Seeing the surprised look on Mu Lin’s face, Claire felt even more triumphant. Usually, Mu Lin remained composed and unfazed, exuding an air of seasoned maturity beyond his years. To witness his rare expression of shock, Claire considered it her crowning achievement.
Mu Lin hadn’t expected his momentary whim to result in so much profit. After all, this business was only temporary. Once these properties were dealt with, his company would need to transform immediately. Glancing up, he noticed Claire lost in her daydreams and decided not to disturb her.
When Mu Lin was nearly finished eating, Claire asked, “Daniel, are you done?” She had been lost in her thoughts until she suddenly realized Mu Lin had already nearly finished his meal while she had barely touched hers, prompting her to speak just to fill the silence.
Mu Lin knew better than to reveal any weakness in front of a woman at such a moment, so he replied solemnly, “Claire, after you finish eating, I have something I need to discuss with you.” With that, he left the table.
Actually, Mu Lin was pondering an issue: his company likely owned houses similar to the villa he had discovered today, which were sitting idle and tying up capital. There might even be hidden storage rooms within them. Selling them without inspecting could result in significant losses. However, figuring out how to utilize these assets was a matter of company credibility. After Claire finished eating, Mu Lin asked, “Claire, how many villas like the one we saw this morning does our company currently have in its possession?”
Claire was taken aback. “Oh, I haven’t compiled statistics on that yet. Why are you asking about this?” It was clear to Mu Lin that she hadn’t considered this issue at all.
He explained, “As you know from this morning, we’ve already purchased this villa. According to the records, it was among the first we acquired, and it’s been three months now. If we haven’t sold it by next month and haven’t repaired the house, the government might sue us, demanding either repairs or a buyback at a reduced price. You must understand, properties like this are considered historical relics, and the government has the legal right to act accordingly. Have you considered this issue? That’s why I’m asking you how many such properties we have. This is something the management team must address within the boundaries of the law.
“It concerns both the company’s immediate interests and its public image. I want you to seriously consider this issue and give me an answer as soon as possible. Alright, you might as well drive me back to the villa from this morning—I still have something unfinished there. I need to think about how to resolve this matter.” Mu Lin gave Claire a seemingly reasonable excuse.
After Claire left, Mu Lin resumed his earlier work. Finally, after clearing the room leading to the next storage area, he prepared to enter the secret underground storage room. This time, Mu Lin first closed the courtyard gate and then set up a talisman at the basement entrance that would alert him if anyone approached, giving him time to return to the first basement level.
After completing these precautions, Mu Lin pulled a handle inside the basement fireplace, revealing a hidden door. Due to long disuse, the door creaked loudly. Once the stale air had cleared, Mu Lin entered the room. Thanks to its good seal, the room was surprisingly free of dust.
Approaching several wooden chests, Mu Lin opened one of them. Goodness! It was filled entirely with gold coins—nothing but gold and silver coins in all the chests. A quick glance revealed French coins from the reigns of Henri and Louis, British coins from the Stuart dynasty, some from the Byzantine Empire, and a few from the ancient Roman Empire.
Goodness, Mu Lin silently marveled at the owner’s identity. These coins alone represented a considerable fortune. Furthermore, the owner appeared to be a coin collector who had gathered coins from multiple nations and dynasties. Most of these coins would fetch enormous prices if auctioned today.
Take, for example, a gold coin from the Byzantine Empire, which recently sold at Sotheby’s for 1.8 million pounds. Using his true yuan force, Mu Lin began stuffing all the coins into his ring, regardless of size or weight. Many of these coins were already considered rare or unique in numismatic circles, with only a few existing.
Yet Mu Lin thought, aside from what he had found, there might be even more buried beneath other European countries. If he ever ran short of money, he could always sell some. After loading tens of thousands of gold coins into his ring, Mu Lin made sure to destroy the wooden chests to eliminate any evidence. Once everything was handled, he left the place.
As he reached the door, Claire arrived to pick him up, suggesting they had already devised a plan. Mu Lin hadn’t expected them to act so quickly. However, once he got into the car and heard Claire’s explanation, he realized the truth was different. In the afternoon, Claire had summoned the company executives to discuss solutions to this issue. During recruitment, the company had promised that those who worked wholeheartedly for the company would have their futures guaranteed. Therefore, some executives had indeed considered this issue.
The most notable among them were the company’s administrative manager and business manager—Mu Lin’s two senior classmates from university, Winnie, the administrative manager he first interviewed, and Jessie, the business manager. They had proposed two different plans, leaving Claire unable to decide. That’s why she had come to Mu Lin, asking him—the real boss—to resolve the issue and choose the best plan.
Back at the company, Mu Lin sat in Claire’s office and asked her to summon Winnie and Jessie to report their proposals. Since he hadn’t truly managed the company yet, Mu Lin hadn’t set up his own office. Although Claire had told Mu Lin who Winnie and Jessie were, he had long forgotten them.
To elaborate, after the company was established, both were sent to Europe to set up the new branch. Due to their excellent work, Claire recalled them and appointed them as the company’s administrative and business managers. This time, they had been transferred back to headquarters. While in Europe, they had already noticed this issue, and upon returning, they brought it with them.
