Rebirth 1990: Rise of the Tycoon

Semi-automatic packaging machine

Jiang Xiaoyan's heart was in turmoil as she looked at Lu Feng. The past two days had been like a dream; they were the happiest days she had experienced in their four years of marriage.

Should I give in?

They had been married for four years now—what would people say if they found out?

"Mm, she's asleep," Jiang Xiaoyan murmured as she slowly lifted the covers, preparing to climb into Lu Feng's bed.

"You should go to bed early too; you need to get up early for work tomorrow," Lu Feng said as he turned over and went to sleep.

Jiang Xiaoyan froze midway and then lay back down, feeling a pang of self-doubt. Was she no longer as attractive as she used to be?

Or had he seen too much of the world outside and grown indifferent?

The next morning, Wang Station Chief was notified about a meeting. Despite the reform in the Grain Bureau, Wang was still in charge of the grain station, though his position had been slightly elevated. He was overjoyed and attributed it all to Lu Feng.

Lu Feng woke up around nine in the morning to find a bowl of porridge and a steamed bun on the table. Sitting down to eat, he sighed and muttered, "Where do I find a semi-automatic filling machine and a glass bottle manufacturer?"

Even the most skilled con artist would be stumped by his predicament. Lu Feng had no funds to invest in packaging, only his wedding suit and a shabby bag, and everything depended on his acting skills.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?" Lu Feng called out weakly.

"Feng Ge, you're awake? It's me, Jianguo. Open the door," came the reply.

Outside were Zhou Jianguo, Sun Longbin, Biaozi, and Datoo. They had been waiting at the door since seven in the morning and had even had a heated argument with Jiang Xiaoyan.

Lu Feng opened the door to find Zhou Jianguo wearing a sycophantic smile, bowing as if he were a eunuch. "Good morning, Feng Ge. I'm here to apologize. My brothers were drunk last night; please don't hold it against us."

"Yes, yes, Feng Ge. Don't take it to heart. You'll always be my best brother, just like family," Sun Longbin hurriedly added.

The group spoke in unison, showing an unprecedented level of respect, which puzzled Lu Feng. "What's going on with you all?"

Datoo, straightforward as ever, said, "Feng Ge, I told them about our visit to the Grain Bureau yesterday, so they dragged me here."

Lu Feng paused, considering the situation, and then smiled. "Jianguo, do you really believe Datoo's words? There's nothing to it, don't listen to him."

If Lu Feng had admitted it, Zhou Jianguo would have had to reconsider the truth. Now that he was continuously denying it, it was clear he wanted to avoid any advantage.

"Regardless of the truth, you're still my brother. My brothers were in the wrong yesterday, so I'm here to apologize."

Datoo added, "Feng Ge, your wife had an argument with us this morning, telling us to stay away from you."

Lu Feng sighed and sat down. "Brothers, my wife does have some grievances against you. She's complained about it several times. It's better if you don't come to my house anymore. It's best if we have less contact."

"It was my fault. I, Zhou Jianguo, failed to recognize your worth. I quietly took the scolding this morning. Feng Ge, I'm committed to being your brother. Any issues, I'll handle them for you," Zhou Jianguo patted his chest.

Lu Feng knew that Zhou Jianguo was quite wealthy, being a man of considerable means, and had many connections. After pondering for a while, he said, "There's something I need right now. I'm looking to start a canning factory, but I'm short of a semi-automatic filling machine."

Zhou Jianguo and Sun Longbin exchanged glances, their minds racing. Zhou Jianguo suddenly slapped his thigh and said, "I know where there's an old one!"

Lu Feng was thrilled and reminded himself to stay calm. He nodded and said, "I'll change clothes and check it out."

After Lu Feng changed his clothes and went outside, he ran into Li Dafang. They exchanged glances but did not speak. Li Dafang, watching Lu Feng's back, snorted coldly, "He's hanging out with these idle rascals. Just wait, he'll get what's coming to him."

Instead of taking Datoo's bike, they all rode motorbikes to a large courtyard in the suburbs. Zhou Jianguo called out, "Uncle Liu, are you here?"

A man in his forties emerged from the house, looked over the group, and came forward to greet Zhou Jianguo.

Sun Longbin quietly glanced at Lu Feng. Zhou Jianguo had been doing all the talking this morning, and he hadn't had a chance to say anything. He quietly approached Lu Feng and said, "Feng Ge, to start a canning factory, you need fruit, right?"

"Yes, didn't I tell you that the other day?"

"Don't worry, I'll tell my dad to reserve all the fruit from the village for you. As long as you need it, all the village's fruit will be yours," Sun Longbin flattered.

Lu Feng nodded, saying nothing.

Zhou Jianguo introduced, "This is my brother. He's interested in your semi-automatic filling machine."

Uncle Liu greeted them politely and said, "Let's go, take a look at the machine. It's been sitting here for years."

They entered a large storage room, and there it was—a four-meter-long semi-automatic filling machine covered in dust, but still in good condition.

The machine could fill and seal over two hundred cans per hour, so speed wasn't an issue.

After cleaning up the machine and testing it, Uncle Liu clapped his hands and said, "Brother, what do you think? If you really want it, it's five thousand bucks. It's of no use just sitting here."

Five thousand?

That's half a month's worth of wages!

Lu Feng remained composed and took out a pack of Bada Ling cigarettes, distributing them to everyone. He lit one and said, "Here's the deal: you deliver the machine to me for now. I'll pay you six thousand when I'm more financially stable. For me, an extra thousand or two is nothing, just pocket change."

An extra thousand or two is pocket change?

Uncle Liu was amused by this, thinking it was laughable for someone who could afford such a price to be playing the "empty-handed" game. He said, "That's not possible. This is an imported machine. You can't even buy a new one. It requires foreign exchange, you know?"

Seeing Lu Feng frown, Zhou Jianguo quickly pulled Uncle Liu aside and whispered, "Uncle Liu, just let him borrow it. An extra thousand or two is really nothing to him."

"Are you kidding me? Someone so wealthy is coming here to play games?"

"He's just in a tough spot right now. Let me put it this way—he's not an ordinary person. Didn't you notice his different demeanor?"

Uncle Liu turned to carefully examine Lu Feng. Dressed in a tailored suit, with a distinguished air about him, it was clear he wasn't an ordinary person.

"What's the meaning of this? Is there someone backing him?"

"No one's backing him. It's just that his father is a big shot. Even the Grain Bureau has to show respect to him," Zhou Jianguo winked.

Uncle Liu understood immediately. He patted Zhou Jianguo on the shoulder and said quietly, "Got it. You're climbing up the ranks. Your future is bound to be bright!"