Continuing the previous story. When Mo Fan and others finished their tour of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum in Xi'an and took the train back to Shanghai Station. An elderly person with white hair but in good physical condition, and a young man with dark skin and a strong build, appeared before Mo Fan and others. They are indeed Lin Jing's father and brother.
Lin Jing walked happily up to her father and brother and said, "I sent a telegram telling you that I would be returning from Xi'an. Why did you come here to pick me up in person?"
Lin Jing's elder brother replied with a smile, "Not yet your father. Hearing that his precious daughter had gone to Xi'an for an adventure, he hurried over to check if you were injured. He didn't want to stay at home for a moment."
Lin Jing happily held her father's hand and said, "Dad, look, I'm doing so well, aren't I?"
The white-haired old man said with an artificial air of anger, "We'll settle the score with you properly when we get home."
At this moment, they also noticed that there were three men standing beside Lin Jing. Lin Jing's elder brother looked at Mo Fan and others and asked, "Are these three people your companions, sister?"
Lin Jing suddenly remembered that she had forgotten to introduce Mo Fan and his companions to them. So she hurriedly said to them, "Dad, Brother, they are my companions. This one is Mo Fan, he is a well-known private detective in Shanghai. This one is Luo Han, we usually call him Old Dog. This one is Qi Tian, his nickname is the Dull Gourd. The two of them are Mo Fan's partners and they are running a private detective agency together."
Lin Jing's elder brother then looked at Mo Fan and said, "I have heard so much about Detective Mo Fan."
Mofan said, "I'm not very famous. Just a little detective."
Lin Jing's elder brother said, "You have quite a reputation. In the police station, there are letters from Shanghai's prominent figures complaining about you, towering over one meter high. I've heard that wherever you go, troubles follow. But I've also heard that for anything, no matter how bizarre, as long as it comes to you, you can definitely solve it. When I have the chance, I definitely want to fully appreciate your abilities."
Mofan sheepishly scratched his head to hide his embarrassment.
Lin Jing heard her brother's teasing of Mo Fan and hurriedly shouted, "Brother..."
Lin Jing's elder brother, upon hearing his sister's complaint, immediately realized something and changed the topic, saying, "Sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Lin Guodong. I'm the captain of the Patrol Department of the Shanghai French Concession Police Bureau here."
As soon as Mo Fan and others heard the name Lin Guodong, they all froze in astonishment.
The old dog was the first to speak, saying, "So you are Police Chief Lin. I've heard so much about you. I heard that you were among the first batch of Chinese police selected for special training in Europe. And you were particularly outstanding among them. Your performance records were recognized as the highest among all Chinese individuals. At the same time, you were also the fastest rising police officer in the Shanghai French Concession Police Department. Admiration, admiration."
Lin Guodong said, "Thank you for your kind words. These are just the opportunities that the police force has given me."
Mo Fan said to Lin Jing's father, "I've heard that the father of Police Chief Lin is Lin Xiaotian, the highest-ranking Chinese police officer selected by the joint authorities of all the concessions in Shanghai. I'm sure it must be you, sir."
The white-haired old man smiled and said, "I am the old man myself."
Mofan smiled and said, "I actually should have guessed it earlier. Lin Jing is so outstanding. She must come from a very special family in Shanghai. But I never expected that she would be even better than I imagined. I never expected that I would be able to join your daughter on this trip to Xi'an. It's truly an honor for me. "
Lin Jing hurriedly said, "If I had told you about my family background from the very beginning, would you not have wanted to be my friend and take me to Xi'an?"
Mofan scratched his head and said, "I didn't mean that."
Lin Jing was about to say something else when suddenly Lin Xiaotian began to cough heavily. Lin Jing and Lin Guodong immediately helped him up and asked in concern, "Dad, how are you? Are you feeling unwell?"
Lin Xiaotian said, "It's nothing. Just an old habit. Just go back home and rest for a while."
Lin Jing could only say to Mo Fan and the others, "Why don't you all go back first? I need to help my father get back to his room to rest. I'll come back to find you later."
Mofan and others nodded in agreement and said, "Sir Lin and Captain Lin, please take your time."
Lin Guodong quickly called several of his subordinates from outside, prepared the vehicles, and picked up Lin Jing and Lin Xiaotian together. Then he left ahead of them.
