Chapter 86 New Partner

Chapter 86: New Partners

Qi Yanfeng couldn't help but suspect that Qi Yanze was making up this "friend." Given his brother's personality, if there really was such a powerful backer behind him, he would have been bragging about it nonstop at home.

The only somewhat reliable one among Qi Yanze's good-for-nothing friends, Chen Dan, remained tight-lipped, only saying, "Wait till after July this year."

Qi Yanfeng retorted irritably, "Why wait until July? Is this big shot taking the gaokao and waiting for the results?"

To his surprise, Chen Dan nodded and said, "Exactly. The gaokao trumps everything."

Qi Yanfeng could only reply, "I'll believe that when I see it!"

Now that Zheng Huasheng had called to propose a collaboration, Qi Yanfeng was dying to know who was really behind it.

"Mr. Zheng, if you're playing middleman for this partnership, shouldn’t you be more transparent and let me meet your boss? If he—or they—keep hiding in the shadows, watching us move money around while secretly laughing at us like fools, that’s pretty shady."

Zheng Huasheng relayed Qi Yanfeng’s request to Jiang Ruotang.

Jiang Ruotang shrugged with a laugh. "Qi Yanfeng isn’t wrong. In a partnership, openness goes both ways. He doesn’t want me using his network and resources while staying hidden, observing and evaluating him, or even using other forces against him. That’s a reasonable concern. Let’s meet for lunch on Tuesday—someplace close to campus. Hmm, there’s this awesome dim sum spot."

Flaky Char Siu Bun—Jiang Ruotang’s favorite.

Mr. Zheng nodded. "I also hope you can get the Qis on board soon. Qi Yanfeng is a valuable connection. You should break free from Universe Pictures’ circle and build your own network."

Tuesday’s P.E. class was the one break for high school seniors.

But Jiang Ruotang skipped it, which pissed off Jian Sha.

"Bailing again?! It was supposed to be me, Cai Cai, you, and the class monitor playing doubles badminton. Who’s supposed to take your spot?"

"Ask Zhao Zhangfeng."

Zhao Zhangfeng immediately shook his head. "I'm trash at badminton. I already promised to destroy the other class in basketball..."

"You’ve already got offers from top universities in the capital, and you’re still picking on casual players with your skills?" Jian Sha shot back.

Zhao Zhangfeng grinned. "Wrecking newbs is my jam."

Unexpectedly, Xie Liang walked over. "I’ll play badminton with you."

"Huh? Weren’t you playing tennis with Geng Yu?" Jiang Ruotang asked.

"I’m not that into tennis," Xie Liang said with a smile. "Besides, Geng Yu sprained his ankle and is zoned out on his phone in the classroom. Figured I’d hop in with you."

Xie Liang’s mother had helped secure the bank loan for Sweet Fruit’s financing. If he wanted to join, Jiang Ruotang was cool with it.

Jian Sha and Cai Ji both looked at Lu Guifan, who reached out and gave a playful squeeze to the back of Jiang Ruotang’s neck. "Go do your thing. We’ve got four now."

Lu Guifan’s palm was warm—almost hot—his fingers long. Though his grip was gentle, the touch tickled, making Jiang Ruotang giggle, shoulders scrunching up.

Xie Liang watched from the side, a twinge of envy flashing across his face.

Jiang Ruotang left the classroom and caught a taxi to the meeting spot.

By then, Qi Yanfeng and Qi Yanze had already arrived.

Qi Yanze was eyeing the menu and said to the waiter, "One Flaky Char Siu Bun—make sure the pastry is flaky. If it’s not, I’ll trash this joint!"

Qi Yanfeng frowned. "Cool your jets. Talking about trashing a restaurant over a bun? Who do you think you are?"

"Bro, you don’t get it. My buddy here loves the flaky part. If it's not flaky, it's trash."

Qi Yanfeng brushed him off, amused.

Qi Yanze continued ordering. "And garlic-steamed prawns—shell them, plate them fancy, then serve!"

Qi Yanfeng rubbed his forehead. "Since when do you care about peeling prawns? You always just bite the shells off."

"Gnawing shells is gross! And my buddy’s an artist—his hands are priceless. Can’t risk a cut. That’d be a loss for the art world."

Qi Yanfeng: "...Since when are you this brown-nosing?"

Qi Yanze blurted out a few more dishes, being extra with his demands before the waiter finally left.

"So, this ‘buddy’ of yours—do I know him?" Qi Yanfeng asked.

"Yep. You’ve even been to his place."

Qi Yanfeng stroked his chin. So, this secret benefactor was someone in their circle. He mentally ran through the list of people with the means and vision—but they were all old-timers. How could any of them be Qi Yanze’s "buddy"?

"He’s here!"

