Chapter 105 Thank You

Chapter 105: Thank You

When Lin Juangui arrived home, Zheng Shi and Gu Mi had already been waiting for a long time.

Seeing Lin Juangui, the two of them immediately stepped forward to inform him of the situation.

"Mr. Mu was taken away by the police. The reason given is his involvement in the establishment of an illegal laboratory. They also accused him of being connected to the recent disaster on Puli Star. The President has specially set up a dedicated investigation team, and they show no sign of backing down."

Zheng Shi's brow remained furrowed, and Gu Mi was even more distraught, his face unable to hide his distress. "Ge Miao is also locked up right now. They clearly set up a whole scheme!"

Lin Juangui remained composed. He asked Zheng Shi who had accused Mu Zhang.

"Liang Shanyue. He came to the Federal Capital Star with you. While you were handling your affairs, he went directly to the police station, claiming to plead his brother's innocence."

As for the evidence Liang Shanyue provided, it was naturally the video he had received earlier on Yungang Star, showing Jin Qi suffering in the laboratory.

Lin Juangui took a deep breath, turned around, and sat back down on the sofa. He hunched over, lowering his head, clearly deep in thought about a countermeasure.

Gu Mi said indignantly, "These people should be packed onto a battleship and beaten into submission so they stop making trouble!"

Lin Juangui slowly raised his head. "Zheng Shi, first, keep things under control at the police station. Did you destroy all the experimental materials in Mu Zhang's possession?"

"Yes, when the disaster occurred on Puli Star, Mr. Mu had already arranged for me to eliminate all traces."

Lin Juangui seemed somewhat relieved. "The source of Liang Shanyue's evidence is unclear. Once the Liang family seizes an opportunity, they won't let go. The top priority now is to spring Ge Miao first. Use this case to quell the narrative the Liang family is deliberately whipping up. Last night, were they really the only ones who could provide an alibi for each other? No one else?"

At this point, Zheng Shi's expression became somewhat awkward, as if he didn't know how to phrase it. "That night, Mr. Mu was drunk. Ge Miao stayed with him the whole night. There were no surveillance cameras in the bar. They didn't return home until dawn."

Of course, the only person who could make Mu Zhang that depressed was Lin Juangui. Although Zheng Shi's words were tactful, Lin Juangui still understood.

Lin Juangui didn't have time to get into it with Zheng Shi. He simply turned to look at Gu Mi. "I'll have Tianguang prepare on their end. If an emergency arises, ensure coordination from inside and out. Mu Zhang's life is the absolute top priority."

Gu Mi nodded. He knew Lin Juangui was making final preparations.

If the Federation decided to eliminate Mu Zhang for good, Tianguang would be the last trump card to play.

Early the next morning, Lin Juangui arrived at the Mu family's old mansion.

Mu Jie seemed to have anticipated Lin Juangui's visit and had the butler take him directly to the backyard.

The old man was currently watering flowers with a watering can. Hearing footsteps, he didn't turn around. Only after finishing his task did he turn and glance at Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui politely greeted him, "Grandfather."

Mu Jie placed the watering can beside the pile of gardening tools in the corner of the yard and picked up a towel to wipe his hands.

"How have you been lately?" Mu Jie didn't ask about Mu Zhang's situation but inquired about Lin Juangui's recent experiences.

Lin Juangui remained composed in his reply. "My relationship with Mu Zhang has grown even closer."

Mu Jie narrowed his eyes. Lin Juangui could see a shadow of Mu Zhang in his faint, ambiguous smile.

"And besides Mu Zhang, what about that fellow who helped you through your heat?"

Mu Jie had long been aware of the nature of Mu Zhang and Lin Juangui's marriage. He hadn't interfered because Mu Zhang used to prefer Alphas. The fact that he married an Omega was already, in Mu Jie's view, a stroke of incredible luck for the family lineage.

Whether these two could have children wasn't important. As long as Mu Zhang could manage the Mu family seriously and contribute to the Federation's development, and Lin Juangui could maintain a good public image, Mu Jie could turn a blind eye.

After all, there were plenty of children from other branches of the Mu family. If they wanted to raise one, they could pick any. So Mu Jie wasn't worried at all.

