Chapter 134: Xie Mingzhi’s Intentions

Inside the Lin family villa, Lin Chuanzhi looked at Xia Ruoxi with curiosity. He did not understand why she had brought a stranger home with her.

Before Lin Chuanzhi could ask, Xie Mingzhi spoke first: "Third Uncle, please forgive the intrusion. I am Xie Mingzhi of the third generation of the Xie family. I am here in Zhanhai City on official business, and it would be remiss of me not to pay you a visit."

Lin Chuanzhi had heard of Xie Mingzhi’s name before; it was when his eldest brother, Lin Chuanming, had mentioned him while they were in Yanjing. At the time, his brother had sighed, remarking that if the Lin family hadn't produced a monster like Lin Feng, the third generation of Yanjing would have long since fallen under the sway of the Xie family.

"So it is you! I have finally met you in person. I have heard so much about you over the years. Seeing you today, you are impressive—truly impressive. The Xie family has a worthy successor!" Lin Chuanzhi scrutinized Xie Mingzhi carefully and said with a smile.

"Third Uncle, you flatter me. Compared to Lin Feng, my small achievements are hardly worth mentioning. He is the most monstrous talent among the third generation in Yanjing!" Hearing the praise, Xie Mingzhi shook his head with a bitter smile.

Hearing Xie Mingzhi bring up Lin Feng and comparing the two, Lin Chuanzhi was left speechless. It was true; once a comparison was made, anyone’s achievements paled in front of Lin Feng’s.

Sensing the awkwardness, Xie Mingzhi sought to lighten the mood: "Actually, I have come here today because I need Lin Feng's help with something."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the sound of the villa door opening echoed through the hall. He saw a young man, roughly the same age as his brother, walk inside. The moment Xie Mingzhi saw him, he knew instinctively that this was the Lin Feng he had seen on the news.

"Oh? Do we have guests?" Lin Feng asked, looking curiously at Lin Chuanzhi as he noticed the stranger in the living room.

"Yes, come and meet him. This is Xie Mingzhi from the third generation of the Xie family. He is a truly formidable figure among the younger generation in Yanjing!" Lin Chuanzhi introduced him.

Lin Feng was surprised to hear the name. He had not expected his first meeting with Xie Mingzhi to take place at his own home in Zhanhai City. He had often heard his cousin, Lin Yu, speak of Xie Mingzhi’s reputation. Had Lin Feng not burst onto the scene so unexpectedly, the title of the "Number One Young Master of Yanjing" would have belonged to Xie Mingzhi. Lin Feng had long intended to meet him.

"Welcome to my home. I have often heard your name from my cousin, Lin Yu. If I hadn't been so busy over the New Year, I would have invited you out for a drink long ago," Lin Feng said. His first impression of Xie Mingzhi was positive; the man was composed and dignified, living up to his reputation as the former top young master.

"Lin Feng, you are too kind. If anything, I am the one who has heard so much about you. Over the New Year, I frequently heard my good-for-nothing younger brother praising your incredible abilities. That is why I have come to trouble you with a matter that has been weighing on me." Xie Mingzhi complimented Lin Feng briefly before stating his purpose.

Lin Feng felt he had been outmaneuvered. Xie Mingzhi lived up to his reputation, placing Lin Feng on a pedestal so high that it would be difficult for him to refuse. However, since the guest was from the Yanjing Xie family, and Lin Feng had a good impression of Elder Xie—plus the fact that their families were long-standing allies—Lin Feng didn't mind helping if he could.

"If it is convenient, please tell me why you have come to see me," Lin Feng asked directly.

Xie Mingzhi understood the implication and knew Lin Feng was willing to help even before hearing the details. He spoke bluntly: "I am here regarding the site selection for your company’s new product. I hope you will consider our city, Jiangyang. It is close to Zhanhai, so building a factory there would not increase your costs, and we can offer even more favorable conditions than Zhanhai. I hope you will give Jiangyang serious consideration."

Lin Feng was not entirely clear on the status of the company’s plans, so he looked toward Xia Ruoxi, implicitly asking how things stood.

"I finished discussing the factory opening with the investment attraction committee a few days ago, though the details are not yet finalized," Xia Ruoxi explained, understanding his look.

Before Lin Feng could speak, Xie Mingzhi, fearing a rejection, jumped in: "Lin Feng, don't rush to a conclusion. I am sincere! Our city is building a high-tech park, and we are preparing to apply for official status. If your Future Tech Company could be the first to open a factory there, I am confident I can secure the project. This is not just my personal goal, but the hope of our entire leadership team. The success of this high-tech park is critical to Jiangyang's rapid development!" He looked at Lin Feng with pleading eyes, hoping to sway his decision.

