Chapter 66: This Is Practically an Oversized Cat Cage!

Cao Siyuan refused with sharp words, “Miss Xu, I can't comply with your request. Please leave.”

Xu Zhiqing’s smug expression faltered; she stood abruptly, incredulous. “Mr. Cao, what do you mean by this?!”

Her voice was shrill, almost unraveling, reminiscent of a woman scolding in the street. Cao Siyuan curled his lip, disdain flickering in his eyes.

“I mean exactly what I say. I won’t betray my good friend for a little profit.”

His words carried a pointed subtext, clearly alluding to the dirty deeds of the Xu family.

Xu Zhiqing’s face turned ashen instantly. It was one thing for her own kin, but now even an outsider, unrelated to her family, dared to interfere. Wasn’t this a direct affront to the Xu clan?

Her temper snapped. She jabbed a finger at Cao Siyuan and cursed, “Our Xu family just secured a contract with Yihan Group. If we say the word, no one in Jing City will dare take your factory’s contract. I advise you to think carefully!”

Her words were a veiled threat. Although the Xu family wasn’t at the top of the logistics industry, they still held some sway, especially now that they were collaborating with Yihan Group.

The implication was clear: if you go against the Xu family, you go against Yihan Group.

Cao Siyuan laughed at her words.

“Miss Xu, what a coincidence. Our factory just completed a project for Yihan Group as well, collaborating with several neighboring factories. Do you think we’re short of logistics partners?!”

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhiqing’s face blanched further. How could such a shabby factory cooperate with Yihan Group? Why didn’t she know about this?

As she watched her own complexion grow uglier, Cao Siyuan sneered, “Miss Xu, I shouldn’t meddle in your family affairs, but let me give you a piece of advice: leave room for others in life, so that you may meet again in the future. Ruthless extermination is not the way to conduct oneself…”

He was openly criticizing, not just her but the whole Xu family, implying they barely qualified as people.

Xu Zhiqing had no mind to ponder this. Leaving the factory and getting into her car, she remained in a state of disbelief.

Was Yihan Group on a spree, seeking partners everywhere lately?

Upon closer thought, all their collaborations were in Lin Feng’s locale. Could it be that Lin Feng had latched onto someone powerful within Yihan Group?

No!

A big company needed board approval for any contract; at least, that’s how her family’s company operated. Even if Yihan Group ranked among Jing City’s top three, they wouldn’t foolishly throw money around. The board alone wouldn’t allow it…

It must be a coincidence.

Just now, Cao Siyuan mentioned that several factories around Haishi had banded together, so she dared not move against them now.

It seemed she’d have to wait for another opportunity.

Xu Zhiqing bit her lower lip. No matter what, she had to find Lin Feng. For injuring Xiao Jie, Lin Feng must apologize!

...

“What did you say? My brother-in-law resigned?!”

No sooner had one group left than another arrived. Cao Siyuan, feeling a headache, massaged his temples.

He’d never seen his friend with so many acquaintances before—where did these girlfriends’ siblings and family come from?

“Yes, he left this morning. He’s not here,” Cao Siyuan replied truthfully, sizing up Fang Minghao and the others.

Fang Minghao’s heart skipped a beat, then he sidled up obsequiously and whispered, “Boss, did you see what kind of car my brother-in-law drove?”

“Car? What car? Didn’t he come by bus?” Cao Siyuan was taken aback.

“Bus?!”

Fang Minghao erupted, exclaiming, “My brother-in-law is amazing! He’d rather take the bus than ride in a luxurious Rolls-Royce!”

Beside him, Jiang Yahui slapped Fang Minghao’s shoulder, full of praise. “Xiao Hao, you ought to learn from your brother-in-law. Look how modest he is!”

“That’s right! When conducting rural investigations, you’ve got to stay low-key. Learn from your brother-in-law—endure hardship first, then enjoy happiness!” Fang Jiancheng chimed in, unable to stop praising.

“Of course, of course! My brother-in-law is incredible!” Fang Minghao responded cheerfully.

Cao Siyuan regarded the trio as if they were fools. His factory, though in the suburbs, was still in Haishi—not as grand as Jing City, but coming to Haishi didn’t count as suffering, did it?

What did that make him, then?

Endure hardship in the first half of life to rise above others in the second half?

Fang Minghao’s eyes gleamed, as if he’d just thought of something. “Wait, Mom and Dad, how do we contact brother-in-law now?”

Jiang Yahui paused and looked to Cao Siyuan.

Before she could speak, Cao Siyuan quickly waved his hand, “He only worked here for less than five days. I don’t have his contact information…”

Cao Siyuan felt these three were lacking in the brains department. Judging by their demeanor, his friend probably didn’t want to contact them either.

Yes, his friend did the right thing. If it were him, he wouldn’t want to bother with this bunch of idiots…

Jiang Yahui looked disappointed. “Alright then.”

She tugged Fang Jiancheng out, Fang Minghao following closely.

The office finally returned to peace. Cao Siyuan breathed a sigh of relief, poured himself a cup of tea, and sent a full account of today’s events to Lin Feng.

...

The drive lasted about two and a half hours.

No need to guess; with such a long trip, he must have returned to Jing City.

After another ten minutes or so, the car stopped. Lin Feng heard the car doors open on both sides and was helped out.

He was escorted all the way, until his feet touched a smooth floor—he realized he was now inside Chu Lingshuang’s villa.

He noticed nothing unusual from those around him, but the air felt cold, as if frozen in place.

He heard Zhang Peng ask, “Miss, Mr. Lin has been brought back. How should we proceed?”

The surroundings were eerily quiet; one could hear a pin drop.

Lin Feng heard the sound of rushing water, followed by a cup being placed on a table.

After these fragmented noises ceased, Chu Lingshuang’s clear, cold voice suddenly rang out.

“Take him to the bedroom.”

Those three words struck Lin Feng like a hammer.

He had no time to react before his arms were seized and he was dragged toward the bedroom.

He felt the leader give him a shove, sending him tumbling onto the bed. Then, with a “click,” the sound of a lock engaged beside him.

After that, came the footsteps of those leaving.

The room returned to silence. Finally free, Lin Feng lifted his hand and removed his blindfold, only to see an oversized iron cage!

He was sitting on the bed, which was surrounded by the cage. At the only gap at the foot of the bed, two small basins had been placed…

This was a giant cat cage!

Damn!

Chu Lingshuang truly was insane!

Honestly, who would install such a thing in their house?