AYLS -Chapter 179 Finale

Originally, Lin Dajin had thought about telling Lin Qiao the truth, but now he decided it was better to keep it hidden for the time being. He needed to find that kid first.

He absolutely had to see who that brat was and what he was thinking. If he dared to bully Lin Qiao, he wouldn’t hold back.

After resting at home for a day, Lin Qiao called in the sisters who had invested in her venture.

After a year of hard work, it was time to distribute the dividends.

Although the money wasn’t much, what was owed to the shareholders still had to be given.

Before the gathering, these wealthy young ladies had assumed it would be like the usual tea party. They were even planning to ask Lin Qiao when she would organize another get-together since it had been a year since the last one. They all missed her.

But when Lin Qiao called them over, she pulled out the documents, accompanied by the accountant who handled her accounts. She said they would review the finances together with the shareholders and then distribute the profits.

Best friend A: “Sharing the money, are you giving us a cut?”

Lin Qiao, serious as ever: “Of course. You invested, I’m not going to pocket it all myself.”

“……”

Everyone thought to themselves: well, looks like she really intends to treat this as pocket money.

No one had really paid attention to the accounts before—they didn’t care. But when Lin Qiao transferred the money on the spot, and everyone got the SMS notifications, they all felt a bit curious.

This was probably the first time they’d earned money through their own efforts.

Maybe just enough for a bag of money. But it was their own money.

Lin Qiao said, “I know the first year the earnings aren’t much. But everyone has to believe that our industry will expand. In the future, we’ll have a solid market. Whether or not you inherit the family business, you’ll have an extra income. Don’t look down on our farm—my plan is to develop it into a chain of farms, like those abroad, exporting overseas.”

After saying this, Lin Qiao confidently announced that the farm would open a branch tomorrow. The scale was expanding. She was also about to discuss collaborations for ecological farms and the like.

She invited everyone to share their ideas and suggestions to help expand the business.

Now, these people really felt a sense of participation.

This was their own enterprise.

Immediately, everyone started brainstorming and speaking up. Best friend A said her family’s company was involved in tourism and could lend some people.

Best friend B said, “You’re poaching from your own family.”

“Well, I’m not inheriting the family business anyway.”

“Exactly, then we’ll poach too!”

Everyone shared ideas, finding useful people and channels from their own families, aiming to make an extra bag of money next year.

This was nothing like begging from family.

Seeing everyone so active, Lin Qiao felt full of confidence. And poaching talent wasn’t unethical—her small operation couldn’t attract anyone core anyway.

Throughout the Spring Festival, Lin Qiao and her friends were busy working for their business.

Lin Dajin saw this and felt pleased. His child had truly grown up.

Yet, there was a twinge of sadness—his child didn’t need him anymore.

It was a good thing.

But he feared that brat lurking in the shadows had ill intentions. Lin Qiao was kind and innocent.

Unfortunately, this kid had been watching every day and hadn’t seen Lin Qiao meet any boys.

He hadn’t even said he would take Lin Qiao out during the New Year, clearly showing little sincerity.

Lin Dajin’s hatred for that brat, who had deceived his daughter, grew. He felt increasingly annoyed.

He resolved that once he passed away, he would make a will—everything would go to Lin Qiao and her children. That brat? Forget it.

After the New Year, Lin Qiao returned to her busy work. The farm no longer needed her hands-on care; there were managers. Her task now was to find new breeds to raise.

She didn’t need to learn the technical skills herself—talent was abundant in this era.

With her previous farm experience, her work went increasingly smoothly. Backed by her “think tank” helping with planning, talent poaching, and promotion, Lin Qiao’s modest venture grew impressively, even appearing in local agricultural news.

In just over a year, other enterprises no longer saw this startup as just Lin Qiao’s small project.

For people at their level, making money wasn’t enough—reputation mattered, and official recognition even more.

Around this time, news spread that Lin Dajin was hospitalized.

