Chapter 24: Seeking a Formidable Patron

Upon returning home, Xia Rui immediately approached Xia Rusheng and asked urgently, "Well? Did you find out anything?"

Xia Rusheng said with a troubled expression, "I’m not sure if this counts as news, but Elder Lin mentioned that two major municipal projects are about to launch simultaneously in City A. As for exactly what they are or where they will be located, he refused to say. Whenever I brought it up, he would just brush it off with a few vague words. Dad, I really tried my best."

Although disappointed, Xia Rui did not blame her. After all, Elder Lin was a seasoned veteran; if a young girl like Xia Xia could easily pry information out of him, he wouldn't have survived in his position for decades.

"Alright, you must be tired. Go upstairs and get some rest."

Once in her room, Xia Rusheng took a shower and logged into her private email account. A new notification appeared immediately—it was from Liu Xin, the plastic surgeon she had contacted previously.

The email contained only a few words: "Pleasure doing business with you." Attached was the DNA report for Tan Li’s fetus; in the section for the child's sex, a large "Female" was written.

She quickly typed a reply: "The remaining balance will be transferred tomorrow."

"Ding-ding," Dr. Liu replied instantly, his tone playful: "Don’t worry, Miss Xia. Both the doctor and the testing process are reliable. I look forward to our next collaboration. This time it was half price; next time, it will be thirty percent of the cost. My career and my future are both in your hands, Miss Xia."

Xia Rusheng offered a rare smile and replied: "Likewise."

She then closed the computer and wiped her digital footprint.

She hadn't expected to get involved with this Dr. Liu again. Ever since she accidentally learned that Tan Li was secretly arranging a gender test, she had a plan. Now, she intended to lift Tan Li to the highest point of expectation, only to let her fall hard.

She didn't know any medical authorities, but Liu Xin did. With his extensive connections, he had helped her find someone to assist after receiving a down payment, effectively baiting Tan Li and her daughter.

Therefore, the report Tan Li received was entirely fraudulent.

With a pleasant mood, Xia Rusheng slept soundly. The next day, she went out under the pretext of trying on a birthday gown. In truth, she didn't need to try it on at all; after she had been measured recently, Lin Yichen had told her to wait for his specially tailored gown to arrive. Using this excuse was merely a front to secure a piece of land—or more precisely, three pieces.

She drove to the CBD in City A, entered an unassuming skyscraper, and told the receptionist, "My name is Xia Xia. I’m here to see your CEO. I don't have an appointment, but please let him know."

The receptionist seemed stunned by her confidence and, without hesitation, called the CEO’s secretary. Moments later, the secretary came down personally to escort her to the CEO’s office.

"It’s just as it was before," she whispered, unheard by anyone. The former Xia Rusheng had worked with the S&Y Group, so this was not her first time in this office.

"Miss Xia, please sit," said Feng Yuan, the CEO of S&Y Group. He was a highly efficient man who showed no surprise upon seeing her, nor did he waste time with small talk. "Since you were willing to come here, it means you have a difficulty and that you trust me. So, please, speak plainly."

Xia Rusheng did not ask why they were willing to help her; her tone remained as natural as Feng Yuan's. "I am not here to seek help today, but to discuss a deal with you, CEO Feng."

Feng Yuan remained composed and had tea served, prepared to negotiate patiently.

Xia Rusheng requested the city planning map of City A and circled three specific areas without reservation. As she finished, she noticed a distinct change in Feng Yuan’s eyes.

Could it be that he already knew? Otherwise, why that reaction?

Xia Rusheng felt uncertain, but she stated her purpose: "One of these three plots has excellent potential. The other two are intended for municipal projects. However, there are two other vital plots connecting these two major projects. If S&Y Group can secure the bids for these, the profits will be substantial."

As she spoke, she watched Feng Yuan’s expression. Indeed, there was no shock or doubt on his face. Xia Rusheng was certain he had already received the news.

"These are indeed prime locations. I will consider it. Why don't you tell me your conditions, Miss Xia?"

Xia Rusheng felt a momentary embarrassment. "I originally intended to invest, but it seems I overestimated myself. I came here today planning to use 'empty-handed' tactics to gain a stake, but now I realize that simply giving you this assurance is enough to make the trip worthwhile. Consider it a thank-you gift for that gentleman."

Feng Yuan smiled slightly. "Miss Xia, this assurance comes at the perfect time. The information I had only covered one of the projects. Therefore, I accept your offer to invest."

Xia Rusheng hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. While happy, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Was this CEO Feng going easy on her?

"By the way, have you recovered your inheritance, Miss Xia?"

Xia Rusheng shook her head without offering an explanation, nor did she allow Feng Yuan to press further. She had already troubled them enough and had even walked away with a significant advantage, so she would resolve the inheritance issue herself.

After the secretary escorted Xia Rusheng out, Feng Yuan immediately picked up his phone. After a long wait, a cold, magnetic male voice answered on the other end.

"What is it?"

Feng Yuan’s smile widened. Looking down from the forty-ninth floor, he watched as Xia Rusheng walked briskly in front of the building before driving away with an air of carefree grace.

"The young lady from the Xia family came to talk business. I agreed to it."

There was a simple "Hmm" from the other end.

Feng Yuan asked, puzzled, "I still don't understand why you ordered me to help her unconditionally. Just because she looks like Xia Rusheng?"

The person on the other end fell into a long silence before saying, "She doesn't look like her. She *is* her."

"Xia Rusheng is dead. When will you accept that fact?" Feng Yuan's tone held a hint of helplessness and pity.

"You wouldn't understand." The response was brief, yet so certain it made Feng Yuan want to scream.

How could someone who fell from a high building and was reduced to a pulp still be alive? He had already sought out an authoritative forensic expert; Xia Rusheng was definitely dead!

"Even if I don't understand, if you are so certain, why be so secretive? Just pursue her openly. With your status, what woman couldn't you win over?"

A soft chuckle came through the phone, followed by a low, calm voice: "This is called strategy."

Feng Yuan was speechless. Once Xia Rusheng and her car had disappeared from view, he sat back at his desk and said, "Her information included three plots: one is gold-standard land, and the other two are where the major projects will be. One matches the information we already have. I will go verify the rest immediately. If it's true, this will be a massive opportunity for us."

"You make the call; I’m only responsible for the funding." With that, the line went dead.

Listening to the dial tone, Feng Yuan was left utterly speechless. Having a major shareholder as lazy as this made his job as the CEO protecting the company's empire truly exhausting.