Chapter 101: Ikeda Rika Arrives in China

In the Wang family’s living room, Toka Iga first cast a disdainful glance at Wang Man, who proved no match for her allure, before withdrawing her gaze and respectfully fixing her serious eyes on the patriarch seated at the head of the room. Toward this elder, who held the same stature as her own clan leader, Toka Iga showed not the slightest disrespect. The Wang family was a formidable force in Yanjing City of Huaxia, and Toka understood well the weight their name carried.

“Thank you for your concern, Master Wang. My grandfather is in good health and misses you dearly. In fact, my official business brought me to Yanjing, and knowing this, my grandfather specially instructed me to visit,” Toka said with utmost respect to the head of the Wang family.

“Ha, your Iga clan is too courteous! We are business partners and friends; it’s a pleasure to have you here. Please convey my thanks to your grandfather,” the old Wang replied with a satisfied smile, well aware of the politeness layered beneath the words. Yet, since she had gone to such lengths, he naturally had to respond in kind—after all, courtesy is a mutual exchange.

“By the way, you mentioned coming to Yanjing on official business. Is everything going smoothly? If you need assistance, the Wang family is at your service. Don’t hesitate to ask; we are friends, after all,” the elder added casually, his words customary but sincere.

Though these were standard pleasantries, everyone understood the underlying meaning. However, the elder did not expect her to seize on his offer so eagerly, which caught him somewhat off guard.

“Master Wang, since you’re so kind, I won’t refuse. To be honest, my purpose here is to secure the agency rights for FutureTech Corporation. I believe you, as the head of the Wang family, are even more familiar with this than we are,” Toka said boldly, meeting his eyes directly.

For the first time, the Wang patriarch regarded Toka Iga with genuine seriousness. She was indeed a talent, though regrettably not one of his own blood. If only the Wang family had someone like her, how could their influence fail to grow? Though she was younger, she represented the Iga clan, compelling the elder to take her words seriously and respond.

“You’re here for the agency rights as well? The international situation is turbulent; as of today, dozens of conglomerates larger than yours have arrived in Yanjing. They’re all vying for those rights,” Master Wang said in surprise.

Toka nodded respectfully, undeterred by the elder’s astonishment. Compared to those global powers, the Iga family was indeed insignificant. Bowing humbly, she pleaded, “Precisely because our advantage is limited, we need your help, Master Wang.”

Unaware of the bitter history between the Wang family and Lin Feng, she naively sought aid. Now, with hopeful eyes, she looked to Master Wang, yearning for support.

The elder knew well the enmity between the Wangs and Lin Feng. He felt like a clay idol crossing a river—helpless to protect himself—and dared not promise assistance to the Iga clan. Had he known that they, too, bore grudges against Lin Feng, he might have refrained from saying what followed.

“Miss Toka, I won’t hide anything from you. Regarding the agency rights, I truly cannot help. The Lin family has already joined with three other major clans to declare they will handle this matter officially. Even the Wang family is struggling to secure a piece of the agency rights,” Master Wang said helplessly, unaware that the situation had shifted today, as the Wang family was not among those summoned by the national leaders.

“Ah, so even the Wang family can’t manage it? You’re after the agency rights too?” Toka’s surprised expression was the first she had shown since entering the Wang residence. She leaned forward slightly, eyes wide, addressing the elder in astonishment.

Unintentionally, this sudden movement caused her tight clothing to loosen, revealing more than she intended. Wang Man, seated at a corner, took in the sight with clear appreciation, his breath growing heavier. Only then did Toka realize her wardrobe mishap. She quickly straightened, retreating to her original posture and readjusting her garment.

Seeing the alluring view vanish, Wang Man felt a pang of disappointment, which only fueled his desire further.

“Yes, we are trying every means to secure the agency rights for FutureTech Corporation. I believe no clan can refuse them,” Master Wang nodded, confirming the gravity of the matter.

Only then did Toka realize the futility of seeking help from the Wang family. They were rivals in this endeavor, each vying for the coveted agency rights.

