Chapter 249 - CH: 249 People can have a change of heart!

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{Chapter: 249 People can have a change of heart!}

After ending the call, Lin Yuan put down his phone.

He stayed a little longer by Qiu Wanxi's side, gently comforting her and chatting briefly to lighten the mood. Only after making sure she was resting well did he prepare to head out for the Lin Group headquarters.

Before leaving, Lin Yuan called for Jiang Rou and entrusted her with the task of taking care of Qiu Wanxi while he was gone.

Jiang Rou didn't hesitate to accept Lin Yuan's request. At this point, it seemed unlikely that she would refuse anything he asked of her. She had grown genuinely fond of Qiu Wanxi, who was gentle and kind by nature. It was easy to like someone like that.

As Lin Yuan turned to leave, Qiu Wanxi watched him go with a hint of reluctance in her eyes. But her heart was full. She had already spent the entire day in his company, something she had once only dreamed of.

Now, with her illness completely cured, it felt like a massive weight had been lifted off her shoulders. The future no longer seemed bleak or uncertain. With a few more days of rest, she would be completely recovered—and she had already made up her mind to devote herself wholeheartedly to Lin Yuan.

Meanwhile, Jiang Rou also found herself staring after the domineering figure of Lin Yuan as he walked away, a trace of unwillingness lingering in her heart.

Before leaving, Lin Yuan gave Qiu Wanxi a gentle kiss on the forehead, then mischievously reached under Jiang Rou's white medical coat and gave her a playful pinch on her ass.

Jiang Rou let out a soft gasp, cheeks turning slightly red, but didn't object.

Then, Lin Yuan left the hospital.

—

After exiting the hospital, Lin Yuan drove straight to the Lin Group's corporate headquarters in his sleek, midnight-black Lamborghini. The engine's purr echoed powerfully in the underground parking garage as he pulled into his reserved spot.

Just as he was about to get out of the car, Lin Yuan noticed a familiar red Ferrari parked nearby.

It seemed Yan Ruyue had arrived ahead of him.

Smiling to himself, Lin Yuan stepped out of his car and made his way inside.

This time, his arrival caused even more of a stir than before.

Employees of nearly everyone on the floor paused what they were doing as soon as they saw him. One by one, they stood up, greeting him with sincere respect: "Young Master Lin!"

Their tone held more than just courtesy—there was genuine admiration. After all, during his last visit, Lin Yuan had made the company 30 billion in a single strategic move. Even without considering his family background, his ability alone was enough to command their respect.

Lin Yuan didn't seem fazed by the attention. He simply gave a casual wave and smiled, maintaining his usual confident demeanor. Then he stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the seventh floor.

He had already informed his parents, Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan, to wait for him there.

As the elevator doors slid open, Lin Yuan immediately spotted them.

Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan stood in the hallway of the seventh floor, clearly waiting for him. What surprised him slightly was the presence of another familiar figure standing next to them—Yan Ruyue.

She seemed to be chatting with his parents, her demeanor relaxed and graceful.

Lin Yuan approached them with his usual calm confidence.

The three turned toward him at the same time.

"Come here, Xiao Yuan," Meng Yuelan called out warmly, smiling. "Xiao Yue came over to see you. She's been waiting quite a while. Hurry and say hello!"

Meng Yuelan remembered clearly how fond Lin Yuan used to be of Yan Ruyue. Seeing the young woman now take the initiative to visit, she thought her son must be secretly thrilled. Still, she worried that Lin Yuan might be indifferent and accidentally upset her, so she encouraged him to greet her properly.

What she didn't expect was for Yan Ruyue to beat Lin Yuan to it.

Before he could even open his mouth, Yan Ruyue had already stepped forward, her eyes lighting up.

"You're here!" she said cheerfully, her voice filled with unmistakable warmth.

"Yes." Lin Yuan smiled back, nodding in response.

Seeing the lively exchange between the two, Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan exchanged glances, both visibly surprised.

From what they remembered, the relationship between the two hadn't been great. But now, seeing Yan Ruyue greeting their son with such joy and Lin Yuan responding naturally—it seemed their dynamic had changed significantly.

In fact, it seemed they were getting along quite well. Yan Ruyue's expression was soft and affectionate, and there was no trace of her previous aloofness.

Her cold treatment of Lin Yuan in the past felt like something from a different lifetime.

Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan couldn't help but feel reassured. They still had a good impression of Yan Ruyue, who had once almost become their daughter-in-law. Now, seeing her again—gentler and more proactive—they found her even more likable.

The two parents nodded subtly to each other, silently thinking: What a well-matched pair these two make.

