Chapter 32: A Grand Gift for You

Lin Yi and the other three were suddenly recalled from the Huafeng Cement Plant by their father and reassigned to stay by Lin Haoning's side.

Initially, Lin Haoning thought this was merely a reactionary expression of their father's anger toward Lin Haoran's negligence regarding the Huafeng Cement Plant—a way to exert pressure on Haoran while simultaneously strengthening Lin Haoning's own position.

However, as events unfolded, Lin Haoning began to realize that there might be a much more complex layout and set of considerations hidden behind this move.

"It seems my brother is dead set on continuing this battle for succession!" Lin Haoning's tone betrayed a hint of both helplessness and determination. "I originally hoped he would be sensible and voluntarily withdraw from this pointless competition. As his elder brother, I would naturally ensure he lives a life of wealth and comfort. But if Haoran insists on opposing me and uses every means at his disposal to fight for that position, then I can only conduct business professionally and ruthlessly compress his survival space in the marketplace." His words carried both a regard for family ties and a cold recognition of the realities of family business competition.

"Hubby, I've been thinking. How about I go home and ask Daddy to use his prestige in the industry to make the Huafeng Cement Plant lose all its market share entirely? That way, no matter how much Haoran struggles, he won't be able to turn things around," Cao Shaoling proposed.

"No, that won't work. News of that would reach my father very quickly. Our actions would be too obvious and could easily invite unnecessary trouble. Our current strategy—gradually weakening Huafeng's market position and reducing its profit margins—is already enough to make Haoran feel the pressure. There's no need to be so extreme. If my father finds out, he will surely fly into a rage, which might actually give Haoran an opportunity to use that to strike back, putting us at a disadvantage." After hearing her suggestion, Lin Haoning shook his head decisively, expressing his opposition.

"The most headache-inducing issue right now is that we aren't sure if our second and third sisters are secretly assisting Haoran. If they truly side with him, Haoran will have the support of two powerful aristocratic families behind him. In comparison, relying solely on the strength of the Cao family makes our situation particularly grim. Although we are certainly in the lead right now, there are too many variables for the future. This succession battle has only been going on for three months; there is still a long road ahead, and we cannot guarantee a hundred percent victory." Cao Shaoling's words revealed a sense of worry and helplessness; she knew well that after marrying into the Lin family, her husband's ability to become the successor was directly linked to her own future fate and happiness.

"Perhaps we should go and consult Elder Master Cao now to see what his insights are and if he can provide guidance to navigate this complex situation," Lin Haoning suggested after a moment of contemplation. Originally, he had been full of confidence regarding this competition for succession, but upon learning that his sisters might be on Haoran's side, his confidence had begun to waver.

"Yes, okay, hubby. Let's head out now. I haven't been back to my parental home for over a week," Cao Shaoling replied without hesitation, her eyes lighting up at Lin Haoning's words.

Ten minutes later, the private car driven by Lin Haoning slowly entered the famous Jardine's Hill villa area in Hong Kong. This area was not only a symbol of concentrated power and wealth but also the location of the Cao family estate.

The Cao family mansion was magnificent, occupying hundreds of square meters of precious land within the villa area, showcasing the family's prominence and prestige.

Lin Haoning had chosen to live in the Kowloon Tong villa area specifically for the convenience of its proximity to Jardine's Hill, allowing him to maintain close contact with the Cao family at any time.

Inside the Cao villa, all was peaceful and serene.

In the backyard, sitting on a rattan chair, Elder Master Cao was leisurely flipping through a book, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

With the sound of light footsteps, Cao Shaoling ran into the backyard like a cheerful bird, shouting excitedly, "Grandpa, your darling granddaughter is back to see you again!"

"Shaoling, Haoning, you've arrived?" Elder Master Cao looked up upon hearing the voice and spoke with a smile.

He put down his book, his eyes filled with doting affection and joy; he had always doted on this eldest granddaughter of the Cao family.

"Grandpa," Lin Haoning greeted him respectfully.

"Haoning, you've come specifically today, so there must be something you wish to discuss, right?" The old man looked at him with a smile, his eyes revealing the wisdom of someone who understood the ways of the world.

He knew that Lin Haoning did not visit often, unless it was during holidays or when there were important family matters to discuss.

"Grandpa is truly perceptive," Lin Haoning smiled slightly, then composed himself and seriously explained the difficulties he was currently facing to the old man in the courtyard.

He spoke candidly about the complex situation regarding the Lin family succession struggle, as well as his worries and plans for the future.

As the son-in-law of the Cao family, every step Lin Haoning took affected the heart of the Cao family.

The old man naturally hoped that he could establish a firm foothold in the Lin family and become the successor, as this would not only consolidate the marriage alliance between the two families but also bring more benefits and glory to the Cao family.

"Haoning, is the core of this competition centered on your respective business achievements? For example, you are dedicated to the development of the Wanfeng Fan Factory, while your brother is focused on the expansion of the Huafeng Cement Plant?" The old man asked slowly, his gaze profound.

Hearing this, Lin Haoning nodded and replied, "That is exactly right."

The old man smiled slightly and continued, "In that case, you should concentrate your strength to ensure the dominant position of the Wanfeng Fan Factory. If you can keep a close eye on the Huafeng Cement Plant and prevent it from expanding rapidly, you will hold the initiative in this competition. Furthermore, I know you are worried about other forces within the family, especially your two sisters, potentially leaning toward supporting your brother. But Haoning, you needn't worry excessively; Grandpa has a great gift for you."

At this point, a flash of shrewdness crossed the old man's eyes. "I have an old friend who has been doing business in the Middle East for many years; he is primarily involved in the sale of Hong Kong light industrial products in the Middle Eastern market. As you know, the climate in the Middle East is extremely hot, and the demand for fans is enormous. I can step in to act as a bridge and have my old friend prioritize your Wanfeng Fan Factory. This way, your fan sales will surely increase significantly, but on the condition that you must strictly control quality; you cannot let my reputation suffer because of quality issues."

Both Lin Haoning and Cao Shaoling's eyes sparkled with excitement. Cao Shaoling could not wait to ask, "Grandpa, that truly is a great gift! You really dote on Haoning too much."

The old man shook his head with a smile, his eyes full of affection. "Naturally, I hope you both do well, but the business world is like a battlefield; only by being strong yourself can you remain invincible. Haoning, you must cherish this opportunity and do not let Grandpa down."