"Where?"

The door hadn’t moved.

"I heard his footsteps!"

"Are you a dog?"

Qi Yanze yanked his brother up, grinning. "When you see him, your mind will be blown!"

Qi Yanfeng thought to himself: *If I have dog eyes, what does that make you?*

The private room’s door slid open. Qi Yanfeng put on his best boardroom smile—mature, steady, reliable.

First in was Mr. Zheng. Behind him walked a ridiculously good-looking high school student.

Qi Yanfeng’s smile froze. The kid looked familiar... Wasn’t this the one Qi Yanze had given a nosebleed last year? Director Jiang Huaiyuan’s son?

"Jiang... Jiang..." He struggled to recall the name.

Jiang Ruotang offered a polite smile, pulling out a chair for Mr. Zheng before sitting down himself. "Hello, Mr. Qi. I’m Jiang Ruotang."

Dai Ming followed, giving Jiang Ruotang a warm smile before taking the seat beside him.

Qi Yanze teased, "Xiao Tang, my brother and I are treating you, and you bring wingmen?"

Jiang Ruotang fist-bumped with Qi Yanze—clearly close—then turned to Qi Yanfeng. "Since Mr. Qi is such an important partner, I brought my most trusted people as a sign of respect."

It took Qi Yanfeng a good while to process that this was indeed Jiang Ruotang.

"Hey, bro..." Qi Yanze elbowed him. "Xiao Tang’s still in gaokao mode—a crucial time. Don’t go blabbing about him. These days, money attracts flies, and Xiao Tang’s *super* rich. Being stealth-wealthy and living a quiet life is the way to go."

Qi Yanfeng maintained a calm smile while screaming inside: *You little brat, you know the gaokao’s important? Then what the hell were YOU doing before yours?!*

"If you had ever taken the college entrance exam seriously, our parents would have had several fewer gray hairs!"

But the high schooler before him chatted with such ease—were those impressive investments truly his own ideas?

Qi Yanfeng extended his hand toward Jiang Ruotang and said, "Nice to meet you, President Jiang."

His fingers carried a firm grip, and his gaze, like an eagle swooping down for prey, locked onto Jiang Ruotang's eyes. Yet Jiang Ruotang didn’t flinch in the slightest, meeting his gaze calmly.

"Investing in cloud technology, smartphones, video platforms, new energy… were these all your ideas? Or were they Mr. Zheng’s or your advisors’ suggestions?"

Jiang Ruotang smiled, but it was Zheng Huasheng, leisurely sipping his tea, who spoke first. "Ah, how would I understand any of this? I couldn’t possibly advise him on such matters."

Dai Ming also raised his teacup and clinked it with Zheng Huasheng’s. "This kid has a mind of his own—no think tank could ever steer him."

Qi Yanze chuckled. "If you want to praise Little Jiang for his ideas, just say it outright. With all this back-and-forth, my brother might think you’re performing some kind of skit!"

The VIP room erupted in laughter.

Qi Yanfeng’s eyes still hadn’t left Jiang Ruotang. Though he wasn’t yet thirty-five, he had managed to protect his family business within the fiercely competitive Hongtian Borui—his methods and insight were anything but ordinary.

"President Qi, is it because I’m too young, lacking life experience, that you find me unworthy of cooperation? Are you disappointed?"

Jiang Ruotang grinned, snapping Qi Yanfeng out of his deep-seated doubts.

This kid’s demeanor and presence were nothing like a high schooler’s.

Zheng Huasheng was one thing, but Dai Ming had no reason to play along with a kid in some act.

Besides, if they really wanted to deceive someone, they could’ve picked a more "credible" candidate—someone like Jiang Huaiyuan himself or his wife, Zhao Yunshu.

"Kids these days are impressive," Qi Yanfeng finally released Jiang Ruotang’s hand and sat down. "I’m just surprised that our Yanze doesn’t have even a fraction of President Jiang’s business sense."

"I’m merely interested in new media and technology. As for Qi Yanze, in the fields he’s passionate about, he must be exceptionally capable." Jiang Ruotang glanced at Qi Yanze with a faint smile.

Flattered, Qi Yanze beamed with pride and eagerly spun the *Flaky Char Siu Bun* toward him.

With that ridiculously pleased expression, he’d probably cheerfully count the money even if Jiang Ruotang sold him off.

"President Qi, aside from A Ze and Chen Dan, you’re the first to know about my investor status. Even my father, Jiang Huaiyuan, won’t find out until after my exams."

Qi Yanfeng paused. "Why?"

Jiang Ruotang answered candidly, "Before, it was because my father was easily influenced by Lin Chengdong. If he told Lin Chengdong about my affairs, do you think Lin Chengdong wouldn’t be scrutinizing my every investment?"

