"If they don’t provoke me, I won’t stir up trouble. But if they dare to mess with me or bully you, I’m not someone to be trifled with either."
Soon, the car arrived in front of a grand and imposing auditorium. Wang Bao presented his identification, and the vehicle, along with the security team, entered the parking lot.
The people gathered here today weren’t just the wealthy or influential—they were the true titans of the business world and high-ranking officials.
Luo Yao and her group stepped out of the car and, guided by the ushers, walked into the auditorium, which was dignified yet simple in appearance, devoid of any slogans or banners.
Once inside, the atmosphere transformed completely. The room was filled with business magnates, many of whom were familiar faces.
Lin Ran had no worries about this bidding competition. In his previous life, Luo Yao had smoothly secured this project and successfully built the tech city.
As for how the construction ultimately turned out, Lin Ran wasn’t sure.
It wasn’t a quick project—even by the time of his death in his past life, the tech city hadn’t been completed.
But even partially built, it had already become a sought-after hub for countless tech leaders.
The cutting-edge technological products and AI showcased there could be called groundbreaking achievements of the era.The collaborative projects within the tech city even broke commercial cooperation records, surpassing all previous benchmarks.
Even China’s satellite network plan was completed there, surpassing the rival network of a certain powerful nation in one fell swoop.
Inside the auditorium, Li Chifen was discussing the bidding strategy with Samsung’s Park Bo-gi, plotting how to secure the deal.
Park Bo-gi wasn’t trying to enter the Chinese market with smartphones—he was banking on Samsung’s technological prowess.
This bidding was open to foreign companies, but with one strict condition: Chinese firms had to hold the majority stake, and foreign partners had to concede profits.
This was why a giant like Samsung still sought local collaboration despite its massive scale.
The terms were harsh, but they didn’t stop numerous world-renowned companies from participating. After all, the Chinese market was simply too lucrative to ignore.
"Luo Yao is here. This time, I believe you, Chairman Li, will redeem yourself. Together, we can outmaneuver the Luo Group in business."
"Additionally, as you know, Samsung’s smartphones dominate the global market. If this partnership succeeds, we’re willing to cede 50% of the profits to your three families—just to bring Samsung back to its former glory in China’s mobile industry."
Park Bo-gi gestured enthusiastically with one hand, painting a grand vision of the future.
Why only one hand?
Because the other had been injured in a phone explosion.
It still hadn’t fully healed.
Though the cast was off, movement was difficult.
"Chairman Park, I think you should focus on recovering your hand first before discussing smartphone collaborations with us."
"Also, I’ve heard you want to introduce Samsung’s other electronic products into China. Even though we’re partners, this kind of market-grabbing move will provoke backlash from many."
As they were talking, Luo Yao happened to walk by, and Park Bo-gi immediately fell silent.
Only after she passed did he speak again.
"Actually, I—wait, where did he go?"
He looked around but couldn’t find Li Chifen anywhere.
Park Bo-gi’s face darkened with irritation.
"Chinese people are all cunning and rude… really infuriating… Aish."
Meanwhile, Li Chifen had already made his way to the Luo Group’s seating area. He strode confidently up to Luo Yao, though inwardly, he was terrified.
But he had to keep up appearances.
After all, everyone knew he and Luo Yao had bad blood. If he didn’t act hostile, people would suspect something was off.
"President Luo, what a pleasure to see you again."
Li Chifen extended his hand. Luo Yao gave him a cold glance, but before she could react, Lin Ran stepped forward, blocking her and gripping Li Chifen’s hand firmly.
"Chairman Li, your memory must be slipping. Didn’t we just see you yesterday? My wife even crashed through your gates—twice. And I flipped one of your tables. Oh, and you accused us of cutting out… uh, what’s-her-name’s tongue."
Lin Ran genuinely couldn’t remember that woman’s name.
Liu Meng, acting out of habit as an assistant, whispered a reminder: "Lu Xiangting."
"Ah, right, Lu Xiangting."
The moment Lin Ran finished speaking, heads turned all around them. Some faces showed anger, others disdain, and a few were clearly enjoying the drama.
Li Chifen hadn’t expected Lin Ran to humiliate him so openly.
"There were some misunderstandings yesterday. Must you keep bringing it up, Mr. Lin?"
Lin Ran raised an eyebrow. "What? Afraid of embarrassment? Half the people here were there yesterday—they already know everything. What’s there to hide?"
"Oh, I get it. You think it’s fine as long as no one says it to your face, right? That people can laugh at you behind your back, and it doesn’t matter? You know what that’s called? Self-deception. Covering your ears while stealing a bell."
"Well, I, Lin Ran, happen to dislike hypocrites like you. So I’ll say it right to your face. Got a problem with that?"
Li Chifen had originally come to ask Luo Yao about some documents, but before she could even speak, Lin Ran had launched into a relentless verbal assault.
And the worst part? Li Chifen couldn’t do a thing about it.
Everyone could see how much Luo Yao doted on Lin Ran—he was practically her lifeline.
Li Chifen had confirmed this yesterday.
After the banquet, he’d immediately ordered an investigation into Lin Ran and Luo Yao’s backgrounds. Though the information was scarce, two things became clear:
First—never provoke Lin Ran.
Cross Luo Yao, and she might just compete with you in business. But cross Lin Ran, and she’d come for your life.
Second—Lin Ran and Luo Yao weren’t faking it. This wasn’t some business alliance or arranged marriage.
The Lin family wasn’t even worthy of an alliance with Luo Yao.
From what little he’d gathered, it was obvious the two were deeply in love.
Realizing this had shocked Li Chifen.
A woman who’d killed her own parents and wiped out half her family’s bloodline—how could she have such emotions? It was unbelievable.
But this also meant Luo Yao had a weakness.
This was the only reason Li Chifen hadn’t panicked yet.
He wouldn’t touch Lin Ran unless absolutely necessary. After all, no one wanted to provoke a madwoman.
"Mr. Lin, you jest. I’ve been in this business long enough to stop caring about face. I just think there’s been a misunderstanding between us. Why hold onto grudges when we could resolve them?"
"Hold onto grudges? I even brought you a gift yesterday, and you’ve already forgotten? Some gratitude." Grudges?
Li Chifen: ???
Had Lin Ran given him a gift?
"What? Don’t remember? I even left my car emblem as a hair accessory for you."
Li Chifen’s face twisted in anger. He admitted it—he was furious now.
He’d been trying to avoid conflict, but Lin Ran kept pushing.
"Ha. Even if you’re some kind of dragon, Mr. Lin, there’s no need to press me so hard. This is Shanghai. Who do you think you are?"
"Your daddy."