Chapter 92: Hello, Mr. Lin

Having gotten young Mu’en settled in, Lin Jie went back downstairs and firstly went to check if there were still any obvious traces at the scene where he found Mu’en.

Fortunately, the flowing floodwater that hadn’t completely cleared up had washed away all the remaining bloodstains.

Lin Jie was still cautious and went to examine the surroundings. On the whole, it seemed like there wasn’t anything noteworthy left behind.

This child had actually fled efficiently and Lin Jie didn’t see any signs of people looking for her.

Perhaps due to the remote nature and the low number of residents on this street, Lin Jie didn’t notice any others paying attention to the incident.

After the buzz from that gas explosion incident had died down and most people’s curiosity had been satisfied, this place had returned back to its lonely and quiet state that didn’t really attract many visitors.

Lin Jie returned and removed the bloodstained towel hanging on the recliner chair. At the same time, he dialed the only number that was saved on his communications device.

The number didn’t even have a contact name, but it had been given by the first customer Lin Jie served back when he just arrived in Norzin and opened his bookstore.

It was also the same customer who helped turn his unlicensed store into one with the proper operating rights and provided a great deal of help.

And all of it had been to repay Lin Jie for recommending a book and providing her with counsel at that time.

Back then, Lin Jie reckoned he was just randomly doling out his usual chicken soup and providing some verbal solace. However, from how the customer acted after that, it seemed as if that conversation had been a life-changing affair for her.

Moreover, that had indeed been the period in which Lin Jie really required help.

Thus, when that customer treated him like a benefactor and showed her gratitude, Lin Jie chose to accept it.

Truth be told, if not for that, Lin Jie might not be recommending books and giving psychological guidance together as frequently as he did now. But, to him, being able to express two of his interests was something that made him happy.

When given the number, Lin Jie had been told that this number was on standby 24 hours a day, rain or shine. As long as Lin Jie required help, he just needed to call this number at any time and he would definitely get a reply no matter what.

And once replied, she would do her all to help Lin Jie resolve his problem.

However, in the past three years, Lin Jie had never called this number for once.

On one hand, he didn’t wish to trouble others. After all, in his opinion, helping him resolve the issue of being an unlicensed store back then was already more than enough repayment for his counsel.

Secondly, Lin Jie hadn’t really encountered any troubles. In these three years after transmigrating, he led an ordinary life running his bookstore, bringing warmth and care to whichever customers that came by occasionally.

But now that Lin Jie had recruited a new shop assistant, he needed to let her have peace of mind when working here.

Even though this young girl who had just gotten a new name had not explicitly stated her decision, Lin Jie was basically certain that she would definitely choose to stay.

The certainty he held had never been wrong before.

The call connected after a few moments.

An unfamiliar voice sounded. Female, respectful, yet somewhat cold that made one imagine the image of a stern matron.

"Hello, Mr. Lin."

"Hello..." Lin Jie mulled and dredged up his memories from that distant time, trying to determine the origins of this distinctive voice. "You are the maid that came and fetched Cherry back."

"Yes, you can call me Bella. It’s my honor to be remembered by you. For the past three years, I’ve always been waiting for your call as per the mistress’ instructions. Would you like me to inform the mistress?"

"No, no need. Let her sleep."

After tidying up and getting rid of the bloodstained towel, Lin Jie returned from the basement and noticed the sky outside had already started to get brighter.

He had lost track of time ever since he picked up the young girl and helped her settle in. Unknowingly, the night was nearly over.

He continued tidying up whatever remaining traces in the bookstore, but the bloodstains on the recliner chair posed some difficulty. Thus, he eventually chose to give up for the time being.

Fortunately, the dark spots of blood on the already old recliner chair were not that obvious.

Bella maintained her very professional tone and said, "Very well, I’ll inform the mistress when she wakes up. May I know what your instructions are, Mr. Lin? According to the agreement, any request you have is our number one priority."

Still as exaggerated as ever, I see...

Lin Jie reckoned that being from a merchant family that valued promises and gratefulness could explain their over-the-top commitment. Yet, he never imagined that this same attitude hadn’t changed one bit even after three years.

"I’ve saved a young child of unknown origin... Oh, you can check the extent of the fire between Avenues 20 to 50. I will need a new cover identity for her."

"A moment, please."

Bella went silent on her end, as if she was investigating according to Lin Jie’s request.

After a short while, she answered, "I understand. However, this matter is slightly sensitive so you will need to wait for a few days. Please forgive us. When the time comes, we will dispatch personnel to pay you a visit and provide assistance. We will guarantee that it is absolutely safe.”

’Mm,’ Lin Jie acknowledged, then followed up with a lament, "Hearing your familiar voice makes it seem like nothing has changed even though three years have passed."

Bella replied faintly, "It might indeed seem like nothing changed for you. But for us, these three years have brought about massive changes. However, the one thing that hasn’t changed is our gratitude and regard towards you.

"The mistress has been thinking of you all this time and hopes to listen to your advice again. Just that, she doesn’t dare make any requests because you haven’t contacted us all this time.

"If you don’t mind, I would like to make an arbitrary decision of requesting a visit on behalf of the mistress and hope to gain your approval."

Lin Jie felt a slight yet indescribable sense of guilt when he heard what was said.

Clearly, he hadn’t wanted to inconvenience the other party, yet why did it seem like he had let down their hopes and expectations.

...Why would they be longing to be inconvenienced?

Haa, it makes no sense. Nevermind...

Lin Jie shook his head and sighed. "Of course. You all are welcome to visit my bookstore any time. Just like back then, I am also looking forward to being able to meet you and Cherry once again."

After Bella respectfully said goodbye, Lin Jie hung up his communications device. He shook his head once more. It really seemed like this young lady had really viewed him with much too high regard back then.

At such an immature and young age, overly idolizing others wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

I’ll need to have a good talk with her when she comes to visit.

Lin Jie kept away his communications device and watched the sky outside brighten. He was about to head out to shop for a bed when the TV next door turned on at its routine timing, revealing unfortunate news—The nearby shopping mall was temporarily closed.

Lin Jie’s gaze fell on a small electric saw in the corner.

Looks like I’ll have to personally get down to work...