Chapter 122: Business Rivals

When the plane landed, it had already reached the Northeast region. The temperature grew colder, as if late autumn had arrived.

As soon as he stepped off the plane, several leaders in black uniforms appeared nearby, accompanied by ten black luxury cars. They all approached, extending their hands to greet Fu Yanyan.

Despite the significant age gap, Fu Yanyan’s presence was no less commanding than these seasoned veterans. While returning their greetings, he casually pulled the woman beside him closer and said kindly,

“Uncles, this is my girlfriend, Li Yanyan. Some matters recently delayed us quite a bit; that’s why I’m bringing her to visit my grandfather’s home.”

Their expressions instantly changed as they looked at her, but as old hands, they quickly masked it with polite smiles and exchanged courteous pleasantries.

“Young people are indeed wonderful. This young lady is quite charming, graceful and poised, with a mature and refined temperament. Such looks are captivating—no wonder my nephew likes her. You’ve just returned; Dad has already arranged dinner. Let’s eat and chat.”

The group gazed over the desolate, vast land, where even the buildings seemed endless. The luxury cars cruising down the highway in the autumn breeze seemed especially carefree. Driving northward until sunset, the golden light pierced the yellow sky, illuminating a dense stream of sleek black vehicles. They finally stopped at the gate of a traditional Chinese villa nestled by the scenic mountain, commanding a panoramic view of half of Changchun.

Guards dressed in black lined both sides of the courtyard, with servants carrying trays. Incense burners and tables made of fragrant rosewood and huanghuali scattered about.

The table was laden with baskets of dumplings, prawns, sweet and sour pork, and more, while bustling cooks in the kitchen prepared dishes energetically. An old man, plainly dressed and slender, sat playing mahjong, holding walnuts in his hands.

“Dad, your nephew has arrived!”

“What nephew? I have so many; which one do you mean?”

Fu Yanyan approached the mahjong table, showing decent manners.

“Grandpa, it’s me.”

“Oh dear, my memory’s getting worse. They told me you were coming yesterday, but I forgot again.”

Fu Yanyan’s grandfather, Wang Yudong, was a man of old-school connections who later transitioned into business.

“Oh, this girl looks familiar…”

“Grandpa, focus on the game, the other side is about to win again.”

Soon, the opponents cursed loudly, extinguished their cigarettes in the ashtray, and neatly lined up their mahjong tiles.

“Self-draw flush straight; gentlemen, please concede.”

“Ah, half a mine lost again. Maybe this seat has bad luck—always losing money. By the way, kid, your friend will be here soon too.”

At heart, Wang Yudong was a domineering figure, and among the younger generation, he valued Fu Yanyan most. Though a grandson, he was of legitimate bloodline and the only right thing his daughter ever did before she passed—bearing a fine son.

The younger generation surpassed the older ones, especially in business, where Fu Yanyan’s skill was near mastery. Unfortunately, his focus was too pragmatic; every visit to Grandpa was about business.

Seeing Fu Yanyan raise an eyebrow, the old man decided not to tease him and quietly offered some advice.

“Xiao Yan, this is a project worth over ten billion, brought back from overseas markets. I worry you’re too used to domestic dealings and might be inexperienced abroad. So, I contacted a son of an old friend—he specializes in overseas markets. You two can discuss and cooperate; only then can you win together.”

Fu Yanyan rolled the Buddhist beads in his hand, understanding perfectly. The old man feared he couldn’t handle it alone but also didn’t want to share the biggest portion, so he brought in a more reliable partner.

This wasn’t cooperation; it was a veiled way to hand off the business to a better-suited person.

Zhong Huayan sat on the table eating sunflower seeds. Though the villa’s decor was luxurious, the ubiquitous rosewood and huanghuali lent it an air of antiquity.

Only Fu Yanyan, sitting casually nearby, looked like a mountain breeze through the pines, effortlessly diluting the old-fashioned atmosphere with his calm and refined presence.

The cigarette smoke was lightly held between his slender fingers, faint and ethereal, surprisingly detached.

Only when facing her did he shed that cold indifference.

Indeed, he was unattainably aloof.

Just as she was lost in thought, a distinguished guest entered through the villa’s main gate.

Unlike the others, he was of mixed heritage.

His eyes were a deep blue, dressed in a black inner shirt with a white blazer, simple trousers, and a pair of designer slippers.

He didn’t seem cold at all, even removing both jackets. His chiseled, rugged features were harsh and fierce. Though possessing the striking looks of a mixed-race man, his expression was chillingly ruthless. A secretary who had accompanied him last time came along.

Guan Yujing?

In terms of features, Guan Yujing was even more flawless and exquisite than Fu Yanyan, surpassing magazine cover models by a thousandfold. Up close, it seemed as if his face had been precisely measured and drawn by the heavens.

But in temperament, Fu Yanyan possessed a unique worldly charm, unknowingly aloof. Sitting there with a sidelong glance, his Chinese elegance was unmatched.

“Look, we old men are outdated. Let’s have the two young men play a few rounds of mahjong.”

Wang Yudong lightly tapped the table, then willingly gave up his seat, watching with interest as Fu Yanyan and Guan Yujing took their places.

This was a banquet with hidden intentions. Despite Fu Yanyan’s bloodline, being a Fu still meant the old man didn’t fully trust him.

“Why don’t the ladies join too? I hear my grandson has a girlfriend now. Does she play mahjong?”

Zhong Huayan raised an eyebrow calmly and joined the table.

Everyone noticed the similarity in the eyebrow raises between Fu Yanyan and his girlfriend, sensing a tacit understanding.

Guan Yujing also brought his secretary to the table.

“Long time no see, President Fu.”

“Long time no see, President Guan.”

“I heard you’re interested in that project too? I think the Guan family is more suitable. Our family has long operated overseas, handling these matters quickly and cost-effectively. I’m here to see the land and sky of Changchun, and the friendship between Old Wang and my father years ago. Let’s each give a little on this deal to achieve a win-win. From now on, we’ll be friends, with plenty of opportunities ahead—why not? I’m straightforward, so I’ll be blunt.”

Listening beside him, Zhong Huayan thought, “This bastard knows Chinese culture so well? His idioms flow perfectly, far more articulate than Xu Yaochuan, that roughneck who grew up a street thug.”