After chatting for a while, Old Song grew even more fatigued.
Song Qingquan looked at Lin Chen. "Master Lin, my father tires easily these days. Your medical skills are renowned—could you examine him?"
Old Song stared at Lin Chen in surprise. "Master Lin, you're skilled in cooking, calligraphy, fairy tale writing, and basketball. Are you also a talented physician?"
"My medical skills are average," Lin Chen replied.
Compared to his other talents, his medical abilities were indeed lacking.
Song Qingquan chuckled. "If you call them 'average,' they must be extraordinary! Please, examine my father."
"Master Lin, would you mind taking my pulse?" Old Song asked.
Lin Chen nodded. "Very well."
Old Song extended his hand, and Lin Chen placed his fingers on his wrist. The old man's pulse was extremely weak and faint.
However, his body showed no signs of any major illness. This was simply a case of his life force being depleted.
After checking both wrists, Lin Chen said, "Old Song, I don't detect any serious conditions."
Old Song nodded slightly.
"The hospital tests showed the same. But I've been feeling so tired lately—I guess I haven't been resting properly."
*If only you knew how little rest you've actually had,* Lin Chen thought. But today was Old Song's birthday, and he would never utter anything that might bring bad luck.
"Master Lin, would you be willing to demonstrate your calligraphy?" Old Song asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
Lin Chen nodded.
The study was nearby, and they quickly arrived.
Song Qingquan laid out a sheet of premium Xuan paper. Old Song retrieved a treasured brush from his collection. The ink was already ground, so there was no need to prepare it.
After a brief pause, Lin Chen wrote four characters:
**Tranquility leads to far-reaching vision**
Old Song and Song Qingquan were immediately immersed in the characters.
They saw empty mountain valleys, tranquil lake surfaces, and vast, boundless grasslands. Their hearts grew calmer and more serene.
Several minutes passed before Old Song came to his senses. Song Qingquan remained lost in contemplation. Old Song waited quietly, and after another half-minute, Song Qingquan also awoke.
"Master Lin, your skill is truly divine!" Old Song exclaimed. "Your calligraphy is genuinely unprecedented."
After a moment's hesitation, he added, "Master Lin, would you be willing to sell this piece? Name your price, and I absolutely won't haggle."
Though he said this, Lin Chen knew that if he asked an outrageous price, the Song Family would likely kick him out.
Lin Chen shook his head. "My calligraphy isn't for sale. But since it's your birthday, Old Song, please accept this as a gift."
"I have two small requests," Lin Chen said. "First, this gift is not for sale. Second, Old Song, you and your family must keep this a secret."
Old Song was astonished. "Master Lin, you're truly giving this to me for free? Even if you had asked for tens of millions, I would have paid without hesitation."
Lin Chen smiled warmly. "Old Song, the Song Family's favor is worth far more than tens of millions."
Old Song smiled. "Normally, I prefer to repay debts with money rather than owe favors. But you, Master Lin, are no ordinary man. I'll gladly owe you a favor."
"After all, Song Qingquan already owes you a favor."
"With so many debts, I'm beyond worry."
Song Qingquan exclaimed, "Master Lin, you're truly remarkable! President Xu, you've found an exceptional husband."
"I think so too," Xu Mengyao replied openly.
Old Song said, "Master Lin, Qingquan mentioned that Wan'er can recover. If she does, we'll owe you two favors."
"Yes, but it will take time," Lin Chen nodded.
Wan'er only suffered from anorexia. She was young, and with proper nourishment, she would undoubtedly recover.
Old Song, however, was beyond hope.
Though now a grandmaster of both Ancient Medical Art and Western Medicine, even advancing both to the next level would make extending his lifespan extremely difficult.
It was possible for the Ancient Medical Art to reach the legendary level.
However, the Ancient Medical Art could only improve when treating Lin Xiaoqian. It was uncertain how long it would take to reach the Grandmaster level.
Old Song couldn't hold on for another month.
"Good, good," Old Song said, his voice filled with joy. "Master Lin, thank you. If there's anything we can do to help, don't hesitate to ask. Small favors won't cost us our debt to you."
"Understood," Lin Chen replied with a nod.
"You haven't been resting well lately, Old Song. We'll take our leave now and visit you again soon."
Lin Chen and his group quickly left Old Song's room.
Outside, Lin Xiaoqian was having a great time playing with the other children.
"Daddy, can I play a little longer?" she asked in her sweet, childish voice.
Song Qingquan, who was nearby, spoke up, "Young Master Lin, it's safe for Xiaoqian to play here. Someone will keep an eye on them. Shall I introduce you to some people?"
"Can you play here by yourself, Xiaoqian? Mommy and Daddy will come back to get you later. If you don't want to play anymore, just tell the auntie next to you," Lin Chen said.
"Okay!"
Lin Xiaoqian nodded.
Three nannies were watching nearby, so Lin Chen wasn't worried about anything happening to her.
