Zhang Lingfeng wouldn't give Luo Wanjiang any face. He didn't need to. Even if Luo Wanjiang was arrogant and dismissive, he still had to consider the power behind Zhang Lingfeng. The Zhang family and their in-laws had extensive connections in officialdom throughout the province, while the Luo family also had numerous branch factories scattered throughout the province. If they truly broke ties with Zhang Lingfeng, the Luo family would ultimately suffer.
Luo Wanjiang snorted and turned to leave. The checkpoint set up at the entrance targeting Luo Wanfeng was now finished. His attempt to damage Luo Wanfeng's standing in Luo Xin's eyes by destroying the Yuan blue-and-white porcelain jar had failed. The first line of defense had failed with a death, and this blockade had also failed due to Zhao Qiang's intervention and Zhang Lingfeng's reinforcements.
Luo Wei said to Zhang Lingfeng, who had spoken up to help, "Thank you, Mr. Zhang."
Zhang Lingfeng grinned and said, "Look at what you're saying. Don't you know how much I admire you, President Luo? Of course, I couldn't stand by and watch Luo Lao Er bully you and your father like that. Hmm, of course, my master deserves the most credit."
Luo Wanfeng knew that Zhang Lingfeng addressed Zhao Qiang as "Master." He also knew that his youth health product company was actually Zhao Qiang's business, and that Zhang Lingfeng was willing to help him because of Zhao Qiang. Luo Wanfeng stepped forward and shook Zhao Qiang's hand: "I won't say thank you. Let's go. We're going to wish my father a happy birthday." Zhao Qiang thought for a moment and decided to follow. He wouldn't feel at ease unless he saw Luo Wanfeng hand the Yuan blue-and-white porcelain jar back to Luo Xin. This was what was meant by "sending a Buddha to heaven"—giving up halfway would erase all the previous achievements.
There weren't many guests yet. Luo Wanfeng knew most of them and greeted them along the way. The front yard of the villa was about a four-minute walk away, leading to the main hall, where today's birthday banquet was being held. Round tables had been set up, each with a red paper label listing the guests' names. Arriving guests could find their seats themselves. There were also a few tables without names on them, reserved for guests who arrived unexpectedly.
On the platform, there was a brightly colored longevity character and a large plate of longevity peaches, so vibrant and tempting that one might suspect they were just handicrafts. However, given the Luo family's power, it was unlikely they would use fakes to deceive people.
Luo Xin couldn't possibly be greeting guests in the lobby right now, and besides, the peak time for guests hadn't arrived yet. Luo Wanfeng led Luo Wei and Zhao Qiang straight to Luo Xin's study. According to Luo Xin's habits, he should be working in his study right now, and even his birthday shouldn't be interrupted.
As for Zhang Lingfeng, he went off to find a woman who caught his eye. Although he claimed to admire Luo Wei, he wouldn't dare touch her without Zhao Qiang's permission.
Luo Xin's hair was completely white; it was his sixty-eighth birthday, but he looked seventy-eight. Perhaps it was due to family discord or the strain of his work. He was hunched over, wearing reading glasses, carefully examining documents. He had long since become unaccustomed to the hardships of work and truly wished he could relinquish his power within the Luo family.
*Knock. Knock, knock.* Luo Wanfeng gently knocked three times on the study door. Zhao Qiang and Luo Wei followed behind him. Wang Meng didn't come along. The mission was almost complete. Zhao Qiang was a little excited, and Luo Wei was also quite excited, her face slightly flushed. She stared at Zhao Qiang's heels without saying a word, no one knew what she was thinking.
"Enter," Luo Xin's aged voice rang out.
Luo Wanfeng gently pushed open the door. He saw the elderly man, who wasn't his biological father, still struggling to read documents. Before he even entered, he said, "Dad, it's your birthday today, so please take a day off."
Luo Xin looked up and adjusted his reading glasses. "It's Feng. Come in. Who's behind you?"
