Chapter 52: Arrangements Before Departure

When Xia Ruoxi heard Lin Feng’s promise, her anxiety eased a little. Still uncertain, she asked him, “So I’m really going with you then?”

Lin Feng found her nervousness amusing. He couldn’t help but reach out and tap her delicate nose, saying, “Yes, we’re going together. You’re actually very impressive, much more so than those heiresses in the capital. At your age, which of them has achieved what you have? They’re good at spending money, but how many can actually earn it? Right now, you’re the CEO of a company worth tens of billions, and anyone with eyes can see it’ll be worth even more in the future!”

Encouraged by Lin Feng’s words, Xia Ruoxi seemed almost bewitched. After thinking for a moment, she nodded with newfound certainty. “Hearing you say all that, I guess I really am that amazing. Fine, I’ll go all out and head to the capital with you. I can visit some of my old classmates while I’m there.”

Seeing her confidence return, Lin Feng spurred her on, “That’s the spirit! Show them the dominance of a CEO—conquer them all!”

But as Lin Feng’s praise grew more exaggerated, Xia Ruoxi quickly put up a hand to stop him before he turned her into some goddess descended from the heavens. Unable to contain herself, she said in exasperation, “Alright, enough. Stop boasting—I’m not as great as you make me sound. You’ve said enough nice things. If you’re done, go find somewhere to relax. I have a mountain of work to get through!”

“Heh, alright! If you don’t want to hear it, I’ll stop. I actually have to head out anyway, so I’ll leave you to your work!” Seeing that Xia Ruoxi was about to lose her temper, Lin Feng reined himself in. Without waiting for her reply, he slipped out of her office as if making a quick escape.

“Annoying man,” Xia Ruoxi muttered as she watched him leave, then, for some inexplicable reason, suddenly broke into a smile.

Lin Feng didn’t linger at the company after leaving Xia Ruoxi’s office. Instead, he headed straight to Dragon Soar Society—not to find Zhao Ze, but to look for Vermilion Bird directly.

“How’s the situation? After those people from the island country left Future Tech, any new developments?” Lin Feng asked as he sat in Vermilion Bird’s office. These days, the Dragon Soar Society wasn’t just about the leader Zhao Ze—every hall master had their own office, much like department managers in a company, with the members under them like staff.

Seated below Lin Feng, Vermilion Bird gathered the latest reports from half an hour ago and replied, “Young Master Lin, our people have been tailing them. According to the most recent update, after leaving your company, the group from the island split up: one headed toward the airport, the other returned to their hotel in Zhanhai City.”

“Oh? Interesting. Do you know who exactly went to the airport?” Lin Feng asked thoughtfully.

“Not exactly. But our men report that one of them, a man, kept his mouth covered, as if he had something stuck there—like he was injured,” Vermilion Bird replied after thinking it over.

“Hmm, intriguing. Keep watching the ones at the airport—make sure they actually board a plane. As for those who stayed in Zhanhai, don’t let them out of your sight. Also, have more people look into their identities. If anyone seems suspicious—not a businessperson—eliminate them without hesitation,” Lin Feng said coldly.

“Don’t worry, Young Master Lin, I’ll handle it,” Vermilion Bird nodded in reply.

“By the way, Vermilion Bird, I have a proposal. Your intelligence network here in Zhanhai is doing well, but can you expand your reach to the capital? Place a few people there so that if I need information, you can provide it,” Lin Feng suggested.

“Um...” Vermilion Bird hesitated, not daring to answer immediately.

“What is it? Is it too difficult, or impossible?” Lin Feng asked, puzzled by her reluctance.

“To be honest, Young Master Lin, it’s extremely difficult—almost impossible. There are rules in the underworld. Here in Zhanhai, Dragon Soar Society is in control. But the capital has its own gangs. If we move in without invitation, they’ll see it as an incursion and trouble will erupt,” she explained.

“I see. Do you know which group is strongest there now?” Lin Feng pressed.

“Yes, I do. While each city’s gangs keep to themselves, we all know each other’s names. In the capital, the most powerful is the Tiger Head Gang. Rumor has it they’re backed by an influential family, so their control is unmatched,” Vermilion Bird explained.

Having learned the main players in the capital’s underworld, Lin Feng fell silent for a while, then looked up. “You’ll have to work a bit harder for now. Train more reliable intelligence officers—you never know, I might need them after the New Year.”

