Chapter 49: The Island Company

When Lin Feng saw the seriousness on Xia Ruoxi’s face, his own smile faded. His expression gradually became solemn as he organized his thoughts. Only then did he meet Xia Ruoxi’s gaze and begin, “To be honest, I have a bad feeling about this. After you received the fax, did you look into the background of that Japanese conglomerate?”

“The company background? I only received their headquarters’ fax right before leaving work today. I haven’t had a chance to check into it yet,” Xia Ruoxi replied, a little embarrassed.

“So you’re not sure either?” Lin Feng echoed, his mind working as he spoke.

“Is there something unusual about this company’s background?” Xia Ruoxi asked, her curiosity piqued.

“I can’t say for certain. I just find the timing rather suspicious—it feels like too much of a coincidence,” Lin Feng continued, thinking aloud.

“I don’t follow any of this! Did something happen that I’m not aware of?” Xia Ruoxi was growing increasingly confused and anxious, pressing Lin Feng for an answer.

Seeing her worry, Lin Feng realized that Xia Ruoxi still knew nothing about the mercenary organizations. He hesitated, debating whether to tell her about the Dragon Soar Gang, but considering she was now his girlfriend and had some right to know, Lin Feng decided to be honest. “You know about my father’s Lin Group and my own Future Tech company. But there’s something else: the number one underground syndicate in Zhanhai, the Dragon Soar Gang, is also under my control now. Just a week ago, two groups of foreign mercenaries targeted Future Tech. They scoped out our premises for days, charted our internal routes, and planned to infiltrate and steal our operating system source code. Thankfully, members of the Dragon Soar Gang caught wind of their plan, and we dealt with both groups before they could act. One of those teams was from Japan, so I have reason to believe tomorrow’s visiting company doesn’t come with good intentions.”

“What? The Dragon Soar Gang belongs to you? Isn’t their boss surnamed Li? I even offended his son once—back when we first met, I…” Xia Ruoxi was visibly agitated by this revelation.

“Yes, and it was because of you. I ended up on the wrong side of the Li family back then. As for how the gang changed hands, well, I took care of the Li family and seized control of the Dragon Soar Gang. So now, it counts as one of my assets,” Lin Feng explained calmly.

“But why would you want to get involved with the underworld? Isn’t running your legitimate companies enough? Won’t this put you in danger?” Xia Ruoxi’s concern was palpable as she looked at him.

“Have you been watching too many crime dramas? The underworld isn’t as dramatic as you think. The Li family were the ones who ruined the gang’s reputation. Just look around: do you hear about chaos at entertainment venues anymore? Now, the Dragon Soar Gang has turned to legitimate business; they no longer resort to violence. I won’t be in danger. Besides, an underground network has its uses—lots of people, well-connected, with eyes and ears everywhere. If used wisely, they’re a tremendous asset,” Lin Feng reassured her patiently.

Xia Ruoxi was still not satisfied with his explanation. She stepped forward, wrapped her arms around him, and rested her head on his chest, speaking softly: “I don’t care about others—I just want you to remember, you’re not alone anymore. My father, my mother, and I all need you.”

Moved by the warmth in her words, Lin Feng hugged her tightly, breathing in the faint, clean scent on her skin. He promised her, “I swear, I won’t do anything dangerous in the future. If I ever have to, I’ll always think of you and your family. For your sakes, I’ll survive—no matter what.”

“Good. Just remember what you promised me tonight,” Xia Ruoxi whispered with a gentle nod.

“As for that Japanese company, I’ll have the Dragon Soar Gang monitor their every move from the moment they set foot in Zhanhai. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the company with you to meet them and see what their real motives are,” Lin Feng continued.

“With you there, I have nothing to worry about,” Xia Ruoxi replied, touched.

“It’s getting late. Why don’t you stay over at my place tonight?” Lin Feng suggested, holding her.

“Hmph, I won’t be tricked by you again!” Sensing the change in Lin Feng’s body, Xia Ruoxi refused, wary.

Hearing her refusal, Lin Feng’s face fell, as if he’d been dealt a heavy blow.

Seeing his feigned dejection, Xia Ruoxi said, “Stop pretending. That won’t work on me! And remember, you have to go to the office tomorrow. I’m heading home.”

Since Xia Ruoxi was insistent, Lin Feng had no choice but to escort her downstairs. After she said goodnight to his parents, and with their earnest reminders ringing in her ears, Xia Ruoxi left the Lin family villa and got into her car.