But what Mu Jie hadn't expected was that all Lin Juangui had done over the years was actually aimed at bringing about Mu Zhang's destruction.

Whether it was long-planned or a desperate gamble for that lover, Mu Jie needed an answer.

Lin Juangui pursed his lips into a smile. It was unclear whether it was embarrassment at having his motives seen through or simply dropping the pretense. He said with genuine sincerity, "Mu Zhang and I are just incompatible in terms of pheromones. Everything else is fine. But with General Huo, we each take what we need. If possible, I hope to one day cut out his gland and stick it into Mu Zhang. Then there would be no problems between Mu Zhang and me."

As he spoke, a kind of morbid anticipation seeped into Lin Juangui's eyes. Mu Jie's facial muscles twitched slightly in shock at his words.

"So, you're saying you got involved with that Huo fellow out of necessity."

Mu Jie walked over and sat down in the pavilion in the backyard. Lin Juangui stood there upright and proper, showing no sign of discomfort. "He said he likes me, needs me. I thought it'd be a shame to betray his devotion after all these years. And with General Mu hospitalized in a coma, I needed someone to help me through my heat."

It was as if everything Lin Juangui did was simply following the natural course of events.

Mu Jie's attitude didn't soften at all. "In that case, why have you been meticulously plotting against Mu Zhang? How has Mu Zhang treated you poorly all these years?"

The topic shifted abruptly, fast enough that most people wouldn't be able to react. Lin Juangui continued to play dumb. "Why would I want to deal with Mu Zhang?"

To outsiders, anyone might want to harm Mu Zhang, except Lin Juangui.

Over the years, how Lin Juangui had protected Mu Zhang's image, spoken of how much Mu Zhang loved him, and built for Mu Zhang the persona of a man devoted to his family after marriage—Mu Jie was well aware of all this.

But precisely because he discovered that Lin Juangui before the amnesia and Lin Juangui after the amnesia were actually doing the same thing, Mu Jie felt a chill run down his spine.

He even suspected that Lin Juangui might not have lost his memory at all.

But the doctors who treated Lin Juangui after the accident all said that, based on professional analysis, Lin Juangui had indeed suffered amnesia. Mu Jie didn't believe Lin Juangui could deceive those doctors and professional instruments.

So when Lin Juangui stood alone before Mu Jie, Mu Jie's gaze held more scrutiny than anything else.

Lin Juangui's face was full of the confidence of one who walks upright and fears no shadow, as if determined that Mu Jie could do nothing to him.

What else could they do? Apart from his private life, which could be used against him, no one could threaten Lin Juangui through anything else.

What Mu Jie probably hoped for now was that Lin Juangui wouldn't abandon Mu Zhang when disaster struck.

Lin Juangui had many ways to clear his own name, not to mention all the charity work he had done over the years. His image was deeply ingrained in people's minds. If he wanted to abandon Mu Zhang, he could do so easily and even emerge unscathed.

But Lin Juangui wouldn't do that.

His visit to Mu Jie today meant he hadn't given up on Mu Zhang.

Mu Jie couldn't answer Lin Juangui's question, so the conversation moved to the next point. "Regarding Mu Zhang's situation, how do you plan to handle it?"

Lin Juangui sat down opposite Mu Jie on his own accord. He asked Mu Jie how much he cared about Mu Zhang.

"What do you mean?" Mu Jie frowned in displeasure, clearly not expecting Lin Juangui to ask this.

Lin Juangui, however, looked as if the matter was easily resolved. "The good reputation you've built up in the Federation over all these years—isn't this the time to use it?"

Could it be that Mu Jie would just watch his precious grandson be convicted and sent to prison while he stayed here watering flowers, doing nothing useful?

Mu Jie took a deep breath, his face showing sudden understanding, as if he had finally seen through Lin Juangui's scheme.

"You hope that once I fall, Mu Zhang will lose his backing completely, and then you can do whatever you want without anyone stopping you."

Lin Juangui lowered his head and chuckled softly, not directly denying Mu Jie's inference. "I thought Mu Zhang was very important to you. I didn't realize that compared to your honors, Mu Zhang still ranks lower."

Mu Jie was left speechless by Lin Juangui's words, his face flushed with a mix of anger and humiliation.

