Lin Ce nodded, but a sudden flash of insight crossed his mind. He finally remembered who this man was. He was one of his father’s closest friends, Xu Huaishan. However, he recalled that Xu Huaishan had left Zhonghai over a decade ago. Since then, his connection to the Lin family had grown distant, limited only to sending gifts during the Lunar New Year.
"Qili, look into this man’s background. Let me know once you’ve found something."
"Understood!"
By the time Lin Ce reached Longyun Mountain, Qili had already begun her search. For most, tracking down someone who had vanished for over a decade would be like searching for a needle in a haystack, but for the Hidden Dragon Guards, locating individuals was the simplest of tasks.
Barely after Lin Ce returned to Villa No. 1 on Longyun Mountain, Qili arrived back.
"Dragon Head, I have found him. His name is Xu Huaishan, 54 years old. He currently resides in Villa No. 2, Yulong International, in Jiangnan City, the capital of Jiangnan Province."
Lin Ce gave a slight nod. So, the Xu family had moved to the provincial capital to develop their affairs. Jiangnan City was about 300 kilometers from Zhonghai—roughly a two-hour journey.
"It is too late tonight. Once we finish the business with Beiyu Group tomorrow, you will accompany me to Jiangnan City."
"Yes, Dragon Head."
In the early hours of the morning, Bahu returned, looking travel-worn from the Zhonghai private airport.
"What is the situation?" Lin Ce sat cross-legged on the bed, his expression unmoving.
"Reporting to the Dragon Head, the battlefield medic who accompanied me has diagnosed that Zhou Pengju was poisoned with a toxin known as X-King."
Lin Ce’s eyes narrowed. X-King? When he had checked Zhou Pengju’s pulse, he knew Uncle Zhou had been poisoned, but he hadn't expected it to be this. X-King was colorless and odorless, transmitted through the air. A single breath was enough to destroy the cerebral nerves. The mildest outcome was amnesia or a vegetative state; the worst was death. Furthermore, X-King had a mortality rate of over 85 percent, and there was still no known antidote for it.
"Dragon Head, X-King is a signature weapon of international underground assassin organizations. It is classified as an ultra-restricted substance, almost impossible to find in Huaxia. An ordinary person would never come into contact with such a thing," Bahu said in a low voice.
Lin Ce pondered whether Uncle Zhou’s poisoning was the work of a top-tier international assassin organization.
"What did the battlefield medic say? What are the odds of curing Zhou Pengju?"
Bahu steadied himself before replying: "With the current medical standards of the Northern Territory, we can ensure Zhou Pengju stays alive, but it will take time to wake him up. Dragon Head, I have already tasked Sai Huatuo with the case. There shouldn't be any complications."
Lin Ce nodded faintly. "Tell Sai Huatuo to focus. Tell him I am only giving him one month. If he cannot cure him by then, I will have him hung from the flagpole for three days."
Bahu looked solemn and quickly agreed, though after turning away, he couldn't help but grin. He never expected that the legendary divine doctor of the Northern Territory, Sai Huatuo, would end up in such a situation.
***
**Chapter 16: The Land Auction**
The next day. The top-floor conference room of Beiyu Group.
After Lin Ce reclaimed Beiyu Tower, several veteran employees were invited back. Of course, the rise and fall of Beiyu Group had allowed Ye Xiangsi to see the true colors of many people. For instance, high-level figures like Feng Zicai would never be employed again. Those sitting in the conference room now were mostly loyalists who had helped Old Master Lin build the business from the ground up.
The meeting was chaired by Ye Xiangsi, while Lin Ce sat by the window, his eyes fixed on the scenery outside, as if the matters at hand had nothing to do with him. Yet, to Ye Xiangsi, even if Lin Ce did nothing, his mere presence provided an inexplicable sense of security.
Ye Xiangsi outlined the new appointments before moving to the main topic.
"Beiyu Group is currently undergoing a revival, and the real estate industry is becoming increasingly competitive. In the coming period, Beiyu Group will return to the spotlight in Zhonghai. Breaking news: a grand auction will be held in Zhonghai in three days, featuring four plots of land. Beiyu Group is determined to secure them!"
Ye Xiangsi had prepared well; she turned on the projector and began detailing the situation of the four plots.
"The first is the East City plot, the commercial center of Zhonghai. This will be the main battleground for the great families. The starting bid is 600 million."
"The second is the South City plot. It is rumored that a high-speed railway will be planned there, making it a key development area for the next decade. It is highly sought after, with a starting bid of 400 million."
"The third is also in South City, though its location isn't ideal. It has potential, but the recovery period for capital will be long. Starting bid: 300 million."
"The final plot is the North City plot. The starting bid... 50 million."
"50 million? President Ye, why is it so cheap?"
Ye Xiangsi gave a bitter smile. "This plot is located near the Guhua District in North City."
As soon as that was mentioned, everyone showed signs of realization. The geographical location of Guhua District wasn't actually that poor; it backed onto mountains and faced water—if one spoke of Feng Shui, it was a prime spot. However, due to historical issues, Zhonghai had always expanded south and east, leaving North City synonymous with "obsolete." Moreover, the Guhua District was infested with underground forces. Developing there wouldn't just mean dealing with demolition; it would be extremely thorny.
