Several luxury cars, boasting impressive and rare license plates, pulled up. The owners of such vehicles clearly held high status, wielding both wealth and power. This kind of scene wasn't unfamiliar to Director Hao; it had just been a while since he'd last witnessed it.
"Why are they coming to Green Mountain?" he wondered.
Was it Little Bao?
Clearly not. He had long since memorized the license plate of Little Bao's exclusive car. Sometimes, when he encountered it on the street, he would floor his electric scooter, chase after the car, and knock on the window to greet Little Bao.
Lin Fan whispered, "Director, are we still leaving?"
Director Hao replied, "Don't rush, there's big business afoot."
In just a moment, Director Hao had concluded that these must be people coming to donate money. He missed the domineering presence of the wealthy Little Bao, so young yet possessing an uncommon generosity. In ancient times, Little Bao would have been an extraordinary, prodigiously generous hero.
Director Hao's mind raced.
What was the purpose of these wealthy individuals coming to Green Mountain to donate money?
Certainly not to show concern for the patients, but to enjoy the feeling of being flattered. Director Hao dared not boast about much, but his ability to flatter the rich was absolutely top-tier, MAX level.
Regardless of age, from one or two years old to one or two hundred, he could flatter anyone into a state of vibrant excitement.
He was that confident.
A group of bodyguards in black suits emerged from the following cars, jogging to the lead vehicle. They opened the door, shielding it with their hands, and welcomed the most important person to alight.
Director Hao and the others watched.
Even the god-level bodyguard, Xiao Qi, stared intently. This was a grand spectacle, the kind only seen in novels. The blood in his body boiled like a pot about to overflow, thoroughly invigorated.
A cane appeared, tapping the ground, followed by black leather shoes.
An elderly man emerged from the car. He appeared benevolent, yet possessed the authority of someone long in a position of power.
"It's an old gentleman," Lin Fan observed.
Old Zhang said, "I see that."
Director Hao's expression grew serious as he recognized the man. He had seen him before at various meetings, but rarely, and they had little interaction.
He knew this man was a significant figure with considerable influence, someone who rarely appeared in public. What was he doing here now?
Something was amiss.
Definitely amiss.
Following the elderly man were several individuals in strange attire. These oddly dressed people exuded a dangerous aura. There was a bald man, others with brightly dyed hair, and even a short person, barely a meter tall.
"Director Hao, don't you remember me?" the elderly man smiled.
Director Hao forced a smile. "I didn't expect Mr. Li to grace us with his presence. I apologize for not welcoming you properly, truly."
Regardless of who the other party was, the mask of politeness had to be donned.
You smile, I smile.
No one loses face. He was somewhat curious about what this big boss was doing at Green Mountain. Thinking carefully, he had an inkling. Green Mountain was a place for housing and evaluating mental patients.
Could it be that someone in Mr. Li's family suffered from a mental illness, and he wanted to establish a permanent VIP suite here?
If so, it was a sure win.
How much would that cost?
He would have to think about that carefully.
Despite receiving subsidies, Green Mountain Mental Hospital was perpetually underfunded. Many patients had no family to care for them, leaving the hospital to cover their expenses.
If they didn't find ways to generate revenue, they wouldn't be able to survive, let alone enjoy the simple pleasures of Green Mountain tofu daily.
Director Hao inquired, "What brings Mr. Li here today?"
With such individuals, it was best to be direct.
State your business.
Make your request.
Absolutely no beating around the bush.
Mr. Li glanced at the surroundings of Green Mountain Mental Hospital and sighed. "I've long heard that Director Hao is a world-renowned expert in the field of mental illness and has trained many outstanding students. Your life story is also admirable."
After speaking, under Director Hao's puzzled gaze, Mr. Li beckoned.
A young man behind him approached, holding a laptop.
"Transfer one hundred million to Green Mountain Mental Hospital's account. Consider it my donation to Green Mountain. I hope it can help Director Hao and every patient here."
Director Hao's heart leaped with joy upon hearing this.
Just as he had thought, the other party had come to donate. There were so many kind people in the world these days.
He truly admired such generous individuals.
"Oh my, Mr. Li, you are too kind!" Director Hao feigned humility. He didn't refuse the donation, merely stating that it was too kind, a symbolic gesture of modesty.
Having navigated society for so long, Hao Ren knew that this donation likely came with a request. In such situations, he didn't wait for the other party to speak, but directly inquired,
"Which member of Mr. Li's family is ill? Rest assured, if you entrust them to our care at Green Mountain, they will receive the best treatment, ensuring a swift recovery and discharge."
This was a significant gesture.
A donation of one hundred million.
Upon admission, the patient would be well taken care of, with a level of service just one tier below that of Lin Fan and Old Zhang.
This was considered top-tier service at Green Mountain.
"It's my grandson," Mr. Li replied.
Director Hao asked, "Where is he?"
