From Zhang Cuihua's home, it was already past midnight.
Lin Xiao Tian slept soundly and woke up naturally the next morning.
He had to admit, starting his own business was more comfortable than working for someone else. He could sleep whenever he wanted without worrying about salary deductions.
However, even though he could now manage his time freely, Lin Xiao Tian still maintained good sleep habits. Thanks to the martial arts from the Shen Nong Yi Dian (Divine Farmer's Medical Canon), even with just one hour of sleep a day, Lin Xiao Tian felt no fatigue.
In the morning, Steward Xu visited the village to collect the Gu Yuan Dan (Pill of Strengthening Essence) from Lin Xiao Tian.
"Xiao Tian, there's a party tomorrow. Director Fang specifically asked me to remind you."
"Don't worry, Steward Xu, I've got it noted," Lin Xiao Tian replied.
Steward Xu had mentioned the party last time. Lin Xiao Tian wasn't particularly fond of such gatherings, but he couldn't refuse Fang Wen Hua's persistent invitations and had agreed.
Lin Xiao Tian recalled Fang Wen Hua mentioning that a major announcement would be made. He wondered what it could be.
"Oh, and one more thing..." Steward Xu said, glancing around cautiously.
Lin Xiao Tian frowned, thinking that whatever Steward Xu was about to say must be very important. He asked Liang Xu to stand guard outside to ensure no one was eavesdropping.
"Steward Xu, you can speak now."
Still a bit wary, Steward Xu leaned in and whispered a few words into Lin Xiao Tian's ear.
Listening to Steward Xu, Lin Xiao Tian's expression turned serious.
"Xiao Tian, this matter... it falls to you," Steward Xu said with a grave expression.
Lin Xiao Tian nodded, indicating he would do his best.
After seeing off Steward Xu, Lin Xiao Tian called Liang Xu and told him he would be away for a day or two.
Liang Xu initially wanted to accompany him, but with many people visiting the village these days, Lin Xiao Tian was concerned for Qin Yu Xiang's safety and asked Liang Xu to stay.
"Uncle Xu, I'll have Wei Long accompany me to the party. You don't need to worry."
Liang Xu was aware of Lin Xiao Tian's combat abilities, and since the party was hosted by the Fang Group, he trusted that Fang Wen Hua wouldn't harm Lin Xiao Tian. He no longer insisted.
In the afternoon, Lin Xiao Tian went into Black Mountain to gather some herbs.
Upon his return, Lin Xiao Tian locked himself in his room and began tinkering with the alchemy furnace.
Lin Xiao Tian used the furnace frequently, so Qin Yu Xiang didn't suspect anything, merely noticing that he seemed unusually focused today.
Nothing else significant happened that day.
The next day, around noon.
Lin Xiao Tian bid farewell to Qin Yu Xiang and headed to Jiang Cheng alone.
When he reached the exit of Jinsha Village's mountain road, Lin Xiao Tian saw that half of the road had already been paved with cement.
Though it was only a short stretch, in Lin Xiao Tian's eyes, it was a historic moment for Jinsha Village.
This time, Lin Xiao Tian chose to take the bus to the city instead of using a private car.
It had to be said that in the sweltering heat, with only one bus stop around, the bus was packed. Lin Xiao Tian was fine, but everyone else was drenched in sweat.
The biggest difference between a bus and a private car is that the bus stops at every station. With so many small villages along the route, after nearly an hour of travel, Lin Xiao Tian still hadn't seen any sign of Jiang Cheng.
There were designated priority seats on the bus, but now they were essentially first-come, first-served. For instance, the seat next to Lin Xiao Tian was occupied by a young, overweight man.
Not only was the胖子 (fatty) occupying a priority seat, but he was also talking on his phone very loudly. If it were an elderly person, it might be understandable, but this person was young.
"Oh, Uncle, I can't do anything about my cousin's situation!"
"You want him to be a manager at our hotel without even finishing middle school? I'm afraid the senior employees won't be happy!"
"Uncle, it's not that I don't want to help, but I manage hundreds of people at Hai Tian. With so many eyes watching, it's difficult for me!"
The 胖子 spoke louder and louder, as if afraid others wouldn't know he held a significant position at Hai Tian Hotel.
Lin Xiao Tian, standing next to him, was visibly annoyed by the 胖子's booming voice.
But the 胖子 seemed oblivious and even tried to strike up a conversation with Lin Xiao Tian.
"Sigh! A distant relative insisted I find a job for his son. He doesn't want a regular job and insists on a leadership position. Young people these days have such high ambitions," the 胖子 said, shaking his head with feigned sympathy.
Lin Xiao Tian glanced at him, ignoring him completely.
Seeing this, the 胖子 let out a cold snort.
"Hmph... casting pearls before swine."
After the bus had traveled for about another half an hour, Lin Xiao Tian finally arrived in Jiang Cheng.
Upon arriving, Lin Xiao Tian called Wei Long.
Before coming to Jiang Cheng, Lin Xiao Tian had arranged for Wei Long to pick him up, as it was approaching rush hour, and taking a taxi would involve waiting.
"Hello, Xiao Tian. I'm here at the station. Where are you? I'll come find you."
Lin Xiao Tian reported his location to Wei Long, and shortly thereafter, Wei Long arrived in his car.
Wei Long's vehicle was a BMW, a company car. Wei Long had initially wanted to rent a commercial vehicle like a Rolls-Royce, but Lin Xiao Tian found it troublesome and asked Wei Long to arrange a car casually.
As they drove, Wei Long updated Lin Xiao Tian on the company's situation.
"Xiao Tian, the company will be listed soon. Based on current projections, its market value is expected to at least double."
"I have to say, Xu Chang Ping is truly talented. Their group-buying software is sure to find a solid footing in the market."
Lin Xiao Tian listened to Wei Long's report, acknowledging that Wei Long indeed had a talent for leadership. He was thoroughly informed about every detail of the company.
"By the way, Xiao Tian, are you interested in starting your own company?"
"No need. I don't even know what I would do if I started a company."
Lin Xiao Tian's current methods of making money were mainly investments and selling medicine.
For investments, Lin Xiao Tian felt he was sufficient on his own and didn't need to form a company.
As for selling medicine, many of the drugs Lin Xiao Tian sold couldn't be mass-produced, making a company pointless.
"Xiao Tian, who says you have to produce something to start a company? You can start a company for investments too!"
"Think about it, you've always invested as an individual. Many people don't know you have funds available. But if you establish a company, people will know you can secure funding, making your investments much more convenient."
Lin Xiao Tian pondered this; the idea was indeed sound.
If he had a company, he could hire a few people and avoid people coming directly to his village to find him.
"Fatty, I don't know much about starting a company. Do you have any good suggestions?"
Upon hearing Lin Xiao Tian's words, Wei Long's face lit up with a shrewd expression. "Xiao Tian, have you heard of a limited liability company solely owned by one person?"