Chapter 059: The Xu Family Strikes, Arriving at the Factory for Duty

Back to 1993 Half Past Nine 2478 words 2026-02-09 16:49:37

The Xu family of Deep City, an enduring and venerable clan, had stood the test of time. As the coastal regions flourished, the Xu family’s power grew formidable. With numerous members, they made their mark in fields ranging from construction materials and fleet transportation to hardware, general merchandise, and household appliances.

Xu Juncong, the 109th direct descendant of the Xu family, had received a different kind of education. He believed the future of business would shift away from traditional industries, so he resolutely entered the human resources market. First, to seek out talented individuals and prepare for the future. Second, the Yuanli Group was no small enterprise—their scale was vast, and most importantly, their people were hidden dragons. Making connections with just one could save him much effort down the road.

This was what Xu Wushuang, the current head of the Xu family, said upon hearing that Xu Juncong intended to leave the family business.

That night, at midnight, Xu Juncong’s Crown car rolled into the family’s villa compound. Soon, his father, Xu Kuangdao, learned that his son had been imprisoned.

Ten minutes later, he appeared at the ancestral home, waking Xu Wushuang, who had only just fallen asleep. The Xu family sprang to life.

The five tigers of the Xu family gathered at the ancestral shrine, making call after call as information about Zhang Tianfeng flowed in from every direction.

Meanwhile, in Tangwan Village, at a late-night eatery.

The bustling food stall was lively as ever. Zhang Tianfeng and Qin Aiguo sat across from each other, raising their glasses and draining them in one gulp.

As their glasses were emptied and set down, a bodyguard in black approached with a mobile phone.

“Mr. Zhang, the young master wishes to speak with you.”

Calling me through Qin Aiguo’s phone?

Zhang Tianfeng paused for a moment before taking the phone. “Big brother, what’s the matter?”

“The person you dealt with this time, Xu Juncong, is from the Xu family in Deep City. Now, their clan is mobilizing every resource to gather information about you. Do you want me to warn them?”

“No need, big brother. You’ve already done enough for me—I can’t have you personally making calls over such trivial matters.”

Zhang Tianfeng smiled. “Really, there’s no need. I can handle it myself.”

“Alright. If you need help, just reach out. And stop being so formal. If you keep this up, I’ll get mad.”

“Okay, I’ll remember. Big brother, rest well—I won’t keep you.”

Huo Zhigui grunted in assent and hung up.

Hearing the busy tone, Qin Aiguo commented, “Sir, you truly are impressive. I rarely see the young master show such concern for anyone.”

“Perhaps it was the advice I gave them… It must have worked.”

At their first meeting, Zhang Tianfeng, drawing on experience from his previous life, left several friendly tips for the Huo family. It was likely these tips helped them avert a crisis, greatly increasing their goodwill toward him.

By coincidence, the Xu Juncong family was now maneuvering behind the scenes, giving Huo Zhigui an opportunity to express his intentions.

“The Xu family of Deep City… Interesting. Their connections are enough to alarm the Huo young master.”

Qin Aiguo, opposite Zhang Tianfeng, adjusted his glasses. “Mr. Zhang, the Xu family truly has influence locally. Shall I give them a warning on your behalf?”

“No need, the Huo young master just offered the same. I declined.”

“Why? Your… Forgive me, I mean your current resources are somewhat lacking compared to theirs.”

Qin Aiguo knew Zhang Tianfeng’s background well, so he spoke candidly.

“Isn’t taking on the powerful with the weak rather fun?”

Zhang Tianfeng raised his glass. “One last cup. Thank you, old brother Qin, for your help in this matter. Once you return, if anyone asks about me, just say you know nothing.”

“Alright, then let me wish you swift success in advance.”

Favors would eventually be exhausted. Without having aided the Huo family, Zhang Tianfeng didn’t wish to use this connection lightly.

Besides, was the Xu family really worth involving the Huo family? Hardly!

At most, they were a local snake with some clout. If they dared to stretch their claws his way, he’d chop them off.

Upon learning Zhang Tianfeng’s stance, the Huo family acted quickly to distance themselves from him.

Soon, this information reached the ears of the Xu family.

At two in the morning, the ancestral mansion of the Xu family was ablaze with light.

Smoke filled the air-conditioned room, embers flickering in the gloom.

Xu Kuangdao set down the phone. “It’s confirmed. Zhang Tianfeng is indeed the ‘small stock god’ spoken of among the stockholders of Harbor City. But he has no ties to the Huo family. When the Huo family invited him, it was merely to warn him not to exploit patriotic sentiments to harm Harbor City investors. He never actually met any direct heirs of the Huo family—he isn’t qualified.”

Xu Wushuang, seated in a grand chair, opened his eyes. “If that’s the case, the trail is clear.”

“Zhang Tianfeng, from Xiyan City in West Kang Province. Three generations of farmers behind him. Direct ties to the bootleg dealer Qin Lin. Currently owns a late-night eatery, a toy factory, and the newly founded Yuanfeng Industrial Company, which oversees a Bo Le Group.”

“In terms of capital and connections, he’s no match for our Xu family.”

“This time, to uphold the clan’s prestige—Kuangdao, you take charge!”

His clear gaze swept the room and settled on Xu Kuangdao.

Xu Wushuang spoke in a deep, resonant voice. “Don’t be careless like your son. That young man is shrewd, and now he’s the rising star before the leaders of Pearl City. Don’t act recklessly.”

“Father, rest assured. To deal with such a minor figure, there’s no need for full force.”

“He wants to run a factory and make money? With a few words, I can cut off his sales channels and leave him without a single business partner!”

“As long as you’re clear about it, I’ll take my leave.”

With that, Xu Wushuang walked away.

Xu Kuangdao rose and cupped his hands to the other four. “Sorry to trouble you all, waking you in the middle of the night.”

“You’re too polite, Fifth Brother. If you need anything, just ask—we brothers will support you all the way.”

“Thank you, please rest, everyone.”

...

The night passed. Early the next morning, Zhang Tianfeng washed up, changed clothes, and headed to the toy factory.

Yesterday, when resolving the matter with Wang Qi, he had already revealed his identity, using his authority as factory director to grant everyone a half-day paid leave.

Today was his official introduction to the new employees—he couldn’t be late.

“Boss, let me come with you.”

As he stepped down the stairs, Gao Ran came over. She wore a blue dress, her hair styled, a faint fragrance of perfume clinging to her.

Clearly, the girl had prepared in advance.

“The toy factory business isn’t something I’d let you interfere with. Why come with me?”

“Oh, just for fun~ You talk as if I only care about money,” Gao Ran protested, puffing her cheeks. “Think about it—since you’ve lived at my place, have I ever asked you for rent?”

“Now that you mention it, no.”

“Exactly. It’s fun being with you—that’s enough. Making money or not is a small matter.”

“Fine, just don’t cause trouble later,” Zhang Tianfeng said, rubbing his forehead in resignation.

Gao Ran giggled and dashed outside. “I’ll be your driver. With such a pretty girl driving you, you’ll look impressive.”

Not just impressive—he’d have rivals for her affection!