The Way of Restraint

Chapter 149: Shadows Approaching

Just as Su Jie completed his summer training and returned to S City, preparing to start university, the Feng Family was also gearing up for a series of business maneuvers. 

In a secret office of Haoyu Group, three individuals were holding a meeting. These three were none other than the three powerhouses of the Feng Family: Feng Shoucheng’s eldest son, Feng Yuxuan, his second son, Feng Qianzang, and his third son, Feng Hengyi. Each of them had distinct appearances, yet there was an indistinct aura of ambition about them; each could stand on their own and become a lord among lords.

“Third brother, all the mistakes our company made this time are because you failed to secure the shipment from the Xu Family, allowing Awasi to pass through smoothly. Not only that, but you also completely offended the local warlord, leaving us unable to establish a foothold there. This directly led to our failure in acquiring shares from the Xu Family, and we were counterattacked by that old man Xu Qiaomu, resulting in us being penalized by the higher-ups and forced to sell the Xu Family’s stocks at a low price, withdrawing from the market. This has caused our Feng Family significant losses, and more importantly, this failure has diminished our credibility in the market; many companies no longer fear us as they once did.” 

Feng Yuxuan continuously blamed Feng Hengyi, as if he were kicking someone while they were down. After all, within the family, the only one who posed a threat to his position was his third brother, Feng Hengyi. The second son, Feng Qianzang, was naturally charming and flirtatious, and while he had a keen business mind, he lacked the authority to command respect in public, making it unlikely for the Feng Family to let him take over.

Meanwhile, the third son, Feng Hengyi, was actively plotting various matters, and each successful endeavor posed a threat to Feng Yuxuan, which made him quite uneasy. 

“This matter has drawn the Zhang Family’s attention,” Feng Hengyi glanced at Feng Yuxuan and said, “Things are not that simple. You don’t understand who Zhang Hongqing is, but our old man knows very well. Of course, he won’t be able to bounce back for long; the forces behind me have already arranged for someone who can take him out. We just need to wait; sooner or later, news of his death will spread.”

“Third brother,” at this moment, Feng Qianzang spoke up, “It’s best not to get too deeply involved with that organization behind you. I’m afraid it will bring trouble, which would be extremely detrimental to our Feng Family.”

“Second brother, you can never imagine the immense power that exists behind me,” Feng Hengyi replied. “In front of that force, our Feng Family and Haoyu are hardly stronger than ants. Feng Yuxuan, don’t worry about me competing with you for assets; I tell you, my ambitions lie elsewhere. What I seek is the highest leadership of the organization; at that time, the Feng Family will become the dominant force in global commerce, not this ambiguous position we hold now, unable to even swallow the Xu Family.”

Feng Yuxuan remained silent for a while before speaking, “Third brother, since you always boast about how great your backing is, then show it to us and let the Feng Family’s influence expand once more.”

“Rest assured, I will lay out a global strategy,” Feng Hengyi said. “I will first take over Minglun Martial Arts Academy, then acquire Liu Zihao’s film company. Minglun Martial Arts Academy may not have a large industry now, but combined with Liu Zihao’s international influence and the operations of his film company, its future value will far exceed that of the Xu Family. What do you think, second brother?”

“I think so too. Minglun Martial Arts Academy has a tremendous faculty and training mechanism, along with some pharmaceutical intellectual property rights, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been fully operational yet.” Feng Qianzang nodded, “I’ve purchased many fitness products from their official website, and they are indeed very effective. That old guy Liu Guanglie is much more cunning than Liu Zihao. He has acquired several large pharmaceutical factories and is managing them slowly. If we swallow Minglun Martial Arts Academy, leveraging Liu Zihao’s film effects and adding some hype from competitions, we can quickly open up markets for health products, clothing, film, education, and more globally. Not to mention, just selling the intellectual property rights of those martial arts videos could earn us a substantial profit abroad.”

“Not bad,” Feng Hengyi nodded. “What is the fastest way to become famous in this world? It’s combat sports. Even if you’re just a small fry, as long as you defeat the world champion, you can instantly become a superstar. Once you become a superstar, you can use your influence to market countless products.”

“Liu Zihao is not an easy character to deal with; he will definitely not give up control of the Minglun Martial Arts Academy,” Feng Yuxuan said.

“That doesn’t matter. If he doesn’t give up, there will naturally be someone to make him give up. In my plan, he is merely a stumbling block. He won’t abandon his pursuit of power and will eventually come under my command,” Feng Hengyi replied. “Currently, what I care about most is our Haoyu Group’s artificial intelligence laboratory. This is of utmost importance. We cannot afford any loopholes; this is the key to my future plans. My goal is to build our Feng Family into a colossal ‘umbrella’ company like those in movies.”

“Third brother, you might be too fanciful,” Feng Yuxuan scoffed.

“As long as you live long enough and gradually accumulate power, nothing is impossible to achieve. Just like me,” Feng Hengyi said. “My physical condition allows me to live to one hundred and twenty without any problem. And I’m not even twenty yet. What will happen in a hundred years? Who can say for sure? As long as we stay at the forefront of the times and master the most advanced technology, anything is possible.”