Luo Wanfeng quickly pulled Zhao Qiang in and said, "Dad, this is Wei's friend. I brought her to show you."
Zhao Qiang panicked. What was going on? His mission was simply to deliver Yuan blue-and-white porcelain. Luo Wanfeng's words had created a huge misunderstanding! If Xu Xiaoya found out, that jealous woman would definitely be furious with Luo Wei.
However, Luo Wei, standing behind him, wouldn't let Zhao Qiang explain. She pleaded, tugging at his sleeve, her voice barely a whisper: "Please, Zhao Qiang, otherwise my grandfather will be unhappy. He never meets with outsiders alone."
Zhao Qiang thought to himself, "I might have to sacrifice my looks to help you deliver this Yuan blue-and-white porcelain jar. Besides, we're just friends, not boyfriends. Why am I so nervous? Luo Wei might not even actually like me."
Luo Xin adjusted his glasses again and looked her over: "Wei's all grown up now, it's time to find her a husband. What's the young man's name?"
Luo Xin didn't seem too difficult to get along with. His voice was kind, and his attitude was rather benevolent, so Zhao Qiang respectfully placed the package containing the Yuan blue-and-white porcelain on the table, then bowed and said, "Grandpa, my name is Zhao Qiang, Zhao as in Zhao Zilong, and Qiang as in strong."
Luo Xin touched his forehead and thought for a moment. "Old age, Zhao Qiang? Which family? I have no recollection of him. There's a Zhao family in Zhushi, but their son's name isn't Qiang, is it? He seems to be over thirty, not quite the right age for Wei."
Luo Wanfeng was a little embarrassed. He knew quite a bit about Zhao Qiang's background, but his daughter had repeatedly warned him that these things couldn't be told to anyone. Therefore, Luo Wanfeng couldn't reveal this to his grandfather. Besides, while Zhao Qiang's businesses were profitable, they were far inferior to the Luo family's nationwide holdings. A large conglomerate that had developed over decades was far superior to a business that had only been around for less than a year. Zhao Qiang was also aware of this; he had never considered himself superior. If given ten years to develop, he could tell the Luo family without hesitation...
Luo Wanfeng didn't know what to say, but fortunately Zhao Qiang spoke up at this moment: "Grandpa, I am from Dongyang City. My family is from the countryside. I am not from any particular family. My father is a farmer, and my grandfather is also a farmer. My family has probably been farmers for eight generations. However, I heard that my great-grandfather had two wives and one concubine, so he was probably considered a middle peasant. My grandfather was criticized a lot during the Cultural Revolution."
Luo Xin wasn't angry at all; instead, he chuckled. "Young man, you're quite witty. But the descendants of the Luo family can't marry outside the family; we value marriage between equals." "Are you pursuing Wei?"
Zhao Qiang replied straightforwardly, "No. I was just helping to carry things to you, and also to see what the head of the Luo family looks like."
Luo Xin said, "Oh, now that you've arrived, what are your thoughts?"
Zhao Qiang didn't mince words, simply saying, "You're getting old." As someone with advanced technology, Zhao Qiang's words were perfectly reasonable! Give him time, and he can do even better! Moreover, Zhao Qiang was telling the truth; Luo Xin really was too old to work and needed rest. If it weren't for that, he probably wouldn't have brought up the idea of a successor.
Zhao Qiang's straightforwardness surprised Luo Xin. Luo Wanfeng and Luo Wei were extremely nervous. They never expected Zhao Qiang to say something like that. If they had known Zhao Qiang would have this attitude, they wouldn't have dared to bring him in. They had meant well but made a mistake; they really didn't want to upset the old man on his birthday!
Luo Xin muttered to himself, "I'm getting old, really old, buddy. You're really telling the truth. There aren't many people who dare to tell the truth these days, especially young people. They're either mentally challenged or extremely slick and worldly."
