Chapter 304: Discussion

The designated driver pulled up to the Medicine King Hall building. Lin Cheng's secretary, a woman Chen Erbao had met a few times, was already waiting downstairs.

"President Chen, right this way. President Lin has been waiting for quite some time."

Chen Erbao offered her a cigarette, then followed the secretary into Lin Cheng's private elevator.

The elevator took them to the top floor, where Chen Erbao met Lin Cheng.

"Er Bao, it's only been a few days, but it feels like forever! And look at you, your business is getting bigger and bigger!"

In fact, most of the more prominent entrepreneurs in Hongyuan City, and even across the country, were keeping a close eye on the growth rate of the Dream Fantasia mud mask.

As for Chen Erbao, the big boss behind the scenes, practically everyone knew everything about him—from the age he stopped wetting the bed to how many women he'd been romantically involved with.

While his rapid success was astonishing, they were even more interested in the man himself: Chen Erbao!

To start from scratch and build an empire of this scale in just a few short months—it was something that couldn't simply be dismissed as "good luck."

And Chen Erbao's supposed master, a reclusive cultivator, had also become a primary subject of their investigations.

But despite their days of searching, they had yet to find a single shred of information about Chen Erbao's master.

They didn't even know his name or origin, let alone any other details.

"Uncle Lin, long time no see!"

"HAHAHA! So, how has it been? I bet you've run into your fair share of trouble while you've been out and about, haven't you?"

Lin Cheng chuckled, ushering Chen Erbao inside. Beside them, a beautiful, fair-skinned secretary began to pour tea.

"Are you referring to the matter with the Security Bureau, Uncle Lin, or the conflict with the locals in Dian Nan?"

Chen Erbao asked, confused.

Lin Cheng replied leisurely, "The Security Bureau, of course. In their eyes, those so-called 'great families' in Dian Nan are nothing more than children."

Chen Erbao was slightly surprised. "The Security Bureau is that powerful?"

He really didn't know much about the Security Bureau, so he was glad for the chance to learn more from a reliable source like Lin Cheng.

Lin Cheng took a sip of tea, a reminiscent look in his eyes, and spoke slowly.

"Er Bao, you're an Ancient Martial Artist, aren't you?"

He asked, getting straight to the point.

Chen Erbao nodded. "Uncle Lin, how'd you know?"

"If you weren't an Ancient Martial Artist, why would the Security Bureau come to me asking about you?"

"Heh heh... Can't hide anything from you. The truth is, that old traditional doctor on the mountain didn't just teach me medicine. He also taught me a few little tricks for self-defense."

Lin Cheng chuckled. "It doesn't do for a young man to be too modest. The Security Bureau has investigated you thoroughly... Besides, the person who called was a high-level leader from the Bureau—a big shot with a direct line to the top. For someone like that to personally look into you, it means you've already won them over with your own skills!!"

When it comes to the dirty work—gathering intelligence, assassinations, you name it—the Security Bureau is at the absolute top of the food chain. No private enterprise can even compare.

"It was sort of a coincidence. I had a run-in with one of their team captains. She must have thought my skills were decent, because she invited me to join the Bureau several times. I turned her down, though."

"That makes sense. Joining the Security Bureau has its pros and cons. Once you're in, you can't just leave. You'd have immense power backing you, but your freedom would be restricted."

"That's precisely why I didn't agree right away."

Upon hearing this, Lin Cheng fell silent for a moment, then looked at Chen Erbao seriously. "So what's your take on it?"

Chen Erbao met Lin Cheng's gaze and frowned in thought. "I'd never consider anything that would tie my hands. You know what I have to do, Uncle Lin. If I joined the Security Bureau, they wouldn't let me run wild like that."

"So you're still going to do it?"

"I have to."

"Even if you'll face immense resistance?"

"Yes."

"..."

The brief exchange was all Lin Cheng needed to completely understand what was in Chen Erbao's heart.

He could tell that Chen Erbao was the same kind of man as him—once he set his mind on something, he wouldn't rest until he'd achieved it.

'The hardships and obstacles along the way might seem like foregone conclusions when you look back from the finish line, but the process of the struggle itself is just as important.'

"So, tell me. What do you need my help with this time?"

"The plantation is complete. We can start planting tomorrow. I need a large quantity of seeds for valuable medicinal herbs—or even saplings would work."

"Not a problem. I'll arrange for my people to buy up all the seeds from the Huadong Plain tomorrow. You'll get first priority."

Chen Erbao nodded. "There's one more thing. You know I'm planning to start a security company? I was hoping you could help me with the location. I've pretty much sorted out the funding and clients already."

Lin Cheng thought for a moment, his brow furrowing.

"A small place won't cut it, but finding a large enough location... that's not going to be easy on short notice..."

"Uncle Lin, to be honest with you, my Dream Fantasia Company is preparing to develop a new perfume. I guarantee it'll be just as big a hit as the Dream Fantasia mud mask. This time, I plan on giving Medicine King Hall thirty percent of the profits. Please, you must accept. In return, I need your help finding a suitable headquarters for the security company."

"???"

It took Lin Cheng a moment to process that. He stared at Chen Erbao, his expression complex.

"Are you certain it'll be as big a hit as the Dream Fantasia mud mask?"

"I'm certain. Once it hits the market, it will absolutely dominate every other perfume brand, both domestic and international. I'm confident of it!"

Chen Erbao said, full of confidence.

It had to be said, Lin Cheng was genuinely tempted. "If you're willing to part with thirty percent of the profits, well then, I suppose I'll have to put in some real effort to find you a suitable headquarters!"

Business was business. Even though Chen Erbao and Lin Zhiqing had a great relationship, as the head of such a massive conglomerate, he wouldn't make a move unless there was a clear benefit.

It had nothing to do with their personal connection. If he couldn't keep business and personal matters separate, he never would have reached his current position.

After all, while the Lin Family's word was law within the Medicine King Hall, it wasn't as if they were without enemies. If he went too far, there would undoubtedly be dissenters.

He could only do his best to avoid such a situation.

"If you can really offer thirty percent, then I'll mobilize the resources of the Medicine King Hall. In three... no, within two days, I'll have the location sorted out for you."

Chen Erbao was overjoyed. "Uncle Lin, thank you so much! Rest assured, this perfume venture won't disappoint you!"

"HAHAHA! Then here's to our future partnership!"

"To our partnership!"

"..."

...

Far beyond the border, deep within the heavily forested Triangle Zone, a middle-aged man sat cross-legged atop a towering mountain peak.

The man was of average build, but his eyes were extraordinarily sharp.

'Chen Erbao... I swear I'll kill you!'

Charles's fists were clenched, his face a mask of hatred.

He had been recuperating ever since his disgraceful retreat from Dian Nan.

His Curse Technique had never failed him before. It was only against Chen Erbao that he had suffered the first setback of his life.

Before this, he had always been invincible!

"Charles, how are your injuries healing?"

A voice emanated from the phone beside Charles.

"I need more time... Is it urgent?"

"There's something extremely important. I need you to make a trip to France."

"I'm not going!"