On the way back, the old dog teased Mofan, "Old Mofan, you're so lucky! You've transformed and become the future son-in-law of the Chinese police chief. From now on, don't forget to take care of me and 'Dull gourd'."
Mofan impatiently said to the old dog, "Let's go." You talk too much.
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On Lin Jing's side, Lin Jing seemed to see her usually robust father looking as if he had fallen seriously ill. His complexion was a bit pale, which was something she had never seen before. She hurriedly asked, "Father, why don't we go to the hospital? That would be safer."
Lin Jing turned to the driver and said, "Old Zhang, hurry up and drive to the hospital. We need to conduct a comprehensive examination for our father."
Lin Xiaotian stopped and said, "Old Zhang, no need. Just drive home directly."
Lin Jing, seeing her father's determination, turned to her elder brother beside her and said, "Brother, you go and try to persuade Dad. If he really gets sick like this, what if it's too late?"
Lin Guodong did not respond to Lin Jing's words. He remained silent by her side without uttering a single word.
After returning home, Lin Jing remained angry about her father not going to the hospital. Even during meals, she remained silent.
Lin Xiaotian coaxed, "Jing'er(The pet names that Chinese fathers use for their children), if you really care about your father, then hurry up and have a proper meal with him. I haven't had the chance to have a meal with you and your brother together for a long time."
When Lin Jing heard this, she could do nothing but obediently join her father in enjoying this family reunion dinner.
After finishing the meal, Lin Jing instructed the servants to leave the hall first. Then she said, "Father, brother, you can tell me now exactly what happened. Since my mother left, we have been living together for so many years. If you have something to hide from me, can't I notice it and sense it? You should know that we are a family. Whenever any problem arises, we should solve and face it together."
You should know that we are a family. Whenever any problem arises, we should solve and face it together.
When Lin Guodong saw this, he went to persuade his father, saying, "Father, your daughter is actually right. We are a family. She has the right to know everything. Anyway, all three of us will face it together. Just tell her."
The father nodded, indicating that Lin Guodong should tell Lin Jing everything.
So, Lin Guodong said, "Sister, our father, actually..." Lin Guodong's words were on the tip of his tongue, but he hesitated and didn't say them.
Lin Jing asked anxiously, "What exactly is the matter?"
Lin Guodong then said, "Our father has lung cancer and may only have one year left to live."
After listening to this, Lin Jing felt as if the sky had turned dark. She quickly ran to her father and threw herself into his arms, crying and saying, "Dad, you won't be hurt. Let's go find the best doctor in the world. He will surely be able to cure you."
Lin Jing turned to Lin Guodong and said, "Brother, let's go right now. Let's go find a doctor right away, okay?"
Lin Guodong could only reply helplessly, "OK, OK, OK. Brother will go and find the doctor right away."
Lin Xiaotian comforted Lin Jing in his arms, saying, "Jing'er, it's okay. Dad is here safely. Aren't we doing well here? This disease, according to current scientific technology, cannot be cured. But I still have one year left. During this year, the three of us will get along well every day, and in this way, we won't have any regrets."
Lin Jing said, "I don't care. During this period, I won't give up. I will try my best to get all the doctors to treat you."
At this point, Lin Guodong said, "Current medical technology has indeed not yet found a cure for lung cancer. However, back in the early days when I traveled to Yunnan, I heard some strange stories from the locals. I heard that there was a strange plant legend in that area that could cure all diseases in the world. But this is merely a legend."
Lin Jing immediately asked, "What is that? No matter what it is, if you hear anything, please tell us right away. As long as there is the slightest hope, we cannot give up."
Lin Guodong said, "OK. When I was traveling in the area bordering Yunnan and Southeast Asia, I once heard the local Miao people say that there is a plant here called Bodhi Fruit. According to the legend, anyone who is seriously ill and eats this plant will regain their health. This Bodhi fruit is said to be a sacred object belonging to a mysterious tribe in the area. The place where it grows is known as the sacred territory of this tribe. It is constantly guarded by people and ordinary people are unable to approach it. Or we could try going to Yunnan to look for this amazing plant."
Lin Xiaotian said, "This is just a legend. If either of you gets into danger because of this, I would rather die."
Lin Jing comforted him, "Dad, don't worry. I'll go and look for Mo Fan tomorrow to see if he has any solution."