Lin Juangui slowly stood up, looking deeply disappointed, his tone dropping and tinged with dejection. "I'm already prepared for the worst. If those people insist on taking Mu Zhang's life, I'll have Tianguang launch an attack on the Federal Central Star and rescue Mu Zhang amidst the chaos. For him, I'm willing to risk everything. I never expected that you, who share his blood, wouldn't go that far. It seems his resentment toward you back then wasn't without reason."

These words were vicious, striking straight at Mu Jie's heart.

Lin Juangui no longer intended to say anything more to Mu Jie, but Mu Jie suddenly bellowed, "If you really dare to let Tianguang attack the Federation, that would truly be sending him to his death!"

Perhaps in Mu Jie's mind, only armies incorporated into the Federation were considered legitimate. The Tianguang that Mu Zhang had built over the years was nothing more than a ragtag outfit. That's why he had advised Mu Zhang to return to the Federation and enter the faction-ridden Political Department for the sake of Lin Juangui's future "stable life."

To an old general who had earned a lifetime of honor and prestige through military achievements, having Tianguang attack the Federation was equivalent to rebellion.

Lin Juangui remained calm and composed, as if what he was saying wasn't a spur-of-the-moment idea or an impulsive act for Mu Zhang's sake.

He was seriously considering the possibility of overthrowing the Federation.

"Grandfather, why do you think the Federation has become what it is today?"

The answer was mutually understood.

Those in power were all busy consolidating their family influence and amassing wealth, which allowed the Federation government to be thoroughly infiltrated, rotten beyond repair.

Could it still be saved? Look at how busy Mu Zhang had been these past few years. Despite all his efforts, he still couldn't reverse the situation and even became the target of jealousy, with people deciding to join forces to destroy him.

Liang Shanyue's report was just the spark. The investigation team set up for Mu Zhang would receive a continuous stream of "evidence" for a long time to come.

Mu Zhang had already been taken to the police station, which was a major stain on his political career. Although Federation citizens didn't care much about such things, reversing this image in the future would undoubtedly require considerable effort.

Given that, why not go all in?

But Mu Jie would never allow Lin Juangui to go that far.

He knew Lin Juangui was using Tianguang to force him into making an incredibly important choice.

Now, not only was Mu Zhang in Lin Juangui's hands, but Mu Jie also had to step into Lin Juangui's trap; otherwise, Mu Zhang would definitely not even survive.

Mu Jie took a deep breath, as if finally accepting his fate. He asked Lin Juangui one last question, "Why are you doing this? Tell me the truth."

Lin Juangui looked at the Cloud Amber ring on his ring finger, his smile suddenly becoming very gentle. "I want Mu Zhang to be with me forever."

Mu Jie seemed utterly speechless, staring at Lin Juangui without blinking.

But Lin Juangui spoke with sincerity, "After I woke up, it was always Mu Zhang taking care of me. He was gentle and attentive toward me, yet tormented by guilt over things I couldn't remember at all. I told him it was okay, that it was all in the past. But after he took up his post in the Political Department, he spent less and less time with me. I also learned a bit about what he had done in the past through many friends, but I truly didn't care. Yet, he drifted further and further away from me."

As if completely immersed in this performance, Lin Juangui truly became that love-driven madman. "I discovered that my pre-amnesia self had left behind some plans. I also found out who helped me through my heat and what my past relationship with Mu Yuanqing was. I was so heartbroken. The person I loved had once devoted himself entirely to someone else. I couldn't accept it."

Lin Juangui's eyes were already red. He had stayed up all night for Mu Zhang, and his lips were somewhat pale.

"Heaven favored me, or perhaps those who care for me couldn't bear to see me suffer by Mu Zhang's side. Mu Yuanqing got into trouble and is now lying unconscious in the hospital. There's only one last obstacle between Mu Zhang and me. Once I obtain Huo Zeshen's gland, no one will be able to separate me from Mu Zhang."

Mu Jie could only stare blankly at Lin Juangui, completely speechless.

Lin Juangui raised his hand to wipe the tear from the corner of his eye and gave Mu Jie a somewhat eerie smile. "Grandfather, you'll understand my good intentions, won't you?"

"...You're truly insane. How could Mu Zhang marry an Omega like you!"

