Chapter 47 The Iga Clan

“We’re still investigating, but so far we haven’t found any leads. It’s as if they both vanished into thin air!” the subordinate replied anxiously.

“You’re all useless!” Iga Tengchun shouted, slamming the side table next to him. The Iga family had risen to power rapidly over the years, largely thanks to this organization—or rather, the organization had been cultivated by the Iga family to deal with matters that couldn’t be resolved through overt means.

“Look into the background of Future Tech Corporation thoroughly. Our people disappeared mysteriously not long after arriving in Zhanhai City. I refuse to believe that’s a coincidence. Dig deep and see if this is connected to them in any way!” Iga Tengchun ordered fiercely, glaring at his subordinate.

“Yes, sir. If there are no further instructions, I’ll go make the arrangements now.” The subordinate knelt respectfully, nodding, then retreated slowly.

“Wait. When you leave, send Tengfei to see me,” Iga Tengchun commanded again as the subordinate reached the doorway. After issuing his orders, he closed his eyes in thought.

“Yes, sir!” The subordinate, who was almost out the door, quickly responded upon hearing Tengchun’s instruction.

Soon, the man called Tengfei entered Tengchun’s room. He saluted respectfully and knelt, waiting for his grandfather’s orders. He was the third generation of the Iga family, responsible for managing the family’s legitimate businesses since reaching adulthood—a figurehead in commerce, acting as Tengchun’s proxy in the business world.

“You’re here,” Iga Tengchun said, opening his eyes and looking at his grandson kneeling before him.

“Yes, Grandfather. Is there something you need from me today?” Iga Tengfei asked respectfully.

“There’s something I need you to handle,” Tengchun said coolly. As he spoke, his aura intensified, and he fixed his gaze on Tengfei.

Hearing those words, Tengfei lifted his head in surprise, only to see his grandfather staring intently at him. Worried he’d done something wrong, he quickly lowered his head again and replied respectfully, “Yes, Patriarch. Please instruct me.”

Satisfied by his grandson’s respectful and nervous demeanor, Tengchun felt reassured about his hold over the family. He then said, “Arrange your schedule and travel soon to Zhanhai City in Huaxia. There’s a company I want you to sound out. If possible, see if you can acquire it.”

“Yes, Patriarch. Which company is it?” Tengfei agreed and then asked.

“Future Tech Corporation. Have you heard of it?” Tengchun asked quietly.

“Yes, Patriarch, I’ve heard of them. They’ve been making waves recently. I’ll make the arrangements immediately,” Tengfei replied with a nod.

“Good. Since you know of them, make haste. Time is of the essence!” Tengchun confirmed with a nod, dismissing him to carry out the task.

At that moment, Lin Feng remained oblivious to the fact that not only domestic but also numerous foreign forces had set their sights on his company. Right now, he was sound asleep in his room, completely unaware.

For the next week, Lin Feng didn’t concern himself with company affairs. He kept his promise to his mother, spending every day with her, taking her around the sights and shops of Zhanhai City. Liu Runli was very pleased with Lin Feng’s behavior, and her resentment over the Ling Shixuan incident faded considerably.

In the afternoon, seeing that his mother’s mood had greatly improved, Lin Feng knew his efforts hadn’t been in vain. Grinning mischievously, he sidled up to her and asked, “So, Mom, have you enjoyed these past few days?”

“It’s been fine. It’s rare for you to spend so much time with your old mother,” Liu Runli said, feigning indifference but clearly seeing through his little schemes.

“Oh, come on, you’re still young! If anyone dares call you old, I’ll have words with them!” Lin Feng replied, continuing his flattery.

“Alright, enough of that. Don’t act like I forced you to keep me company these days,” Liu Runli said, giving him a look of mock annoyance.

Lin Feng just grinned foolishly at her and added, “Actually, Mom, Ruoxi is coming over tonight. I thought I’d invite her to join us for dinner.”

“Oh, Ruoxi is coming? Why didn’t you say so earlier? You leave the company in her hands every day—she works herself to the bone for you, while you laze about!” Liu Runli chided him, giving him a look of disdain.

“Mom, it’s not as bad as you say. I work hard too, you know. My company didn’t just fall from the sky,” Lin Feng protested helplessly.

“Hmph. I’m done talking to you. I’m going to get dinner ready. Ruoxi works so hard—she deserves a good meal.” With that, Liu Runli rose and bustled off to the kitchen.