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Lin Xiaotian asked, "Are you familiar with this guy named Mo Fan?"
Lin Jing didn't know how to express herself, so she shyly lowered her head.
Lin Guodong quipped, "Dad, when I was at the train station, I could tell that the way those two were looking at each other was strange. I'm afraid your daughter has already been abducted by that guy."
Lin Jing shouted angrily at Lin Guodong, "Brother..." You still have the mood to make fun of me now.
Lin Xiaotian smiled and said, "Hahaha, the person who can tame my wayward and stubborn daughter, I definitely want to have a proper chat with you sometime."
Lin Jing saw the two mocking her, so she left first. Not long after, she brought a bag. Then Lin Jing took out a sword from it. This was the sword of Emperor Qin Shi Huang that she had brought back from Xi'an.
Lin Xiaotian took the sword in his hand and, without hesitation, carefully examined it. He kept saying, "Good sword, good sword. Come on, Jing'er. Please tell me all about your trip to Xi'an right now."
So, Lin Jing told them about this experience. Hearing this, Lin Xiaotian and Lin Guodong were completely astonished.
Lin Guodong couldn't help but exclaim, "It seems that this Maofan detective is really very skilled. I used to be very conceited and thought that there was hardly anyone in my generation who could be my opponent. It seems that I was really shortsighted. If I have the chance, I definitely will compare him with others carefully."
Lin Jing said to Lin Xiaotian, "Father, no matter whether what your brother said is true or false, we must try to look for it once." I think if we ask Mo Fan for help, our chances of success will be greater. Just follow my advice and do things as I suggest, okay?
Lin Xiaotian, although he didn't have high hopes, still wanted to make his daughter feel happier. So he said, "OK, Dad will do whatever you want."
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So, the next morning, Lin Jing quickly located the address of the Detective Agency of Mo Fan and walked straight to Mo Fan's office.So, the next morning, Lin Jing quickly located the address of the Detective Agency of Mo Fan and walked straight to Mo Fan's office.
As Mo Fan saw Lin Jing, he was extremely happy. Suddenly, he noticed that Lin Jing's eyes were red. There must have been something bothering her. He immediately invited Lin Jing to sit down and said, "Lin Jing, what's wrong with you? What happened exactly?"
Lin Jing burst into tears before she could even speak. She was unable to utter a word for a long time.
So Mo Fan sat down beside Lin Jing and wrapped his arms around her, comforting her, saying, "It's okay. Just cry now. When you're done crying, you can tell me too."
The old dog and Qitian were completely at a loss and couldn't figure it out. They could only wait curiously for Lin Jing to regain her composure.
Not long after, Lin Jing realized that this was not a time to be sad. So she began to tell Mo Fan and others about her father's illness and the legend her brother had heard.
Mofan listened attentively and comforted Lin Jing, saying, "So that's how it is. The reason you came to me this time should be that you wanted me to go with you to look for this Bodhi fruit, right?"
Lin Jing looked at Mo Fan and said, "I have no idea whether this legend is true or false, nor do I know how dangerous it is. I think if you don't want to help, I won't blame you either."
Before Mo Fan could speak, the old dog said first, "Don't worry. This time he's saving his future father-in-law. He's absolutely willing to do it."
When Lin Jing heard the old dog's words, she immediately felt embarrassed and lowered her head.
Qi Tian hurriedly covered the old dog's mouth and said, "Could you please stop causing trouble?"
Mofan gave the old dog a stern look, then turned to Lin Jing and said, "Don't worry. I will definitely do this for you. Let's go back together to see your father first, and then we can discuss the next steps together."
When Lin Jing heard Mo Fan's words, she immediately burst into a happy smile. Not caring about the people present around her, she hugged Mo Fan tightly and said, "Thank you."
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Not long after that, Mo Fan and the others arrived at Lin Jing's house.
Mo Fan didn't know why. Ever since he sat in the hall and saw Lin Xiaotian and Lin Guodong, he felt extremely uncomfortable. He remained silent for a long time, his body constantly on edge.
The old dog asked Qi Tian in a low voice, "What's wrong with Old Mo? He's shaking all over. I haven't seen him like this in all these years."