Due to Lin Group’s influence, his hospitalization was supposed to be kept secret, but someone noticed and leaked it.

The news that Lin Dajin, chairman of Lin Group, might be seriously ill caused panic.

After all, Lin Group had so many assets. If something happened, stock prices would be affected, and many employees’ livelihoods as well.

When Lin Qiao heard the news, she immediately rushed back from out of town. Seeing Lin Dajin lying weakly in the hospital bed, her nose ached, and tears streamed down. “Dad…”

Lin Dajin smiled, “Lin Qiao, you’re the boss now. Why are you crying?”

Lin Qiao wiped her eyes. “Dad, why aren’t you taking care of yourself?”

She had just learned from the doctor about her father’s condition. Cancer.

“You should have started treatment earlier. Why didn’t you tell me? Why wait so long?”

“Lin Qiao, my health was fine before, I only started feeling unwell recently. I’ve worked my whole life; I can’t bear lying in a hospital bed.”

Lin Qiao said, “Then you should start treatment earlier.”

Lin Dajin sighed, “And what about the people relying on me? I need to wait until my Lin Qiao grows up… to take on my responsibilities.”

Lin Qiao froze, then suddenly understood everything.

No illegitimate child, no betrayal—it didn’t exist.

Her father was sick. He wanted to push her to grow up.

“Dad, I’m sorry. I was immature before…” Lin Qiao collapsed onto the bed, crying.

She had been so unfilial—only caring about eating, drinking, and playing, never about her father’s health.

She always thought he wouldn’t age, wouldn’t fall ill.

He could protect her forever.

“I don’t blame you. I also thought I could always protect you, that you didn’t need to grow up. Who knew my body would fail me? I can’t protect you anymore, so I had to make my Lin Qiao grow up quickly. Sorry for making you work so hard.”

Lin Qiao cried bitterly, unable to accept the situation. She would rather her father have an illegitimate child than be sick.

Lin Dajin’s condition could no longer be delayed, so he had to receive treatment.

To avoid problems during his treatment, Lin Qiao had to take over his work.

After holding a video conference at the hospital, Lin Qiao rushed to her post. She stayed in the ward with Lin Dajin, accompanying him while familiarizing herself with work.

Perhaps because his daughter was by his side every day, Lin Dajin’s condition stabilized. He looked at the child diligently working beside him, both worried and relieved.

Even if the group collapsed in the future, his daughter wouldn’t go hungry.

“My dear, in my condition now, you don’t need to hide anything from me. Who exactly is that rascal you know? When will he come back so I can see him?”

Lin Qiao was busy going through documents and froze in shock at his words. “Dad, what are you saying? I don’t understand.”

“You don’t understand? Don’t think I don’t know—you’re in a relationship.”

“I am not.”

Lin Dajin sighed. “Even with me like this, you’re hiding it from me? I just want, before I go, to see what my future son-in-law looks like.”

Lin Qiao panicked. “Dad, don’t say that!”

“Then tell me, who is that rascal?”

“…” How could Lin Qiao explain this? “It’s a very long story.”

Lin Dajin said, “I have nothing else to do right now. I can listen.”

“…Fine.”

Lin Qiao had no choice. Perhaps to fulfill her father’s wish, or perhaps to find someone to confide in, she slowly recounted how she ended up in a completely new world, the people she met, how she found her ideals, and how she progressed together with everyone.

Lin Dajin listened quietly.

After a while, he said, “Child, perhaps I’ve put too much pressure on you.”

“…Dad!” Lin Qiao’s face fell. “I’m serious, and you won’t believe me!”

How could he? Even though his daughter had changed so much, such unbelievable things were really hard to believe. Underground affairs seemed more credible.

Seeing Lin Qiao unhappy, he quickly said, “Of course I believe you. Whatever my Lin Qiao says, I believe it. That rascal seems fine. But in the end, there’s no fate. Lin Qiao, you should still move forward.”

