Chapter 1201 - 1201: Instigating Conflict

"Xiao Feng, feel free to ask any questions," Qiu Junxian readily agreed.

Just as he finished speaking, Wei Jianhua's voice came through, "Xiao Feng, can you share the question with me as well?"

Qiu Junxian frowned, "Wei Jianhua, why do you appear everywhere?"

"I find it strange too, how I bump into you wherever I go," Wei Jianhua retorted, "Perhaps this is what they call an unyielding spirit."

Xiao Feng smiled and said, "It's actually not a big deal; let's all discuss it together.

I have a friend named Pei Dengke who mentioned that both of you are quite capable.

I want to know, excluding background, wealth, and other external factors, how can one assess if someone is truly capable?"

Upon hearing this, both Qiu Junxian and Wei Jianhua fell silent.

The others exchanged glances, feeling the topic suddenly become high-end, at least it had an air of prestige.

In fact, the question Xiao Feng posed clearly lacked a standard answer.

Being able to cook is a skill.

Being able to fix a car is a skill.

Being able to make furniture is also a skill.

Simply put, as long as you can do something that others can't, and it's not completely useless, it's considered a skill.

The main reason Xiao Feng posed such a question was to bluff... ahem, to make these two ponder over it.

After a long while, Wei Jianhua carefully asked, "Xiao Feng, from your perspective, what counts as being capable?"

"Who is asking whom here?" Qiu Junxian sneered from the side.

Wei Jianhua wasn't upset, instead, he acted as though he was sincerely seeking advice, "So, you've already got an answer?"

"Of course, I have."

"Then why not share it?"

"You want me to say it, and I say it?"

Seeing the two big shots about to start a confrontation, everyone present barely dared to breathe.

In such divine conflicts, it's best not to get involved to avoid being affected...

However, though they feared participating, it didn't mean no one dared to engage.

Xiao Feng chuckled, "Since it's a discussion, having different opinions is quite normal.

How about considering for a moment, setting aside wealth, status, and background, who among you is truly better?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was momentarily shocked.

Isn't this clearly stoking a fight?

Moreover, the intention is quite obvious.

Qiu Junxian and Wei Jianhua naturally sensed this intention but neither pointed it out; instead, they thoughtfully pondered this question.

Of course, they weren't really contemplating their skills but rather thinking about where they might excel over the other.

In their view, Xiao Feng might be planning to make a choice between them.

Though it might seem a bit opportunistic, it's not necessarily wrong, as even birds choose suitable trees to roost, and good ministers select virtuous rulers to serve.

"Why don't you all help think about it too?" Xiao Feng glanced at Wang Zhiping and the others.

Predictably, everyone shook their heads like rattles, firmly adhering to the "Three No's" principle.

No involvement, no opinion, no taking sides!

After a while, Qiu Junxian said with a smile, "Following Xiao Feng's question, setting aside everything I have, I can repair engineering machinery, like loaders, excavators, and diggers.

Not that it's laughable, but my first pot of gold came from this."

"What's so laughable about earning money through your own labor; if that's shameful, wouldn't everyone on the street be faceless?" someone chimed in with flattery.

Immediately, many people began to agree.

"Yes, laborers are the most beautiful people!"

"Absolutely, without cooks, there'd be no meals; without people growing rice, there'd be no rice."

"Hahaha, that's why every meal should remind us of its hard-earned nature."

Xiao Feng couldn't help but click his tongue; these folks can't be relied on for serious matters, but when it comes to idle chatter, they're truly unmatched!

A moment later, Wei Jianhua spoke, "In fact, my specialty also relates to construction engineering; I studied engineering management.

And my first pot of gold started with an engineering project, gradually growing to where I am now."

Before anyone could chime in with praise, Qiu Junxian reacted with a sarcastic smile, "Hehe, the engineering project Wei mentions, it's from your own family, isn't it?"

"So what?"

"So what?" Qiu Junxian couldn't help but laugh, "That question is quite insightful.

Your family projects surely follow your guidance, but if it weren't your family's, there'd be much trouble.

For instance, if your subordinates skimp on materials, show two-faced compliance, or engage in corruption, what would you do then, fire everyone?"

Wei Jianhua replied calmly, "What you mention doesn't exist in the projects I manage."

"It's not about non-existence, but more about you being oblivious or never having considered these issues," Qiu Junxian chuckled, "I've struggled my way up from the bottom, and I'm very familiar with these tricks.

A project's earnings are finite; if it relied solely on stale wages, the management would've long since abandoned it.

Only by ensuring everyone's interests are fulfilled can you ensure smooth coordination among all aspects; otherwise, provoking issues just for show, without giving you a solid reason, would be too easy!"

"Hence, not everyone is Wei Jianhua; the situations you described don't apply to me," Wei Jianhua retorted, not backing down.

The intense argument between the two titans left the others at the table too stunned to speak, while Xiao Feng secretly observed, verifying repeatedly to ensure the accuracy of information.

From what he could see, Wei Jianhua and Qiu Junxian's performances had some discrepancies compared to Pei Dengke's description but weren't serious errors.

Wei Jianhua was somewhat self-assured, but he possessed genuine skills, while Qiu Junxian, having struggled from the bottom, was well-versed in hidden strategies.

If these two were to unite, they could accomplish great things.

Of course, Xiao Feng wasn't there to pair them up for partnership and didn't really concern himself with these matters.

There's also an important piece of information yet to be verified; once confirmed, it will guide the next steps...

The argument reached a fever pitch, with Qiu Junxian and Wei Jianhua's voices escalating as they tried to outdo each other.

However, overall, they kept themselves in check, mindful of their language without resorting to outright insults.

At that moment, Qiu Junxian suddenly said, "With so many projects in your family, how can you guarantee they're all clean?

Remember, there's a phrase: 'beyond one's reach,' even with six arms, you'd still be grasping at straws."

Xiao Feng's eyes suddenly brightened; he noticed Qiu Junxian emphasized "reach" (鞭) as if hinting at something.

Right after he spoke, everyone present, including Wei Jianhua, showed varied degrees of change on their faces.

Moreover, even the middle-aged man accompanying Qiu Junxian, who appeared to play an adviser-like role, couldn't help but pull on Qiu Junxian's sleeve, seemingly a reminder.