu’s reasonable request. “Your request isn’t unreasonable. I can discuss this with our team to see if we can provide you with some living expenses. However, in return, Qing Mu, we hope that when we need your assistance, you will be willing to help. With your strength, your help could prevent unnecessary casualties.”
Fighting monsters was a dangerous task, and not every Kamen Rider possessed the combat capabilities Qing Mu had. Yancheng Defense Base experienced over a hundred casualties among Kamen Riders each year, a number that might not seem high to outsiders but was a significant loss for the base.
“Sure, if you have trouble dealing with any monsters, feel free to reach out to me. I enjoy facing powerful monsters, and it will help me improve my abilities. It’s a deal,” Qing Mu agreed.
They shook hands as a symbol of their newly formed alliance.
“Thank you.”
Both of them extended their right hands for a friendly handshake, sealing their cooperation.
“Alright, as a celebration, I’ll treat you to dinner and forget about any past unpleasantness,” Lin Qianqian suggested.
Now that they were allies, Lin Qianqian decided to let go of any lingering grudges. It was also a practical choice since there was no way she could regain face from someone as powerful as Qing Mu.
Qing Mu smiled, “I never refuse a dinner invitation.”
Together, they left the school and went to a creative private kitchen restaurant in the city center. Qing Mu had seen this restaurant online; it was considered upscale, with an average cost of two to three thousand per person. The menu changed daily based on the chef’s mood and available ingredients. Despite the price, the food was exceptional.
Although Qing Mu had wanted to try it, he couldn’t afford it. Today, he had the chance to enjoy a meal here thanks to Miss Lin’s generosity.
It was still early when they arrived at the restaurant, and there weren’t many customers. Besides a few waitstaff, Qing Mu and Lin Qianqian were the only ones present.
Lin Qianqian, wanting to show her gratitude to Qing Mu, ordered two of the most expensive set meals on the menu.
Qing Mu couldn’t help but anticipate the deliciousness of tonight’s meal, even though it came at a steep price.
Waiting for food always felt agonizing.
Gradually, more customers arrived at the restaurant.
“Qing Mu, you’re here too?”
Coincidentally, Li Ling’er and Tian Mi also came to this restaurant for dinner.
Li Ling’er immediately recognized Qing Mu, and she and Tian Mi were carrying shopping bags, having just finished shopping and decided to have dinner here.
“Hello, Li Ling’er, Tian Mi. What a coincidence to see you both here,” Qing Mu greeted them, trying to act casual despite the earlier rejection of Li Ling’er’s invitation. He couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward, as if he had been caught in the act.
Tian Mi teased him playfully, “Oh my, that’s why you didn’t want to join us for dinner. You had an appointment with Miss Lin here. It all makes sense now. After all, no matter how sweet our Ling’er is, she can’t compare to Miss Lin, sigh~.”
Li Ling’er, blushing, quickly covered Tian Mi’s mouth and scolded her, “Tian Mi, stop talking nonsense! I’ll give you a piece of my mind!”
Lin Qianqian noticed a familiar face and suddenly remembered Li Ling’er’s identity. “Li Ling’er? Is your father Li Mingwei, the chairman of Li Group?”
Qing Mu hadn’t heard of Li Group or Li Mingwei before, but he could tell from Lin Qianqian’s reaction that it was likely a significant company. However, he didn’t want to ask directly in front of Li Ling’er and kept his curiosity to himself.
Li Ling’er confirmed her identity with a nod and suggested, “That’s right, senior Lin. Since we’ve bumped into each other like this, how about we share a table and have dinner together? I hope you don’t mind.”
Lin Qianqian smiled and replied, “Of course not. Since Miss Li has asked, I must oblige. Let’s get a larger table for four.”
As the only male present, Qing Mu had essentially lost his say in the matter. He could only watch as the two women decided how the meal would proceed. The atmosphere was a bit awkward, but Qing Mu didn’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy an upscale meal, so he reluctantly decided to stay.