Chapter Seventy-Five: The Canopy of Nature

As the initiator and main sponsor of this competition, Wu You’s private message was something Hu Lei and the others dared not neglect. They immediately opened it to read.

“The prize money has arrived, hasn’t it? Surprised? Delighted? My name is Wu You. Here’s my number: 150XXXXXXXX. Contact me when you have time; I’d like to discuss the design proposal with you.”

Hu Lei felt a brief wave of anxiety, worried that the sponsor might be dissatisfied with their plan. Although the prize money had already reached them, if the sponsor decided to make a fuss and retract the reward, the other contestants would probably be only too happy to see it happen.

Without delay, he pulled out his phone and dialed Wu You’s number.

After two rings, the call was answered.

“Hello, who is this?”

Hu Lei tried to keep his tone as clear and courteous as possible.

“Is this Mr. Wu? This is Hu Lei, the designer of the ‘Stone, Stone, Stone – Metallic Wood’ project. May I ask if you have any feedback or concerns about our proposal?”

Wu You was pleased—calling so promptly with such a good attitude.

“Oh, Mr. Hu, hello. I’m very satisfied with your proposal. I’m reaching out because I have a few constructive ideas about the plan that I’d like to discuss with you in person. If it’s convenient, perhaps we could schedule a meeting?”

As soon as the others in the dormitory heard that Wu You wasn’t dissatisfied, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

“Of course, that’s no problem at all. We’re all graduate students and can ask our advisor for leave any time.”

“Great. According to the information, you’re based in Shen City, right? If you’re free, come to Qiantang this Saturday morning. I’ll have someone pick you up. Just send me your train details beforehand.”

“No problem, we’ll definitely be there.”

With that, Wu You hung up.

Hu Lei had put the call on speaker, so his roommates had all heard the conversation.

Fan Xiaojin asked in confusion, “Did he just say he had some constructive ideas about the proposal?”

“That’s what it sounded like,” replied Zhang Long, another roommate.

Ni Dongqiang, nicknamed Buffalo, interjected, “Could it be that he really plans to build this manor?”

Hu Lei cut off their wild speculation.

“Alright, that’s enough. He probably just wants to offer some suggestions to make the design even better. Stop letting your imaginations run wild. If anyone’s going to overthink, it should be me, not you.”

Then Hu Lei’s tone shifted, a smile breaking out on his face.

“More importantly, how should we celebrate tonight?”

“Haha, is that even a question? Street barbecue, obviously!”

“Barbecue? No way! This time we’re going to a high-end restaurant!”

“That’s right—let’s splurge for once!”

…

Meanwhile, Wu You, having hung up the phone, switched his focus to observing through the perspective of the Mountain Tree.

The Mountain Tree’s “vision” was perhaps the most extraordinary among all living beings. Though it had no eyes, what it perceived was broader than any other creature could imagine. The mountain ranges seemed like mere mounds, and the vegetation below looked like clusters of toy grass. Birds dwelling on its branches and animals sensed from afar appeared like adorable miniature pets.

When sharing perception with the Mountain Tree, one’s entire being was enveloped in a state of serene, natural inclusiveness. Nothing between heaven and earth seemed able to distract it, yet it felt as if it was paying attention to everything—every aspect of Shiniu Mountain and even the surrounding villages fell within its awareness. It was like a mother of nature.

It could sense the fragrance of rocks and earth, the undulating rhythm of springs and rivers. Thanks to its heart’s affinity, it could comprehend and even influence the minds of animals and plants.

In some respects, it was hard to say whether the Mountain Tree or Qiongqi had the more formidable spiritual abilities. This was essentially a vast green radar, and it was constantly growing—steadily, yet never sluggishly—expanding its emerald canopy.

After savoring this sensation for a while, Wu You focused his attention on the branches where he planned to build the manor.

They had grown quite a bit, he noted to himself.

Inviting Hu Lei and his team was not a whim. It had been part of his plan from the start. As an architectural layman, it was truly beyond him to handle the entire construction process alone. His family was out of the question, and his currently trustworthy subordinates were not suited to the task either.

He had once considered relying on the Mountain Tree’s ability to foster goodwill. Even if it couldn’t completely control someone, it could at least make sure they wouldn’t act against his interests. Now, with Qiongqi as well, the combined powers of these two silver-tier creatures meant that only someone of advanced cultivation could possibly resist such mental influence.

Hu Lei’s team were obviously talented. Hiring them to oversee planning and supervision, while the alchemical creatures handled construction—and perhaps even having the Mountain Tree “grow” some of the primary support structures—would be ideal. If they could be recruited as his own people, so much the better.

He now felt safe enough to begin subtly influencing some of his subordinates’ minds, preparing for the future when secrecy would demand more trustworthy hands.

The abilities of the Mountain Tree and Qiongqi would not turn his followers into mindless puppets. They would live and eat as usual, but their thoughts would be deeply influenced: one guided toward goodwill, the other manipulating desires. In other words, they simply would not entertain thoughts of betrayal.

The mysteries of the brain and spirit had always been a global enigma. Wu You did not believe anyone in the world could surpass the innate talents of these silver-tier beings in this field.

…

That day, Xiang Biao and Huazai were both at the company, reviewing documents with Wang Hui. Wang Dong was at the Qiantang port, overseeing the receipt of goods with a team—mainly small wild animals from within the country. Wu You had told them earlier that they would soon be organizing a release into the wild.

They had already received a batch of “seed stock,” all being cared for at the company’s breeding farms. Although Wu You always seemed at leisure, his Manbeast Mountain Manor Biotech Company was extremely busy. Not only were they collecting plants and animals, but they had also expanded several ecological farming bases, and even signed cooperative agreements with various pharmaceutical companies and research labs.

Though these ventures had only just begun, the prospects were promising—no company could simply spend without earning. And with everything in its infancy, the workload was immense.

After their encounter in Southern Dian, Wang Hui and his girlfriend officially joined the company not long after Wu You returned. Both revealed previously hidden talents: Wang Hui with remarkable management and commercial acumen, and Wan Qianqian becoming a star in the company’s social affairs.

Of course, all this was thanks to both the hidden resources of Zhou Peng and the support of the relevant authorities in Qiantang.

That day, the “hands-off boss” Wu You called in. He instructed all headquarters staff not on business trips to gather at the mountain hollow in front of Shiniu Mountain at three in the afternoon—the site where saplings were being unloaded. He intended to lead everyone up the mountain to inspect the greening progress.

The news left Xiang Biao and the others both excited and nervous. Wang Hui and the other employees were full of curiosity. Though Eco-Shiniu Mountain was now the company’s main project, very few had actually ventured into the mountains. No one knew whom Wu You had assigned to internal construction, nor how much progress had been made. Their curiosity was already at a peak.