Chapter 98: Lin Yu’s Arrangement

In the Lin family study, the members were once again astonished by Lin Feng. They had not expected him to have not only taken control of the underground forces and business circles in Zhanhai City but also brought the political powers under his influence. Old Master Lin shuddered at the thought—if he had not reconciled with Lin Feng earlier, the consequences now might have been dire.

“When... when did you establish contact with the Ma family? Why haven’t I heard you mention this before?” Lin Chuanzhi asked in a surprised and halting tone, barely able to compose his words, revealing his inner turmoil.

“It was two years ago, by chance, during a conversation about such matters. At that time, I didn’t commit immediately due to time constraints. The Ma family said they would formally visit you when they had the opportunity. I expect that after the New Year, when you return to Zhanhai City, they might come calling,” Lin Feng explained calmly in response to his father’s questions.

After hearing Lin Feng’s explanation, everyone in the room fell silent, contemplating the implications and potential benefits. Old Master Lin, ever the meticulous one, pressed further: “Is that all? Any other details to add?”

“There is another point,” Lin Feng replied. “I plan to increase my investment in Zhanhai City later on. I want to arrange for my cousin to work in a position related to investment promotion. That way, I can support him directly and ensure no one can steal his political achievements.”

Hearing this, Old Master Lin nodded thoughtfully. As the current head of the Lin family, he had to consider the family’s long-term interests from all angles.

Lin Yu, on the other hand, was visibly excited. Having grown accustomed to the glittering life of Yanjing, being sent to a remote area for experience would have been a disaster for him. Now, with Lin Feng proposing Zhanhai City—a prestigious first-tier city in Huaxia, just like Yanjing—Lin Yu was naturally grateful and beamed with appreciation.

The study remained quiet for a while until Old Master Lin snapped back to reality, seemingly having reached a conclusion but still seeking his sons’ opinions. “What do you all think about Lin Feng’s suggestion?”

“This doesn’t even need discussion. Given the pace at which Lin Feng’s company is developing, if he increases investment, the leadership in Zhanhai City will be overjoyed. With Lin Yu in the investment promotion department, it’s basically handing him political credit on a silver platter. And with Lin Feng’s backing, no one will dare to snatch his achievements. Lin Yu’s future is boundless. By the way, I’m the mayor of Yanjing. Lin Feng, when will you come invest heavily here so I can bask in the glory too?” Lin Chuanyan spoke up, unusually in good spirits, offering his opinion and then teasing Lin Feng to lighten the heavy atmosphere in the study.

True enough, Lin Chuanyan’s words had the intended effect, drawing faint smiles from the others and slightly easing the tension. Lin Feng responded with a wry smile, “Second Uncle, you’re not even in charge of economic affairs. No matter how much I invest in Yanjing, it won’t count towards your accomplishments. Why worry so much?”

Before Lin Feng finished, Lin Chuanyan was quick to retort, “What nonsense are you talking? Am I so narrow-minded that I only work for political achievements? Besides, as long as you develop well and invest heavily in Yanjing, even if I’m not in charge of the economy, the higher-ups will definitely take notice of you and look favorably on me.”

Lin Feng admitted defeat and, not wanting to dampen his uncle’s enthusiasm, indulged him: “Second Uncle, once the foreign agency rights are secured and the Yanjing branch is established, think about the annual transaction volume, the taxes paid to the state, how much employment it creates, and the ancillary industries it supports. That alone would keep Yanjing busy for quite some time.”

“Enough, enough! Let’s not stray off topic! Since there are no objections, Lin Yu will be sent to develop in Zhanhai City. I will handle the arrangements, and soon he will be able to return there with Lin Feng. Regarding the agency rights, I met with the other three elders this afternoon and we devised a plan. We will publicly tender the foreign agency rights, and whoever offers the best proposal will receive the rights for that region,” Old Master Lin interjected, sharing the decision reached earlier that day.

Lin Feng was somewhat taken aback, surprised that Old Master Lin had come up with such a clever solution—one that would neither offend anyone nor fail to select the truly capable families.

Seeing Lin Feng’s surprised expression, Old Master Lin felt a quiet satisfaction. To astonish such a prodigy even momentarily was no small feat. He knew he couldn’t let Lin Feng see him as weak; otherwise, his grandson’s respect for him would diminish.

