Chapter 3, the children of the slums have never seen good things
In recent days, Lin Hai has been voraciously reading the information on that computer, and when he feels tired, he engages in such activities. Of course, this is merely limited to the fantasies he harbors in his pocket. Ultimately, he still finds himself rearranging the device on the table, taking a breath to wipe away the fingerprints he has left behind, ensuring that its placement is flawless. In front of Li An, who comes every day to tidy up his room, he maintains an air of calmness, as if all this luxury is nothing but fleeting smoke before him, embodying a spirit of unyielding pride in wealth and an unwavering integrity in poverty. This demeanor has led Li An to regard him with a certain degree of admiration.
This dangerous woman has finally come knocking at the door
Seeing her long legs overlapping in the afterglow of the sunset, Lin Hai couldn't help but swallow hard, his throat bobbing. A strange fire seemed to stir in his lower abdomen, and he finally understood why Li An, the disciplined steward of the Yu Manor, would reveal such an infatuated expression when mentioning her—countless people along the riverside star hoped to conquer this woman.
Lin Wei's tall figure suddenly paused at the door, then she suppressed the urge to spit blood and clenched her fists, proceeding straight ahead without looking back
Thinking of this, Lin Wei looked at him, feeling an additional sense of sorrow. Even the corners of her mouth inadvertently lifted into a hint of a mocking smile
The mecha that came to life in this way invigorated him like a shot of adrenaline, as beautiful as the special mechas that had appeared on the junk planet before. Compared to the scrap metal he had built on the junk planet, they were no longer in the same league in terms of aesthetics, materials, or the electronic devices they were equipped with. In other words, they belonged to a different era.
He then frowned slightly and looked at the woman at the door, "You, who are you... Is there something you need?"
But the greater the calm, the more intense the storm that is about to arrive
She turned her head to look at the door behind her as it opened. A tall and aloof woman appeared, dressed in a form-fitting black camisole adorned with lace trim. The two straps extended to accentuate the proud curves of her bosom, while her long legs were as striking as her slightly cold and elegantly arched nose, exuding a breathtaking allure that left one gasping for breath
Geography can easily divide an entire society. The opulence of the upper echelons and the filth of the lower strata have gradually created a distinct demarcation. Thus, there emerged affluent neighborhoods like Riverside Star and dilapidated slums.
Being admitted to Qingyuan College does not necessarily indicate a talent for business. In terms of taking on significant responsibilities within the group, the young Lin Hao indeed lacks a bit of maturity. He is more likely to become a target for those within the family who harbor ulterior motives
This is the high society that those widows on the garbage planet yearn for
It is not only a lack of material resources. Haizhou Star also lacks an abundance of information and knowledge, let alone access to high-end technical materials related to captivating mecha design compositions.
As the residence of President Wayne Group, this place is usually quite tranquil and dignified. Occasionally, one might see business jets landing and stopping at the estate for discussions, only to leave afterward. Or at night, Lord Lin Wei's extended business jet would drive in, followed by a few individuals entering the illuminated estate, breaking the silence
Thus, the displeasure in her eyes flashed and disappeared, revealing a smile, "You are Lin Hai."
In this brief moment, a certain extremely silent atmosphere was created
"I have heard about you, I am Lin Wei... We are about the same age, but in name, I can be considered your elder sister. Therefore, from now on, you belong to the family of Lord Lin Wei. " Her underlying intention was to remind him that a family has its own rules. Whether the other party could comprehend this would determine how well he would fare in this estate in the future.
Fortunately, the estate already provides him with ample environment to pass the time idly. Just the powerful computer in his room allows him to rapidly absorb information every day, gaining knowledge that was previously inaccessible to him on the isolated garbage planet.
This also explains why Lin Hao and the current Lady of the Manor, Ning Qing, would tolerate his arrival
... ...
After a while, Lin Hai gently stroked the vase, placed it back in its original position, and murmured to himself, "... almost fell over."
This is also the reason why he has been extremely attentive to the information regarding Wayne Company in recent days, and does not dismiss the idea of this new home of his.