He looked at the people behind Mr. Li. None of them seemed to fit the description, although a few appeared to have a somewhat troubled demeanor, possibly hinting at mental illness. However, that wasn't his concern. Recently, bed availability at the mental hospital had been tight. Accommodating one or two patients wouldn't be a problem, but too many would be disruptive.
"He'll be here shortly."
And as promised, two commercial vehicles soon arrived.
"Here he comes," Mr. Li pointed into the distance. Then he added, "Director Hao, please lend your assistance."
In the distance, a young man emerged from one of the vehicles. He was somewhat thin but had a gloomy and arrogant air, walking with his head held high, as if no one else mattered.
As he walked, he contorted his face, his lips curling into a sneer.
Xiao Qi gasped, "Crooked-Mouth Dragon King..."
He immediately thought of the Crooked-Mouth Dragon King from the novels, a terrifying figure of absolute power and ability, someone he dreamed of becoming after reading countless novels.
Seeing his grandson's expression, Mr. Li walked over with his cane and slapped him twice across the face.
"Behave yourself! You are in the presence of Director Hao of Green Mountain."
Mr. Li's two slaps stunned Li Xu. He held a deep respect for his grandfather and immediately changed his expression, much to Xiao Qi's disappointment. The Crooked-Mouth Dragon King's crooked mouth was gone.
"What mental illness does your grandson suffer from?" Director Hao inquired, his gaze drifting towards the second vehicle. Several more strangers emerged, looking less like Mr. Li's entourage and more like couples. Their expressions were grief-stricken, as if they had experienced something traumatic that had deeply affected their mental state.
Mr. Li replied, "He hasn't been diagnosed yet, so I hope Director Hao can personally assess him."
"What's the situation over there?" Director Hao asked. "Xiao Qi, bring them over."
"Yes, Director."
Mr. Li said, "Director Hao, there's no need to inquire about them. They have some issues with my grandson."
The more evasive Mr. Li was, the more certain Director Hao became that something was amiss.
Regardless of the circumstances, he had to get to the bottom of it.
Lin Fan and Old Zhang squatted nearby, searching for ants. After a long while, a single ant scurried past them, only to be captured and made to spin in circles.
Lin Fan said, "That guy is bad."
Old Zhang looked up. "Which one are you talking about?"
"That one."
"You can tell?"
"Yes, I can tell. His heart is full of violence. I don't like people like that."
"Is he a bad person?"
"Yes."
"Should we kill him?"
"Really kill him?"
"Let's wait and see."
"Alright."
Their conversation was barely audible. The demonic rooster standing beside them glanced at the young man, feeling sorry for him. His life or death was being discussed by two terrifying individuals, yet he remained oblivious. He would soon learn how dreadful they could be.
Meanwhile, Director Hao observed the four grief-stricken couples before him. They glared at Li Xu with such fury that they seemed ready to devour him alive.
However, under the watchful eyes of Mr. Li's strangely dressed bodyguards, they cowered in fear.
"What are you doing here?" Director Hao asked.
The four couples were about to speak, but seeing Mr. Li's threatening glare, the words caught in their throats, unable to utter a sound.
Suddenly, the screech of tires echoed through the air.
A dilapidated van arrived with a dramatic flourish, stopping precisely at the entrance. Out rushed Xu Zihao, sporting his signature airplane hair and carrying a sword on his back.
Xu Zihao, the youngest son of Chief Xu of the Xia Capital.
Known as a wealthy, influential second-generation heir.
A cultivator of swordsmanship, he had a penchant for showing off. After repeatedly failing to impress Lin Fan, he had teamed up with Kuang Long of the Yanhai City Special Department. If he couldn't outdo Lin Fan, he would find someone else to compete with, which seemed reasonable enough.
He and Kuang Long shared a competitive yet deep friendship.
Men, after all, were always comparing themselves to one another.
They had competed in combat.
They had competed in urination distance.
They had competed in drinking.
They had even competed over who could dig out the biggest booger.
Some time ago, he had returned to the Xia Capital for a friend's birthday party. It was there that he met Li Xu. While drunk, he overheard Li Xu bragging about imprisoning three young girls in a secret base, the youngest being only a teenager. While others laughed it off, Xu Zihao took it to heart, keeping a close eye on Li Xu. After the party, he followed Li Xu and discovered that the secret base was indeed real. Without hesitation, he went in and rescued the girls.
Tragically, one of the girls had perished.
Li Xu's background was deep and powerful, his grandfather being the most influential.
Ordinary people, or even those with some standing, would be helpless in such a situation. But Xu Zihao was different. His father was the Chief of the Xia Capital Special Department. He relentlessly pursued Li Xu, threatening to beat anyone who dared to interfere.
The matter eventually became public knowledge.
Old Master Xu was also aware of the situation, but Li Xu's grandfather, Mr. Li, held considerable sway, making it difficult even for Old Master Xu to ignore.
Ultimately, the matter escalated to Yanhai City, requiring Director Hao's expertise in mental health assessment.