Chapter 82: Another Treasure Appears

The news that Premier Zhu and Minister Xie had lunch at the Lin family residence spread throughout the entire Beijing circle almost immediately after the two elders departed. The status of Premier Zhu and Minister Xie was simply too high—both were powerful figures at the helm of the nation, and naturally, every move they made attracted the attention of everyone in Beijing. This time, their visit was to the Lin family, which had recently become the talk of the city, for a midday meal.

Everyone outside speculated about the topics Premier Zhu and Minister Xie discussed at the Lin household. Just a few days earlier, they had met Lin Feng and his group at the Zhongnanhai office, where the conversation centered on Lin Feng’s company. Therefore, other families in Beijing guessed that the two leaders continued similar discussions during their lunch at the Lin residence, but these were merely conjectures. There was, however, one piece of information released by Old Master Lin after the guests had left: the immortal brew owned by Lin Feng, used to entertain Premier Zhu and Minister Xie, was now completely consumed, leaving not a single drop in Lin Feng’s stores.

As soon as this news broke, countless elders and ladies of Beijing’s prominent families couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret. Once the patriarchs learned the truth, they realized the real reason for Premier Zhu and Minister Xie’s visit. Previously, they suspected the matter of Lin Feng’s company was just a pretext; choosing to come at lunchtime and insisting on staying for a meal clearly meant their true aim was the immortal brew. When it dawned on them, they couldn’t help but curse Premier Zhu and Minister Xie as cunning foxes, and they were frustrated with themselves for waiting too long and not finding other ways to acquire the wine. Now that it had all been drunk, their regret was overwhelming.

Especially Old Master Murong of the Murong family, who was the angriest upon hearing the news. He stormed about the living room, venting, “Those two are shameless! To drop by and freeload on the very first day of the new year—it’s obvious they wanted the best wine and dishes served. Absolutely shameless!”

“Grandfather, it’s not really shameless,” Murong Wenjun, standing nearby, tried to soothe him. “It’s just that their strategy was out in the open—who would’ve thought Premier Zhu and Minister Xie would use this tactic to get their hands on what everyone in Beijing covets?”

Old Master Murong knew Wenjun was right, but he’d coveted the immortal brew for so long, only to be outmaneuvered. His heart was heavy; he sighed for a long time before finally collecting himself. Turning to Murong Xue, he asked, “Xue, I mentioned before that you should choose a promising foreign market. How is that matter progressing?”

Murong Xue was caught off guard by the sudden question, but once she composed herself, she replied truthfully, “Grandfather, rest assured, I’ve had the relevant investigations carried out. I believe we should join forces with a few other families to capture the European market.”

“Why involve other families? Our Murong family is strong enough. Why share with others?” Murong Wenwu, her father, asked, puzzled.

Not only Wenwu, but Wenjun and Old Master Murong also looked at Murong Xue in confusion, eager for her explanation.

Facing their questions, Murong Xue organized the relevant data in her mind, then explained, “I initially thought our family could take the European market alone, but after commissioning the research, I found that Europe’s purchasing power is very strong—no less than our own country. Even without considering Lin Feng’s future products, just selling laptops could net hundreds of billions a year. There’s so much money at stake, I fear our family couldn’t protect it!”

“What? That much? Are you sure you didn’t miscalculate?” Murong Wenjun stood up in shock to confirm with Murong Xue.

“Yes, daughter, are you sure? How could there possibly be so much?” Murong Wenwu asked, mouth agape.

Even Old Master Murong, usually the calmest in the family, stared wide-eyed at Murong Xue, clearly stunned by the revelation. Murong Xue wasn’t surprised by their reactions; in fact, when she first learned the news, she was even more overwhelmed. Only after triple-verifying with three separate research agencies did she confirm the numbers.

“Grandfather, Dad, Uncle, the data is accurate—I’ve checked it thoroughly. That’s why I suggest we work with more families, so we can withstand any external pressure,” Murong Xue said confidently.

