"Son, where on earth have you been? I couldn't get through to your phone, you nearly killed me with worry."

In the panoramic video feed, Yun Rong's face was etched with complaint.

Zhong Yun chuckled, "Your son is a grown man now, what’s there to worry about? I was just out wandering around. My phone broke, and I only just got a new one."

"If your father hadn't stopped me, I would have gone to the police. Honestly, you never let anyone rest easy."

Yun Rong's scolding words, however, warmed Zhong Yun’s heart. "I'm sorry. At most, I'll let you know in advance next time."

"Where's Dad?" Zhong Yun deliberately steered the conversation elsewhere.

"He's at the company. Where are you now? A hotel?"

"On a plane. I'll be in Mingzhou in a few hours," Zhong Yun said.

"Where did you get the money for such a high-class flight?"

Yun Rong was slightly surprised. From the panoramic image, it was clear he was in a very luxurious private suite—she had only assumed it was a regular cabin, never suspecting it was a private charter. Though her son was exceptional now, a mother always worried; he was still young, and spending too lavishly was surely not a good thing.

"Don't you worry about that. I'm not stealing or robbing anyone," Zhong Yun replied with a grin.

That was true enough. Yun Rong smiled faintly. Her son was growing up. He was sensible. She really shouldn't meddle too much. "When you get back to Mingzhou, come straight home."

"Aye aye, my esteemed mother."

"And, several of your friends called asking about your whereabouts. You should call them back too," Yun Rong instructed finally.

After hanging up, Zhong Yun paused before dialing Tian Hai's number first.

Predictably, the somewhat short-tempered Tian Hai nearly jumped out of the phone to beat him upon hearing it was Zhong Yun. "You bastard! You just vanished without a word. Gone for over a month—what kind of stunt is that?"

Zhong Yun spent ages coaxing and making heaps of promises before he could slightly soothe Tian Hai's anger.

"We'll settle scores when you get back. Right now, call Liu Yunqi immediately. She’s been looking for you like crazy," Tian Hai snapped before abruptly cutting the call.

Zhong Yun scratched his head. He hadn't expected leaving to cause such a stir. He thought a couple of explanations would smooth things over. It seemed Tian Hai was right; he really had been a jerk for not considering the feelings of those who cared about him.

What a warmly troublesome situation to be in.

Taking a long, deep breath, Zhong Yun dialed that number.

The call connected the moment he pressed send, and Liu Yunqi’s beautiful, familiar face appeared before him. The most advanced panoramic video technology displayed every subtle detail on her features clearly; her eyes shimmered with a hazy light, as if holding a thousand unsaid words.

It all condensed into a single line: "You’re back."

Something deep within his heart felt like it was about to explode. Zhong Yun found it hard to breathe; his throat felt constricted, and the rest of his words caught before he could speak them.

They gazed into each other’s eyes, the scene warm and silent. Even separated by the distance of the call, they could clearly sense a faint, lingering emotion flowing between them.

"I'll come see you tomorrow," Zhong Yun said softly after his surging emotions slowly calmed.

"I’ll wait for you," Liu Yunqi breathed out, her cherry lips barely moving, joy swirling softly in her eyes.

Those three short words were enough to make Zhong Yun completely captivated.

The call ended. He sank back onto the sofa, pressing a hand to his chest as if afraid his heart might actually leap out.

"You're saying Zhong Yun was intercepted by the Yang family?"

In the CEO's office at the headquarters of Yidao Group, Zhao Tingjian, who had been leaning back in his chair, sat bolt upright upon hearing Zhao Dai's report. His weary face hardened with gravity.

"It was my failure," Zhao Dai admitted with self-reproach.

"This is not your fault. The Yang family is beyond what you can contend with. You did very well," Zhao Tingjian soothed gently.

Zhao Dai felt a warmth spread through him. The CEO’s words carried a reassuring strength, sweeping away his gloom, and he subconsciously straightened his posture.

Zhao Tingjian paused in thought, then said to Zhao Dai, "You can leave now. I will handle this matter."

Zhao Dai acknowledged the instruction and quietly left the office that represented the highest authority of Yidao Group. As he departed, one question still lingered in his mind: Who exactly was this young man named Zhong Yun, to warrant such attention from both the CEO and the Yang family?

Only Zhao Tingjian remained in the vast office. He sat in his chair, his brow slightly furrowed, lost in deep contemplation.

For what reason had Yang Yunrong intercepted Zhong Yun? Was it merely to humiliate Yidao Group? Or was there some other hidden motive?

The relationship between Yidao Group and the Yang family was quite delicate. While they had no direct conflict of interest, they were subtly vying for dominance, each striving to surpass the other. On the surface, Yidao Group had held the upper hand for over a decade. In reality, that wasn't the case. The Yang family owned more than just Giant Machinery Group. The combined assets of all companies under the Yang family banner could rival two Yidao Groups. Even more formidable was their latent power; cultivated over centuries, the Yang family’s influence was vast and unfathomable.

Ever since discovering this behemoth, Zhao Tingjian had deliberately avoided any collision of interests, consciously steering clear of sectors the Yang family occupied. This was why Yidao Group and the Yang family had remained at peace.

However, friction was inevitable, especially when dealing with someone as unpredictable as Yang Yunrong. Zhao Tingjian had studied the senior management of Giant Machinery Group, finding Yang Yunrong, the head of the Mecha Department, the most inscrutable. According to the collected intelligence, this man was not only moody and volatile but also acted with utter recklessness—daring to dismiss even the mayor.

Such a person was a major headache, particularly given his status as the Yang family's second young master; most people could only endure his actions, daring not even show resentment openly.

Zhao Tingjian needed to ascertain whether this interception was a signal sent by the Yang family through Yang Yunrong, or if it was simply Yang Yunrong indulging his profligate nature on a whim, seeking to embarrass Yidao Group.

After long deliberation, having formulated several contingency plans, Zhao Tingjian looked up and spoke to the empty office.

"Connect me to Xiao Ruo."

"Yes, Sir," the intelligent assistant’s voice responded.

"Uncle Zhao, do you have news about Zhong Yun?" Xiao Ruo asked impatiently the moment the connection was established.

Seeing Xiao Ruo’s anxiety, the lines on Zhao Tingjian’s face softened. "Yes, I have news of him."

"Really?" Xiao Ruo’s beautiful eyes widened instantly, flashing with surprise and joy. "Where is he now?"

"You care about him so much. It seems your relationship isn't ordinary," Zhao Tingjian remarked with a smile.

"No... we're just... just ordinary friends," Xiao Ruo stammered out her explanation, her fair, tender face flushing red with shyness.

Zhao Tingjian sighed inwardly. Someone with Zhong Yun's mediocre aptitude was simply not worthy of Xiao Ruo, and he didn't wish for them to be together. Still, he chuckled outwardly, "He’s already on a flight to Mingzhou. He should arrive today."

"That's wonderful!" Xiao Ruo's embarrassment turned to delight, a sweet smile blossoming on her face. When she smiled, her eyes narrowed—she was indescribably lovely at that moment.

Just like her mother.

Zhao Tingjian's mind briefly drifted away.