"Regarding the North City plot, since Zhonghai’s expansion plans don't include that area, I suggest we abandon it and remove it from our discussion."
After finishing, Ye Xiangsi glanced at Lin Ce, noticing he was still paying no attention to the meeting, as if the proceedings were less interesting than a breeze outside.
One shareholder frowned. "President Ye, how much capital does our group have available right now?"
Ye Xiangsi looked slightly awkward. "Everyone knows that Beiyu Group has gone through a lot recently. The group can currently spare... 200 million."
A stir ran through the room. 200 million? That wasn't even enough for the starting bid of the top three plots. Based on historical trends, the worst of the South City plots would likely sell for at least 800 million. The plot near the high-speed rail would cost at least a billion, and the best plot in East City would require 1.5 billion.
The attendees shook their heads with scoffing laughter.
"President Ye, I don't understand. When Old Master Lin was alive, raising over a billion for Beiyu Group was no problem. How is it that after you took over, there’s only 200 million left?"
"Even if Beiyu Group is ruined, it shouldn't be to this extent."
They couldn't help but suspect there were shady dealings. Could Ye Xiangsi have embezzled company funds?
Ye Xiangsi took a deep breath, feeling incredibly aggrieved. "The company's current state is as it is. Many firms are seeking breach-of-contract damages from us, and the finances are a mess. 200 million is the absolute limit."
A high-level executive snorted. "Then why hold an auction? Let's just give up. The deposit alone is 10 million; participating will just be throwing money into the water."
"Exactly, President Ye. Why don't we wait a year or two?"
Ye Xiangsi’s mind raced. She knew this opportunity was rare—it was the perfect chance for the group to make a comeback.
"No, this auction is imperative! If necessary, I will apply for a bank loan!" Ye Xiangsi declared firmly.
The executive gave a mocking smile. "President Ye, how much can you borrow? 500 million? 800 million? The banks aren't idiots. Don't tell me you intend to use the company as collateral! We shareholders won't stand for that."
Ye Xiangsi had indeed intended that, seeing it as the only way out. She hadn't expected the shareholders to shut her down before she could even say it.
Just then, Lin Ce’s voice slowly drifted across the room.
"How many companies are competing against Beiyu Group in this auction?"
Hearing this, Ye Xiangsi turned to her secretary. "Check which groups are participating."
The executives whispered among themselves. "That’s Lin Ce, right? The late chairman's foster son." "Yes, that's him. They say he was the one who recovered the company, though nobody knows how." "Who knows? Let's see what he does."
Soon, the secretary returned with the documents. Ye Xiangsi’s face turned grim.
"The Chu family and the Huang family are all participating, along with other real estate groups..." Ye Xiangsi said slowly.
Lin Ce’s eyes narrowed slightly. The Chu family and the Huang family were two of the Four Great Families of Zhonghai; it was only natural for them to participate. Initially, Lin Ce wasn't certain he would go, but since those two families were involved, he didn't mind teaching them a lesson.
"Keep the 200 million in the company accounts," Lin Ce said calmly.
Beiyu Group needed liquid assets, so those funds couldn't be touched. Seeing this, the crowd shook their heads. They had expected Lin Ce to participate, but upon hearing about the Chu and Huang families, he seemed to have lost his nerve. That was fair; the Chu and Huang families were powerful in Zhonghai, far stronger than the Zhao family. Lin Ce taking the company back from the Zhao family was already an achievement; he didn't need to pick a fight with the Chu and Huang families, too.
"Brother Ce, then... are we giving up on this auction?" Ye Xiangsi asked, clearly reluctant.
However, a meaningful smile spread across Lin Ce’s face.
"Who said we were giving up? We will attend the auction as scheduled."
"You only need to pay the deposit in the name of Beiyu Group. Leave the rest to me."
***
**Chapter 17: Xu Huaishan of Jiangnan**
Lin Ce left under the bewildered gazes of the executives. They hadn't expected him to actually attend. The company only had 200 million in cash; if they participated, they could only bid on that unwanted North City plot.
"President Ye, are we really doing this? Even if Lin Ce is the legal representative, this is clearly unwise."
"Indeed. If the Chu and Huang families know Beiyu Group is bidding, no matter how much money Lin Ce has, they will never let us succeed."
Ye Xiangsi hesitated. She didn't understand what Lin Ce was planning, but since he had managed to reclaim the company in just a few days, she was more inclined to trust his judgment.
"No more words. I announce that Beiyu Group will participate in the auction. As General Manager, I have that authority. Meeting adjourned!"
...
Outside, Qili and Bahu were waiting by the car.
"Dragon Head!"
Lin Ce nodded. "Qili, have the Hidden Dragon Guards look into the financial situations of the Chu and Huang families, focusing on their cash flow."
Qili nodded respectfully. "Understood, Dragon Head."