Qi Tian replied quietly, "Old dog, you surely don't understand this, do you? It's the first time for him to meet his father-in-law, so he naturally feels nervous and is afraid of giving a bad impression."
The old dog suddenly understood and said, "Oh."
Lin Xiaotian was the first to break the tense silence and said, "Detective Mo Fan, I'm sure you've learned about our situation from my daughter. Actually, if it weren't for my daughter's insistence, this matter would definitely not have required your intervention."
Mofan replied, "Inspector Lin, don't worry. Lin Jing has already explained everything to me in detail, including the causes and consequences of the incident. I definitely have to help with this. Moreover, I have always had a natural inclination towards adventure. Regarding the legend of this Bodhi fruit, I am also very curious to know whether it is true or not."
Lin Xiaotian said, "Then I'll leave it to you this time. But I myself don't like to hold a grudge against others either. After saying that, Lin Xiaotian gave a look to his subordinates, instructing them to quickly bring the things up."
Not long after, the men at his side took out a box of money and opened it, placing it in front of the people including Mofan.
The old dog saw the money and his saliva almost dribbled down his chin; his eyes were wide open.
Mofan said, "This time I'm helping Lin Jing voluntarily, so you don't have to give me so much money."
The old dog quickly put the money away and said in a low voice, "Are you stupid? This time it's also about risking everything. If you don't earn some money and treat yourself, how can you do that?"
Nobody paid any attention to the old dog. Lin Xiaotian smiled and said, "If you don't want the money, then I really have nothing to offer in return for your kindness."
Mofan said, "I don't need your payment, but I just hope you can do me one favor."
Lin Xiaotian said, "What's the matter?"
Mofan said, "I think you'll agree that it's okay for me to have a relationship with your daughter."
Next to him, Lin Guodong was the first to speak, saying, "Are you using my sister as a bargaining chip? Our Lin family surely has someone capable of handling this matter. Considering the conditions you've proposed, might it seem like you're looking down upon us?"
Lin Jing angrily said to Lin Guodong, "Brother, what are you talking about?"
Lin Xiaotian gestured to Lin Guodong and said with a hearty laugh, "Hahaha, okay, I'll agree. I also want to see how my daughter's judgment is. Whether the person she chose really has a superior nature from the beginning. You don't have to return that money to me either. You should have spent some money on this trip anyway. If you can successfully complete the task, I will agree to let you two be together."
Hearing this, Mo Fan and Lin Jing smiled happily at each other.
Lin Guodong continued, "For this mission, I definitely want to go along. I have already established some connections in the local area. If any trouble arises, I can rely on those connections to help me. Perhaps it could also be of some help."
Lin Xiaotian stopped and said, "You can't leave this time."
Lin Guodong said anxiously, "Why?"
Lin Xiaotian said, "I'm currently ill. There are many tasks at the police station that require assistance. You need to handle many matters on my behalf. You mustn't leave."
Lin Guodong listened and thought what his father had said made sense. He could only reply with a sigh, "OK, Father."
Lin Jing continued, "This time, it's better for me to accompany you. As your daughter, I also want to do my part to support my father."
Mofan stopped and said, "Just stay at home, by your father's side. Now your brother is helping your father with the work. So you should stay here to take care of your father, okay?"
Lin Jing realized that what Mo Fan had said made sense. If she left, her father might have no one to take care of him, and thus wouldn't say much.
But just from Mo Fan's words, Lin Xiaotian developed a certain degree of affection for Mo Fan in his heart. In fact, he knew that his real reason was that he didn't want Lin Jing to get into this danger. Otherwise, with the human and financial resources of his Lin family, there was no need to worry about there being no one to take care of him.
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So, after Mo Fan, the old dog and Qitian left the Lin family, the three of them officially set out on their journey to Yunnan to search for the Bodhi fruit.
Lin Jing stood at the entrance of her home, watching the figures of Mo Fan and his two companions leave with a sense of reluctance.
The father beside her comforted, "Daughter, don't worry. Judging from the impression this boy has given me, he is indeed an outstanding talent and will surely be able to complete this mission."
Lin Guodong also said to Lin Jing beside him, "Sister, come on. Let's help our father go inside to rest. It's too windy outside."
Lin Jing could do nothing but help her elder brother to support her father as they walked into the house. Then, she turned her head every three steps to watch as Mo Fan and others disappeared from her sight.