Chapter 99: The Agency Rights Controversy

The night in Yanjing City was ablaze with brilliant lights, peaceful and serene. Yet, for the prominent families of Yanjing and the major powers across China, it was a sleepless night. Beneath the surface of this tranquility, powerful undercurrents were churning. The cause was a massive opportunity unveiled by the Lin family of Yanjing in collaboration with three other major families: they had announced a public tender for the overseas agency rights to the products of Future-Tech Company.

Upon receiving the news, families across China held emergency meetings. Those with connections in Yanjing or those based there began probing for insider information. However, there was a tacit understanding among all factions: no one dared to disturb the four great families of Yanjing. Instead, they relied on their own resources to gauge the strength of their rivals, each eyeing a specific overseas territory. After all, with many monks and little gruel, eliminating a powerful competitor meant a greater chance of success. Companies scrambled to assemble their finest teams and draft the most competitive proposals for the tender.

By the next day, the news had transcended national borders. High-level executives from global corporations with branches in China received the word and dispatched elite delegations to fly to Yanjing, seeking partnerships or lobbying the Chinese government for access to Future-Tech. The unusual activity at Yanjing Airport caught the attention of the media. These international titans, rarely seen in public, were suddenly swarming the airport. When questioned, they remained tight-lipped, only fueling the frenzy of the press. The news spread like wildfire, leaving the general public baffled—they wondered why these global giants were suddenly flocking to China when no major commercial events had been announced.

In Japan, the Iga clan was also in motion. Their previous attempt to negotiate with Lin Feng in Zhanhai City had been a disaster, thanks to the incompetence of Iga Tengfei. Upon his return to Japan, Iga Tengfei was stripped of his commercial authority by the clan patriarch, Iga Tengchun, and effectively cast aside. Control of the clan’s business affairs was handed to the third generation’s Iga Tengka.

Iga Tengka was renowned as one of Japan’s two most dangerously beautiful women. At this moment, she knelt in the study of the patriarch, listening to his instructions. Despite being a woman, her ambition soared; she longed to surpass the men of the Iga clan and ultimately ascend to the position of clan leader. Having finally replaced the disgraced Tengfei, she treated her grandfather—the man who held life-and-death power over the family—with extreme caution.

"I called you here today to ask for your thoughts. The Chinese company, Future-Tech, is holding a public tender for its overseas agency rights, and many international consortiums are heading there. I want you to represent our family, travel to Yanjing, and secure the agency rights for our nation," Iga Tengchun said, his head bowed as he addressed his granddaughter.

"Yes, Patriarch. Rest assured, I will depart for Yanjing immediately," Tengka replied instinctively, though her mind was full of questions.

The old fox, Iga Tengchun, saw through her. He was quite satisfied with her; she was far superior to the useless Tengfei. Not only was she a beauty, but she was also the top assassin trained by the clan’s mercenary wing. Many rival factions had perished at her hands. It seemed the patriarch was unleashing his ultimate weapon to deal with Lin Feng.

"You have questions, don't you? Speak them," Tengchun asked calmly.

"Patriarch, haven't we already developed deep grievances with Lin Feng? Why bother participating in his company's tender?" she asked, finally voicing her curiosity.

"Hmph, this trip is a probe. We will see what Lin Feng's attitude is. If he is willing to cooperate, then good; we can set aside our grievances. If he refuses, then Tengka, you must strike. Lin Feng cannot be allowed to remain so arrogant. Offending the Iga clan comes with a price!" Tengchun’s eyes glinted with malice as he stared at her.

"Yes, Patriarch, I understand. I will leave at once." Tengka nodded, bowed, and backed out of the study. Once outside, she immediately ordered her assistant to book a flight to Yanjing and began finalizing her plans.

Meanwhile, Lin Feng had a rare day off. With his affairs settled and Xia Ruoxi starting her workday, she had arranged to meet with her close friends to scout locations in Yanjing for the new Future-Tech branch.

With Ruoxi gone, Lin Feng couldn't sit still. After a phone call with Zhao Ze, he learned that Zhao Ze had successfully eliminated the small gangs trying to capitalize on the chaos and had effectively taken control of the Tiger Head Gang. With time on his hands, Lin Feng and Lin Yu headed to the gang’s villa headquarters to catch up with Zhao Ze.

The sudden arrival of these international financial giants had alarmed China’s top leadership. After inquiries with the Ministry of Commerce, they realized everyone was chasing the agency rights for Lin Feng's company. Premier Zhu and the Chairman immediately summoned Elder Lin and the heads of the other three families to Zhongnanhai for an emergency meeting.

Inside the conference room at Zhongnanhai, the leadership discussed the situation. "I knew Lin Feng's company was promising, but this is a surprise. If the agency rights could be handled by the state, the benefits would be immense," Premier Zhu said excitedly, holding a data sheet. "Look at this—dozens of international consortiums have already arrived in Yanjing."

The Minister of Commerce added, "Exactly. This is a turning point for us. These representatives are asking us to facilitate introductions to the chairman of Future-Tech to secure 'backdoor' access to the tender. They are even willing to engage in broader cooperation with China. It is a win-win."

Elder Lin and the other patriarchs remained reserved, unlike the excited officials.

Premier Zhu leaned in, his tone urgent. "Think about it—if these companies win the rights and invest in China, the impact on our economy and global competitiveness would be profound. Elder Lin, we truly need your help."

The Chairman and the Premier looked expectantly at the elders. Since the company belonged to Lin Feng—and by extension the Lin family—the other three elders remained silent, leaving the pressure squarely on Elder Lin.

Feeling the weight of the moment, Elder Lin said, "Chairman, Premier, are you asking for all overseas agency rights to be managed by the state?"

"If the Lin family is willing, that is certainly what I hope for," the Premier replied.

"I see. The issue is that I have already promised a portion of the rights to others. If I back out now, it would be difficult for the Lin family to save face," Elder Lin explained.

The leaders exchanged glances and nodded. "Elder, which regions have you already committed?" the Premier asked.

"Europe, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. But you must understand, this is Lin Feng's company. He and the Lin family have had their frictions. I cannot make promises on his behalf without consulting him first. If I commit now and he refuses, I would be humiliated," Elder Lin answered honestly.

The other three elders nodded in agreement, confirming the situation. Privately, they were in no hurry to surrender all control to the state; they wanted to ensure that if the state did take over, they would be credited for their efforts. If Elder Lin agreed too easily, the Lin family would reap all the political capital.

The meeting concluded with the understanding that the final say rested with Lin Feng. The leaders hoped that Elder Lin would speak with him as soon as possible to secure these foreign investments for the nation.