Lin Juangui slowly stood up and walked toward Mu Jie, who instinctively leaned back.

Lin Juangui smiled brightly, his eyes curving. "It was Mu Zhang who chose me back then. The marriage physical even detected that I had depressive tendencies. Afterward, I even saw a psychologist for a long time. As for whether I got better, you can see from how I am now. I want Mu Zhang to survive more than anyone. If he can't, then I'll just die with him. Maybe we'll meet again in our next life."

Mu Jie trembled, pointing toward the backyard entrance. "Get out! Get out!"

Lin Juangui's smile slowly faded. He stared at Mu Jie for a moment before turning and leaving without looking back.

Mu Jie, still shaken, clutched his chest and gasped for breath for a long time. Only after his heart rate had somewhat stabilized did he call Geng Xuelan.

At a time like this, relying on himself alone certainly couldn't guarantee Mu Zhang's safety.

Although the Federation government was fragmented, the laws and law enforcement agencies that had remained over the years at least held the last line. Getting Mu Zhang out of this would require a collective effort.

Mu Jie had made his choice.

At a time like this, life was naturally more important.

After leaving the Mu family, Lin Juangui went straight to meet Liang Shanyue.

They met at a coffee shop with private rooms. Liang Shanyue had been waiting for a long time, seemingly anxious to explain something to Lin Juangui. When he saw Lin Juangui's haggard appearance, he hurried forward, but Lin Juangui avoided his gaze.

"Why?" The direct question suggested Lin Juangui didn't want to waste time with Liang Shanyue.

Liang Shanyue helped Lin Juangui sit down. He knew what Lin Juangui's reaction would be after he made that decision, but Mu Zhang had already taken action against the Liang family. As a descendant of the Liang family, how could Liang Shanyue do nothing?

Liang Shanyue wasn't unaware of what Lin Juangui had done to the Liang family over the years, but matters of the main family had long been irrelevant to him. Liang Shanyue had no desire to get involved in that mess.

But this time was different. Mu Zhang had caused the death of a Liang family member. Liang Shanyue couldn't turn a blind eye.

Moreover, in Liang Shanyue's eyes, he was doing a good deed.

With Mu Zhang gone, given Lin Juangui's abilities, he could certainly protect himself. Not only could he leave Mu Zhang, but he could also be with Huo Zeshen. Wasn't that good?

Liang Shanyue knew that Lin Juangui and Mu Zhang had gotten along well after Lin Juangui lost his memory, but if their relationship was truly good, would Lin Juangui have been involved with Huo Zeshen?

"I was helping you. Mu Zhang was never a good person. You couldn't divorce him, but after sending him to prison, you could hire a lawyer and apply for assistance from the Federation Omega Association. When an Alpha who commits a crime goes to prison and can't provide happiness for his Omega, the Omega can file for a unilateral divorce. Don't you think that's a good path?"

Lin Juangui finally slowly looked up at Liang Shanyue. "Thank you."

Liang Shanyue smiled with relief, thinking Lin Juangui was willing to accept his goodwill. But Lin Juangui said, "But this wasn't my own choice. You weren't helping me; you were helping the Liang family. All these years, have you been completely unaware of what the Liang family has done? You always act detached, turning a blind eye to the Liang family's wrongdoings, yet you never miss out on any benefits. Now you come and tell me you did all this for my own good. I find that utterly absurd."

"..." Liang Shanyue's smile gradually froze.

Mu Zhang had also participated in the experiments organized by the Liang family. Before being fully convicted, Mu Zhang would definitely drag the Liang family down with him. Then no one would have peace.

Liang Shanyue lowered his head to compose himself before saying to Lin Juangui, "Back then, you asked me to return to the Liang family to seek help, stopping Mu Zhang and my uncles from establishing a laboratory on Yun Gang Star. I was very grateful to you. After that, we were good friends for a long time. You even... managed Runlin so successfully. I admired you. But I never imagined my good friend would reach so far."

Being able to maintain a marriage with Mu Zhang after everything he had done—such perseverance and endurance truly impressed Liang Shanyue.

Liang Shanyue genuinely hoped Lin Juangui would leave Mu Zhang, genuinely disliked Mu Zhang, and genuinely wished for the Liang family to remain standing.