He and Xu Mengyao stepped outside.
Lin Chen didn't need much, but as the president of the Xu Group, Xu Mengyao could benefit greatly from networking with influential figures.
"Second Brother, let me introduce you," Song Qingquan said, leading them to his second brother, Song Shikang.
Song Shikang smiled. "No need for introductions. This handsome young man must be the Young Master Lin you mentioned, right? As for President Xu of the Xu Group, I've known her for a while."
"Young Master Lin, I'm Song Shikang," Song Shikang said, extending his hand for a handshake.
"President Song, it's a pleasure," Lin Chen replied with a smile.
They had barely exchanged a few words when a woman approached. "Shikang, it's Father's birthday today. I haven't paid my respects yet. Come with me."
Song Shikang nodded. "Young Master Lin, we'll talk again later."
He was quickly led away by the woman.
"Why are you being so friendly with them? Lin Chen ruined my brother's plans. I haven't settled the score with him yet."
The woman's voice reached Lin Chen's ears.
Her voice was so soft that a normal person wouldn't have heard it, but Lin Chen's exceptional physique allowed him to catch every word.
With a thought, he channeled his internal energy into his ears, significantly enhancing his hearing.
"We still need to maintain appearances," Song Shikang murmured. "As long as Father is alive, he remains the head of the Song Family."
His wife replied, "Father won't last much longer. Once he's gone, you and your eldest brother should drive out Song Qingquan first. Then I'll help you undermine your eldest brother."
"You'll be the head of the Song Family after that!"
Song Shikang cautioned, "Don't speak of these things often. Keep them in your heart. My brother is not to be trifled with."
"I know, I know! You're so long-winded!"
The couple spoke in hushed tones, assuming no one could hear them. But Lin Chen heard everything clearly.
*Old Song won't last a month.*
*Internal strife in the Song Family would be disastrous.*
Lin Chen mused to himself.
He wanted to bring down the Wu Family and get Wu Yangcheng imprisoned, but that might take longer than expected.
After all, he owned several companies under his name.
Even after the investigation was complete, the verdict would still take time.
It would be problematic if the Song Family were to support the Wu Family again in the future.
"Master Lin, please don't take offense," Song Qingquan said. "My second brother's wife's family is quite influential. She can be a bit overbearing, but my second brother is a good man."
Lin Chen smiled without saying a word.
**Chapter 222: Xu Guofeng's Surprise! (1/2)**
Song Shikang and his wife were plotting to sideline Song Qingquan, even planning to oust Song Shize later. Yet, Song Qingquan still believed his second brother was a decent person.
If he continued thinking like this, he was bound to be taken advantage of.
After all, Song Shize and Song Shikang were blood brothers!
Once Old Master Song was gone, Song Shikang could easily win over Song Shize with a few tricks and together they could sideline Song Qingquan.
If Song Shize sided with Song Shikang, Song Qingquan would stand no chance. Since he and Song Qingquan were the closest, the Song Family's stance would become unpredictable.
He absolutely could not let this happen if he wanted the Wu Family to fall and Wu Yangcheng to rise.
"Young Master Lin, Brother Xu, this is General Manager Yao—"
"General Manager Yao, Young Master Lin is my benefactor. General Xu, you must have heard of her. She's young but has successfully managed the Xu Group, which continues to thrive under her leadership."
Song Qingquan was introducing Lin Chen and his companions to a group of influential figures.
Most of the figures he introduced actually had less wealth than the Xu Family; some families' assets didn't even rival Lin Chen's.
Yet their status was undeniable.
Some controlled state-owned enterprises worth over a hundred billion.
Others held high government positions, wielding considerable power.
The Xu Family's foundation was shallow, making it difficult for them to build connections in the past. Even when Xu Guofeng shared meals and drinks with these influential figures, the interactions likely remained superficial politeness.
The higher one climbed in status, the fewer genuine connections remained.
People instinctively excluded those below them.
That was human nature!
With the Song Family's help, things changed. As a top-tier elite family with deep roots and influence, their endorsement allowed the Xu Family to become accepted members of the inner circle.
Once accepted into the inner circle, they faced less exclusion.
Of course, given China's current economic climate, even the inner circle was fiercely competitive, and some members were inevitably eliminated. To avoid being eliminated, one still needed to rely on their own strength.
"Honey, Mom and Dad are here," Xu Mengyao whispered.
She saw her parents arrive with a group of people, some of whom were far wealthier than Xu Guofeng.
"Mr. Xu, Mr. Wang, Mr. Liu—"
Song Shize greeted them warmly.
He shook hands with each of them, starting with Xu Guofeng.
This surprised the others.
At least three of them held greater influence than Xu Guofeng. Yet Song Shize had chosen to shake Xu Guofeng's hand first.
Don't underestimate this gesture.
Although Old Master Song remained the core of the Song Family, Song Shize was now the family head, managing most of their affairs.
