Chapter 83: The Gu Doctor

“We need Ye Aotian to believe that our plan for the Tianxin District is nothing more than an attempt to lure him into making a move,” Lin Li spoke, his eyes narrowed as he surveyed the few people gathered before him in the conference room. “Our true goal is to seize the Lake New District.”

These individuals were the core members of the Qin family, their loyalty beyond question. Many had been following Lin Li since the early days.

“Mr. Lin, there’s no major issue with this operation,” one of them said. “But will Ye Aotian really believe it? Compared to Tianxin District, the influence of Lake New District is much diminished now. Even if we take it, it won’t serve much purpose.”

Lin Li shook his head with a smile. “That’s true, given our current situation, taking that district seems pointless. But remember, the world doesn’t always operate according to common sense.”

He looked at them, noting their seriousness, and continued, “From your perspective, this plan might seem like harming ourselves nearly as much as our enemy. But for me, the calculation is different.”

“This plan is only a rough outline for now. I’ll explain the specifics later. For now, put all your energy into the work at hand. When the moment is right, we’ll make our move.”

“The key issue now is the structure of the Qin family’s industries. Within a month, I’ll establish a subsidiary company—Lifeng Beauty Salon. We’ll start with the simplest, then gradually expand nationwide…”

The meeting didn’t last long, but it left many surprised. Long ago, they had believed Lin Li was nothing more than a thug at Qin Guosheng’s side, that without Qin Guosheng, he was nothing. Now, they finally understood: the young man before them, seemingly ordinary, had long been lurking in the shadows, biding his time.

To outsiders, Lin Li might not have seemed so formidable, but the power he harbored was far beyond their imagination. Especially now, with undercurrents stirring in Jiangcheng, even those within the city couldn’t predict its future, but Lin Li was different.

He was bolder than they had ever imagined, and in his handling of affairs, he acted decisively, unconcerned about the consequences of failure.

After the meeting, Fang Tai followed Lin Li. “Brother Lin, if we go ahead with this arrangement, the entire Qin family will undergo a transformation. I’m worried it will provoke discontent, and some might do something foolish.”

Lin Li patted Fang Tai’s shoulder. “If they do, then it’s just my bad luck. I can’t blame them. But I hope it won’t happen. Keep a close eye on everyone in the Qin family. If anything seems amiss, you must inform me immediately—no hesitation whatsoever.”

Though the situation seemed uneventful, Lin Li remained wary of unexpected developments.

“Don’t worry, Brother Lin. I’ll handle it. I’ll keep a tight watch on them. Also, the people you asked me to find—they’re all here now. But this time, there’s also an old man.”

Lin Li frowned at this, but said nothing, simply instructing Fang Tai to take him to see the man.

In a sparse warehouse, there was just a bed, a table, and an oil lamp. The furnishings were simple, since these people had been brought in from various places and had no permanent accommodations yet. The Qin family, uncertain of their safety, dared not treat them too warmly.

Lin Li was surprised when he saw the old man. He had expected the elder to leave in anger at such conditions, but instead, he had remained.

“Why did you come here, sir?” Lin Li asked. “I remember telling them I only needed some newcomers to the field. I just wanted to learn a bit, nothing more.”

Facing the elder, Lin Li stayed alert. Although the man seemed harmless, Lin Li dared not underestimate him.

The old man slowly raised his head to look at Lin Li. “So, you’re the boss of these people. I know what you’re searching for. What if I told you I can help you obtain it?”

His eyes narrowed, a gentle smile on his lips.

Lin Li sat down before him. Truth be told, he’d been cautious when sending Fang Tai to seek out these southern Gu masters, hoping to avoid attracting too much attention and suspicion. Yet, even with such care, something had slipped.

“You were careful,” the old man said, “but for someone like me, even the slightest clue reveals your intentions. Judging by your expression, you must have acquired something extraordinary.”

Lin Li regarded him silently. On the way here, Fang Tai had told him plenty about the elder—none other than the renowned Gu doctor, Fu Bowen. Yet the name Fu Bowen was now almost unheard of in academic circles. Once a giant in the medical world, he had faded into obscurity for reasons unknown. Few remembered him today; Lin Li himself only learned of his significance through Fang Tai’s explanation.

The fact that such a figure would willingly come to him was, in itself, strange.

“I have indeed obtained something,” Lin Li admitted. “But it’s of great importance and cannot be shown to just anyone.”

Fu Bowen seemed unsurprised, as though he had expected this reply. “I know it must be important, and it’s normal you won’t let others see it. But I have a proposition—perhaps we can work together.”

His gaze was piercing as he looked at Lin Li.