Chapter 133: Xie Mingzhi of the Xie Family

Zhao Ze stood in place, watching the impatient trainees and couldn’t help but curse under his breath, saying, “There’s plenty of medicinal wine!” That finally settled the chaotic scene.

Sure enough, Lin Feng had indeed prepared more than enough earlier. After each of the hundred trainees drank a large bowl of the celestial brew, three whole vats remained unopened.

After dealing with the surplus brew, Zhao Ze swallowed hard, suppressing the urge to sneak a taste, then went into the laboratory to find Lin Feng. He hadn’t forgotten that Lin Feng mentioned he needed to speak with him about something.

“They’ve all had their drink?” Lin Feng sat on the sand in the laboratory’s main hall—a space usually reserved for researchers to rest when tired. Since no one else was around, Lin Feng treated it as a temporary reception area, preparing to discuss Mo Tian’s proposal from a few days ago.

“Yes, they’ve all had it! This celestial brew is truly miraculous; as soon as they drank it, many toxins were expelled from their bodies. Following your instructions, I gave them a day off to relax and fully experience the changes. But, Young Master Lin, there are still three vats left—how should we handle them?” Zhao Ze entered the lab and, upon hearing Lin Feng’s question, sat beside him and replied.

Lin Feng pondered for a moment. He had initially intended to take the extra brew with him but then dismissed the idea. “Leave the celestial brew here in your care for now.”

“Understood! Young Master Lin, you called me here today because...?”

“There is something, but I don’t know if you’re willing. This time, it’s truly a matter of life and death!” Lin Feng suddenly sat upright, his expression stern as he looked at Zhao Ze.

Zhao Ze was taken aback. Lin Feng’s serious demeanor said everything. Even with just that one sentence, Zhao Ze could guess what was coming was earth-shattering because he knew Lin Feng well.

“Young Master Lin, whatever the matter, just say the word. Zhao Ze will never refuse!” Zhao Ze responded solemnly, his gaze firm, as if he were still an active-duty soldier, pledging unwavering loyalty to his superior.

Lin Feng smiled approvingly at Zhao Ze’s attitude, patted his shoulder, then, after a moment of deliberation, spoke: “I won’t force you on this, but I believe you’re the most suitable candidate. I want you to lead these hundred trainees into the Middle East. Assess which country is easier to establish a foothold in, then swiftly move in, overcome obstacles, and expand our influence!”

The atmosphere fell silent after Lin Feng’s declaration. Zhao Ze was utterly shocked by the magnitude of the plan. Though his face remained composed, his wide-open eyes revealed the storm raging inside.

After a long moment, Zhao Ze finally absorbed the news and calmly said, “Young Master Lin, you’re not joking.”

Lin Feng’s serious expression was the only reply, confirming this was no jest.

“Rest assured, Young Master Lin, I’m willing to accept this challenge. I’ll lead these hundred members to carve out our territory in a foreign land!” Having confirmed Lin Feng’s sincerity, Zhao Ze thought it over thoroughly before resolutely making his promise.

“First, go back and discuss this with the trainees. I won’t force anyone; if they’re willing, they can go with you. If not, they can stay here to guard the lab. The only support I can provide is continuous funding. Everything else—the entry into that country, expanding influence, talent cultivation—must be managed by you and your team!” Lin Feng reassured Zhao Ze, not wanting him to decide hastily.

“Don’t worry, Young Master Lin, I have full confidence in those I’ve trained. I...” Though Lin Feng said this, Zhao Ze insisted on his stance.

“Alright, go back and negotiate with them. When it comes to which location in the Middle East you’ll choose, that’s up to you all. Once decided, we’ll discuss the follow-up arrangements!” Lin Feng cut him off again, practically sending Zhao Ze away.

Helpless, Zhao Ze left the laboratory. His earlier words were one-sided; he couldn’t represent all hundred trainees. He had to obey Lin Feng’s order, return, and have a proper talk with them—it was a matter of life and death for them.

Once Zhao Ze rose to leave, Lin Feng departed as well. But at that moment, a visitor arrived at the headquarters of Future-Tech Corporation, requesting to see Lin Feng.

Xia Ruoxi heard from the secretary that a guest insisted on meeting Lin Feng. His identity was somewhat special, so the front desk dared not refuse and arranged for him to wait in a conference room.

Curious about the visitor’s identity, and with Lin Feng absent and all company affairs now under her charge, Xia Ruoxi couldn’t help but leave her office to meet the visitor and learn his purpose.