How could he possibly make such a mistake?
The person the Song Family shook hands with first was a clear indicator of their attitude.
Behind that attitude lay vested interests.
If a project could benefit both the Xu Family and others, the Song Family's stance here would likely increase the Xu Family's chances of securing it.
While the difference might be negligible for a single project, the cumulative effect over multiple projects could be substantial.
"Young Master Lin, please wait a moment."
He then went over and shook Xu Guofeng's hand first.
"What's going on?"
The crowd's expressions remained unchanged, but their hearts were filled with surprise. Song Qingquan was even more warm and friendly towards Xu Guofeng than before.
With both Song Qingquan and Song Shize acting this way, the Song Family's attitude was clear.
"Dad, Mom."
Lin Chen and Xu Mengyao approached.
Yang Qingyue asked with concern, "Where's Qianqian? With so many people here today, don't lose track of her."
Xu Mengyao replied, "Mom, how could that happen? Qianqian's in Old Master Song's courtyard, playing with some other children. The nannies are watching them."
"That's good to hear," Yang Qingyue said.
Xu Guofeng added, "Wife, you worry too much. Even if Mengyao were careless, Lin Chen wouldn't be. He's far more meticulous than we are when it comes to Qianqian."
As Lin Chen and Xu Mengyao spoke, they moved away from the others. "Lin Chen, what's going on?"
"The Song Family is being... overly kind to us."
Xu Guofeng asked, puzzled.
Even if Lin Chen could help Song Wan, she was just a junior in the third generation of the Song Family. How could she possibly influence the entire family's attitude?
Lin Chen replied, "Song Shize knows I'm Lin Yu, and Old Master Song is aware of it too. I even gifted him a calligraphy piece."
"Mm-hmm," Xu Guofeng nodded.
That made sense.
Song Shize's politeness towards him was due to Lin Chen's influence.
Lin Yu's calligraphy skills were exceptional, allowing him to command respect even among the highest echelons of power. Since Lin Chen was Lin Yu, his standing was naturally elevated.
Moreover, Lin Chen had gifted Old Master Song a calligraphy piece.
"Honey, you chat with Xiao Lin," Yang Qingyue said.
"Mengyao, let's go mingle with some of the guests," Xu Guofeng replied.
"Alright."
Yang Qingyue and Xu Mengyao walked away. Lin Chen said, "Dad, let's circulate too. Let's take a stroll outside."
Xu Guofeng's heart stirred.
Lin Chen must have something he wanted to discuss with him.
They moved outside, putting more distance between themselves and the other guests.
Lin Chen said, "Dad, Old Master Song has less than a month to live. Song Shikang plans to first ally with Song Shize to sideline Song Qingquan, and then the couple will turn on Song Shize."
Xu Guofeng's expression shifted slightly.
"Are you sure Old Master Song's time is near? Did Song Qingquan tell you about Song Shikang's plan?"
Lin Chen replied, "Old Master Song isn't seriously ill, but his energy is fading. He'll pass away within twenty days, at most a month."
"I overheard Song Shikang's plan. He was whispering with his wife, and my sharp ears caught it."
"If Song Shikang gains control of the Song Family, the Wu Family might pull through."
Xu Guofeng said, "It's more than that. The Song Family's attitude will directly impact the Xu Group's interests."
"If they're friendly, we'll benefit greatly. If they're cold, our business will suffer compared to now. The difference will be significant."
Lin Chen asked, "Dad, is the gap between the Xu Family and the Song Family really that wide?"
Xu Guofeng nodded.
"The Song Family has assets both domestically and abroad, I estimate two to three hundred billion. But the gap in assets is the smallest difference between our families. The gap in our foundations is far greater."
"Foundations are built up bit by bit."
Xu Guofeng smiled. "You're an exception."
*He's a cheat!* Lin Chen thought to himself. *If I had to accumulate everything slowly, wouldn't that be a waste of the System?*
"Dad, what do you think we should do about the Song Family situation?" Lin Chen asked.
Though he possessed various skills, Xu Guofeng's experience in handling such matters was far superior.
"The three brothers are very close," Xu Guofeng replied. "If you tell Song Qingquan directly, he might not believe you and could even accuse you of trying to drive a wedge between them."
"Don't rush things."
"Wait until he trusts you more."
"What about Old Master Song?" Lin Chen asked.
Xu Guofeng pondered for a moment. "Don't mention it to Old Master Song. Many elders claim not to fear death, but deep down, they still do. If you bring it up, you might hasten his end."
"You can find an opportunity to tell Song Qingquan and the others instead."
Lin Chen nodded slightly.
"Forget about that for now," Xu Guofeng said. "Old Master Song is out. The top figures will probably arrive soon."
Lin Chen followed Xu Guofeng's gaze.
Old Master Song emerged, supported by Song Shikang.
-----------------------
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(End of Chapter)