Fearing that Zhao Qiang might say something shocking again, Luo Wanfeng quickly said, "Father, the Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelain 'The Story of the Western Wing' has been returned to you intact. Mr. Smith was very pleased to see it and has already signed a large purchase contract with our company. Your treasure has played a crucial role in this."
Luo Xin didn't seem to care as much about the Yuan blue-and-white porcelain jar as expected, simply replying, "Oh. Just put it there."
Luo Wei couldn't help but say, "Grandpa, you should still check it. This thing is too precious; we're afraid something might go wrong with it."
Luo Wanfeng opened the bag and said, "Yes, Dad, take a look, is this your original?"
The Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain jar was presented to Luo Xin. He glanced at it through his reading glasses and then ignored it. Instead, he said to Luo Wanfeng, "Fengjiang said you broke the incense burner from 'The Story of the Western Wing'?"
Luo Wanfeng's expression changed; he didn't know how to respond. For a moment, he thought... "The forgery was exposed by my father. His disappointment and dejection were visibly obvious. All his hard work was wasted."
Luo Wei asked, "Grandpa, do you think this Yuan blue-and-white porcelain jar is damaged?"
Luo Xin smiled calmly: "I'm very confused. This is indeed my original Yuan blue-and-white porcelain jar, but I also believe what my second uncle said. Can anyone tell me what's going on?" Luo Wei said firmly: "My second uncle deceived you! He's jealous of my father's talent. So he wanted to use this to undermine my father's standing in your eyes. Grandpa, do you know, just now at the villa gate, my second uncle..."
Luo Wanfeng interrupted his daughter: "Wei, shut up! Don't say bad things about your second uncle."
Luo Wei was also angry. Although she was Luo Wanfeng's daughter, she had her own ideas. Especially during this period of taking charge of Qimingdeng Electronics on her own, she had no shortage of the decisiveness and courage that a decision-maker should have. "Dad! How long are you going to put up with this? Is the inheritance of the Luo family really that important to you? Have you ever thought about what kind of life Mom and I are living? Do you have any relatives or family on your mind besides the Luo family? How long are you going to be so muddle-headed!"
Luo Wanfeng was struck as if by a heavy blow. His previous frustration had not yet dissipated, and now it was compounded by this blow. He seemed to have aged several years in an instant, almost resembling the old man in front of him. Luo Xin, on the other hand, watched the father and daughter with calm and composure, demonstrating his strong self-control.
Luo Wei continued angrily, "It's one thing for my second uncle to have people intercept us at the villa gate, but then assassins rammed our car on the road. Later, they tried to assassinate us with guns. He thinks he can get away with this by noticing, but he still wanted to destroy Yuan Qinghua. Who else could it be but my second uncle! Dad, do you know that if it weren't for Zhao Qiang, you wouldn't be able to see your daughter again! Wake up! You've already repaid enough for the Luo family, stop getting in my second uncle's way!"
*Slap!* Luo Wanfeng slapped Luo Wei across the face. Luo Wei, her face streaked with tears of grievance, suddenly turned and ran out. The father and daughter were arguing. Zhao Qiang didn't know what to say, so he shouted and chased after her. When he reached the door, he turned back to Luo Wanfeng and said, "Uncle, I despise you. You're not a man!"
Volume 2 [235] The Person Old Master Luo Favors
Wan Feng looked embarrassed. He didn't know how to answer Zhao Qiang's question. Hao Gua Kong didn't need his reply; he chased after Luo Wei and ran out, leaving the Luo father and son looking at each other in bewilderment.
Luo Xin asked, "Did you ask Zhao Qiang to help you bring the Yuan blue-and-white porcelain back?"
Luo Wanfeng dared not hide the truth, "Yes, Dad, if it weren't for him, Yuan Qinghua would have been a pile of junk long ago. It's all thanks to him for helping to keep it safe these past few days, otherwise it would definitely have been in trouble if it had been left with me."
