## Chapter Six:
Information began to flow slowly and cautiously to Lin Feng through encrypted channels and via Zhao Fu. The initial reports from Mei Lin and Lawyer Wang were the first fruits of his efforts to build his own network, but they were also a stark reminder of the scale of the challenge he faced.
Mei Lin's report, arriving as an encrypted file difficult to trace, was a mix of confirmations and warnings. She confirmed Chu Fan's near-absolute control over Tian Long Capital and revealed a complex organizational structure seemingly designed to obscure the true financial flows. More importantly, she pointed out some minor security vulnerabilities in the company's subsystems and noted some financial transactions that seemed illogical and warranted a deeper look, although they didn't constitute conclusive proof of any illegal activity yet. She concluded her report with a clear warning: "Breaching Tian Long's main network would be digital suicide at this stage. Their defenses are strong and multi-layered."
Lawyer Wang's report, delivered personally by Zhao Fu in a sealed envelope, was more direct. He confirmed that Chu Fan's legal team and the Xiao family had already initiated proceedings, filing a formal request for mediation – often a first step preceding more serious lawsuits. Wang provided an initial defense assessment, noting that the case against him relied heavily on witness testimonies who might have hidden motives, and the lack of physical evidence was a weakness that could be exploited. He suggested a strategy focused on calculated delays, systematically questioning witness credibility, and immediately starting to gather any counter-evidence, however small. Wang added a reassuring note at the end, confirming that his preliminary background checks (conducted at Lin Feng's secret request via Zhao Fu) revealed no suspicious connections for him or Mei Lin that might raise concerns.
Lin Feng felt a mixture of relief and anxiety as he reviewed the reports. His new allies were doing their jobs, but the battle was escalating faster than he had anticipated. He sent encrypted instructions to Mei, directing her to focus on tracing those specific illogical financial transactions, and asked Lawyer Wang to immediately begin preparing initial legal responses and challenge any urgent mediation requests.
He had barely finished reviewing the reports when pressure came from another front. His phone rang, and this time the caller was his father, Lin Jianhong, the head of the Lin Group.
"Lin Feng," his father's voice began, cold and sharp, devoid of any warmth. "I've received news of the legal proceedings. This is enough. You've crossed every line. The family's reputation is at stake because of your recklessness and stupidity. I want you to resolve this matter immediately. Apologize to Chu Fan, accept whatever settlement they propose. If you don't, I will be forced to take measures to protect the Group's interests, and that includes freezing all your personal assets and formally severing your ties with the family."
Lin Feng hung up, feeling a chill run down his spine. His father's threats weren't just words. He knew his father was capable of doing that and more to protect his empire. Minutes later, Zhao Fu informed him that rumors about the "banquet scandal" had intensified, and some business partners were starting to ask uncomfortable questions.
The noose was tightening. Lin Feng felt cornered, but instead of despair, a cold anger rose within him. He wouldn't give up. He wouldn't go back to being a pawn in others' games. He looked at Mei's report again, his eyes stopping on a minor detail she mentioned casually: a small acquisition deal recently made by a Tian Long subsidiary for a tech startup, the terms of which seemed slightly inflated, and one of the executives involved had a history of minor personal scandals.
It wasn't a bombshell, just a potential rumor or minor mismanagement. But it was something. A risky idea occurred to him.
"Zhao Fu," Lin Feng said calmly. "I want you to leak this information." He explained the specific details of the deal and the person involved. "Make it look like an internal rumor from a completely anonymous source. Use one of those financial blogs specializing in leaks. Ensure there's absolutely no way to link this leak back to us."
Zhao Fu looked at Lin Feng for a moment, then nodded. "I will execute this carefully, Young Master. But are you sure? This could lead to unforeseen escalation."
"It's just moving a pawn, Zhao Fu," Lin Feng said, a note of cold sarcasm tingeing his voice. "Let's see how the king reacts when he feels a small sting. I want to test Chu Fan's reaction and send him a subtle message that I'm not just an easy target waiting for slaughter. A little distraction won't hurt."
Zhao Fu sensed Lin Feng's calculated resolve and seemed to understand the logic behind the risky move. "As you command, Young Master. I will ensure it's done cleanly."
After Zhao Fu left, Lin Feng stood by the window again, watching the glittering city lights. He had moved his first pawn in this complex game. It was a small, perhaps dangerous move, but it was his move. He compared his current feeling to the helplessness that had long plagued him in his previous life, and the confusion he felt after "waking up." The danger was real and palpable, but for the first time in a long while, he felt he had the initiative, however slight. A sarcastic smile played on his lips as he thought about Chu Fan's likely reaction to this minor annoyance. The game had just begun.