Chapter 24: The Storm Approaches

“Damn it, how can a girl be so shameless, staying at someone else’s house as she pleases? What will people think of you, and what will they think of our Ling family? Daughter, stop being stubborn, pack your things and come home with your father,” Ling Weihua said angrily to Ling Shixuan.

“I don’t care what people think of the Ling family, Dad. I’m your daughter, but you’re so quick to marry me off to another man. Are you really unaware of what kind of person that Wang family boy is? You’re willing to let your daughter jump into such a pit?” Ling Shixuan, seeing her father’s anger, finally let loose the grievances she had suffered recently, and she continued furiously.

“Is there anything so terrible about Young Master Wang? The Wang family is a prominent clan in Yanjing, and the fact that he fancies you is our Ling family’s fortune. What else do you have to complain about?” Ling Weihua replied with equal firmness when he saw Ling Shixuan’s anger.

“Yes, Miss Ling, is my place really so beneath you that you’d rather hide in the home of a useless son from Zhantai City?” Wang Man, who had been lurking in the corner, finally stood up, unable to bear it any longer.

“Ah! You bastard, why are you here? That old fool must have brought you! And you dare compare yourself to Lin Feng? If Lin Feng is useless, what does that make you? You’re not even worth the term!” Ling Shixuan retorted, annoyed.

“Please mind your words!” Lin Chuanzi couldn’t stand hearing Lin Feng insulted and responded sharply to Wang Man.

“Heh, Mr. Lin, if you were still part of your family in Yanjing, I wouldn’t dare put on airs before you. But now, you’re nothing to me. You know, your family is working with ours this time. Do you think Lin Feng can withstand it?” Wang Man said contemptuously to Lin Chuanzi.

Before he could finish, a shadow flashed in front of Wang Man, and a palm slapped his face with a crisp “smack” that echoed through the room.

“That slap is to teach you how to respect your elders. Also, this is my home; it’s not a place for you to act out. As for whether I can stop you, try it and see—no need for false bravado here!” Lin Feng suddenly appeared before Wang Man and spoke coldly.

Humiliated in front of everyone, Wang Man was furious—he had never suffered such disgrace in his life. He immediately raised his fist, ready to fight Lin Feng, but Ling Weihua stopped him. Unable to get past, Wang Man stood to the side and hurled threats and curses at Lin Feng.

“Lin Feng, how could you hit him? Do you know who you’ve struck? Don’t cause trouble for your Lin family—get over here and apologize to Young Master Wang!” Ling Weihua, frightened by Lin Feng’s actions, urged him quickly.

“He’s not worth it. Uncle Ling, I advise you to take him away now. I don’t know if I can restrain myself from killing him!” Lin Feng ignored Ling Weihua’s plea, his gaze murderous as he stared at Wang Man.

Seeing the situation deteriorate, Ling Weihua realized staying was futile. He had Wang Man supported and left the Lin family villa with him.

“Lin Feng, I’m sorry for causing you trouble. Maybe I should go back—then they wouldn’t target you,” Ling Shixuan said apologetically to Lin Feng’s family after Ling Weihua departed.

“Silly girl, going back now won’t change anything. What’s done is done, let it be. The Lin family isn’t so easy to bully!” Lin Chuanzi comforted Ling Shixuan.

“Dad, you and Mom shouldn’t leave the house these few days. The storm is coming; wait until it passes before going out,” Lin Feng advised.

“Don’t worry, Lin Feng. I can take good care of myself and your mother. You focus on your own affairs,” Lin Chuanzi replied seriously, encouraging Lin Feng.

“Heh, the Wang family wouldn’t dare touch your company. If they did, the Lin family wouldn’t let them off. After all, you’re the Wang family’s third son, and all their trouble is aimed at my company,” Lin Feng analyzed, speaking to Lin Chuanzi.

“Yes, I’ve thought about this too, which is why I want you to go all out. If you lose, we start again, or I’ll support you,” Lin Chuanzi said calmly, having considered the matter before.

“Don’t worry, Dad, I won’t lose. You guys chat—I need to get back to work.” Lin Feng said confidently, then went upstairs to his room. Once there, he immediately called Zhao Ze, instructing, “Zhao Ze, the storm is coming. Everyone needs to keep their heads down and avoid trouble. Also, have Vermilion Bird keep a close watch on Zhantai City. Notify me immediately if anything happens.”

“Rest assured, Young Master Lin! I’m watching over Dragon Soar. It won’t get out of hand, and I’ll have Vermilion Bird ramp up intelligence gathering!” Zhao Ze assured Lin Feng over the phone.

