Rebirth 1990: Rise of the Tycoon

Unexpected gain

Director Wang's heart skipped a beat as he sensed something was up. He quickly put on a smile and addressed Lu Feng, "Young Master Lu, right?"

"Don't be so formal, just call me Lu Shao," Lu Feng said, lounging on the sofa. "What kind of grains does your grain station collect?"

"We collect corn, mung beans, wheat, and so on," Director Wang replied, sizing up Lu Feng, unsure whether to take him seriously. He asked, "What price are you looking to sell at, Young Master Lu?"

"Just go with the market rate. I'm running a legitimate factory, understand? Do you think my old man is just anyone?" Lu Feng frowned, clearly displeased.

Director Wang breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "Yes, yes, Young Master Lu is right."

Lu Feng knew that despite Director Wang's current smiling demeanor, he was likely harboring doubts and might even send someone to investigate him later. He remembered that in this era, the Grain Bureau had undergone significant reforms, mainly to abolish grain coupons, and there had been a major personnel shake-up.

Clearing his throat, Lu Feng said, "Director Wang, it's been nice meeting you today. I'll mention you to my old man. There might be some changes in your position soon."

"Ah?"

Director Wang was overjoyed, quickly bowing and saying, "Thank you for your support, Young Master Lu. If you need anything in the future, just let me know."

As Lu Feng prepared to leave, Director Wang offered, "Let me see you out!"

"No need. I have a driver. Don't see me out; there are too many people around," Lu Feng said.

Director Wang understood and repeatedly assured him that it was fine, then discreetly slipped a few bills into Lu Feng's hand, saying it was a small gesture.

After leaving the Grain Bureau, Big Head was soaked with sweat and asked Lu Feng, "Where's the car? And don't mention a driver."

"You're the driver," Lu Feng replied.

"Me?" Big Head hesitated. "I only have an old 28-bike."

"Isn't the 28-bike a vehicle?" Lu Feng glanced back at the Grain Bureau and pulled Big Head aside. "Let's get out of here and check out Zhou Jianguo's house in the suburbs."

Big Head rode the bike, still puzzled. The Lu Feng in the Grain Bureau was definitely not the Feng Ge he knew. Observing Lu Feng carefully, he asked, "Feng Ge, why was Director Wang so polite to you? Do you have an identity I don't know about?"

Lu Feng was somewhat exasperated. With his IQ, explaining clearly would probably take until 2020. He said, "Since you've noticed, fine, I'll be straightforward. Actually, my family is quite impressive. I wanted to keep a low profile, but it seems that's led to some distance."

Big Head was stunned. What Lu Feng had said sounded like a joke, but he believed it sincerely. The aura Lu Feng had displayed at the Grain Bureau was not something an ordinary person could have.

Upon arriving in the suburbs, Lu Feng found several houses locked. He grabbed a brick and smashed the lock. Inside, it was quite spacious, over 200 square meters, with plenty of room.

Lu Feng looked around and quickly made a rough plan. He took out the money that Director Wang had given him—ten yuan in total. It was quite generous.

"Big Head, go to a convenience store and buy some new locks."

Big Head was confused and asked, "Feng Ge, what are you planning to do?"

"I'm going to start building a huge business empire from this small house!" Lu Feng said with grand ambition. He felt like he was at the crest of history's wave, and if pigs could fly, so could he.

Big Head, who was straightforward and not very imaginative, sensed a change in Lu Feng and felt an inexplicable charm that made him obey.

Zhou Jianguo and his group emerged from the video hall looking displeased. Since Zhou Jianguo had paid for everything at the video hall, he had intended to trick Lu Feng. Instead, he ended up footing the entire bill for food, drinks, and entertainment.

"Feng Ge is not loyal!" Biaozi complained.

"Leaving right after settling the bill, such a 'brother' is not worth it!"

"The worst part is, he took Big Head away. D*mn it!" Zhou Jianguo cursed. What was supposed to be a prank on two fools ended up with him being tricked by them.

"Where do you think they went?" Sun Longbin muttered. He couldn't shake the feeling that Lu Feng was different somehow, his eyes today hiding a cunning glint.

"D*mn it!" Zhou Jianguo slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Let's check out my house in the suburbs. Hurry!"

The group mounted their motorcycles and sped off.

As the sun set and the evening breeze blew refreshingly, Lu Feng, carrying bags of toys and groceries he bought from a supply and marketing cooperative, encountered He Yanli on the way.

She looked at the expensive items Lu Feng was carrying and teased, "Oh, Lu Feng, have you struck it rich? Don't forget your sister if you do."

When Zhou Jianguo and his group arrived, Big Head had just finished putting on the new locks. Zhou Jianguo, seeing this, yelled, "Big Head, what are you doing?"

"Changing the locks!"

"This is my house. Why are you changing the locks?" Zhou Jianguo cursed as he got off the motorcycle.

"But you lent it to Feng Ge. He told me to change the locks!" Big Head replied honestly. "You said at the dinner table that you'd lent it to Feng Ge. Why are you going back on your word?"

"Who cares about your word? So what?" Zhou Jianguo sneered, having kept his temper in check out of courtesy before but now ready to tear off the mask.

"Feng Ge will be angry. The consequences will be severe!"

As Big Head finished speaking, everyone laughed. They thought it was amusing that someone who spent their money on food and fun dared to command respect. To them, Lu Feng was nothing.

"D*mn it, am I supposed to be scared? Is Feng Ge going to kill me or something? Open the lock!" Zhou Jianguo demanded.

Seeing their reaction, Big Head anxiously said, "You don't understand Feng Ge. I only found out today. He went into the Grain Bureau like he owned the place..."

Big Head recounted the events of the day. Zhou Jianguo and Sun Longbin's expressions stiffened. If someone else had told them these stories, they wouldn't have believed them.

But because it was Big Head, who was too simple-minded to lie, they believed him.

Zhou Jianguo and Sun Longbin exchanged a stunned look. Reflecting on their first day knowing Lu Feng, he had never held a regular job, and he always paid for outings.

His generosity and flamboyance had been striking, making them feel a bit resentful.

Now everything made sense. Lu Feng was no ordinary person. Such a figure was sought after by many, and they had almost offended him over a small amount of money.

Zhou Jianguo suddenly smiled, patting Big Head on the shoulder and said, "I was just joking. Feng Ge is like a big brother to me. Use these houses for as long as you need."

Lu Feng probably never expected that his previous flamboyance would end up being such a big help.

Carrying his bags, Lu Feng encountered He Yanli again downstairs. She looked at the things he was carrying, noting that they were quite expensive. Generally, people wouldn't spend so much like this.

"Hey, Lu Feng, have you struck it rich?" He Yanli teased. "Don't forget your sister if you do."