Whether the person existed or not, if he wasn’t real, it was best to forget him quickly.

Once his condition stabilized this time, he could start looking for a match for his daughter.

Lin Qiao knew he was just placating her and felt a bit disheartened. Besides her, no one remembered those events.

Even Gu Huayuan probably had forgotten.

She wondered how he was doing now, whether he was dating or married.

The thought made her uneasy—she pushed it away.

If he dared cheat, she’d divorce!

After treatment, Lin Dajin’s condition finally stabilized, and he regained some vitality.

But work was out of the question; his health required rest, or it could worsen.

Lin Qiao had to take over completely. Luckily, the farm had many staff, and it was expanding according to her development plan; otherwise, she would have been overwhelmed. Taking over Lin Corporation also gave her a better understanding of these industries.

Though she wasn’t an expert in management, she had learned a lot about social issues.

Like housing prices.

The prices of Lin Corporation’s residential complexes were extremely high. Though in line with local rates, they seemed abnormal to Lin Qiao.

Working alongside the laborers, she understood their standard of living.

These people worked tirelessly all their lives and might not even afford a single home. Sometimes it took generations to buy one.

Lin Qiao discussed with Lin Dajin the idea of working with local government departments to build affordable housing, so more people could own homes.

Lin Dajin said, “This would reduce the Lin family’s assets. The shareholders wouldn’t agree either.”

“I know, but Dad, it’s just the two of us now. We don’t spend that much money.”

If this had been Lin Dajin decades ago, he would never agree; he wanted to leave his daughter a mountain of wealth so she’d never run out.

But now, seeing Lin Qiao’s change, he valued these profits less.

As long as his child was happy.

His Lin Qiao had ideals.

Of course, to protect shareholder interests, the affordable housing would only use Lin Dajin’s personal share.

Moreover, he reorganized a subsidiary under Lin Corporation specifically to handle affordable housing construction.

Future affordable housing communities would be built under this subsidiary.

All expenses would come from his personal account—not Lin Corporation’s.

This move caused an immediate stir. It was the first major initiative after Lin Qiao took over as Lin Corporation’s heiress.

Remember, Lin Dajin was a famous real estate tycoon; his actions affected many real estate companies.

Major media flocked for interviews.

Lin Dajin didn’t attend; Lin Qiao represented him.

Lin Qiao shared her vision, expressing hope that more people could have homes. She emphasized strict oversight for affordable housing to ensure eligible residents were accommodated.

Many quietly mocked the Lin family as foolish. If this continued, once Lin Dajin passed, Lin Corporation might never expand again—or could shrink dramatically.

Shareholders would likely kick Lin Qiao out of meetings.

How could a rule-breaker survive in the industry? Even without speaking, they were waiting for Lin Dajin to leave.

But instead of waiting for him to go, they received praise from the provincial government.

Lin Qiao had signed the documents on behalf of Lin Corporation. Affordable housing was a done deal. Lin Corporation, as the largest local developer, could stabilize the public’s trust by providing affordable homes.

The documents highlighted Lin Corporation’s contribution to public welfare.

They also granted land for Lin Corporation to build affordable housing. Though the location was remote, the key was the provincial government’s support.

This, in turn, caused the Lin family’s stock price to rise even further.

Now, the other business leaders finally realized just how ruthless the Lin family daughter was. She was tough on herself and willing to invest substantial resources.

Lin Dajin felt reassured.

He knew that although his daughter’s actions would cost some money, she had gained an extra layer of protection for the future, no matter what happened.

By the end of the year, thanks to the affordable housing initiative, Lin Qiao was also recognized as one of the province’s Top Ten Outstanding Youth.

Lin Qiao: “…”

On the day she received the award, she stood on the podium listening to others recount her achievements.

For example, her farm had become a well-known provincial enterprise for poverty alleviation, greatly boosting local employment and providing jobs for countless rural youth.