After arranging matters with Zhao Ze, Mo Tian suddenly appeared and said, “Kid, if they really make a move, don’t worry. I’ve already transferred the core code of the operating system—it’s on your villa’s computer. No matter how they search, they won’t find anything here. If they want to play, we’ll play along. The longer this drags on, the more trouble they’ll have. Raise some funds; they can attack your company, but we can strike theirs on the stock market.”

“Ah, Mo Tian, you know stocks too? You have those in your dimension?” Lin Feng asked in surprise.

“No, we don’t, but your planet does. I haven’t been studying for nothing, you know,” Mo Tian replied irritably, seeing Lin Feng’s astonished look.

“Alright, I’ll follow your lead.” Lin Feng responded, then picked up his phone and dialed Xia Ruoxi.

“Lin Feng, what is it?” Xia Ruoxi answered.

“I wanted to let you know in advance—someone may target our company soon. It’s complicated, but simply put, we made too much money too quickly, and now some people upstairs are eyeing us. I suspect they’ll make a move against the company soon,” Lin Feng explained.

“No way, they really dare do that? Aren’t they afraid of being exposed?” Xia Ruoxi asked nervously.

“Media? The media is controlled—they wouldn’t dare report it. So if anyone causes trouble, however they do it, your response is simple: give all employees paid leave and cooperate fully. Don’t provoke any conflict, understood?” Lin Feng instructed, worried Xia Ruoxi might clash with those who show up.

“Alright, I understand. Anything else?” Xia Ruoxi asked.

“Yes, I need two billion in funds. If they act, prepare the money and ten accounts. Distribute the funds among them—I’ll need them,” Lin Feng instructed again.

“Okay. Anything else? And can we withstand this?” Xia Ruoxi asked, concerned.

“Heh, relax—don’t you have me? One more thing: you must be careful. In my heart, you matter more than the company,” Lin Feng said solemnly.

“Hmph, you still can’t change your ways at a time like this! But I believe you’ll handle this crisis, just like you founded Future Tech back then. I’ll stay safe.” Xia Ruoxi answered, quickly hanging up before Lin Feng could say anything more presumptuous.

No sooner had she finished handling the funds and accounts, Xia Ruoxi received a call from the front desk: the Administration for Industry and Commerce, Tax Bureau, and Fire Department were here for a joint inspection.

Hearing this, she followed Lin Feng’s instructions and let them in, tidying up her desk as she muttered, “So they really came!”

“What’s going on? Do they really dare seal up our company? We’re well-known nationwide—worldwide even. How can they just mess with us?” Zhang Wen, the head of R&D, burst into Xia Ruoxi’s office, panicked.

“Heh, there’s nothing they wouldn’t dare. Chairman Lin told me some are jealous of our rapid profits and want to pick the fruit. Let’s cooperate—let them do as they wish,” Xia Ruoxi replied with a smile. She put on her coat and stepped out of her office. At the front desk, dozens of people had already assembled.

“Hello, how can I help you?” Xia Ruoxi asked.

“Get your chairman over here. We’re conducting a joint inspection today—your company has many violations, and we need to investigate!” One man, hands clasped behind his back, addressed Xia Ruoxi.

“Oh? That’s news to me! I’m the acting head of the company—the chairman isn’t here. You can deal with me directly,” Xia Ruoxi replied, stepping forward.

“Who are you? We want Lin Feng—get him over here!” A man in his twenties glanced at Xia Ruoxi, his eyes lighting up, but he kept his official tone.

“I am the general manager of Future Tech. I am fully authorized to handle all company matters!” Xia Ruoxi said forcefully.

“Hey, impressive! So young, running a company worth hundreds of millions?” Another official laughed, and the others joined in.

“Enough idle chatter. I doubt you’re here just to shoot the breeze. Tell me, what do you really want? I’m sure anyone with eyes can see your true purpose—no need for excuses,” Xia Ruoxi mocked.

“Hmph, feisty! You think you know what we’re here for? As I just said, your company has serious violations. We must investigate thoroughly. Until we’re done, you must immediately halt all production and sales,” the first man replied, hands still behind his back, with righteous air.

“Very well, you’re welcome to inspect as you please!” Xia Ruoxi said to the front desk staff.

“So, where’s Lin Feng? Is he afraid to show up?” The man was irritated Xia Ruoxi showed him no respect and pressed her.

“I said, I’m in charge now. If you’re here to inspect, do it. If not, leave. Chairman Lin is busy—you really think you’re worthy of meeting him?” Xia Ruoxi said with disdain.

“You lot! Start the inspection!” The man shouted to his colleagues.

“Notify all employees: stop work immediately, paid leave, salary and bonuses as usual. Return date to be determined!” Xia Ruoxi instructed the front desk staff, standing right before the officials.