She made a call, and within minutes, they were back in the car. On the road to Jiangnan City, Lin Ce closed his eyes to rest. He wasn't in a hurry to move against the families in Zhonghai. His return alone signaled their inevitable downfall. Instead of finishing them off immediately, he preferred to let them experience the taste of despair, bit by bit. Since the incident with Zhou Pengju, he felt that there was more to it than met the eye, as if a mysterious web was slowly spreading.
Two hours later, they arrived at the villa in Jiangnan City. Lin Ce ordered Bahu to wait in the car; the man was too large and impulsive, and Lin Ce didn't want him scaring anyone. Accompanied only by Qili, he knocked on the door.
*Knock, knock, knock!*
The door opened to reveal a beautiful woman in casual home wear. "Whom are you looking for?"
"Apologies for the intrusion. Is Mr. Xu Huaishan at home?"
"You're looking for my father? He happens to be home today. Come inside."
The young woman was easygoing, and seeing the well-dressed and spirited Lin Ce and Qili, she assumed they weren't troublemakers and let them in.
Inside, a man in a suit appeared to be leaving. He bumped into them and frowned. "Wife, who are these two?"
"They're here to see Dad. Probably his students."
Before retiring, Xu Huaishan had been a professor in the Economics and Management department at Jiangnan University, and students often visited. Wang Lang cast a suspicious glance at Lin Ce and said coldly, "Oh, the father-in-law's students? Sit down."
Seeing that Lin Ce’s clothes had no recognizable labels, Wang Lang, being a businessman, immediately assumed they weren't from any great family, and his tone turned condescending.
Soon, Xu Lan brought two cups of coffee. "Please wait a moment. My father is on the phone upstairs; he'll be down shortly."
Lin Ce nodded. He had just taken a sip when an elderly man walked down. He looked to be in his fifties, with a ruddy face and an energetic aura. Lin Ce recognized him as Xu Huaishan, so he stood up politely. "Uncle Xu."
Xu Huaishan looked at him with confusion, having no recollection of this young man. When he left Zhonghai, he was in his twenties or thirties, and Lin Ce had been a mere child; it was natural he wouldn't recognize him.
Lin Ce smiled slightly. "I am Lin Ce. Do you have any impression of me, Uncle Xu?"
"Lin Ce... Ah, you are the second son of the Lin family from Beihai?"
"Indeed, that is me." Lin Ce stepped forward and held out his hand.
Xu Huaishan was visibly moved, and the two shook hands. "It has been so many years! You little rascal, I didn't even recognize you. I heard you went into the army. Have you returned from service?"
Wang Lang, standing nearby, sneered upon hearing Lin Ce was a soldier.
"In a way," Lin Ce smiled. He wasn't here to reminisce, so he didn't feel the need to elaborate.
"Xiao Ce, we haven't seen each other in over a decade. You must have a drink with me today!" Xu Huaishan was overjoyed to see the son of an old friend.
"Very well, I will have a drink with you."
A flicker of doubt passed through Lin Ce’s mind. Looking at Xu Huaishan’s demeanor, could it be he didn't know about the tragedy of the Lin family? He decided to address it over dinner.
Wang Lang suddenly stood up. "Dad, we had an agreement! I was going to introduce you to a big shot today. I’ve already booked the private room."
Xu Huaishan glanced at him. "What big shot? My nephew is here today; I’m not going anywhere."
Wang Lang dared not argue. If not for his father-in-law’s business advice, he wouldn't have made his fortune. Over the years, he had relied on his father-in-law’s connections to establish himself in the Jiangnan business circle, so he held a degree of reverence for him. However, times had changed. He had achieved a level of success himself and began to hold his father-in-law in less regard. This meeting with a high-ranking military official was supposed to be a major opportunity for his business, and he had spent a month persuading Xu Huaishan to agree. Now, a "monkey wrench" had been thrown into his plans. He looked at Lin Ce with resentment. If the deal had gone through, it would have been millions in profit.
Since his father-in-law had spoken, he had to swallow his frustration. Stealthily, Wang Lang went to the bathroom and called the military official.
"Hello, Instructor Su? It’s Wang Lang. Regarding this afternoon... there might be a change of plans. Please, don’t be angry. You see, someone came to my house..."
Wang Lang painted Lin Ce as a "soldier punk" and blamed him for Xu Huaishan’s absence. The official, a man who couldn't tolerate any disrespect, was furious.
"I have no patience for soldier punks. Since Old Master Xu cannot get away, I will come there myself. I want to see if he still dares to act arrogant in front of me!"
***
**Chapter 18: Visitors from the Theater**
At the dinner table, Xu Huaishan and Lin Ce were exchanging toasts. Xu Huaishan hadn't been this happy in a long time. Lin Ce, never one to be overly formal, drained his glass every time.
"Ah, time flies. Over ten years have passed in the blink of an eye," Xu Huaishan sighed. "You and your brother were polar opposites. You were introverted, while your brother was outgoing and loved to socialize. By the way, how is your brother, Lin Wen?"
Lin Ce paused, his expression turning bitter. Seeing the gravity on Lin Ce’s face, Xu Huaishan’s expression shifted.
"Xiao Ce, has something happened to your brother?"
Lin Ce had no intention of keeping it from him, so he briefly recounted the tragedy that had befallen the Lin family.