Luo Xin nodded: "Based on my understanding of you, Jiang is fully capable of dealing with you. If you can't even thwart Jiang's little scheme, then you can't be the head of the Luo family, because you don't have the ability. Even if you were put in charge, Jiang would pull you down anyway. Why would I bother with all that trouble? It would be easier to just dismantle the Luo family's business early on."
Luo Wanfeng looked surprised. He gleaned some clues from his father's words. It seemed that lending out this Yuan blue-and-white porcelain was also a test of his father's abilities.
"Dad," Luo Wanfeng didn't know what to say. He was feeling very conflicted and didn't know whether to complain or be grateful.
Luo Xin waved his hand, "I am really getting old, and my health is deteriorating day by day. I watched you, Jiang, and Hai grow up, and I know all their tricks up their sleeves. I am at ease entrusting the Luo family's business to you. If it were handed over to Jiang, it would be ruined sooner or later, and if it were handed over to Hai, he simply doesn't have the ability. I am not willing to let the Luo family fall apart in my hands."
Luo Wanfeng didn't actually have any intention of taking over the Luo family. He was deeply moved by his father's trust in him. "Dad!" Luo Wanfeng cried and threw himself at Luo Xin's feet. Although this man wasn't his biological father, Luo Wanfeng remembered the kindness he had shown in raising him over the years, which was why he had always refused to leave the Luo family, a reason that his wife and daughter didn't understand.
"Hey kid, how much do you know about this?" Luo Xin suddenly asked his son.
Luo Wanfeng was taken aback. "Dad, he really isn't Wei's boyfriend. I only said that because I was afraid you'd be upset about bringing an outsider over."
Luo Xin smiled and said, "But he cares about Wei a lot."
Luo Wanfeng could only hint at it: "Actually, he is Wei's boss."
Luo Xin was slightly taken aback: "Oh? Qimingdeng Electronics?" Although the old man's hearing had declined and his eyesight had deteriorated, he was still very well-informed and knew very well that his granddaughter was the general manager of Qimingdeng Electronics.
Luo Wanfeng didn't explain further to his father. He had to keep his promise to his daughter; revealing Zhao Qiang's identity would be letting down his benefactor.
Luo Xin didn't press further, simply nodding. "Feng, if Wei Ken helps you, I'd dare entrust the Luo family to your management. Your management skills are fine, but you're severely lacking in interpersonal skills."
Luo Wanfeng was much more sober now, and he immediately refused, saying, "Dad, I don't have that idea. You should reconsider." Actually, Luo Wanfeng still had some questions about why his father said he needed Wei's help.
Luo Xin's expression was somewhat somber. "Feng, can you bear to watch your mother's hard work go to waste? Back then, your mother was pregnant with you when she married into the Luo family. At that time, the Luo family was penniless. It was with your mother's support that I started from scratch and created the Luo family's empire. Now that your mother is gone, I will soon join her. If she could know from beyond the grave that the Luo family has fallen to such a state, she would be heartbroken."
Luo Wanfeng exclaimed excitedly, "Dad, don't say anymore! As long as Jiang Ken puts his heart into it, I will definitely help him protect the family business!" This is a modern version of Kong Rong sharing pears.
Luo Xin stomped his foot on the ground: "Nonsense! Aren't you listening to me? If the second son were this kind of material, would I need you to tell me? Don't I know who the flesh and blood of the Luo family are? Are you trying to drive me crazy before you'll agree? I'd rather just give them to you guys and settle things directly, so he doesn't ruin them all." Luo Xin knew what kind of person his son was. He wasn't senile.
