Chapter 121: Poached Upon Returning Home

The members of the Lin family in the drawing room heard Premier Zhu’s high praise for Lin Feng. Far from feeling it was an exaggeration, they felt it didn't even do him justice, and they nodded in agreement with the Premier’s assessment.

Lin Feng alone sat silently, listening. He remained unmoved by the Premier's compliments, sitting quietly on the sofa and waiting for the others to continue.

Seeing that Lin Feng had no reaction, Premier Zhu continued, looking directly at him. "In the past, when Elder Xie mentioned wanting to bring you into the military, I didn't think much of it. But now, I am in complete agreement with their opinion. Lin Feng, you must take up a post in the military as an instructor. If you could train a batch of soldiers with skills like yours, it would be of immense value to our country!"

"Oh, come on! Is that why you came here today, Premier Zhu? My stance remains the same as it has always been; I have never considered a career in the military. That was my position before, and it is my position now," Lin Feng replied. Feeling compelled to speak up to dispel their expectations, he stated his refusal firmly.

Hearing Lin Feng’s refusal, Elder Xie could not sit still. He hurriedly criticized him, "You brat, why are you so lazy? Entering the military to cultivate more talent for the country is a noble and glorious undertaking!"

"Well, I’d rather forgo this glory. Our country has so much talent; one more or one less of me makes no difference," Lin Feng replied, remaining unyielding toward Elder Xie.

Seeing how stubborn Lin Feng was, Elder Xie was at a loss. He then shifted his focus to the Longteng Gang. "Fine, if you don't want to join the army, then give me all the members of your Longteng Gang who went to the island nation. Let them join the military; that should be fine, right?"

"Hmph, don't even think about it! So that was your plan all along!" Upon hearing that the Minister was targeting the experts of his gang, Lin Feng stood up, filled with righteous indignation, and rejected the idea.

With Elder Xie unable to persuade him, Premier Zhu stepped in to mediate. "Lin Feng, you know their capabilities. Even the recruits you’ve trained for less than six months are already on par with members of the Falcon Commando. The key is that they have a solid foundation and great room for growth; it is only a matter of time before they surpass the Falcon Commandos. Isn't it a waste to keep such experts in your hands? You should hand them over to the state to make a contribution!"

"Of course I know their capabilities—they were trained by me! Don't you dare set your sights on them. If you want people, go train them yourselves!" Lin Feng declared proudly before once again rejecting the Premier.

"You, you..." Premier Zhu was left speechless by Lin Feng’s stinginess.

Seeing that even the Premier had failed, Elder Xie tried one last time. "If you won't give us many, then just give us Zhao Ze. One person should be enough, right?"

"That is even more impossible. Zhao Ze is the leader of the Longteng Gang—that information must have been leaked by that brat Xie Ming. I won't hide it from you: he is the candidate I personally trained one-on-one to anchor my underground influence. As far as I know, apart from myself, no one is his match! So, don't even think about it." Hearing that Elder Xie was after Zhao Ze, Lin Feng’s refusal became even more stern.

Elder Xie was shocked. He had only heard from his grandson that the Longteng group was very strong, especially a man named Zhao Ze, whose strength far exceeded theirs. Elder Xie had even looked up Zhao Ze’s background and discovered he was a former soldier, which made him want the man even more. Only now, hearing it from Lin Feng, did he realize just how formidable Zhao Ze truly was. Because he hadn't made a move within China, the top leadership had clearly underestimated him.

"Lin Feng, really, just him—that one person. Please, let us have him! As long as Zhao Ze joins the military, I guarantee that no one will ever bother you again or bring up the subject of you joining the military!" Elder Xie, learning of Zhao Ze’s true prowess, pleaded relentlessly.

Lin Feng remained unmoved, shaking his head firmly to refuse them and signaling that they should give up on the idea once and for all.

The two high-ranking leaders spent a good while trying to wear Lin Feng down, but in the end, they could not change his mind and temporarily set their plans aside.

Seeing them relent, Lin Feng shook his head with a wry smile, thinking to himself, "Talking to these big bosses is truly exhausting."

"Tell me, Premier Zhu, Elder Xie, you didn't come all this way just for this, did you?" Lin Feng asked the two leaders.