With no further desire to converse, after exchanging polite farewells, Toka rose to take her leave.

Once outside the Wang estate, her assistant bowed and asked, “Miss Toka, what shall we do next?”

Walking thoughtfully, she finally admitted, “Send an invitation to Lin Feng of the Lin family. Tonight, I will host a banquet in Yanjing for him. I refuse to believe that Lin Feng is unbeatable—I, Toka Iga, will conquer him!” She was well aware of the grudges between Lin Feng and the Iga clan; it was that knowledge which fueled her determination to meet him. Should Lin Feng fall under her sway, her influence within the Iga family would rival that of the clan leader.

Her assistant nodded and promptly set arrangements in motion. Meanwhile, Toka climbed into the waiting car, preparing for the evening’s meeting.

At that moment, Lin Feng was brooding as he and Lin Yu rode back to the Lin family estate. Not long ago, they had been at the Tiger Head Gang headquarters—now rightly named the Dragon Rising Gang’s Yanjing branch—discussing development plans with Zhao Ze. Thanks to Zhao Ze’s efforts, the branch had grown steadily, with reinforcements dispatched from Zhanhai City and intelligence experts from Zhuque arriving to train earlier recruits. Everything was running smoothly under Zhao Ze’s management, much to Lin Feng’s satisfaction. Yet, during this pleasant moment, he received an urgent call from the elder Lin, summoning him home immediately for consultation. Shortly thereafter, Lin Chuan Zhi also called with similar urgency.

“Do you think these old folks have nothing better to do? We’re at home all the time, but the moment we step out, they rush us back saying there’s something to discuss. Are they just playing with us?” Lin Feng muttered irritably to Lin Yu as they drove.

Unlike Lin Feng’s boldness, Lin Yu carefully replied, “Well, I don’t know either. We’ll find out when we get back.”

Seeing Lin Yu’s cautious demeanor, Lin Feng lost interest in further banter. The car soon entered the Lin estate.

Upon arrival, Lin Feng and Lin Yu were taken aback by the imposing gathering in the main hall. The elder Lin and all second-generation family members had assembled—many of whom should have been at work. This was clearly a serious matter, prompting the patriarch to call everyone together.

“Let’s discuss in the study,” the elder Lin said solemnly upon seeing Lin Feng and Lin Yu, then rose to lead the way.

Puzzled, the two exchanged glances but followed the elders toward the study.

Inside, the tense atmosphere silenced even Lin Yu, who abandoned his usual tea service. Anxiously, the second generation awaited the elder’s words. Only Lin Feng remained relaxed, lounging casually with legs crossed.

The elder surveyed each member carefully before speaking: “There has been a change regarding the agency rights. In recent days, numerous foreign powers have descended on Yanjing, all seeking to obtain overseas agency rights for Lin Feng’s company. They have promised many benefits to the state. Now, the national leadership has turned its attention to this matter, intending to centralize all rights under state control.”

“What? The government wants to take it back?”

“This is ours to decide! How can they just seize it?”

“This is outrageous!”

The second generation rose, voices rising in agitation. The elder Lin looked at their unrest, then toward the indifferent Lin Feng and the hesitant Lin Yu. Since this was Lin Feng’s company, he turned to him for his opinion.

“Lin Feng, what do you think of this?”

Lin Feng remained unfazed. Whether the Lin family or the state allocated the rights, he would profit regardless. With a casual tone, he replied, “Old man, you shouldn’t even ask me. From my standpoint, I don’t care who decides the agency rights—I win either way.”

The elder sighed, the first time addressing Lin Feng with such earnest humility: “I know your words are logical, but I hope you can consider this from the perspective of the Lin family’s descendants, not just as chairman of FutureTech Corporation.”

Hearing the elder’s earnest plea, Lin Chuan Zhi frowned, glaring at Lin Feng as if to chastise him. His look conveyed both displeasure and a reminder: Lin Feng should speak more seriously and respect the elder’s wishes, never forgetting he too was part of the Lin family.