Old Master Murong, who had been silent, finally spoke. “If the data is correct, then we must form alliances. Our Murong family alone can’t handle such wealth; monopolizing it would only invite envy.”

“You’re right, Grandfather,” Murong Wenjun agreed.

“So, which families should we approach?” Murong Wenwu asked again.

Deciding which families to approach wasn’t something Murong Xue could decide alone; she looked curiously at Old Master Murong, awaiting his thoughts.

“There’s no rush. We need to make discreet contacts. Remember, from this moment forward, keep your mouths shut—don’t let word get out, or we’ll face more competition!” Old Master Murong cautioned, rather than answering directly.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Wenjun and Wenwu nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, at the Lin family estate, Lin Feng was unaware of the outside developments. After Premier Zhu and Minister Xie left, he quietly slipped away from the hall and made his way upstairs, furtively returning to his room.

Once inside, he closed the door and confirmed the room was empty—Summer Ruo Xi wasn’t there. He sat at the edge of the bed, lifted the jade pendant at his chest, and gently called out Mo Tian’s name.

“I’m here, I’m out! Stop calling already!” Mo Tian’s spirit form appeared and immediately addressed Lin Feng, who was still chanting his name at the pendant.

“Ah, Mo Tian, when did you come out? I didn’t notice,” Lin Feng asked, surprised.

“You were so focused on the pendant, calling my name, there’s no way you’d notice me!” Mo Tian replied, rolling his eyes.

“Hehe!” Lin Feng realized his own impatience and awkwardly scratched the back of his head, smiling sheepishly.

Mo Tian wasn’t fooled by Lin Feng’s expression and continued, “So, what’s the urgent matter you wanted me for?”

Reminded of his purpose, Lin Feng’s excitement returned. “Just now in the hall, you mentioned a type of tea from the Federation. I’m really interested—can you write out the recipe?”

“That’s all? Easy. The tea isn’t a secret in the Federation, and the recipe is simple. I’ll just transfer it directly into your memory.” Without waiting for another word, Mo Tian dove into Lin Feng’s consciousness, imparted the recipe for a tea called Cloud Mist, and then returned to the pendant.

Feeling the new recipe in his mind, Lin Feng eagerly grabbed paper and pen from the desk and meticulously wrote out every ingredient required. Once he had the complete list, he rushed downstairs to the hall.

Only fifteen minutes had passed since Lin Feng went upstairs. Though some had noticed his absence, now that he returned, no one suspected anything. They couldn’t have imagined that in such a short span, another miraculous tea recipe had been born.

Back in the hall, with Premier Zhu and Minister Xie already gone, the room was filled not only with the male elders but also the ladies, who had joined the gathering. The family chatted happily, the conversation still revolving around the lunchtime visit.

Seeing Lin Feng reappear, everyone assumed he’d simply gone to the restroom. But instead of returning to his usual seat with Summer Ruo Xi and Liu Runli, he made his way toward Lin Yu, sitting beside him on the sofa.

His excitement and urgency blinded him to how unusual this was—Lin Feng never sat randomly in the hall. He didn’t notice the curious glances from other family members as he settled next to Lin Yu. Instead, he put his arm around Lin Yu’s shoulder and whispered, “I’ve got a list for you—can you help me get some tea ingredients? I need them!”

Lin Yu was momentarily confused, but recalling how Lin Feng had previously asked him to help buy wine and other ingredients, resulting in the creation of the immortal brew, he immediately suspected that another new marvel was in the works. Surprised, he almost called out.

Lin Feng watched Lin Yu’s reaction closely. Noticing his excitement and about to shout, Lin Feng quickly covered Lin Yu’s mouth to prevent any information from leaking, then whispered, “Don’t be so excited—if others find out, it won’t be good!”

Lin Yu, unable to speak but now aware of the need for secrecy, nodded to show he understood—he, too, hoped to get a share of whatever good thing Lin Feng was about to create.