After a night of noise and warmth, the villa finally returned to tranquility.

Amidst laughter and exhaustion, everyone found their own rooms to rest, and Xiaoyu, Zeng Yuan, and Zeng Ke also stayed overnight.

When Zeng Long finally lay down on his bed, in the darkness, his face, which was usually as frozen as a lake, quietly melted, revealing a rare, yet incredibly genuine, soft smile that belonged to "home".

The smile dispelled the sharpness between his brows, making him look more like an ordinary young man than a behind-the-scenes tycoon in charge of a behemoth.

The morning sunlight, like fine golden sand, playfully danced across Zeng Long's face through the gaps in the heavy curtains.

He hadn't fully shaken off his sleep when the persistent ringing of his cell phone on the bedside table abruptly pulled him back to reality.

He frowned, a hint of annoyance at being disturbed, and fumbled for his phone.

The name "Teng Ao" flashed on the screen. He took a deep breath, answered the phone, his voice still languid and hoarse from just waking up:

"Feed..."

"Brother Long! Are you still not up?" On the other end of the phone, Teng Ao's voice sounded somewhat urgent, yet also cautiously probing.

Zeng Long rubbed his temples, trying to shake off the sleepiness: "Well, the kids at home were up late last night, so I went to bed a little late. Mr. Teng, what's up with the call so early?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, as if someone was choosing their words carefully, before Teng Ao's voice rang out again, carrying a hint of barely perceptible embarrassment and hesitation:

"There is... something. But... it's... my family matter, and also... my private matter. Tonight, I'd like to invite you, Brother Long, to a casual dinner at Yue Ting Yuan, and then I'll tell you in person. I wonder if you... have time tonight?"

Zeng Long leaned against the headboard, closed his eyes, and thought for a moment.

He didn't like this roundabout approach, especially with Teng Ao, whom he believed he had already given enough trust and space.

"President Teng," he began, his tone calm yet direct.

How about this? I was originally planning to invite Ye Feng's parents to dinner at Yue Ting Yuan tonight as well.

You can come and join us then. There's no need to make things so complicated between us, or have a separate banquet.

He paused, then offered the other person a simpler option: "If it's urgent, you can talk to them on the phone now."

Teng Ao on the other end of the phone seemed to be caught in a deeper dilemma, his breathing becoming clearly audible.

After struggling for a while, he finally mustered up the courage to tell him about his second uncle, Teng Yunhai.

The person who had been tripped up by Chen Yifeng on his way to promotion, and who was now representing his province to try to secure Longyu Investment, gave Zeng Long a detailed, albeit somewhat apprehensive, report.

He carefully explained the relationship, afraid of causing Zeng Long to misunderstand.

However, what he received was not the questioning or deliberation he had expected, but Zeng Long's unusually serious, even cold and unquestionable, reply:

"President Teng," Zeng Long's voice came through the microphone, clear and powerful, as if it could penetrate all hesitation, "I want to reiterate one point to you."

Since I have chosen you, Tengao, as my representative and the spokesperson for Longyu Group, I will give you my unconditional trust!

Similarly, I will unconditionally grant you the corresponding permissions!

His tone became more forceful, carrying a threatening undertone:

As for the specific allocation of investment shares and which projects are allocated to which provinces, these details are matters that you, as the president, and Yan Rugo, as the general manager, need to negotiate and decide!

You don't need to, and shouldn't, report every little detail to me!

He could almost see Teng Ao's tense expression on the other end of the phone, his words like heavy hammer blows striking Teng Ao's heart:

Remember this! In Longyu Group, you, Teng Ao, are the rightful president!

Yan Rugo, she also needs to report to you, and you are responsible for assigning her tasks and resources!

If you even need to hesitate to support your own second uncle, if you need me to nod in approval...

Then tell me, how will you manage this massive corporation in the future, facing so many powerful officials and wealthy families across the country? How will you establish your authority as president?

Zeng Long's questioning made Teng Ao on the other end of the phone break out in a cold sweat, while at the same time a surge of hot blood rushed to his head.

"Longyu Group is involved in numerous industries and has made huge investments. Supporting your second uncle's province is within your authority, reasonable, and even something you should do! Don't you even have this much decisiveness?"

Zeng Long concluded firmly:

"From now on, don't consult me ​​about matters like personal relationships and resource allocation that fall within your job responsibilities. I only care about the final result!"

These words were like the sun breaking through the clouds, or like a heavy burden being lifted. Teng Ao's hand holding the phone trembled slightly, not from fear, but from a tremendous excitement and sense of responsibility aroused by absolute trust.

His voice involuntarily choked with emotion, a result of being moved to the point of dying for one who understands him:

"Thank you... Brother Long! Thank you for your trust! I... I understand! I know what to do!"

Sensing the change in Teng Ao's emotions, Zeng Long's tone softened, regaining its usual composure:

"Alright, Mr. Teng. You and Ru Ge can both come to Yue Ting Yuan for dinner tonight. I'll go over the overall strategy and details of our recent investment plans with you then."

"Okay, Brother Long! I'll be there on time!"

---

After hanging up the phone with Teng Ao, Zeng Long did not get up immediately.