Qi Yanfeng nodded in understanding. Lin Chengdong was persistent—if he learned of Jiang Ruotang’s talents and youth, he’d stick to him like glue, meddling in every investment until it all fell apart.

"And now… it’s because Old Master Qin has become chairman. He’s a decent man—after all, he’s protected my father for over thirty years. We’ve no complaints about him taking that position. But what about his descendants? Are they as honorable? So I’ve decided to keep a low profile and observe for a while."

Qi Yanfeng chuckled. "Seems to me you’re quietly building strength, growing your small ventures. When the Qin descendants try to move against the Jiang family, you’ll show them what's what."

Jiang Ruotang didn’t deny it, smiling as he countered, "Will President Qi help me succeed?"

Qi Yanfeng laughed. "Now that my brother is tied to you, helping you is helping the Qi family."

At this, Qi Yanze couldn’t resist bragging about Jiang Ruotang again.

"Brother, good thing I followed Little Jiang’s investments. You have no idea—Lin Chengdong’s son even messaged me. If I hadn’t been broke, I’d have been fooled."

Hearing this, Qi Yanfeng, as an elder brother, grew even more satisfied with Jiang Ruotang as a friend.

"President Jiang, you must have classes this afternoon, right? Let’s get to the point." Qi Yanfeng got straight to the point. "You want Hongtian Borui to invest in your father’s project? That’s rather puzzling. Even if your father is no longer chairman of Universe Pictures, he’s still a major shareholder. Surely the company wouldn’t refuse to fund a project?"

"Chairman Qi, you must have some connections in Universe Pictures, right? You should know the Qin family took Lin Chengdong’s shares—basically using our family as a pawn while reaping the benefits. But my father was never much of a businessman anyway. Stepping down early spared him unnecessary pressure. Because of this, the Qin family intends to control him. They want him and the other shareholders to see that unless they approve, no project of his—no matter how famous he is as a director—will move forward."

Jiang Ruotang spoke while eating the *Flaky Char Siu Bun*.

Qi Yanfeng snorted. He had no respect for the Qin family’s tactics.

After pretending to be loyal supporters for so long, the industry praised them for loyally assisting Jiang Huaiyuan. Now, with enough connections secured, they aren't even trying to hide their ambition.

"Don’t you think this is the perfect time for you and the Jiang family to team up? My father’s commercial value as a director is undeniable. Let the Qin family have their little power trip—we can do our own thing. Your brother and I are partners. If you and my father collaborate too, it’d be a win-win, great PR for the industry."

The words sounded casual, but they hit home with Qi Yanfeng.

Who cared about the rest? Money talks.

And networking is everything.

Working with a young man who was both visionary and pragmatic suited Qi Yanfeng just fine.

"I’ll send someone to discuss matters with Director Jiang. Whether we reach an agreement depends on fate."

Jiang Ruotang smiled. "Then, Chairman Qi, I’ll dig in. Class starts at one-thirty—I’ll eat first."

Qi Yanfeng chuckled. "After talking so long, everyone must be hungry. Now that we’ve been upfront with each other, no need for formalities!"

Internally, he wished his precious brother would get some sense like Jiang Ruotang’s.

Before parting, Qi Yanfeng reminded Jiang Ruotang, "President Jiang, if you have any investment ideas in the future, don’t just tell A Ze. In the Qi family, I’m the one who controls the big funds."

Qi Yanze rolled his eyes at his brother: *Could you at least try to be subtle when stealing my contacts?*

Ten minutes later, Jiang Ruotang returned to the classroom. Though there were still over ten minutes before afternoon classes, the usually napping students were all awake, staring at him strangely.

Huh? What’s going on?

Jiang Ruotang instinctively glanced at Lu Guifan, who wasn’t sleeping at all, calmly reading a journal instead.

Cai Ji rubbed his nose and lowered his head.

Well, at least Zhao Zhangfeng was normal—out cold on his desk.

Jiang Ruotang sat down and poked Lu Guifan’s arm. "What’s up? Bad lunch at the cafeteria?"

"Not bad," Lu Guifan replied flatly.

Jiang Ruotang turned to Jian Sha and gave her a look.

He trusted her writing skills—she’d surely give him a vivid, accurate play-by-play of what had happened and why everyone was acting so weird.

Receiving his signal, Jian Sha immediately bowed her head and began typing like crazy on her phone, her fingers a blur. Jiang Ruotang was genuinely impressed.

Just before class started, he finally received the super long text.

Turns out, during gym class, they’d played badminton—Lu Guifan and Jian Sha versus Xie Liang and Cai Ji. The match had been intense.

Though Jian Sha kept making mistakes, Lu Guifan’s amazing saves and Cai Ji’s complete lack of skill (handing them points left and right) kept the game back-and-forth.