They had been quite content working in this new company, where they could truly utilize their talents. Upon hearing Claire say the company owner wanted to hear their proposals, they felt honored to work for such a company. Having not seen the boss in the past few days, they were excited at the news that he wanted to meet them and hurried to Claire’s office.
They were also quite curious about the boss who had come up with such a brilliant idea and conducted such large-scale business. Upon knocking and entering, the two were immediately stunned.
Seeing the surprised expression on Mu Lin’s face, Claire felt even more pleased with herself. Mu Lin always appeared composed and unflappable, exuding a maturity beyond his years. Witnessing his astonishment was, in Claire’s eyes, her own little triumph.
Mu Lin hadn’t expected that a mere whim would earn him so much money. After all, this industry was temporary. Once these assets were dealt with, his company would need to pivot immediately. Lost in thought, he glanced up and saw Claire daydreaming, so he decided not to disturb her.
By the time Mu Lin had nearly finished eating, Claire finally spoke up, “Daniel, are you done?” She had been so absorbed in her own thoughts that she hadn’t noticed Mu Lin was almost finished, while she had barely touched her food. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she tried to make conversation.
Mu Lin knew better than to let his guard down around women at such moments, so he replied seriously, “Claire, once you’re done, I have something to discuss with you.” With that, he left the table.
In truth, Mu Lin was pondering a problem. His company undoubtedly owned properties similar to the villa he had discovered earlier—assets that were tying up capital. Moreover, some might even have hidden storage rooms, and selling them prematurely could mean significant losses. But how to leverage these assets was another issue, one that directly impacted the company’s reputation.
When Claire finally finished eating, Mu Lin asked, “Claire, how many properties like the villa we saw this morning does our company currently own?”
Claire blinked in surprise. “Oh, I haven’t tallied that yet. Why do you ask?” It was clear she hadn’t given the matter any thought.
Mu Lin explained, “Well, you saw what happened this morning. My first question is: we’ve already purchased that villa, and according to the records, it was among the first batch acquired. It’s been three months now. If we don’t sell it next month and fail to carry out necessary renovations, the government could sue us, demanding repairs or even forcing a low-price buyback.
“You must understand, properties like these are practically historical artifacts. Legally, the government has every right to intervene. So, have you considered this issue? That’s why I’m asking—how many such properties do we have? It’s up to the management team to figure out how to handle them within legal bounds.
“This affects both the company’s bottom line and its public image. I need you to think it over carefully and get back to me with a solution as soon as possible. Now, please take me back to the villa from this morning. I still have some unfinished business there. I need to think about how to resolve this.” Mu Lin gave Claire a perfectly reasonable excuse.
Once Claire left, Mu Lin resumed his work from the morning. After finally clearing the room that led to the next storage area, he prepared to enter the secret underground vault. This time, he first closed the courtyard gate, then set up a trigger talisman at the basement entrance—any intruder would alert him, giving him time to retreat to the first level.
With everything in place, Mu Lin pulled a lever hidden in the basement fireplace, revealing a concealed door. The hinges screeched from disuse. After the stale air dissipated, he stepped inside. Thanks to the room’s airtight seal, there was surprisingly little dust.
Approaching several wooden crates, Mu Lin opened one and gasped—it was filled entirely with gold coins. Every crate he unsealed contained either gold or silver coins. A quick inspection revealed most were from the reigns of French kings Henri and Louis, British coins from the Stuart dynasty, along with a few Byzantine and even ancient Roman coins.
Mu Lin marveled at the sheer value of the hoard. Just these coins alone were a fortune, and the previous owner seemed to have been a dedicated collector, amassing currency from multiple nations and eras. Many of these coins, if auctioned today, would fetch astronomical sums.
For instance, a single Byzantine gold coin had recently sold for £1.8 million at Sotheby’s. Using his spiritual energy, Mu Lin swiftly packed all the coins—sorted by weight and size—into his storage ring. Many of these coins were considered rare or even unique in numismatic circles.
But Mu Lin mused that this might just be the tip of the iceberg. Who knew how many more treasures lay buried across Europe? If he ever ran short on funds, he could always sell a few. After stashing tens of thousands of coins into his ring, he destroyed the crates to leave no trace.
By the time he stepped outside, Claire had returned to pick him up. It seemed the management team had already devised a plan—much faster than Mu Lin had anticipated. But as soon as he got into the car, Claire explained that wasn’t the case.
That afternoon, she had convened a meeting with the company’s executives to brainstorm solutions. During recruitment, the company had promised that anyone who genuinely prioritized its interests would be guaranteed a bright future. As a result, some executives had indeed considered the issue.
The leading voices were the administrative manager and the operations manager—Mu Lin’s two senior colleagues from university. Winnie, the first interviewee hired as administrative manager, and Jessie, the operations manager, had proposed two different plans. Claire, unable to decide, had brought the matter to Mu Lin, the true owner, for a final verdict.