Lin Feng watched her drive away before immediately taking out his phone to call Vermilion Bird. When the call connected, he instructed, “Vermilion Bird, there’s a group of Japanese businessmen arriving in Zhanhai tomorrow. I want them watched from the moment they set foot in the city. Track their every move, and also investigate which Japanese faction is backing their conglomerate.”

“Yes, Young Master Lin. I’ll make the arrangements at once,” Vermilion Bird replied on the other end.

“Good, as long as you understand,” Lin Feng answered before hanging up.

After the call, Lin Feng looked worriedly at his jade pendant and asked, “Mo Tian, do you think we’re moving too fast?”

“What, feeling the pressure already?” Mo Tian’s voice emerged from the jade, teasing him.

“It’s not that I can’t take it. It’s just… we have too few people we can truly rely on. Besides Zhao Ze and me, no one else is really up to the task,” Lin Feng explained.

“In the early stages, you’ll just have to shoulder more of the burden. Once the overseas agency rights are secured, we should be able to bring in some allies,” Mo Tian analyzed the current situation.

“I’m worried about those agency rights as well. It seems our upcoming trip to Yanjing before the New Year won’t go smoothly,” Lin Feng said with concern.

“Hmph, what’s there to fear? As long as you’re strong enough, no one can take what’s yours. For now, focus on the Japanese company’s visit tomorrow,” Mo Tian said, clearly unimpressed by Lin Feng’s worries.

“Fine, I can’t even complain, can I? But you’re right—if my strength is absolute, no one can take what’s mine. Still, Mo Tian, ever since I started practicing the Emperor’s Path, I’ve been training diligently every day, but my progress seems slow. My meridians have expanded a little, but my internal power hasn’t increased much,” Lin Feng complained.

“I’ve already told you before—not everything can be achieved overnight. Keep training. Your planet’s pollution is severe, making the cultivation environment much worse than the Federation I came from. The progress you’ve made is already miraculous,” Mo Tian replied with a hint of disdain.

Once again, Lin Feng was left feeling deflated. He could only reply weakly, “Alright, I’ll keep training.” With that, he returned to his room to continue his efforts.

The night passed as Lin Feng threw himself into rigorous cultivation. The next morning, he rose early, practiced martial arts in the villa’s courtyard, and after enjoying breakfast prepared by his mother, drove to his company.

As soon as he stepped out of the elevator and approached the company entrance, Xia Ruoxi’s secretary intercepted him at the front desk. It was already more than an hour past the official start of the workday—she’d clearly been waiting for some time.

“Chairman Lin, President Xia asked me to wait for you here. She wanted me to let you know to go to her office—she has something urgent to discuss,” the secretary promptly reported.

“Alright, thank you. You can get back to work now,” Lin Feng replied with a nod.

After sending the secretary on her way, Lin Feng headed to Xia Ruoxi’s office. Noticing the door was open, he wondered if she was waiting for him on purpose. He walked straight in, clearing his throat softly when he saw Xia Ruoxi was so absorbed in her work that she hadn’t noticed him.

“Oh, you’re here!” Xia Ruoxi exclaimed in surprise when she looked up and saw Lin Feng.

“Yes. Your secretary told me you were looking for me. What’s the matter? You seem anxious,” Lin Feng asked curiously.

Xia Ruoxi picked up her phone from the desk, checked the time, and exclaimed, “Oh no! It’s only fifteen minutes until ten thirty—why are you just getting here? We received another fax from the Japanese company early this morning. Their representatives arrived in Zhanhai overnight and want to meet for a business discussion at eleven. I’ve already replied to confirm the meeting.”

“It’s not even ten thirty yet—there’s still more than half an hour until eleven. No rush,” Lin Feng replied nonchalantly, almost indifferent. He hadn’t entertained any hopes for cooperation as soon as he heard the Japanese company was coming.

“How can you be so relaxed? You should at least research their company background and strength so you’ll have some leverage in the negotiation,” Xia Ruoxi said, exasperated.

“Well, that’s why I have you. You can handle the negotiations. I’ll just sit in and listen,” Lin Feng said with a clear conscience.

“What? Me? They’re clearly coming for our company, and I’m not the one they most want to talk to!” Xia Ruoxi replied anxiously, afraid Lin Feng still didn’t understand the gravity of the situation.