Chapter 124: Arrangements Before Departure

Lin Feng had been pondering these questions all along, but unfortunately, he hadn’t come up with a suitable candidate by the time the car pulled into the Lin family estate.

When Lin Feng and Lin Yu stepped out and entered the living room, they found Xia Ruoxi had also returned. She was seated on the sofa in the hall, reviewing the list of agency rights allocation that Premier Zhu had brought last night.

Seeing Lin Feng and Lin Yu return, Xia Ruoxi quickly stood up and looked at Lin Feng, asking, “Why did you come back so early today? How did things go outside?”

“Heh, all went well! What about you? How come you’re back so soon as well?” Lin Feng replied, curious about her early return.

“The renovation is progressing smoothly. I don’t need to be there all the time watching over it, and since those workers were recommended by my close friend, they’re trustworthy. Thinking about what you told me last night about the agency rights, I came back early to review these materials,” Xia Ruoxi said with a smile, pointing to the documents beside her.

After listening, Lin Feng sat down beside Xia Ruoxi on the sofa. Recalling the phone call he’d received on the way, he said, “By the way, the laboratory in Zhanhai City is ready and has started operations. I think it’s about time for us to return from Yanjing.”

“Oh, the lab is ready! That’s good news. But with the Yanjing branch not yet settled, isn’t it a bit hasty to rush back?” Xia Ruoxi was happy upon hearing the first part but puzzled by the latter, so she asked.

“You’re right. I’m also worried about the Yanjing branch. There’s no suitable person to replace you there at the moment, and after all, Zhanhai City is our priority. You can’t spend too much time in Yanjing,” Lin Feng thought for a moment before smiling and replying.

Xia Ruoxi found his reasoning sound. After all, the Yanjing branch had originally been set up mainly to handle foreign agency rights, but their focus should indeed be on Zhanhai City.

“True, you’re right. I guess I got the priorities mixed up. Actually, my close friend works in management at a large company. Maybe I can poach her for our firm and have her take charge of the Yanjing branch,” Xia Ruoxi said thoughtfully, sharing her idea with Lin Feng.

“Heh, you’ve already thought of someone? I was stuck on this for a long time in the car with no clue. You’re impressive!” Lin Feng teased Xia Ruoxi upon hearing her plan, then kissed her lightly, calling it a reward for her cleverness.

Caught off guard by the sudden kiss, Xia Ruoxi gave Lin Feng a playful glare and said, “Can’t you be serious? Cousin Lin is right here!”

Lin Yu had been quietly observing Lin Feng and Xia Ruoxi’s conversation, especially the intimate kiss just now. Hearing Xia Ruoxi mention his presence, Lin Yu immediately chimed in, “Exactly! Lin Feng, you’re disgusting. If you want to be lovey-dovey, go to your room. Showing off your affection in public, are you bullying me, the single dog?”

Seeing Lin Yu teasing him, Lin Feng quickly retorted, “Heh, enjoy your time while it lasts! When we move to Zhanhai City, let’s see how much you can still laugh!”

Lin Yu had been in good spirits just moments ago, but hearing Lin Feng’s mention of his future arrangements, his enthusiasm waned, and he dared not interrupt further.

With Lin Yu quiet, Lin Feng turned back to Xia Ruoxi, “You should handle your friend’s situation quickly. Go now and aim to succeed soon so we can return to Zhanhai City faster.”

Seeing Lin Feng’s eagerness, Lin Yu couldn’t help but complain again; he wasn’t eager to move to Zhanhai City just yet and wanted to linger in Yanjing a bit longer to enjoy himself.

“I don’t want to either, but all my business is in Zhanhai City. The New Year is over, so I have to be there. Besides, you’ve seen how things have been going between me and Yanjing. I haven’t been here long, but so many problems have already popped up. If I don’t leave now, who knows what else might happen!” Lin Feng said with a hint of frustration, signaling Xia Ruoxi to contact her friend immediately.

“Alright, alright! Stop pushing me. I’m going to contact her right now!” Xia Ruoxi said hurriedly as Lin Feng nudged her a few times.

Having settled matters with Xia Ruoxi, who went upstairs to get in touch with her friend, Lin Feng stood and went to find Lin Chuanji and Liu Runli to discuss the plans for returning to Zhanhai City.

That evening, once the entire Lin family had gathered and finished dinner, they sat in the hall chatting when Lin Feng addressed the family patriarch and the others. “Grandfather, it’s time for me to return to Zhanhai City. Things are quite busy over there now.”