His room is located on the second floor of the manor. It is a guest room within the villa, and although it cannot compare to the luxury of a suite like Lin Hao's, the interior layout, the advanced video intercom system, and the various pieces of art displayed throughout have already captivated Lin Hai, who has not encountered anything of such quality in the slums.
This is the image of a vulgar and petty citizen, who has never seen the world, is greedy for small wealth and immediate benefits, and has grown up in a place like Garbage Star. Every word and action is utterly detestable, and such a person is fundamentally incapable of having any grand ambitions or visions for the family business. Moreover, his trivial worldview does not even comprehend what a colossal entity the Wayne Industrial Group of the Lin family represents to him.
The manor holds too many secrets that he is eager to uncover. The red mech appeared and vanished like the clouds at dusk, leaving Lin Hai with only a fleeting impression.
The corners of Lin Hai's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a hint of amusement
Manager Li An will definitely not arrive at this time! Therefore, Lin Hai's scalp suddenly felt numb
Then, Lin Hai, who was holding a vintage porcelain vase as if cradling a baby, almost pressed his face against it, revealing himself before her.
Although it is our first meeting, the way Lin Hai looked when he opened the door just now, and his unabashed gaze fixed on the beautiful woman, has already led Lin Wei to form a basic conclusion about him: he is indeed someone who comes from a place like Garbage Star. Despite being the illegitimate son of her father, he does not possess even a trace of the Lin family's superior lineage. He is utterly shameless and vulgar
Lin Hai has an almost obsessive love for machinery. Upon reflection, this seems to have begun with the towering piles of garbage in Haizhou Star. He grew up amidst vast heaps of discarded electronic metal waste, and these profound memories of growth naturally transformed into his talent. Yet, no one knows just how far his dedication and talent for machinery truly extend.
The manor is located in the Ring Star Zone 2 of the Riverside Star's core area. The well-connected transportation of Riverside Star weaves the entire planet into a modern society resembling a bird's nest
The anger in Lin Wei's eyes finally surfaced
The tourbillon clock over there, if only it could be taken away, at least it would allow for ten years of good days
This luxurious manor is merely a façade, its interior filled with the indifference of real human affairs.
If he is to be used as a shield for Lin Hao, to attract the firepower of those elder relatives within the family, it seems more logical
Recalling the situation today when the arrival of the red mech at the manor attracted many people to welcome it, and connecting it to the woman who appeared to have just bathed and changed into casual clothes, and who could move freely within the villa, Lin Hai immediately guessed who she was
Until the mecha glided out of sight into the gradually closing underground hangar, Lin Hai was still drooling in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Drooling over a mecha instead of a curvaceous beauty, even Lin Hai realized that he must be unwell.
Although she is an adopted daughter, she grew up in a highly cultured and affluent environment, which has broadened her horizons. She has encountered shameless individuals, but this level of shamelessness seems to be unprecedented.
At that moment, as he was admiring, the door behind him opened.
Lin Hai, in a somewhat gloomy mood, thought in such a dull manner
Who knows that the person behind me in the forest has a look of surprise on his face, "Are you asking me out to eat... Is this a date? For the first time, I'm a bit excited!"
The fiery red mech features smooth curves reminiscent of a hawk, supported by two elegantly designed mechanical legs that uphold its torso structure. The urban light and shadow play across its body, creating a dazzling and exceptionally beautiful spectacle
The golden antique globe on this display shelf, such a vintage artwork, has a starting price of at least 30,000 in the black market
Even the door handles are made of gold. If this could be taken down, it would be worth at least ten thousand, not to mention more! This floor has eighteen rooms, and each room has two of these handles... If they were all removed... how much would that be...
However, in such a situation, playing dumb is certainly much better than being truly clever. Having survived on the Garbage Star, Lin Hai already understood what camouflage meant. Yet this woman, damn it, is at least ten times more beautiful than the delicate widow next door to the Garbage Star!
Ah... not yet," Lin Hai replied frankly, shaking his head.