Normally, when Lu Guifan played with Jiang Ruotang, he was the perfect training partner—keeping the rally going forever as long as Jiang Ruotang was having fun. So Jian Sha had always assumed Lu Guifan didn't care about winning.

But this time facing Xie Liang, nobody expected this unassuming guy, who usually blends into the background behind Geng Yu, to be so skilled at badminton.

When two masters faced off, it was like lightning meeting fire—silent yet intense. The fierce rallies and sudden stops nearly killed Jian Sha and Cai Ji.

Just to survive to take the college entrance exam and live to see the verdict of the infringement lawsuit in her lifetime, Jian Sha voluntarily withdrew, leaving Lu Guifan and Xie Liang to duke it out.

Cai Ji immediately dropped his racket and exited the match as well. Soaked with sweat, he figured the climactic duel at the palace roof was for Xi Men Chuixue and Ye Gucheng—side characters like them should just watch from below.

Unencumbered by weaker players, both sides went all out.

Lu Guifan’s smashes were powerful, while Xie Liang countered with lofted returns from the backcourt. Moves like "Divine Dragon Swings Its Tail" and "Fishing the Moon from the Sea" had everyone holding their breath.

Not only was the court surrounded by spectators, but even students from classrooms facing the sports field were pressed against windows watching.

Everyone murmured in shock—were these two really the type to go all out like this?

Lu Guifan’s intensity made it seem like Xie Liang had stolen his First in Grade title and owed him a small fortune.

Xie Liang’s killer shots suggested Lu Guifan had stolen his girl, sparking a blood feud.

The shuttlecock itself was practically crying, its feathers nearly snapped off.

Lu Guifan, usually so calm and composed, turned terrifying once his competitive spirit ignited.

As for Xie Liang, he’d always been a benchwarmer when playing with Geng Yu and the others—who knew he could hold his own with Lu Guifan like this?

According to Jian Sha’s description, it was like a dominant alpha about to mark his omega, only for another alpha—playing dumb but equally formidable—to crash in, triggering a fight to the death.

Jiang Ruotang sighed. So extra—weren’t both of them still alive and well?

He glanced at the row ahead. Xie Liang had already changed into a clean uniform, collar neatly pressed, even his hair completely dry. He was chatting with his deskmate Geng Yu, arms resting on the desk, showing no sign of the exhausted badminton player from earlier.

Wait a minute…

Jiang Ruotang reached over and slipped his hand under the back of Lu Guifan’s uniform, pressing his palm against Lu Guifan’s back through the shirt.

Lu Guifan jolted as if electrocuted, instantly clamping onto Jiang Ruotang’s wrist and pulling his hand out.

“What are you doing?”

His voice was low, laced with warning.

“I… just wanted to check if you changed after sweating in P.E.… didn’t want you to get sick…”

Only then did Jiang Ruotang realize he’d crossed a line. Lu Guifan wasn’t some kid in his family, and he wasn’t Lu Guifan’s parent—what right did he have to check if he’d changed?

“S-sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

Jiang Ruotang tried to pull his hand back, but Lu Guifan’s grip tightened slightly, pressing his palm firmer against himself.

“I wore a T-shirt for P.E. Changed into a button-up when I got back.”

Lu Guifan’s voice gentled.

But as Jiang Ruotang felt the warmth radiating through his palm, his own ears began to burn.

“Oh, good that you changed.”

The afternoon bell rescued Jiang Ruotang from his embarrassment. Lu Guifan released his wrist, letting him withdraw his hand.

Yet the memory of Lu Guifan’s grip remained.

For someone so lanky, his strength was formidable—Jiang Ruotang had known that since his past life.

As the bell rang on, Jiang Ruotang muttered under his breath, “You must’ve been working construction since diapers. How else are you this strong?”

“Hm?” Lu Guifan turned, not catching the words.

The bell stopped. Jiang Ruotang blinked back at him, playing dumb. “Hm?”

Like I'd tell.

That night, the atmosphere at home was noticeably cheerful.

Renowned director Jiang Huaiyuan had even put on a soft, melodic tune in the living room, spinning Zhao Yunshu in slow circles in a dance.

Jiang Ruotang and Zhao Zhangfeng, returning from night study, hesitated at the doorway, frozen in secondhand embarrassment.

“I came home to rest, not witness some middle-aged love story…” Zhao Zhangfeng grumbled.

Jiang Ruotang scratched the back of his head.

Spotting them, Jiang Huaiyuan rushed over beaming. “Haha, your old man finally found an incredibly reliable investor for his project!”

“Oh? Who?”

Jiang Ruotang knew instantly—Qi Yanfeng must have reached out.