Chapter 132: This Is the Consequence

"What exactly is going on? Whose trap did we fall into?" Yan Jiangbo asked, staring at him in bewilderment, still unable to grasp the situation.

"Lin Feng. This is all Lin Feng's scheme. Your Yan family's pharmaceutical company also uses the Cao Family Herb Factory as a supplier. Now that Jiangtai Pharmaceutical has suddenly switched to them, it is clear that someone is pulling strings behind the scenes."

"Given Su Qingxue's capabilities, she could never have pulled this off. Therefore, this must be Lin Feng's doing. Since he was able to secure a partnership with the Cao Family Herb Factory, he likely found a way to sabotage the herb supply for Huali Pharmaceutical Group as well."

"The failure of Huali Pharmaceutical Group this time isn't due to the medicinal formula, but the herbs themselves," Pang Deqing stated, his face grim as he laid out his theory.

Upon hearing this, Yan Jiangbo was stunned into silence. He never imagined that this Lin Feng was so capable—that even his father's pharmaceutical company could be played like a fiddle by him.

"Pang Deqing, please come with us."

Moments later, police officers walked in from outside and spoke to Pang Deqing with grave expressions.

Pang Deqing looked utterly defeated. He accepted his loss, realizing that after all his plotting against the Su Family Bank, he had ultimately been outmaneuvered by that young man, Lin Feng. He was led away without mercy to the police station for interrogation.

Yan Jiangbo looked on with a dark gaze, his fists clenched tightly. *Lin Feng,* he thought to himself, *you dare to stand against our Yan family? Just you wait. With your little tricks, you will never be able to shake the foundation of our family. Once this incident blows over, you are finished!*

He decided not to stay in Jiangcheng any longer. Since Chengxin Bank had lost its credibility, he would have to make other plans. He called his driver to take him back to the provincial capital to report everything to his father.

Lin Feng soon saw the news on his phone regarding the scandal involving the partnership between Chengxin Bank and Huali Pharmaceutical. Sitting in his car, a faint, indifferent smile played on his lips. This is the price you pay for coming after me!

Shortly after, he arrived at Liran Group. Upon hearing of his arrival, Zhou Liran, who had been entertaining an important client, suddenly stood up, personally bid the client farewell, and sent them away. He then jogged to the lobby, greeting Lin Feng with a beaming smile.

"Mr. Lin, you should have given me a heads-up so I could have had someone prepare some good tea for you," Zhou Liran said, shaking hands with Lin Feng politely.

"We’re old friends, no need for such formalities. I came by today because I have something good for you. You must have heard that there’s going to be a medicinal herb symposium in the provincial capital soon," Lin Feng said straightforwardly.

"Naturally. The medicinal herb symposium is held every four years, and the attendees are all renowned medical experts from across the country. Unfortunately, the requirements for participants are too high; even I don't qualify to attend. If I ever get the chance, I will certainly help you secure an invitation, Mr. Lin," Zhou Liran explained with a smile.

He assumed Lin Feng had come to ask for help in obtaining an invitation, so he preemptively explained his own inability to do so.

Lin Feng smiled calmly and, without hesitation, pulled two invitations from his pocket and placed them on the table. "Chairman Zhou couldn't get one, but I could. In fact, I have two right here."

"I came today to give you one, Chairman Zhou. We can go together when the time comes."

"Oh? You actually managed to obtain invitations to the provincial capital's medicinal herb symposium, Mr. Lin?"

Zhou Liran looked at Lin Feng in disbelief, feeling utterly astonished. It seemed that no one in all of Jiangcheng had ever been invited to such a conference. For Mr. Lin to have secured two invitations was truly a miracle.

Seeing the surprise on his face, Lin Feng knew he had come to the right place. After a few seconds, he nodded slightly and asked, "So, would you be interested in attending with me, Chairman Zhou?"

"This..." Zhou Liran gave a wry smile and shook his head helplessly. "To be honest, I would love to go, but I have a business trip out of town next week. The itinerary is already set, so I’m afraid it’s not very convenient for me."

"I see. That is a real pity," Lin Feng said with a deep sigh of disappointment.

"However... don't worry, Mr. Lin. Although I cannot go, my daughter, Nianying, can accompany you. She has nothing urgent in Jiangcheng, and I’ve been looking for ways to broaden her experience. Why don't I have her go with you instead? What do you think?" Zhou Liran suggested, his eyes brightening.

"Miss Zhou?" Lin Feng considered it. That wasn't a bad idea. As long as Zhou Liran accepted the invitation, the favor would be fulfilled. After a brief thought, he nodded with a smile. "In that case, that would be fine. Please trouble yourself to let Miss Zhou know."

"Certainly," Zhou Liran replied repeatedly.

"Dad, what are you and Lin Feng talking about? Why did I hear my name?"

As they were talking, Zhou Nianying walked in from outside. She looked like a little kitten, her face stained with medicinal powder, and her slender hands covered in black and grey smudges from handling herbs. She smelled entirely of raw medicine.

Seeing this, Lin Feng felt a sense of gratification. It seemed this young girl was truly working hard on her medical studies.

"Nianying, you're here. That’s perfect; I don't need to go find you. Mr. Lin has brought an invitation. Why don't you accompany him to the provincial capital next week in my place?" Zhou Liran said, happily explaining the situation to her.

After hearing this, her willow-leaf eyebrows arched slightly, and she looked at Lin Feng with a smile. "Alright, I would be delighted. I already witnessed Lin Feng's capabilities at the auction last time. If I can go with him, I’m sure I’ll learn a great deal."

"Haha, as long as you have that mindset, it's settled," Zhou Liran said, pleased with her quick agreement.

As it was nearing noon, Zhou Liran invited Lin Feng to lunch, and Lin Feng accepted without hesitation. They headed to a nearby restaurant. During the meal, Zhou Liran initially wanted to bring up the earlier matter of Lin Feng’s partnership with Jiangtai Pharmaceutical, as he was quite dissatisfied with it in his heart. However, upon reflection, he realized that since Mr. Lin had just gifted him such an important invitation, it showed that he truly valued their relationship and wasn't disregarding him at all, so he felt it was inappropriate to bring it up.

A moment later, he brought up the production licensing for the rejuvenation medicine and even offered to buy out Lin Feng's formula. Lin Feng agreed to the former but declined the buyout. With the formula in his hands, Lin Feng held the initiative. Besides, Jiangtai Pharmaceutical’s strength far exceeded that of Liran Group, and by keeping the formula, he might find Jiangtai knocking on his door in the future.

"Chairman Zhou, I am truly sorry. I hope you understand my position. The situation was quite sudden this time; without President Shen and Jiangtai Pharmaceutical, the Su Family Bank would have been in real danger," Lin Feng tactfully steered the conversation toward the Su Family Bank, leaving Zhou Liran with nothing more to say.

"It’s alright, I understand, Mr. Lin. Your formula is peerless in this world; who wouldn't want it?" Zhou Liran consoled himself. After the meal, he stood up to see Lin Feng off.

As they stepped out of the restaurant, Zhou Nianying saw Lin Feng leaving and immediately chased after him. She blocked his path and said, "Wait, Lin Feng, do me a favor, would you?"