Lin Feng gave a bitter smile, unable to make an immediate choice. "Brother Xie, you have set me a difficult task. If Ruoxi hadn't already spoken to the leadership in Zhanhai, this would be easy to handle. But we have already given them our word; to pull back now would be a breach of trust."

Xie Mingzhi understood the dilemma, but Jiangyang was in desperate need, and as Mayor, he had to prioritize his city's economy. Their positions simply differed.

"I know I am causing you trouble, but Zhanhai City already has your headquarters. You can build factories there anytime. Jiangyang lacks that advantage, so we must fight for ourselves. Please, I beg you!" Xie Mingzhi stood up and bowed to Lin Feng.

Lin Feng was taken aback by the grand gesture. He was surprised and moved by Xie Mingzhi’s sincerity; it was no wonder the man had ascended to the rank of mayor at such a young age—he truly possessed exceptional qualities.

Because of this, Lin Feng made his decision: "I agree. I will place the new factory in Jiangyang. You can discuss the specific policies with Ruoxi later."

"Lin Feng, we have already spoken to the leaders in Zhanhai. Is this really a good idea?" Xia Ruoxi asked, looking worried.

Lin Feng understood her concerns. He waved his hand and explained, "If the Zhanhai leaders ask, just push the responsibility onto Mayor Xie. They failed to keep the matter confidential enough, so consider this a wake-up call. They shouldn't assume they can rest easy just because our headquarters is here."

"Haha! Lin Feng is right. Ruoxi, if the Zhanhai leaders have complaints, tell them to come to me. I’ll handle them. It’s not as if this is our first time dealing with one another; we’ve clashed over provincial resources and funding many times before!" Xie Mingzhi said with a laugh, appearing completely unfazed by the prospect of offending the Zhanhai officials.

Seeing that both men were firm, Xia Ruoxi accepted the decision and prepared to answer the Zhanhai officials as instructed.

With the matter settled, Xie Mingzhi exchanged a few more pleasantries before inviting Xia Ruoxi to return to Jiangyang with him the following day to inspect potential sites. If they found suitable factories, the Jiangyang government would assist in the acquisition.

After a while, Xie Mingzhi left the villa, feeling satisfied as he returned to his hotel.

"Lin Feng, were you serious about giving the project to Jiangyang? You weren't just joking, were you?" Xia Ruoxi asked once they were alone.

"Do I look like I'm joking? Xie Mingzhi is a good man and worth befriending. Besides, he was right: Zhanhai has our headquarters, so there will be plenty of other opportunities here. That is why I ultimately decided to place the new factory in Jiangyang," Lin Feng said with a smile.

"Fine! It's your decision anyway. If the Zhanhai leaders get upset, I'll just point them to you!" Xia Ruoxi replied nonchalantly. As long as someone else was taking the heat, she didn't mind.

Lin Feng couldn't help but laugh at her feigned indifference.

The next day, eager to settle the factory issue, Xia Ruoxi contacted Xie Mingzhi to head to Jiangyang immediately. Xie Mingzhi was naturally delighted; the sooner the contract was signed, the better. Without a moment's hesitation, he led Xia Ruoxi and her market research team to Jiangyang.

Meanwhile, Lin Feng visited the laboratory to speak with Zhao Ze.

"How did it go? Did you talk to them yesterday? How many are willing to go with you?" Lin Feng asked impatiently upon seeing him.

Zhao Ze looked at him with great excitement. "Young Master Lin, they are all willing to go! Not a single person wants to stay behind!"

"Is that so? Good, very good! As expected of the people we’ve cultivated—that level of courage and spirit is truly commendable," Lin Feng said happily.

"Have you decided which part of the Middle East you’re heading to? Are you confident?" Lin Feng continued.

"Don't worry, Young Master. We discussed it as a group; if we’re going, we should go where it’s most volatile. We’ve chosen Iraq," Zhao Ze said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Lin Feng was startled. Iraq was no ordinary place; it was one of the most chaotic countries in the Middle East, with various factions fighting for territory. Without real strength, surviving there would be a tall order.

"Are you sure? You know the risks involved. How much confidence do you have?" Lin Feng asked sternly.

"I can't guarantee success, but I believe I can do it," Zhao Ze replied firmly.

Lin Feng patted him on the shoulder and said solemnly, "Once you’ve decided, go. I cannot help you on the ground, but I can provide you with a constant stream of financial support. As for the Longteng Gang, I will have Sun Long take over in your absence. With me here, I won't let things fall into chaos. You can rest easy."

Hearing that Lin Feng had arranged everything for his peace of mind, Zhao Ze was deeply moved. "Young Master Lin, please rest assured. Wait for our good news!"