“Mom, you’re unbelievable. This is a classic case of favoring your daughter-in-law over your son!” Lin Feng called after her, lodging a mock complaint.

“Hmph! I want a grandchild, you know! Can you give me one?” Liu Runli called back from the kitchen, her tone full of authority.

“Well, now it’s all my fault again,” Lin Feng muttered, disgruntled. Seeing his mother ignore him, he headed upstairs to rest. He had learned not to underestimate a woman’s stamina when shopping—even with his inner strength, he couldn’t keep up with his mother, who still had the energy to prepare dinner, while he needed a nap to recover.

Two hours later, dusk had quietly fallen. In this nearly-winter season, darkness came quickly. Just then, a series of “ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong” chimes echoed from the hall. Liu Runli, hearing the doorbell from the kitchen, wiped her hands on a cloth and hurried to answer it.

When Xia Ruoxi saw the villa door open and realized it was Liu Runli, not Lin Feng, who greeted her, she rushed forward and said warmly, “Oh, Auntie, it’s you! Sorry to trouble you to open the door. Is Lin Feng home?”

“Oh, Ruoxi, you’re here! Come in, come in! That lazy boy is still upstairs sleeping. He’s getting lazier by the day. Ruoxi, I’ll give you a key later—next time, just let yourself in. There’s no need to ring the bell; you’re not an outsider anymore!” Liu Runli said cheerfully, looking at Xia Ruoxi.

“Ah, Auntie, I’ll do as you say,” Xia Ruoxi replied shyly. Even though she and Lin Feng were officially together and she’d eaten with the family before, the thought of having a key to the house still made her blush.

“Heh, look at you blushing. Alright, I’ll say no more. Go find Lin Feng—his room is the second one on the right upstairs.” Liu Runli led her into the hall, closed the door, and said with a smile.

“Thank you, Auntie. I’ll go find him now!” Xia Ruoxi greeted Liu Runli and then hurried upstairs, escaping to the second floor.

As Liu Runli watched her leave, she muttered to herself, “This girl has wide hips—she’ll be good at bearing children.” With that, she returned to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner.

It was just as well Xia Ruoxi hadn’t heard that remark—otherwise, she wouldn’t have known how to face Lin Feng’s mother. When she reached Lin Feng’s door, she grew nervous; after all, it was her first time entering a boy’s room alone. Though their relationship was established, she couldn’t help feeling tense.

Taking several deep breaths to calm herself, Xia Ruoxi finally mustered the courage to open the door and step inside. The room was dim, lit only by a small desk lamp casting a faint glow from across the room. Even so, Xia Ruoxi could make out Lin Feng’s position.

She surveyed the room with curiosity, noticing its clean, minimalist layout. The walls bore no photos, and the desk held only a laptop, the lamp, and a few office supplies. After satisfying her curiosity, she quietly approached the bed where Lin Feng lay sleeping, eager to see him up close—or perhaps just to observe his sleeping posture.

On tiptoe, she crept softly toward the bed. When she reached it, she sat down carefully and, unable to resist, reached out to touch Lin Feng’s face. Just as her hand was about to make contact, Lin Feng, who had seemed fast asleep, suddenly turned over, grabbed her hand, and pulled her into his arms. His other arm wrapped around her waist, and in one swift motion, Xia Ruoxi found herself pinned beneath him on the bed.

The truth was, Lin Feng had awakened the moment Xia Ruoxi stood at his door. When she entered, her familiar fragrance confirmed her identity, so he feigned sleep, curious to see what she’d do. He hadn’t expected her to approach his bed. As she drew near, he thought, “I didn’t force you—this was your own choice.” Which led to the scene now unfolding.

“Lin Feng, what are you doing?” Xia Ruoxi protested, blushing furiously and struggling beneath him.

“Heh, I didn’t force you—you came to me of your own accord!” Lin Feng grinned down at her, his expression full of mischief.

“That’s not true, I—I just wanted to wake you up!” Xia Ruoxi pouted, trying to defend herself, unaware of how much that look affected Lin Feng.

“No matter your motive, you came to me, and I’m not about to let you go so easily,” Lin Feng replied, ignoring her struggles and smiling slyly.

“Stop it! Auntie’s still downstairs! You…” Xia Ruoxi protested, still squirming beneath him.