Chapter 186 Bai Li Ming
Zi Yicheng carried Ye Shenge into the pavilion. A food box and a teapot were already on the stone table. Zi Yicheng also took out two books and handed them to Ye Shenge to pass the time.
There was also a recliner in the pavilion, and thin gauze curtains hung around the edges. The occasional breeze gently lifted the curtains, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
After ascending the mountain, Zi Yicheng ran quickly. He had often been thrown onto mountains during his training, so he knew how to hunt prey efficiently.
Time was tight today, so Zi Yicheng didn't venture into the deeper parts of the mountain. Besides, there was no need for them to hunt large prey; some pheasants and rabbits would suffice.
As he passed through the bushes, two pheasants were startled. Zi Yicheng swiftly and accurately threw a stone he picked up at the spot where the pheasants flew off, and his body followed their trajectory.
After catching two pheasants, Zi Yicheng decided not to hunt anymore. It was enough to eat, and the little girl would get bored waiting for him.
He quickly cleaned the pheasants by the stream. It took only an hour in total. Ye Shenge had been looking forward to seeing live game, but now she hadn't even seen a feather.
Ye Shenge leaned on her crutch, watching her boyfriend skillfully start a fire and build a makeshift grill. One pheasant was roasted directly over the fire, while the other was wrapped in large leaves with thick mud, making the legendary beggar's chicken.
Their time together was sweet and warm, but Ye Mu'en, who was abroad, was having a difficult time. Upon arriving in America, despite having fake identification documents, their skin color and features drew a lot of attention, which greatly restricted their movements.
Uncle Bai Si, having experienced the hardships of the journey, was already exhausted and fell ill in America before they could even detour to China.
Since most of the brothers who accompanied Ye Mu'en couldn't speak foreign languages, they had only learned a few simple conversations from Ye Mu'en during their travels. It was impossible for them to act alone. They could only scout the nearby routes while Uncle Bai Si recovered.
Another significant difficulty was their inability to adjust to the food. The first three days were novel, but after that, it felt like eating pig slop. Although there were many restaurants, they had to go to high-end establishments to eat things like steak. Since they couldn't be conspicuous, they had to make do with simple accommodations and meals.
The heir to the Bai Li family was named Bai Li Ming. He had been sent to America at the age of eight and was now twenty. According to the Bai Li family's plan, he would return to China in three years to quietly replace the current overt heir of the Bai Li family.
Bai Li Ming lived a life of privilege in America, attending a prestigious university and residing in a large estate, with five vehicles required for his protection whenever he went out. Therefore, it was even more difficult for Ye Mu'en to gather information.
The only opportunities to get close to Bai Li Ming now were through business or by entering his school. Relatively speaking, entering the school was more convenient.
Ye Mu'en first consolidated the businesses entrusted to him by Zi Yisheng. The Wen family was also quite famous in Mingcheng back then, so to prevent Bai Li Ming from discovering them, Ye Mu'en transferred all of the Wen family's assets to his sister's name, as Zi Yisheng had instructed.
Following this, Ye Mu'en and his companions changed their appearances, bought cars and carriages, and hired servants and a butler.
After everything was in order, Ye Mu'en submitted his proof of assets and examination application to the prestigious university. It wasn't Ye Mu'en boasting, but he had been a top student in his past life, so getting admitted to this foreign university was relatively smooth.
After recovering, Uncle Bai Si set off for China. He also wanted to consolidate his overseas influence and see if he could help his nephew later.
Bai Li Ming studied politics and economics abroad and achieved excellent academic results. Ye Mu'en also enrolled in Bai Li Ming's class. Due to his robust physique, handsome appearance, cheerful personality, and fluent foreign language skills, he quickly blended in with his classmates.
Of course, Bai Li Ming was an exception, completely ignoring the new Chinese students. Ye Mu'en was not in a hurry. In his previous life, both politics and economics were Ye Mu'en's strengths, and his knowledge soon attracted everyone's attention, including Bai Li Ming this time.
One day after school, Bai Li Ming directly stopped Ye Mu'en as he was about to get into his car.
"Hello, classmate Mu. May I speak with you in Mandarin?"
Ye Mu'en also projected his greatest amiability and extended his hand of "friendship."
"Of course. I've wanted to chat with you for a long time. I feel lucky to have a fellow countryman in class. It's just that you seem too busy and serious; I always feel like I'd be disturbing you."
Bai Li Ming was like an old scholar, rigid and precise. He was also slender and not tall. Therefore, he wasn't very sociable in class. He was willing to approach Ye Mu'en because he saw him as an outstanding Chinese individual.
Bai Li Ming knew about his future mission and that he was likely the next leader. Therefore, he needed to recruit talented individuals from all fields to work for him. Clearly, this person named Mu Sheng was his target.
"I admire you. Do you have time to chat?"
This was a test and an interview. If he was suitable, he would definitely be given an important position later. It was also Bai Li Ming's ingrained pride that made him overlook that all students at prestigious universities were heirs to various families or businesses. Who among them lacked money or power?
Ye Mu'en deliberately glanced at the diamond watch on his wrist, a flashy accessory his sister had given him. He said with regret,
"I'm very sorry, Bai Li. I have a meeting at the company today. How about we schedule another time?"
Bai Li Ming was clearly surprised and didn't expect to be refused. A flicker of displeasure crossed his face, but he quickly concealed it.
Ye Mu'en noticed it. He wanted Bai Li Ming to pay more attention to him. Whether their interaction was harmonious or confrontational, it would give him more opportunities.
"Alright then, I'll arrange another time."
For a week, Bai Li Ming didn't try to ask Ye Mu'en out again, but he became even more intrigued by the strength Mu Sheng displayed in class.
Ye Mu'en didn't care. He acted like a peacock in heat, desperately showcasing his "charm."
Finally, on the tenth day, Bai Li Ming stopped Mu Sheng again.
"Classmate Mu, do you happen to have time today?"
Ye Mu'en threw down the basketball he was holding and casually put his arm around Bai Li Ming's shoulder as they walked away.
"Great. Today, we're arm in arm. Tomorrow, we can have a drink together. Just a little longer, and it will be soon. I miss home, I miss my sister."
Bai Li Ming was unaccustomed to having his shoulder slung by someone, and he even felt that Mu Sheng lacked respect. Once he returned to China, he would be the leader, and even the leader of America would have to give him some face.
Ye Mu'en was unaware of all this. If he had known, he would have punched him in the face. What kind of person was he, wanting to be a leader? Did he really think there was no one left in China?