Chapter 32: A Grand Gift for You All

Lin Yi and the other three were suddenly recalled from the Huafeng Cement Factory by their father and assigned to work alongside Lin Haoning.

At first, Lin Haoning assumed this was merely their father’s angry reaction to Lin Haoran’s neglect of the Huafeng Cement Factory. He believed that his father was using this move to pressure Lin Haoran while simultaneously strengthening his own position.

As matters developed, however, Lin Haoning began to realize that there might be a far more complicated strategy and set of considerations behind it all.

“My little brother seems determined to continue this battle for the position of heir.” A trace of helplessness and resolve colored Lin Haoning’s voice. “I had hoped he would recognize the situation and withdraw from this pointless competition of his own accord. As his biological elder brother, I would naturally ensure that he lived a life of comfort and abundance. But if Haoran insists on opposing me and uses every means at his disposal to fight for the inheritance, then I have no choice but to handle the matter strictly as business. I will show him no mercy in the marketplace and gradually squeeze him out of existence.”

His words revealed both his deep regard for family affection and his cold understanding of competition within the family enterprise.

“Husband, I have been thinking. Why don’t I return home and ask Father to use his standing in the industry to destroy the Huafeng Cement Factory’s entire market presence? Then, no matter how much Haoran struggles, he will be powerless to turn things around,” Cao Shaoling suggested.

“No. If we do that, word will soon reach my father’s ears. Our actions would be far too obvious, and we could easily invite unnecessary trouble. The strategy we are using now—gradually weakening Huafeng Cement Factory’s position in the market and reducing its profit margins—is already enough to make Haoran feel the pressure. There is no need to go that far. If my father finds out, he will certainly fly into a rage. That would only give Haoran an opportunity to exploit the situation and strike back, leaving us at a disadvantage.” Lin Haoning decisively shook his head, making his opposition clear.

“The most troublesome question now is whether Second Sister and Third Sister are secretly helping Haoran. If they have truly sided with him, then he will have the support of two powerful families behind him. By comparison, we have only the Cao family on our side, which makes the situation particularly serious. We are certainly in the lead for now, but there are too many uncertainties ahead. This struggle over the position of heir has only been underway for three months. There is still a long road ahead, and we cannot guarantee victory with absolute certainty.”

Cao Shaoling’s words carried a hint of worry and helplessness. She knew that, after marrying into the Lin family, her husband’s ability to become the heir was directly tied to her future fate and happiness.

“Perhaps we should speak with Grandfather Cao about this. Let’s see what advice he has and whether he can point us in the right direction as we deal with this complicated situation,” Lin Haoning suggested after a moment of thought.

He had originally been brimming with confidence about the contest for the inheritance. But after learning that his sisters might be standing on Haoran’s side, his confidence had begun to waver.

“All right, Husband. Let’s leave now. I haven’t been back to my parents’ home in more than a week.”

At Lin Haoning’s words, Cao Shaoling’s eyes lit up, and she agreed without hesitation.

A little over ten minutes later, Lin Haoning’s private car slowly entered the prestigious Cadogan Hill villa district in Hong Kong. It was not only a symbol of the city’s elite but also the location of the Cao family residence.

The Cao family mansion was extraordinarily grand, occupying several hundred square meters of precious land within the villa district and displaying the family’s prominence and distinction.

Lin Haoning had chosen to live in the Kowloon Tong villa district precisely because of its proximity to Cadogan Hill, making it convenient for him to maintain close contact with the Cao family at all times.

The Cao family villa was tranquil and serene.

In the rear courtyard, the old master of the Cao family sat leisurely in a wicker chair, leafing through a book and enjoying a rare moment of peace.

With a burst of light footsteps, Cao Shaoling dashed into the rear courtyard like a delighted little bird and called out excitedly, “Grandfather, your beloved granddaughter has come to see you again!”

“Shaoling, Haoning, you’re here?” The old master of the Cao family looked up at the sound of her voice and smiled.

He set down his book, his eyes filled with affection and delight. He had always cherished this eldest granddaughter of the Cao family.

“Grandfather,” Lin Haoning greeted him respectfully.

“Haoning, you have come especially to see me today. You must have something to discuss, hmm?” The old master regarded him with a knowing smile, wisdom gleaming in his eyes.

He knew that Lin Haoning rarely visited except during holidays or when the family had important matters to discuss.

“Grandfather truly sees everything.” Lin Haoning smiled faintly, then composed himself and seriously explained the difficulties he was facing, describing them in detail there in the courtyard.

He spoke candidly about the complicated struggle for the position of heir within the Lin family, as well as his concerns and plans for the future.

As the Cao family’s son-in-law, every move Lin Haoning made affected the entire Cao family.

Naturally, the old master hoped that he would establish himself firmly within the Lin family and become its heir. This would not only strengthen the marriage alliance between the two families but also bring the Cao family greater benefits and glory.

“Haoning, is the heart of this competition the achievements of your respective businesses? You, for instance, are devoted to developing the Wanfeng Fan Factory, while your younger brother is focused on expanding the Huafeng Cement Factory?” the old master asked slowly, his gaze profound.

Lin Haoning nodded. “Exactly.”

The old master smiled faintly and continued, “If that is the case, you should concentrate your efforts on securing the Wanfeng Fan Factory’s dominant position. If you keep a close watch on the Huafeng Cement Factory and prevent it from expanding rapidly, you will hold the initiative in this competition. Furthermore, I know what concerns you. You are worried that other forces within the family—particularly your two sisters—may choose to support your younger brother. But Haoning, you need not worry too much. Your grandfather is going to give you a substantial gift.”

At this, a sly glint appeared in the old master’s eyes.

“I have an old friend who has done business in the Middle East for many years. His main business is selling Hong Kong’s light industrial products throughout the Middle Eastern market. As you know, the climate there is hot, and the demand for fans is enormous. I can personally put you in touch with him and ask him to give priority to your Wanfeng Fan Factory. If all goes well, your fan sales will certainly rise sharply. But there is one condition: you must maintain strict quality control. You cannot allow my reputation to suffer because of poor-quality products.”

Excitement flashed in the eyes of both Lin Haoning and Cao Shaoling.

Cao Shaoling was even more eager to ask, “Grandfather, this really is a tremendous gift! You’re far too kind to Haoning.”

The old master smiled and shook his head, his eyes full of affection.

“Of course I want the best for both of you. But the business world is a battlefield. Only those who are strong in their own right can remain undefeated. Haoning, you must cherish this opportunity. Do not disappoint your grandfather.”