"Not entirely. It was one of the things we intended to discuss, but we also came to see you, our great hero, and to inform you that we have already finalized the distribution of your overseas agency rights for the days you were stirring things up in the island nation." Upon hearing Lin Feng’s question, Premier Zhu immediately replied. He then took a stack of documents from his briefcase—the detailed distribution list of the agency rights he had just mentioned—and handed them to Lin Feng.

Lin Feng took the documents with both hands. Instead of looking at them immediately, he said politely, "You could have just given an order; there was no need to come all this way. I feel terrible about the trouble."

Premier Zhu pursed his lips and replied, "Forget it. 'Feel terrible'—you only know how to say the nice things. Regardless, the country has benefited greatly from these agency rights, and that is all thanks to your efforts and the sacrifices of the Lin family. I had to come and express our gratitude. Besides, there is another piece of great news to share with your family."

"I don't mind that part; I make money regardless of who I sell to. But what is this 'great news' you speak of, Premier Zhu?" Lin Feng asked curiously.

The rest of the Lin family, intrigued by the Premier, sat nearby, watching and waiting for the announcement.

"Let me handle this. It was actually decided a few days ago, but because Lin Feng went to the island nation and so many things happened, it was put on hold. Now that Lin Feng has returned safely, besides what we just discussed, I am here today to announce this," Elder Xie said, taking the words out of the Premier's mouth.

This shifted the attention of everyone in the hall from the Premier to Elder Xie.

Elder Xie did not hesitate. He looked directly at Lin Chuanming, who was sitting next to Elder Lin. "Based on the research and decision made by our high-level meeting, Comrade Lin Chuanming is to be promoted to the rank of General. Your work and duties will also be adjusted accordingly. Details will be arranged by the Military Commission once the formal appointment is issued; I am merely telling you in advance!"

"What!" All the members of the Lin family in the hall cried out in unison.

"Is... is this true? You aren't joking, are you?" Lin Chuanming, who had been stunned, snapped out of his trance and asked Elder Lin, still unable to believe it.

Premier Zhu spoke up again, explaining to Lin Chuanming, "It is certainly true. Do you think the state leadership would joke about such a serious appointment? I know that, given your age, you would not normally reach the rank of General, but the Chairman took into account the significant sacrifices made by the Lin family and proposed an exceptional promotion for you at the meeting. All the high-level leaders agreed! Comrade Lin Chuanming, the burden on your shoulders has grown heavier. Do you have the confidence to carry it?"

Hearing this, Lin Chuanming finally understood the reason for his promotion. He stood up, stood at attention, and solemnly assured the Premier and Elder Xie, "Thank you to the state leadership for your trust and cultivation. No matter how many difficulties lie ahead, I have the confidence to see them through."

Premier Zhu and Elder Xie were very satisfied with Lin Chuanming’s attitude. Since Lin Chuanming fell under Elder Xie’s jurisdiction, he said, "Good, very good. We aren't in the office, no need to be so stiff. Sit, sit."

After Elder Xie spoke, Lin Chuanming sat down properly. Everyone in the room, except for Lin Feng, looked at him with envy and congratulations.

Seeing that their mission was complete and all matters had been addressed, the Premier and Elder Xie, while not entirely satisfied with the outcome of their requests, felt it was inappropriate to continue pressing. After exchanging a few more polite words with the family, they took their leave.

With the departure of the two "big bosses," the Lin residence returned to its lively, bustling state.

Lin Feng went back to his old self and teased Lin Chuanming, "Uncle, congratulations! To reach the rank of General at your age—that is truly unprecedented in this country!"

Lin Chuanming laughed happily for a while. With the leaders present, he had suppressed his joy to leave a good impression, but now that it was just family, there was no need for pretense. After letting his excitement out, he calmed down and said gratefully to Lin Feng, "I should be thanking you. It is because of your company and the things the state saw in it that I have had this opportunity to advance. You are the one who deserves the most credit!"

"Haha, Chuanming is right. You are the one who truly deserves the credit, you brat!" Elder Lin added with a hearty laugh.

The others in the hall nodded in agreement, showering Lin Feng with so much praise that he began to feel embarrassed.

Finally, Lin Chuanzhi stepped in to relieve him of the awkwardness. The men of the family chatted for a while longer before dispersing to their rooms to rest.

Lin Feng headed up to the second floor and returned to his room. Looking at the cozy layout of the space, with a beautiful woman waiting for him inside, he felt deeply satisfied and happy.