Opening the conference room door, Xia Ruoxi saw a man in his thirties sitting alone, leisurely sipping tea. His manner of drinking was elegant and refined. Upon seeing her enter, he gently set down his cup and looked up at her.

Xia Ruoxi closed the door behind her and sat opposite the man, immediately sensing a subtle aura of authority emanating from him. She thought, “He must be someone from the circles, holding a high position to have such presence.”

“I’m...” Xia Ruoxi began to introduce herself but was interrupted as the man raised his hand.

Puzzled, Xia Ruoxi looked at him, unsure what he intended. Then the man spoke.

“No need to introduce yourself. I know you and this company better than you do. Where is Lin Feng?”

“Uh, Lin Feng rarely comes to the company. If you truly know this company, then you must know I handle most affairs here.” Xia Ruoxi didn’t know his background but explained nonetheless.

“You’re right. If you have the authority, we can talk directly. I’m Xie Mingzhi, mayor of Jiangyang City. Your company used many of our local assembly plants as agents before.” The man got straight to the point.

Xia Ruoxi was surprised to learn he was a mayor. While Jiangyang City wasn’t as developed as Zhanhai City, it was still a second-tier city. For someone around thirty to hold such a position, it had to be on merit, not just family connections.

“May I ask, Mayor Xie, what brings you here?” Xia Ruoxi spoke more formally now, aware of his institutional status and considerable rank.

“Well, I’ll be direct. I heard through unofficial channels that your company has new products and is negotiating with Zhanhai City’s leadership about factory locations. I understand your timeline is tight and you need to acquire some electronic equipment factories, right?” Xie Mingzhi smiled knowingly.

Xia Ruoxi was startled. She had mentioned such matters to Lin Yu, who was responsible for investment promotion in Zhanhai. She did this partly to help Lin Yu’s achievements. It was Lin Yu who had introduced her to key economic leaders in Zhanhai. She hadn’t expected the mayor of another city to know.

“Heh, Mayor Xie’s tactics are impressive! Yes, that’s true. But I only discussed it with a few responsible leaders. I don’t think they’d foolishly publicize before anything is finalized. How did you find out?” Xia Ruoxi candidly admitted and asked.

“Heh, I’m glad you admit it. I won’t go into details on how I obtained the information. Let’s just say Jiangyang isn’t far from Zhanhai, and secrecy isn’t absolute in these systems. Eventually, the news reached me.” Xie Mingzhi explained casually.

“Mayor Xie’s skills are admirable. No wonder you reached this position at such a young age!” Though he hadn’t elaborated, Xia Ruoxi could guess some things and couldn’t help but compliment him.

At Xie Mingzhi’s level, having climbed through endless scheming and rivalry, he was immune to flattery from beauties like Xia Ruoxi.

“Ms. Xia, to be frank, I’m very interested in the factories producing your new products. You have agency factories in Jiangyang, so you must know we have many factories here, including ones your company currently needs. If you’re willing, our city leaders will cooperate with your acquisitions and provide support that Zhanhai cannot offer! Moreover, we hope to leverage Future-Tech’s momentum to establish a high-tech park around your production and assembly plants, attract other high-tech companies, and create an economic hallmark for Jiangyang, drawing more resources and generating higher economic returns!” Xie Mingzhi laid out his proposal.

“But Mayor Xie, you’re too late! Future-Tech has already discussed this with Zhanhai’s leadership. Sudden changes aren’t in our business style!” Xia Ruoxi acknowledged the appeal and sincerity but declined.

Xie Mingzhi wasn’t discouraged by the refusal. Shifting tactics, he said, “If you can’t decide, I won’t leave immediately. Maybe you can arrange for me to visit the Lin family? I don’t know the way.”

“Ah!” Xia Ruoxi was puzzled by the sudden topic change. How did it jump to visiting the Lin family? Besides, as a mayor of Jiangyang, visiting the Lin family seemed inappropriate. She intended to refuse. After all, she didn’t have the authority to casually bring someone to the Lin family villa.

Xie Mingzhi seemed to read her thoughts and said again, “Don’t worry. I’m the third generation of the Xie family in Yanjing. You must be familiar with my family. Since I’m here in Zhanhai, it would be improper not to visit Uncle Lin as a junior.”

“Ah! You’re part of the Lin family? Do you have a younger brother named Xie Ming?” Xia Ruoxi was surprised, connecting his identity and name.

“Yes, that’s my unworthy brother. I didn’t expect you to know him!” Xie Mingzhi nodded in acknowledgment.

At last, Xia Ruoxi confirmed his identity. She knew the relationship between the Lin and Xie families in Yanjing. With this added connection, she agreed to accompany him to the Lin family villa.