Luo Wanfeng lowered his head and remained silent. Although he wasn't Luo Xin's blood relative, he had never treated Luo Xin like a stepfather. While Luo Xin had been somewhat lenient with him after his wife Ye He's death, Luo Wanfeng had never complained, a fact Luo Xin was well aware of. Thinking of his wife, Luo Xin's eyes filled with tears. Old people tend to reminisce about their youth. Luo Xin calmed himself and said, "Your personality is too weak; you weren't originally suited to lead the Luo family. But I have high hopes for Wei and that Zhao Qiang. Entrusting it to you or to them is the same."
Luo Wanfeng asked, puzzled, "Dad, what do you mean by that?"
Luo Xin raised his hand and turned on the computer screen on the table. The surveillance footage from the doorway was clearly displayed. Even Luo Wanfeng didn't know there was a security camera at the door. Luo Xin said, "I also received news of the recent car accident and shooting. Wei is still immature and misunderstands me, but I don't blame her. I'm already very happy with her achievements. This Zhao Qiang is quite interesting. If he's willing to help you behind the scenes, I think Jiang can't do anything to you. But if he's unwilling to help, Feng, when Dad really gets old, just take this will and divide the Luo family's assets, everyone gets a share. Go live your own lives." As he finished speaking, Luo Xin even shed tears. The sight of someone so old crying evoked a profound sense of sorrow…
In fact, Luo Wanfeng himself felt that Zhao Qiang was a promising young man. However, he had asked his daughter and found out that Zhao Qiang had a girlfriend, who was also his daughter's best friend. How could he let his daughter do something like stealing someone else's love? Besides, even if he did steal her, he might not be able to. Matters of the heart cannot be forced.
Trembling, Luo Wanfeng accepted the secret letter from his father. It likely contained a will outlining the division of the Luo family's assets, a prospect Luo Wanfeng desperately wanted to avoid. The Luo family's success wasn't solely due to Luo Xin's efforts. His biological mother, Ye He, also contributed significantly; if the assets were truly divided, she wouldn't rest in peace.
"Dad, you can't do this!" Luo Wanfeng cried.
Luo Xinteng stood up abruptly. "If you don't want to see this day come, then pull yourself together. Don't be scared by your younger siblings. The future of the Luo family is in your hands! Do you understand?"
Luo Wanfeng nodded solemnly: "I understand, Dad." Luo Xin said: "Alright, help me to the hall, I think it's time to begin."
Luo Wanfeng, supporting his father's arm, led him out of the study. The priceless Yuan blue-and-white porcelain jar lay untouched on the table. At this moment, it was nothing more than an ordinary piece of porcelain. Even if it were truly priceless, it couldn't compare to the emotional bond between two generations. No matter how much Luo Xin loved it, it was just an external object. You can't take it with you when you die; what he wanted to leave behind was the true power of the Luo family!
Zhao Qiang followed Luo Wei to the backyard. It was a secluded place. Luo Wei threw herself under a large osmanthus tree and burst into tears. Zhao Qiang followed, but didn't know how to comfort her, so he could only stand silently behind her. Suddenly, Luo Wei released the osmanthus tree from her embrace. She turned around and hugged Zhao Qiang again.
"Zhao Qiang, what should I do?" Luo Wei asked, sobbing.
Zhao Qiang wiped away her tears and said, "Don't cry, sweetie. Your dad didn't want to hit you. He was afraid your words would hurt your grandfather's feelings. It's hard for us to understand adult matters."
Luo Wei said angrily, "My dad was blindly loyal. I'm sorry, Zhao Qiang, for making you suffer because of him."
Zhao Qiang said, "I haven't suffered any injustice. Just don't be sad, it's not worth getting upset and ruining your health."
Suddenly, a sharp female voice rang out from behind: "Oh. So this is an affair, huh? Never a moment's rest. That's why they say you can't trust outsiders. Are you planning to secretly settle down in your private quarters and divide up the Luo family's wealth?"
Luo Wei hurriedly struggled out of Zhao Qiang's arms. She wiped away her tears and reluctantly called out, "Auntie."
