Chapter 51: A Pit Worth Millions

Chapter Fifty-One: The Million-Dollar Trap

With the sharpness and vigilance of a seasoned businessman, Lin Guofu sensed something amiss in the recent downturn of his business fortunes. It was as if a formidable force was at play, exerting influence—and it seemed to originate from official circles. At his level, relationships were anything but ordinary; it didn't take long for him to uncover the reason. Both the Yang and Li families had subtly, yet unmistakably, released signals.

He couldn’t recall ever offending either family, nor would he dare to. So why was he suddenly being targeted for no apparent reason?

Perplexed, Lin Guofu tried to smooth things over and investigate through various connections, but to no avail. When the latest episode of “Always With You” aired, public opinion erupted; even dragging his beloved son off to America had stirred up a storm.

Preparing for damage control, Lin Guofu discovered that Wanbang Group’s recent suppression stemmed from this very incident. The root cause was that Yang Xiner turned out to be the granddaughter of founding father Elder Yang, and also Elder Li’s granddaughter.

His precious son had actually recruited more than a dozen thugs to assault Yang Xiner and her boyfriend. Luckily, Yang Xiner was unharmed—had she been injured, the repercussions for Wanbang Group would have been far worse than mere warnings.

To untie the knot, one must seek the person who tied it. Lin Guofu sought out Zhang Le—not only to resolve the issue, but also to make a gesture for others to see.

“Mr. Zhang, my apologies for the unexpected visit,” Lin Guofu smiled at Zhang Le.

“No need for apologies. Mr. Lin, I’m not a businessman, and I’m not one for beating around the bush. If you have something to say, please be direct,” Zhang Le replied.

“Your candor is admirable. I’m here regarding the misunderstanding between you and Xiaofan,” Lin Guofu began.

“A misunderstanding?” Zhang Le sneered. “Mr. Lin, I don’t think it’s a misunderstanding, is it? At the club, your son insulted me first, then resorted to violence. He wanted to clash with Wu Xiaoyong, and I was collateral damage. I let it go—it’s understandable, young men care about their pride. But in America, out of those fifteen men, at least half were armed. That’s not just venting, is it?”

Lin Guofu hadn’t expected Zhang Le to be so difficult. He knew Zhang Le’s background well. In his view, negotiating with Zhang Le was easier than with Yang Xiner.

After all, Zhang Le’s origins meant fewer considerations. He was easier to handle, and resolving matters with Zhang Le would naturally settle things with Yang Xiner. Problem solved.

He assumed Zhang Le was just a poor boy from the mountains who’d lucked into a remarkable girlfriend, and that his personal visit was already giving Zhang Le plenty of face. He expected to intimidate Zhang Le into letting bygones be bygones.

Yet from the moment he saw Zhang Le, he realized he had no real influence over him. In Zhang Le’s tone, Lin Guofu sensed utter indifference—he cared nothing for Lin’s status or authority.

Did this young man really believe that climbing high made him a phoenix?

Lin Guofu’s expression flickered, but he maintained his smile. “Young people act impulsively. Mr. Zhang, I’ve come to resolve this matter. I hope you’ll be magnanimous; it’s better to make peace than enemies.”

“I can guess your purpose, Mr. Lin. But you overestimate me,” Zhang Le shook his head. “I can’t help you. If you truly want to solve this, you know whom you should be talking to.”

“If Mr. Zhang would speak up, Miss Yang surely wouldn’t hold a grudge,” Lin Guofu smiled, pulling out a check and handing it to Zhang Le.

Zhang Le glanced at the check—Lin Guofu was indeed generous. Yet the gesture stung, feeling almost like an insult.

What was this? Trying to buy him off! The whole incident started because of him, and now he was expected to cash in and undermine Yang Xiner—what would that make him? With a cold look at Lin Guofu, Zhang Le said, “Like father, like son! Mr. Lin, please leave.”

“Mr. Zhang, won’t you reconsider? Name your price, any conditions at all,” Lin Guofu persisted, smiling. He’d already investigated Zhang Le’s background: poor origins, recently very popular, but it was all superficial. Despite rumors of concert fees reaching two hundred thousand, he’d barely accepted any gigs. At most, his entire fortune amounted to two hundred thousand.

Why only two hundred thousand? Lin Guofu hadn’t dug deeper. Where Zhang Le spent his money was irrelevant. All he needed to know was that Zhang Le was short on cash.

Two hundred thousand in Beijing? Not even enough for a decent car.

He needed money—desperately! Especially with a girlfriend from such a powerful family, he’d need even more.

So, Lin Guofu believed that money would settle the matter. And for him, anything that could be solved with money wasn’t really a problem.

The Yang and Li families wouldn’t destroy Wanbang Group over this, but their subtle pressure, plus opportunistic competitors, meant incalculable losses—not something money alone could fix.

Knowing Yang Xiner’s background, Lin Guofu didn’t believe Zhang Le and Yang Xiner had any real future. Anyone with sense could see that, and Zhang Le was clever—he should realize it too.

If he didn’t seize the opportunity for some cash, he’d end up with nothing once Yang Xiner left him.

Moreover, regardless of their relationship’s future, Zhang Le—a country boy—would surely be tempted by such a fortune.

As soon as Zhang Le accepted, whether or not Yang Xiner spoke to her family, once word got out, everyone would assume the matter was settled. Wanbang Group’s pressures would vanish.

But Lin Guofu hadn’t expected Zhang Le to disdain such a sum—indeed, to show a hint of anger. Suddenly, Lin Guofu felt a glimmer of realization as he looked at Zhang Le.

This young man wasn’t as simple as he’d thought.

Lin Guofu said nothing more, took back his check, and left. Whatever happened next, Zhang Le was uninterested.

“Weren’t you tempted by millions?” Feng Lei asked Zhang Le with a smile.

“I’ll earn my own money,” Zhang Le replied, shaking his head. “Unearned riches feel hollow.”

“Good thing you didn’t take it! That old fox loathes you—no way he’d just hand you millions out of kindness. That money is a trap!” Feng Lei laughed.

“A trap?” Zhang Le looked puzzled.

“Think about it—if you’d taken the money, what would your girlfriend think? What would her family think?” Feng Lei said.

Zhang Le was startled. His refusal had been instinctive, without deeper thought. Had he accepted, who knows how Yang Xiner would feel. Her family would certainly look down on him even more, and his relationship with her would become nearly impossible.

“A double-edged scheme!” Zhang Le remarked with some emotion.

By taking the money, he’d be signaling that the matter was settled. The Yang and Li families would ease up on Wanbang Group. Her family’s disappointment in him would vent their grievances for Lin Xiaofan.

Then another thought struck Zhang Le: if Yang Xiner’s family believed he was unworthy, even repellent—and Lin Xiaofan had been provoked by Zhang Le, causing Yang Xiner’s danger—

Would her family’s resentment for him outweigh their displeasure toward Lin Xiaofan and Wanbang Group?

That million was truly a deep trap!