Chapter 73: A New Partnership

"Chairman Zhou?"

Wang Jiansheng was overcome with excitement the moment he saw Zhou Liran.

He hurried forward, bowing and scraping as he greeted Zhou Liran, "Chairman Zhou, you finally decided to come out. Do you still remember me? I am Wang Jiansheng from the Wang Group, the one who previously collaborated with you on medicinal herbs."

Zhou Liran acted as if he hadn't heard a word, ignoring him completely. He walked straight to Lin Feng, and spoke respectfully, "Mr. Lin, you haven't told me yet—what happened here just now?"

"It's nothing, really. I was just stopped by Wang Jiansheng, who wouldn't let me in," Lin Feng shrugged, dismissing the matter with disdain.

"What?"

Zhou Liran was startled by this response. He finally turned to look at Wang Jiansheng, his eyes blazing with fury.

He glared at Wang Jiansheng, his gaze sharp enough to kill, and demanded angrily, "Wang, you actually dared to block my distinguished guest, Mr. Lin Feng? Who gave you the courage?"

"Chairman Zhou, what are you saying? This person, he's Lin Feng?"

Wang Jiansheng was utterly shocked.

He only knew that his son had previously offended someone named Lin Feng, leading to Liran Group terminating all cooperation with the Wang family.

He never imagined that today, he himself had offended Lin Feng—and right in front of Chairman Zhou of Liran Group!

This was like flooding the Dragon King's temple, lifting a stone only to smash his own foot.

There was no way to explain it now!

"Chairman Zhou, it's my fault, I deserve death. I truly didn't know this young man was Mr. Lin Feng. If I had known—even if I had a thousand times the courage—I would never have dared offend him."

Wang Jiansheng trembled with fear, his knees shaking, and knelt before Zhou Liran and Lin Feng, full of regret.

Slap!

Zhou Liran struck him ferociously across the face, stars dancing before Wang Jiansheng's eyes as he spun twice in place before dropping to his knees.

"You damned dog! I ended our cooperation last time, but it seems you never realized your mistake," Zhou Liran said, his anger unabated, pointing at Wang Jiansheng's nose as he ordered, "Now I declare: from today onward, the Wang family will lose all business cooperation projects in River City."

"If your Wang family dares to dabble in business again, I'll make sure you pay with your life."

Boom!

Wang Jiansheng felt as if thunder had struck above his head, sweat pouring down his face.

He knelt in despair, overwhelmed with regret.

Coming to his senses, he immediately shuffled forward on his knees, clutching desperately at Zhou Liran's clothes, pleading, "Please, Chairman Zhou, forgive me this once. Give me another chance, I swear I will never dare again."

"Another chance? Leave now, and never let me see you again. Otherwise, I'll make sure you can't even die with a grave to your name."

Zhou Liran's voice was icy, and he kicked Wang Jiansheng hard, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Wang Jiansheng rolled several times before getting up, still trying to beg for a chance, but Zhou Liran had already ordered his expulsion, giving him no opportunity to plead.

Brother Leopard watched Wang Jiansheng being thrown out, terrified.

He knew Wang Jiansheng's influence was finished, and that he'd lost his own backing as well. Panicked, he glanced around, and seized the moment to flee with his men while Lin Feng and Zhou Liran weren't paying attention.

After they left, Zhou Liran approached Lin Feng, speaking respectfully, "Mr. Lin, I was a step late. I hope you'll forgive me."

"No matter. Since Chairman Zhou wishes to discuss the production of pills with me, let's go," Lin Feng replied coolly, and entered the company with Zhou Liran.

It turned out Zhou Liran hadn't encountered difficulties in pill production, but wanted to negotiate with Lin Feng for more formulas, hoping Lin Feng would provide him with additional recipes to help Liran Group grow larger and stronger.

Lin Feng hesitated. Though he possessed countless formulas, it was not easy for him to simply hand them out.

He understood their value well—any one formula gifted to a pharmaceutical company would instantly increase his network.

Beyond River City, there was the provincial capital and even the capital itself, with many more pharmaceutical companies eager to cooperate.

If he gave everything to Liran Group, wouldn't he be losing out?

"Chairman Zhou, this might be difficult. While I do have some knowledge of medicine, writing a prescription is not something accomplished in a day. I need considerable time to develop each formula, so I hope you understand."

"I do, Mr. Lin. I'm not asking for many formulas at once. I simply hope that, should you develop a new recipe, you might offer it to me first. If you agree, I will make sure you are well rewarded," Zhou Liran said, taking out a set of keys and handing them to Lin Feng. "Mr. Lin, I haven't thanked you yet for helping me develop that pill. These keys are to a villa on the mountaintop."

"I wish to present it to you as a token of gratitude."

"This really won't do," Lin Feng shook his head, refusing, "Chairman Zhou, this gift is too valuable. I cannot accept it."

He had helped Zhou Liran before, but not for the villa.

"Mr. Lin, please don't decline. It's just a small gesture of my sincerity. If you refuse, I won't be able to sleep at night," Zhou Liran implored.

Unable to resist Zhou Liran's earnestness, Lin Feng refused several times but finally relented after much consideration, accepting the keys.

He knew Zhou Liran's true purpose was to secure his promise to provide formulas regularly.

For him, it was hardly a burden—offering one every few months would be enough to help Liran Group flourish.

"By the way, Mr. Lin, my new pill project urgently requires a large loan. Do you think President Su might agree to a new project partnership? If so, I would be deeply honored," Zhou Liran said, producing a new project contract for Lin Feng's consideration.

Lin Feng's face lit up with pleasure, and he replied without hesitation, "Of course. When I return, I'll mention it to Qingxue. I'm sure she'll be delighted to cooperate with Chairman Zhou."

"That's wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Lin," Zhou Liran said, expressing his gratitude repeatedly.

After that, Lin Feng proposed they share a meal together as thanks for Zhou Liran's help with Su Qingxue, and Zhou Liran gladly agreed.

To dine with Lin Feng was an honor.

Once their conversation ended, Lin Feng took his leave and returned directly to Su Bank.

Unexpectedly, when he arrived at Su Bank, he found a Mercedes with the Su family license plate parked at the entrance.

Lin Feng frowned, instantly realizing that Madam Su had arrived.