It turned out that Luo Pingping had come to the backyard for some unknown reason, and Zhao Qiang had been caught red-handed. Even if Zhao Qiang had a silver tongue, he couldn't explain himself; he had just been intimately embracing Luo Wei. If Xu Xiaoya had seen this, she would have been furious.
Luo Pingping glared at Luo Wei: "Aren't you going to the hall? Your grandfather is about to come out. Are you planning to continue fooling around with this brat here?"
Luo Wei was furious at her aunt's reprimand, but Zhao Qiang stopped her. In Zhao Qiang's mind, this woman was Luo Wanfeng's younger sister, Luo Wei's aunt, and not worth getting involved with for his sake. "Wei, you go now. I should go too. The mission is successfully completed, so don't be upset."
Luo Wei grabbed Zhao Qiang's hand and said, "No, you're coming with me to the hall." She then ignored Luo Jiangping and led the way, while Luo Pingping stomped her feet angrily behind them, saying, "You vixen! Seducing men is one thing, but you dare to do it so openly and brazenly? I'll teach you a lesson!"
The hall was already full of guests, and the bright red wedding candles were lit high, exuding a festive atmosphere. Luo Wanjiang and Luo Wanhai were busy greeting the guests, while Luo Juanjuan whispered a few words in Luo Wanjiang's ear. Luo Wanjiang was extremely angry: "What? You said Father was talking to my eldest brother alone?!"
Luo Juanjuan said, "My eldest sister asked me to tell you that she saw my eldest brother's daughter running crying to the backyard. She followed to see what was going on and wanted you to keep an eye on things. Father is getting old and senile now; I'm afraid he and my eldest brother have reached some kind of agreement."
Luo Wanjiang said indignantly, "Father is indeed getting senile. I'm really afraid that he might do something terrible if he's tempted by my elder brother. You all stay here and greet the guests. I'll go and take a look."
Luo Wanhai reminded his elder brother, "No need, look. Isn't that Father?"
Luo Xin entered the hall with the help of his eldest son. Immediately, all the guests stood up to greet him. Having been a businessman all his life, Luo Xin had a good reputation. Moreover, those who gave him face or were invited were all people he had a good relationship with. It was impossible for them not to be overly friendly to the old man.
Zhao Qiang was dragged into the hall by Luo Wei, and then Luo Wei had to go to her parents' side. Zhao Qiang then found a seat on his own. It would be a bit foolish to leave now, as they were about to have a big feast. This was Zhao Qiang's favorite food. He had risked his life to help bring Yuan Qinghua back, and the old man hadn't even said thank you. It wasn't unreasonable for him to treat them to a meal.
Five chapters complete. Please give me a monthly pass!
Volume 2 [236] General Manager of Haifeng Group
Master Zhang Lingfeng leaned closer again, "You really care about Luo Wei, protecting her so diligently, I'm even jealous." Zhang Lingfeng went to the repair shop almost every day, so of course he knew where Luo Wei hid the Yuan blue and white porcelain jar.
Zhao Qiang said irritably, "Get lost, don't say such things in front of Xu Xiaoya."
Zhang Lingfeng said with ill intent, "Then you can talk nonsense in front of Hu Qian?" One night, Zhao Qiang and Hu Qian stayed up too long and ended up waking up late in the morning. Zhang Lingfeng, who never held back, barged into Zhao Qiang's bedroom. Luckily, Hu Qian was still covered with a towel, otherwise he would have seen everything. For this, Zhang Lingfeng was beaten by Zhao Qiang and made to run around the repair factory yard several times. If he wasn't taught a lesson, Zhao Qiang was afraid that he would talk nonsense in front of Xu Xiaoya.
While eating fruit, Zhao Qiang said, "I can't tell Hu Qian, but actually Luo Wei and I are completely innocent."
"But I think I saw you two hugging and cuddling in the backyard."
Zhao Qiang threw a large banana at Zhang Lingfeng: "What are you wandering around for?"