When conflicts arise between people, even friendship becomes impossible.

Liang Shanyue was a selfish person. He wouldn't allow any unstable factors to disrupt his life.

Lin Juangui was suddenly grabbed by the neck by Liang Shanyue, who seemed forced to find an excuse for himself: "Juangui, why can't you understand my good intentions? Mu Zhang is trash. No matter how well he treats you, it doesn't change the fact that he's trash. I just did what I had to do. Why are you angry with me?"

As if having lost the will to resist, Lin Juangui looked at Liang Shanyue with disappointment, his face flushed from lack of air.

"What are you doing!" The newcomer shoved Liang Shanyue away, sending him crashing into the wall. Liang Shanyue instinctively clutched his stomach.

Zhuang Xi asked Lin Juangui, concerned, "Are you okay, Juangui?"

Lin Juangui coughed a few times, finally catching his breath before looking at Liang Shanyue with a quiet, pensive gaze. "I know everyone has their own stance. I get that you did this for your family, and I don't blame you. But you shouldn't have used me to get back at Mu Zhang and then claimed you were doing it to help me. You get that?"

Outside the room, many guests had gathered at the door to gawk at the commotion. Although Lin Juangui hadn't appeared in public for a long time, some still recognized him.

Lin Juangui's words were clearly heard by the crowd, likely providing fresh fodder for the media later.

Zhuang Xi asked if Lin Juangui wanted to call an ambulance and the police. Lin Juangui shook his head, his voice hoarse from Liang Shanyue's earlier actions. "No need. I don't want to escalate the conflict."

As the two prepared to leave, Liang Shanyue suddenly spoke up: "I'm sorry, but... could you call an ambulance for me?"

Lin Juangui turned to look at Liang Shanyue, whose face had gone pale as he clutched his stomach, trembling uncontrollably.

Zhuang Xi frowned as if about to say something, but Lin Juangui gently squeezed his arm to stop him. "Call the ambulance."

Liang Shanyue was fine, but the pregnancy was unstable after the intense emotional turmoil. They would likely have to spend a long time in the hospital.

By the time Lin Juangui walked out of the hospital with Zhuang Xi, the injury on his neck had improved significantly. The marks had faded considerably under the medical device, though faint red traces were still visible upon close inspection.

Zhuang Xi had originally come to see Lin Juangui to figure out what to do. Since Mu Zhang was put in jail, various rumors had emerged. The most damaging to the charity association was the claim that the children saved through Lin Juangui's projects had become test subjects in the experiments Mu Zhang was involved in.

"I'm sorry, Brother Zhuang, for dragging you into this."

Zhuang Xi sighed, not blaming him. "After all these years in the Federation, I've seen it all—nothing surprises me anymore. If you had really done that, I might have felt like strangling you myself. But precisely because I know you didn't, I feel it's unfair to you. Regardless of the sins Mu Zhang has committed over the years, I've witnessed your kindness."

Lin Juangui's eyes reddened. He thanked Zhuang Xi.

"I will address this matter, whether for your sake, Mu Zhang's, the innocent children caught up in it, or the thousands upon thousands who died in those experiments."

After a busy day, Lin Juangui returned home. Xiao Caili, catching his scent, came trotting over and affectionately nuzzled its head against his leg.

Lin Juangui washed his hands before picking up the cat. In the living room, he pulled up the evening news feed.

The scene of Zhuang Xi pushing Liang Shanyue away and shielding Lin Juangui had been captured and became the new front-page headline.

In the photo, Lin Juangui's vulnerability—coughing with his hand on his neck—contrasted sharply with Zhuang Xi's anger and Liang Shanyue's furious glare.

Despite Liang Shanyue being the one who submitted evidence to put Mu Zhang behind bars, Lin Juangui appeared more pitiable—a truly bizarre twist.

Later, photos of all three taking an ambulance to the police station, and Zhuang Xi supporting a distraught Lin Juangui as they left the hospital, were included at the end of the report.

People began to wonder why Liang Shanyue had tried to kill Lin Juangui—was it to eliminate all loose ends?

Many recent events were linked to the Liang family. Why were they making such moves?

Meanwhile, a group unconcerned with politics or current affairs remained die-hard fans who only care about looks.