The patriarch was caught off guard by Lin Feng’s sudden announcement. He sat up straight, surprised, and asked, “Why so sudden?”

“Yes, Lin Feng, why the sudden decision?” the other elders in the room echoed. They had grown accustomed to having Lin Feng around in Yanjing.

Before Lin Feng could answer, the patriarch pressed further, “Is something wrong in Zhanhai City? Or are you uncomfortable living in Yanjing?”

Lin Feng shook his head quickly. “No, Yanjing is fine. The branch office is up and running, and we’ve dealt with the underground forces. Though the process was complicated, the outcome is good.”

“Then why the rush to return? You’re here in Yanjing only for a short visit. Stay longer and enjoy yourself. Wait until after the Lunar New Year to go back,” Lin Nai Nai said gently, showing her deep affection for her grandson and reluctant to see him leave.

Lin Feng, who shared a close bond with his grandmother second only to his parents, quickly reassured her, “Grandma, I’m not leaving for good. I’m going back to work. I promised the Premier to launch a new product by June this year. The lab in Zhanhai City has already started research, and I need to oversee it. Otherwise, I won’t have results to report to the Premier, and that would be disastrous. Besides, the trip from Zhanhai to Yanjing is only about four hours. I can come back to see you anytime.”

Hearing this, the elderly lady finally nodded in satisfaction and said no more. Lin Feng breathed a quiet sigh of relief, glad to have settled matters with his grandmother.

“If you take Ruoxi back with you, what about the Yanjing branch? Who will manage it here?” the patriarch asked, concerned about the branch.

This time, Lin Feng remained silent, but Xia Ruoxi quickly stepped in to explain, “Grandfather, don’t worry. The branch is still under renovation. As for the person in charge, I’ve already found someone—a university friend—who will take care of the Yanjing branch.” Though Xia Ruoxi and Lin Feng were not yet married, at the request of the family elders, she was addressed as Lin Feng’s wife.

Hearing that everything was arranged, the patriarch nodded in approval.

“Don’t worry, Grandfather. The Longteng Gang still has a branch in Yanjing, so the branch office is safe. Besides, aren’t you all here? Also, the branch was established mainly to handle foreign agency rights, which are allocated by the national leadership. I doubt anyone in the country would be foolish enough to oppose them,” Lin Feng added confidently.

The elders found his reasoning sound. If the Lin family couldn’t even protect one branch office under Lin Feng’s care, then it would be pointless to remain active in Yanjing’s circles.

Seeing that Lin Feng and Xia Ruoxi had everything sorted, the patriarch turned his attention to Lin Chuanji. “Chuanji, what are your plans? Will you be returning with Lin Feng?”

Lin Chuanji glanced at Liu Runli and recalled the long discussion they had around noon about returning to Zhanhai City. He then told the patriarch, “Yes, my wife and I plan to accompany Lin Feng back. There are still many matters to handle in Zhanhai, including merging my company into the family enterprise. I need to hold a meeting with the shareholders. Once everything is settled, I’ll return to reside here in Yanjing.”

Upon hearing this, the patriarch nodded in approval. “Since you’ve all thought it through, that’s settled. When you leave, take Lin Yu with you. I’ve already arranged for him to work in the Investment Promotion Department at the Zhanhai City Bureau.”

“Alright, I plan to leave tomorrow afternoon and will bring my cousin along. Once in Zhanhai, I’ll introduce him to the Ma family so they can get acquainted and help him with his work,” Lin Feng said directly upon hearing the patriarch’s plans.

“Good. It’s important for him to get familiar so he can work confidently without worries,” the patriarch agreed, nodding at Lin Feng before turning his gaze to Lin Yu, who had been quietly listening.

“Uh, Grandfather, why are you staring at me?” Lin Yu was caught off guard by the sudden attention.

“Hmph, why else? You’re going to the local government to gain experience, so pay attention and work hard. Don’t bring your bad habits from Yanjing to Zhanhai. If I find out you’ve done something wrong, I’ll come and break your legs!” the patriarch warned sternly. Lin Yu was the only one of the third generation entering the system, so the patriarch was particularly strict with him.

“That’s right. What your grandfather said is true. Without experience in the system, you don’t know how to survive there. Fortunately, Lin Feng will be watching over you in Zhanhai. You just need to understand the ins and outs but don’t get involved. Work diligently and think more about the local people,” Lin Chuanming, Lin Yu’s father, earnestly advised as his son prepared to take up his first official post.