Lin Hai nodded
However, seeing Lin Hai's performance today, Lin Wei instead felt relieved
Lin Hai, like a garbage star, with the keen nose of a hyena, detected a hint of something unusual. However, Lin Hai seemed oblivious, his slightly dark face breaking into a grin that revealed two rows of bright white teeth, "Of course we are family! Ha, we are all living under the same roof now"
It is as if one has arrived at a treasure trove
At just over twenty years of age, Lin Wei has already navigated countless intrigues and deceptions. Not only does she carry the aura of a prestigious university's elite, but she also possesses a cultivated demeanor honed in various settings. It is hard to imagine, given her age, that she is the daughter of a lord within Wayne Enterprises, wielding significant influence and capable of mobilizing vast resources with a single word. Such intellect and an intimidating charm are rarely found in a girl from an ordinary family. Yet, in her, these qualities are perfectly combined.
At this moment, the setting sun of the riverbank star casts its slanting rays, enveloping her in a golden afterglow. Her red hair, still carrying moisture, casually falls over her towering chest, appearing both scattered and artistic. In the glow, she is as exquisite as a porcelain doll
... ...
These ramshackle shantytowns, stacked one upon another, are far from being a peculiar local custom in Haizhou No. 12. They are home to illegal residents, robbers, thieves, and prostitutes. The atmosphere is rife with drugs, black markets, and human trafficking of various kinds. The filth of humanity is often manifested here, with poverty and hardship casting a shadow over these shantytowns day in and day out, a plight that has persisted for over a hundred years. Tragically, such garbage planets are not singular; there are hundreds, even thousands of them, with tens of millions of people living at the very bottom of the starry sky, enduring a life far removed from the hardships of modern society, and we are powerless to change this.
The group's position within the imperial military has become somewhat unstable, and business has faced setbacks. Lin Wei's health is increasingly deteriorating, prompting him to consider the issues of nobility and the succession of the family head. Several of his elder brothers within the family are harboring ulterior motives at this opportune moment... Through these key points, Lin Hai seems to understand why he was brought to the Lin family estate.
Setting aside his extravagant habits, Lin Hao is actually very intelligent. At the age of seventeen, he was able to gain admission to the prestigious Qingyuan Academy, which has kept countless outstanding individuals at bay, proving that he has indeed inherited the excellence from his parents' lineage
"Come with me... I will treat you," Lin Wei said as she stood up and walked towards the door
In the Great Eagle Empire, the status of illegitimate children has always been extremely lowly regarded, to the extent that it cannot even be acknowledged by the mainstream, thus they have no qualifications to covet claims to property. Although the current laws are quite comprehensive, these are facts that have been tacitly accepted even in the imperial courts, in light of customs that have formed over a millennium.
The new environment and the indifferent manor, although unfamiliar to Lin Hai, did not evoke much rejection. This was because he could see advanced mechas at the riverside star that he could not even imagine on the garbage star. He was able to use the computers within the manor that could connect to the international network to access a wealth of information. He could witness the modern society that he had only seen on television before, as well as the dazzling luxury within the manor.
As a newcomer in a rather awkward position and status at Lin's Manor, Lin Hai has been quietly observing this new environment during these days
Seeing Lin Wei angrily disappear into the elevator of the villa, she didn't even wait for him and directly pressed the close door button
Lin Hai's gaze lingered on her long leg, all of which was captured in Lin Wei's eyes, where a trace of barely perceptible anger flickered beneath her gaze
The girl was shocked at that moment
Children in slums, even if they wish to learn and change their fate, still face insurmountable gaps in access to information compared to mainstream society
Lin Hai was clearly taken aback. Just a short while ago, when he arrived at the villa, he had slapped his nominal "younger brother" Lin Hao twice. He had originally thought that Lin Wei, who was known for her strong and arrogant personality as the star of the riverside, would come to seek justice, and he had even prepared for the worst. However, he did not expect that when Lin Wei came to visit, she would say such a thing.
The Star Ring Zone 2 is a wealthy enclave in upper space, second only to Star Ring Zone 1. It is home to numerous social elites and aristocratic families from Riverside Star. The streets are immaculate, maintained daily by several monopolistic cleaning companies operating mechas to ensure cleanliness and order.
Then he took out the golden globe from his bulging pocket and placed it back on the table, saying, "How careless of you to let it roll onto the floor."
