Momo's Gradual Change - VOL. 1

C183. Big Brother is Amazing.

Chapter 183: Big Brother is Amazing

She was so caught up in the joy of the conversation that Song Yimo completely forgot to mention her plan to bring back a group of kids. Or, to be precise, her heart was racing too fast, and she simply overlooked it.

But this wasn’t something she could handle alone. With her big brother’s connections in S City, she’d need his help with everything from the kids' surgeries to getting them into school.

Come to think of it, she seemed to be constantly giving him more work. She should really try to share some of the load with him in the future.

Still, she delayed calling him until evening. Her friends had been overjoyed all day—spending every bit of their cash on a spree before finally coming back, only to start calling everyone they knew to share the good news. It wasn’t until after dinner that they began to calm down.

Song Yimo waved her phone. “You all head back to your rooms and rest. I’ll stay here and talk with my big brother about a few things.”

Understanding, Miao Zhiruo glanced at Zhou Qing, who was sitting at a nearby table, and felt reassured. “Don’t stay out too late,” she reminded Song Yimo before pulling the others away.

The waiter came to clear the table and brought her a glass of warm water. Only then did she slowly press her speed dial.

Zhai Muyang had been in meetings all afternoon and was now in the middle of a discussion with Zheng Senlin about their next steps. When he heard his special ringtone, he said, “Let’s take an hour’s break and continue after that.”

“Make it two hours. There’s no rush,” Zheng Senlin replied, gathering up the spread of documents. “Is that Xiao Yimo? When’s she coming back?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Give me the phone; I have something I’d like to discuss with her.”

Zhai Muyang connected the call first before asking, “What do you need to talk to Yimo about?”

“None of your business. Give me the phone.”

Zhai Muyang considered ignoring him, but he knew that Zheng Senlin’s stubborn persistence wouldn’t let up. Resigned, he turned on the speakerphone, positioning the microphone on his side. “Fine. Talk.”

“Such manners.” Zheng Senlin shot him an annoyed glance, leaned forward, and said, “Xiao Yimo, do you know what morel mushrooms are?”

Song Yimo laughed from the other end. “Yes, I know. I bought some today, actually. A Tibetan man took me to the market, and I got some really good ones. Do you want some, Zheng-ge?”

“Yes! See if you can find more. My old man loves them.”

“Sure, I’ll call and ask around.”

“Our Yimo is the best. By the way, I checked the scores this afternoon. You’re the top science scorer in the entire province this year—twenty points higher than the runner-up. Fantastic job! When you get back, Zheng-ge will have a gift waiting for you.”

"Thank you, Zheng-ge."

Zhai Muyang didn't give him a chance to keep boasting; he swiftly pulled the phone back. "Yimo."

"Dage, I'm causing trouble for you again."

Zheng Senlin raised an eyebrow, clearly interested, and made no move to leave. Zhai Muyang glanced at him but didn’t switch off the speakerphone.

"Zhou Qing mentioned something to me, but I only got the basics. Tell me everything."

Song Yimo wasn’t surprised that Zhou Qing had reported the situation. Hearing her big brother’s words, she carefully explained the whole situation, though she left out anything that hadn’t yet happened.

"You’ll understand once you meet him—he’s a smart kid. It would be a real pity if he strayed down the wrong path."

In truth, Zhou Qing’s report had been detailed. Zhai Muyang knew much more about the boy’s situation than Yimo did, even receiving a photograph. While a photo couldn’t reveal intelligence, the boy's calm demeanor and a hint of defiant toughness had been unmistakable.

A child with such a character, if properly guided, could become a formidable protector. When he couldn’t be by Yimo’s side, she might need such a sword.

"Have you decided how to arrange things for them?"

Zheng Senlin overheard Yimo's immediate response, showing she had already thought it through.

"Keeping them in Xinghu County would draw too much attention, and it’s not the right time to bring them to S City. I’m thinking of renting a big house in Mang City to settle them for now. I also plan to hire teachers so they can learn Mandarin and the basics. That way, they won’t feel out of place when they enter school."

"Very thorough. Where do you plan for them to attend school?"

"It’s hard for out-of-towners to enroll in S City..."

"That’s not something you need to worry about. If you want them to study in S City, I can transfer their household registrations there. It’s a small matter for me."

"You’re sure it won’t trouble you or make you ask for favors?"

Understanding her concern, Zhai Muyang’s expression softened, and his voice grew warmer. "Yimo, do you have any idea how large my company is?"

"I never really thought about it, but I know it’s big."

"Including subsidiaries like Mo Guang, I have nearly seventy thousand employees. We pay taxes in the billions every year. Naturally, the government grants us certain privileges. My company is allocated a set number of household registration slots each year. What you’re worried about isn’t an issue at all."

Zhai Muyang stated this matter-of-factly, without a trace of pride.

Song Yimo paused in silence, then said sincerely, "I always knew you were amazing, Dage. But I didn’t realize you were this amazing."

For Zhai Muyang, that simple acknowledgment, coming from Yimo, meant more than any elaborate praise. He instantly felt a softness wash over him.

"Zhou Qing will handle things there. Just come back as planned tomorrow."

"Got it, Dage." There was an unconscious note of reliance in Song Yimo’s voice. After a few more words, she ended the call.

Zheng Senlin lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and crossed his arms. "Isn’t Yimo’s personality a little too soft? If she really intends to take on that path someday, a character like hers could put her at a disadvantage."

"Her kindness isn’t indiscriminate. She’s more discerning than you think. If she were only intent on helping others, there’d be no peace around her in the past two years. If she’s even managing things outside the province, that boy, Shu Fan, must be something special in her eyes. If he proves worthy, he’ll be invaluable. Besides..."

Zhai Muyang poured himself a glass of water and took a sip. "I’m trying to build up some capital for her. At her age, anything she does can later be seen as natural and without pretense."

"Like… founding a few charitable trusts?"

Zhai Muyang smiled. "There are no true secrets. Once she steps into public life, her past will be an open book. Knowing this, why shouldn’t I make her record shine, giving her real influence?"

Zheng Senlin raised an eyebrow. "You’re setting up so much for her without telling her?"

"One day, she’ll know." Changing the subject, Zhai Muyang said, "The initial arrangements are in place, and the funds are ready. Pass on to Yang Shusheng that no official actions should be taken before we close in. If it gets spoiled again, I won’t be backing them up."

"I’ll deliver it word for word."

Tired of sparring, Zhai Muyang said, "Zou Mo will take over from here. I suspect he’ll use this to hit the Zou family where it hurts. Be prepared to cover for him if needed."

"Understood."