Ling Luo gazed at Yang Mo, curiosity evident in her eyes. "I heard what Lin Ying just said. You two knew each other before?"
Yang Mo gave a nonchalant shrug. "Sort of, but not particularly well. The Lin family has always had an interest in acquiring my family's businesses and factories. Because of my father's connections, we had a few meals with them."
Ling Luo's brows lifted slightly. "So, you're a rich kid too?"
Yang Mo immediately tensed. He knew there were a few hidden second-generation heirs in their class, but he never considered himself one of them. He quickly shook his head. "I'm not."
Ling Luo sighed and looked away. "Well, my family's business is struggling right now. If things don't turn around soon, we'll have to file for bankruptcy."
Under Ling Luo's solemn tone, Yang Mo finally understood her family's predicament. The Ling family had once thrived in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly with a popular cold medicine. However, the Lin family had developed a superior formula, and as a result, the Ling family's business had begun to crumble.
Despite numerous attempts by the Lin family to acquire the company, Ling Luo's father had refused. He had poured his heart and soul into the business for decades, unwilling to let his hard work be swept away so easily. Yet, with Ling Luo's worsening health, his attention had been divided, and the company suffered further.
Ling Luo bit her lip. "Sometimes I feel like it's my fault. If I weren't sick, my parents wouldn't be so distracted, and the company might have survived."
Yang Mo sighed. "That's not something you should blame yourself for. The world operates on the principle of survival of the fittest. It's cruel, but that's just how business works."
Still, her words sparked an idea in Yang Mo's mind. He had never considered the true value of pharmaceutical research before, but if a simple cold medicine had such financial weight, then perhaps he had an opportunity. His spiritual space contained countless ancient medicinal prescriptions, many of which had never been tested. If he could validate them and produce effective treatments, he could establish his own business.
Not to mention, he still had thirty million dollars in his possession. That should be enough to start something—but he lacked business expertise. He would need to find someone with experience to manage the operations.
Snapping out of his thoughts, he turned to Ling Luo. "Do you have your parents' phone number?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Of course, I'm going to call them. You're hospitalized, and they don't even know? That's ridiculous."
Ling Luo hesitated, then reluctantly recited the number. Yang Mo swiftly dialed and informed them of the situation before hanging up.
Then, he pulled out the money he had taken from the thug earlier. "Here, take this."
Ling Luo's eyes widened, and she immediately shook her head. "I can't take that. It's not my money. You should keep it."
"This money was meant for your emotional distress. Just take it."
She chuckled softly. "Emotional distress compensation? You're really good at talking."
Then, her expression turned serious. "That guy from earlier… he seemed afraid of you. Why?"
Yang Mo smirked. "He used to come around to collect protection money. One day, I got tired of it and beat him up. After that, he stayed away."
"I see…" Ling Luo looked down, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I'm sorry. I almost misunderstood you earlier. I thought you were one of them."
Yang Mo shrugged. "It's fine. Now, take this money. It's rightfully yours. I'll just keep a hundred for a taxi."
After some back-and-forth, Ling Luo finally accepted the money.
As her IV drip continued, her complexion slowly improved. Yang Mo stayed until her parents arrived, then turned to leave. However, the moment he stepped outside the ward, he spotted Lin Ying waiting for him.
Yang Mo's brows furrowed as he immediately tried to walk in the opposite direction.
"Yang Mo, stop right there! I have something to say to you!" Lin Ying called out, quickly catching up and grabbing his arm.
Yang Mo sighed in frustration. "Ms. Lin, do you have something urgent? And please don't grab me. People might get the wrong idea."
Lin Ying crossed her arms, scowling. "Oh, don't flatter yourself. Let me ask you something—are you in love with Ling Luo?"
Yang Mo nearly burst into laughter. "Are you serious? What does that have to do with you?"
Lin Ying's eyes narrowed. "I'm just asking. Are you after her family's money? If that's the case, then let me tell you right now—you won't get a single cent!"
At this, Yang Mo's patience snapped. "Are you insane? Do you seriously think I care about money that much?" His expression darkened as he continued, "You Lin family people are all the same. You think everyone is as greedy and materialistic as you. I left the Lin family for a reason, and I don't want to be associated with your way of thinking."
Lin Ying clenched her fists. "You don't understand the situation with the Ling family. I was trying to warn you—"
Yang Mo scoffed. "Warn me? Or just meddle where you have no right to? Listen carefully—I don't need the Lin family's so-called concern, and I certainly don't need yours. Stay out of my business."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Lin Ying standing alone, stunned and speechless.