Indeed, it is someone who hails from a slum. Lacking in manners, and there should be a limit to their shamelessness
High-rise buildings are continuously emerging, extending towards the upper space of the planet with aerial platforms
However, children from slums also develop a desire for material possessions due to their impoverished lives, so when Lin Hai sees the luxurious furnishings in this room, it is inevitable that he will have some fanciful thoughts
While thinking this, he casually kicked the fist-sized golden globe on the table into his pocket, causing it to bulge significantly. Of course, he could not truly steal it; he merely wanted to warm it up in his pocket. He imagined that if he were rejected by this family, he could simply pack up all these items and steal them back to the garbage planet, enough to ensure that he would never have to worry about food and clothing for the rest of his life! Such were the dreams he entertained.
However, the arrival of the red mech outside the manor this evening was an exception in this indifferent and monotonous life
Basically, there is nothing that can divert his attention apart from eating and sleeping
It is too late
Have you eaten
According to Lin Hai's observations, the most commonly used vehicles within the manor are four cars, one of which is the Lord's "Lincoln" stretch limousine. This is likely used for Lin Wei's business engagements. If he needs to go to the company, he will switch to another vehicle, a gray luxury sedan known as the "Ram." There is also a more feminine vehicle, which belongs to the current Lady of the Manor, Ning Qing. In addition, there is a bat-shaped sports car that is often driven away from the manor at high speed by Lin Haofeng to meet friends
Suddenly, her brows slightly furrowed, as if she had not seen the scene from earlier, yet her expression appeared even more aloof, and a hint of disdain flickered in her eyes as she walked straight into the room. She then half-reclined on a sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window, as casually as if she were in her own boudoir
She is undoubtedly the sister that Lin Hao relies on, Lin Wei, the adopted daughter of the lord, who holds an extraordinary position in the Lin family
As social spaces continue to expand, a stratification of classes naturally emerges. The higher the buildings and roads are constructed, the more they symbolize the latest technology and the most modern architecture. To possess a place in the aesthetically pleasing upper spaces, one naturally requires a certain level of assets and corresponding status
For a person who possesses an almost obsessive love for machinery, nothing is more captivating than witnessing the advanced mecha, a crystallization of technology.
The tank treads of the mecha moved as if gliding on ice, arriving at the manor. The Wayne Group was originally a company that manufactured armor, and there was a hangar within the manor. During Lin Hai's time at the manor, he had witnessed several instances of mecha transportation, all involving mechas being loaded and unloaded on large trailers. Therefore, he had developed a strong admiration for the underground hangar of the Lin family manor. He did not fully understand this admiration, but he felt it was akin to the immense excitement pirates experienced upon discovering treasure in ancient books, which was likely a reflection of his own obsession.
Lin Hao clearly regarded him as a transparent person due to the deep estrangement between them. In contrast to the occasional familiar conversations about matters in the academy that Lin Wei and his wife engaged in, Lin Hai felt isolated and out of place. Only the lord would sometimes break the silence to ask Lin Hai if he had been accustomed to his recent arrival or to mention the plan to send him to the academy in the near future
Throughout history, there have been instances where illegitimate children from rural backgrounds, upon experiencing a life of luxury, develop aspirations that they originally had no right to entertain, leading to schemes to usurp family wealth
The so-called academy likely refers to those renowned universities of the empire. Since he has arrived, although he is a bastard without any status, he cannot simply waste his life away. Growing up in a slum, he has not received any modern education or cultivation, so Lin Hai can also foresee that it would be more reassuring to place him in an academy rather than letting him idle away his time in the estate.
Children in the slums have dreams, and the vast amount of mechanical information in the computer represents Lin Hai's dreams
During these days, when dining at the manor restaurant at noon, one would encounter Lin Hai's current three family members
Lin Wei came today to ascertain what kind of person Lin Hai truly is. Having managed the Lin family business for so many years, it is no different from having invested her heart and a portion of her hopes here. All of this is the foundation she laid for her younger brother, Lin Hao. Now, with the sudden emergence of Lin Hai, if he, having grown up in the slums, has been tainted by the filthy habits of that environment and harbors ambitions for the family business, then she must take precautions early on