“Our artificial intelligence laboratory is managed by me, so you can rest assured. I’ve documented all the important researchers and signed hefty compensation agreements; there won’t be any loopholes,” Feng Yuxuan stated.

“I’m not at ease,” Feng Hengyi replied. “I’ve decided to move our artificial intelligence laboratory abroad and continuously recruit various talents. After all, even if you sign various agreements with them domestically, it is of no use because you cannot restrict their personal freedom.”

“I absolutely disagree with this,” Feng Yuxuan knew this was Feng Hengyi trying to seize power from him.

“This is not up to your agreement; it was decided by the old man,” Feng Hengyi said.

“I don’t believe it,” Feng Yuxuan frowned.

“Indeed, it was decided by me,” at that moment, Feng Shoucheng walked in.

“Dad,” Feng Yuxuan stood up, seemingly wanting to say something.

“This is the company’s grand strategy, not aimed at you,” Feng Shoucheng said. “I consulted Master Mao, and if we don’t do this, there may be great disasters in the future, and we won’t be able to escape. Of course, you may not believe this, but this is my intention. Starting today, we will gradually relocate, and for those important researchers, we will offer high salaries to stabilize them and have them follow us abroad for projects. In a year and a half, the plan will be completely successful.”

“Understood,” Feng Yuxuan could only agree upon hearing this.

“Also, in the artificial intelligence laboratory you manage, is there a studio called Morning Dawn?” Feng Shoucheng asked.

“Yes,” Feng Yuxuan nodded. “They are people I recruited from outside and are a crucial part of our Haoyu technology core.”

“That’s right,” Feng Shoucheng pondered. “Get all the information on the members of this studio, especially their family details. From now on, Hengyi, you send someone to keep a close watch on all the members of this studio.”

“Okay,” Feng Hengyi agreed.

“Dad, did you hear any rumors? Is someone trying to poach our technicians?” Feng Qianzang asked.

“Don’t worry about this; just manage your own area,” Feng Shoucheng’s expression was extremely grim, even Feng Hengyi frowned because he sensed a stifling atmosphere.

“Also, Heng Yi, after swallowing the Minglun Martial Arts Academy and Liu Zihao’s film company, you should discuss the film sector with the second brother. His instincts in this area are sharper than yours, and the three brothers must not create discord. I’ll speak frankly with you all; our Feng Family is about to face a great calamity. In the past, we have been like a raging storm, but this acquisition of the Xu Family has cost us dearly, and it marks the beginning of our decline.” Feng Shoucheng said, “From now on, we will follow the plan and work quietly. You all need to keep a low profile.” The three brothers looked at Feng Shoucheng’s expression, feeling as if disaster was imminent, and they fell silent, each lost in thought.

At Su Jie’s home, the family was having dinner. Su Jie had cooked a full table of dishes. 

“Mm, it smells great. Kid, did you learn to cook during this summer vacation?” His father, Su Shilin, was enjoying the meal, and even his mother, Xu Ying, nodded in agreement, feeling that the food surpassed that of hotel chefs. The steamed rice was also fragrant and delicious; it was ordinary rice, yet it tasted exceptional. Not to mention the other dishes, each one was a feast for the senses, significantly better than before.

His older sister, Su Mucheng, was also at the table but seemed to lack appetite, remaining silent. 

“What’s wrong?” Xu Ying asked, “You’ve been busy with work and rarely come home for dinner. Why are you so downcast?” 

“I might have to work abroad for a year or two,” Su Mucheng replied. 

“What?” Su Jie perked up immediately, “Is it Feng Yuxuan who sent you on a business trip?” 

“No, the company is relocating its overall strategy and establishing a studio abroad to expand into foreign markets. We have to go work there,” Su Mucheng explained. “The company has signed a new project agreement with our team. As long as we successfully develop the core code for artificial intelligence, we can gain our freedom, plus a substantial bonus. So, I need to work abroad for a year or two.” 

“You can’t go,” Su Jie said immediately. “Even if Haoyu’s influence is great domestically, they still have to follow the rules and not act recklessly. Once you go abroad, your personal safety becomes a concern. If I’m not mistaken, once you leave the country, it will be very hard for you to come back. What do you think, Dad, Mom?” 

His mother, Xu Ying, was deep in thought. 

“I know Haoyu definitely has his own plans,” Su Mucheng frowned. “But this is a normal work transfer, and I can’t refuse. Little brother, you know our team lost a lot of money when we started the company. Right now, the main issue is the debt we owe Haoyu. If we can pay off this debt, I could consider not going. But the amount is too large; there’s no way.” 

“Dad, don’t say you can’t do anything,” Su Jie looked at Su Shilin. He remembered how Song Qiong called him  Uncle Su. 

“It’s fine,” Su Shilin said calmly. “You just go work abroad. Some things are inconvenient to handle domestically, but they can be done easily abroad.”