After Lin Yuan and Yan Ruyue finished their initial greetings, Lin Yuan turned to his parents and asked with a calm and focused expression, "Dad, Mom, can you tell me more about the situation with the clothing brand project?"

Upon hearing Lin Yuan's question, Meng Yuelan immediately responded, trying to wave away his concerns. "The issue seems to be the work of a copycat or imitation expert from the outside. It's not a big deal—we can handle it ourselves. You don't need to worry about this, Yuan'er. Why don't you take Xiao Yue to the movies instead? I'm sure you've been looking forward to spending time with her."

It was clear from Meng Yuelan's tone that she and Lin Jianjun were more interested in nurturing the relationship between Lin Yuan and Yan Ruyue than involving their son in corporate affairs at the moment. Both parents had already begun playing matchmaker in their hearts, believing the two young people would make a perfect pair.

When Meng Yuelan mentioned Lin Yuan's eagerness to see Yan Ruyue, the latter's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink. She lowered her head slightly and glanced at Lin Yuan with shy, flickering eyes.

The subtle blush and her reaction did not escape the notice of the two elders. Both Meng Yuelan and Lin Jianjun exchanged a glance, silently affirming their suspicion—Yan Ruyue clearly held feelings for Lin Yuan.

However, Lin Yuan didn't allow himself to be distracted by the romantic undertone of the moment. He said calmly but firmly, "There's no need to rush us off to the movies just yet. I want to understand the situation better. How can you be so certain that it's the work of an outsider—a so-called copycat master—and not someone within the company?"

His question made both Meng Yuelan and Lin Jianjun pause.

"The project was extremely confidential," Meng Yuelan replied after a brief silence. "Only a handful of our most trusted senior executives were even aware of its details. These are people who have worked with us for decades. They've helped the Lin Group grow through thick and thin. Calling them loyal would be an understatement. It's highly unlikely any of them would betray us."

Lin Jianjun nodded in agreement. "These individuals have always stood by our side. We've built this company together. It's hard to imagine one of them turning against us."

Lin Yuan's gaze narrowed slightly. "Loyalty built over time is commendable, but we should never assume that hearts cannot change. Long-term service doesn't make someone immune to temptation—or manipulation. It's possible that someone planted a mole in the company years ago, waiting for the right moment to strike."

His words carried the weight of reason, causing Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan to furrow their brows in concern. The implications were unsettling. If what Lin Yuan suspected was true, then the Lin Group might be facing an internal threat more dangerous than any external competitor.

Yet taking action too hastily would create waves within the company. These senior members held considerable influence. Simply accusing them without evidence could lead to instability and unrest among the staff.

Meng Yuelan tried to defuse the tension. "Yuan'er, you should really just enjoy your day with Xiao Yue. Your father and I can handle this. Let us shoulder the burden for now."

Lin Jianjun gave an encouraging nod, as if to say, "Leave the heavy lifting to us."

But Lin Yuan remained unmoved.

"Ding Fan, Wang Qu, Yu Zilin… These are some of the names involved in the clothing project, right?"

The sudden mention of those names caused a visible reaction in both Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan. They stared at Lin Yuan in disbelief.

How did he know that? Neither of them had shared that information with him. These details were tightly held and known only to a select few. Did someone break confidentiality and inform Lin Yuan without their knowledge?

No—Lin Yuan wasn't the type to keep such things hidden from them. If someone had whispered in his ear, he would have mentioned it.

Still reeling from the surprise, they listened as Lin Yuan continued, "Do you both remember the Mei family banquet? Back then, I sensed something unusual… That night was just the beginning of a pattern I've been observing. These names are part of my preliminary deduction. I'm convinced that there's a serious issue within our internal circle. Please—trust me on this. Call them in and let me see them for myself."

Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan exchanged a long, meaningful glance. They remembered clearly the extraordinary events at the Mei family banquet. Lin Yuan had demonstrated uncanny perception, seeing through facades and earning the favor of influential figures like Mei Yuxian and Cui Yunrong. He had revealed information others couldn't have possibly known.

In that moment, they reached a silent agreement. Lin Yuan's instincts were not to be dismissed.

"All right," Lin Jianjun finally said with a deep breath. "Since you're so certain, we'll summon them and let you observe. We'll follow your lead."

Meng Yuelan nodded firmly in support. "Let's get to the bottom of this."

Soon enough, under the instruction of Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan, eight individuals who had been directly involved in the clothing project were called up to the seventh floor. They arrived one after another, each unaware of the scrutiny awaiting them.

Lin Yuan stood ready, his sharp gaze calm but penetrating, prepared to uncover the hidden traitor among them.

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