He lay back down on his pillow, his arms behind his head, his deep gaze fixed on the exquisite crystal chandelier on the ceiling, lost in thought for a long time.

In my mind, several clues intertwined like tangled threads.

There is vigilance and analysis regarding the person behind the scenes who is lurking in the shadows, possesses sophisticated methods, and is familiar with both himself and Li Weiguo;

There is a detailed analysis and refinement of the construction details of Longyu Group's future massive business empire;

Furthermore, there is the consideration of how to balance and help the relationships between his uncle Zeng Qiang, his maternal uncle He Xing, and his second uncle Teng Yunhai.

This is not a simple transfer of benefits. What he needs to consider is how to truly drive the long-term development of the regions represented by these relatives and enhance their political standing through the investment of Longyu Group!

At the same time, it is also necessary to ensure that the group's strategic layout is not affected, and to avoid giving others a handle to use against us or having our achievements stolen midway, which could cause unnecessary trouble.

This thought process lasted for nearly an hour.

It wasn't until the sunlight outside the window became a bit dazzling that he suddenly came to his senses, threw off the covers, got out of bed, and washed up.

---

When Zeng Long came down the stairs to the restaurant, He Jing had already prepared a sumptuous breakfast. The millet porridge was fragrant, and the table was filled with exquisite snacks and side dishes.

Everyone was already seated there, clearly waiting for him.

Zeng Long gave an apologetic smile and walked to the head seat, saying, "I'm sorry, I was thinking about something upstairs and came down late. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Boss!" Tie Zhu, who had been waiting impatiently, immediately shouted upon hearing this, grabbing a meat bun in each hand and stuffing it into his mouth, saying indistinctly:

"If you don't come down soon, I'm sure I'll faint from hunger! I only drank water last night, and my stomach is completely empty!"

Everyone was amused by his silly appearance.

Zeng Long smiled and shook his head, picked up his chopsticks, and while eating his breakfast, turned his gaze to his younger sister, Xiaoyu, and his tone became more formal:

"Xiaoyu, I have a task for you today."

Xiaoyu immediately put down her spoon, sat up straight, and looked at her brother earnestly: "Brother Long, what do you say?"

"Contact your uncle and your maternal uncle as well." Zeng Long spoke calmly and clearly:

Tell them to quickly produce detailed plans for their respective provinces regarding accepting investments from Longyu Group.

Remember, the core of a plan cannot be merely empty talk about investment amounts and projects.

He emphasized:

We must make them focus on the specific operational needs of the companies under the Longyu Group!

The analysis focuses on highlighting the advantages of their respective provinces' industrial and supply chains, transportation and logistics convenience, and overall business environment.

We need to thoroughly analyze these conditions to determine which specific subsidiaries of Longyu Group are best suited to locate and develop here!

He looked at Xiaoyu, his eyes sharp:

"Finally, the plan must include a separate, and crucial, chapter—on specific ideas and feasible solutions for sustainable development! This isn't just a slogan; I want to see concrete plans!"

Zeng Long paused, his gaze sweeping over the attentive listeners before finally settling on Xiao Yu's face, his tone deep and serious:

"Xiaoyu, you must relay my exact words to them, word for word."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a resounding power:

"Tell them—what I can offer them this time isn't a simple investment project, nor is it a cold, hard figure. What I'm giving them is a 'seed' that can grow, blossom, and bear fruit on its own!"

"I am only giving this 'seed' to them because of their identities."

"Longyu Group's investment is at best a sharp 'knife.' They are the ones who will truly wield that knife in the future!"

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. I think your uncle and maternal uncle are wise enough to understand the deeper meaning of my words."

After delivering these meaningful words, Zeng Long added the timeline:

"I need to see their preliminary plan framework by 5 p.m. Then, deliver it directly to Yuetingyuan for me."

"Understood! Brother Long! I will definitely pass on the message!" Xiaoyu nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with admiration for her brother. She felt that her brother's image in her heart had become even taller and more profound.

Then, Zeng Long turned to Ye Feng, who had been eating quietly:

Ye Feng, tell your parents that I'm hosting a banquet at Yuetingyuan tonight to formally invite them to dinner.

If your uncles and aunts have any friends they'd like to bring along, they're all welcome.

We don't mind a lot of people; a lively atmosphere is good.

A knowing smile appeared on his face.

Finally, he looked at Lin Xiaoya, who was secretly putting carrots—which she didn't like—into Tiezhu's bowl: "Xiaoya!"

"Here!" Xiaoya, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, immediately withdrew her hand and sat up straight.

"You and Tiezhu will be attending tonight as well."

"What about the financial market..." Xiaoya blinked.

"If you need to work overtime monitoring the market tonight, I'll have to trouble you, Anna." Zeng Long turned his gaze to the quiet and beautiful Anna, with an apologetic tone, "Anna, you might have to work a little harder tonight."

Upon hearing this, Anna put down her milk glass and returned a gentle yet firm smile, her azure eyes like clear lakes.

"Don't worry, Dragon. This is nothing, I'll definitely get the mission done!"

Breakfast ended with task assignments and relaxed conversation.

Everyone began their day with their own tasks and expectations. And tonight, Yue Ting Garden was bustling with activity once again...

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like