Song Shikang and his wife were plotting to ostracize Song Qingquan, even planning to oust Song Shize later. Yet, Song Qingquan still believed his second brother was a good person.
If he continued to think this way, he was very likely to be taken advantage of.
After all, Song Shize and Song Shikang were real brothers!
Once Old Master Song was gone, it wouldn't be difficult for Song Shikang to win over Song Shize and use him to sideline Song Qingquan.
If Song Shize sided with Song Shikang, Song Qingquan would stand no chance against them. Since Song Qingquan was his closest ally, the Song Family's stance at that time would be uncertain.
He absolutely couldn't 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. You must have heard of President Xu, how she young as she is, controls the Xu Group and has developed it remarkably well."
Song Qingquan was introducing Lin Chen and his companions to a group of influential figures.
Most of the magnates he introduced actually had less wealth than the Xu Family, some even less than Lin Chen.
Yet their status was considerable.
Some controlled state-owned enterprises worth hundreds of billions.
Others held high government positions, wielding significant power.
The Xu Family had shallow roots, and it had been difficult to gain their favor in the past. Even when Xu Guofeng dined and drank with them, the interactions were likely superficial pleasantries.
The higher one climbed in status, the fewer such connections one made.
People instinctively rejected those below them.
*This was human nature!*
With the Song Family's help, the situation changed. As a top-tier elite family with deep-rooted influence, their endorsement could elevate the Xu Family to insider status.
Once they became insiders, they would face less exclusion.
Of course, given China's current economic climate, the elite circles were fiercely competitive. Some would still be eliminated, and survival still depended on one's own capabilities.
"Honey, Mom and Dad are here," Xu Mengyao whispered.
She saw her parents arrive with a group of people, some of whom were significantly wealthier than Xu Guofeng.
"Mr. Xu, General Manager Wang, General Manager Liu—"
Song Shize greeted them warmly, shaking hands one by one. He started with Xu Guofeng, which surprised the others. At least three of them held greater influence than Xu Guofeng, yet Song Shize had chosen to greet him first.
*Don't underestimate this gesture.*
Although Old Master Song remained the family patriarch, Song Shize was already the head of the Song Family, managing most of its affairs.
How could he possibly make such a mistake?
The person the Song Family shook hands with first was a clear indication 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 across multiple projects could be significant.
"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 minds were buzzing with curiosity. Song Qingquan was showing even greater warmth and friendliness toward Xu Guofeng than before.
With both him and Song Shize acting this way, the Song Family's attitude was unmistakable.
"Dad, Mom."
Lin Chen and Xu Mengyao walked over.
Yang Qingyue asked with concern, "Where's Qianqian? With so many people here today, don't lose her."
Xu Mengyao replied, "Mom, how could that happen? Qianqian is in Old Master Song's courtyard playing with some other children. There are nannies watching them there."
"That's good to hear."
Yang Qingyue said.
Xu Guofeng added, "Don't worry, dear. Even if Mengyao were careless, Lin Chen wouldn't be. He takes better care of Qianqian than we do."
As they spoke, Lin Chen and the others moved away from the crowd. "Lin Chen, what's going on?"
"The Song Family is being a little too accommodating to us."
Xu Guofeng asked, puzzled.
Even if Lin Chen could help Song Wan, she was merely 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 knows too. I even gave him a calligraphy piece."
"Hmm." Xu Guofeng nodded.
That made sense.
Song Shize's politeness toward him was due to Lin Chen's influence.
Lin Yu's calligraphy skills were exceptionally high, allowing him to speak with influence among the elite. Since Lin Chen was Lin Yu, his status was naturally different.
Moreover, Lin Chen had gifted Old Master Song a calligraphy piece.
"Husband, why don't you chat with Xiao Lin?" Yang Qingyue said.
"Mengyao, let's go talk to some people."
"Alright." Xu Guofeng nodded.
As Yang Qingyue and Xu Mengyao walked away, Lin Chen said, "Dad, let's circulate too. We can take a walk outside."
Xu Guofeng's heart stirred.
Lin Chen must have something he wanted to discuss privately.
They moved farther away from the others.
Lin Chen said, "Dad, Old Master Song has less than a month left to live. Song Shikang wants 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 Shikang tell you about his plan?"
"Old Master Song isn't seriously ill, but he's running on fumes. He'll pass away within twenty days, or at most a month," Lin Chen replied. "As for Song Shikang's plan, I overheard him discussing it with his wife in hushed tones."
"If Song Shikang gains control of the Song Family, the Wu Family might just pull through."
"It's more than that," Xu Guofeng said. "The Song Family's attitude will directly impact the Xu Group's interests. If they show us favor, we'll gain significant benefits. If they remain indifferent, our business will suffer compared to now—the difference will be substantial."
"Dad, is the gap between the Xu and Song Families really that vast?" Lin Chen asked.
Xu Guofeng nodded. "The Song Family has assets both domestically and abroad, estimated at two to three hundred billion. But the asset gap is the smallest difference between our families; the gap in our underlying strength is far greater."
"That kind of strength is built up bit by bit over time."
Xu Guofeng smiled. "You're an exception."
*He's a cheat!* Lin Chen thought to himself. *If I had to accumulate things slowly, what would be the point of having the System?*
"Dad, what do you think we should do about the Song Family situation?" Lin Chen asked.
Though he possessed numerous skills, Xu Guofeng's experience in such matters was far greater.
"The three Song brothers have strong bonds," 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 it."
"Wait until he trusts you more."
"What about Old Master Song's condition?" Lin Chen asked.
Xu Guofeng pondered before answering. "Don't tell him. Many old people say they aren't afraid of death, but deep down they are. If you mention it, it might hasten his end."
"You can find an opportunity to talk to Song Qingquan and the others about it."
Lin Chen nodded slightly.
"Don't worry about that now. Old Master Song is out. The top figures will likely arrive soon."
Lin Chen followed Xu Guofeng's gaze.
Old Master Song emerged, supported by Song Shikang.
-----------------------
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(End of Chapter)