"Haven't seen Lin Juangui in public for so long. Those press conference photos from years ago blew me away. He hasn't changed much over the years."

"What good is a pretty face when the heart is as black as ink? I don't believe he knew nothing about what Mu Zhang was doing."

"Didn't they say the children saved through his charity projects were all used by Mu Zhang for experiments? That Alpha-Omega pair are clearly birds of a feather."

Lin Juangui's carefully cultivated image seemed doomed to be destroyed alongside Mu Zhang's, yet he remained remarkably calm. He called Zheng Shi to ask about Ge Miao's situation.

Zheng Shi said the situation was not optimistic. The police were using the recording submitted by He Chuan as proof to convict him and were preparing to transfer the case to the judicial authorities.

"Are you alright?" Zheng Shi had seen the news and was worried about Lin Juangui.

Although Lin Juangui's meeting with Liang Shanyue had alleviated some of the public opinion pressure on Mu Zhang, Lin Juangui's actions clearly drew fire onto himself, putting himself in the spotlight.

Zheng Shi couldn't see Mu Zhang, but he knew this development was not what Mu Zhang wanted.

Lin Juangui lowered his head with a sigh, his voice sounding weak and hoarse. "Elder Mu won't just stand by. Since Ge Miao's side is no use, find a way for me to meet with Mu Zhang."

"Alright."

After hanging up with Zheng Shi, Lin Juangui received a video call from Huai Fu.

Lin Juangui answered, smiling at Huai Fu.

Huai Fu looked anxious. "You're still not stepping in at this point?!"

Beside him, Huai Jun sat leisurely, occasionally playing with Huai Fu's hair, seemingly indifferent to the chaos outside.

Lin Juangui remained composed. "Not yet. Patience."

"Are you okay? Did Liang Shanyue choke you? Why didn't you call the police?! If he's targeting Mu Zhang, you target him too!"

Before Lin Juangui could respond, Huai Jun spoke first: "Baby, that's not how the court of public opinion works."

Huai Fu turned to glare at Huai Jun, who raised his hands in surrender and fell silent.

Seeing that Huai Jun and Huai Fu seemed to be on good terms, a relieved smile appeared on Lin Juangui's face. "Public opinion hasn't peaked yet. Any response now would ruin the surprise. I asked you not to act to avoid alerting anyone. We need to be the ones who have the last laugh."

"But you're going through so much." Only a true friend would care so deeply about Lin Juangui's feelings.

Huai Fu spoke as if he were on the verge of tears himself, remembering his time studying with Lin Juangui on Yungang Star. Lin Juangui's presence had eased much of his anxiety, and with this friend's help, he had even resolved conflicts with Huai Jun.

Lin Juangui had made him braver and taught him how to face his own pain and confusion. Now, watching Lin Juangui in this mess, he felt he could do nothing—even though Lin Juangui had requested it.

Tears welled in Lin Juangui's eyes too. "This will all blow over. Trust me, okay?"

Huai Fu nodded. Huai Jun patted his back and sighed, as if exasperated by his sentimental younger brother.

"When are you planning to release the information on the Liang family?" Huai Jun asked, steering the conversation back on track.

Lin Juangui took a tissue to wipe the tears from the corner of his eye, quickly regaining his composure. "Soon. Pressing too hard would make it seem like a foregone conclusion. Let the Liang family enjoy their moment for a few days. I intend to take them all down—no one escapes."

Huai Fu sniffled and glanced at Huai Jun, who still wore his usual smiling expression. "Juangui has everything planned. We just need to follow his lead."

"Get some rest early. Even with everything going on, don't overwork yourself," Huai Fu said, still sounding worried about Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui nodded in acknowledgment. "You too. Don't be sad over my affairs. I'll handle everything."

Huai Fu naturally trusted Lin Juangui's capabilities. Before ending the call, Lin Juangui smiled at him, as if to reassure him.

"Meow." Xiao Caili let out a sound, its meow still as sickly-sweet as ever after all these years.

Lin Juangui immersed himself in cuddling the cat for a while, the little creature purring contentedly under his touch.

Lin Juangui knew he needed a good night's sleep.

When he awoke, a grander stage awaited his brilliant performance.