Back at the office, Mu Lin sat in Claire’s office and asked her to summon Winnie and Jessie to present their proposals. Since he hadn’t formally taken over management, he didn’t have his own office yet. Though Claire had mentioned the two women before, Mu Lin had long forgotten them.
After the company’s founding, both had been sent to Europe to establish new branches. Their stellar performance earned them promotions—Winnie as administrative manager and Jessie as operations manager. Their recall to headquarters coincided with their discovery of the property issue, which they brought back with them.
Both women had thrived in the company, finally able to showcase their talents. When Claire informed them the owner wanted to hear their proposals, they were thrilled—working for such a visionary leader was an honor. Eager to meet the boss they’d heard so much about, they hurried to Claire’s office.
They were also curious about the mastermind behind the company’s bold ventures. But when they entered and saw Mu Lin sitting there, they froze.
Though Mu Lin had forgotten them, the two women remembered him vividly. During their interview, Mu Lin’s curiosity had led him to probe them with his spiritual sense. Unbeknownst to him, their unique constitutions allowed them to feel his energy like a pair of hands gliding over their bodies. Humiliated and furious, they mistook it for lecherous staring.
At the time, with no proof and in a formal setting, they bit their tongues. Assuming Mu Lin was just another executive, they later considered confronting him—but he never reappeared. Embarrassed to bring it up with Claire, they eventually let it go after their Europe assignment.
Now, seeing the “pervert” seated before them, their anger reignited.
Glaring daggers at Mu Lin, they snapped, “What are you doing here, you creep? The GM said the boss was waiting for us. Where is he?”
Mu Lin, oblivious to their grudge, frowned. “What’s wrong? Can’t I be the boss?”
In unison, they retorted, “If you’re the boss, then we’re the president’s mothers!”
Claire, entering just then, stopped Mu Lin from rising. “Winnie, Jessie, you’re mistaken. Daniel is the chairman—the sole owner of this company.”
The girls gaped in shock.
Mu Lin smirked. “See? Told you I’m the boss. Though you’re way too young to be anyone’s mother.”
Their faces flushed crimson. “So what if you’re the boss? You’re still just a little pervert!”
Mu Lin bristled, but Claire intervened. As a perceptive woman, she had initially assumed Mu Lin fancied the two girls during recruitment. Considering herself an older, married woman, she was content simply staying by his side.
Over time, she had nurtured Winnie and Jessie’s talents, and their stellar performance justified their promotions. She had even recalled them to headquarters, hoping to create opportunities for Mu Lin. But their immediate hostility made it clear things weren’t as she’d imagined.
She stopped Mu Lin not just to prevent a scene, but also to retain two invaluable assets.
(Note: Daily updates—three to four chapters. Dear readers, the groundwork is now laid. Mu Lin’s rise begins! Humbly requesting your votes.)
Moreover, since it was a job interview and they had no evidence, they didn’t confront him on the spot. Coupled with Mu Lin’s silence, they assumed he was just another company executive. After joining the company, they had considered confronting Mu Lin about it but hadn’t seen him again. They also felt embarrassed to ask Claire about such a minor issue. Soon after, they were sent to Europe, and over time, their resentment gradually faded. Now, seeing that “pervert” Mu Lin sitting there, they naturally weren’t going to give him a pleasant look.
They glared at Mu Lin angrily and asked, “What is this pervert doing here? Didn’t the general manager say the boss was waiting here for us to report our plans? Where is he now?”
Mu Lin had long forgotten this incident and thought to himself that these two girls must be ill. He had never seen them before, so how could they greet him with the term “pervert”? Did he really not look like the boss?
Feeling somewhat displeased, he replied, “What’s wrong? Can’t I be the boss?”
As soon as the words left his mouth, both women spoke in unison, “If you’re the boss, then we’re the mother of the president!”
At that moment, Claire, who had just entered, stopped Mu Lin from standing up and said to the two women, “Winnie, Jessie, you’re mistaken. Daniel is the chairman of the company, and this company is entirely his.” The two girls were taken aback by Claire’s words but hadn’t spoken yet.
Sitting there, Mu Lin smirked at the two women and said, “Well, do you believe I’m the company’s boss now? Although, if you want to be the mother of the president, you’re still a bit too young!”
The two girls were furious, their faces turning red. “So what if you’re the boss? You’re still just a pervert!”
Before Mu Lin could retort, Claire stopped him, ready to counterattack. Claire, with her keen feminine intuition, had always thought during the interview that Mu Lin was fond of the two girls. Considering herself a married woman, much older than Mu Lin, she felt content just to be by his side.
In the subsequent work, she had always made an effort to train the two girls. And indeed, the two girls had lived up to expectations, achieving remarkable work results. Therefore, she naturally transferred them back to the headquarters to create opportunities for Mu Lin. Now, seeing the immediate conflict between the two parties upon meeting, it was clearly not the case, so she stopped Mu Lin, not wanting to lose two valuable talents.
The book now begins to wrap up its initial setup, and Mu Lin is about to unleash his power. I humbly ask for your votes, dear readers. There are usually three to four chapters updated daily.
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