“Yes, Young Master Lin. May I ask—are you planning to get involved in the capital’s underworld?” Vermilion Bird asked, curiosity piqued.

“That’s right, I can tell you. Soon, I’ll be heading to the capital. It’s the nation’s capital, after all. I’m considering opening a branch office there next year. My computers will also be launching overseas, and most of the agents are likely to be drawn from the capital’s elite families. I’ll need my own intelligence sources there to handle any hidden threats,” Lin Feng confided.

Vermilion Bird was visibly excited by his trust and ambition. Not only was Lin Feng in control of Dragon Soar Society in Zhanhai, he had his sights set on the capital as well—what a grand vision!

“Don’t worry, Young Master Lin, I’ll accelerate training. I won’t let you down!” she swore fervently.

“Good. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be off.” Lin Feng rose to leave. As he reached the door, he suddenly turned back. “By the way, is Zhao Ze here today?”

“Oh, he hasn’t been around lately—probably at the lab,” Vermilion Bird replied after a moment’s thought.

Having learned Zhao Ze’s whereabouts, Lin Feng didn’t linger at Dragon Soar Society. With nothing urgent to do, he decided to visit the lab and see how things stood.

When he arrived, he was astonished at how much the area around the lab had changed. Construction crews were everywhere, the place a hive of activity. He hadn’t even entered the lab before being awed by the bustle outside. After looking around for a while, he finally spotted a familiar figure in a hard hat, barking orders. Lin Feng walked over, clapped him on the shoulder, and asked curiously, “Zhao Ze, what are you up to?”

Feeling the tap on his shoulder, Zhao Ze turned and was surprised to see who it was. “Oh! Young Master Lin, what brings you here?”

“I stopped by Dragon Soar Society to talk to Vermilion Bird, and she said you were here. With nothing to do, I figured I’d come take a look. So, what’s all this?” Lin Feng explained.

“Oh, well, since the place is being renovated, I thought our security staff will be stationed here long-term, so I’m having quarters and training areas built for them,” Zhao Ze said, gesturing at the construction.

“That’s good—do as you see fit. You were an expert in the army; you know more about this than I do. I trust your judgment,” Lin Feng praised him.

“Heh, you’re too kind, Young Master Lin. I’m just muddling through. By the way, do you want to go inside the lab? Professor Zhang is sorting things out in there. We’ve had several discussions about the basement renovations. I have to say, he’s a rare talent!” Zhao Ze said, praising Professor Zhang.

“You’re both remarkable. I won’t go in—I’d just be getting in the way as an outsider and messing up your plans. I’ll just check on how the security team’s training is going,” Lin Feng declined with a wave.

“Alright, I’ll take you to the temporary training ground. Wang Hu is running their drills right now. I’m just out here keeping an eye on the construction. Once it’s finished, we can move training indoors,” Zhao Ze explained as he led the way.

Lin Feng listened, nodding his approval as they walked.

As they reached a hillside near the lab, they could already hear Wang Hu shouting, “Faster! Keep up! Did you skip breakfast? Move it, don’t be a bunch of weaklings!”

From a distance, Lin Feng saw a hundred men being put through their paces by Wang Hu. Many were already sprawled on the ground, thoroughly exhausted. Shaking his head, Zhao Ze commented, “Their basics are still too weak. Right now, they’re only at the level of ordinary special forces. There’s still a long way to go before they can be called elite. Do you want me to assemble them so you can say a few words?”

“No need. Let’s just watch from here—don’t disturb them. By the way, how’s Wang Hu doing these days?” Lin Feng asked with interest.

Mention of Wang Hu brought a satisfied smile to Zhao Ze’s face. “He’s working hard and has solid fundamentals. Ever since I taught him the Tyrant’s Secret Art, even though he’s only grasped the basics, his fighting ability is already catching up to mine at my peak.”

“Not bad at all!” Lin Feng nodded, pleased with Wang Hu’s rapid progress.

“Alright, I’ll leave you to your work. I’m probably just in the way here,” Lin Feng said with a self-deprecating smile.

“You’re joking, Young Master Lin. Just having you visit lifts everyone’s spirits. We couldn’t do it without you,” Zhao Ze replied, quick to flatter.

“Oh, I know you too well. Since when did you become so smooth-tongued?” Lin Feng pointed at him in mock exasperation, then left the lab without another word.