The affordable housing project had allowed over ten thousand households to move into new homes by the New Year, also stabilizing local housing prices.

Additionally, she had persisted in charitable work, building elementary schools in local towns and benefiting countless students.

Hearing all this praise, Lin Qiao felt embarrassed. Holding the trophy and giving her speech, she didn’t know what to say. She planned to keep it simple: “Actually, I just did what I wanted to do…” Just as she was about to finish, her eyes swept over the audience, and she froze.

In the very last row sat a man in military uniform, smiling at her.

Lin Qiao’s eyes instantly reddened. She held back her tears and continued: “I used to be someone who feared hardship and fatigue, someone who only wanted to enjoy life. But someone once told me that I must learn to rely on myself, to become strong, and to face any difficulty with the ability to stand up and keep going. He showed me the direction in life and helped me find my ideals. I want to be a strong person who can help more people…”

A round of applause broke out below.

The host asked, “Who is that person?”

Lin Qiao looked at him in the audience. “Someone very important to me.”

“Is he here today?”

“Seems like… yes? I need to go down and check.”

Everyone thought she was joking and smiled warmly. The host said she should go confirm—it’s such an important occasion, she can’t miss it.

Eagerly clutching her trophy, Lin Qiao descended the stage and headed straight for him.

She wanted to move quickly, but her legs felt like walking through cotton; each step made her slower. Yet her eyes stayed locked on him, afraid he might disappear.

The stage continued to introduce other recipients, but Lin Qiao only had eyes for him.

He stood up and walked toward her. “Comrade Lin Qiao, congratulations. I just arrived and saw this brilliant moment—you should be proud.”

Tears finally welled up in Lin Qiao’s eyes.

Only one person ever called her that way.

“Gu Huayuan, is that you?”

“It is me.”

“Why are you here?”

“A little bug found me and said your wish was for me to be alive and well in front of you. So it delivered me here. How do you feel, happy?”

Tears of joy blurred Lin Qiao’s vision. She was too moved to speak and could only nod repeatedly.

So the voice she had heard really was true. Fat Cat had promised to make her wish come true.

Thank you, Fat Cat. I won’t scold you again.

…

In a distant, alternate prison, a group of various virtual-animal-like creatures were being confined. These were the so-called “game spirits” created by a certain madman.

In this interstellar space, however, they were considered criminals who harmed teenagers.

In the innermost cell were a disheveled man and the virtual Fat Cat.

Several interstellar officials were present in the cell, showing them a large screen.

On it were Lin Qiao and Gu Huayuan.

Since Fat Cat returned, it had brought back all the in-game visuals and news of someone completing the game. This news devastated the dog planner at the newspaper, who had long believed that there were no good people left, especially among the powerful and wealthy second generation—no one was decent.

Yet someone had completed the game.

“Hopefully you will consider our proposal and redeem yourself through good deeds.”

The interstellar officials wanted to recruit this dog planner, hoping he could create the maximum value for interstellar humanity while serving his sentence.

After everyone left, the dog planner ran his messy hands through his hair, feeling extremely unbalanced.

Seeing Fat Cat lying nearby, he sneered, “I threw you out, and you still got caught again? Worthless thing.”

Fat Cat looked disdainful. “Dog planner, if you hadn’t sent me to that idiot planet where I got bound to an idiot player, I wouldn’t have become an idiot. Then, to help the idiot fulfill her wish and materialize the game characters, I wouldn’t have walked into this trap just to assist them.”

With that, it sighed.

“Dog planner, you see, there are really a lot of fools in this world. Rather than harming the wicked, why not help more fools?”

The dog planner muttered, “You really are an idiot.”

But it seemed the idiot had helped many people.

Helping others seemed far more interesting than the newspaper.

Well, endless life is quite dull anyway—it’s time to try a new game.

What should be created next?

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