Lin Chuanzhi, currently responsible for business affairs, raised some concerns about the proposal. “Old Master, this is a good plan, but won’t the pressure be immense? We alone might lack the influence to withstand opposition.”

“Exactly. The third brother is right,” others chimed in.

“Indeed, I agree,” came another voice.

Seeing the second generation united and wholeheartedly considering the family’s development without petty squabbles over interests, Old Master Lin felt a deep sense of relief. It was a testament to his success in fulfilling his role as patriarch.

Noticing their worries, Old Master Lin smiled confidently and said, “It’s not just the Lin family involved. I have allied with three other prominent families in Yanjing. Together, the four of us will be more than enough.”

This revelation surprised the second generation. They hadn’t expected the other families to agree to share such risk. Lin Chuanming, the successor of a lesser family, sipped his tea to steady his nerves and asked anxiously, “Father, how did the other three families agree? I don’t understand.”

While the others were puzzled, Lin Feng immediately grasped the underlying interests. Old Master Lin noticed Lin Feng’s calm demeanor among the confused faces and looked on with approval. Lin Feng was undoubtedly his most promising grandson, quick to understand—his political acumen could one day lead him to the highest ranks.

In a rare moment of good humor, Old Master Lin patiently explained, “If you can’t figure it out, think harder. Don’t forget, those three families currently hold the European agency rights. They are not about to give up the benefits without putting in some effort.”

Hearing the mention of the European agency rights, the others suddenly understood—their collaboration was driven by mutual interests, which explained the other families’ willingness to cooperate.

Once the others grasped the situation, Lin Feng asked, satisfied yet curious, “Old Master, from my perspective, your plan is excellent. Since you mentioned the Ma family, why not cede the agency rights for Hong Kong and the Treasure Island to them for management?”

“What do you all think?” Old Master Lin turned to the others without rushing to give his own opinion.

“I think it’s feasible. We can’t just rely on the great families in Yanjing; smaller local families, if utilized well, can be powerful allies. Besides, Zhanhai City is the Ma family’s territory. I’ve dealt with the Ma family’s mayor of Zhanhai several times—he’s a practical and rare talent. I suggest we bring the Ma family into our camp,” Lin Chuanyan spoke first, having some familiarity with the Ma family through his work.

After Lin Chuanzhi nodded in agreement, saying, “I concur with Second Brother. Having lived in Zhanhai City for ten years, the Ma family has a good reputation there,” the room’s consensus became clear.

Lin Chuanming, who had been silent, still carried weight in the discussion. To bolster his standing, Old Master Lin directed his gaze toward him.

“Father, I also agree. This is a good move,” Lin Chuanming declared.

With unanimous approval from the second generation, Lin Feng added, “Then I’ll send you the Ma family head’s contact information shortly. To show respect, I suggest you personally call and invite them to join the Lin family alliance. That would have a stronger impact.”

Old Master Lin considered Lin Feng’s suggestion and nodded in agreement.

With all matters discussed and resolved, the rest would be handled by Old Master Lin himself. Lin Feng found the number left by Ma Shao’s father and sent a message to the current Ma family head. After handing the contact details to Old Master Lin, he patted his seat and left the study, leaving Old Master Lin busy alone.

Old Master Lin first called the other elders, instructing them to disseminate the agency rights tender through their own channels, emphasizing strict conditions: only cooperation proposals would be reviewed, not the familial influence. This official and transparent approach, backed by the four great families of Yanjing, lent credibility and fairness.

After these arrangements, Old Master Lin dialed the Ma family head’s number Lin Feng had given him. After exchanging pleasantries, he conveyed Lin Feng’s cooperation proposal. The Ma family head, thrilled by such a windfall, expressed deep gratitude to Lin Feng and the Lin family for granting this opportunity.

Old Master Lin subtly mentioned that a third-generation Lin family member would soon be working in Zhanhai City and hoped the Ma family would offer support. Naturally, the Ma family head happily agreed. After some polite exchanges, the call ended with Old Master Lin formally inviting the Ma family head to visit the Lin estate in Yanjing whenever convenient. Pleased by the invitation, the Ma family head ended the call contentedly.